Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: Ninety patients were randomized to receive (n = 45) or not receive (n = 45) amiodarone after surgical ablation. Rhythm status was ascertained via clinical follow-up and 72-hour continuous monitoring at 6 and 12 weeks, using Heart Rhythm Society guidelines. Primary outcome was defined as atrial arrhythmia recurrence, cardioversion, ablation, or crossover from no- amiodarone to amiodarone as a result of atrial arrhythmia during follow-up. An intention-to-treat approach was used. RESULTS: The 2 study groups were similar in traditional predictors for failure, including left atrium size (5.0 vs 5.1 cm, P = .734), median AF duration (23 vs 20 months, P = .513), and long-standing persistent AF (44% vs 33%, P = .280). The primary outcome occurred in 52% of the no- amiodarone group (23 of 44) and 19% of the amiodarone group (8 of 43; P = .001). Cumulative freedom from primary outcome was greater in the amiodarone group (81.4% vs 47.7%, P < .001). Amiodarone was discontinued in 18 patients randomized to amiodarone for side effects, bradycardia, or noncompliance. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic amiodarone reduced early atrial arrhythmia recurrence. These results are consistent with catheter AF ablation findings and should inform recommendations for prophylactic class I/III AAD after surgical AF ablation, regardless of discharge rhythm status. As previously recommended, monitoring for side effects and amiodarone discontinuation by 3 months, for patients in sinus rhythm, is warranted. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01416935.
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Authors | Niv Ad, Sari D Holmes, Deborah J Shuman, Graciela Pritchard, Casey E Miller |
Journal | The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
(J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg)
Vol. 151
Issue 3
Pg. 798-803
(Mar 2016)
ISSN: 1097-685X [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 26253874
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2016 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
- Amiodarone
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Topics |
- Ablation Techniques
(adverse effects)
- Aged
- Amiodarone
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Atrial Fibrillation
(diagnosis, physiopathology, therapy)
- Disease-Free Survival
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Electrocardiography, Ambulatory
- Female
- Heart Rate
(drug effects)
- Humans
- Intention to Treat Analysis
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prospective Studies
- Recurrence
- Risk Factors
- Secondary Prevention
(methods)
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
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