Effect of amiodarone on atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation is a common complication following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), occurring in 10%-40% of patients.
• Effective strategies to prevent post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of prophylactic Amiodarone in reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation after myocardial revascularization.
• To assess the impact of Amiodarone on ventricular rate and mortality in patients undergoing CABG.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized study involving 192 patients undergoing CABG.
• Patients were assigned to receive either Amiodarone (infusion followed by oral doses for 6 weeks) or a placebo.
• Outcomes measured included the rate of atrial fibrillation, maximum ventricular rate during AF, and mortality.

Main Results:

• The incidence of atrial fibrillation was 32% in the Amiodarone group and 35% in the placebo group, with no significant difference.
• The maximum ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation was significantly lower in the Amiodarone group (108+/-18 bpm) compared to the placebo group (136+/-22 bpm) (P<0.05).
• Mortality rates were similar between the two groups (3% in both).

Conclusions:

• Prophylactic Amiodarone administration did not significantly reduce the rate of atrial fibrillation post-coronary artery bypass surgery.
• Amiodarone effectively reduced the maximum ventricular rate in patients who developed atrial fibrillation.
• Amiodarone demonstrated no significant impact on mortality rates following coronary artery bypass surgery.