Postoperative oral amiodarone as prophylaxis against atrial fibrillation after coronary artery surgery

To assess the prophylactic effect of postoperative oral amiodarone on the incidence and severity of atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery surgery.

Prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled study.

University hospital.

Patients who had coronary artery surgery (n = 200).

Patients in group 1 (n = 100) received oral amiodarone, 15 mg/kg, 4 hours after arrival in the intensive care unit, followed by 7 mg/kg/d until hospital discharge. Patients in group 2 (n = 100) received placebo.

Incidence, duration, and recurrence of new episodes of AF and maximal ventricular rate response were recorded from day 0 until hospital discharge. Side effects related to amiodarone and complications induced by new-onset AF were noted. The incidence of new-onset AF (12% v 25%) and maximal ventricular rate response (120 +/- 21 beats/min v 135 +/- 24 beats/min) were significantly lower in the amiodarone group. There were no side effects related to the administration of amiodarone. The incidence of complications induced by AF was comparable between the 2 groups.

Postoperative prophylactic oral amiodarone after coronary artery surgery is safe and effective in reducing the incidence of new-onset AF and maximal ventricular rate response.