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[Nibentan -- a drug for pharmacological cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation]

Iu V Shubik, M M Medvedev, A E Rivin

    Kardiologiia
    |April 12, 2005
    PubMed

    Insights

    Nibentan effectively converts persistent atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. This potassium channel blocker shows high efficacy for in-hospital use in intensive care settings.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) poses a significant clinical challenge.
    • Pharmacological cardioversion is an alternative to electrical cardioversion for AF management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the efficacy of nibentan, a potassium channel blocker, for pharmacological cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.
    • To assess the safety profile of nibentan in this patient population.

    Main Methods:

    • A total of 31 patients with persistent AF (duration 4 weeks to 15 months) received intravenous nibentan after 3 weeks of warfarin pretreatment.
    • The dosage and proarrhythmic effects of nibentan were monitored.

    Main Results:

    • Successful restoration of sinus rhythm was achieved in 24 out of 31 patients.
    • The mean effective dose of nibentan was 0.119 ± 0.02 mg/kg.
    • Proarrhythmic effects, including ventricular tachycardia, occurred in 3 patients, and sinus rhythm automatism suppression in 3 patients.

    Conclusions:

    • Nibentan demonstrates high efficacy in achieving pharmacological cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation.
    • The drug is recommended for in-hospital use within intensive care facilities for AF management.
    Abstract

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