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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
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Single high oral dose amiodarone for cardioversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation

Kugathasan Nadarasa1, Michael J A Williams

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand. kuganvenu@yahoo.com

Heart, Lung & Circulation
|May 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Single high-dose oral amiodarone effectively converts recent onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. This safe treatment option offers rapid cardioversion with minimal side effects for eligible patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cardioversion for recent onset atrial fibrillation presents challenges in agent and administration selection.
  • Effective acute management strategies are crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single high oral dose of amiodarone for cardioversion in recent onset atrial fibrillation.
  • To assess the success rate and time to sinus rhythm restoration.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 48 patients with symptomatic recent onset atrial fibrillation.
  • Treatment involved a single high oral dose of amiodarone (30 mg/kg).
  • Patients presented within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Main Results:

  • 98% of patients (47/48) achieved sinus rhythm within 6.3 ± 0.8 hours.
  • Hypertension was the most common risk factor (73%).
  • Amiodarone was well-tolerated, with only three patients experiencing mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Single high-dose oral amiodarone is a safe and highly effective treatment for acute chemical cardioversion.
  • This approach facilitates rapid cardioversion and shortens hospital stays.
  • Eligible patients with recent onset atrial fibrillation benefit from this therapeutic strategy.
Abstract

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