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Propafenone for the treatment of refractory complex ventricular ectopic activity
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|February 1, 1986
Summary
Propafenone effectively treated complex ventricular ectopic beats in 67% of patients initially and 49% long-term. This antiarrhythmic drug showed minor toxicity in most cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Complex ventricular ectopic activity (VEA) often requires treatment.
- Many patients with VEA are refractory to multiple antiarrhythmic drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of propafenone in patients with refractory complex VEA.
Main Methods:
- 45 patients with refractory complex VEA received propafenone in a dose-ranging protocol.
- Efficacy was defined as an 80% reduction in ventricular ectopic beats.
- Patients were followed for a mean of 12.4 months.
Main Results:
- Propafenone was initially effective in 67% of patients (30/45).
- Long-term efficacy was observed in 49% of patients (22/45).
- PR and QRS intervals were significantly prolonged; corrected QT and heart rate remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Propafenone is an effective treatment option for patients with complex ventricular ectopic beats refractory to other drugs.
- Initial efficacy was 67%, with long-term efficacy of 49%.
- Propafenone demonstrated generally minor toxicity in this patient cohort.