Conversion of supraventricular arrhythmias to sinus rhythm using flecainide

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Supraventricular arrhythmias pose a significant clinical challenge.
• Effective pharmacologic agents are crucial for restoring sinus rhythm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of flecainide acetate in converting supraventricular arrhythmias to sinus rhythm.
• To assess the relationship between arrhythmia duration and treatment success.

Main Methods:

• Intravenous and oral flecainide acetate administration in 50 patients with supraventricular arrhythmias.
• Arrhythmia types included atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and supraventricular tachycardia.
• Dosage ranged from intravenous to oral (100 mg b.d. or t.d.s.).

Main Results:

• Conversion to sinus rhythm was achieved in 36 patients (72%).
• Successful conversion was more likely in patients with shorter arrhythmia duration (5.3 days vs. 16.7 days).
• Mean flecainide dosage for conversion was 2.5 mg kg-1.

Conclusions:

• Flecainide acetate is effective for converting atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardias to sinus rhythm.
• The drug's efficacy in atrial flutter requires further investigation.
• Shorter arrhythmia duration is a predictor of successful flecainide treatment.