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[Oral propafenone in resistant auricular arrhythmia]
Annales De Cardiologie Et D'Angeiologie
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Propafenone effectively treated recurrent atrial fibrillation in 75% of patients resistant to other antiarrhythmic drugs. This study found propafenone well-tolerated, with most side effects being minor gastrointestinal issues.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Recurrent atrial fibrillation causes significant functional impairment.
- Existing antiarrhythmic agents were ineffective in the study population.
- Propafenone is an antiarrhythmic drug affecting cardiac conduction and refractoriness.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of propafenone in patients with resistant, recurrent atrial fibrillation.
Summary:
- An open study assessed propafenone in 20 patients with drug-resistant atrial fibrillation.
- Patients received 900 mg daily, reduced to 600 mg after 3 months.
- 15 patients (75%) showed successful results with no recurrences over 6 months.
- Five patients experienced recurrence, particularly those with "vagal" atrial fibrillation preceded by bradycardia.
- Propafenone demonstrated satisfactory electrical and laboratory tolerance, with transient gastrointestinal disturbances as the main side effect.
Impact:
- Propafenone offers a viable treatment option for patients with refractory atrial fibrillation.
- The drug is generally well-tolerated, suggesting a favorable safety profile.
- Understanding patient subgroups (e.g., "vagal" AF) may optimize treatment selection.