A comparison of cardioversion of atrial fibrillation using oral amiodarone, intravenous amiodarone and DC cardioversion.
Fifty-two consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation underwent 86 episodes of attempted cardioversion with oral amiodarone, intravenous amiodarone or DC cardioversion. The presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or a presenting heart rate of less than 110 beats per minute were associated with a favourable outcome. Conversion to sinus rhythm was achieved in 29% of the group treated with oral amiodarone, 42% of the group treated with DC cardioversion and 64% of the group given intravenous amiodarone. The overall statistical significance of this distribution on chi square testing was p < 0.032. However when only first attempts at cardioversion were analyzed there was no difference between intravenous amiodarone and DC cardioversion.
Horner
S M
SM
Department of Cardiology, Oldchurch Hospital, Romford, United Kingdom.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004554:Electric Countershock; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000638:Amiodarone