Recasting the approach to the treatment of potentially malignant ventricular arrhythmias after the CAST study.
The best therapeutic approach to the therapy of potentially malignant ventricular arrhythmias is still unknown, particularly in view of the increased mortality with flecainide and encainide shown in the CAST study. Various ongoing studies, particularly with amiodarone, will show whether better results can be obtained with other agents. Flecainide and encainide do, however, have a restricted place when other agents cannot be used. Low-dose amiodarone with low-dose flecainide may be worth trying.
Bayés de Luna
A
A
Cardiology Service, Universidad Autónoma, Barcelona, Spain.
Guindo
J
J
Borja
J
J
Roman
M
M
Madoery
C
C
D000813:Anilides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006224:Cricetinae; D016700:Encainide; D005424:Flecainide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D000813:Anilides; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D005424:Flecainide; D016700:Encainide