Quinidine treatment of chronic lone atrial fibrillation.
Patients with chronic lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) were treated with quinidine according to a special schedule to establish sinus rhythm and prevent recurrences. Twenty-seven patients following this schedule were identified retrospectively. To prevent relapses, quinidine had been continued in 25 patients in doses 100 mg quid lower than those used for conversion. In 8 of the latter group, quinidine had to be discontinued or reduced. All patients converted to sinus rhythm. If well tolerated, quinidine prevented recurrence of LAF in 75% of those on long-term (mean follow-up 3.5 years) prophylaxis. After discontinuation of quinidine in 8 patients, LAF recurred in all but one patient. Side effects were observed in 22% of the patients and precluded continuation of the prophylaxis in 15%. No incidence of torsade de pointes was encountered.
de Nooijer
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C
Department of Cardiology, Leyenburg Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Sparling
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CM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011802:Quinidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D011802:Quinidine