title: Implications of the ESVEM trial for use of antiarrhythmic drugs that prolong cardiac repolarization.
abstract: In both the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST) and the Electrophysiologic Study Versus Electrocardiographic Monitoring (ESVEM) trial, class I antiarrhythmic drugs did not appear to perform well, although in the latter trial the class III agent sotalol performed better than 6 class I agents. The results have led some to conclude that class III drugs are now preferred for treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. However, there are a number of reasons why such a conclusion may not be fully justified on the basis of these 2 trials. The data do suggest a need for a critical appraisal and reorientation of drug therapy of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Division, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City 84132.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D013015:Sotalol / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D013015:Sotalol