Effectiveness of digitalis with or without acebutolol in preventing atrial arrhythmias after coronary artery surgery.
In this study, a beta-adrenergic blocker in combination with digoxin provided marginal protection against atrial fibrillation/flutter after coronary artery surgery. The economic comparison of patients who did and did not develop atrial fibrillation/flutter indicates that prevention of these arrhythmias can have a significant impact on length of hospital stay and cost of this common surgical procedure.
Kowey
P R
PR
Cardiovascular Division, Lankenau Hospital and Medical Research Center, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania 19096, USA.
Dalessandro
D A
DA
Herbertson
R
R
Briggs
B
B
Wertan
M A
MA
Rials
S J
SJ
Filart
R A
RA
Marinchak
R A
RA
D000070:Acebutolol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004077:Digoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000070:Acebutolol; D004077:Digoxin