Overview and meta-analysis of randomised trials of amiodarone in chronic heart failure.
Unlike other antiarrhythmic class I drugs, amiodarone showed in preliminary studies, benefits also in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. These positive results have induced the development of large randomised controlled studies: their results are reviewed and the controversial points are discussed. In a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials the use of amiodarone in heart failure was associated with an approximate 20 to 25% reduction in deaths. However, amiodarone was also associated with a 120 to 124% increase in side effects.
Cardiac Medicine Department, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
M
M
Piepoli
G Q
GQ
Villani
P
P
Ponikowski
A
A
Wright
M D
MD
Flather
A J
AJ
Coats
D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D016017:Odds Ratio; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016019:Survival Analysis
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone