title: Postoperative oral amiodarone as prophylaxis against atrial fibrillation after coronary artery surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the prophylactic effect of postoperative oral amiodarone on the incidence and severity of atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled study.
  
  
  METHODS
  University hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients who had coronary artery surgery (n = 200).
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients in group 1 (n = 100) received oral amiodarone, 15 mg/kg, 4 hours after arrival in the intensive care unit, followed by 7 mg/kg/d until hospital discharge. Patients in group 2 (n = 100) received placebo.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Incidence, duration, and recurrence of new episodes of AF and maximal ventricular rate response were recorded from day 0 until hospital discharge. Side effects related to amiodarone and complications induced by new-onset AF were noted. The incidence of new-onset AF (12% v 25%) and maximal ventricular rate response (120 +/- 21 beats/min v 135 +/- 24 beats/min) were significantly lower in the amiodarone group. There were no side effects related to the administration of amiodarone. The incidence of complications induced by AF was comparable between the 2 groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Postoperative prophylactic oral amiodarone after coronary artery surgery is safe and effective in reducing the incidence of new-onset AF and maximal ventricular rate response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yazigi
authors.forename: Pielly
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rahbani
authors.forename: Hicham Abou
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Zeid
authors.forename: Samia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Madi-Jebara
authors.forename: Fadia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Haddad
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hayek
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone