Use of amiodarone for atrial fibrillation in patients with preexisting pulmonary disease in the AFFIRM study.
In the Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management study, preexisting pulmonary disease did not preclude the use of amiodarone. Preexisting pulmonary disease was associated with a higher risk of pulmonary death and had a higher risk of diagnosed amiodarone pulmonary toxicity. However, use of amiodarone in the presence of preexisting pulmonary disease did not increase pulmonary death and all-cause mortality rates. Cautious use of amiodarone to treat atrial fibrillation appears acceptable in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, even if preexisting pulmonary disease is present.
Olshansky
Brian
B
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. brian-olshansky@uiowa.edu
Sami
Magdi
M
Rubin
Andrew
A
Kostis
John
J
Shorofsky
Stephen
S
Slee
April
A
Greene
H Leon
HL
D000368:Aged; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D016019:Survival Analysis
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone