title: [Current antiarrhythmic drug therapy in atrial fibrillation].
abstract: Treatment strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF) encompass restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm (rhythm control) or rate control. Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) currently recognized for this purpose are partially efficacious in maintaining sinus rhythm but are considered to have substantial cardiac or extra-cardiac toxicity. Yet so far, no endpoint trial has shown reduced morbidity or mortality using these agents. However, the ATHENA study was the first AF study conducted where morbidity and mortality were addressed investigating dronedarone as a new ADD therapy. This review summarizes the current pharmacological approaches to AF and briefly reviews the effects of new antiarrhythmic drugs for AF.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik II, St. Vincenz Krankenhaus, Paderborn. andreas.goette@med.ovgu.de
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goette
mesh_terms: D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D000077764:Dronedarone; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000077764:Dronedarone; D000638:Amiodarone