title: Intravenous vernakalant for the rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation: systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Conversion to sinus rhythm is usually appropriate in patients with acute, symptomatic atrial fibrillation in order to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Electrical cardioversion is the most used and widespread technique, but requires deep sedation and a fasting state. Pharmacological alternatives are burdened by a delayed onset of action and potential proarrhythmic effects. Therefore, new therapeutic options are being sought. Among those, vernakalant, showed a good efficacy profile and a short onset of action, but with conflicting evidence regarding potential serious adverse events. This drug profile will summarize the pharmacology behind this new drug and review recent evidence in terms of safety and efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Clinic, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti", Marche Polytechnic University, Via Conca 71, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Guerra
authors.forename: Maria Vittoria
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Matassini
authors.forename: Lorena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scappini
authors.forename: Alessia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Urbinati
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Capucci
mesh_terms: D000840:Anisoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D011759:Pyrrolidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000840:Anisoles; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D011759:Pyrrolidines; C524581:vernakalant
keywords: anti-arrhythmic drugs; atrial fibrillation; cardioversion; ion-channels; rhythm control; vernakalant