| Abstract | In order to investigate the efficacy of propafenone in the prevention of paroxysmal flutter or fibrillation, we treated 21 patients without left ventricular disfunction. Age was 60 +/- 14 (mean +/- sd) years, left atrial diameter by echocardiography 37 +/- 7 mm, cardiothoracic index 0.48 +/- 0.05 (0.41-0.57) and P wave duration 100 +/- 17 ms. The frequency of recurrences before treatment was: daily in five (23%), weekly or more in eight (38%), monthly-weekly in seven (33%) and quarterly-monthly in one (5%). Propafenone (671 +/- 187 mg/24 h) was given after recurrences were demonstrated under treatment with 1-3 antiarrhythmic drugs per patient. During 8.9 +/- 3.5 months of follow-up (range 6-19) 5 patients (23%) were completely free of recurrences; in seven (33%) the incidence decreased by greater than 50% with a marked decrease in duration. Side effects appeared in 12 cases (57%), leading to its discontinuation in four (19%). Arrhythmogenic effects were observed in 2 cases (9%). Propafenone is effective in greater than 50% of patients with paroxysmal atrial flutter or fibrillation, resistant to other antiarrhythmic agents. The incidence of side effects is high, but they are usually not severe and reversible. |
| Authors | M López Gil, A W Karoni, M A Reinoso, L Márquez, F García-Cosío
(Affiliation: Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja, Madrid.)
|
| Journal | Revista española de cardiología
(Rev Esp Cardiol)
1991 Aug-Sep
Vol. 44
Issue 7
Pg. 435-40
ISSN: 0300-8932 SPAIN |
| Vernacular Title | Eficacia de la propafenona en la prevención de fibrilación y flúter auricular recurrente. |
| PMID | 1759024
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
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| Chemical References |
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| Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Atrial Fibrillation
(prevention & control)
- Atrial Flutter
(prevention & control)
- Drug Evaluation
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Propafenone
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Recurrence
- Time Factors
|
