[The use of digitalis glycosides in atrial fibrillation].

Abstract

The role of cardiac glycosides for conversion of atrial fibrillation to simus rhythm is controversially discussed. In a prospective study, 45 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (of 15 patients each). Group I received oral digoxin, three times 0.125 mg up to twice 0.25 mg daily; group II oral digoxin twice 0.125 mg and quinidine hydrogen sulphate 750-1000 mg daily; group III oral digoxin three times 0.125 mg and flecaimide 200-300 mg daily. During a mean observation period of 11 months, digoxin alone was significantly less effective (p < 0.05) in reducing or suppressing paroxyms of atrial fibrillation than digoxin plus quinidine or flecainide. The use of digoxin remains a mainstay of treatment for rate control in atrial fibrillation. To convert atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm, however, the addition of a type I or III antiarrhythmic agent is necessary.

• Authors: A Knez, R Haberl, G Steinbeck
• Journal: Zeitschrift fur Kardiologie (Z Kardiol) Vol. 83 Suppl 5 Pg. 71-3 ( 1994) ISSN: 0300-5860 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Der Einsatz von Digitalisglykosiden bei Vorhofflimmern.
• PMID: 7846948 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Digoxin
• Quinidine
• Flecainide

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adult
• Aged
• Atrial Fibrillation (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Digoxin (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Electrocardiography (drug effects)
• Female
• Flecainide (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Heart Rate (drug effects, physiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Quinidine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Tachycardia, Paroxysmal (drug therapy, physiopathology)