Randomized Study Comparing Radiofrequency Ablation with the PVAC Gold System vs. Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Elderly Patients with Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation. / Estudo Randomizado Comparando a Ablação por Cateter com o PVAC Gold vs. Tratamento com Fármacos Antiarrítmicos em Pacientes Idosos com Fibrilação Atrial Sintomática.

BACKGROUND: There are no randomized studies comparing the maintenance of sinus rhythm after catheter ablation (CA) concerning treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs (AA) in elderly patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical results of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with the second-generation PVAC Gold catheter against AA treatment in elderly people with recurrent symptomatic paroxysmal AF, refractory to at least one AA, and without structural heart disease. METHODS: Sixty patients with paroxysmal AF ≥ 65 years old were randomized to two forms of treatment: group 1: CA and group 2: AA drugs. The primary outcome was the AF recurrence-free rate after at least one year of follow-up. Secondary outcomes were: progression to persistent forms of AF, impact on quality of life (QOLF), and complications. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: The AF recurrence-free rate was 80% (10% with amiodarone) in the CA group, after 1.3 procedures per patient and 65% in the AA group (60% with amiodarone), (p = 0.119) in an average follow-up of 719 days (Q1: 566; Q3: 730). The persistent AF free rate was 83.4% in the AC group and 67.7% in the AA group (p = 0.073) Both strategies showed an improvement in the AFQoL score during follow-up (p < 0.001), with no difference between the groups. Although without clinical repercussions or impact on the intellectual assessment test, 25% of patients in the CA group showed signs of cerebral embolization on brain MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Both strategies for maintaining sinus rhythm promoted an improvement in the quality of life of elderly patients with symptomatic AF, with no statistical difference in the clinical outcomes. Additional studies using technologies with a better safety profile are needed to evaluate the benefits of CA in elderly patients with AF.

FUNDAMENTO: Não existem estudos randomizados comparando a manutenção do ritmo sinusal após ablação por cateter (AC) em relação ao tratamento com fármacos antiarrítmicos (AA) em pacientes idosos portadores fibrilação atrial (FA) paroxística. OBJETIVOS: Comparar os resultados clínicos do isolamento das veias pulmonares (VPs) com o cateter PVAC Gold de segunda geração com o uso de AA em idosos com FA paroxística sintomática, recorrente, apesar do uso de fármacos AA. MÉTODOS: Sessenta pacientes com FA paroxística ≥ 65 anos e sem cardiopatias estruturais foram randomizados para duas formas de tratamento: grupo 1: AC e grupo 2: AA. O desfecho primário foi a taxa livre de recorrência de FA após pelo menos um ano de seguimento. Os desfechos secundários foram: progressão para formas persistentes de FA, impacto na qualidade de vida (QVFA) e complicações. O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: A taxa livre de recorrência de FA foi de 80% (10% com amiodarona) no grupo AC, após 1,3 procedimentos por paciente e de 65% no grupo AA (60% com amiodarona), (p = 0,119) num seguimento médio de 719 dias (Q1: 566; Q3: 730). A taxa livre de FA persistente foi de 83,4% no grupo AC e de 67,7% no grupo AA (p = 0,073). Ambas as estratégias apresentaram melhora no escore de QVFA durante o seguimento (p < 0,001), sem diferença entre os grupos. Embora sem repercussão clínica ou impacto no teste de avaliação intelectual, 25% dos pacientes do grupo PVAC apresentou sinais de embolização cerebral na RNM cerebral. CONCLUSÕES: Ambas as estratégias para manutenção do ritmo sinusal promoveram melhora na qualidade de vida de pacientes idosos com FA sintomática, sem diferença estatística nos desfechos clínicos preconizados. Estudos adicionais usando tecnologias com melhor perfil de segurança são necessários para avaliar os benefícios da AC em pacientes idosos com FA.

Amiodarone and ß-blocker combination therapy versus ß-blocker monotherapy for ICD shock prevention: A meta-analysis.

While implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks are a lifesaving therapy, they can negatively affect the patient's quality of life. Amiodarone is commonly combined with ß-blockers (BB) in ICD recipients. However, this combination therapy's efficacy in preventing shocks compared to standard BB monotherapy is not well studied. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine if combined amiodarone and BB therapy improves prevention of ICD shock delivery compared to BB monotherapy. We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases, for studies that assess the impact of amiodarone and BB versus BB monotherapy in patients with an ICD. The primary outcome was a total number of ICD shocks delivered by the end of the study period. Four studies: three retrospective studies and one randomized controlled trial (RCT), with a total of 5818 patients with ICDs, were included in the analysis. Follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 5 years. The combined amiodarone and BB group was not associated with a significantly lower number of ICD shocks compared to the BB monotherapy group (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.44-1.31; P = .32). A combination therapy of amiodarone and BB was not associated with any further reduction in ICD shocks, hospitalizations, or mortality. Additional RCTs are recommended to further validate our findings.

Landiolol for refractory ventricular fibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) complicated by refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF) is associated with poor outcome. Beta-1-receptor selective blockade might overcome refractory VF and improve survival. This trial investigates the efficacy and safety of prehospital landiolol in OHCA and refractory VF. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial, patients with OHCA and recurrent or refractory VF (at least 3 defibrillation attempts and last rhythm shockable), pretreated with epinephrine and amiodarone, were allocated to receive add-on treatment with landiolol or placebo. Landiolol was given as a 20 mg bolus infusion. The primary efficacy outcome was time from trial drug infusion to sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Safety outcomes included the onset of bradycardia and asystole. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients were enrolled, 19 were allocated to the landiolol group and 17 to the placebo group. Time from trial drug infusion to sustained ROSC was similar between treatment groups (39 min [landiolol] versus 41 min [placebo]). Sustained ROSC was numerically lower in the landiolol group compared with the placebo group (7 patients [36.8%] versus 11 patients [64.7%], respectively). Asystole within 15 min of trial drug infusion occurred significantly more often in the landiolol group than in the placebo group (7 patients [36.8%] and 0 patients [0.0%], respectively). CONCLUSION: In patients with OHCA and refractory VF who are pretreated with epinephrine and amiodarone, add-on bolus infusion of landiolol 20 mg did not lead to a shorter time to sustained ROSC compared with placebo. Landiolol might be associated with bradycardia and asystole.

The effect of antiarrhythmic medications on the risk of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: While current guidelines recommend amiodarone and dronedarone for rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease (CAD), there was no comparative study of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) on the cardiovascular outcomes in general practice. METHODS: This study included patients with AF and CAD who received their first prescription of amiodarone, class Ic AADs (flecainide, propafenone), dronedarone or sotalol between January 2016 and December 2020. The primary outcome was a composite of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), stroke, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and cardiovascular death. We used Cox proportional regression models, including with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), to estimate the relationship between AADs and cardiovascular outcomes. RESULTS: Among the AF cohort consisting of 8752 patients, 1996 individuals had CAD, including 477 who took dronedarone and 1519 who took other AADs. After a median follow-up of 38 months, 46.3% of patients who took dronedarone and 54.4% of patients who took other AADs experienced cardiovascular events. Compared to dronedarone, the use of other AADs was associated with increased cardiovascular events after adjusting for covariates (hazard ratio [HR] 1.531, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.112-2.141, p = 0.023) and IPTW (HR 1.491, 95% CI 1.174-1.992, p = 0.012). The secondary analysis showed that amiodarone and class Ic drugs were associated with an increased risk of HHF. The low number of subjects in the sotalol group limits data interpretation. CONCLUSION: For patients with AF and CAD, dronedarone was associated with better cardiovascular outcomes than other AADs. Amiodarone and class Ic AADs were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, particularly HHF.

In vitro and in vivo efficacy of the amiodarone and praziquantel combination against the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis, a widespread parasitic disease caused by the blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, affects over 230 million people, primarily in developing countries. Praziquantel, the sole drug currently approved for schistosomiasis treatment, demonstrates effectiveness against patent infections. A recent study highlighted the antiparasitic properties of amiodarone, an anti-arrhythmic drug, exhibiting higher efficacy than praziquantel against prepatent infections. This study assessed the efficacy of amiodarone and praziquantel, both individually and in combination, against Schistosoma mansoni through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro experiments demonstrated synergistic activity (fractional inhibitory concentration index ≤0.5) for combinations of amiodarone with praziquantel. In a murine model of schistosomiasis featuring prepatent infections, treatments involving amiodarone (200 or 400 mg/kg) followed by praziquantel (200 or 400 mg/kg) yielded a substantial reduction in worm burden (60%-70%). Given the low efficacy of praziquantel in prepatent infections, combinations of amiodarone with praziquantel may offer clinical utility in the treatment of schistosomiasis.

Echocardiography predictors of sustained sinus rhythm after cardioversion of supraventricular arrhythmia in patients with septic shock.

PURPOSE: The echocardiography parameters may predict the maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion of a supraventricular arrhythmia (SVA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients in septic shock with onset of an SVA, normal to moderately reduced LV systolic function (EF_LV˃̳35%) and on a continuous noradrenaline of <1.0 µg/kg.min were included. Echocardiography was performed at the arrhythmia onset, 1 h and 4 h post cardioversion on an infusion of propafenone or amiodarone. RESULTS: Cardioversion was achieved in 96% of the 209 patients within a median time of 6(1.8-15.6)h, 134(64.1%) patients experienced at least one SVA recurrence after cardioversion. At 4 h the left atrial emptying fraction (LA_EF, cut-off 38.4%, AUC 0.69,p˂0.001), and transmitral A wave velocity-time-integral (Avti, cut-off 6.8 cm, AUC 0.65,p = 0.001) showed as limited predictors of a single arrhythmia recurrence. The LA_EF 44(36,49)%, (p = 0.005) and the Avti 8.65(7.13,9.50)cm, (p < 0.001) were associated with sustained sinus rhythm and decreased proportionally to increasing numbers of arrhythmia recurrences (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). The enlarged left atrial end-systolic diameter at the arrhythmia onset (p = 0.04) and elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure at 4 h (p = 0.007) were weak predictors of multiple(˃3) recurrences. CONCLUSION: The LA_EF and Avti are related to arrhythmia recurrences post-cardioversion suggesting potential guidance to the choice between rhythm and rate control strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03029169, registered on 24th of January 2017.

Therapeutic efficacy of candidate antischistosomal drugs in a murine model of schistosomiasis mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease associated with considerable morbidity. Praziquantel (PZQ) is effective against adult schistosomes, yet, it has little effect on juvenile stages, and PZQ resistance is emerging. Adopting the drug repurposing strategy as well as assuming enhancing the efficacy and lessening the doses and side effects, the present study aimed to investigate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of the widely used antiarrhythmic, amiodarone, and diuretic, spironolactone, and combinations of them compared to PZQ. Mice were infected by Schistosoma mansoni "S. mansoni" cercariae (Egyptian strain), then they were divided into two major groups: Early- [3 weeks post-infection (wpi)] and late- [6 wpi] treated. Each group was subdivided into seven subgroups: positive control, PZQ, amiodarone, spironolactone, PZQ combined with amiodarone, PZQ combined with spironolactone, and amiodarone combined with spironolactone-treated groups. Among the early-treated groups, spironolactone had the best therapeutic impact indicated by a 69.4% reduction of total worm burden (TWB), 38.6% and 48.4% reduction of liver and intestine egg load, and a significant reduction of liver granuloma number by 49%. Whereas, among the late-treated groups, amiodarone combined with PZQ was superior to PZQ alone evidenced by 96.1% reduction of TWB with the total disappearance of female and copula in the liver and intestine, 53.1% and 84.9% reduction of liver and intestine egg load, and a significant reduction of liver granuloma number by 67.6%. Comparatively, spironolactone was superior to PZQ and amiodarone in the early treatment phase targeting immature stages, while amiodarone had a more potent effect when combined with PZQ in the late treatment phase targeting mature schistosomes.

A randomized clinical trial of catheter ablation and antiarrhythmic drug therapy for suppression of ventricular tachycardia in ischemic cardiomyopathy: The VANISH2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with prior myocardial infarction is associated with adverse quality of life and clinical outcomes, despite the presence of implanted defibrillators (ICDs). Suppression of recurrent VT can be accomplished with antiarrhythmic drug therapy or catheter ablation. The Ventricular Tachycardia Antiarrhythmics or Ablation In Structural Heart Disease 2 (VANISH2) trial is designed to determine whether ablation is superior to antiarrhythmic drug therapy as first line therapy for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and VT. METHODS: The VANISH2 trial enrolls patients with prior myocardial infarction and VT (with one of: ≥1 ICD shock; ≥3 episodes treated with antitachycardia pacing (ATP) and symptoms; ≥5 episodes treated with ATP regardless of symptoms; ≥3 episodes within 24 hours; or sustained VT treated with electrical cardioversion or pharmacologic conversion). Enrolled patients are classified as either sotalol-eligible, or amiodarone-eligible, and then are randomized to either catheter ablation or to that antiarrhythmic drug therapy, with randomization stratified by drug-eligibility group. Drug therapy, catheter ablation procedures and ICD programming are standardized. All patients will be followed until two years after randomization. The primary endpoint is a composite of mortality at any time, appropriate ICD shock after 14 days, VT storm after 14 days, and treated sustained VT below detection of the ICD after 14 days. The outcomes will be analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle using survival analysis techniques RESULTS: The results of the VANISH2 trial are intended to provide data to support clinical decisions on how to suppress VT for patients with prior myocardial infarction. CLINICALTRIALS: gov registration NCT02830360.

Efficacy and safety of antiarrhythmic therapy in dogs with naturally acquired tachyarrhythmias treated with amiodarone or sotalol: a retrospective analysis of 64 cases.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Studies on the use of amiodarone or sotalol are limited in dogs. Therefore, this study aimed to provide data on the efficacy and safety of these drugs in dogs with ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT) and/or supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (SvT). ANIMALS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: Dogs with VT and/or SvT treated with amiodarone or sotalol as a first-line therapy were retrospectively evaluated. Signalment, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and outcome data were retrieved. For VT, efficacy was demonstrated through a decrease of the Lown-Wolf grade to less than five or a reduction of at least 85% in the number of ventricular premature complexes observed on Holter monitoring. For SvT, efficacy was represented by cardioversion or a reduction in the mean heart rate on Holter monitoring ≤140 beats/min. Treatment-related side effects (TRSEs) were classified as clinically relevant and irrelevant. Statistical analysis was performed to compare data before and after antiarrhythmic prescription. RESULTS: Sixty-four dogs were included. Amiodarone and sotalol were efficacious in treating both VT (85.7% and 90.0% of cases, respectively) and SvT (75% and 71.4% of cases, respectively). No significant differences were found when comparing their efficacy rates in dogs with VT and SvT (P=0.531 and 0.483, respectively). Clinically relevant TRSEs were rare with both amiodarone and sotalol (8.3% and 5% of cases, respectively), while clinically irrelevant TRSEs occurred more frequently with amiodarone (29.2%) than with sotalol (10%). DISCUSSION: In dogs with tachyarrhythmias, amiodarone and sotalol are generally efficacious and safe, as clinically relevant TRSEs seem rare. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel data on the effects of amiodarone and sotalol in dogs with tachyarrhythmias.

Atrial Fibrosis and Inflammation in Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation: Comparative Effects of Amiodarone, Colchicine, or Exosomes.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from human heart-derived cells have shown promise in suppressing inflammation and fibroblast proliferation. However, their precise benefits in atrial fibrillation (AF) prevention and the role of their antifibrotic/anti-inflammatory properties remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to conduct a head-to-head comparison of antiarrhythmic strategies to prevent postoperative AF using a rat model of sterile pericarditis. Specifically, we aimed to assess the efficacy of amiodarone (a classic antiarrhythmic drug), colchicine (an anti-inflammatory agent), and EVs derived from human heart-derived cells, which possess anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties, on AF induction, inflammation, and fibrosis progression. METHODS: Heart-derived cells were cultured from human atrial appendages under serum-free xenogen-free conditions. Middle-aged Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into different groups, including sham operation, sterile pericarditis with amiodarone treatment, sterile pericarditis with colchicine treatment (2 dose levels), and sterile pericarditis with intra-atrial injection of EVs or vehicle. Invasive electrophysiological testing was performed 3 days after surgery before sacrifice. RESULTS: Sterile pericarditis increased the likelihood of inducing AF. Colchicine and EVs exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, but only EV treatment significantly reduced AF probability, whereas colchicine showed a positive trend without statistical significance. EVs and high-dose colchicine reduced atrial fibrosis by 46% ± 2% and 26% ± 2%, respectively. Amiodarone prevented AF induction but had no effect on inflammation or fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, both amiodarone and EVs prevented AF, whereas treatment with colchicine was ineffective. The additional anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of EVs suggest their potential as a comprehensive therapeutic approach for AF prevention, surpassing the effects of amiodarone or colchicine.

The Pharmacologic Management of Cardiac Arrest.

The effectiveness of pharmacologic management of cardiac arrest patients is widely debated; however, several studies published in the past 5 years have begun to clarify some of these issues. This article covers the current state of evidence for the effectiveness of the vasopressor epinephrine and the combination of vasopressin-steroids-epinephrine and antiarrhythmic medications amiodarone and lidocaine and reviews the role of other medications such as calcium, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium, and atropine in cardiac arrest care. We additionally review the role of ß-blockers for refractory pulseless ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation and thrombolytics in undifferentiated cardiac arrest and suspected fatal pulmonary embolism.

Dronedarone for the Treatment of Atrial Arrhythmias in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Atrial tachyarrhythmias are common and difficult to treat in adults with congenital heart disease. Dronedarone has proven effective in patients without congenital heart disease, but data are limited about its use in adults with congenital heart disease of moderate to great complexity. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective chart review of 21 adults with congenital heart disease of moderate to great complexity who were treated with dronedarone for atrial tachyarrhythmias was performed. RESULTS: The median (IQR) age at dronedarone initiation was 35 (27.5-39) years. Eleven patients (52%) were male. Ten patients (48%) had New York Heart Association class I disease, 10 (48%) had class II disease, and 1 (5%) had class III disease. Ejection fraction at initiation was greater than 55% in 11 patients (52%), 35% to 55% in 9 patients (43%), and less than 35% in 1 patient (5%). Prior treatments included ß-blockers (71%), sotalol (38%), amiodarone (24%), digoxin (24%), and catheter ablation (38%). Rhythm control was complete in 5 patients (24%), partial in 6 (29%), and inadequate in 10 (48%). Two patients (10%) experienced adverse events, including nausea in 1 (5%) and cardiac arrest in 1 (5%), which occurred 48 months after initiation of treatment. There were no deaths during the follow-up period. The median (IQR) follow-up time for patients with complete or partial rhythm control was 20 (1-54) months. CONCLUSION: Dronedarone can be effective for adult patients with congenital heart disease and atrial arrhythmias for whom more established therapies have failed, and with close monitoring it can be safely tolerated.

Microfluidic production of amiodarone loaded nanoparticles and application in drug repositioning in ovarian cancer.

Amiodarone repositioning in cancer treatment is promising, however toxicity limits seem to arise, constraining its exploitability. Notably, amiodarone has been investigated for the treatment of ovarian cancer, a tumour known for metastasizing within the peritoneal cavity. This is associated with an increase of fatty acid oxidation, which strongly depends on CPT1A, a transport protein which has been found overexpressed in ovarian cancer. Amiodarone is an inhibitor of CPT1A but its role still has to be explored. Therefore, in the present study, amiodarone was tested on ovarian cancer cell lines with a focus on lipid alteration, confirming its activity. Moreover, considering that drug delivery systems could lower drug side effects, microfluidics was employed for the development of drug delivery systems of amiodarone obtaining simultaneously liposomes with a high payload and amiodarone particles. Prior to amiodarone loading, microfluidics production was optimized in term of temperature and flow rate ratio. Moreover, stability over time of particles was evaluated. In vitro tests confirmed the efficacy of the drug delivery systems.

The outcomes of patients with septic shock treated with propafenone compared to amiodarone for supraventricular arrhythmias are related to end-systolic left atrial volume.

AIMS: A recently published trial has shown no differences in outcomes between patients with new-onset supraventricular arrhythmia (SVA) in septic shock treated with either propafenone or amiodarone. However, these outcome data have not been evaluated in relation to the presence or absence of a dilated left atrium (LA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with SVA and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 35% were randomized to receive intravenous propafenone (70 mg bolus followed by 400-840 mg/24 h) or amiodarone (300 mg bolus followed by 600-1800 mg/24 h). They were divided into groups based on whether their end-systolic left atrial volume (LAVI) was ≥40 mL/m². The subgroup outcomes assessed were survival at ICU discharge, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Propafenone cardioverted earlier (P = 0.009) and with fewer recurrences (P = 0.001) in the patients without LA enlargement (n = 133). Patients with LAVI < 40 mL/m2 demonstrated a mortality benefit of propafenone over the follow-up of 1 year [Cox regression, hazard ratio (HR) 0.6 (95% CI 0.4; 0.9), P = 0.014]. Patients with dilated LA (n = 37) achieved rhythm control earlier in amiodarone (P = 0.05) with similar rates of recurrences (P = 0.5) compared to propafenone. The outcomes for patients with LAVI ≥ 40 mL/m2 were less favourable with propafenone compared to amiodarone at 1 month [HR 3.6 (95% CI 1.03; 12.5), P = 0.045]; however, it did not reach statistical significance at 1 year [HR 1.9 (95% CI 0.8; 4.4), P = 0.138]. CONCLUSION: Patients with non-dilated LA who achieved rhythm control with propafenone in the setting of septic shock had better short-term and long-term outcomes than those treated with amiodarone, which seemed to be more effective in patients with LAVI ≥ 40 mL/m². TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03029169, registered on 24 January 2017.

Ivabradine for congenital ectopic tachycardia in newborn.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia is a rare arrhythmia that occurs in patients without previous cardiac surgery. In this report, we wanted to present a 6-hour-old newborn with congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia resistant to conventional anti-arrhythmic medications, who was successfully treated with ivabradine and amiadarone combination. CASE: A six-hour-old newborn girl was hospitalised in neonatal ICU because transient tachypnoea of the newborn. She was tachycardic, and supraventricular tachycardia was noticed. There was no answer to the adenosine esmolol treatment; even synchronised direct cardioversion intravenous amiodarone was started. Junctional ectopic tachycardia was diagnosed. We have added propranolol to the treatment and followed patient for 2 days. On the fourth day, junctional ectopic tachycardia rhythm still persisted; therefore, ivabradine treatment was added to the treatment. On the following day, the heart rhythm was slowed to 110/min, and propranolol was stopped; intravenous amiodarone treatment was changed to the oral form. The rhythm turned into sinus; two days after starting ivabradine and oral amiodarone. CONCLUSION: Tachyarrhythmia originating in the atrioventricular node and atrioventricular junction including the bundle of His complex are junctional ectopic tachycardia. Congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia is rare, and it is mostly resistant to the conventional treatment.Ivabradine is a new anti-arrhythmic agent, used extensively to decrease sinus rate in the treatment of cardiac failure. Ivabradine may be an option for the resistant congenital ectopic tachycardia.

Prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery: a quality improvement project.

PURPOSE: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) has an incidence of 20-60% in cardiac surgery. The Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists and the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology Practice Advisory have recommended postoperative beta blockers and amiodarone for the prevention of POAF. By employing quality improvement (QI) strategies, we sought to increase the use of these agents and to reduce the incidence of POAF among our patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: This single-centre QI initiative followed the traditional Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle scientific methodology. A POAF risk score was developed to categorize all patients undergoing cardiac surgery as either normal or elevated risk. Risk stratification was incorporated into a preprinted prescribing guide, which recommended postoperative beta blockade for all patients and a postoperative amiodarone protocol for patients with elevated risk starting on postoperative day one (POD1). A longitudinal audit of all patients undergoing cardiac surgery was conducted over 11 months to track the use of prophylactic medications and the incidence of POAF. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty patients undergoing surgery were included in the QI initiative from 1 December 2020 to 1 November 2021. The baseline rate of POAF across all surgical subtypes was 39% (198/560). The use of prophylactic amiodarone in high-risk patients increased from 13% (1/8) at the start of the project to 41% (48/116) at the end of the audit period. The percentage of patients receiving a beta blocker on POD1 did fluctuate, but remained essentially unchanged throughout the audit (34.8% in December 2020 vs 46.7% in October 2021). After 11 months, the overall incidence of POAF was 29% (24.9% relative reduction). Notable reductions in the incidence of POAF were observed in more complex surgical subtypes by the end of the audit, including multiple valve replacement (89% vs 56%), aortic repair (50% vs 33%), and mitral valve surgery (45% vs 33%). CONCLUSIONS: This single-centre QI intervention increased the use of prophylactic amiodarone by 28% for patients at elevated risk of POAF, with no change in the early postoperative initiation of beta blockers (46.7% of patients by POD1). There was a notable reduction in the incidence of POAF in patients at elevated risk undergoing surgery.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Il y a une incidence de 20 à 60 % de fibrillation auriculaire postopératoire (FAPO) en chirurgie cardiaque. Dans un avis de pratique, la Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists et l'European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology ont recommandé l'utilisation de bêtabloquants et d'amiodarone en postopératoire pour la prévention du FAPO. En employant des stratégies d'amélioration de la qualité (AQ), nous avons cherché à augmenter l'utilisation de ces agents et à réduire l'incidence de FAPO chez nos patient·es bénéficiant d'une chirurgie cardiaque. MéTHODE: Cette initiative d'AQ monocentrique a suivi la méthodologie scientifique traditionnelle du cycle Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA), soit Planifier, Réaliser, Étudier, Agir. Un score de risque de FAPO a été mis au point pour catégoriser toute la patientèle bénéficiant d'une chirurgie cardiaque comme présentant un risque normal ou élevé. La stratification du risque a été intégrée dans un guide de prescription préimprimé, qui recommandait des bêtabloquants en période postopératoire pour tou·tes les patient·es et un protocole postopératoire d'amiodarone pour celles et ceux présentant un risque élevé et débutant à partir du premier jour postopératoire (JPO1). Une vérification longitudinale de toute la patientèle bénéficiant d'une chirurgie cardiaque a été menée sur une période de 11 mois afin de suivre l'utilisation de médicaments prophylactiques et l'incidence de FAPO. RéSULTATS: Cinq cent soixante personnes opérées ont été incluses dans l'initiative d'AQ entre le 1er décembre 2020 et le 1er novembre 2021. Le taux initial de FAPO pour tous les sous-types chirurgicaux était de 39 % (198/560). L'utilisation d'amiodarone prophylactique chez les patient·es à risque élevé est passée de 13 % (1/8) au début du projet à 41 % (48/116) à la fin de la période de vérification. Le pourcentage de patient·es recevant un bêtabloquant au JPO1 a fluctué, mais est resté fondamentalement inchangé tout au long de la période de vérification (34,8 % en décembre 2020 vs 46,7 % en octobre 2021). Après 11 mois, l'incidence globale de FAPO était de 29 % (réduction relative de 24,9 %). Des réductions notables de l'incidence de FAPO ont été observées dans des sous-types chirurgicaux plus complexes à la fin de la vérification, y compris le remplacement de plusieurs valves (89 % vs 56 %), la réparation aortique (50 % vs 33 %) et la chirurgie valvulaire mitrale (45 % vs 33 %). CONCLUSION: Cette intervention monocentrique d'amélioration de la qualité a augmenté l'utilisation de l'amiodarone prophylactique de 28 % chez les patient·es présentant un risque élevé de FAPO, sans changement dans l'amorce postopératoire précoce des bêtabloquants (46,7 % des patient·es au JPO1). Il y a eu une réduction notable de l'incidence de FAPO chez les patient·es à risque élevé bénéficiant d'une intervention chirurgicale.

Role of magnesium alone or in combination with diltiazem and/or amiodarone in prevention of atrial fibrillation following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objectives: In this study the authors have tried to examine the role of magnesium alone or in combination with diltiazem and / or amiodarone in prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Background: AF after CABG is common and contributes to morbidity and mortality. Various pharmacological preventive measures including magnesium, amiodarone, diltiazem, and combination therapy among others have been tried to lower the incidence of AF. Most of the studies have been performed in patients undergoing conventional on-pump CABG. In this uncontrolled trial, efficacy of magnesium alone or in combination with amiodarone and / or diltiazem has been studied in patients undergoing off-pump CABG. Methods: One hundred and fifty patients undergoing off-pump CABG were divided into 3 groups, Group M (n=21) received intraoperative magnesium infusion at 30mg/ kg over 1 hour after midline sternotomy; Group MD (n=78) received magnesium infusion in similar manner with diltiazem infusion at 0.05 µg/kg/hr throughout the intraoperative period; Group AMD (n=51) received preoperative oral amiodarone at a dose of 200 mg three times a day for 3 days followed by 200 mg twice daily for another 3 days followed by 200 mg once daily till the day of surgery along with magnesium and diltiazem infusion as in other groups. AF lasting more than 10 min or requiring medical intervention was considered as AF. Results: The overall incidence of postoperative AF was 12.6% with 11.7% in group AMD, 19% in group M, and 11.5% in group MD, which was not statistically significant. Conclusions: It is concluded that the use of amiodarone and/or diltiazem in addition to magnesium did not result in additional benefit of lowering the incidence of AF.

Amiodarone prevents wave front-tail interactions in patients with heart failure: an in silico study.

Amiodarone (AM) is an antiarrhythmic drug whose chronic use has proved effective in preventing ventricular arrhythmias in a variety of patient populations, including those with heart failure (HF). AM has both class III [i.e., it prolongs the action potential duration (APD) via blocking potassium channels) and class I (i.e., it affects the rapid sodium channel) properties; however, the specific mechanism(s) by which it prevents reentry formation in patients with HF remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that AM prevents reentry induction in HF during programmed electrical stimulation (PES) via its ability to induce postrepolarization refractoriness (PRR) via its class I effects on sodium channels. Here we extend our previous human action potential model to represent the effects of both HF and AM separately by calibrating to human tissue and clinical PES data, respectively. We then combine these models (HF + AM) to test our hypothesis. Results from simulations in cells and cables suggest that AM acts to increase PRR and decrease the elevation of takeoff potential. The ability of AM to prevent reentry was studied in silico in two-dimensional sheets in which a variety of APD gradients (ΔAPD) were imposed. Reentrant activity was induced in all HF simulations but was prevented in 23 of 24 HF + AM models. Eliminating the AM-induced slowing of the recovery of inactivation of the sodium channel restored the ability to induce reentry. In conclusion, in silico testing suggests that chronic AM treatment prevents reentry induction in patients with HF during PES via its class I effect to induce PRR.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work presents a new model of the action potential of the human, which reproduces the complex dynamics during premature stimulation in heart failure patients with and without amiodarone. A specific mechanism of the ability of amiodarone to prevent reentrant arrhythmias is presented.