[Prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with propafenone after withdrawal of amiodarone because of side effects]. / Profilassi della fibrillazione atriale parossistica con propafenone dopo sospensione di amiodarone per effetti collaterali.

ABSTRACT

The authors evaluated the efficacy of medium term prophylaxis of atrial fibrillation (AF) with propafenon (P) in 33 symptomatic patients. Consecutive patients were treated with P replacing previous therapy with amiodarone (A) withdrawn on account of adverse side effects occurring on average after 1.8 years' treatment. Quantification of AF episodes was based on symptoms reported by patients, ECG, and dynamic Holter-ECG performed every 3-6 months. During A treatment (average daily dosage 216 mg) 32% of patients had reported more than two episodes of AF, 52% one or two episodes, and 16 none during the last 6 months. During 6 months of P treatment (average daily dosage 586 mg) 28% had more than two episodes, 64% had one or two, and 8% had none. The difference of incidence of AF episodes between the two treatments was not statistically significant. Side effects requiring withdrawal of the drug were not observed with P. The results obtained confirm P as a valid therapeutic resource for treatment of recurrent paroxysmall AF. In addition, the drug was also well tolerated during medium term application.