Síndrome post-cuidados intensivos al mes del alta hospitalaria de pacientes críticos supervivientes a COVID-19 / Post-intensive care syndrome at one month after hospital discharge in critically ill patients surviving COVID-19

Objetivos: Incidencia del síndrome post-cuidados intensivos al mes del alta hospitalaria en pacientes críticos supervivientes de COVID-19 e identificar factores asociados. Diseño: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Ámbito: Dos unidades de críticos polivalentes del Hospital Universitario Araba. Pacientes ingresados en unidades de críticos por insuficiencia respiratoria aguda grave secundaria a COVID-19. Intervención: Ninguna. Variables de interés: Variables demográficas, estancias, índice de Charlson, APACHEII, SOFA, días de ventilación mecánica, traqueotomía, delirio, tetraparesia del paciente crítico, EuroQol 5D5L, Minimental Test. Resultados: Se objetiva un deterioro en el índice de salud (IS) del EuroQol, que pasa de 90,9 ±16,9 a 70,9 ±24,7 (p<0,001). La afectación de los cinco dominios del EuroQol es de: movilidad (46,1%), actividades habituales (44,7%), malestar/dolor (30,7%), dominio psicológico (27,3%) y autocuidado (20,3%). El 61,5% sufren un descenso significativo de su índice de salud. El análisis multivariante mediante regresión logística nos muestra que el delirio (OR=3,01; IC95%: 1,01-8,9; p=0,047) y la traqueotomía (OR=2,37; IC95%: 1,09-5,14; p=0,029) muestran asociación con la caída en el IS del EuroQol 5D5L. El área bajo la curva ROC del modelo es del 67,3%, con un intervalo de confianza entre el 58% y el 76%. Se calibra el modelo mediante el test de Hosmer-Lemeshow:(χ2=0,468; p=0,792). Solamente el 1,2% de los pacientes mostraban una puntuación ≤24, claramente patológica, en el Minimental Test de Folstein. Conclusiones: El delirio y la necesidad de traqueostomía se asocian a síndrome post-cuidados intensivos evaluado mediante EuroQol 5D5L. (AU)

Objectives: Incidence of post-intensive care syndrome at one month after hospital discharge in surviving critically ill COVID-19 patients and to identify associated factors. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Two multipurpose critical care units of the Araba University Hospital. Patients admitted to critical care units for severe acute respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19. Intervention: None. Variables of interest: Demographic variables, length of stay, Charlson index, APACHEII, SOFA, days of mechanical ventilation, tracheotomy, delirium, tetraparesis of the critical patient, EuroQol 5D5L, Minimental Test. Results: A deterioration in the EuroQol health index (HI) from 90.9 ±16.9 to 70.9 ±24.7 (P<.001) was observed. The impairment of the five EuroQol domains is: mobility (46.1%), usual activities (44.7%), discomfort/pain (30.7%), psychological domain (27.3%) and self-care (20.3%). The 61.5% suffer a significant decrease in their health index. Multivariate analysis by logistic regression shows us that delirium (OR=3.01; 95%CI: 1.01-8.9; P=.047) and tracheostomy (OR=2.37; 95%CI: 1.09-5.14; P=.029) show association with drop in EuroQol 5D5L SI. The area under the ROC curve of the model is 67.3%, with a confidence interval between 58% and 76%. The model is calibrated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2=0.468; P=.792). Only 1.2% of patients showed a score ≤24, clearly pathological, on the Folstein's Minimental Test. Conclusions: Delirium and need for tracheostomy are associated with post-intensive care syndrome assessed by EuroQol 5D5L. (AU)

Post-intensive care syndrome one month after discharge in surviving critically ill COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Incidence of post-intensive care syndrome at one month after hospital discharge in surviving critically ill COVID 19 patients and to identify associated factors. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Two multipurpose critical care units of the Araba University Hospital. Patients admitted to critical care units for severe acute respiratory failure secondary to COVID 19. INTERVENTION: None. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographic variables, length of stay, Charlson index, APACHE II, SOFA, days of mechanical ventilation, tracheotomy, delirium, tetraparesis of the critical patient, EuroQol 5D5L, Minimental Test. RESULTS: A deterioration in the EuroQol health index (HI) from 90.9±16.9 to 70.9±24.7 (p<0.001) was observed. The impairment of the five EuroQol domains is: mobility (46.1%), usual activities (44.7%), discomfort/pain (30.7%), psychological domain (27.3%) and self-care (20.3%). The 61.5% suffer a significant decrease in their health index. Multivariate analysis by logistic regression shows us that delirium (OR=3.01; 95%CI: 1.01-8.9; p=0.047) and tracheostomy (OR=2.37; 95%CI: 1.09-5.14; p=0.029) show association with drop in EuroQoL 5D5L SI. The area under the ROC curve of the model is 67.3%, with a confidence interval between 58% and 76%. The model is calibrated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2=0.468; p=0.792). Only 1.2% of patients showed a score ≤ 24, clearly pathological, on the Folstein's Minimental Test. CONCLUSIONS: Delirium and need for tracheostomy are associated with post-intensive care syndrome assessed by EuroQol 5D5L.

[Post-intensive care syndrome one month after hospital discharge of critical patients surviving COVID 19.] / Síndrome post-cuidados intensivos al mes del alta hospitalaria de pacientes críticos supervivientes a COVID 19.

OBJECTIVES: incidence of post-intensive care syndrome at one month after hospital discharge in surviving critically ill COVID 19 patients and to identify associated factors. DESIGN: prospective cohort study. SETTING: two multipurpose critical care units of the Araba University Hospital.Patients admitted to critical care units for severe acute respiratory failure secondary to COVID 19. INTERVENTION: none. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: demographic variables, length of stay, Charlson index, APACHE II, SOFA, days of mechanical ventilation, tracheotomy, delirium, tetraparesis of the critical patient, EuroQol 5D5L, Minimental Test. RESULTS: a deterioration in the EuroQol health index (HI) from 90.9 ± 16.9 to 70.9 ± 24.7 (p < 0.001) was observed. The impairment of the five EuroQol domains is: mobility (46.1%), usual activities (44.7%), discomfort/pain (30.7%), psychological domain (27.3%) and self-care (20.3%). The 61.5% suffer a significant decrease in their health index. Multivariate analysis by logistic regression shows us that delirium (OR= 3.01; 95%CI: 1.01-8.9; p= 0.047) and tracheostomy (OR= 2.37; 95%CI: 1.09-5.14; p= 0.029) show association with drop in EuroQoL 5D5L SI. The area under the ROC curve of the model is 67.3%, with a confidence interval between 58% and 76%. The model is calibrated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test:(χ2=0.468; p=0.792). Only 1.2% of patients showed a score ≤ 24, clearly pathological, on the Folstein's Minimental Test. CONCLUSIONS: delirium and need for tracheostomy are associated with post-intensive care syndrome assessed by EuroQol 5D5L.

Embolismo del líquido amniótico: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / No disponible

El embolismo de líquido amniótico (ELA) es un síndrome poco frecuente pero con fatales resultados que se produce principalmente durante el parto o en el posparto inmediato. Se presenta un caso de una paciente de 33 años sin antecedentes médicos importantes. Coincidiendo rotura de la bolsa amniótica, comienza con sensación de mareo, que mejora con decúbito lateral izquierdo y sueroterapia. Tras el nacimiento del recién nacido, la paciente presenta parada cardiorrespiratoria de la que tras 45min de reanimación cardiopulmonar se recupera pero presenta hemorragia posparto por atonía que revierte parcialmente con la administración de metilergometrina y misoprostol ni con la colocación de balón de Bakri. Debido a la sospecha de coagulación intravascular diseminada se transfunden 8 concentrados de hematíes, 3 concentrados de plasma y 2.000 UI de octaplex; y se la traslada a la UCI de nuestro hospital con el diagnóstico de sospecha de embolismo de líquido amniótico. Al llegar a nuestro centro presenta metrorragia activa y orina hematúrica; con una hemoglobina de 7,9, trombopenia y coagulopatía, precisando transfusión de concentrados de hematíes, un pool de plaquetas, 750 cc de plasma, fibrinógeno y factor vii de la coagulación. Tras la corrección de la coagulopatía, cesa el sangrado y la paciente evoluciona, y es dada de alta a los 6 días (AU)

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but fatal syndrome occurring mostly during delivery or immediately postpartum. We report the case of a 33-year-old patient with no (..) (AU)

Estudio aleatorizado sobre la posición de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica electiva de la fibrilación auricular / Electrode position in elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. A randomized study

Objetivo: Este estudio pretende averiguar cuál de las 2 posiciones de electrodos, anteroposterior (A-P) izquierda o anteroapical (A-A), se muestra más eficaz en la cardioversión eléctrica (CVE) de la fibrilación auricular (FA). Diseño: Ensayo clínico con asignación aleatorizada. Ámbito: UCI de un hospital de segundo nivel. Pacientes y métodos: Pacientes ambulatorios en FA remitidos a la UCI para CVE mediante choques bifásicos. Se comienza con la posición correspondiente según números aleatorizados y se administran hasta 3 choques (150-200-200J), y se cambia a la posición alternativa de no haberse conseguido el ritmo sinusal (RS) (hasta 2 choques más de 200J). Se analizan y se comparan ambas posiciones asignadas, y se determina cuál consigue restaurar el RS con menor número de choques y menor energía aplicada. Resultados: Se incluyen 46 pacientes en el grupo A-A y 45 pacientes en el grupo A-P, y se consigue RS en el 92% de los casos, si bien los pacientes del grupo A-A precisaron significativamente menor número de choques y menor energía: 1 frente a 2 choques (p=0,003) y 150 frente a 350J (p=0,017). Solamente un paciente de los 5 en los que falló la posición A-A se revirtió a RS con la posición A-P, mientras que 10 de los 13 pacientes no revertidos con electrodos A-P lo fueron al cambiar a posición A-A (p=0,038). Conclusiones: La posición A-A se muestra más eficaz en la CVE electiva de la FA, y se recomienda como de primera elección (AU)

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of left anteroposterior (A-P) and apex-anterior (A-A) electrode position in the electrical cardioversion (ECV) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Design: Randomized clinical trial. Location: ICU of a second-level hospital. Patients and methods: Ambulatory AF patients admitted to ICU for ECV with biphasic shocks. Up to a maximum of 3 shocks (150-200-200J) are given in the electrode position determined by random numbers, and if sinus rhythm (SR) is not restored, electrode position is changed and 2 additional 200J shocks are allowed. Both electrode positions are analyzed and compared to determine which one allows restoration of SR with the lowest number of shocks and least energy. Results: Forty-six patients were included in the A-A group, and 45 in the A-P group. Sinus rhythm was restored in 92% of cases, although patients in the A-A group needed a lower number of shocks and less energy: 1 versus 2 shocks (p=0,003) and 150 versus 350J (p=0.017). Only one out of 5 patients in whom the A-A position had failed was reverted to RS with the A-P position, whereas 10 out of 13 patients in which A-P position had failed were reverted in the A-A position (p=0.038). Conclusions: The A-A position is more effective in the elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, so we recommend this position as the first choice (AU)

[Electrode position in elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. A randomized study]. / Estudio aleatorizado sobre la posición de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica electiva de la fibrilación auricular.

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of left anteroposterior (A-P) and apex-anterior (A-A) electrode position in the electrical cardioversion (ECV) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. LOCATION: ICU of a second-level hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ambulatory AF patients admitted to ICU for ECV with biphasic shocks. Up to a maximum of 3 shocks (150-200-200 J) are given in the electrode position determined by random numbers, and if sinus rhythm (SR) is not restored, electrode position is changed and 2 additional 200 J shocks are allowed. Both electrode positions are analyzed and compared to determine which one allows restoration of SR with the lowest number of shocks and least energy. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were included in the A-A group, and 45 in the A-P group. Sinus rhythm was restored in 92% of cases, although patients in the A-A group needed a lower number of shocks and less energy: 1 versus 2 shocks (p=0,003) and 150 versus 350 J (p=0.017). Only one out of 5 patients in whom the A-A position had failed was reverted to RS with the A-P position, whereas 10 out of 13 patients in which A-P position had failed were reverted in the A-A position (p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The A-A position is more effective in the elective electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, so we recommend this position as the first choice.

[Variations in health-related quality of life in critical patients]. / Variaciones en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en los pacientes críticos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in the health-related quality of life (hRQOL) six months after discharge from the ICU and the conditions associated to them. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: 14 beds medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS: A total of 247 patients admitted to our ICU for more than 24 hours with a follow-up of 6 months were study. Those admitted with acute coronary syndrome or for monitoring purposes were excluded. INTERVENTION: A quality of life survey was conducted using the score developed by the PAEEC group (project of the epidemiological analysis of critical illness) to assess hRQOL before ICU admission and 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: The hRQOL deteriorated, going from a median value of 3 to 6 (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed less deterioration of hRQOL in patients with chronic health conditions registered on the APAChE-II score (regression coefficient [RC] = -1.4; 95% CI, -2.5 to -0.2; p < 0.02) and in those with a hRQOL > or = 10 points (RC = -4,4; 95% CI, -5.9 to -2.8; p < 0.001). There was more deterioration in polytraumatized patients (RC = 1.9; 95% CI, 0.6-3.3; p = 0.01) or with renal failure (RC = 3.9; 95% CI, 1.9-5.9; p < 0.001) or in those with a stay duration longer than 10 days (RC = 1.9; 95% CI, 0.6-3.2; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients experience deterioration of hRQOL. Patients with chronic diseases or with worst previous hRQOL who survive 6 months experience less deterioration of hRQOL than those who are polytraumatized or have renal failure or a longer ICU stay.

Variaciones en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en los pacientes críticos / Variations in health-related quality of life in critical patients

Objetivo. Analizar las variaciones de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) a los 6 meses del alta de la unidad de medicina intensiva (UMI)y los factores que se asocian a estas variaciones. Diseño. Estudio prospectivo de cohortes. Ámbito. UMI médico-quirúrgica de 14 camas. Pacientes. Fueron 247 pacientes ingresados en UMI más de 24 h, con un seguimiento de 6 meses. Se excluyó a los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo y los que ingresaban solamente para seguimiento. Intervención. Se realizó una encuesta de CVRS desarrollada por el grupo Proyecto para el Análisis Epidemiológico del Enfermo Crítico sobre su estado previo y a los 6 meses del alta de la UMI. Resultados. La CVRS se deteriora pasando de una mediana de 3 puntos a 6 (p < 0,001). El análisis multivariable muestra menor deterioro en la CVRS en pacientes con antecedentes registrados por el APAChE II (coeficiente de regresión [CR] = -1,4; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, -2,5 a -0,2; p = 0,02) o una CVRS ≥ 10 puntos (CR = -4,4; IC del 95%, -5,9 a -2,8; p < 0,001) y mayor deterioro en pacientes politraumatizados (CR = 1,9; IC del 95%, 0,6-3,3; p < 0,01), con insuficiencia renal (CR = 3,9; IC del 95%, 1,9-5,9; p < 0,001) o estancia en UMI > 10 días (CR = 1,9; IC del 95%, 0,6-3,2; p = 0,004). Conclusiones. La mayoría de los pacientes muestran un deterioro de la CVRS. Los pacientes con enfermedades crónicas o con peor CVRS previa que han sobrevivido a los 6 meses muestran menor deterioro que los politraumatizados o con insuficiencia renal o estancias prolongadas en UMI (AU)

Objective. To determine the changes in the health-related quality of life (hRQOL) six months after discharge from the ICU and the conditions associated to them. Design. A prospective cohort study. Setting. 14 beds medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU). Patients. A total of 247 patients admitted to our ICU for more than 24 hours with a follow-up of 6 months were study. Those admitted with acute coronary syndrome or for monitoring purposes were excluded. Intervention. A quality of life survey was conducted using the score developed by the PAEEC group (project of the epidemiological analysis of critical illness) to assess hRQOL before ICU admission and 6 months after discharge. Results. The hRQOL deteriorated, going from a median value of 3 to 6 (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed less deterioration of hRQOL in patients with chronic health conditions registered on the APAChE-II score (regression coefficient [RC] = -1.4; 95% CI, -2.5 to -0.2; p < 0.02) and in those with a hRQOL ≥ 10 points (RC = -4,4; 95% CI, -5.9 to -2.8; p < 0.001). There was more deterioration in polytraumatized patients (RC = 1.9; 95% CI, 0.6-3.3; p = 0.01) or with renal failure (RC = 3.9; 95% CI, 1.9-5.9; p < 0.001) or in those with a stay duration longer than 10 days (RC = 1.9; 95% CI, 0.6-3.2; p < 0.001). Conclusions. Most patients experience deterioration of hRQOL. Patients with chronic diseases or with worst previous hRQOL who survive 6 months experience less deterioration of hRQOL than those who are polytraumatized or have renal failure or a longer ICU stay (AU)

[Comparison of two electrode positions in electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation]. / Comparación de dos posiciones de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica de la fibrilación auricular.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare effectiveness of electrical cardioversion (ECV) in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) according to the electrode positions: anteroapical (A-A) or anteroposterior (A-P). That which restores the sinus rhythm (SR) using the least energy is considered superior. DESIGN: Observational study comparing two consecutive series of patients. SCOPE. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of second level hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out-patients in AF referred to the ICU for biphasic ECV. The first series began with position A-A and the second one with A-P, administering up to 3 shocks (150-200-200J), changing to the alternative position if SR was not achieved and administering 2 more shocks of 200J. Age, gender, weight, baseline heart disease, ejection fraction, left atrial size, AF time, baseline vital signs, antiarrhythmic medication, reversion to SR, number of shocks, energy used and side effects were analyzed and compared between both series. RESULTS. A total of 50 patients were treated in each group. The baseline characteristics were similar except for a greater percentage of women in group A-A. The anteroapical electrode position achieved SR with significantly fewer numbers of shocks and less energy, more frequently achieving reversion on the first shock. CONCLUSIONS: We found greater effectiveness in the electrical cardioversion of the AF with the electrodes in the anteroapical position, that we recommend as first choice. If it is not effective, the A-P position should be attempted.

Comparación de dos posiciones de electrodos en la cardioversión eléctrica de la fibrilación auricular / Comparison of two electrode positions in electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar la efectividad de la cardioversión eléctrica (CVE) en pacientes con fibrilación auricular (FA) crónica según la posición de los electrodos: anteroapical (A-A) o anteroposterior (A-P). Se considera superior la que restaura el ritmo sinusal (RS) empleando menor energía. Diseño. Estudio observacional comparando dos series consecutivas de pacientes. Ámbito. Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de un hospital de segundo nivel. Pacientes y métodos. Pacientes ambulatorios en FA remitidos a la UCI para CVE bifásica. En la primera serie se comenzaba con la posición A-A, y en la segunda con la A-P, administrándose hasta 3 choques (150-200-200J); de no haberse conseguido RS, se cambiaba a la posición alternativa y se administraban otros 2 choques más de 200J. Se analizaron y compararon entre ambas series la edad, sexo, peso, cardiopatía de base, fracción de eyección, tamaño auricular izquierdo, tiempo en FA, constantes basales, medicación antiarrítmica, reversión a RS, número de choques, energía empleada y efectos secundarios. Resultados. Se trataron 50 pacientes en cada grupo, cuyas características basales eran similares salvo un porcentaje superior de mujeres en el grupo A-A. La posición de electrodos A-A consiguió RS con significativamente menor número de choques y menor energía, lográndose con más frecuencia la reversión al primer choque. Conclusiones. Encontramos mayor efectividad en la CVE de la FA con los electrodos en posición A-A, que recomendamos como primera elección. De no ser eficaz, debe intentarse la posición A-P

Objective. This study aims to compare effectiveness of electrical cardioversion (ECV) in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) according to the electrode positions: anteroapical (A-A) or anteroposterior (A-P). That which restores the sinus rhythm (SR) using the least energy is considered superior. Design. Observational study comparing two consecutive series of patients. Scope. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of second level hospital. Patients and methods. Out-patients in AF referred to the ICU for biphasic ECV. The first series began with position A-A and the second one with A-P, administering up to 3 shocks (150-200-200J), changing to the alternative position if SR was not achieved and administering 2 more shocks of 200J. Age, gender, weight, baseline heart disease, ejection fraction, left atrial size, AF time, baseline vital signs, antiarrhythmic medication, reversion to SR, number of shocks, energy used and side effects were analyzed and compared between both series. Results. A total of 50 patients were treated in each group. The baseline characteristics were similar except for a greater percentage of women in group A-A. The anteroapical electrode position achieved SR with significantly fewer numbers of shocks and less energy, more frequently achieving reversion on the first shock. Conclusions. We found greater effectiveness in the electrical cardioversion of the AF with the electrodes in the anteroapical position, that we recommend as first choice. If it is not effective, the A-P position should be attempted

Comparación de onda monofásica y bifásica en la cardioversión eléctrica de la fibrilación auricular / Comparison of monophasic versus biphasic waveform in electrical cardioversion of auricular fibrilation

Objetivo. Comparar la eficacia de los choques bifásicos (CB) frente a los monofásicos (CM) en revertir a ritmo sinusal (RS) pacientes con fibrilación auricular (FA) crónica. Diseño. Estudio observacional comparando dos series consecutivas de pacientes. Ámbito. Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de un hospital de segundo nivel. Pacientes y métodos. Pacientes ambulatorios en FA remitidos a la UCI para cardioversión eléctrica (CVE) con CM, la primera serie, y con CB, la segunda. Se analizaron y compararon entre ambas series la edad, sexo, peso, cardiopatía de base, fracción de eyección (FE), tamaño auricular izquierdo (AI), constantes basales, medicación antiarrítmica, reversión a RS, número de choques, máxima energía empleada y efectos secundarios. Resultados. Se trataron 58 pacientes en el grupo CM y 50 en el CB, cuyas características basales eran similares salvo en el tamaño AI (46 ± 5 y 43 ± 4 mm; p = 0,05) y en un mayor porcentaje de mujeres en el grupo CM (38% frente al 10%; p = 0,001). Se encontró diferencia significativa en la reversión a RS (84% y 96%; p = 0,04) y en el empleo de menor energía (200 y 150 J; p < 0,001) a favor del grupo CB. Conclusiones. Encontramos mayor eficacia en recuperación del RS con choques bifásicos, empleando menor energía. Aunque existe diferencia en el tamaño AI y la distribución de sexos entre ambas series, como al menos la cardioversión bifásica no fue menos eficaz, recomendamos su utilización en pacientes con FA

Aim. To compare the effectiveness of biphasic (BS) and monophasic (MS) shocks in reverting chronic auricular fibrillation (AF) patients to sinus rhythm (SR). Design. Observational study comparing two consecutive series of patients. Location. ICU of a second-level hospital. Patients and methods. Ambulatory AF patients sent to ICU for electrical cardioversion (ECV) with BS (first series) and MS (second series). The following were analyzed between the two series: age, sex, weight, basal cardiopathy, ejection fraction, left atrial size, basal constants, antiarrhythmic medication, reversion to SR, number of shocks, maximum utilized energy level and secondary effects. Results. There were treated 58 and 50 patients in groups MS and BS, respectively, and whose basal characteristics were similar except for atrial size (46 ± 5 mm and 43 ± 4 mm; p = 0.05) and the fact that there was a greater percentage of women in group MS (38% as opposed to 10%; p = 0.001). There was a significant difference in reversion to RS (84% and 96%; p = 0.04) and utilization of lower energy levels (200 and 150 J; p < 0.001) in favor of group MB. Conclusions. We found greater effectiveness in recovery to SR with biphasic shocks and while utilizing lower energy levels. Although there did exist some differences in left atrial size and sex distribution between the two series, since the biphasic cardioversion was no less effective it is recommended that it be utilized in patients with AF