American heart journal
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American heart journal · Sep 2000
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of diltiazem pretreatment on direct-current cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: a single-blind, randomized, controlled study.
Electric conversion of atrial fibrillation is the most widely used and effective treatment for sinus rhythm restoration. However, it has a limited success rate and a high recurrence rate. ⋯ Although diltiazem seems to be as effective as amiodarone in reducing early atrial fibrillation recurrences, diltiazem is less effective in determining spontaneous or electric conversion, with a higher recurrence rate at 2 months. Diltiazem pretreatment could be considered as only a second choice treatment in those patients in whom amiodarone is contraindicated.
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American heart journal · Sep 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyPilsicainide for conversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm in chronic atrial fibrillation: a placebo-controlled, multicenter study.
Pilsicainide is a newly synthesized antiarrhythmic agent with class Ic properties. Various antiarrhythmic agents have been used to convert atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm or decrease the rate of relapse of AF. ⋯ Pilsicainide is effective in restoring or maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with chronic AF lasting longer than an average duration of 22 months. No major adverse effects were observed.