American heart journal
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American heart journal · Jan 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialPatients with chest pain calling 9-1-1 or self-transporting to reach definitive care: which mode is quicker?
We examined differences in transport times for patients with chest pain who used private transportation compared with patients who used emergency medical services (EMS) to reach definitive medical care. ⋯ Although private transportation results in a faster trip to the ED, quicker care is obtained with the use of EMS.
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American heart journal · Jan 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialRapid loading of sotalol or amiodarone for management of recent onset symptomatic atrial fibrillation: a randomized, digoxin-controlled trial.
Amiodarone and sotalol are commonly used for the maintenance of sinus rhythm, but the efficacy of these agents administered as high-dose infusions for rapid conversion of atrial fibrillation is unknown. Use in this context would facilitate drug initiation in patients in whom ongoing prophylactic therapy is indicated. ⋯ The rapid infusion of sotalol or amiodarone in patients with symptomatic recent-onset atrial fibrillation results in rapid control of ventricular rate. Even with high-dose rapid infusions, all 3 agents are associated with a poor overall reversion rate within 12 hours. Almost all patients were returned to sinus rhythm with a combination of pharmacological therapy and electrical cardioversion.