Early recurrence of atrial fibrillation after ablation is an experience that discourages patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the overall effectiveness of amiodarone for a short time after an ablation procedure. The study included 212 patients who underwent ablation and randomized to receive amiodarone for 8 weeks (n = 108) or placebo (n = 104) immediately post procedure.
At 6 months no differences between groups in terms of recurrence of atrial fibrillation (39% versus 48%; p=0.18) were seen. During the period that patients were taking amiodarone fewer recurrences, lower rate of cardioversion and need for hospitalization due to arrhythmia were observed.
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Stine Darkner
2014-09-02
Original title: Recurrence of arrhythmia following short-term oral AMIOdarone after CATheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.