顿服普罗帕酮转复新近发生的心房颤动

顿服负荷量普罗帕酮已被推荐为转复新近发生的心房颤动的一线用药方法 ,现简要介绍其疗效与安全性     

Conversion of Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation to Sinus Rhythm: Effects of Different Drug Protocols

In a population of 417 hospitalized patients, the efficacy and safety of different drug regimens administered to convert atrial fibrillation (AF) of recent anset (≤ 7 days duration) to sinus rhythm were evaluated. All patients were in NYHA Class ≤ 2, and free of heart failure. They were randomly allocated to treatment with placebo in 121 patients; IV amiodarone, 5 mg/kg bolus, followed by 1.8 g/24 hours in 51 patients; IV propafenone, 2 mg/kg bolus, followed by 0.0078 mg/kg/min in 57 patients; p.o. propafenone, 600 mg p.o. in a single dose in 119 patients; and p.o. flecainide, 300 mg p.o. in a single dose in 69 patients. All patients were continuously monitored by Holter ECG, and the number of conversions to sinus rhythm was measured at 1, 3, and 8 hours. Results: (1) IV propafenone resulted in a higher conversion rate within 1 hour compared with the oral loading regimens of propafenone or flecainide, but the conversion rates at 3 and 8 hours were comparable, approximately 75% at 8 hours; 2) IV amiodarone was not different from placebo until 8 hours when it was associated with 57% of conversions; (3) conversion to sinus rhythm at 8 hours was observed in 37% of the placebo treated patients. Serious adverse effects occurred in few patients: two patients treated with flecainide and one treated with IV propafenone experienced left ventricular decompensation; one patient treated with placebo and two treated with flecainide had atrial flutter with rapid ventricular response. In conclusion, single-dose, oral loading with propafenone or flecainide are acceptable alternatives to conventional drug regimens in selected hospitalized patients. In addition, the measure of a placebo effect is mandatory in studies of recent-onset AF.     

Randomized, Crossover, Controlled Comparison of Oral Loading Versus Intravenous Infusion of Propafenone in Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation

A population of 123 patients witb recent-onset (< 72 hours) atrial fibrillation (AF) without heart failure was randomly treated witb propafenone (PFN) intravenously (IV) (2 mg/kg bolus followed by 0.0078 mg/kg/min infusion) or in a single oral dose (os) (600 mg), or with placebo (PLA) (phase 1). If AF persisted 8 hours later, patients on active drugs received the alternative formulation (crossover), and patients receiving PLA remained on PLA (phase 2). A 24-hour Holter monitoring was performed and conversion to sinus rhythm (SR) at 1,4, and 8 hours of each phase was used as the criterion of efficacy. Conversion to SR occurred within 1 hour in 48% of patients witb IV-PFN, 15 % witb os-PFN, and in 17% with PLA (both P<0.05 vs IV-PFN). Oral PFN was superior to PLA at 4 hours (71 % vs 33%, P = 0.001) and 8 hours (78% vs 48%, P < 0.01), and 1 at 8 hours also superior to IV-PFN (53%, P < 0.03). The mean conversion time within 4 hours was shorter with IV-PFN (25 ± 15') than with os-PFN (167 ± 166, P < 0.001) or with PLA (156 ±107', P < 0.001). The rates of conversion to SR with IV-PFN after os-PFN failure were comparable to PLA at any observation time, whereas nonresponders to IV-PFN who received os-PFN had significantly higher conversion rates than with placebo at both 4 hours (65% vs 19%) and 8 hours (76% vs 24%; both P < 0.045). Neither serious adverse effects nor episodes of regular tachycardia with 1:1 AV conduction were noted. PFN administered intravenously or in a single oral loading dose was safe and efficacious in converting recent-onset AF to SR. The rates of conversion were different with different routes of administration: IV-PFN was superior to os-PFN over a short observation period, while the overall efficacy of os-PFN was superior at 8 hours.     

Intravenous Propafenone Versus Intravenous Amiodarone in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation of Recent Onset: A Placebo-Controlled Study

The efficacy and safety of intravenous propafenone, amiodarone, or placebo were compared in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) of recent onset (duration ≤ 48 hours). Methods: 143 patients (77 men, mean age 63 ± 12 years) were studied, of whom 46 received propafenone (2 mg/kg over 15 minutes followed by 10 mg/kg over the next 24 hours), 48 received amiodarone (300 mg intravenously over 1 hour, followed by 20 mg/kg over the next 24 hours, plus 1,800 mg/day orally, in 3 divided doses), and 49 received placebo (the equivalent amount of saline IV over 24 hours). Digoxin was administered to all patients who had not previously received it. Results: Conversion to normal sinus rhythm occurred in 36 of 46 patients (78.2%) receiving propafenone, in 40 of 48 patients (83.3%) receiving amiodarone, and in 27 of the 49 (55.10%) controls (P < 0.02, drug vs placebo, between drugs NS). The mean time to conversion was 2 ± 3 hours for propafenone, 7 ± 5 hours for amiodarone, and 13 ± 9 for placebo (P < 0.05). Patients who converted had smaller atria than those who did not (diameter: 42.7 ± 5 vs 47.2 ± 7 mm, P < 0.001 for all). Treatment was discontinued in one patient in the amiodarone group because of an allergic reaction and in two patients in the propafenone group because of excessive QRS widening. No side effects were observed in the placebo group. Conclusions: Both drugs tested intravenously were equally effective and safe for the rapid conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. However, propafenone offered the advantage of more rapid conversion than amiodarone.     

Conversion of Recent Onset Atrial Fibrillation with Single Loading Oral Dose of Propafenone: Is In-Hospital Admission Absolutely Necessary?

A population of 283 patients with recent onset (< 72 hours) AF, without heart failure, who received a single 450- or 600-mg oral dose of propafenone, or digoxin 1 mg, or placebo for conversion to sinus rhythm (SR), was studied to determine whether a routine admission to the hospital for drug administration is justified. Previous bradyarrhythmias or sick sinus syndrome (SSS), and concomitant use of antiarrhythmic drugs were exclusion criteria. None of the 283 patients studied experienced VT or VF and none of them needed implantation of a temporary pacemaker. Periods of atrial tachyarrhythmias with regularization of atrial waves and 1:1 AV conduction were observed in only two cases, both receiving placebo. No predictor of proarrhythmia was found among the clinical variables considered (age, etiology, arrhythmia duration, atrial dimension, and blood potassium). No serious hemodynamic adverse effects were noted in either group. The rates of conversion to SR after 4 hours were: 80 (57%) of 141 patients who received propafenone and 35 (25%) of 142 patients who received digoxin or placebo (P < 0.001). Acute oral treatment with propafenone is simple and effective for the conversion of recent onset AF to SR in patients without clinical signs of heart failure. The routine admission of these patients to the hospital is not necessary. Home-based administration of oral propafenone to a selected group of patients could significantly increase the cost effectiveness of this treatment.     

Circadian Variation in Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Frequent Paroxysms

Determinants of the duration of episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) are poorly understood. However, autonomic tone shows circadian variation and is known to affect atrial electrophysiology. We therefore compared the duration of episodes of AF with an onset during the day (08:00 - 22:00) to those with an onset during the night in a database of 24-hour ECG recordings in patients with frequent symptomatic PAF. The heart rate in the 30 seconds prior to AF onset was also compared. From 42 recordings, 296 episodes of AF > 30 seconds duration and preceded by > 60 seconds sinus rhythm were identified. The 165 nocturnal episodes tended to be shorter (median =1.15 min) than the 131 diurnal episodes (median =1.5 min) and the distribution of nocturnal and diurnal durations was significantly different (P = 0.007; Kolgomorov-Smirnov test). This was also true in recordings containing at least 1 diurnal and at least 1 nocturnal episode. The mean heart rate prior to AF onset was lower at night (62.2 ± 11.8 vs 75.6 ± 16.4 beats/min; P < 0.0001 Wilcoxon test). These findings suggest that in patients with frequent symptomatic PAF, autonomic influences affect the duration of episodes of AF and has pathphysiohgical and therapeutic implications.     

老年患者房颤并发脑卒中的临床特征及其预后

为探讨老年患者房颤并发脑卒中的临床特征和预后,将房颤并发首次脑卒中的２５例老年患者列为研究对象（ＡＦ组）,另选年龄、性别与ＡＦ组相匹配的脑血栓形成脑卒中患者２５例为对照组,分别于脑卒中发病〉４８ｈ和治疗１个后评估２组患者的神经功能缺损程度和日常生活活动功能（ＡＤＬ）。结果：入院时ＡＦ组的神经功能和ＡＤＬ与对照组比较差异有显著性（Ｐ〈０．０５和０．００１）;１个月的ＡＦ神经功能和ＡＤＬ的恢复程度仍明     

Low Energy Internal Atrial Cardioversion in Atrial Fibrillation Lasting More Than a Year

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low energy internal atrial cardioversion in restoring sinus rhythm (SR) in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) persisting > 1 year. Fifteen patients with chronic AF lasting > 1 year (from 13–48 months, mean 24 ± 13 months) were studied. R wave synchronized 3/3 ms biphasic shocks were delivered between right atrial and coronary sinus (left pulmonary artery in five patients) electrodes. Sedatives or anesthetics were administered only at the patient's request. Results: Stable SR was restored in 14 (93%)of 15 patients after shocks with a mean leading edge voltage of 377 ± 77 V (range 260–500) and a mean delivered energy of 7.3 ± 3.4 J (range 2.6–12.9). The procedure was performed without anesthesia in 6 (40%) patients. All successfully cardioverted patients were treated with flecainide, sotalol, or amiodarone. During a follow up of 7.7 ± 7.9 months (range 1–24) AF recurred in five (36%) patients. Three of five AF recurrences occurred within 3 days after conversion to SR. Conclusion: Internal low energy atrial cardioversion is highly effective in restoring SR even in patients with AF lasting > 1 year. The long-term results from the standpoint of freedom from AF recurrences, are satisfactory, although additional antiarrhythmic treatment is required, particularly in the first days after conversion.     

Management of Recent-onset Sustained Atrial Fibrillation: Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Strategies

Purpose

Recent studies have highlighted significant variations in the management of recent-onset sustained atrial fibrillation (AF). We aim to provide a succinct and clear management algorithm for physicians treating patients with recent-onset sustained AF.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search of the literature on the management of recent-onset sustained AF with focus on studies reporting cardioversion of AF, antiarrhythmic agents, and anticoagulation. We also reviewed recent practice guidelines on AF management.

Findings

This review provides a guide on a tailored management approach of patients with recent-onset sustained AF. After initial detailed clinical assessment, optimal rate and rhythm control options can be provided, depending on hemodynamic stability, duration of AF episode, and AF stroke risk. Issues surrounding electrical and pharmacologic cardioversion are discussed in detail. We emphasize the importance of thromboembolic risk assessment and appropriate anticoagulation surrounding the point of cardioversion. Last, we highlighted the need for appropriate specialized follow-up care after acute AF management.

Implications

Despite the highly heterogeneous clinical presentations, management of recent-onset sustained AF must include stroke risk assessment, appropriate anticoagulation, and follow-up care in all patients beyond optimum rate and rhythm control strategies.     

Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Objectives: The use of antiarrhythmic drugs after ablation is a controversial issue when evaluating the efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. This study compares in a prospective and randomized fashion the impact of an antiarrhythmic drug in preventing AF recurrence after AF ablation.
Methods: From February 2004 to May 2005, 107 consecutive patients (mean age 57 ± 10 years, 69 men), with paroxysmal (60%) or persistent (40%) drug refractory AF, were randomly assigned to ablation alone (Group A, 53 patients) or combined with the best antiarrhythmic therapy, preferably amiodarone (Group B, 54 patients). All patients underwent cavo-tricuspid and left inferior pulmonary vein (PV)-mitral isthmus ablation plus circumferential PV ablation, using a guided electro-anatomical approach. Standard electrocardiograms (ECG), and ambulatory and transtelephonic ECG monitoring were used to assess AF recurrences. Recurrences during the first month after ablation were excluded from this analysis.
Results: At 12 months of follow-up, no significant difference was observed in the rates of AF recurrences between Group A (18/53 patients, 34%) and Group B (16/54 patients, 30%). The percentage of patients with ≥1 asymptomatic AF episode was higher in Group B than in Group A (10/16 patients, 63%, vs 5/18 patients, 28%, P = 0.04).
Conclusions: Continuing antiarrhythmic drug therapy in patients who undergo catheter ablation for AF did not lower the rate of AF recurrences. Antiarrhythmic drugs increased the proportion of patients with asymptomatic AF episodes.     

Guideline-based Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has become a significant public health concern. An epidemiologic study conducted in 2010 estimated there are over 33.5 million people worldwide diagnosed with AF with that number predicted to rise by 5% annually. In the United States, AF is the primary diagnosis in over 500,000 hospital admissions annually. Guideline-based knowledge of treatment options is imperative in decreasing stroke risk, prevention of worsening heart function, and maintaining quality of life. It is also important for nurse practitioners to have this knowledge to make educated treatment recommendations to keep our patients safe and to help them to set realistic expectations.     

Analysis of Heart Rate Variability Five Minutes Before the Onset of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Various experimental and clinical observations suggest changes in sympathetic and vagal neural regulatory mechanisms play a critical role in altering cardiac electrical properties and favor the occurrence of arrhythmic events. There is limited information about the influences of the autonomic tone on the development of episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with no evidence of organic heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in sympatho-vagal balance 5 minutes before the onset of atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We evaluated 28 patients with no history of heart disease who were not undergoing pharmacological treatment and who had at least one episode of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation recorded during an 24-hour ECG Holter monitoring. We analyzed values of frequency domain heart rate variability parameters 5 minutes before the onset of atrial fibrillation (prefa period) compared to an equivalent period at least 1 hour after from atrial fibrillation (random period). RESULTS: Thirty-six episodes of atrial fibrillation were recorded and our results showed we had two types of episodes. Eighteen were classified as Type A, in which we had an increase of low frequency (LF) (79.15 +/- 10.76 in comparison with 62.64 +/- 19.55) (P = 0.004) and a decrease of high frequency (HF) (20.82 +/- 10.74 in comparison with 37.64 +/- 20.20) (P = 0.004) consistent with an increase of sympathetic tone; and 18 were classified as Type B in which there was a decrease of LF (62.82 +/- 15.38 in comparison with 85.97 +/- 8.48) (P < 0.001), and an increase of HF (36.79 +/- 14.72 compared with 14.01 +/- 8.48) (P < 0.001), consistent with an increase of parasympathetic tone. CONCLUSION: We observed abrupt changes in sympathovagal balance in the last 5 minutes preceding an episode of atrial fibrillation. This can be related to a double behavior in the neurogenic drive: in Type A episodes there is an increase of the LF spectrum, LF:HF ratio, and a decrease of the HF spectrum consistent with an increase of neurogenic sympathetic drive; in Type B episodes there is a reduction of the LF spectrum, LF/HF ratio, and an increase of HF spectrum consistent with an enhancement of the neurogenic parasympathetic drive. In some patients, we found that the two mechanisms operate during different hours of the day and that sometimes there is an increase of sympathetic tone, and in the same instances an increase of parasympathetic tone. Heart-rate variability measures fluctuation in autonomic inputs to the heart rather than the mean level of autonomic impulse; autonomic imbalance is probably more important than the vagal or sympathetic drive alone.     

非瓣膜性房颤患者的左心耳特点分析

目的：分析非瓣膜性房颤患者左心耳入口内径、左心耳长度及左心耳射血速率的特点。方法：以我院收治的237例房颤患者为研究对象,回顾性分析阵发性房颤与持续性房颤患者左心耳入口内径、长度及左心耳射血速率的差异,并分析房颤患者左心耳入口内径、长度及射血速率的临床相关因素。结果：与阵发性房颤组相比,持续性房颤组左心耳入口内径显著增大,具有统计学意义（P<0.05）,而两组患者的左心耳长度及左心耳射血速率无统计学差异。Spearman相关分析显示左心耳入口内径与身高、房颤病史长短、左房前后径、左室收缩末内径（left ventricular end-systolic diameter LVESD）、左室舒张末内径（left ventricular end-diastolic diameter LVEDD）呈正相关（P<0.05）,与左室射血分数（left ventricular ejection fraction LVEF)呈负相关（P<0.05）;左心耳长度与左房前后径、LVESD、LVEDD呈正相关（P<0.05）,与LVEF呈负相关(P<0.05);左心耳射血速率与年龄、房颤病史长短、左房前后径、LVESD呈负相关（P<0.05）,与LVEF呈正相关(P<0.05)。结论：持续性房颤患者左心耳入口内径大于阵发性房颤患者,左心耳的入口内径、长度、射血速率与多种因素相关。     

非瓣膜病房颤并左房血栓患者的TEE研究

本文研究经食管超声心动图检查的两组慢性非瓣膜病房颤患者，Ａ组为检出左房或左心耳血栓者，２４例；Ｂ组为无左房或左心耳血栓者，２４例。发现与Ｂ组患者相比，Ａ组的左房自发超声显影现象明显增高，而左房有左心耳内血流速度明显减低。说明房颤而左房内血汉速度明显减低者，局部血流淤滞明显，是房内血栓形成的预示因子。     

An Explanation of Recommendation Differences: Illustrations from Recent Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines

The development of guidelines and their use in all areas of medicine has greatly expanded in recent years. However, despite a shared evidence base, recommendations provided by different professional societies and healthcare authorities often vary considerably. The rapid advances in atrial fibrillation (AF) and the multiplicity of guidelines devoted to AF have made it particularly susceptible to this problem. Many nonmedical aspects are important in the development of guidelines, and without understanding them correct interpretation of guidelines is difficult. Conflicts of interest, the regulatory environment, and local data all influence guidelines. Nuanced wording, resource availability, and strategic purpose add complexity to guideline recommendations. This article reviews major AF guidelines from around the world and discusses aspects which have nothing to do with the scientific evidence base in order to help the practicing physician understand and make better use of differing guideline recommendations.