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International Journal of Dermatology Dec 2023
Topics: Humans; Dermatitis, Phototoxic; Dronedarone; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
PubMed: 37700581
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16845 -
The American Journal of Cardiology Oct 2023Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potentially serious health risk, both because of its symptoms and because of its association with an increased risk for heart failure,...
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potentially serious health risk, both because of its symptoms and because of its association with an increased risk for heart failure, hospitalization, thromboembolism, and death. Chapter 2 discusses selection of appropriate treatments and when to initiate these therapies. Older trials focused on comparing rate versus rhythm control treatment options for AF. It is now recognized that both rate and rhythm control are important and can be used together. This chapter reviews the historical, pivotal rate versus rhythm control trials that failed to show any overall survival benefit of rhythm over rate control, as well as the trials' now-recognized limitations with respect to modern therapy. In addition, an in-depth discussion of the more recent trials of antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) and ablation techniques (which have become available since the original rate versus rhythm trials were performed) is included. These updated trials show that when applied to patient- and disease-specific situations, rhythm control can reduce the risk for mortality and hospitalization. The chapter also reviews the guidelines that have been developed to achieve these goals. Chapter 2 is summarized as follows: (1) Rate control is needed (at rest and during exertion) to reduce rate-related symptoms when rhythm control is ineffective or incomplete and to prevent a tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. (2) Previous trials with pharmacological therapy alone comparing rate versus rhythm control using the AADs available at that time failed to show any overall survival benefit of rhythm control over rate control. (3) These earlier trials had many methodological limitations and enrolled participants who did not have access to modern therapies. (4) Newer therapies, including those for stroke prevention, dronedarone (the latest approved AAD), and AF ablation, have improved the safety and efficacy of rhythm control strategies.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Dronedarone; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Catheter Ablation; Heart Rate
PubMed: 37777298
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.08.022 -
Clinical and Translational Science Dec 2023Lidocaine is classified as a class Ib anti-arrhythmic that blocks voltage- and pH-dependent sodium channels. It exhibits well investigated anti-arrhythmic effects and... (Review)
Review
Lidocaine is classified as a class Ib anti-arrhythmic that blocks voltage- and pH-dependent sodium channels. It exhibits well investigated anti-arrhythmic effects and has been the anti-arrhythmic of choice for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias for several decades. Lidocaine binds primarily to inactivated sodium channels, decreases the action potential duration, and increases the refractory period. It increases the ventricular fibrillatory threshold and can interrupt life-threatening tachycardias caused by re-entrant mechanisms, especially in ischemic tissue. Its use was pushed into the background in the era of amiodarone and modern electric device therapy. Recently, lidocaine has come back into focus for the treatment of acute sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. In this brief overview, we review the clinical pharmacology including possible side effects, the historical course, possible indications, and current Guideline recommendations for the use of lidocaine.
Topics: Humans; Lidocaine; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Amiodarone; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Sodium Channels
PubMed: 37781966
DOI: 10.1111/cts.13650 -
Polish Archives of Internal Medicine Sep 2023The choice between rhythm and rate control strategy represents one of the most intriguing dilemmas in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although the advantage... (Review)
Review
The choice between rhythm and rate control strategy represents one of the most intriguing dilemmas in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although the advantage of rhythm over rate control in terms of outcome has not been unequivocally proven, the initial management of patients with symptomatic episodes of AF frequently involves early cardioversion. As electrical cardioversion (EC) is challenging in terms of fasting status and involvement of an anesthesiologic team, pharmacological cardioversion (PC) is usually selected as the first step toward rhythm conversion. Qualification criteria for PC or EC are similar and should comprise assessment of hemodynamic status, estimation of arrhythmic episode duration, evaluation of anticoagulation regimen, exclusion of other supraventricular arrhythmias, and assessment of the chance of rhythm conversion and persistence of sinus rhythm. Finally, the choice of adequate antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) depends on the presence of structural heart disease (SHD) and local experience. In patients without any SHD, complications occur rarely, hence traditional (propafenone, flecainide) or nonclassical Vaughan-Williams class I (antazoline) or class III (vernakalant, ibutilide, or dofetilide) drugs are preferred. The presence of SHD consistent with any left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, myocardial ischemia, or valvular heart disease limits the choice of AAD to amiodarone. Given the risk of ventricular proarrhythmia of AAD, safety should always prevail over the enticing possibility of rhythm conversion. The present review aims to provide a comprehensible summary of proper qualification for PC, selection of suitable AAD, and state‑of‑the‑art periprocedural management of patients with recent‑onset AF.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Electric Countershock; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Propafenone; Heart Failure; Heart Diseases; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37622443
DOI: 10.20452/pamw.16547 -
Cureus Apr 2024Antiarrhythmic drugs play a pivotal role in managing and preventing arrhythmias. Amiodarone, classified as a class III antiarrhythmic, has been used prophylactically to... (Review)
Review
Antiarrhythmic drugs play a pivotal role in managing and preventing arrhythmias. Amiodarone, classified as a class III antiarrhythmic, has been used prophylactically to effectively prevent atrial fibrillation postoperatively in cardiac surgeries. However, there is a lack of consensus on the use of amiodarone and other antiarrhythmic drugs as prophylaxis to reduce the occurrence of all types of postoperative arrhythmias in cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries. A comprehensive PubMed query yielded 614 relevant papers, of which 52 clinical trials were analyzed. The data collection included the class of antiarrhythmics, timing or method of drug administration, surgery type, type of arrhythmia and its incidence, and hospitalization length. Statistical analyses focused on prophylactic antiarrhythmics and their respective reductions in postoperative arrhythmias and hospitalization length. Prophylactic amiodarone alone compared to placebo demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative arrhythmia incidence in cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries (24.01%, p<0.0001), and it was the only treatment group to significantly reduce hospitalization length versus placebo (p = 0.0441). Prophylactic use of class 4 antiarrhythmics versus placebo also demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative arrhythmia incidence (28.01%, p<0.0001), and while there was no significant statistical reduction compared to amiodarone (4%, p=0.9941), a lack of abundant data provides a case for further research on the prophylactic use of class 4 antiarrhythmics for this indication. Amiodarone prophylaxis remains a prime cornerstone of therapy in reducing postoperative arrhythmia incidence and hospitalization length. Emerging data suggests a need for a broader exploration of alternative antiarrhythmic agents and combination therapies, particularly class 4 antiarrhythmics, in both cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries. This meta-analysis depicts the effectiveness of amiodarone, among other antiarrhythmics, in postoperative arrhythmia incidence and hospitalization length reduction in cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries.
PubMed: 38738095
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57963 -
Cureus Nov 2023A review of the literature was made to find and choose research papers, on drugs (amiodarone and adenosine) used for managing supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in... (Review)
Review
A review of the literature was made to find and choose research papers, on drugs (amiodarone and adenosine) used for managing supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in children and infants (one hour to 17 years of age) with no structural heart disease by PRISMA guideline. Our team conducted an exhaustive systematic literature review (SLR), utilizing an extensive search methodology across recognized databases like PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library. We included 10 scholarly articles that satisfied our rigorous selection criteria including systematic reviews/meta-analysis, and randomized control trials, shedding light on treatment with amiodarone and adenosine for SVT in pediatric patients. There is no first- or second-line treatment for SVT in pediatrics, and drug effectiveness can vary significantly between patients. Adenosine has a shorter half-life than other drugs, instead, it is safer and more valuable when an electrocardiogram is uncertain, it is recommended as an acute management, and it continues as the first-line option for paroxysmal SVT. Amiodarone management patients with acute STV within, its use showed better results when administered 48 hours after diagnosis. Furthermore, it is recommended to reduce the incidence of junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET), by pre-operative prophylaxis, also for chronic control in this and other types of SVT. In none of the evaluated studies were documented significant adverse effects in pediatric patients. Side effects that did occur were mild and easily managed. The studies also emphasize that although both amiodarone and adenosine can successfully convert SVT to sinus rhythm, better results have been observed when using combined therapies of each recommended medication. Therefore, more randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews are needed to solidify and possibly standardize an effective and safe pharmacological treatment for SVT and its types in pediatric patients.
PubMed: 38073952
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48507 -
Revue Medicale Suisse Jul 2023
Topics: Humans; Amiodarone; Hemorrhage
PubMed: 37493122
DOI: 10.53738/REVMED.2023.19.836.1427 -
Annales D'endocrinologie Apr 2024Amiodarone is the most widely prescribed antiarrhythmic drug worldwide, but induces thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism in 15 to 20% of patients. Hyperthyroidism is less... (Review)
Review
Amiodarone is the most widely prescribed antiarrhythmic drug worldwide, but induces thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism in 15 to 20% of patients. Hyperthyroidism is less frequent than hypothyroidism, and two types of thyrotoxicosis are distinguished according to presence of underlying thyroid disease. Diagnosis is made in case of low TSH and high levels of T3 and T4. Initial treatment is based on anti-thyroid drugs and/or glucocorticoids. Some patients do not respond to medication, which increases the time spent with hyperthyroidism. A long interval between diagnosis and euthyroidism and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are predictive of major adverse cardiovascular events. Here, after describing the current state of knowledge of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis, we analyze the literature on the impact of surgery. We suggest that early surgery should be the first option in case of ineffective medical treatment or LVEF<40%. In expert centers, surgical morbidity is no longer different than in other indications for thyroidectomy.
Topics: Humans; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left; Hyperthyroidism; Amiodarone; Thyrotoxicosis; Hypothyroidism
PubMed: 38246417
DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2024.01.006 -
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology :... Jun 2024While implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks are a lifesaving therapy, they can negatively affect the patient's quality of life. Amiodarone is commonly... (Review)
Review
While implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks are a lifesaving therapy, they can negatively affect the patient's quality of life. Amiodarone is commonly combined with β-blockers (BB) in ICD recipients. However, this combination therapy's efficacy in preventing shocks compared to standard BB monotherapy is not well studied. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine if combined amiodarone and BB therapy improves prevention of ICD shock delivery compared to BB monotherapy. We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases, for studies that assess the impact of amiodarone and BB versus BB monotherapy in patients with an ICD. The primary outcome was a total number of ICD shocks delivered by the end of the study period. Four studies: three retrospective studies and one randomized controlled trial (RCT), with a total of 5818 patients with ICDs, were included in the analysis. Follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 5 years. The combined amiodarone and BB group was not associated with a significantly lower number of ICD shocks compared to the BB monotherapy group (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.44-1.31; P = .32). A combination therapy of amiodarone and BB was not associated with any further reduction in ICD shocks, hospitalizations, or mortality. Additional RCTs are recommended to further validate our findings.
PubMed: 38884634
DOI: 10.1111/pace.15027 -
The Medical Letter on Drugs and... Jan 2024
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation
PubMed: 38180321
DOI: 10.58347/tml.2024.1693a