Novel rhythm conversion approach in unsuccessful electric cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation

Abstract

\n \n \n The average effectiveness of electrical cardioversion in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered about 90%. The success is limited by arrhythmia longevity, essential heart pathology, excessive body mass, concomitant deceases. A novel developed in Russia class III intravenous medication “Refralon” (4-nitro-N-(1RS)-1(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(1-ethylpiperidin-4-ethyl) benzamide hydrochloride) seems to be promising in sinus rhythm restoration in such patients.\n The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a novel class III intravenous medication “Refralon” in conversion to sinus rhythm in patients with permanent AF in whom electrical cardioversion was unsuccessful.\n \n \n \n 19 patients were included: 16 male and 3 female aged from 45 to 68 years old (59,9±5,84 (M±SD)). Left atrial size was 47±3,2 × 59±2,8 mm, BMI 38,5±7,0 kg/m2, arrhythmia duration from 2 to 21 months (6,7±4,99). Refralon was injected according to the approved manual in ICU; heart rhythm and rate, blood pressure, SpO2 were monitored. Dynamic assessment of QT and QRS duration was performed.\n \n \n \n In 17 of 19 patients (89,4%) sinus rhythm was restored. In 7 patients (41%) sinus rhythm was restored before 10 min, in 4 patients (24%) before one hour, in 4 patients (24%) before two hours, in 2 patients (11%) before six hours. In two patients sinus rhythm was not restored. In both target dose was not infused due to non-sustained ventricular tachycardia in one case, and QT prolongation in another.\n \n \n \n In a small pilot study Refralon was highly effective in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation when electrical cardioversion was ineffective. All the patients had significantly increased BMI. The results may suggest the indication for Refralon usage in obese patients.\n \n \n \n Type of funding sources: None.\n