Abstract 12148: A New Perspective in the Management of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Dual Anti-Arrhythmic Medications

Abstract

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is the most common disorder of cardiac rhythm, which is often associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Antiarrhythmic medications (AAMs) continue to be the mainstay in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, the use of these medications has been limited by their modest anti-arrhythmic efficacy. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that dual AAMs (sodium/potassium channels blockers) improve the chance of maintaining sinus rhythm and decrease the need for catheter ablation when compared to single AAM. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study; we reviewed medical records of 150 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation over five years at our hospital in New York. We collected the following data: age, sex, comorbidities, electrocardiogram findings, ejection fraction by echocardiography, classes of AAMs, duration and response to treatments. A successful response was defined as the absence of symptoms and the presence of sinus rhythm on electrocardiogram. A failed response was defined as persistence of symptoms and/or atrial fibrillation on electrocardiogram and the subsequent need for catheter ablation. Results: 86 patients met the inclusion criteria in our analysis. The average age of the patinets was 71.06 years. 45 patients were given the dual AAMs of either amiodarone+flecainide or dronedarone+flecainide, and were treated for an average of 15.4 months. 41 patients received a single AAM then catheter ablation if needed. A chi-square test was performed. X 2 =18.9429, p<.0001. Patients taking dual AAMs were very likely to maintain sinus rhythm and less likely to need catheter ablation (Figure). Conclusions: Our preliminary results demonstrate that patients who receive dual AAMs are significantly less likely to need catheter ablation than those who receive single AAM. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to further explore the use of dual AAM therapy and its clinical impact.