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. 2019 Sep 4;9(9):CD005049.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005049.pub5.

Antiarrhythmics for maintaining sinus rhythm after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

Lucie Valembois  1 , Etienne Audureau, Andrea Takeda, Witold Jarzebowski, Joël Belmin, Carmelo Lafuente-Lafuente
Affiliations

Antiarrhythmics for maintaining sinus rhythm after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

Lucie Valembois et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent sustained arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation often recurs after restoration of normal sinus rhythm. Antiarrhythmic drugs have been widely used to prevent recurrence. This is an update of a review previously published in 2006, 2012 and 2015.

Objectives: To determine the effects of long-term treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs on death, stroke, drug adverse effects and recurrence of atrial fibrillation in people who had recovered sinus rhythm after having atrial fibrillation.

Search methods: We updated the searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase in January 2019, and ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP in February 2019. We checked the reference lists of retrieved articles, recent reviews and meta-analyses.

Selection criteria: Two authors independently selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any antiarrhythmic drug with a control (no treatment, placebo, drugs for rate control) or with another antiarrhythmic drug in adults who had atrial fibrillation and in whom sinus rhythm was restored, spontaneously or by any intervention. We excluded postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently assessed quality and extracted data. We pooled studies, if appropriate, using Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios (RR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI). All results were calculated at one year of follow-up or the nearest time point.

Main results: This update included one new study (100 participants) and excluded one previously included study because of double publication. Finally, we included 59 RCTs comprising 20,981 participants studying quinidine, disopyramide, propafenone, flecainide, metoprolol, amiodarone, dofetilide, dronedarone and sotalol. Overall, mean follow-up was 10.2 months.All-cause mortalityHigh-certainty evidence from five RCTs indicated that treatment with sotalol was associated with a higher all-cause mortality rate compared with placebo or no treatment (RR 2.23, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.81; participants = 1882). The number need to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) for sotalol was 102 participants treated for one year to have one additional death. Low-certainty evidence from six RCTs suggested that risk of mortality may be higher in people taking quinidine (RR 2.01, 95% CI 0.84 to 4.77; participants = 1646). Moderate-certainty evidence showed increased RR for mortality but with very wide CIs for metoprolol (RR 2.02, 95% CI 0.37 to 11.05, 2 RCTs, participants = 562) and amiodarone (RR 1.66, 95% CI 0.55 to 4.99, 2 RCTs, participants = 444), compared with placebo.We found little or no difference in mortality with dofetilide (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.27; moderate-certainty evidence) or dronedarone (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.09; high-certainty evidence) compared to placebo/no treatment. There were few data on mortality for disopyramide, flecainide and propafenone, making impossible a reliable estimation for those drugs.Withdrawals due to adverse eventsAll analysed drugs increased withdrawals due to adverse effects compared to placebo or no treatment (quinidine: RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.87 to 2.78; disopyramide: RR 3.68, 95% CI 0.95 to 14.24; propafenone: RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.46; flecainide: RR 15.41, 95% CI 0.91 to 260.19; metoprolol: RR 3.47, 95% CI 1.48 to 8.15; amiodarone: RR 6.70, 95% CI 1.91 to 23.45; dofetilide: RR 1.77, 95% CI 0.75 to 4.18; dronedarone: RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.85; sotalol: RR 1.95, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.11). Certainty of the evidence for this outcome was low for disopyramide, amiodarone, dofetilide and flecainide; moderate to high for the remaining drugs.ProarrhythmiaVirtually all studied antiarrhythmics showed increased proarrhythmic effects (counting both tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias attributable to treatment) (quinidine: RR 2.05, 95% CI 0.95 to 4.41; disopyramide: no data; flecainide: RR 4.80, 95% CI 1.30 to 17.77; metoprolol: RR 18.14, 95% CI 2.42 to 135.66; amiodarone: RR 2.22, 95% CI 0.71 to 6.96; dofetilide: RR 5.50, 95% CI 1.33 to 22.76; dronedarone: RR 1.95, 95% CI 0.77 to 4.98; sotalol: RR 3.55, 95% CI 2.16 to 5.83); with the exception of propafenone (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.39 to 4.47) for which the certainty of evidence was very low and we were uncertain about the effect. Certainty of the evidence for this outcome for the other drugs was moderate to high.StrokeEleven studies reported stroke outcomes with quinidine, disopyramide, flecainide, amiodarone, dronedarone and sotalol. High-certainty evidence from two RCTs suggested that dronedarone may be associated with reduced risk of stroke (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.95; participants = 5872). This result is attributed to one study dominating the meta-analysis and has yet to be reproduced in other studies. There was no apparent effect on stroke rates with the other antiarrhythmics.Recurrence of atrial fibrillationModerate- to high-certainty evidence, with the exception of disopyramide which was low-certainty evidence, showed that all analysed drugs, including metoprolol, reduced recurrence of atrial fibrillation (quinidine: RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.88; disopyramide: RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.01; propafenone: RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.74; flecainide: RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.77; metoprolol: RR 0.83 95% CI 0.68 to 1.02; amiodarone: RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.58; dofetilide: RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.85; dronedarone: RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.91; sotalol: RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.87). Despite this reduction, atrial fibrillation still recurred in 43% to 67% of people treated with antiarrhythmics.

Authors' conclusions: There is high-certainty evidence of increased mortality associated with sotalol treatment, and low-certainty evidence suggesting increased mortality with quinidine, when used for maintaining sinus rhythm in people with atrial fibrillation. We found few data on mortality in people taking disopyramide, flecainide and propafenone, so it was not possible to make a reliable estimation of the mortality risk for these drugs. However, we did find moderate-certainty evidence of marked increases in proarrhythmia and adverse effects with flecainide.Overall, there is evidence showing that antiarrhythmic drugs increase adverse events, increase proarrhythmic events and some antiarrhythmics may increase mortality. Conversely, although they reduce recurrences of atrial fibrillation, there is no evidence of any benefit on other clinical outcomes, compared with placebo or no treatment.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

LV: none.

EA: none.

AT: none.

WJ: none.

JB: none.

CL‐L has received consultant fees (less than EUR 5000 total) from Sanofi‐Aventis, in 2009 and 2010, for helping to conduct a study (a mixed treatment comparison meta‐analysis) on several antiarrhythmic drugs for the management of atrial fibrillation. Sanofi‐Aventis is the manufacturer of amiodarone and dronedarone, two of the antiarrhythmics studied in this review. He also received personal fees from Bayer Healthcare and BMS, outside this work.

Figures

1
1
Selection of studies for inclusion. AF: atrial fibrillation.
2
2
Funnel plot of comparison: 9 Sotalol versus placebo/no treatment, outcome: 9.6 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – main analysis.
3
3
Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.
4
4
Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.
5
5
All‐cause mortality with sotalol compared with placebo/no treatment: main analysis.
1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 All‐cause mortality – main analysis.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis intention to treat (ITT) worse case: missing participants counted as events.
1.3
1.3. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 All‐cause mortality – subgroup analysis: older and recent studies.
1.4
1.4. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
1.5
1.5. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
1.6
1.6. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
1.7
1.7. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – main analysis.
1.8
1.8. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – subgroup analysis: older and recent studies.
1.9
1.9. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
1.10
1.10. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
1.11
1.11. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
1.12
1.12. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 Proarrhythmia – main analysis.
1.13
1.13. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Proarrhythmia – subgroup analysis: older and recent studies.
1.14
1.14. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
1.15
1.15. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
1.16
1.16. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
1.17
1.17. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 17 Stroke – main analysis.
1.18
1.18. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 18 Stroke – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
1.19
1.19. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 19 Stroke – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
1.20
1.20. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 20 Stroke – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
1.21
1.21. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 21 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – main analysis.
1.22
1.22. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 22 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
1.23
1.23. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 23 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
1.24
1.24. Analysis
Comparison 1 Quinidine versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 24 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Disopyramide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 All‐cause mortality – main analysis.
2.2
2.2. Analysis
Comparison 2 Disopyramide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 All‐cause mortality – intention to treat (ITT) worse case: missing participants counted as events.
2.3
2.3. Analysis
Comparison 2 Disopyramide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – main analysis.
2.4
2.4. Analysis
Comparison 2 Disopyramide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
2.5
2.5. Analysis
Comparison 2 Disopyramide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 Stroke – main analysis.
2.6
2.6. Analysis
Comparison 2 Disopyramide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Stroke – subgroup analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
2.7
2.7. Analysis
Comparison 2 Disopyramide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – main analysis.
2.8
2.8. Analysis
Comparison 2 Disopyramide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3 Propafenone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 All‐cause mortality – main analysis.
3.2
3.2. Analysis
Comparison 3 Propafenone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 All‐cause mortality – intention to treat (ITT) worse case: missing participants counted as events.
3.3
3.3. Analysis
Comparison 3 Propafenone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
3.4
3.4. Analysis
Comparison 3 Propafenone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – main analysis.
3.5
3.5. Analysis
Comparison 3 Propafenone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
3.6
3.6. Analysis
Comparison 3 Propafenone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Proarrhythmia – main analysis.
3.7
3.7. Analysis
Comparison 3 Propafenone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
3.8
3.8. Analysis
Comparison 3 Propafenone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – main analysis.
3.9
3.9. Analysis
Comparison 3 Propafenone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
3.10
3.10. Analysis
Comparison 3 Propafenone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
4.1
4.1. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – main analysis.
4.2
4.2. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 Proarrhythmia – main analysis.
4.3
4.3. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
4.4
4.4. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
4.5
4.5. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
4.6
4.6. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Stroke – main analysis.
4.7
4.7. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Stroke – subgroup analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
4.8
4.8. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Stroke – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
4.9
4.9. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Stroke – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
4.10
4.10. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – main analysis.
4.11
4.11. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
4.12
4.12. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
4.13
4.13. Analysis
Comparison 4 Flecainide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
5.1
5.1. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 All‐cause mortality – main analysis.
5.2
5.2. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 All‐cause mortality – intention to treat (ITT) worse case: missing participants counted as events.
5.3
5.3. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
5.4
5.4. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
5.5
5.5. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
5.6
5.6. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – main analysis.
5.7
5.7. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
5.8
5.8. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
5.9
5.9. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
5.10
5.10. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Proarrhythmia – main analysis.
5.11
5.11. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
5.12
5.12. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
5.13
5.13. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
5.14
5.14. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – main analysis.
5.15
5.15. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
5.16
5.16. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
5.17
5.17. Analysis
Comparison 5 Metoprolol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 17 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
6.1
6.1. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 All‐cause mortality – main analysis.
6.2
6.2. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 All‐cause mortality – intention to treat (ITT) worse case: missing participants counted as events.
6.3
6.3. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
6.4
6.4. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – main analysis.
6.5
6.5. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
6.6
6.6. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Proarrhythmia – main analysis.
6.7
6.7. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
6.8
6.8. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
6.9
6.9. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
6.10
6.10. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Stroke – main analysis.
6.11
6.11. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 Stroke – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
6.12
6.12. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 Stroke – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
6.13
6.13. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – main analysis.
6.14
6.14. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
6.15
6.15. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
6.16
6.16. Analysis
Comparison 6 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
7.1
7.1. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 All‐cause mortality – main analysis.
7.2
7.2. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 All‐cause mortality – intention to treat (ITT) worse case: missing participants counted as events.
7.3
7.3. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
7.4
7.4. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
7.5
7.5. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
7.6
7.6. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – main analysis.
7.7
7.7. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
7.8
7.8. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
7.9
7.9. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Proarrhythmia – main analysis.
7.10
7.10. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
7.11
7.11. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
7.12
7.12. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
7.13
7.13. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – main analysis.
7.14
7.14. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
7.15
7.15. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
7.16
7.16. Analysis
Comparison 7 Dofetilide versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
8.1
8.1. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 All‐cause mortality – main analysis.
8.2
8.2. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 All‐cause mortality – intention to treat (ITT) worse case: missing participants counted as events.
8.3
8.3. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
8.4
8.4. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
8.5
8.5. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
8.6
8.6. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – main analysis.
8.7
8.7. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
8.8
8.8. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
8.9
8.9. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
8.10
8.10. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Proarrhythmia – main analysis.
8.11
8.11. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
8.12
8.12. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
8.13
8.13. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Stroke – main analysis.
8.14
8.14. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Stroke – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
8.15
8.15. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – main analysis.
8.16
8.16. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
8.17
8.17. Analysis
Comparison 8 Dronedarone versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 17 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
9.1
9.1. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 All‐cause mortality – main analysis.
9.2
9.2. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 All‐cause mortality – intention to treat (ITT) worse case: missing participants counted as events.
9.3
9.3. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
9.4
9.4. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
9.5
9.5. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 All‐cause mortality – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
9.6
9.6. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – main analysis.
9.7
9.7. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sotalol: heterogeneity study.
9.8
9.8. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
9.9
9.9. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
9.10
9.10. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Withdrawals due to adverse effects – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
9.11
9.11. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 Proarrhythmia – main analysis.
9.12
9.12. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 Proarrhythmia – sotalol: heterogeneity study.
9.13
9.13. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
9.14
9.14. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
9.15
9.15. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Proarrhythmia – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
9.16
9.16. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16 Stroke – main analysis.
9.17
9.17. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 17 Stroke – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
9.18
9.18. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 18 Stroke – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
9.19
9.19. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 19 Stroke – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
9.20
9.20. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 20 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – main analysis.
9.21
9.21. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 21 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: persistent atrial fibrillation.
9.22
9.22. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 22 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: low risk of bias studies.
9.23
9.23. Analysis
Comparison 9 Sotalol versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 23 Atrial fibrillation recurrence – sensitivity analysis: studies > 200 participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

References

References to studies included in this review

A‐COMET‐I 2006 {published data only}
    1. A‐COMET‐I Investigators, Pritchett EL, Kowey P, Connolly S, Page RL, Kerr C, et al. Antiarrhythmic efficacy of azimilide in patients with atrial fibrillation. Maintenance of sinus rhythm after conversion to sinus rhythm. American Heart Journal 2006;151(5):1043‐9. [PUBMED: PMID: 16644334] - PubMed
A‐COMET‐II 2006 {published data only}
    1. A‐COMET‐II Investigators, Lombardi F, Borggrefe M, Ruzyllo W, Lüderitz B. Azimilide vs. placebo and sotalol for persistent atrial fibrillation: the A‐COMET‐II (Azimilide‐CardiOversion MaintEnance Trial‐II) trial. European Heart Journal 2006;27(18):2224‐31. [PUBMED: PMID: 16935870] - PubMed
AFFIRM Substudy 2003 {published data only}
    1. AFFIRM First Antiarrhythmic Drug Substudy Investigators. Maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation: an AFFIRM substudy of the first antiarrhythmic drug. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2003;42(1):20‐9. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0735‐1097] - PubMed
AFIB 1997 {published data only}
    1. The Atrial Fibrillation Investigation with Bidisomide (AFIB) Investigators. Treatment of atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia with bidisomide. Circulation 1997;96(8):2625‐32. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0009‐7322] - PubMed
Aliot 1996 {published data only}
    1. Aliot E, Denjoy I, The Flecainide AF French Study Group. Comparison of the safety and efficacy of flecainide versus propafenone in hospital out‐patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter. American Journal of Cardiology 1996;77(3):66A‐71A. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
ASAP 2003 {published data only}
    1. Connolly SJ, Schnell DJ, Page RL, Wilkinson WE, Marcello SR, Pritchett EL. Dose‐response relations of azimilide in the management of symptomatic, recurrent, atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 2001;88(9):974‐9. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐9149] - PubMed
    1. Connolly SJ, Schnell DJ, Page RL, Wilkinson WE, Marcello SR, Pritchett EL, Azimilide Supraventricular Arrhythmia Program Investigators. Symptoms at the time of arrhythmia recurrence in patients receiving azimilide for control of atrial fibrillation or flutter: results from randomized trials. American Heart Journal 2003;146(3):489‐93. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐8703] - PubMed
    1. Page RL, Connolly SJ, Wilkinson WE, Marcello SR, Schnell DJ, Pritchett EL, Azimilide Supraventricular Arrhythmia Program (ASAP) Investigators. Antiarrhythmic effects of azimilide in paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: efficacy and dose‐response. American Heart Journal 2002;143(4):643‐9. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐8703] - PubMed
    1. Page RL, Tilsch TW, Connolly SJ, Schnell DJ, Marcello SR, Wilkinson WE, et al. Azimilide Supraventricular Arrhythmia Program (ASAP) Investigators. Asymptomatic or "silent" atrial fibrillation: frequency in untreated patients and patients receiving azimilide. Circulation 2003;107(8):1141‐5. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0009‐7322] - PubMed
    1. Pritchett EL, Page RL, Connolly SJ, Marcello SR, Schnell DJ, Wilkinson WE. Antiarrhythmic effects of azimilide in atrial fibrillation: efficacy and dose‐response. Azimilide Supraventricular Arrhythmia Program 3 (SVA‐3) Investigators. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2000;36(3):794‐802. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0735‐1097] - PubMed
A‐STAR 2006 {published data only}
    1. A‐STAR Investigators, Kerr CR, Connolly SJ, Kowey P, Page RL, Pritchett EL, et al. Efficacy of azimilide for the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the presence and absence of structural heart disease. American Journal of Cardiology 2006;98(2):215‐8. [PUBMED: PMID: 16828595] - PubMed
ATHENA 2009 {published and unpublished data}
    1. ATHENA Investigators, Hohnloser SH, Crijns HJ, Eickels M, Gaudin C, Page RL, et al. Effect of dronedarone on cardiovascular events in atrial fibrillation. New England Journal of Medicine 2009;360(2):668‐78. [PUBMED: PMID: 19213680] - PubMed
    1. ATHENA Investigators, Connolly SJ, Crijns HJ, Torp‐Pedersen C, Eickels M, Gaudin C, et al. Analysis of stroke in ATHENA: a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, parallel‐arm trial to assess the efficacy of dronedarone 400 mg BID for the prevention of cardiovascular hospitalization or death in patients with atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter. Circulation 2009;120(13):1174‐80. [PUBMED: PMID: 19752319] - PubMed
Bellandi 2001 {published data only}
    1. Bellandi F, Dabizzi RP, Niccoli L, Cantini F. Propafenone and sotalol in the prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation – long‐term safety and efficacy study [Propafenon und sotalol bei der pravention von paroxysmalem vorhofflimmern. Langzeitstudie zur beurteilung von sicherheit und wirksamkeit]. Munchener Medizinische Wochenschrift 1996;138(12):39‐46. [MEDLINE: ; EMBASE 1996098252; ISSN: 0027‐2973]
    1. Bellandi F, Dabizzi RP, Niccoli L, Cantini F. Propafenone and sotalol in the prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: long‐term safety and efficacy study. Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical and Experimental 1995;56(11):1154‐68. [MEDLINE: ; EMBASE 1996000327; ISSN: 0011‐393X]
    1. Bellandi F, Dabizzi RP, Niccoli L, Cantini F, Palchetti R. Propafenone and sotalol: long‐term efficacy and tolerability in the prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. A placebo‐controlled double‐blind study [Propafenone e sotalolo: efficacia e tollerabilita a lungo termine nella prevenzione della fibrillazione atriale parossistica. Studio in doppio cieco controllato con placebo]. Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia 1996;26(4):379‐90. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0046‐5968] - PubMed
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    1. Bellandi F, Simonetti I, Leoncini M, Frascarelli F, Giovannini T, Maioli M, et al. Long‐term efficacy and safety of propafenone and sotalol for the maintenance of sinus rhythm after conversion of recurrent symptomatic atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 2001;88(6):640‐5. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Benditt 1999 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Benditt DG, Williams JH, Jin J, Deering TF, Zucker R, Browne K, et al. Maintenance of sinus rhythm with oral d,l‐sotalol therapy in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation and/or atrial flutter. D,L‐Sotalol Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter Study Group. American Journal of Cardiology 1999;84(3):270‐7. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Byrne‐Quinn 1970 {published data only}
    1. Byrne‐Quinn E, Wing AJ. Maintenance of sinus rhythm after DC reversion of atrial fibrillation. A double‐blind controlled trial of long‐acting quinidine bisulphate. British Heart Journal 1970;32(3):370‐6. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0007‐0769] - PMC - PubMed
Carunchio 1995 {published data only}
    1. Carunchio A, Fera MS, Mazza A, Burattini M, Greco G, Galati A, et al. A comparison between flecainide and sotalol in the prevention of recurrences of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation [Confronto tra flecainide e sotalolo nella profilassi delle recidive di fibrillazione atriale parossistica]. Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia 1995;25(1):51‐68. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0046‐5968] - PubMed
Channer 2004 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Channer KS, Birchall A, Steeds RP, Walters SJ, Yeo WW, West JN, et al. A randomized placebo‐controlled trial of pre‐treatment and short‐ or long‐term maintenance therapy with amiodarone supporting DC cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation. European Heart Journal 2004;25(2):144‐50. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0195‐668X] - PubMed
Chun 2014 {published data only}
    1. Chun KJ, Byeon K, Im SI, Park KM, Park SJ, Kim JS, et al. Efficacy of dronedarone versus propafenone in the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation after electrical cardioversion. Clinical Therapeutics 2014;36(9):1169‐75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.07.013; PUBMED: 25134972] - DOI - PubMed
DAFNE 2003 {published data only}
    1. Touboul P, Brugada J, Capucci A, Crijns HJ, Edvardsson N, Hohnloser SH. Dronedarone for prevention of atrial fibrillation: a dose‐ranging study. European Heart Journal 2003;24(16):1481‐7. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0195‐668X] - PubMed
DAPHNE 2008 {published data only}
    1. DAPHNE Study Investigators, Capucci A, Botto G, Molon G, Spampinato A, Favale S, et al. The Drug And Pace Health cliNical Evaluation (DAPHNE) study: a randomized trial comparing sotalol versus beta‐blockers to treat symptomatic atrial fibrillation in patients with brady‐tachycardia syndrome implanted with an antitachycardia pacemaker. American Heart Journal 2008;156(2):373.e1‐8. [PUBMED: PMID: 18657671] - PubMed
DIAMOND 2001 {published data only}
    1. Moller M, Torp‐Pedersen CT, Kober L. Dofetilide in patients with congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction: safety aspects and effect on atrial fibrillation. The Danish Investigators of Arrhythmia and Mortality on Dofetilide (DIAMOND) Study Group. Congestive Heart Failure 2001;7(3):146‐50. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 1527‐5299] - PubMed
    1. Pedersen OD, Bagger H, Keller N, Marchant B, Kober L, Torp‐Pedersen C. Efficacy of dofetilide in the treatment of atrial fibrillation‐flutter in patients with reduced left ventricular function: a Danish investigations of arrhythmia and mortality on dofetilide (DIAMOND) substudy. Circulation 2001;104(3):292‐6. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0009‐7322] - PubMed
    1. Torp‐Pedersen C, Moller M, Bloch‐Thomsen PE, Kober L, Sandoe E, Egstrup K, et al. Dofetilide in patients with congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction. Danish Investigations of Arrhythmia and Mortality on Dofetilide Study Group. New England Journal of Medicine 1999;341(12):857‐65. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0028‐4793] - PubMed
    1. Torp‐Pedersen CT, Moller M, Bloch‐Thomsen PE, Kober L, Sandoe E, Egstrup K, et al. Dofetilide to patients with heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction [Dofetilid til patienter med hjerteinsufficiens og darligt fungerende venstre ventrikel]. Ugeskrift for Laeger 2000;10(44):5948‐53. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0041‐5782] - PubMed
DIONYSOS 2010 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Heuzey JY, Ferrari GM, Radzik D, Santini M, Zhu J, Davy JM. A short‐term, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dronedarone versus amiodarone in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: the DIONYSOS study. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 2010;21(6):597‐605. [PUBMED: PMID: 20384650 ] - PubMed
Dogan 2004 {published data only}
    1. Dogan A, Ergene O, Nazli C, Kinay O, Altinbas A, Ucarci Y, et al. Efficacy of propafenone for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with recent onset or persistent atrial fibrillation after conversion: a randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Acta Cardiologica 2004;59(3):255‐61. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0001‐5385] - PubMed
EMERALD 2000 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Cambell TJ, Greenbaum RA, Channer KS, Dalrymple HW, Kingma JH, Santini M, et al. Mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation – 1 year follow up of EMERALD (European and Australian multicenter evaluative research on atrial fibrillation dofetilide). Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2000;35(2 Suppl A):154A‐5A.
    1. Dalrymple HW, Cambell TJ, Channer KS, Greenbaum R, Kingma JH, Santini M, et al. Maintenance of sinus rhythm by dofetilide improves quality of life. The EMERALD (European and Australian multicenter evaluative research on atrial fibrillation dofetilide) study. Circulation 1998;98(Suppl 13‐14):66.
    1. Greenbaum R, Campbell TJ, Channer KS, Dalrymple HW, Kingma JH, Santini M, et al. Conversion of atrial fibrillation and maintenance of sinus rhythm by dofetilide. The EMERALD (European and Australian multicenter evaluative research on atrial fibrillation dofetilide) study. Circulation 1998;98(Suppl I‐633):3326.
    1. US Food, Drug Administration. Drug Approval Package: Tikosyn (Dofetilide). Medical Review: Parts 1 and 2 (Study number 345). www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/99/20‐931_Tikosyn.cfm (accessed 10 August 2010).
EURIDIS ADONIS 2007 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Brookes L. Dronedarone on Trial: EURIDIS and ADONIS, 2004. www.medscape.com/viewarticle/489226 (accessed January 2007).
    1. EURIDIS and ADONIS Investigators, Singh BN, Connolly SJ, Crijns HJ, Roy D, Kowey PR, et al. Dronedarone for maintenance of sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation or flutter. New England Journal of Medicine 2007;357(10):987‐99. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
    1. Hohnloser SH. EURIDIS and ADONIS: maintenance of sinus rhythm with dronedarone in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter. European Society of Cardiology Congress; 2004 Aug 28 – Sep 1; Munich, Germany. Munich, Germany, 2004. [MEDLINE: ; none]
FAPIS 1996 {published data only}
    1. Chimienti M, Cullen MT Jr, Casadei G. Safety of flecainide versus propafenone for the long‐term management of symptomatic paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. Report from the Flecainide and Propafenone Italian Study (FAPIS) Group. European Heart Journal 1995;16(12):1943‐51. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0195‐668X] - PubMed
    1. Chimienti M, Cullen MT Jr, Casadei G. Safety of long‐term flecainide and propafenone in the management of patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: report from the Flecainide and Propafenone Italian Study Investigators. American Journal of Cardiology 1996;77(3):60A‐75A. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Flec‐SL 2012 {published data only}
    1. Kirchhof P, Andresen D, Bosch R, Borggrefe M, Meinertz T, Parade U, et al. Short‐term versus long‐term antiarrhythmic drug treatment after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (Flec‐SL): a prospective, randomised, open‐label, blinded endpoint assessment trial. Lancet 2012;380(9838):238‐46. [PUBMED: 22713626] - PubMed
GEFACA 2001 {published data only}
    1. Galperin J, Elizari MV, Chiale PA, Molina RT, Ledesma R, Scapin AO, et al. Efficacy of amiodarone for the termination of chronic atrial fibrillation and maintenance of normal sinus rhythm: a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, double blind trial. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2001;6(4):341‐50. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 1074‐2484] - PubMed
Hillestad 1971 {published data only}
    1. Hillestad L, Bjerkelund C, Dale J, Maltau J, Storstein O. Quinidine in maintenance of sinus rhythm after electroconversion of chronic atrial fibrillation. A controlled clinical study. British Heart Journal 1971;33(4):518‐21. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0007‐0769] - PMC - PubMed
Hohnloser 1995 {published data only}
    1. Hohnloser SH, Loo A, Baedeker F. Efficacy and proarrhythmic hazards of pharmacologic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: prospective comparison of sotalol versus quinidine. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1995;26(4):852‐8. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0735‐1097] - PubMed
Juul‐Moller 1990 {published data only}
    1. Juul‐Moller S, Edvardsson N, Rehnqvist‐Ahlberg N. Sotalol versus quinidine for the maintenance of sinus rhythm after direct current conversion of atrial fibrillation. Circulation 1990;82(6):1932‐9. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0009‐7322] - PubMed
Kalusche 1994 {published data only}
    1. Kalusche D, Stockinger J, Betz P, Roskamm H. Sotalol and quinidine/verapamil (Cordichin) in chronic atrial fibrillation – conversion and 12‐month follow‐up – a randomized comparison [Sotalol und Chinidin/Verapamil (Cordichin) bei chronischem Vorhoflimmern – Konversion und 12‐Monats‐Follow‐up – ein randomisierter Vergleich]. Zeitschrift fur Kardiologie 1994;83 Suppl 5:109‐16. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0300‐5860] - PubMed
Karlson 1988 {published data only}
    1. Karlson BW, Torstensson I, Abjorn C, Jansson SO, Peterson LE. Disopyramide in the maintenance of sinus rhythm after electroconversion of atrial fibrillation. A placebo‐controlled one‐year follow‐up study. European Heart Journal 1988;9(3):284‐90. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0195‐668X] - PubMed
    1. Karlson BW, Torstensson I, Abjorn C, Kallryd A, Jonsson J, Jansson SO, et al. Preventive disopyramide after electroconversion of atrial fibrillation – a good alternative [Disopyramid som profylax efter elregularisering av formaksflimmer – ett bra alternativ]. Lakartidningen 1991;88(24):2242‐5. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0023‐7205] - PubMed
Kochiadakis 2000 {published data only}
    1. Kochiadakis GE, Igoumenidis NE, Marketou ME, Kaleboubas MD, Simantirakis EN, Vardas PE. Low dose amiodarone and sotalol in the treatment of recurrent, symptomatic atrial fibrillation: a comparative, placebo controlled study. Heart 2000;84(3):251‐7. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 1355‐6037] - PMC - PubMed
    1. Kochiadakis GE, Igoumenidis NE, Marketou ME, Solomou MC, Kanoupakis EM, Vardas PE. Low‐dose amiodarone versus sotalol for suppression of recurrent symptomatic atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1998;81(8):995‐8. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
    1. Kochiadakis GE, Marketou ME, Igoumenidis NE, Chrysostomakis SI, Mavrakis HE, Kaleboubas MD, et al. Amiodarone, sotalol, or propafenone in atrial fibrillation: which is preferred to maintain normal sinus rhythm?. Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology 2000;23(11 Pt 2):1883‐7. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0147‐8389] - PubMed
Kochiadakis 2004a {published data only}
    1. Kochiadakis GE, Igoumenidis NE, Hamilos MI, Tzerakis PG, Klapsinos NC, Zacharis EA, et al. Long‐term maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with current symptomatic atrial fibrillation: amiodarone vs propafenone, both in low doses. Chest 2004;125(2):377‐83. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0012‐3692] - PubMed
Kochiadakis 2004b {published data only}
    1. Kochiadakis GE, Igoumenidis NE, Hamilos ME, Tzerakis PG, Klapsinos NC, Chlouverakis GI, et al. Sotalol versus propafenone for long‐term maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with recurrent symptomatic atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 2004;94(12):1563‐6. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Kuhlkamp 2000 {published data only}
    1. Kuhlkamp V, Schirdewan A, Stangl K, Homberg M, Ploch M, Beck OA. Use of metoprolol CR/XL to maintain sinus rhythm after conversion from persistent atrial fibrillation: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2000;36(1):139‐46. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0735‐1097] - PubMed
Lloyd 1984 {published data only}
    1. Lloyd EA, Gersh BJ, Forman R. The efficacy of quinidine and disopyramide in the maintenance of sinus rhythm after electroconversion from atrial fibrillation. A double‐blind study comparing quinidine, disopyramide and placebo. South African Medical Journal 1984;65(10):367‐9. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0038‐2469] - PubMed
Naccarelli 1996 {published data only}
    1. Naccarelli GV, Dorian P, Hohnloser SH, Coumel P. Prospective comparison of flecainide versus quinidine for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter. American Journal of Cardiology 1996;77(3):53A‐9A. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Nergårdh 2007 {published data only}
    1. Nergårdh AK, Rosenqvist M, Nordlander R, Frick M. Maintenance of sinus rhythm with metoprolol CR initiated before cardioversion and repeated cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. European Heart Journal 2007;28(11):1351‐7. [PUBMED: PMID: 17329409] - PubMed
Niu 2006 {published data only}
    1. Niu F, Huang CX, Jiang H, Yang B, Guo WL, Chen YX, et al. Effects of amiodarone versus sotalol in treatment of atrial fibrillation: a random controlled clinical study. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2006;86(2):121‐3. [PUBMED: PMID: 16620720] - PubMed
Okishige 2000 {published data only}
    1. Okishige K, Nishizaki M, Azegami K, Igawa M, Yamawaki N, Aonuma K. Pilsicainide for conversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm in chronic atrial fibrillation: a placebo‐controlled, multicenter study. American Heart Journal 2000;140(3):e13. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐8703] - PubMed
PAFAC 2004 {published data only}
    1. Fetsch T, Bauer P, Engberding R, Koch HP, Lukl J, Meinertz T, et al. Prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion: results of the PAFAC trial. European Heart Journal 2004;25(16):1385‐94. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0195‐668X] - PubMed
    1. Fetsch T, Burschel G, Breithardt G, Engberding R, Koch HP, Lukl J, et al. Medicamentous prevention after electric cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation. Goals and design of the PAFAC Study [Die medikamentöse Prophylaxe nach elektronischer Kardioversion von chronischem Vorhofflimmern. Ziele und Design der PAFAC‐Studie]. Zeitschrift fur Kardiologie 1999;88(3):195‐207. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0300‐5860] - PubMed
PITAGORA 2008 {published data only}
    1. PITAGORA Study Investigators, Gulizia M, Mangiameli S, Orazi S, Chiarandà G, Piccione G, et al. A randomized comparison of amiodarone and class IC antiarrhythmic drugs to treat atrial fibrillation in patients paced for sinus node disease: the PITAGORA trial. American Heart Journal 2008;155(1):107.e1. [PUBMED: PMID: 18082498] - PubMed
Plewan 2001 {published data only}
    1. Plewan A, Lehmann G, Ndrepepa G, Schreieck J, Alt EU, Schomig A, et al. Maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation; sotalol vs bisoprolol. European Heart Journal 2001;22(16):1504‐10. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0195‐668X] - PubMed
PRODIS 1996 {published data only}
    1. Crijns HJ, Gosselink AT, Lie KI. Propafenone versus disopyramide for maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation: a randomized, double‐blind study. Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy 1996;10(2):145‐52. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0920‐3206] - PubMed
RAFT 2003 {published data only}
    1. Pritchett EL, Page RL, Carlson M, Undesser K, Fava G. Efficacy and safety of sustained‐release propafenone (propafenone SR) for patients with atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 2003;92(8):941‐6. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Reimold 1993 {published data only}
    1. Reimold SC, Cantillon CO, Friedman PL, Antman EM. Propafenone versus sotalol for suppression of recurrent symptomatic atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1993;71(7):558‐63. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Richiardi 1992 {published data only}
    1. Richiardi E, Gaita F, Greco C, Gaschino G, Comba Costa G, Rosettani E, et al. Propafenone versus hydroquinidine in long‐term pharmacological prophylaxis of atrial fibrillation [Propafenone versus idrochinidina nella profilassi farmacologica a lungo termine della fibrillazione atriale]. Cardiologia 1992;37(2):123‐7. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0393‐1978] - PubMed
SAFE‐T 2005 {published data only}
    1. Singh BN, Singh SN, Reda DJ, Tang XC, Lopez B, Harris CL, et al. Amiodarone versus sotalol for atrial fibrillation. New England Journal of Medicine 2005;352(18):1861‐72. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0028‐4793] - PubMed
    1. Singh SN, Singh BN, Reda DJ, Fye CL, Ezekowitz MD, Fletcher RD, et al. Comparison of sotalol versus amiodarone in maintaining stability of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (Sotalol‐Amiodarone Fibrillation Efficacy Trial [Safe‐T]). American Journal of Cardiology 2003;92(4):468‐72. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐9149] - PubMed
SAFIRE‐D 2000 {published data only}
    1. Singh S, Zoble RG, Yellen L, Brodsky MA, Feld GK, Berk M, et al. Efficacy and safety of oral dofetilide in converting to and maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter: the symptomatic atrial fibrillation investigative research on dofetilide (SAFIRE‐D) study. Circulation 2000;102(19):2385‐90. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0009‐7322] - PubMed
Santas 2012 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Santas E, Dominguez E, Martinez‐Brotons A, Ruiz‐Granell R, Ruiz V, Ferrero A, et al. Early withdrawal of amiodarone after cardioversion in atrial fibrillation patients treated with irbesartan. A prospective randomized study. European Heart Journal 2012;33 Suppl 1:380. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehs282; PUBMED: 23805432] - DOI - PubMed
Singh 1991 {published data only}
    1. Singh S, Saini RK, DiMarco J, Kluger J, Gold R, Chen YW. Efficacy and safety of sotalol in digitalized patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. The Sotalol Study Group. American Journal of Cardiology 1991;68(11):1227‐30. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
SMART 2002 {published data only}
    1. Atarashi H, Inoue H, Fukunami M, Sugi K, Hamada C, Origasa H. Double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of aprindine and digoxin for the prevention of symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Circulation Journal 2002;66(6):553‐6. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 1346‐9843] - PubMed
SOCESP 1999 {published data only}
    1. Veloso HH, Paola AA. Analysis of atrial fibrillation recurrence during therapy with sotalol or quinidine. Researchers of +SOCESP [Analise da recorrencia de fibrilacao atrial durante terapia com sotalol ou quinidina. Investigadores da SOCESP]. Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia 1998;70(1):43‐9. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0066‐782X] - PubMed
    1. Paola AA, Veloso HH. Efficacy and safety of sotalol versus quinidine for the maintenance of sinus rhythm after conversion of atrial fibrillation. SOCESP Investigators. American Journal of Cardiology 1999;84(9):1033‐7. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Sodermark 1975 {published data only}
    1. Sodermark T, Jonsson B, Olsson A, Oro L, Wallin H, Edhag O, et al. Effect of quinidine on maintaining sinus rhythm after conversion of atrial fibrillation or flutter. A multicentre study from Stockholm. British Heart Journal 1975;37(5):486‐92. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0007‐0769] - PMC - PubMed
SOPAT 2004 {published data only}
    1. Patten M, Koch HP, Sonntag F, Luderitz B, Meinertz T. Medicamentous prevention of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter onset. Goals and design of the SOPAT study. Executive committee of the investigators representing trial physicians [Die medikamentose Anfallsprophylaxe bei symptomatischem paroxysmalem Vorhofflimmern/‐flattern. Ziele und Design der SOPAT‐Studie. Investigators in Vertretung der Prufarzte]. Zeitschrift fur Kardiologie 1999;88(3):185‐94. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0300‐5860] - PubMed
    1. Patten M, Maas R, Bauer P, Luderitz B, Sonntag F, Dluzniewski M, et al. Suppression of paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias – results of the SOPAT trial. European Heart Journal 2004;25(16):1395‐404. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0195‐668X] - PubMed
Steinbeck 1988 {published data only}
    1. Steinbeck G, Doliwa R, Bach P. Therapy of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Cardiac glycosides alone or combined with anti‐arrhythmia agents? [Therapie des paroxysmalen Vorhofflimmerns. Herzglykoside allein oder in Kombination mit Antiarrhythmika?]. Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift 1988;113(48):1867‐71. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0012‐0472] - PubMed
Stroobandt 1997 {published data only}
    1. Stroobandt R, Stiels B, Hoebrechts R. Propafenone for conversion and prophylaxis of atrial fibrillation. Propafenone Atrial Fibrillation Trial Investigators. American Journal of Cardiology 1997;79(4):418‐23. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Van Gelder 1989 {published data only}
    1. Gelder IC, Crijns HJ, Gilst WH, Wijk LM, Hamer HP, Lie KI. Efficacy and safety of flecainide acetate in the maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. American Journal of Cardiology 1989;64(19):1317‐21. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
    1. Gelder IC, Crijns HJ, Gilst WH, Wijk LM, Hamer HP, Lie KI. Efficacy of flecainide to maintain sinus rhythm after cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation and flutter. Circulation 1988;78(4 Pt 2):III626. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0009‐7322]
Vijayalakshmi 2006 {published data only}
    1. Vijayalakshmi K, Whittaker VJ, Sutton A, Campbell P, Wright RA, Hall JA, et al. A randomized trial of prophylactic antiarrhythmic agents (amiodarone and sotalol) in patients with atrial fibrillation for whom direct current cardioversion is planned. American Heart Journal 2006;151(4):863.e1‐6. [PUBMED: 16569550] - PubMed
Villani 1992 {published data only}
    1. Villani R, Zoletti F, Veniani M, Locati F, Nava S. A comparison between amiodarone and disopyramide in a delayed‐release formulation in the prevention of recurrences of symptomatic atrial fibrillation [Confronto fra amiodarone e disopiramide in formulazione retard nella prevenzione delle recidive di fibrillazione atriale sintomatica]. La Clinica Terapeutica 1992;140(1 Pt 2):35‐9. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0009‐9074] - PubMed
Vitolo 1981 {published data only}
    1. Vitolo E, Tronci M, Larovere MT, Rumolo R, Morabito A. Amiodarone versus quinidine in the prophylaxis of atrial fibrillation. Acta Cardiologica 1981;36(6):431‐44. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0001‐5385] - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Aberg 1969 {published data only}
    1. Aberg H. Procaine amide as a prophylactic drug against atrial fibrillation. A controlled study [Prokainamid som profylax mot formaksflimmer. En kontrollerad studie]. Nordisk Medicin 1969;82(33):1011‐3. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0029‐1420] - PubMed
    1. Aberg H, Cullhed I. Procaine amide quinidine as prophylactic drugs against relapse of atrial fibrillation [Prokainamid och kinidin som profylaktikum mot recidiv av formaksflimmer]. Nordisk Medicin 1968;79(24):781‐2. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0029‐1420] - PubMed
Adamyan 2015 {published data only}
    1. Adamyan KG, Tunyan LG, Chilingaryan AL. Comparative efficacy of amiodarone with ivabradin combination or amiodarone with bisoprolol combination in the prevention of atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Rational Pharmacotherapy in Cardiology 2015;11(5):483‐8. [DOI: 10.20996/1819-6446-2015-11-5-483-488] - DOI
AF‐CHF 2002 {published data only}
    1. Atrial Fibrillation and Congestive Heart Failure (AF‐CHF) investigators. Rationale and design of a study assessing treatment strategies of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure: the Atrial Fibrillation and Congestive Heart Failure (AF‐CHF) trial. American Heart Journal 2002;144(4):597‐607. [PUBMED: PMID: 12360154] - PubMed
    1. Atrial Fibrillation and Congestive Heart Failure (AF‐CHF) investigators. Rationale and design of a study assessing treatment strategies of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure: the Atrial Fibrillation and Congestive Heart Failure (AF‐CHF) trial. American Heart Journal 2002;144(4):597‐607. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐8703, EMBASE 2002364426] - PubMed
AFFIRM 2002 {published data only}
    1. AFFIRM Investigators, Chung MK, Shemanski L, Sherman DG, Greene HL, Hogan DB, Kellen JC, et al. Functional status in rate‐ versus rhythm‐control strategies for atrial fibrillation: results of the Atrial Fibrillation Follow‐Up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) Functional Status Substudy. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2005;46(10):1891‐9. [PUBMED: PMID: 16286177] - PubMed
    1. AFFIRM Investigators, Corley SD, Epstein AE, DiMarco JP, Domanski MJ, Geller N, Greene HL, et al. Relationships between sinus rhythm, treatment, and survival in the Atrial Fibrillation Follow‐Up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) Study. Circulation 2004;109(12):1509‐13. [PUBMED: PMID: 15007003] - PubMed
    1. Wyse DG, Waldo AL, DiMarco JP, Domanski MJ, Rosenberg Y, Schron EB, et al. A comparison of rate control and rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation. New England Journal of Medicine 2002;347(23):1825‐33. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0028‐4793] - PubMed
Anderson 1994 {published data only}
    1. Anderson JL. Long‐term safety and efficacy of flecainide in the treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias: the United States experience. The Flecainide Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmia Investigators. American Journal of Cardiology 1992;70(5):11A‐7A. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
    1. Anderson JL, Gilbert EM, Alpert BL, Henthorn RW, Waldo AL, Bhandari AK, et al. Prevention of symptomatic recurrences of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients initially tolerating antiarrhythmic therapy. A multicenter, double‐blind, crossover study of flecainide and placebo with transtelephonic monitoring. Flecainide Supraventricular Tachycardia Study Group. Circulation 1989;80(6):1557‐70. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0009‐7322] - PubMed
    1. Anderson JL, Platt ML, Guarnieri T, Fox TL, Maser MJ, Pritchett EL. Flecainide acetate for paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. The Flecainide Supraventricular Tachycardia Study Group. American Journal of Cardiology 1994;74(6):578‐84. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Andromeda 2008 {published data only}
    1. Dronedarone Study Group, Køber L, Torp‐Pedersen C, McMurray JJ, Gøtzsche O, Lévy S, Crijns H, et al. Increased mortality after dronedarone therapy for severe heart failure. New England Journal of Medicine 2008;358(25):2678‐87. [PUBMED: 18565860] - PubMed
Antman 1990 {published data only}
    1. Antman EM, Beamer AD, Cantillon C, McGowan N, Friedman PL. Therapy of refractory symptomatic atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter: a staged care approach with new antiarrhythmic drugs. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1990;15(3):698‐707. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0735‐1097] - PubMed
    1. Antman EM, Beamer AD, Cantillon C, McGowan N, Goldman L, Friedman PL. Long‐term oral propafenone therapy for suppression of refractory symptomatic atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1988;12(4):1005‐11. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0735‐1097] - PubMed
Aros 1978 {published data only}
    1. Aros F, Valles V, Alegria E, Loma‐Osorio A, Malpartida F. Maintaining sinus rhythm with quinidine and amiodarone after electric cardioversion [Mantenimiento del ritmo sinusal con quinidina y amiodarona tras cardioversion electrica]. Revista Espanola de Cardiologia 1978;31(1 Pt 2):185‐91. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0300‐8932] - PubMed
Babuty 1999 {published data only}
    1. Babuty D, D'Hautefeuille B, Scheck F, Mycinsky C, Pruvost P, Peraudeau P. Cibenzoline versus flecainide in the prevention of paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias: a double‐blind randomized study. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 1995;35(5):471‐7. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0091‐2700] - PubMed
    1. Babuty D, Maison‐Blanche P, Fauchier L, Brembilla‐Perrot B, Medvedowsky JL, Bine‐Scheck F. Double‐blind comparison of cibenzoline versus flecainide in the prevention of recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias in 139 patients. Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology 1999;4(1):53‐9. [MEDLINE: ; EMBASE 1999048462; ISSN: 1082‐720X]
    1. Maison‐Blanche P, Brembilla‐Perrot B, Fauchier JP, Babuty D, Garnier LF, Rouesnel P, et al. Comparative study of cibenzoline and flecainide by oral route for preventing recurrence of paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias [Étude comparative de la cibenzoline et du flecaïnide administrés par voie orale dans la prévention de récidive des tachycardies auriculaires]. Annales de Cardiologie et d Angeiologie 1997;46(2):109‐16. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0003‐3928] - PubMed
Beck 1978 {published data only}
    1. Beck OA, Lehmann HU, Hochrein H. Propafenone and lidoflazine in chronic atrial fibrillation and flutter (author's translation) [Propafenon und Lidoflazin bei chronischem Vorhofflimmern und ‐flattern. Vergleichende Untersuchungen]. Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift 1978;103(26):1068‐72. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0012‐0472] - PubMed
Berns 1987 {published data only}
    1. Berns E, Rinkenberger RL, Jeang MK, Dougherty AH, Jenkins M, Naccarelli GV. Efficacy and safety of flecainide acetate for atrial tachycardia or fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1987;59(15):1337‐41. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Blevins 1987 {published data only}
    1. Blevins RD, Kerin NZ, Benaderet D, Frumin H, Faitel K, Jarandilla R, et al. Amiodarone in the management of refractory atrial fibrillation. Archives of Internal Medicine 1987;147(8):1401‐4. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0003‐9926] - PubMed
Blomstrom 1984 {published data only}
    1. Blomstrom P, Edvardsson N, Olsson SB. Amiodarone in atrial fibrillation. Acta Medica Scandinavica 1984;216(5):517‐24. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0001‐6101] - PubMed
Boissel 1981 {published data only}
    1. Boissel JP, Wolf E, Gillet J, Soubrane A, Cavallaro A, Mazoyer G, et al. Controlled trial of a long‐acting quinidine for maintenance of sinus rhythm after conversion of sustained atrial fibrillation. European Heart Journal 1981;2(1):49‐55. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0195‐668X] - PubMed
Brodsky 1987 {published data only}
    1. Brodsky MA, Allen BJ, Walker CJ 3rd, Casey TP, Luckett CR, Henry WL. Amiodarone for maintenance of sinus rhythm after conversion of atrial fibrillation in the setting of a dilated left atrium. American Journal of Cardiology 1987;60(7):572‐5. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
CHF‐STAF 1998 {published data only}
    1. Deedwania PC, Singh BN, Ellenbogen K, Fisher S, Fletcher R, Singh SN. Spontaneous conversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm by amiodarone in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation: observations from the Veterans Affairs Congestive Heart Failure Survival Trial of Antiarrhythmic Therapy (CHF‐STAT). Circulation 1998;98(23):2574‐9. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0009‐7322] - PubMed
Chun 1995 {published data only}
    1. Chun SH, Sager PT, Stevenson WG, Nademanee K, Middlekauff HR, Singh BN. Long‐term efficacy of amiodarone for the maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation or flutter. American Journal of Cardiology 1995;76(1):47‐50. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Clementy 1992 {published data only}
    1. Clementy J, Dulhoste MN, Laiter C, Denjoy I, Dos Santos P. Flecainide acetate in the prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a nine‐month follow‐up of more than 500 patients. American Journal of Cardiology 1992;70(5):44A‐9A. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Connolly 1989 {published data only}
    1. Connolly SJ, Hoffert DL. Usefulness of propafenone for recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1989;63(12):817‐9. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐9149] - PubMed
CTAF 2000 {published data only}
    1. Dorian P, Paquette M, Newman D, Green M, Connolly SJ, Talajic M, et al. Quality of life improves with treatment in the Canadian Trial of Atrial Fibrillation. American Heart Journal 2002;143(6):984‐90. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐8703] - PubMed
    1. Lumer GB, Roy D, Talajic M, Couturier A, Lambert J, Frasure‐Smith N, et al. Amiodarone reduces procedures and costs related to atrial fibrillation in a controlled clinical trial. European Heart Journal 2002;23(13):1050‐6. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0195‐668X] - PubMed
    1. Roy D, Talajic M, Dorian P, Connolly S, Eisenberg MJ, Green M, et al. Amiodarone to prevent recurrence of atrial fibrillation. Canadian Trial of Atrial Fibrillation Investigators. New England Journal of Medicine 2000;342(13):913‐20. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0028‐4793] - PubMed
    1. Roy D, Talajic M, Thibault B, Dubuc M, Nattel S, Eisenberg MJ, et al. Pilot study and protocol of the Canadian Trial of Atrial Fibrillation (CTAF). American Journal of Cardiology 1997;80(4):464‐8. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Cuan‐Perez 1971 {published data only}
    1. Cuan‐Perez M, Ortiz A. Comparative study of quinidine, propranolol and diphenylhydantoin for preventing recurrence in post‐cardioversion auricular fibrillation [Estudio comparativo entre quinidina, propranolol y difenil‐hidantoinato para prevenir la recaida en fibrilacion auricular post‐cardioversion]. Archivos del Instituto de Cardiologia de Mexico 1971;41(3):278‐84. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0020‐3785] - PubMed
Darkner 2014 {published data only}
    1. Darkner S, Chen X, Hansen J, Pehrson S, Johannessen A, Nielsen JB, et al. Recurrence of arrhythmia following short‐term oral AMIOdarone after CATheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study (AMIO‐CAT trial). European Heart Journal 2014;35(47):3356‐64. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehu354] - DOI - PubMed
Di Biase 2016 {published data only}
    1. Biase L, Mohanty P, Mohanty S, Santangeli P, Trivedi C, Lakkireddy D, et al. Ablation versus amiodarone for treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation in patients with congestive heart failure and an implanted device: results from the AATAC multicenter randomized trial. Circulation 2016;133(17):1637‐44. [DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.019406] - DOI - PubMed
Enriquez 2014 {published data only}
    1. Enriquez A, Conde D, Hopman W, Mondragon I, Chiale PA, Luna AB, et al. Advanced interatrial block is associated with recurrence of atrial fibrillation post pharmacological cardioversion. Cardiovascular Therapeutics 2014;32(2):52‐6. [DOI: 10.1111/1755-5922.12063] - DOI - PubMed
ERAFT 2002 {published data only}
    1. Meinertz T, Lip GY, Lombardi F, Sadowski ZP, Kalsch B, Camez A, et al. Efficacy and safety of propafenone sustained release in the prophylaxis of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The European Rythmol/Rytmonorm Atrial Fibrillation Trial (ERAFT) Study. American Journal of Cardiology 2002;90(12):1300‐6. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Faivre 1970 {published data only}
    1. Faivre G, Polu JM. Disopyramide in the preparation for electric shock in atrial fibrillation and in the maintenance of subsequent sinus rhythm [La disopiramide nella preparazione allo shock elettrico della fibrillazione atriale e nel mantenimento dell'ulteriore ritmo sinusale]. Minerva Medica 1970;61(71 Suppl):3745‐7. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0026‐4806] - PubMed
Farkowski 2012 {published data only}
    1. Farkowski MM, Maciag A, Dabrowski R, Pytkowski M, Kowalik I, Szwed H. Clinical efficacy of antazoline in rapid cardioversion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation – a protocol of a single center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study (the AnPAF Study). Trials 2012;13:162. [DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-13-162] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Fernández 1998 {published data only}
    1. Fernández JM, Martínez‐Marcos FJ, Ortega A, García JL, Camacho C, Santos JM, et al. Comparative study of propafenone, amiodarone and flecainide in the treatment of paroxystic atrial fibrillation [Estudio comparativo de propafenona, amiodarona y flecainida en el tratamiento de la fibrilación auricular paroxística]. Revista Espanola de Cardiologia 1998;51 Suppl 5:84. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0300‐8932]
Feyrer 2014 {published data only}
    1. Feyrer R, Ballazhi F, Seitz T, Weyand M, Harig F. Impact of medical treatment on long‐term results after surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgical patients. Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2014;20(3):207‐12. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Fragakis 2012 {published data only}
    1. Fragakis N, Koskinas KC, Katritsis DG, Pagourelias ED, Zografos T, Geleris P. Comparison of effectiveness of ranolazine plus amiodarone versus amiodarone alone for conversion of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 2012;110(5):673‐7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2012.04.044; PUBMED: 22621799] - DOI - PubMed
    1. Koskinas KC, Fragakis N, Pagourelias ED, Rossios K, Abramidou A, Sotiriou P, et al. Ranolazine added to amiodarone vs. amiodarone alone for the conversion of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation. European Heart Journal 2012;33 Suppl 1:383. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehs282; PUBMED: 23805432] - DOI - PubMed
Frances 1985 {published data only}
    1. Frances Y, Luccioni R, Delaage M, Donnarel G, Medvedowsky JL, Quiret JC. Long‐term prevention of the recurrence of auricular fibrillation using cibenzoline. Multicenter study apropos of 89 case reports [Prevention au long cours des recidives de fibrillation auriculaire par la cibenzoline. Etude multicentrique a propos de 89 observations]. Archives des Maladies du Coeur et des Vaisseaux 1985;78(Spec No):99‐103. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0003‐9683] - PubMed
Galperin 2014 {published data only}
    1. Galperin J, Elizari MV, Bonato R, Ledesma R, Vazquez Blanco M, Lago M, et al. Short‐term amiodarone therapy after reversion of persistent atrial fibrillation reduces recurrences at 18 months. Cardiology Journal 2014;21(4):397‐404. [DOI: 10.5603/CJ.a2013.0152; PUBMED: 24293165] - DOI - PubMed
Gold 1986 {published data only}
    1. Gold RL, Haffajee CI, Charos G, Sloan K, Baker S, Alpert JS. Amiodarone for refractory atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1986;57(1):124‐7. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Gosselink 1992 {published data only}
    1. Gosselink AT, Crijns HJ, Gelder IC, Hillige H, Wiesfeld AC, Lie KI. Low‐dose amiodarone for maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation or flutter. JAMA 1992;267(24):3289‐93. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0098‐7484] - PubMed
Graboys 1983 {published data only}
    1. Graboys TB, Podrid PJ, Lown B. Efficacy of amiodarone for refractory supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. American Heart Journal 1983;106(4 Pt 2):870‐6. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐8703] - PubMed
Gramley 2011 {published data only}
    1. Gramley F, Koellensperger E, Munzel T, Kettering KC. Dronedarone therapy after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: a new hybrid therapy option. Europace 2011;13 Suppl 3:NP. [DOI: ]
Grigoryan 2011 {published data only}
    1. Grigoryan S, Hazarapetyan LGC. Procoralan as a preventive treatment for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. European Heart Journal 2011;32 Suppl 1:624. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehr323] - DOI
Gu 2012 {published data only}
    1. Gu J, Liu X, Tan H, Zhou L, Gu J, Jiang W, et al. Extensive antiarrhythmic drugs after catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation. Acta Cardiologica 2012;67(4):407‐14. [PUBMED: 22997994] - PubMed
GUSTO 2002 {published data only}
    1. Wong CK, White HD, Wilcox RG, Criger DA, Califf RM, Topol EJ, Ohman EM. Management and outcome of patients with atrial fibrillation during acute myocardial infarction: the GUSTO‐III experience. Global use of strategies to open occluded coronary arteries. Heart 2002;88(4):357‐62. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 1355‐6037] - PMC - PubMed
Hammill 1988 {published data only}
    1. Hammill SC, Wood DL, Gersh BJ, Osborn MJ, Holmes DR Jr. Propafenone for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1988;61(6):473‐4. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Härtel 1970 {published data only}
    1. Hartel G, Louhija A, Konttinen A, Halonen PI. Value of quinidine in maintenance of sinus rhythm after electric conversion of atrial fibrillation. British Heart Journal 1970;32(1):57‐60. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0007‐0769] - PMC - PubMed
    1. Härtel G, Louhija A, Halonen PI. Investigations on the value of quinidine therapy after electrical rhythmization of atrial fibrillation [Untersuchungen über den Wert der Chinidinbehandlung nach elektrischer Rhythmisierung von Vorhofflimmern]. Die Medizinische Welt 1969;20(25):1464. [MEDLINE: ; CENTRAL: CN‐00247601]
    1. Härtel G, Louhija A, Halonen PI. The value of quinidine therapy in order to maintain sinus rhythm after electrical rhythmization of atrial fibrillation [Der Wert der Chinidinbehandlung für die Erhaltung des Sinusrhythmus nach elektrischer Rhythmisierung von Vorhofflimmern]. Klinische Wochenschrift 1969;47(17):942. [MEDLINE: ; CENTRAL: CN‐00247602; ISSN: 0023‐2173]
Hartel 1974 {published data only}
    1. Hartel G, Louhija A, Konttinen A. Disopyramide in the prevention of recurrence of atrial fibrillation after electroconversion. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1974;15(6):551‐5. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0009‐9236] - PubMed
Hopson 1996 {published data only}
    1. Hopson JR, Buxton AE, Rinkenberger RL, Nademanee K, Heilman JM, Kienzle MG. Safety and utility of flecainide acetate in the routine care of patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias: results of a multicenter trial. The Flecainide Supraventricular Tachycardia Study Group. American Journal of Cardiology 1996;77(3):72A‐82A. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Horowitz 1985 {published data only}
    1. Horowitz LN, Spielman SR, Greenspan AM, Mintz GS, Morganroth J, Brown R, et al. Use of amiodarone in the treatment of persistent and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation resistant to quinidine therapy. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1985;6(6):1402‐7. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0735‐1097] - PubMed
HOT‐CAFE 2004 {published data only}
    1. Opolski G, Torbicki A, Kosior D, Stolarz P, Dawidowska R, Zawadzka M, et al. Should sinus rhythm be restored in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation? Preliminary results from the Polish "Hot Cafe" study [Czy przywracac rytm zatokowy u chorych z przewleklym migotaniem przedsionkow? Wstepne wyniki polskiego badania "Hot Cafe"]. Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej 1999;101(5):413‐8. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0032‐3772] - PubMed
    1. Opolski G, Torbicki A, Kosior D, Szulc M, Zawadzka M, Pierscinska M, et al. Rhythm control versus rate control in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Results of the HOT CAFE Polish Study. Kardiologia Polska 2003;59(7):1‐16. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN 0022‐9032] - PubMed
    1. Opolski G, Torbicki A, Kosior DA, Szulc M, Wozakowska‐Kaplon B, Kolodziej P, et al. Rate control vs rhythm control in patients with nonvalvular persistent atrial fibrillation: the results of the Polish How to Treat Chronic Atrial Fibrillation (HOT CAFE) Study. Chest 2004;126(2):476‐86. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0012‐3692] - PubMed
Ishiguro 2008 {published data only}
    1. Ishiguro H, Ikeda T, Abe A, Tsukada T, Mera H, Nakamura K, et al. Antiarrhythmic effect of bisoprolol, a highly selective beta1‐blocker, in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. International Heart Journal 2008;49(3):281‐93. [PUBMED: 18612186] - PubMed
J‐BAF 2009 {published data only}
    1. J‐BAF Investigators, Yamashita T, Ogawa S, Sato T, Aizawa Y, Atarashi H, Fujiki A, et al. Dose‐response effects of bepridil in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation monitored with transtelephonic electrocardiograms: a multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study (J‐BAF Study). Circulation Journal 2009;73(6):1020‐7. [PUBMED: PMID: 19359813] - PubMed
Jong 2006 {published data only}
    1. Jong GP, Chang MH, Chang TC, Chou P, Fu CY, Tien LY, et al. Long‐term efficacy and safety of very‐low‐dose amiodarone treatment for the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation after successful direct‐current cardioversion. Chinese Medical Journal (English) 2006;119(24):2030‐5. [PUBMED: PMID: 17199952] - PubMed
J‐RHYTHM 2009 {published data only}
    1. J‐RHYTHM Investigators, Ogawa S, Yamashita T, Yamazaki T, Aizawa Y, Atarashi H, Inoue H, et al. Optimal treatment strategy for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: J‐RHYTHM Study. Circulation Journal 2009;73(2):242‐8. [PUBMED: PMID: 19060419] - PubMed
Kanoupakis 2004 {published data only}
    1. Kanoupakis EM, Manios EG, Mavrakis HE, Tzerakis PG, Mouloudi HK, Vardas PE. Comparative effects of carvedilol and amiodarone on conversion and recurrence rates of persistent atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 2004;94(5):659‐62. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Kennelly 1977 {published data only}
    1. Kennelly BM. Comparison of lidoflazine and quinidine in prophylactic treatment of arrhythmias. British Heart Journal 1977;39(5):540‐6. [MEDLINE: ; CENTRAL: CN‐00345795; ISSN: 0007‐0769] - PMC - PubMed
Kerr 1988 {published data only}
    1. Kerr CR, Klein GJ, Axelson JE, Cooper JC. Propafenone for prevention of recurrent atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1988;61(11):914‐6. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
Khitri 2012 {published data only}
    1. Khitri AR, Aliot EM, Capucci A, Connolly SJ, Crijns H, Hohnloser SH, et al. Celivarone for maintenance of sinus rhythm and conversion of atrial fibrillation/flutter. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 2012;23(5):462‐72. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2011.02234.x; PUBMED: 22171925] - DOI - PubMed
Komatsu 2006 {published data only}
    1. Komatsu T, Sato Y, Tachibana H, Nakamura M, Horiuchi D, Okumura K. Randomized crossover study of the long‐term effects of pilsicainide and cibenzoline in preventing recurrence of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: influence of the duration of arrhythmia before therapy. Circulation Journal 2006;70(6):667‐72. [PUBMED: 16723785] - PubMed
Kosior 2001 {published data only}
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Meng 2015 {published data only}
    1. Meng Z, Tan J, He Q, Zhu M, Li X, Zhang J, et al. Wenxin Keli versus sotalol for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation caused by hyperthyroidism: a prospective, open label, and randomized study. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2015;2015:101904. [DOI: 10.1155/2015/101904] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Mizutani 1995 {published data only}
    1. Mizutani N, Oki Y, Wakida Y, Iwa T, Haga M, Mizutani K, et al. Pilsicainide in the acute conversion and the prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Japanese Pharmacology & Therapeutics 1995;23(7):113‐20. [MEDLINE: ; EMBASE 1995251738]
Mont 2014 {published data only}
    1. Mont L, Bisbal F, Hernández‐Madrid A, Pérez‐Castellano N, Viñolas X, Arenal A, et al. SARA investigators. Catheter ablation vs. antiarrhythmic drug treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation: a multicentre, randomized, controlled trial (SARA study). European Heart Journal 2014;35(8):501‐7. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht457] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
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Opolski 1997 {published data only}
    1. Opolski G, Stanislawska J, Gorecki A, Swiecicka G, Torbicki A, Kraska T. Amiodarone in restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation after unsuccessful direct‐current cardioversion. Clinical Cardiology 1997;20(4):337‐40. [MEDLINE: ; ISSN: 0160‐9289] - PMC - PubMed
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PEPS 2002 {published data only}
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Pietersen 1991 {published data only}
    1. Pietersen AH, Hellemann H. Usefulness of flecainide for prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and flutter. Danish‐Norwegian Flecainide Multicenter Study Group. American Journal of Cardiology 1991;67(8):713‐7. [MEDLINE: ; EMBASE 1991186337; ISSN: 0002‐9149] - PubMed
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RACE 2002 {published data only}
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VEPARAF 2003 {published data only}
    1. Simone A, Pasquale M, Matteis C, Canciello M, Manzo M, Sabino L, et al. VErapamil plus antiarrhythmic drugs reduce atrial fibrillation recurrences after an electrical cardioversion (VEPARAF Study). European Heart Journal 2003;25(15):1425‐9. [MEDLINE: ; 0195‐668X] - PubMed
Wanless 1997 {published data only}
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Zehender 1992 {published data only}
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References to ongoing studies

Park 2017 {published data only}
    1. Park YM, Cha MS, Kang WC, Han SH, Koh KK, Ahn T, et al. Efficacy of short‐ and long‐term antiarrhythmic use (flecainide) in maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with first developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation; prospective‐randomized study, interim analysis. Heart Rhythm 2017;14(5 Suppl 1):S304.
    1. Park YM, Cha MS, Kang WC, Han SH, Koh KK, Ahn T, et al. Efficacy of short‐and long‐term anti‐arrhythmic use in maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with first developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation; prospective‐randomized study, interim analysis. Europace 2017;19(Suppl 3):iii46.

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References to other published versions of this review

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