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. 2024 Jun 3;6(6):CD013255.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013255.pub2.

External electrical and pharmacological cardioversion for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or atrial tachycardias: a network meta-analysis

Kishore Kukendrarajah  1 , Mahmood Ahmad  2 , Mafalda Carrington  3 , Adam Ioannou  4 , Julie Taylor  5 , Yousuf Razvi  6 , Nikolaos Papageorgiou  7 , Gillian E Mead  8 , Immaculate F Nevis  9 , Fabrizio D'Ascenzo  10 , Stephen B Wilton  11 , Pier D Lambiase  12 , Carlos A Morillo  13 , Joey Sw Kwong  14 , Rui Providencia  7
Affiliations

External electrical and pharmacological cardioversion for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or atrial tachycardias: a network meta-analysis

Kishore Kukendrarajah et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent sustained arrhythmia. Cardioversion is a rhythm control strategy to restore normal/sinus rhythm, and can be achieved through drugs (pharmacological) or a synchronised electric shock (electrical cardioversion).

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of pharmacological and electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter and atrial tachycardias.

Search methods: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCI-S) and three trials registers (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP and ISRCTN) on 14 February 2023.

Selection criteria: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) at the individual patient level. Patient populations were aged ≥ 18 years with AF of any type and duration, atrial flutter or other sustained related atrial arrhythmias, not occurring as a result of reversible causes.

Data collection and analysis: We used standard Cochrane methodology to collect data and performed a network meta-analysis using the standard frequentist graph-theoretical approach using the netmeta package in R. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence which we presented in our summary of findings with a judgement on certainty. We calculated differences using risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as well as ranking treatments using a P value. We assessed clinical and statistical heterogeneity and split the networks for the primary outcome and acute procedural success, due to concerns about violating the transitivity assumption.

Main results: We included 112 RCTs (139 records), from which we pooled data from 15,968 patients. The average age ranged from 47 to 72 years and the proportion of male patients ranged from 38% to 92%. Seventy-nine trials were considered to be at high risk of bias for at least one domain, 32 had no high risk of bias domains, but had at least one domain classified as uncertain risk, and one study was considered at low risk for all domains. For paroxysmal AF (35 trials), when compared to placebo, anteroapical (AA)/anteroposterior (AP) biphasic truncated exponential waveform (BTE) cardioversion (RR: 2.42; 95% CI 1.65 to 3.56), quinidine (RR: 2.23; 95% CI 1.49 to 3.34), ibutilide (RR: 2.00; 95% CI 1.28 to 3.12), propafenone (RR: 1.98; 95% CI 1.67 to 2.34), amiodarone (RR: 1.69; 95% CI 1.42 to 2.02), sotalol (RR: 1.58; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.31) and procainamide (RR: 1.49; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.97) likely result in a large increase in maintenance of sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow-up (certainty of evidence: moderate). The effect size was larger for AA/AP incremental and was progressively smaller for the subsequent interventions. Despite low certainty of evidence, antazoline may result in a large increase (RR: 28.60; 95% CI 1.77 to 461.30) in this outcome. Similarly, low-certainty evidence suggests a large increase in this outcome for flecainide (RR: 2.17; 95% CI 1.68 to 2.79), vernakalant (RR: 2.13; 95% CI 1.52 to 2.99), and magnesium (RR: 1.73; 95% CI 0.79 to 3.79). For persistent AF (26 trials), one network was created for electrical cardioversion and showed that, when compared to AP BTE incremental energy with patches, AP BTE maximum energy with patches (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.55) likely results in a large increase, and active compression AP BTE incremental energy with patches (RR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.131) likely results in an increase in maintenance of sinus rhythm at hospital discharge or end of study follow-up (certainty of evidence: high). Use of AP BTE incremental with paddles (RR: 1.03, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.09; certainty of evidence: low) may lead to a slight increase, and AP MDS Incremental paddles (RR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.05; certainty of evidence: low) may lead to a slight decrease in efficacy. On the other hand, AP MDS incremental energy using patches (RR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.87), AA RBW incremental energy with patches (RR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.88), AP RBW incremental energy with patches (RR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.86), AA MDS incremental energy with patches (RR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.86) and AA MDS incremental energy with paddles (RR: 0.68, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.83) probably result in a decrease in this outcome when compared to AP BTE incremental energy with patches (certainty of evidence: moderate). The network for pharmacological cardioversion showed that bepridil (RR: 2.29, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.17) and quindine (RR: 1.53, (95% CI 1.01 to 2.32) probably result in a large increase in maintenance of sinus rhythm at hospital discharge or end of study follow-up when compared to amiodarone (certainty of evidence: moderate). Dofetilide (RR: 0.79, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.44), sotalol (RR: 0.89, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.18), propafenone (RR: 0.79, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.25) and pilsicainide (RR: 0.39, 95% CI 0.02 to 7.01) may result in a reduction in this outcome when compared to amiodarone, but the certainty of evidence is low. For atrial flutter (14 trials), a network could be created only for antiarrhythmic drugs. Using placebo as the common comparator, ibutilide (RR: 21.45, 95% CI 4.41 to 104.37), propafenone (RR: 7.15, 95% CI 1.27 to 40.10), dofetilide (RR: 6.43, 95% CI 1.38 to 29.91), and sotalol (RR: 6.39, 95% CI 1.03 to 39.78) probably result in a large increase in the maintenance of sinus rhythm at hospital discharge or end of study follow-up (certainty of evidence: moderate), and procainamide (RR: 4.29, 95% CI 0.63 to 29.03), flecainide (RR 3.57, 95% CI 0.24 to 52.30) and vernakalant (RR: 1.18, 95% CI 0.05 to 27.37) may result in a large increase in maintenance of sinus rhythm at hospital discharge or end of study follow-up (certainty of evidence: low). All tested electrical cardioversion strategies for atrial flutter had very high efficacy (97.9% to 100%). The rate of mortality (14 deaths) and stroke or systemic embolism (3 events) at 30 days was extremely low. Data on quality of life were scarce and of uncertain clinical significance. No information was available regarding heart failure readmissions. Data on duration of hospitalisation was scarce, of low quality, and could not be pooled.

Authors' conclusions: Despite the low quality of evidence, this systematic review provides important information on electrical and pharmacological strategies to help patients and physicians deal with AF and atrial flutter. In the assessment of the patient comorbidity profile, antiarrhythmic drug onset of action and side effect profile versus the need for a physician with experience in sedation, or anaesthetics support for electrical cardioversion are key aspects when choosing the cardioversion method.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

RP: none known

DC: none known

JT: none known

KKR: none known

MA: None known

NP: none known

AI: none known

GEM: none known

IIFN: none known

SBW: received unrestricted grant support from Medtronic Canada, Boston Scientific, and Abbott, for work unrelated to the review topic, and consulting fees from Arca Biopharma for work on an atrial fibrillation clinical trial

PL: receives speaker fees and educational grant funding from Boston Scientific, and educational grant funding from Medtronic for work unrelated to the content of this Cochrane Review

CAM: declared conflicts not related with the current work

RP, KKR and JSKW are Editors for Cochrane but were not involved in the editorial process.

Figures

1
1
PRISMA Flow diagram
2
2
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3
Risk of Bias proportions
4
4
Network Graphs Shaded areas indicate mulitple arm trials, Thickness of bar corresponds to total amount of patients in that direct comparison. A ‐ Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (Paroxysmal AF) and Acute procedural success (Paroxysmal AF) B ‐ Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (Persistent AF: Drugs) C ‐ Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (Persistent AF: Electrical Cardioversion) and Acute procedural success (Persistent AF: Electrical Cardioversion) D ‐ Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (Atrial Flutter) and Acute procedural success (Atrial Flutter) E ‐ 30 day all cause mortality F ‐ 30 day cardiovascular mortality AP = Anteroposterior, AA = Anteroapical, BTE = Biphasic Truncated Exponential, RBW = Rectilinear Biphasic Waveform, MDS = Monophasic Damped Sinewave
5
5
Forest plot assessing incoherence (local inconsistency) in network meta‐analysis for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Paroxysmal AF. BTE = Biphasic Truncated Exponential
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Paroxysmal AF, 34 trials, Random‐Effects model
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Summary of Findings Table: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Paroxysmal AF
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Electrical Cardioversion, Persistent AF, 8 Trials, Fixed‐Effect Model. AP = Anteroposterior, AA = Anteroapical, BTE = Biphasic Truncated Exponential, RBW = Rectilinear Biphasic Waveform, MDS = Monophasic Damped Sinewave, DCCV = Direct Current Cardioversion
17
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Summary of Findings: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Persistent AF for Electrical Cardioversion
18
18
Pairwise analysis
19
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Persistent AF, 12 Trials, Fixed‐Effect Model
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Summary of Findings Table: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Persistent AF
21
21
Pairwise analysis
22
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Pairwise analysis
23
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Pairwise analysis
24
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25
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Pairwise analysis
26
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Atrial Flutter, 10 trials, Fixed‐Effect Model
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Summary of Findings Table: Sinus until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Atrial Flutter
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28
Pairwise analysis
29
29
Pairwise analysis
30
30
Forest plot for acute procedural success, Paroxysmal AF, 34 trials, Random‐Effects model. BTE: Biphasic Truncated Exponential
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31
Forest plot assessing incoherence (local inconsistency) in network meta‐analysis for acute procedural success, Paroxysmal AF. BTE: Biphasic Truncated Exponential
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Summary of Findings: Acute procedural success, Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation.
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33
Pairwise analysis
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34
Pairwise analysis
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35
Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Forest plot for acute procedural success, Electrical cardioversion, Persistent AF, 8 trials, Fixed‐Effect model. AP: anteroposterior, AA: anteroapical, BTE: biphasic truncated exponential, RBW: rectilinear biphasic waveform, MDS: monophasic damped sinewave, DCCV: direct current cardioversion
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Summary of Findings Table: Acute procedural success, Electrical Cardioversion, Persistent AF
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43
Pairwise analysis
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Forest plot for acute procedural success, Atrial Flutter, 10 trials, Fixed‐Effect Model
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Summary of Findings Table: Acute procedural success, Atrial Flutter
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Summary of Findings Table: Stroke, Systemic embolism or TIA in first 30 days following cardioversion
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Forest plot for 30‐day all‐cause mortality, 6 trials, Fixed‐Effect model
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Summary of Findings Table: 30‐day all‐cause mortality, All AF/Atrial Flutter patients.
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Pairwise analysis
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Forest plot for 30‐day cardiovascular mortality, 4 trials, Fixed‐Effect model
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Summary of Findings Table: 30 day cardiovascular mortality, All AF/Atrial Flutter patients.
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Summary of Findings Table: Duration of Hospital Stay
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Paroxysmal AF, sensitivity analysis for evidence of trial registration before enrolment. 5 Trials.
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Paroxysmal AF, sensitivity analysis for evidence of trial registration before, during or after enrolment. 7 Trials. BTE: biphasic truncated exponential.
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, paroxysmal AF, sensitivity analysis for highest quartile of participants. 3 Trials. BTE: biphasic truncated exponential.
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Paroxysmal AF, sensitivity analysis without quasi‐randomised trials. 32 trials. BTE: biphasic truncated exponential.
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Electrical Cardioversion, Persistent AF, sensitivity analysis without quasi‐randomised trials. 7 Trials. AP: anteroposterior, AA: anteroapical, BTE: biphasic truncated exponential, RBW: rectilinear biphasic waveform, MDS: monophasic damped sinewave, DCCV: direct current cardioversion
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Paroxysmal AF, subgroup analysis for intravenous route only. 29 Trials. BTE: biphasic truncated exponential.
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, Paroxysmal AF, subgroup analysis for oral route only. 4 Trials.
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, persistent AF, sensitivity analysis for intravenous route only. 3 Trials.
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Forest plot for sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up, persistent AF, subgroup analysis for oral route only. 8 Trials.
1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1: Flecainide vs amiodarone, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (paroxysmal AF)
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1: Flecainide vs amiodarone, Outcome 2: Acute procedural success (paroxysmal AF)
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2: Flecainide vs propafenone, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (paroxysmal AF)
2.2
2.2. Analysis
Comparison 2: Flecainide vs propafenone, Outcome 2: Acute procedural success (paroxysmal AF)
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3: Amiodarone vs propafenone, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (paroxysmal AF)
3.2
3.2. Analysis
Comparison 3: Amiodarone vs propafenone, Outcome 2: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (persistent AF)
3.3
3.3. Analysis
Comparison 3: Amiodarone vs propafenone, Outcome 3: Acute procedural success (paroxysmal AF)
4.1
4.1. Analysis
Comparison 4: Amiodarone vs placebo, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (paroxysmal AF)
4.2
4.2. Analysis
Comparison 4: Amiodarone vs placebo, Outcome 2: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (persistent AF)
4.3
4.3. Analysis
Comparison 4: Amiodarone vs placebo, Outcome 3: 30‐day all‐cause mortality
4.4
4.4. Analysis
Comparison 4: Amiodarone vs placebo, Outcome 4: 30‐day cardiovascular mortality
4.5
4.5. Analysis
Comparison 4: Amiodarone vs placebo, Outcome 5: Stroke or systemic embolism at 30 days
4.6
4.6. Analysis
Comparison 4: Amiodarone vs placebo, Outcome 6: Acute procedural success (paroxysmal AF)
5.1
5.1. Analysis
Comparison 5: Dofetilide vs placebo, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (atrial flutter)
5.2
5.2. Analysis
Comparison 5: Dofetilide vs placebo, Outcome 2: Acute procedural success (atrial flutter)
6.1
6.1. Analysis
Comparison 6: Propafenone vs placebo, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (paroxysmal AF)
6.2
6.2. Analysis
Comparison 6: Propafenone vs placebo, Outcome 2: Acute procedural success (paroxysmal AF)
7.1
7.1. Analysis
Comparison 7: Vernakalant vs placebo, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (paroxysmal AF)
7.2
7.2. Analysis
Comparison 7: Vernakalant vs placebo, Outcome 2: Acute procedural success (paroxysmal AF)
7.3
7.3. Analysis
Comparison 7: Vernakalant vs placebo, Outcome 3: Stroke or systemic embolism at 30 days
7.4
7.4. Analysis
Comparison 7: Vernakalant vs placebo, Outcome 4: 30‐day all‐cause mortality
7.5
7.5. Analysis
Comparison 7: Vernakalant vs placebo, Outcome 5: 30‐day cardiovascular mortality
8.1
8.1. Analysis
Comparison 8: Magnesium vs placebo, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (paroxysmal AF)
8.2
8.2. Analysis
Comparison 8: Magnesium vs placebo, Outcome 2: Acute procedural success (paroxysmal AF)
9.1
9.1. Analysis
Comparison 9: Amiodarone vs quinidine, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (persistent AF)
10.1
10.1. Analysis
Comparison 10: Ibutilide vs placebo, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (atrial flutter)
10.2
10.2. Analysis
Comparison 10: Ibutilide vs placebo, Outcome 2: Acute procedural success (atrial flutter)
11.1
11.1. Analysis
Comparison 11: AP BTE incremental vs AP MDS incremental, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (persistent AF)
11.2
11.2. Analysis
Comparison 11: AP BTE incremental vs AP MDS incremental, Outcome 2: Acute procedural success (persistent AF)
12.1
12.1. Analysis
Comparison 12: Sotalol vs placebo, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (persistent AF)
12.2
12.2. Analysis
Comparison 12: Sotalol vs placebo, Outcome 2: 30‐day cardiovascular mortality
12.3
12.3. Analysis
Comparison 12: Sotalol vs placebo, Outcome 3: 30‐day all‐cause mortality
13.1
13.1. Analysis
Comparison 13: Procainamide vs amiodarone, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (paroxysmal AF)
13.2
13.2. Analysis
Comparison 13: Procainamide vs amiodarone, Outcome 2: Acute procedural success (paroxysmal AF)
14.1
14.1. Analysis
Comparison 14: Amiodarone vs sotalol, Outcome 1: Sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow‐up (persistent AF)
14.2
14.2. Analysis
Comparison 14: Amiodarone vs sotalol, Outcome 2: 30‐day cardiovascular mortality
14.3
14.3. Analysis
Comparison 14: Amiodarone vs sotalol, Outcome 3: 30‐day all‐cause mortality
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    1. Cotter G, Blatt A, Kaluski E, Metzkor-Cotter E, Koren M, Litinski I, et al. Conversion of recent onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm: the effect of no treatment and high-dose amiodarone. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. European Heart Journal 1999;20(24):1833-42. - PubMed
Cybulski 2003 {published data only}
    1. Cybulski J, Kułakowski P, Budaj A, Danielewicz H, Maciejewicz J, Kawka-Urbanek T, et al. Intravenous amiodarone for cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fbrillation. Clinical Cardiology 2003;26(7):329–35. [DOI: 10.1002/clc.4950260707] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
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    1. Ellenbogen KA, Stambler BS, Wood MA, Sager PT, Wesley RC Jr, Meissner MC, et al. Efficacy of intravenous ibutilide for rapid termination of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter: a dose-response study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1996;28(1):130-6. - PubMed
Fak 1997 {published data only}
    1. Fak AS, Tezcan H, Caymaz O, Tokay S, Oktay S, Oktay A, et al. Efficacy of intravenous propafenone in converting atrial fibrillation and flutter in sinus rhythm. Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi Arsivi [Turkish] 1997;25(7):406-11 + 390-1. 19330746
    1. Fak AS, Tezcan H, Caymaz O, Tokay S, Oktay S, Oktay A. Intravenous propafenone for conversion of atrial fibrillation or flutter to sinus rhythm: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacological Therapy 1997;2(4):251-8. - PubMed
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    1. Falk RH, Pollak A, Singh SN, Friedrich T. Intravenous dofetilide, a class III antiarrhythmic agent, for the termination of sustained atrial fibrillation or flutter. Intravenous Dofetilide Investigators. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1997;29(2):385-90. - PubMed
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    1. Fresco C, Proclemer A, Pavan A, Buia G, Vicentini A, Pavan D, et al, Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Italian Trial (PAFIT)-2 Investigators. Intravenous propafenone in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial. Clinical Cardiology 1996;19(5):409-12. - PubMed
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    1. Galperin J, Elizari MV, Chiale PA, Molina RT, Ledesma R, Scapin AO, et al, Gefca Investigators-Gema Group, Buenos Aires Argentina. 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 Pharmacological Therapy 2001;6(4):341-50. - PubMed
Ganau 1998 {published data only}
    1. Ganau G, Lenzi T, FAPS Investigators Study Group. Intravenous propafenone for converting recent onset atrial fibrillation in emergency departments: a randomized placebo-controlled multicenter trial. Journal of Emergency Medicine 1998;16(3):383-7. - PubMed
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    1. Halinen MO, Huttunen M, Paakkinen S, Tarssanen L. Comparison of sotalol with digoxin-quinidine for conversion of acute atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm (the Sotalol-Digoxin-Quinidine Trial). American Journal of Cardiology 1995;76(7):495-8. - PubMed
Hohnloser 1995 {published data only}
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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;94:659-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2004.05.037] - DOI - PubMed
Khaykin 2003 {published data only}
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    1. Kim ML, Kim SG, Park DS, Gross JN, Ferrick KJ, Palma EC, et al. Comparison of rectilinear biphasic waveform energy versus truncated exponential biphasic waveform energy for transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 2004;94(11):1438-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2004.07.149] [PMID: ] - DOI - PubMed
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Kirchhof 2005 {published data only}
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Kochiadakis 1999a {published data only}
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Kochiadakis 2007 {published data only}
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    1. Kosior D, Kochanowski J, Scislo P, Piątkowski R, Postula M, Rabczenko D, et al. Efficacy and safety of oral propafenone versus quinidine in restoring sinus rhythm in patients with an attack of atrial fibrillation - a prospective randomized study [Skuteczność i bezpieczeństwo doustnego propafenonu versus chinidyny w przywracaniu rytmu zatokowego u chorych z napadem migotania przedsionków - prospektywne badanie randomizowane]. Folia Cardiologica Excerpta 2009;4(6):360-6.
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Lindeboom 2000 {published data only}
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    1. Farkowski M, Maciag A, Chwyczko T, Beckowski M, Syska P, Kowalik I, et al. Clinical efficacy of antazoline in rapid cardioversion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a single centre, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study. European Heart Journal 2015;Suppl 1:906. 19330748]
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Martínez‐Marcos 2000 {published data only}
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Mattioli 1998 {published data only}
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Mortensen 2007 {published data only}
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Neumann 2004 {published data only}
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Nogic 2022 {published data only}
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Schmidt 2021 {published data only}
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Vijayalakshmi 2006 {published data only}
    1. Vijayalakshmi K, Sutton AGC, Campbell P, Davies A, Stewart MJ, Linker NJ, et al. Randomised trial of two anti-arrhythmic agents (amiodarone and sotalol) in patients with atrial fibrillation for whom DC cardioversion is planned. Heart 2003;89:A40. - PubMed
    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
Vogiatzis 2009 {published data only}
    1. Vogiatzis IA, Sachpekidis V, Vogiatzis IM, Kambitsi E, Karamitsos T, Samanidis D, et al. External cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: the role of electrode position on cardioversion success. International Journal of Cardiology 2009;137(1):e8-10. [DOI: ] - PubMed
Vogiatzis 2017 {published data only}
    1. Vogiatzis I, Papavasiliou E, Dapcevitch I, Pittas S, Koulouris E. Vernakalant versus ibutilide for immediate conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation. Hippokratia 2017;21:67-73. - PMC - PubMed
Volgman 1998 {published data only}
    1. Volgman AS, Carberry PA, Stambler B, Lewis WR, Dunn GH, Perry KT, et al. Conversion efficacy and safety of intravenous ibutilide compared with intravenous procainamide in patients with atrial flutter or fibrillation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1998;31(6):1414-9. - PubMed
Vos 1998 {published data only}
    1. Vos MA, Golitsyn SR, Stangl K, Ruda MY, Van Wijk LV, Harry JD, et al, Ibutilide/Sotalol Comparator Study Group. Superiority of ibutilide (a new class III agent) over DL-sotalol in converting atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. Heart 1998;79(6):568-75. - PMC - PubMed
Voskoboinik 2018 {published data only}
    1. Voskoboinik A, Moskovitch J, Bloom J, Nalliah CJ, Prabhu S, Wong G, et al. Hand-held paddles more effective than adhesive patches for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in obese patients: results from the DCR-BMI multicenter randomized controlled trial. Heart Rhythm 2018;15(5 Supplement 1):S261-2.
    1. Voskoboinik A, Moskovitch J, Plunkett G, Bloom J, Wong G, Nalliah C, et al. Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in obese patients: results from the Cardioversion-BMI randomized controlled trial. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 2019;30:155-61. - PubMed
Walsh 2005 {published data only}
    1. Walsh SJ, McCarty D, McClelland AJ, Owens CG, Trouton TG, Harbinson MT, et al. Impedance compensated biphasic waveforms for transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a multi-centre comparison of antero-apical and antero-posterior pad positions. European Heart Journal 2005;26(13):1298-302. - PubMed
Xanthos 2007 {published data only}
    1. Xanthos T, Prapa V, Papadimitriou D, Papadimitriou L. Comparative study of intravenous amiodarone and procainamide in the treatment of atrial fibrillation of recent onset. Minerva Cardioangiologica 2007;55(4):433-41. - PubMed
Yamase 2012 {published data only}
    1. Yamase M, Nakazato Y, Daida H. Effectiveness of amiodarone versus bepridil in achieving conversion to sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: a randomised trial. Heart 2012;98(14):1067-71. - PubMed
    1. Yamase M, Nakazato Y, Enjyoji Y. Conversion to sinus rhythm: efficacy of amiodarone vs bepridil for persistent atrial fibrillation. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 2012;33(3):331. 19330956 [DOI: ]
Yamashita 2009 {published data only}
    1. 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
Yu 2013 {published data only}
    1. Yu Z, Xiang M, Ma C, Zhang S, Yang Y. [Efficacy and safety of ibutilide for conversion of atrial fibrillation/flutter]. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2013;42(2):212-6. - PubMed
Zehender 1994 {published data only}
    1. Zehender M, Meinertz T, Just H. Amiodaron and verapamil/chinidin in the treatment of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation [German]. Zeitschrift fur Kardiologie 1994;83(Suppl 5):101-8. - PubMed
Zhang 2005 {published data only}
    1. Zhang HC, Guo JH, Fang Q, Zheng YA, Sun YM, Zhu WQ, et al. [Immediate cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter lasting less than 90 days by ibutilide versus propafenone: a multicenter study]. Chung Hua I Hsueh Tsa Chih 2005;85(12):798-801. - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Aizawa 2010 {published data only}
    1. Aizawa Y, Kohsaka S, Suzuki S, Atarashi H, Kamakura S, Sakurai M, et al. Comparison of antiarrhythmics used in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: subanalysis of J-RHYTHM study. Circulation Journal 2010;74(1):71-6. - PubMed
Akel 2018 {published data only}
    1. Akel T, Lafferty J. Efficacy and safety of intravenous vernakalant for the rapid conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis. Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology 2018;23(3):e12508. - PMC - PubMed
Alboni 2004 {published data only}
    1. Alboni P, Botto GL, Baldi N, Luzi M, Russo V, Gianfranchi L, et al. Outpatient treatment of recent-onset atrial fibrillation with the "pill-in-the-pocket" approach. New England Journal of Medicine 2004;351(23):2384-91. - PubMed
Alpert 2000 {published data only}
    1. Alpert MA. Medical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Chest 2000;117(6):1529-31. - PubMed
Benhalla 2015 {published data only}
    1. Benhalla H, Fennich N. What about magnesium sulfate in atrial fibrillation with acute heart failure? European Journal of Heart Failure 2015;1):400.
Borgeat 1986 {published data only}
    1. Borgeat A, Goy JJ, Maendly R, Kaufmann U, Grbic M, Sigwart U, et al. Flecainide versus quinidine for conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. American Journal of Cardiology 1986;58(6):496-8. - PubMed
Boriani 1998 {published data only}
    1. Boriani G, Biffi M, Capucci A, Botto G, Broffoni T, Ongari M, et al. Conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm: effects of different drug protocols. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology 1998;21(11 Pt 2):2470-4. - PubMed
Botto 1996 {published data only}
    1. Botto GL, Bonini W, Broffoni T, Molteni S, Lombardi R, Alfieri G, et al. Conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation with single loading oral dose of propafenone: is in-hospital admission absolutely necessary? Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology 1996;19(11 Pt 2):1939-43. - PubMed
Camm 2022 {published data only}
    1. Camm AJ, Crijns H, Elvan A, Tuininga Y, Badings E, Kuijper A, et al. Orally inhaled flecainide for the conversion of recent-onset, symptomatic atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm: final results from the phase 2 instant trial. Circulation 2022;146:A12420. [DOI: ]
Conde 2013 {published data only}
    1. Aragon M, Conde D, Costabel JP, Lambardi MF, Trivi M, Giniger A, et al. Comparing the efficacy, hospitalization time and safety of vernakalant to propafenone in recent-onset atrial fibrillation in the emergency department. Europace 2013;2(Suppl):ii16. 19330662
    1. Conde D, Costabel JP, Aragon M, Lambardi F, Klein A, Corrales Barbosa A, et al. Propafenone versus vernakalant for conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation. Cardiovascular Therapeutics 2013;31(6):377-80. - PubMed
Crijns 1994 {published data only}
    1. Crijns HJ, Van Gelder IC, Kingma JH, Dunselman PH, Gosselink AT, Lie KI, et al. Atrial flutter can be terminated by a class III antiarrhythmic drug but not by a class IC drug. European Heart Journal 1994;15(10):1403-8. - PubMed
CTRI/2018/01/011248 2018 {published data only}
    1. CTRI/2018/01/011248. An open-label, multicentre, prospective, phase-IV study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ibutilide fumarate injection (0.1 mg/mL) in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and flutter - IBUTILIDE PHASE IV. https://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/showallp.php?mid1=20124&EncHi... (date received 25 January 2018).
Dankner 2009 {published data only}
    1. Dankner R, Shahar A, Novikov I, Agmon U, Ziv A, Hod H, et al. Treatment of stable atrial fibrillation in the emergency department: a population-based comparison of electrical direct-current versus pharmacological cardioversion or conservative management. Cardiology 2009;112(4):270-8. - PubMed
Deedwania 1998 {published data only}
    1. Deedwania PC, Singh BN, Ellenbogen K, Fisher S, Fletcher R, Singh SN, Department of Veterans Affairs CHF-STAT Investigators. 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. - PubMed
Dittrich 2015 {published data only}
    1. Dittrich HC, Feld GK, Bahnson TD, Camm AJ, Golitsyn S, Katz A, et al. COR-ART: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-ranging study to evaluate single oral doses of vanoxerine for conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter to normal sinus rhythm. Heart Rhythm 2015;12(6):1105-12. - PubMed
Dluzniewski 1994 {published data only}
    1. Dluzniewski M, Krol J, Kuch M, Syska-Suminska J, Cedro K. Increased efficacy of ajmaline after magnesium administration in the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias [Polish]. Kardiologia Polska 1994;41(9):201-6.
Donovan 1991 {published data only}
    1. Donovan KD, Dobb GJ, Coombs LJ, Lee KY, Weekes JN, Murdock CJ, et al. Efficacy of flecainide for the reversion of acute onset atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1992;70(5):50A-54A; discussion 54A-55A. [DOI: 10.1016/0002-9149(92)91078-i] - DOI - PubMed
    1. Donovan KD, Dobb GJ, Coombs LJ, Lee KY, Weekes JN, Murdock CJ, et al. Reversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm by intravenous flecainide. American Journal of Cardiology 1991;67(2):137-41. - PubMed
Donovan 1995 {published data only}
    1. Donovan KD, Power BM, Hockings BE, Dobb GJ, Lee KY. Intravenous flecainide versus amiodarone for recent-onset atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1995;75(10):693-7. - PubMed
Forney 2000 {published data only}
    1. Forney AJ, Schooff M. Is either sotalol or amiodarone more effective than digoxin for converting patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm within 48 hours? Journal of Family Practice 2000;49(11):982. - PubMed
Galve 1996 {published data only}
    1. Galve E, Rius T, Ballester R, Artaza MA, Arnau JM, Garcia-Dorado D, et al. Intravenous amiodarone in treatment of recent-onset atrial fibrillation: results of a randomized, controlled study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1996;27(5):1079-82. - PubMed
Gullestad 1993 {published data only}
    1. Gullestad L, Birkeland K, Molstad P, Hoyer MM, Vanberg P, Kjekshus J. The effect of magnesium versus verapamil on supraventricular arrhythmias. Clinical Cardiology 1993;16(5):429-34. - PubMed
Guo 1996 {published data only}
    1. Guo GB, Ellenbogen KA, Wood MA, Stambler BS. Conversion of atrial flutter by ibutilide is associated with increased atrial cycle length variability. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1996;27(5):1083-9. - PubMed
Hermida 1995 {published data only}
    1. Hermida JS, Mabo P, Rouesnel P, Scheck F, Canler A, Barthelemy M, et al. [Comparative study of the efficacy and tolerability of 2 modalities of intravenous cibenzoline administration in the reduction of recent spontaneous atrial arrhythmia]. Annales de Cardiologie Angeiologie (Paris) 1995;44(1):49-55. - PubMed
Hohnloser 2004 {published data only}
    1. Hohnloser SH, Dorian P, Straub M, Beckmann K, Kowey P. Safety and efficacy of intravenously administered tedisamil for rapid conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2004;44(1):99-104. - PubMed
Hou 1995 {published data only}
    1. Hou ZY, Chang MS, Chen CY, Tu MS, Lin SL, Chiang HT, et al. Acute treatment of recent-onset atrial fibrillation and flutter with a tailored dosing regimen of intravenous amiodarone. A randomized, digoxin-controlled study. European Heart Journal 1995;16(4):521-8. - PubMed
Huang 2003 {published data only}
    1. Huang SW, Wang L, Xia JZ. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of intravenous esmolol and deslanoside in decreasing heart rate of patients with rapid atrial fibrillation. Journal of Binzhou Medical College 2003;26(2):95‐7.
Jacobs 1998 {published data only}
    1. Jacobs LO, Andrews TC, Pederson DN, Donovan DJ. Effect of intravenous procainamide on direct-current cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1998;82(2):241-2. - PubMed
Kafkas 2007 {published data only}
    1. Kafkas NV, Patsilinakos SP, Mertzanos GA, Papageorgiou KI, Chaveles JI, Dagadaki OK, et al. Conversion efficacy of intravenous ibutilide compared with intravenous amiodarone in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. International Journal of Cardiology 2007;118(3):321-5. - PubMed
Kanoupakis 2003a {published data only}
    1. Kanoupakis EM, Kochiadakis GE, Manios EG, Igoumenidis NE, Mavrakis HE, Vardas PE. Pharmacological cardioversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation with intravenous amiodarone in patients receiving long-term amiodarone therapy: is it reasonable? Journal of Interventional Cardiology & Electrophysiology 2003;8(1):19-26. - PubMed
Katcher 1997 {published data only}
    1. Katcher MS, Estes NA 3rd. Pharmacologic conversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to normal sinus rhythm: the role of ibutilide. Pharmacotherapy 1997;17(1):177-80. - PubMed
Kerin 1996 {published data only}
    1. Kerin NZ, Faitel K, Naini M. The efficacy of intravenous amiodarone for the conversion of chronic atrial fibrillation. Amiodarone vs quinidine for conversion of atrial fibrillation. Archives of Internal Medicine 1996;156(1):49-53. - PubMed
Kingma 1992 {published data only}
    1. Kingma JH, Suttorp MJ. Acute pharmacologic conversion of atrial fibrillation and flutter: the role of flecainide, propafenone, and verapamil. American Journal of Cardiology 1992;70(5):56A-60A; discussion 60A-61A. - PubMed
    1. Kingma JH, Suttorp MJ. Acute pharmacological conversion of atrial fibrillation and flutter - the role of flecainide, propafenone, and verapamil. American Journal of Cardiology 1992;70(5):A56-A61. 19330800 [DOI: 10.1016/0002-9149(92)91079-j] - DOI - PubMed
Kirchhof 2002 {published data only}
    1. Kirchhof P, Eckardt L, Loh P, Weber K, Fischer RJ, Seidl KH, et al. Anterior-posterior versus anterior-lateral electrode positions for external cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a randomised trial. Lancet 2002;360(9342):1275-9. - PubMed
Kirilmaz 2001 {published data only}
    1. Kirilmaz A, Erinc K, Kilicarslan F, Demirtas E. Fourier transformation analysis of atrial fibrillation intervals following ibutilide and procainamide to predict successful cardioversion. Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi Arsivi 2001;29(8):481-487 + 462.
Kowey 2009 {published data only}
    1. Kowey PR, Dorian P, Mitchell LB, Pratt CM, Roy D, Schwartz PJ, et al. Vernakalant hydrochloride for the rapid conversion of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology 2009;2(6):652-9. - PubMed
Levi 1973 {published data only}
    1. Levi G, Proto C, Rovetta A. Double-blind evaluation of practolol and quinidine in the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation. Cardiology 1973;58(6):364-8. - PubMed
Marrouche 2000 {published data only}
    1. Marrouche NF, Reddy RK, Wittkowsky AK, Bardy GH. High-dose bolus lidocaine for chemical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a prospective, randomized, double-blind crossover trial. American Heart Journal 2000;139(6):E8-11. - PubMed
Martinelli 2003 {published data only}
    1. Martinelli MM, Dragagna G, Vitali A, Fedele F. [Verapamil in the cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Clinical study]. Minerva Cardioangiologia 2003;51(1):49-53. - PubMed
Masini 1990 {published data only}
    1. Masini M, Ieri A, Lorenzoni R, Bartoli P, Lencioni G, Zipoli A, et al. [Comparison of lidoflazine and quinidine in the conversion to sinusal rhythm in atrial fibrillation of recent onset]. Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia 1990;20(3):202-6. - PubMed
Mathew 1999 {published data only}
    1. Mathew TP, Moore A, McIntyre M, Harbinson MT, Campbell NP, Adgey AA, et al. Randomised comparison of electrode positions for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Heart 1999;81(6):576-9. - PMC - PubMed
Mieure 2011 {published data only}
    1. Mieure KD, Moranville MP, Park JJ, Lat I, Jennings HR, Lazar S, et al. A comparison of intravenous rate control agents for new onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate. Heart Rhythm 2011;1:S216-7.
Mironov 2019 {published data only}
    1. Mironov N, Vlodzyanovsky V, Yuricheva Y, Sokolov S, Golitsyn S, Rosenstraukh L, et al. Safety and effectiveness of pharmacological conversion and direct current cardioversion in persistent atrial fibrillation: results of randomized trial. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2019;73(9):298.
    1. Mironov NY, Vlodzyanovskiy VV, Yuricheva YA, Sokolov SF, Golitsyn SP, Rosenstraukh L, et al. Safety and effectiveness of electrical and pharmacological cardioversion in persistent atrial fibrillation. Part I: Study rationale, design and assessment of effectiveness [Russian]. Rational Pharmacotherapy in Cardiology 2018;14(5):664-9. 19330840
Nieuwlaat 2011 {published data only}
    1. Nieuwlaat R, Hohnloser SH, Connolly SJ. Effect of dronedarone in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation during the ATHENA study. European Heart Journal 2011;1:618.
Niwano 2009 {published data only}
    1. Niwano S, Sasaki T, Kurokawa S, Kiryu M, Fukaya H, Hatakeyama Y, et al. Predicting the efficacy of antiarrhythmic agents for interrupting persistent atrial fibrillation according to spectral analysis of the fibrillation waves on the surface ECG. Circulation Journal 2009;73(7):1210-8. - PubMed
Oral 1999 {published data only}
    1. Oral H, Brinkman K, Pelosi F, Flemming M, Tse HF, Kim MH, et al. Effect of electrode polarity on the energy required for transthoracic atrial defibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1999;84(2):228-30, A8. - PubMed
Pedersen 2001 {published data only}
    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. - PubMed
Peuhkurinen 2000 {published data only}
    1. Peuhkurinen K, Niemela M, Ylitalo A, Linnaluoto M, Lilja M, Juvonen J. Effectiveness of amiodarone as a single oral dose for recent-onset atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 2000;85(4):462-5. - PubMed
Pluymaekers 2019 {published data only}
    1. Pluymaekers NAHA, Dudink EAMP, Luermans JGLM, Meeder JG, Lenderink T, Widdershoven J, et al. Early or delayed cardioversion in recent-onset atrial fibrillation. New England Journal of Medicine 2019;380:1499-1508. [DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1900353] - DOI - PubMed
Pohjantahti‐Maaroos 2017 {published data only}
    1. Pohjantahti-Maaroos H, Hyppola H, Lekkala M, Sinisalo E, Heikkola A, Hartikainen J, et al. Intravenous vernakalant in comparison with intravenous flecainide in the cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation. European Heart Journal of Acute Cardiovascular Care 2019;8(2):114-20. - PubMed
Rashba 2002 {published data only}
    1. Rashba EJ, Bouhouch R, MacMurdy KA, Shorofsky SR, Peters RW, Gold MR. Effect of shock polarity on the efficacy of transthoracic atrial defibrillation. American Heart Journal 2002;143(3):541-5. - PubMed
Rho 2003 {published data only}
    1. Rho RW, Page RL. Biphasic versus monophasic shock waveform for conversion of atrial fibrillation. Cardiac Electrophysiology Review 2003;7(3):290-1. - PubMed
Sosnowski 2004 {published data only}
    1. Anonymous. Trial finds sustained release propafenone increases time to recurrent atrial fibrillation compared with placebo. Evidence-based Cardiovascular Medicine 2004;8(1):44-5; discussion 46-7. - PubMed
Stambler 1997 {published data only}
    1. Stambler BS, Wood MA, Ellenbogen KA. Antiarrhythmic actions of intravenous ibutilide compared with procainamide during human atrial flutter and fibrillation: electrophysiological determinants of enhanced conversion efficacy. Circulation 1997;96(12):4298-306. - PubMed
Stiell 2020 {published data only}
    1. Stiell I, Perry J, Birnie D, Macle L, Vadeboncoeur A, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, et al. PL02: A randomized, controlled comparison of electrical versus pharmacological cardioversion for emergency department patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation. Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine 2019;21(S1):S5. [DOI: 10.1017/cem.2019.41] - DOI
    1. Stiell I, Sivilotti M, Taljaard M, Birnie D, Vadeboncoeur A, Hohl C, et al. A randomized, controlled comparison of electrical versus pharmacological cardioversion for emergency department patients with atrial flutter. Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine 2020;22:S9. 21117791 - PubMed
    1. Stiell IG, Sivilotti MLA, Taljaard M, Birnie D, Vadeboncoeur A, Hohl CM, et al. Electrical versus pharmacological cardioversion for emergency department patients with acute atrial fibrillation (RAFF2): a partial factorial randomised trial. Lancet (London, England) 2020;395(10221):339-49. [DOI: ] - PubMed
Stiell 2021 {published data only}
    1. Stiell IG, Eagles D, Nemnom MJ, Brown E, Taljaard M, Archambault PM, et al. Adverse events associated with electrical cardioversion in patients with acute atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Canadian Journal of Cardiology 2021;37:1775-82. - PubMed
Sung 1995 {published data only}
    1. Sung RJ, Tan HL, Karagounis L, Hanyok JJ, Falk R, Platia E, et al, Sotalol Multicenter Study Group. Intravenous sotalol for the termination of supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation and flutter: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. American Heart Journal 1995;129(4):739-48. - PubMed
Torp‐Pedersen 2013 {published data only}
    1. Torp-Pedersen C, Camm AJ, Butterfield NN, Dickinson G, Beatch GN. Vernakalant: conversion of atrial fibrillation in patients with ischemic heart disease. International Journal of Cardiology 2013;166(1):147-51. - PubMed
Tuseth 2005 {published data only}
    1. Tuseth V, Jaatun HJ, Dickstein K. Amiodarone infusion in the treatment of acute atrial fibrillation or flutter: high versus low dose treatment. Heart 2005;91(7):964-5. - PMC - PubMed
Villani 2000 {published data only}
    1. Villani GQ, Piepoli MF, Terracciano C, Capucci A. Effects of diltiazem pretreatment on direct-current cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: a single-blind, randomized, controlled study. American Heart Journal 2000;140(3):e12. - PubMed
Vita 1989 {published data only}
    1. Vita JA, Friedman PL, Cantillon C, Antman EM. Efficacy of intravenous propafenone for the acute management of atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 1989;63(17):1275‐8. - PubMed
Weiner 1994 {published data only}
    1. Weiner P, Ganam R, Ganem R, Zidan F, Rabner M. Clinical course of recent-onset atrial fibrillation treated with oral propafenone. Chest 1994;105(4):1013-6. - PubMed
Zadura 2001 {published data only}
    1. Zadura M, Grossmann G, Modrzewska A, Klecha T, Klepacka H, Ruminski W. [Comparison of efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of intravenous versus oral propafenone in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation]. Pol Merkur Lekarski 2001;11(62):137-9. - PubMed
Zhan 2003 {published data only}
    1. Zhan CY, Zhou DX, Yang GT, Deng PZ. A comparative study on the efficacy and safety of intravenous amiodarone and lanatoside C for the treatment of rapid ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart falure. Journal of Emergency Medicine 2003;12(3):188‐90.

References to studies awaiting assessment

Antonelli 2004 {published data only}
    1. Antonelli D, Freedberg NA, Feldman A, Darawsha A, Rosenfeld T. Intravenous propafenone for conversion of atrial fibrillation in the emergency room [Hebrew]. Harefuah 2004;143(7):471-4 + 551-2. - PubMed
Baldi 1990 {published data only}
    1. Baldi N, Marasco G, Russo VA, Lenti V, Polimeni G, Montervino C, et al. Flecainide acetate vs digoxin in acute treatment of atrial fibrillation of recent onset: a randomized study. New Trends in Arrhythmias 1990;6(1-2):867-72.
Baldi 1992 {published data only}
    1. Baldi N, Lenti V, Marasco G, Russo VA, Montervino C. Propafenone vs flecainide in the acute treatment of atrial fibrillation of recent onset: a randomized study. New Trends in Arrhythmias 1992;8(1-2):499-505.
Botto 1993 {published data only}
    1. Botto GL, Falcone C. A randomized controlled study between placebo vs propafenone per os in a recent cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia 1993;23(Suppl 1):141.
Botto 1995 {published data only}
    1. Botto GL, Politi A. The efficacy of transthoracic electric cardioversion of the atrial fibrillation is not influenced by the position of the defriblillation platelets. A randomized controlled cross-over study. Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia 1995;25(Suppl 1):271.
Botto 1996a {published data only}
    1. Botto GL, Bonini W. Oral propafenone or digoxin in the treament of early atrial fibrillation cardioversion: a randomized study controlled with placebo. Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia 1996;26(Suppl 1):32.
Capucci 1991 {published data only}
    1. Capucci A, Lenzi T. Effect of fleicainide per os and amiodarione i.v. in the cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a randomized study controlled with palcebo. Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia 1991;21(Suppl 1):36.
Capucci 1992 {published data only}
    1. Capucci A, Lenzi T, Boriani G, Trisolino G, Binetti N, Cavazza M, et al. Effectiveness of loading oral flecainide for converting recent-onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm in patients without organic heart disease or with only systemic hypertension. American Journal of Cardiology 1992;70(1):69-72. - PubMed
Capucci 1993 {published data only}
    1. Capucci A, Boriani G. Controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of propafenone or flecainide per os in the conversion of sinus rhythm of early atrial fibrillation. Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia 1993;23(Suppl 1):142.
Capucci 1994 {published data only}
    1. Capucci A, Boriani G, Rubino I, Della Casa S, Sanguinetti M, Magnani B, et al. A controlled study on oral propafenone versus digoxin plus quinidine in converting recent onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. International Journal of Cardiology 1994;43(3):305-13. - PubMed
Capucci 1999 {published data only}
    1. Capucci A, Villani GQ, Aschieri D, Piepoli M. Safety of oral propafenone in the conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm: a prospective parallel placebo-controlled multicentre study. International Journal of Cardiology 1999;68(2):187-96. - PubMed
    1. Capucci A, Villani GQ. Oral propafenone in the conversion of atrial fibrillation. The multicentric study SATE. Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia 1996;26(Suppl 1):32.
Cesar 1994 {published data only}
    1. Cesar LA, Serrano CV, Pamplona D, D'Avila AL, Ferreira JF, Amato RV, et al. [Acute atrial fibrillation in the emergency room. Which is the best drug for a rapid sinus rhythm conversion?]. Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia 1994;63(6):481-4. - PubMed
Chen 2003 {published data only}
    1. Chen CJ, Guo GB. External cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: a reappraisal of the effects of electrode pad position and transthoracic impedance on cardioversion success. Japanese Heart Journal 2003;44(6):921-32. - PubMed
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References to ongoing studies

ChiCTR1900024500 {unpublished data only}
    1. ChiCTR1900024500. Effect of different discharge energy on the efficacy of transthoracic cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=ChiCTR1900024500 (date received 13 July 2019).
EUCTR2021‐001627‐40‐CZ {unpublished data only}
    1. EUCTR2021-001627-40-CZ. A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of flecainide acetate inhalation solution for cardioversion of recent-onset, symptomatic atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm - RESTORE-1. https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=EUCTR2021-001627-40-CZ (date received 7 June 2022).
NCT04485195 {unpublished data only}
    1. NCT04485195. RAFF4 Trial: vernakalant vs. procainamide for acute atrial fibrillation in the emergency department. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04485195 (date received 24 July 2020).
NCT04594746 {unpublished data only}
    1. NCT04594746. Oral amiodarone for acute cardioversion of atrial fibrillation study (AAA). https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04594746?term=NCT04594746... (date received 20 October 2020).
NCT04680026 {published data only}
    1. NCT04680026. A study of IV HBI-3000 for the conversion recent onset atrial fibrillation (AF). https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04680026?term=NCT04680026... (date received 22 December 2020).
NCT05148923 {unpublished data only}
    1. NCT05148923. Comparison of two DCCV algorithms - rational versus maximum fixed energy (PROTOCOLENERGY). https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05148923?term=NCT05148923... (date received 8 December 2021).
NCT05511389 {published data only}
    1. NCT05511389. Anteroposterior versus anterolateral electrode position for electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (SHOCK-VECTOR). https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05511389?term=NCT05511389... (date received 23 August 2022).
NCT05549752 {unpublished data only}
    1. NCT05549752. Flecainide versus amiodarone in the cardioversion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation at the emergency department, in patients with coronary artery disease without residual ischemia (FLECA-ED). https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05549752 (date received 22 September 2022).

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