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Safety and Efficacy of Oral Versus Intravenous Amiodarone in the Treatment of AF

Phase 3
Conditions
Atrial Fibrillation
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT01817439
Lead Sponsor
Western Galilee Hospital-Nahariya
Brief Summary

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity. Amiodarone is a potent antiarrhythmic drug; however, patients receiving IV amiodarone are at high risk for phlebitis. Phlebitis may lead to infection, additional medical intervention, delay in treatment, and prolonged hospitalization. Therefore, examining new therapy approach, aimed to reduce the incidence of phlebitis is a valuable clinical and research goal.

Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral versus intravenous (IV) Amiodarone in the treatment of AF of recent onset (duration \< 48 h).

Detailed Description

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm abnormality worldwide. Three therapeutic goals should be considered for each patient: Rate control, maintenance of sinus rhythm and prevention of thromboembolism. In managing AF, numerous antiarrhythmic drugs have been used. Intravenous amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic agent which has been reported to be safe and most effective in various clinical settings, without an associated increase in mortality rate. In most of the cases, the method of administration is via peripheral infusion. Phlebitis is the most common complication with peripheral infusion of amiodarone. Phlebitis adversely affects patient care; it may interfere with the continued infusion of amiodarone, necessitate insertion of another peripheral intravenous or central catheter, and extend hospitalization. Furthermore, patients who develop phlebitis, experience pain, swelling, and inflammation. Phlebitis can be prevented by oral administration.

The goal of the proposed study is to evaluate the incidence rate of phlebitis following IV administration of amiodarone and to investigate whether the oral administration of amiodarone in patients with recent onset AF (duration \< 48 h), is safer than, and as efficient as, the IV administration of the same drug in the ICCU and ICU setting.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
104
Inclusion Criteria
  • Over 18 years of age,
  • Patients who will be admitted to the ICCU / ICU wards
  • Patients with recent onset of atrial fibrillation (duration < 48h).
Exclusion Criteria
  • Age < 18 years
  • Baseline systolic blood pressure < 100 mm/hg
  • Known thyroid disease
  • Serum potassium < 3.5 mmol/l
  • Pretreatment with amiodarone
  • Pregnant or lactating women.
  • Participation in other clinical trial.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
IV amiodarone, Group BAmiodaroneAmiodarone: IV loading of 300 mg for 30 min in 100cc glucose 5% IV infusion with 900 mg/24h in 1000cc glucose 5%
oral amiodarone, group AAmiodaroneoral amiodarone 400 mg three times a day for 2 days
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Incidence rate of phlebitisduring 24 h

For detection of eventual amiodarone induced phlebitis the site of venous access will be examined 30 min, 3, 6, 12, 24 h after drug administration by one of the investigators

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Cumulative incidence of restored sinus rhythmDuring 48h

Patients will be monitored during all stuffy period

incidence of hypotensionduring 24 h

blood pressure measurements will be taken on admission and during treatment at defined intervals of 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Western Galilee Hospital

🇮🇱

Naharia, Israel

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