[Efficacy of propranolol and amiodarone on prevention of atrial fibrillation after CABG]

ABSTRACT

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia following CABG. This complication can cause palpitation, significant hemodynamic instability and thromboembolic events. This prospective randomized study evaluate prophylactic effects of propranolol low dose amiodarone and high dose amiodarone in patients candidate for CABG. Three hundred consecutive patients undergoing elective CABG were randomly categorized into three groups [each group contains 100 patients]. Patients in group1 [control group] received 10mg/TDS propranolol per oral [P.o], preoperatively. Patients in group 2 received 10mg propranolol TDS, P.o plus 350mg/24h amiodarone. Patients in group 3 received 10mg propranolol TDS P.o plus 1000mg/24h amiodarone 24 hours before operation. Atrial fibrillation occurred in 12 patients [12%] in group 1, four patients [4%] in group 2 and 10 patients [10%] [P=0.035] in group 3. AF occurred in 10.36% of men and 3.84% of women. There was no AF in off- pump groups and 9.73% in on-pump groups This study suggested the combination of propranolol plus low dose amiodarone for post CABG atrial fibrillation prophylaxy