PA Medical News about Dronedarone; atrial fibrillation

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Dronedarone may reduce both hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality in AF patients
The Clinical Advisor, 06/26/09

Ehrlich A - Rhythm control strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF) have not been shown to be generally more beneficial compared with rate control. Most patients with rhythm control will have some amount of intermittent AF that necessitates anticoagulation. The principal benefit is for patients who cannot tolerate the symptoms of AF. A recent randomized trial compared dronedarone (400 mg twice daily) with placebo in 4,628 patients (mean age 72 years) with paroxysmal or persistent AF or flutter. All patients had at least one additional risk factor. At mean follow-up of 21 months, dronedarone was associated with lower rates of hospitalization for any cardiovascular event. Cardiovascular mortality was also lower for the dronedarone group, but the difference in all-cause mortality was not significant. About 30% of patients in each group discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Dronedarone was associated with significantly more bradycardia, QT-interval prolongation, GI problems, and skin-related events.

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