Digoxin for Converting Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation to Sinus Rhythm

36 patients with atrial fibrillation of 7 days' duration or less, not on digitalis glycoside or anti-arrhythmic agents, with ventricular rate between 85 to 175 beats/min, without evidence of heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, preexcitation syndrome, thyrotoxicosis, hypokalemia, renal impairment, or severe metabolic disturbances.

Digoxin solution in capsules given in doses of 0.6, 0.4, 0.2, and 0.2 mg, at 0, 4, 8, and 14 hours, respectively, or until conversion to sinus rhythm.

Identical placebo capsules given at 0, 4, 8, and 14 hours or until conversion to sinus rhythm.

Return to sinus rhythm within 18 hours of study entry.surrogate