Key result
Serial electrical cardioversion maintained sinus rhythm in 27% of patients at 4 years, with failure strongly predicted by atrial fibrillation duration >36 months (RR 5.0; P<0.001).
Why the study?
Does serial electrical cardioversion improve long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation?
Population
236 patients with chronic (>24 hours) atrial fibrillation
Design
Cohort
Follow-up
mean 3.7±1.6 years
Authors
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Low long-term success with serial cardioversion in chronic AF should not change practice; leaves open benefit in shorter-duration cases.
Cohort (n=236)
Does serial electrical cardioversion improve long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation?
Serial electrical cardioversion has low long-term success rates for maintaining sinus rhythm in chronic atrial fibrillation, but may be more effective in younger patients with shorter AF duration and fair exercise tolerance.
Isabelle C. Van Gelder (1996) conducted a cohort in Chronic atrial fibrillation (n=236). Serial electrical cardioversion was evaluated on Maintenance of sinus rhythm at 4 years. Serial electrical cardioversion maintained sinus rhythm in 27% of patients at 4 years, with failure strongly predicted by atrial fibrillation duration >36 months (RR 5.0; P<0.001).
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