Adenosine infusion was safe and well tolerated, though patients ≥70 years had a higher risk of transient AV block compared to those <70 years (9.44% vs 7.05%; RR 1.37, P=0.001).
Observational (n=9,256)
Yes
Is adenosine infusion safe when used for stress perfusion imaging?
Adenosine infusion at 140 micrograms/kg per min is a safe pharmacologic stress agent for radionuclide imaging, with rare serious adverse events that reverse upon termination.
Relative Risk: 1.37
Absolute Event Rate: 9.44% vs 7.05%
p-value: p=0.001
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of adenosine infusion at 140 micrograms/kg per min in conjunction with radionuclide imaging in 9,256 consecutive patients. BACKGROUND: Adenosine produces maximal myocardial hyperemia directly with a rapid onset of action. In addition, when used in conjunction with radionuclide perfusion imaging, it has proven efficacy for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients unable to exercise. Because the ultrashort half-life ( 70 years of age had an increased risk of developing AV block (age or = 70, 9.44%, p = 0.001, relative risk 1.37). CONCLUSIONS: Adenosine infusion is safe. Vasodilator and negative dromotropic side effects are generally well tolerated. Serious side effects are relatively rare, and they reverse with termination of adenosine infusion. Interpretable radionuclide studies were obtained in 98.7% of patients and aminophylline reversal was seldom required.
Cerqueira et al. (1994) conducted an observational in Coronary artery disease (n=9,256). Adenosine infusion was evaluated on Atrioventricular (AV) node block (age ≥70 vs <70 years) (RR 1.37, p=0.001). Adenosine infusion was safe and well tolerated, though patients ≥70 years had a higher risk of transient AV block compared to those <70 years (9.44% vs 7.05%; RR 1.37, P=0.001).