Efficacy and safety of ibutilide for conversion of atrial fibrillation

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ibutilide for conversion of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation.Methods 31 patients with atrial fibrillation duration less than 90 days were included into amiodrone or ibutilide group.16 patients were intravenously administer with amiodrone and 15 patients with ibutilide separately.Conversion rate,time needed to converse and adverse effects were compared between two groups.Results The total conversion rate of ibutilide group was significantly higher than that of amiodrone group (66.7％ vs 37.5％,x2 =1.98,P ＜ 0.05 ).Time needed to converse was significantly shortened in ibutilide group compared with amiodrone group [ ( 31.75 ± 7.39 ) min vs ( 51.87 ± 9.26 ) min,t =3.67,P ＜ 0.05 ].No clinical significant adverse effects were observed in ibutilide group.Conclusion Intravenous administration of ibutilide in cardioversion of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation was more safe and effective than amiodrone. Key words: Atrial fibrillation ;  Ibutilide;  Amiodarone