Dr Umar Ayoub, Dr Salman Saddique, Dr Muhammad Uman
Introduction: Intravenous amiodarone is a recognised treatment alternative for the conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. Aims and objectives: The basic aim of the study is to analyse the role of intervenous amiodarone in acute onset atrial fibrillation. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in THQ Hospital, Fort Abbas during March 2019 to July 2019. The data was collected from 80 patients. Eligible patients had continuous monitoring of their ECG. In addition, a 12-lead ECG and blood pressure measurements were performed initially, after 1, 8 and 24 hours, and then every 24 hours for 3 consecutive days. Results:: The data was collected from 80 patients. The majority were patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, atrial fibrillation of unknown age, or of more than 48 hours duration. Twenty-six patients presented with ROAF, 20 of whom (77%) were eligible for intravenous amiodarone. Six patients (23%) were excluded for one or more of the following reasons: two patients had already been on amiodarone treatment, and one patient each because of end-stage-renal failure, severe hypotension, and large left atrial thrombus revealed in initial echocardiogram; one patient refused therapy. Conclusion: It is concluded that intravenous amiodarone was feasible and relatively safe. However, the acute conversion rate was disappointing. It is suggested that intravenous amiodarone is probably more effective in patients with rapid ROAF and good left ventricular function.