An update on amiodarone treatment for atrial fibrillation: efficacy versus safety
PhD ceremony: Ms. S. Ahmed, 13.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Thesis: An update on amiodarone treatment for atrial fibrillation: efficacy versus safety
Promotor(s): prof. I.C. van Gelder, prof. D.J. van Veldhuisen, prof. T.P. Links
Faculty: Medical Sciences
Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia and the most effective antiarrhythmic drug is amiodarone. It is, however, often accompanied by substantial adverse events, which may be associated with high dosage and long-term use. The current PhD research has studied amiodarone-associated adverse events and possible treatment strategies to reduce these. In addition, efficacy of these amiodarone treatments for atrial fibrillation and the effect on quality of life was investigated.
The conventional amiodarone treatment for atrial fibrillation was compared to short-term amiodarone treatment for only two months peri-cardioversion and to discontinuation of amiodarone therapy after at least six months sinus rhythm maintenance on amiodarone treatment. These novel strategies did not reveal any additional benefit. The most frequent adverse event is thyrotoxicosis with a comparable incidence of adverse events. These strategies are also not more effective for sinus rhythm maintenance with comparable effect on quality of life. Hypertension is furthermore an important factor in atrial fibrillation recurrence. A subgroup of patients with Type D personality (a combination of social inhibition and negative affectivity) have more recurrences and undergo more cardioversions without a positive effect on quality of life.
The incidence and predictors of amiodarone-associated thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism were investigated in a population with long-term amiodarone use. It was shown that the incidence of thyrotoxicosis is higher than hypothyriodism. In addition, only general predictors of amiodarone-associated thyroid dysfunction have been found. Lastly, effective treatment of thyrotoxicosis is not dependent on discontinuation of amiodarone with comparable time to normalization of thyroid function.
Last modified: | 13 March 2020 01.15 a.m. |
More news
-
06 June 2025
India-Netherlands Hydrogen Valley Fellowship Programme announced
To coincide with World Environment Day, 5 June 2025, the Indian Department of Science and Technology and the University of Groningen yesterday announced a Hydrogen Valley Fellowship Programme Partnership, allowing talented Indian scholars working on...
-
28 May 2025
Gaan avondmensen cognitief sneller achteruit dan ochtendmensen?
Wie ’s avonds opleeft en laat naar bed gaat, heeft een grotere kans op cognitieve achteruitgang dan een ochtendmens, blijkt uit UMCG-onderzoek.
-
27 May 2025
An adventure in the brain
In the exhibition Brainstorm in the University Mueseum, Iris Sommer and two other brain researchers from Groningen explain the gut-brain connection, how it was discovered that the brain does what it does, and how games motivate you to perform...