Propafenone in restoring sinus rhythm among patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. PROMETEY – an open, multicenter, pilot study performed in the Russian Federation (part II)

Abstract

Aim. To study efficacy and safety of propafenone (450 mg/d per os) in maintaining sinus rhythm among patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Material and methods. The study included 200 patients with persistent AF, aged 39-68 (mean age 56.4±4.2 years), from 10 Russian regions. For AF paroxysm prevention, all patients received propafenone (Propanorm, 450 mg per os, 3 times per day) for 9 months. Results. Propafenone (450 mg/d) restored sinus rhythm in 148 patients (74%) after one month of treatment, in 122 (61%) after 3 months, and in 90 (45%) after 9 months. Propafenone was effective and well tolerated: during 9-month therapy, only 8 patients (4%) complained of dyspepsia, which regressed without additional therapy or treatment discontinuation. Arrhythmogenic effects of propafenone were not registered. In 7 patients (3.5%), PQ interval increased significantly, by 18% comparing to baseline, but the parameter stayed in the normal range. Moderate increase of QT interval (+28%), without being over 460 ms, was observed in 8 patients (4%), and did not require therapy discontinuation. Conclusion. According to the results of open, multi-center study “PROMETEY”, propafenone (450 mg/d per os) was effective and safe for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with persistent AF. In patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction, propafenone did not affect inotropic myocardial function.

Keywords

• atrial fibrillation
• propafenone
• sinus rhythm maintenance
• multicenter study