Bayesian network meta- analysis using a r and om-effects model demonstrated that ranolazine + amiodarone intravenous ( IV ) [ odds ratio ( OR ) 39.8 , 95 % credible interval ( CrI ) 8.3 - 203.1 ] , vernakalant ( OR 22.9 , 95 % CrI 3.7 - 146.3 ) , flecainide ( OR 16.9 , 95 % CrI 4.1 - 73.3 ) , amiodarone oral ( OR 10.2 , 95 % CrI 3.1 - 36.0 ) , ibutilide ( OR 7.9 , 95 % CrI 1.2 - 52.5 ) , amiodarone IV ( OR 5.4 , 95 % CrI 2.1 - 14.6 ) , and propafenone ( OR 4.1 , 95 % CrI 1.7 - 10.5 ) were associated with significantly increased likelihood of conversion within 24 h when compared to placebo/control .
Probabilistic analysis ranked vernakalant and flecainide high and propafenone and amiodarone IV low .
For pharmacologic cardioversion of recent-onset AF within 24 h , there is insufficient evidence to determine which treatment is superior .
Vernakalant and flecainide may be relatively more efficacious agents .
Propafenone and IV amiodarone may be relatively less efficacious .
AIMS We sought to identify the most effective antidysrhythmic drug for pharmacologic cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation ( AF ) .
Conversion of recent onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm: the effect of no treatment and high-dose amiodarone. A randomized, placebo-controlled study.
BACKGROUND Spontaneous conversion of recent onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation  to  normal sinus rhythm  occurs commonly and is not affected by low-dose amiodarone treatment . METHODS In a r and omized , placebo-controlled trial of 100 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation of recent onset ( < 48 h ) we compared the effects of treatment with continuous intravenous amiodarone 125 mg per hour ( total 3 g ) and intravenous placebo .  Patients in the placebo group who did not convert to normal sinus rhythm within 24 h were started on amiodarone therapy . RESULTS Conversion to normal sinus rhythm occurred within 24 h in 32 of 50 patients ( 64 % ) in the placebo group , most of whom converted within 8 h. Lower conversion rates were observed in patients with hypertension , ischaemic heart disease or congestive heart failure and in patients with echocardiographic findings of left atrial diameter above 45 mm , ejection fraction below 45 % or significant mitral regurgitation . However , in most patients these clinical or echocardiographic risk factors of decreases in conversion rate were not present . In such patients the spontaneous conversion rate was approximately 90 % . The conversion rate during 24 h of treatment in the amiodarone group was 92 % ( P=0.0017 , compared to the placebo group ) . In this group , the conversion rate was largely unaffected by baseline characteristics . Of the 18 patients who did not convert with placebo , 15 ( 85 % ) converted after being crossed over to amiodarone . All patients not responding to high-dose amiodarone were in chronic atrial fibrillation within 1 month . In patients still in atrial fibrillation after 8 h of treatment , the pulse rate decreased significantly more in the amiodarone as compared to the placebo group ( 83+/-15 vs 114+/-20 beats . min(-1 ) , P=0.0014 ) . CONCLUSION The spontaneous conversion of recent onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is high and approaches 90 % in specific clinical and echocardiographically defined subgroups . Intravenous high-dose amiodarone safely facilitates conversion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation . However , such treatment should be reserved for patients with unfavourable risk factor profiles , not converting during 8 h of observation or requiring rate control
Bayesian network meta- analysis using a r and om-effects model demonstrated that ranolazine + amiodarone intravenous ( IV ) [ odds ratio ( OR ) 39.8 , 95 % credible interval ( CrI ) 8.3 - 203.1 ] , vernakalant ( OR 22.9 , 95 % CrI 3.7 - 146.3 ) , flecainide ( OR 16.9 , 95 % CrI 4.1 - 73.3 ) , amiodarone oral ( OR 10.2 , 95 % CrI 3.1 - 36.0 ) , ibutilide ( OR 7.9 , 95 % CrI 1.2 - 52.5 ) , amiodarone IV ( OR 5.4 , 95 % CrI 2.1 - 14.6 ) , and propafenone ( OR 4.1 , 95 % CrI 1.7 - 10.5 ) were associated with significantly increased likelihood of conversion within 24 h when compared to placebo/control .
Probabilistic analysis ranked vernakalant and flecainide high and propafenone and amiodarone IV low .
For pharmacologic cardioversion of recent-onset AF within 24 h , there is insufficient evidence to determine which treatment is superior .
Vernakalant and flecainide may be relatively more efficacious agents .
Propafenone and IV amiodarone may be relatively less efficacious .
AIMS We sought to identify the most effective antidysrhythmic drug for pharmacologic cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation ( AF ) .