Safety of Cardioversion of Acute Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation

atrial fibrillation, cardioversion, stroke, thromboembolism

The purpose of this study is to investigate the complications of cardioversion of acute (\<48 hours duration) atrial fibrillation (AF). Primary Outcome Measures: \- Incidence and predictors of thromboembolic complications, especially stroke, and death \<31 days after cardioversion of acute AF Secondary Outcome Measures: * Number of therapy non-responder and early recurrence of AF * Bleeding complications during the 31 days follow-up * Hemodynamic complications of cardioversion Estimated Enrollment: 3000 cases Study Start Date: Jun 2011 Estimated Study Completion Date: December 2011

It has been a common practice to perform cardioversion of acute (\<48 hour) AF without any anticoagulation. The new European guidelines recommend that anticoagulation should be started already before cardioversion in all patients with CHADS2VASC score indicating need for long-term oral anticoagulation. The evidence behind these guidelines is, however, scarce. In this retrospective study we collect data on the safety of acute AF cardioversion from emergency rooms of two university hospitals and one secondary referral center from the years 2003-2010. Inclusion criteria: All patients admitted to emergency room because of acute AF in whom electrical or pharmacological cardioversion was attempted \<48 from the beginning of the symptoms.

None listed

Finland