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Efficacy of Aldosterone Antagonist Therapy for Prevention of New Atrial Fibrillation

A Randomized Prospective Pilot Study to Evaluate Efficacy of Aldosterone Antagonist Therapy for Prevention of New Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in Patients With Atrial Flutter (AFL), But no Previously Detected AF, Undergoing caVOtricuspID Isthmus Ablation

Status
Active, not recruiting
Phases
Early Phase 1
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03929718
Enrollment
50
Registered
2019-04-29
Start date
2019-04-24
Completion date
2027-09-30
Last updated
2025-05-29

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

AFib

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to accurately determine, using an implantable rhythm monitor, the long-term incidence of new atrial fibrillation after ablation of atrial flutter in those treated with spironolactone compared with standard medical therapy.

Detailed description

Catheter ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) is an effective and safe procedure in patients with atrial flutter (AFL) with excellent long-term results in preventing AFL recurrences. However, new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly develops after this procedure and has important clinical implications for patient management. Few studies have assessed the long-term incidence and prevalence of AF after CTI ablation via intensive continuous rhythm monitoring with an implantable cardiac monitor. Furthermore, whether the development of AF can be impacted beneficially by adjunctive therapeutic approaches is not known. The co-primary objectives of this pilot study in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFL) but no previously detected AF are: 1) to accurately determine the long-term incidence of new-onset AF after CTI ablation using an implantable rhythm monitor; 2) to compare the rates of new onset AF in subjects randomized to standard, usual-care, medical therapy following CTI ablation compared with those randomized to treatment with an aldosterone antagonist (spironolactone) in addition to their usual care medications. The patient population will be subjects with typical atrial flutter and a history of hypertension or heart failure, but no known AF episodes, scheduled to undergo catheter ablation of the CTI for treatment of AFL. Patients will be randomized to remain on their standard, usual-care. medications or to take oral spironolactone (a standard, FDA-approved medication used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure) starting after their ablation procedure. The primary study endpoint will be any atrial tachyarrhythmia episode (AF, AFL or atrial tachycardia) lasting greater than one minute detected via the implanted cardiac monitor after CTI ablation during long-term follow-up. The incidence of new-onset AF after CTI ablation will be compared between subjects randomized to be treated with usual care vs. those treated with usual care plus spironolactone on an intention to treat basis.

Interventions

DRUGSpironolactone

receive spironolactone treatment after CTI ablation

DRUGNo Spironolactone

no spironolactone treatment

Sponsors

Piedmont Healthcare
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Intervention model description

Randomized, pilot study

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* diagnosis of typical AFL confirmed by 12-lead ECG * no documented AF on ECG, ambulatory monitor, pacemaker or ICD at any time * scheduled to undergo catheter ablation of the CTI for treatment of AFL * history of hypertension (HTN) or heart failure (HF) (reduced or preserved systolic function)

Exclusion criteria

* history of known AF episodes * previous CTI or PVI ablation procedure * other SVT mechanisms demonstrated (AVNRT, AVRT or accessory pathways) * amiodarone usage within the past 3 months, * unwillingness to participate or undergo insertable monitor implantation * hyperkalemia (potassium \> 5.0 mEq/L) * severe renal disease (Cr \>2.5 mg/dL \[men\], \>2.0 mg/dL \[women, GFR \< 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) * life expectancy \< 18 months * prior intolerance to treatment with an aldosterone antagonist * current treatment with an aldosterone antagonist * need for treatment with a class I or III AAD for another indication * operative AFL (occurring within 30 days of surgery) that is expected to resolve * presence of a cardiac rhythm device (pacemaker or ICD) capable of AF monitoring * currently pregnant or nursing a child * unwilling not to become pregnant and to use birth control while taking spironolactone

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Long-Term incidence of new-onset AF after CTI ablation24 months1\. To accurately determine the long-term incidence of new-onset AF after CTI ablation using an implantable rhythm monitor
Rates of new-onset AF between standard therapy and spironolactone24 months2\. To compare the rates of new onset AF in subjects randomized to standard medical therapy following CTI ablation compared with those randomized to treatment with an aldosterone antagonist (spironolactone)

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026