The safety and efficacy of sotalol in the management of acute atrial fibrillation: a retrospective case control study

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and affects 1.5-2% of the population [1]. Over 6 million Europeans have AF and the prevalence is expected to double in the next 50 years [2]. AF is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart failure, impaired quality of life, reduced exercise tolerance, left ventricular systolic impairment and death. Subsequently there is significant cost implications associated [1,2]. Attempting to achieve sinus rhythm is therefore of importance. Objective: The European Society of Cardiology, American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology guidelines on atrial fibrillation (AF) 2006 state that Sotalol should not be used in acute AF. We assessed the safety and efficacy of sotalol in acute AF when compared to other anti-arrhythmic drugs (ADD).