A Comparative Study on the Effect of Amiodarone and Metaprolol for Prevention of Arrythmias after Open Heart Surgery

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the effect of amiodarone and metaprolol in prevention of atrial fibrillation in patients, following open heart surgery. METHODS This prospective study was carried out between May 2008 to Nov. 2010, and comprised a total of 50 patients with normal preoperative sinus rhythm undergoing open heart surgery using cardio pulmonary bypass. RESULTS Mean age of patients was 47+2.7 years, of which 60% who developed atrial fibrillation aged from 51 to 60 years. Most patients (62%) were in NYHA Class III. Patients who received amiodarone showed significant improvement in LVEF compared to those treated with Metaprolol. Amiodarone treated group exhibited lesser incidence and short-lasting atrial fibrillation, lower ventricular rate, shorter hospitalization, and lesser cost of care than those in metaprolol group. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that amiodarone was more efficient in controlling post-operative atrial fibrillation as compared to metaprolol. However, a larger randomized controlled trial is needed to corroborate the result of this study.