[A comparison between propafenone and amiodarone in the conversion to sinus rhythm of atrial fibrillation of recent onset].

The effectiveness of propafenone versus amiodarone for conversion to sinus rhythm of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was compared. Fifty-four consecutive adult patients affected by recent onset atrial fibrillation (< 7 days) were randomized to treatment with intravenous propafenone (27 patients) and amiodarone (27 patient). Sinus rhythm was restored respectively in 74.1% and 70.4% (p = ns); within 5 hours was obtained reconversion in 65% of propafenone and in 15.8% of amiodarone group (p < 0.05); the mean conversion time was 3.5 and 16.6 hours (p < 0.01). In conclusion propafenone seems to be as effective and safe as amiodarone, but is significantly fast in converting recent onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm.