Maintenance of sinus rhythm with metoprolol CR initiated before cardioversion and repeated cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Aims: To assess the effect of metoprolol in combination with repeated cardioversion on maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR).

Methods And Results: Consecutive outpatients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were randomized to treatment with metoprolol CR or placebo in a double-blind fashion. Study treatment was started at least one week before direct current (DC) cardioversion.

Self-limited bursts of atrial fibrillation following successful cardioversion.

Background: To evaluate if self-limited episodes of atrial fibrillation after DC cardioversion predict recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation. To evaluate the incidence and duration of such episodes as well as their change over time.

Methods: Consecutive patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, scheduled for direct current cardioversion were prospectively included in the study.

Perceived heart rhythm in relation to ECG findings after direct current cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.

Objective: To investigate the agreement between perceived heart rhythm and the ECG-registered heart rhythm, as well as between symptoms and the ECG after direct current (DC) cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: Consecutive patients with symptomatic AF subjected to DC cardioversion were interviewed about perceived heart rhythm and symptoms one week after restoration of sinus rhythm (SR). An ECG was obtained after the interview.

Rate of conversion and recurrence after sotalol treatment in patients with direct current-refractory atrial fibrillation.

Background: A number of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) will not have sinus rhythm (SR) restored by direct current (DC) cardioversion.

Hypothesis: In patients with DC-refractory AF, oral pretreatment with sotalol increases the success rate at DC cardioversion.

Methods: Consecutive patients with persistent AF, refractory at a first DC cardioversion, were prospectively included.

Reduction of seizures with low-dose clonazepam in children with epilepsy.

The acute effects of low-dose clonazepam on seizure frequency in children with epilepsy was evaluated. In an open study, 19 children with epilepsy (15 generalized and four partial) were examined during hospitalization with recordings of seizures by trained personnel. Seizures were counted during two 24-hour periods: before and after a single intramuscular injection of clonazepam 0.