Outcome parameters for trials in atrial fibrillation: recommendations from a consensus conference organized by the German Atrial Fibrillation Competence NETwork and the European Heart Rhythm Association.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common atrial arrhythmia, has a complex aetiology and causes relevant morbidity and mortality due to different mechanisms, including but not limited to stroke, heart failure, and tachy- or bradyarrhythmia. Current therapeutic options (rate control, rhythm control, antithrombotic therapy, 'upstream therapy') only prevent a part of this burden of disease. New treatment modalities are therefore currently under evaluation in clinical trials.

Outcome parameters for trials in atrial fibrillation: executive summary.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common atrial arrhythmia, has a complex aetiology and causes relevant morbidity and mortality due to different mechanisms, including but not limited to stroke, heart failure, and tachy- or bradyarrhythmia. Current therapeutic options (rate control, rhythm control, antithrombotic therapy, 'upstream therapy') only prevent a part of this burden of disease. Several new treatment modalities are therefore under evaluation in controlled trials.

QRS aberration during atrial fibrillation at rest and during exercise. Effect of a selective potassium channel blocking agent.

This study assesses the occurrence of and identifies clinical characteristics associated with the development of aberrant conduction during infusion of the I(kr)-blocker almokalant. Class III drugs may induce aberrant conduction by prolongation of cardiac repolarization, especially during atrial fibrillation (AF). Ninety-two patients with AF received a 6-hour almokalant infusion, aiming at conversion to sinus rhythm (SR).