[Use of landiolol hydrochloride for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after lung resection].

Background: We examined the effect of landiolol hydrochloride, a selective beta1-adrenoreceptor antagonist, on the incidence of atrial fibrillation(AF).

Methods: The incidence of AF after lung resection was evaluated retrospectively in patients with intraoperative treatment with landiolol hydrochloride or those without it. Landiolol hydrochloride (5 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) was administered intravenously from the beginning of anesthesia induction to the end of operation.

Results: In non-treatment group with landiolol hydrochloride (224 patients), the incidence of AF after surgery was 14.2%, peaking on postoperative day 2, and the average peak day was day 3.5. Older age, removal of the lymph nodes, lengthy surgery, and ischemic heart failure were risk factors. In treatment group with landiolol hydrochloride (77 patients), the incidence of AF after surgery was 5.2%, which was significantly lower than that in non-treatment group. Increased numbers of risk factors led to the high incidence of AF. But the administration of landiolol hydrochloride suppressed the incidence of AF.

Conclusions: Landiolol hydrochloride is effective for the preventionof AF and it is safe without causing a severe decrease in blood pressure and bradycardia in high risk patients.