A South Australian registry of biphasic cardioversions of atrial arrhythmias: efficacy and predictors of success.
Heart Lung Circ 2014;
24:342-7. [PMID:
25465515 DOI:
10.1016/j.hlc.2014.10.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Restoration of sinus rhythm by biphasic cardioversion is an established strategy for patients in atrial arrhythmias. This study aimed to investigate the real-life practice of cardioversions throughout a local hospital to determine frequency and predictors of success and use of high energy (> 200 joules).
METHODS
Prospective analysis of consecutive biphasic cardioversions from 2009-2013. Patient demographics, medical history and cardioversion data were collected.
RESULTS
484 cardioversions from 379 patients were included in the final analysis. The majority (73%) of cardioversions were immediately successful after a single shock; overall success was 88% (1-5 shocks). Exploratory analyses revealed that single-shock success was significantly associated with lighter weight (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.0-1.4, p<0.05). If a second shock was required, energy escalation was significantly associated with success (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.43-6.77, p<0.05). Increasing weight was the strongest predictor of receiving high energy (10kg increase OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.13-1.81, p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
This prospective analysis reflects the real-life heterogeneous practice of biphasic cardioversions of atrial arrhythmias throughout a local hospital. These findings highlight the importance of first shock energy selection with careful consideration of patient weight. We emphasise the recommendation to escalate energy, highlighting the need for high-energy defibrillators in 'hard-to-cardiovert' patients.
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