Medication Use Evaluation of Dronedarone in Comparison to Amiodarone

Abstract Amiodarone is the most effective rhythm-control for atrial fibrillation, but produces serious potential side effects. Dronedarone was designed to eliminate amiodarone toxicities, but increased the risk of mortality in clinical trials. This medication use evaluation compares one year of dronedarone use with a matched cohort of amiodarone patients at a single hospital in Greensboro, NC. Forty-eight patients were included with an average age of 71.8 years and 37.5% female population. No significant difference was found for the primary composite outcome of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and systemic embolism (OR = 2.4, p = 0.148). Likewise, no statistical significance was demonstrated between the two groups for QTc prolongation, hypothyroidism, liver dysfunction or maintenance of normal sinus rhythm. In conclusion, the clinical decision process demonstrated no increased risk of death or other adverse events in the use of dronedarone. Conflict of Interest We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties Type: Student Projec