Supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias can increase mortality and morbidity after coronary bypass surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the prophylactic effects of amiodarone on postoperative arrhythmias and left ventricular function.

Methods:

In this randomized study, 50 patients were given amiodarone (25 patients, Group 1) or placebo (25 patients, Group 2) immadiately after elective coronary bypass surgery. Amiodarone was administered as a 1200 mg/day infusion for one day, followed by 600 mg/day for 7 days and 200 mg/day orally for two months. The patients were followed-up for arrhythmias and left ventricular function by electrocardiography and echocardiography.

Results:

Postoperative supraventricular arrhythmias occured in 3 of 25 patients in the amiodarone group (12%) and 12 of the 25 patients in the placebo group (48%) (p <0.05). Ventricular arrhythmias occurred in one patient in the amiodarone group (4%) and 5 patients in the placebo group (20%). Left ventricular ejection fraction decreased at first week and recovered at thirth week in both grups. Pulmonary and liver function tests did not change.

Conclusions:

Postoperative amiodarone theraphy in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery is well tolerated, significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative arhythmias and does not change left ventricular function.