Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Cardiology

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia affecting humans. Several antiarrhythmic agents are effective for restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm, and the pharmacological treatment should have a high potency, be rapid in action and have a low incidence of side effects. The role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of AF is not completely understood.Various inflammatory markers and mediators such as C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor -Ü and interleukins have been linked to AF. Aim of the work: To study the different predictors of atrial fibrillation and to compare the efficacy and rapidity of recent oncet AF conversion by oral propafenone versus intravenous infusion of amiodarone. Results: 83% of patients in group(A)were successfully converted into sinus rhythm compared to 85% of patients in group( B). The time elapsed from drug administration till conversion of AF into sinus rhythm in group A was 9:07 ± 5:04 hours, while in group B was 3:9 ± 1:54 hours(p. value = 0.001). There were a negative and significant correlations between: number of previous episodes of AF,diabetes mellitus,hypertension and Left Atrial Diameter and the success rate of conversion of AF in both groups. In regard to laboratory studies:there was a negative and significant correlation between hsCRP and success rate of conversion of AF in both groups.On the other hand,Although the mean Troponin cTnI and the mean NLR were increased in both groups but they had no correlation to success of conversion of AF in both groups

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