RCT: Metoprolol vs carvedilol, or carvedilol plus N-acetylcysteine on post-operative atrial fibrillation

Source: Eur Heart J Area: News The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of metoprolol, carvedilol, and carvedilol plus NAC on the prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF).   Three hundred and eleven patients undergoing cardiac surgery were randomised to metoprolol, carvedilol, or carvedilol plus NAC. The incidence of POAF was statistically lower in the carvedilol plus NAC group compared with the metoprolol group (P < 0.0001) or the carvedilol group (P = 0.03). Duration of hospitalisation was statistically lower in the carvedilol plus NAC group compared to the metoprolol group (P = 0.004).   The authors concluded that carvedilol plus NAC decreased POAF incidence and duration of hospitalisation compared with metoprolol and decreased POAF incidence compared with carvedilol.
Source: NeLM - Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: news