Abstract 18105: Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Two Dosages Dabigatran versus Warfarin in Patients with Persistent and Long-standing Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Electrical Cardioversion

Introduction: The most important factor for efficacy and safety for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing electrical cardioversion (ECV) is appropriate use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy. Dabigatran is a possible alternative OAC therapy before and after ECV versus therapy with warfarin. Methods: We have analysed the data collected before, during and after ECV in 1046 patients (pts) undergoing ECV. All pts had AF, 885 defined as persistent and 161 defined as long-acting, mean CHA2DS2 VASc score was 3.1 ± 1.8, 735 had one or two ECV in anamnesis. 628 (60%) pts started the use of dabigatran, (405 pts 150 mg twice or 223 pts 110 mg twice) before ECV for at least 21 day, 418 (40%) started warfarin therapy, 21 day start after INR was in range 2.0 - 3.0. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was encouraged before ECV in all groups for pts with CHA2DS2VASc score ≥ 3, markedly left atrial dilatation and AF duration ≥ 6 months. ECG and Echo-kg data were analysed 30 and 90 days after ECV. Results: ...