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Carvedilol versus Metoprolol for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Off-Pump Coronary Bypass Surgery: Rationale and Design of the Carvedilol or Metoprolol Post-Revascularization Atrial Fibrillation Controlled Trial (COMPACT)

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Abstract

Background

Postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) remains the most common complication of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Postoperative AF carries the risk of hemodynamic instability, increases the risk of thromboembolic events, and has a significant economic impact. Current guidelines recommend treatment with β-blockers to prevent AF; information, however, is limited regarding the relative efficacy of β-blocking agents. Carvedilol is a non-selective adrenergic blocker with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and multiple cationic channel blocking properties. These unique properties of carvedilol have generated interest in its use as a prophylaxis for postoperative AF.

Materials and methods

We hypothesize that carvedilol will be more effective than metoprolol, a conventional β1-selective antagonist, in suppressing newly developed AF following off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. We have designed the Carvedilol or Metoprolol Post-Revascularization Atrial Fibrillation Controlled Trial (COMPACT) to test our hypothesis in a multi-center, open-label, randomized, and controlled trial. A total of at least 650 patients will be randomized to receive an initial oral dose of either 5 mg of carvedilol twice per day or 20 mg of metoprolol tartrate three times per day following surgery. The dose of each β-blocker will be increased to the maximum tolerated dose. The primary endpoint is the incidence of new-onset AF during the first 7 days after surgery.

Conclusions

The COMPACT is the first multi-center, randomized, controlled trial to directly compare two different β-blockers in patients following surgical coronary revascularization. Results of this trial will help to guide physicians in choosing appropriate medications following OPCAB surgery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan

    Masataka Kamei & Masakazu Kuro

  2. Department of Epidemiological and Clinical Research Information Management, School of Public Health, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan

    Satoshi Morita

  3. Department of Anesthesiology (D-7), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan

    Yukio Hayashi

  4. Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan

    Yuichi Kanmura

  5. 5-7-1, Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka, 565-8565, Japan

    Masataka Kamei

Authors
  1. Masataka Kamei
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  2. Satoshi Morita
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  3. Yukio Hayashi
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  4. Yuichi Kanmura
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  5. Masakazu Kuro
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Correspondence to Masataka Kamei.

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Kamei, M., Morita, S., Hayashi, Y. et al. Carvedilol versus Metoprolol for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Off-Pump Coronary Bypass Surgery: Rationale and Design of the Carvedilol or Metoprolol Post-Revascularization Atrial Fibrillation Controlled Trial (COMPACT). Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 20, 219–227 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10557-006-8375-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10557-006-8375-7

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