Meta-analysis of cryoballoon ablation versus antiarrhythmic drugs as initial therapy for symptomatic atrial fibrillation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The optimal first-line approach for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We compared the efficacy and safety of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) in the initial management of symptomatic AF.

Hypothesis

CBA is superior to AAD as initial therapy for symptomatic AF.

Methods

We searched the EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared CBA with AAD as first-line treatment for AF from the date of database establishment until March 18, 2021. The risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as a measure of treatment effect.

Results

Three RCTs that enrolled 724 patients in total were included in this meta-analysis. Majority of the pa

SUBMITTER: Mao YJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8495081 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature