Abstract

Reperfusion arrhythmias represent a risk factor for death of post infarct patients receiving revascularization therapy, such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA). A relative deficiency of potassium (K+) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) has been shown to represent risk factors for certain types of arrhythmia. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of a combined treatment with both cations in acutely infarcted patients receiving PTCA, regarding the occurrence of heart rhythm disorders and left ventricular function. Potassium/magnesium-therapy was initiated before (early-onset), and maintained during and up to 12 weeks after performance of PTCA. The study was designed as monocentric, prospective, placebo-controlled and double-blind. A total of 262 patients were enrolled in the study. An interim analysis revealed no differences between both study groups of treatment regarding primary outcome parameters: 1) Incidence of accelerated ventricular rhythm, 2) Incidence of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and 3) Ejection fraction. Therefore, according to the protocol, the study was interrupted. However, a retrospective subanalysis of ECG-recordings revealed a significant reduction of ventricular extrasystoles and couplets in the K+/Mg2+-group. Both study groups were equal regarding quality and quantity of adverse events.

Author Details

Authors

• M. Kunert¹
• B. Gremmler¹
• H. Schleiting¹
• R. Susilo²
• U.P. Strauss²
• L.J. Ulbricht¹,³

Departments

• ¹ Marienhospital Bottrop, Department of Cardiology, Bottrop,
• ² Trommsdorff Arzneimittel GmbH, Research & Development, Alsdorf, and
• ³ University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany

Address

Dr. M. Kunert
Department of Cardiology
Marienhospital Bottrop
Josef-Albers-Straße 70
46236 Bottrop, Germany
Email: [email protected]

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