Abstract: AIM: To observe the efficacy and safety of intravenous ibutilide for immediate cardioversion of recent-onset in elderly atrial fibrillation.METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with atrial fibrillation were randomly assigned into two groups:ibutilide group (n =47)and amiodarone group (n =51).Patients in ibutilide group received ibutilide 1 mg in 30 minutes, patients in amiodarone group received amiodarone 150 mg in 10minutes.RESULTS: The rates of cardioversion in ibutilide group were significantly higher than those in amiodarone group.The conversion rates in patients whose atrial fibrillation had persisted within 24 hours were higher than those over 24 hours.The most serious adverse reaction of ibutilide was non sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. CONCLUSION: Ibutilide is a safe and effective agent for elderly cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation.

Key words: ibutilide, elder, atrial fibrillation