Ongoing and planned clinical trials of anti-arrhythmic drugs: an update

Abstract

Anti-arrhythmic drug therapy is frequently used for the control of ventricular arrhythmias in the setting of heart disease. These agents have been used in many randomised clinical trials in an attempt to demonstrate improved survival. However, most studies have been disappointing, showing little or no improvement in survival, and, in some cases, deterioration. This report reviews ongoing clinical trials designed to evaluate survival in specific patient populations.

• anti-arrhythmic drugs
• implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• sudden cardiac death
• ventricular fibrillation
• ventricular tachycardia