Decreasing pain and anxiety associated with patient-activated atrial shock: a placebo-controlled study of adjunctive sedation with oral triazolam

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
Tanya J FabianPatricia D Kroboth

Abstract

Implantable atrial defibrillators (IADs) have proved to be safe and effective in the management of atrial fibrillation. A potential limitation of self-activated IAD therapy is patient-reported pain and anxiety. The main objective of the present study was to determine whether triazolam improved patient perception of the shock experience or altered patient memory of shock discomfort relative to placebo. A total of 15 men and women (mean age: 59 +/- 6 years) were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of triazolam. Randomized study medication was administered orally 75 minutes prior to scheduled atrial shock delivery. Patient perception of the shock experience was assessed along with sedation, memory, anxiety, and mood. Triazolam reduced mean pre-shock anxiety (t= 2.98, df = 14, P = 0.01) and shock-related pain (t= 2.74, df = 13, P = 0.01) and intensity (t= 2.64, df = 13, P = 0.018) relative to placebo. Similarly, participants recalled less discomfort the morning after shock with triazolam than with placebo (t= 2.82, df = 11, P = 0.017). This study was the first to investigate the use of an oral benzodiazepine administered prior to patient-activated shock delivery with an IAD. Our data indicate that ora...Continue Reading

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Citations

Mar 6, 2007·Heart Rhythm : the Official Journal of the Heart Rhythm Society·Derek J Dosdall, Raymond E Ideker
Jan 15, 2009·Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE·George H CrossleyUNKNOWN Concerto-AT Study Investigators

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