Objective: Propafenone (PPF) is an antiarrhythmic, Class Ic agent. Its metabolism is genetically controlled by a cytochrome P450 isoenzyme named CYP2D6, which shows polymorphism in human population. The aim of this paper was to determine the correlation between the antiarrhythmic efficacy of PPF and the oxidation phenotype. SUBJECTS AND MATERIAL: The study group consisted of 42 patients, aged 36 to 75 years, suffering from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The oxidation phenotype was described by the metabolic ratio (MR) of sparteine. The MR value separated the group of poor metabolizers (MR > 20) from the group of extensive metabolizers (MR < 20) with the subgroup of very extensive metabolizers (MR < 1).
Method: The study was conducted during a 3-month PPF therapy for the prophylaxis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. PPF was given orally, 300-450 mg/day. The oxidation phenotype was checked prior to the administration of PPF. Serum concentration of PPF at 7, 11 days and the end of PPF therapy were determined. Statistical analysis of data was performed with the chi2 test and the Pearson's correlation methods.
Results: In the group of 42 patients, PPF therapy was 100% effective in poor metabolizers (PM). In extensive metabolizers (EM), 61% efficacy was observed with efficacy 0% in very extensive metabolizers (VEM). The correlation between oxidation phenotype and the ability to maintain sinus rhythm (SR) was statistically significant (r = 0.414, p < 0.05).
Conclusions: The antiarrhythmic efficacy of propafenone depends on the oxidation phenotype; 100% efficacy occurred in the group of poor metabolizers whereas PPF, at the dose tested, was ineffective in very extensive metabolizers.