Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of amiodarone and metoprolol in the treatment of ventricular premature beats.
Methods: Controlled randomized clinical trials from 1999 through 2009 were retrieved in China HowNet, VIP Web, Pubmed home. Using Rev Man4.2 software provided by Cochrane Collaboration, Meta-analysis was conducted of 30 articles meeting the inclusion criteria involving a total of 1188 patients.
Results: Merged analysis of amiodarone and metoprolol in the treatment of premature ventricular merge showed a comprehensive test results of Z=1.25, P=0.21, OR=1.18, 95%CI: 0.91-1.54; funnel plot analysis suggested the possible presence of publication bias. The comprehensive test of the incidence of adverse reactions in relation to the two drugs resulted in an OR of 1.96 (95%CI: 1.39-2.77), and funnel plot analysis also indicated publication bias.
Conclusions: The total response rate of amiodarone does not seem to be superior to metoprolol in the treatment of premature ventricular contractions, and amiodarone is associated with higher incidence of adverse reactions.