Intravenous dofetilide can convert sustained atrial fibrillation or flutter to sinus rhythm. However, its efficacy is greater in flutter--a response that contrasts with the poorer response seen with class I agents. This finding potentially represents an important advance in the pharmacologic termination of atrial flutter.

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We conclude that: (1) dofetilide produces concentration-related IK blocking effects in patients; (2) an incremental dose-ranging study design aids in identifying the range of doses demonstrating electrophysiologic effects and efficacy; (3) a concomitant placebo group provides important data to assess reproducibility of results over time; and (4) further studies of dofetilide's efficacy and toxicity should be conducted.

The effect of the platelet‐activating factor (Paf) antagonist, WEB 2086, on Paf‐induced increase of pulmonary artery perfusion pressure (Pp), bronchial inflation pressure (Pi) and wet‐to‐dry lung weight ratios (W/D) was investigated in the rat isolated lung. Lungs were perfused with Krebs‐Ringer solution (KRS) as controls or with KRS containing WEB 2086 (0.1, 1.0, 10.0 or 100 μgml−1) and then injected with a bolus of 20 μg Paf. A dose‐related inhibition of the Paf‐induced increase of Pp, Pi and W/D was observed, being almost maximal for the 10.0 μg ml−1 and complete for the 100 μg ml−1 doses of WEB 2086 when compared to controls. It is concluded that WEB 2086 is a highly effective and specific Paf antagonist in the pulmonary vasculature and bronchial tract.

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