Efficacy and safety of vernakalant for cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common tachyarrhythmia encountered in clinical practice and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of vernakalant for cardioversion of recent-onset AF. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic literature search will be conducted in Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the vernakalant with AF. Two reviewers will independently assess the quality of the selected studies according to the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for RCTs. The bias risk of the RCT will be assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) tool. The quality of the evidence will be evaluated by Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results from these questions will be graphed and assessed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: The results of this meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: This review will evaluate the safety and efficacy of vernakalant for patients with AF, provide more recommendations for patients or researchers, and high-level evidence for clinical decision-making.