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Study flow diagram.

Figuras y tablas -
Figure 1

Study flow diagram.

Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.

Figuras y tablas -
Figure 2

Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.

Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.

Figuras y tablas -
Figure 3

Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, outcome: 1.1 Sudden cardiac death.

Figuras y tablas -
Figure 4

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, outcome: 1.1 Sudden cardiac death.

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, outcome: 1.2 Cardiac mortality.

Figuras y tablas -
Figure 5

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, outcome: 1.2 Cardiac mortality.

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, outcome: 1.3 All‐cause mortality.

Figuras y tablas -
Figure 6

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, outcome: 1.3 All‐cause mortality.

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.1

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 2: Cardiac mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.2

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 2: Cardiac mortality

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 3: All‐cause mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.3

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 3: All‐cause mortality

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 4: Sudden cardiac death subgroup post‐ AMI patients

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.4

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 4: Sudden cardiac death subgroup post‐ AMI patients

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 5: Sudden cardiac death subgroup heart failure

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.5

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 5: Sudden cardiac death subgroup heart failure

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 6: All‐cause mortality subgroup post‐AMI

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.6

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 6: All‐cause mortality subgroup post‐AMI

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 7: All‐cause mortality subgroup heart failure

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.7

Comparison 1: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention, Outcome 7: All‐cause mortality subgroup heart failure

Comparison 2: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for primary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.1

Comparison 2: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for primary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Comparison 2: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for primary prevention, Outcome 2: Cardiac mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.2

Comparison 2: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for primary prevention, Outcome 2: Cardiac mortality

Comparison 2: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for primary prevention, Outcome 3: All‐cause mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.3

Comparison 2: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for primary prevention, Outcome 3: All‐cause mortality

Comparison 3: Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for primary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.1

Comparison 3: Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for primary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Comparison 3: Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for primary prevention, Outcome 2: Cardiac mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.2

Comparison 3: Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for primary prevention, Outcome 2: Cardiac mortality

Comparison 3: Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for primary prevention, Outcome 3: All‐cause mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.3

Comparison 3: Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for primary prevention, Outcome 3: All‐cause mortality

Comparison 4: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for secondary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 4.1

Comparison 4: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for secondary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Comparison 4: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for secondary prevention, Outcome 2: All‐cause mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 4.2

Comparison 4: Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for secondary prevention, Outcome 2: All‐cause mortality

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.1

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 2: Cardiac mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.2

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 2: Cardiac mortality

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 3: All‐cause mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.3

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 3: All‐cause mortality

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 4: Sudden cardiac death subgroup with ICD

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.4

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 4: Sudden cardiac death subgroup with ICD

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 5: Sudden cardiac death subgroup without ICD

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.5

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 5: Sudden cardiac death subgroup without ICD

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 6: All‐cause mortality subgroup with ICD

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.6

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 6: All‐cause mortality subgroup with ICD

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 7: All‐cause mortality subgroup without ICD

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.7

Comparison 5: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention, Outcome 7: All‐cause mortality subgroup without ICD

Comparison 6: Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for secondary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.1

Comparison 6: Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for secondary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Comparison 6: Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for secondary prevention, Outcome 2: All‐cause mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.2

Comparison 6: Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for secondary prevention, Outcome 2: All‐cause mortality

Comparison 7: Amiodarone versus sotalol for secondary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.1

Comparison 7: Amiodarone versus sotalol for secondary prevention, Outcome 1: Sudden cardiac death

Comparison 7: Amiodarone versus sotalol for secondary prevention, Outcome 2: Cardiac mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.2

Comparison 7: Amiodarone versus sotalol for secondary prevention, Outcome 2: Cardiac mortality

Comparison 7: Amiodarone versus sotalol for secondary prevention, Outcome 3: All‐cause mortality

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.3

Comparison 7: Amiodarone versus sotalol for secondary prevention, Outcome 3: All‐cause mortality

Comparison 8: Amiodarone and quality of life, Outcome 1: Quality of life (DASI at 30 months)

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 8.1

Comparison 8: Amiodarone and quality of life, Outcome 1: Quality of life (DASI at 30 months)

Comparison 8: Amiodarone and quality of life, Outcome 2: Quality of life (MHI‐5 at 30 months)

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 8.2

Comparison 8: Amiodarone and quality of life, Outcome 2: Quality of life (MHI‐5 at 30 months)

Comparison 9: Amiodarone versus placebo (adverse effects), Outcome 1: Hyperthyroidism

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 9.1

Comparison 9: Amiodarone versus placebo (adverse effects), Outcome 1: Hyperthyroidism

Comparison 9: Amiodarone versus placebo (adverse effects), Outcome 2: Hypothyroidism

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 9.2

Comparison 9: Amiodarone versus placebo (adverse effects), Outcome 2: Hypothyroidism

Comparison 9: Amiodarone versus placebo (adverse effects), Outcome 3: Pulmonary

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 9.3

Comparison 9: Amiodarone versus placebo (adverse effects), Outcome 3: Pulmonary

Comparison 9: Amiodarone versus placebo (adverse effects), Outcome 4: Discontinuation

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 9.4

Comparison 9: Amiodarone versus placebo (adverse effects), Outcome 4: Discontinuation

Comparison 10: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics (adverse effects), Outcome 1: Hyperthyroidism

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 10.1

Comparison 10: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics (adverse effects), Outcome 1: Hyperthyroidism

Comparison 10: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics (adverse effects), Outcome 2: Hypothyroidism

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 10.2

Comparison 10: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics (adverse effects), Outcome 2: Hypothyroidism

Comparison 10: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics (adverse effects), Outcome 3: Pulmonary

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 10.3

Comparison 10: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics (adverse effects), Outcome 3: Pulmonary

Comparison 10: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics (adverse effects), Outcome 4: Discontinuation

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 10.4

Comparison 10: Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics (adverse effects), Outcome 4: Discontinuation

Comparison 11: Amiodarone versus no treatment (adverse effects), Outcome 1: Hyperthyroidism

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 11.1

Comparison 11: Amiodarone versus no treatment (adverse effects), Outcome 1: Hyperthyroidism

Comparison 11: Amiodarone versus no treatment (adverse effects), Outcome 2: Hypothyroidism

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 11.2

Comparison 11: Amiodarone versus no treatment (adverse effects), Outcome 2: Hypothyroidism

Comparison 11: Amiodarone versus no treatment (adverse effects), Outcome 3: Pulmonary

Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 11.3

Comparison 11: Amiodarone versus no treatment (adverse effects), Outcome 3: Pulmonary

Summary of findings 1. Amiodarone compared to placebo or no treatment for high risk of Sudden Cardiac Death (primary prevention)

Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention

Patient or population: participants with high risk of sudden cardiac death (primary prevention)
Settings: any setting
Intervention: amiodarone
Comparison: placebo or no treatment

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Placebo or no treatment

Amiodarone

Sudden cardiac death

Study population

RR 0.76
(0.66 to 0.88)

8383
(17 studies)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
lowa,b

91 per 1000

70 per 1000
(61 to 81)

Moderate

114 per 1000

87 per 1000
(76 to 101)

All‐cause mortality

Study population

RR 0.88
(0.78 to 1.00)

8383
(17 studies)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
lowa,b

203 per 1000

178 per 1000
(158 to 203)

Moderate

190 per 1000

167 per 1000
(148 to 190)

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

aRandomisation and allocation concealment methods not clear or not adequate in 10/16 studies, including studies with more weight.
bFunnel plot compatible with publication bias. Given the nature of the intervention and the absence of other explanatory factors, publication bias is the most likely explanation.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 1. Amiodarone compared to placebo or no treatment for high risk of Sudden Cardiac Death (primary prevention)
Summary of findings 2. Amiodarone compared to beta blockers for high risk of sudden cardiac death (primary prevention)

Amiodarone versus beta blockers

Patient or population: beta blockers
Settings: any setting
Intervention: amiodarone

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Control

Amiodarone

Sudden cardiac death

Study population

RR 0.37
(0.11 to 1.22)

342
(2 studies)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
lowa,b

56 per 1000

21 per 1000
(6 to 68)

Moderate

45 per 1000

17 per 1000
(5 to 55)

All‐cause mortality

Study population

RR 0.27
(0.1 to 0.75)

342
(2 studies)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
lowa,b

101 per 1000

27 per 1000
(10 to 75)

Moderate

76 per 1000

21 per 1000
(8 to 57)

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

aBoth studies had serious limitations, including lack of blinding for participants and unclear generation of random sequence and allocation concealment.
bWide confidence interval that does not exclude risk. However, point estimate shows a high magnitude effect.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 2. Amiodarone compared to beta blockers for high risk of sudden cardiac death (primary prevention)
Summary of findings 3. Amiodarone compared to other antiarrhythmics for high risk of sudden cardiac death (primary prevention)

Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for high risk of sudden cardiac death (primary prevention)

Patient or population: participants with high risk of sudden cardiac death (primary prevention)
Settings: any setting
Intervention: amiodarone
Comparison: other antiarrhythmics

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Other antiarrhythmics

Amiodarone

Sudden cardiac death

Study population

RR 0.44
(0.19 to 1)

540
(3 studies)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderatea,b

65 per 1000

28 per 1000
(12 to 65)

All‐cause mortality

Study population

RR 0.37
(0.18 to 0.76)

540
(3 studies)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderatea

100 per 1000

37 per 1000
(18 to 76)

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

aAll studies had serious limitations, including lack of blinding for participants and unclear allocation concealment.
bEven though the CI crosses the line of null effect, we did not decrease the quality of the evidence since the point estimate clearly shows benefit and is consistent with the direction of the other outcomes.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 3. Amiodarone compared to other antiarrhythmics for high risk of sudden cardiac death (primary prevention)
Summary of findings 4. Amiodarone compared to placebo or no treatment for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)

Amiodarone compared to placebo or no treatment for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)

Patient or population: participants with high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)
Settings: any setting
Intervention: amiodarone
Comparison: placebo or no treatment

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Placebo or no treatment

Amiodarone

Sudden cardiac death

Study population

RR 4.32
(0.87 to 21.49)

440
(2 studies)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very lowa,b

8 per 1000

35 per 1000
(7 to 174)

All‐cause mortality

Study population

RR 3.05
(1.33 to 7.01)

440
(2 studies)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very lowa,b

32 per 1000

99 per 1000
(43 to 227)

Moderate

35 per 1000

107 per 1000
(47 to 245)

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

aVery serious imprecision: quality of the evidence was downgraded two levels because the CI was very wide and includes both important risks and benefits, and because there was a very low number of events.
bPublication bias suspected, given likelihood of publication bias in the studies of primary prevention for the same comparison, and the results showing possible harm.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 4. Amiodarone compared to placebo or no treatment for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)
Summary of findings 5. Amiodarone compared to other antiarrhythmics for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)

Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)

Patient or population: participants with high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)
Settings: any setting
Intervention: amiodarone
Comparison: other antiarrhythmics

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Other antiarrhythmics

Amiodarone

Sudden cardiac death

Study population

RR 1.40
(0.56 to 3.52)

839
(4 studies)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very lowa,b,c

99 per 1000

138 per 1000
(55 to 347)

All‐cause mortality

Study population

RR 1.03
(0.75 to 1.42)

898
(5 studies)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
lowa,b

193 per 1000

198 per 1000
(144 to 273)

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

aAll studies had serious limitations, including 4/5 not blinded for participants.
bWide confidence interval that does not rule out important benefit or risk.
cDowngraded due to inconsistency (I2 = 72%).

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 5. Amiodarone compared to other antiarrhythmics for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)
Summary of findings 6. Amiodarone compared to beta blockers for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)

Amiodarone compared to beta blockers for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)

Patient or population: participants with high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)
Settings: any setting
Intervention: amiodarone
Comparison: beta blockers

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of Participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Beta blockers

Amiodarone

Sudden cardiac death

Study population

RR 0.84
(0.55 to 1.27)

189
(1 study)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very lowa,b

351 per 1000

294 per 1000
(193 to 445)

All‐cause mortality

Study population

RR 0.96
(0.7 to 1.32)

189
(1 study)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very lowa,b

454 per 1000

435 per 1000
(318 to 599)

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

aThe only study has serious limitations, including lack of blinding for participants.
bOnly one study; quality of the evidence was downgraded two levels because confidence interval includes both important benefit and risk.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 6. Amiodarone compared to beta blockers for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)
Summary of findings 7. Amiodarone compared to sotalol for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)

Amiodarone versus sotalol for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)

Patient or population: participants with high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)
Settings: any setting
Intervention: amiodarone
Comparison: sotalol

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of Participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Sotalol

Amiodarone

Sudden cardiac death

Study population

RR 2.87
(0.32 to 25.55)

45
(1 study)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very lowa,b

45 per 1000

130 per 1000
(15 to 1000)

All‐cause mortality

Study population

RR 1.08
(0.41 to 2.83)

104
(2 studies)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very lowa,b

137 per 1000

148 per 1000
(56 to 388)

Moderate

132 per 1000

143 per 1000
(54 to 374)

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

aThe only study has serious limitations, including lack of blinding for participants.
bOnly one study; quality of the evidence was downgraded two levels because confidence interval includes both important benefit and risk.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 7. Amiodarone compared to sotalol for high risk of sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention)
Comparison 1. Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1.1 Sudden cardiac death Show forest plot

17

8383

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.76 [0.66, 0.88]

1.2 Cardiac mortality Show forest plot

17

8383

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.86 [0.77, 0.96]

1.3 All‐cause mortality Show forest plot

17

8383

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.88 [0.78, 1.00]

1.4 Sudden cardiac death subgroup post‐ AMI patients Show forest plot

6

3377

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.65 [0.46, 0.91]

1.5 Sudden cardiac death subgroup heart failure Show forest plot

11

5006

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.79 [0.67, 0.93]

1.6 All‐cause mortality subgroup post‐AMI Show forest plot

6

3377

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.84 [0.61, 1.16]

1.7 All‐cause mortality subgroup heart failure Show forest plot

11

5006

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.90 [0.80, 1.01]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 1. Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for primary prevention
Comparison 2. Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for primary prevention

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

2.1 Sudden cardiac death Show forest plot

3

540

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.44 [0.19, 1.00]

2.2 Cardiac mortality Show forest plot

3

540

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.41 [0.20, 0.86]

2.3 All‐cause mortality Show forest plot

3

540

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.37 [0.18, 0.76]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 2. Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for primary prevention
Comparison 3. Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for primary prevention

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

3.1 Sudden cardiac death Show forest plot

2

342

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.37 [0.11, 1.22]

3.2 Cardiac mortality Show forest plot

2

342

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.31 [0.11, 0.84]

3.3 All‐cause mortality Show forest plot

2

342

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.27 [0.10, 0.75]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 3. Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for primary prevention
Comparison 4. Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for secondary prevention

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

4.1 Sudden cardiac death Show forest plot

2

440

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

4.32 [0.87, 21.49]

4.2 All‐cause mortality Show forest plot

2

440

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

3.05 [1.33, 7.01]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 4. Amiodarone versus placebo or no treatment for secondary prevention
Comparison 5. Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

5.1 Sudden cardiac death Show forest plot

4

839

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.40 [0.56, 3.52]

5.2 Cardiac mortality Show forest plot

2

273

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.77 [0.49, 1.21]

5.3 All‐cause mortality Show forest plot

5

898

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.03 [0.75, 1.42]

5.4 Sudden cardiac death subgroup with ICD Show forest plot

1

377

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

24.45 [2.79, 214.59]

5.5 Sudden cardiac death subgroup without ICD Show forest plot

2

234

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.96 [0.45, 2.05]

5.6 All‐cause mortality subgroup with ICD Show forest plot

1

377

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.96 [0.98, 3.93]

5.7 All‐cause mortality subgroup without ICD Show forest plot

3

293

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.72, 1.31]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 5. Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics for secondary prevention
Comparison 6. Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for secondary prevention

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

6.1 Sudden cardiac death Show forest plot

1

189

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.84 [0.55, 1.27]

6.2 All‐cause mortality Show forest plot

1

189

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.96 [0.70, 1.32]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 6. Amiodarone versus beta‐blockers for secondary prevention
Comparison 7. Amiodarone versus sotalol for secondary prevention

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

7.1 Sudden cardiac death Show forest plot

1

45

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.87 [0.32, 25.55]

7.2 Cardiac mortality Show forest plot

1

45

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.43 [0.26, 7.78]

7.3 All‐cause mortality Show forest plot

2

104

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.08 [0.41, 2.83]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 7. Amiodarone versus sotalol for secondary prevention
Comparison 8. Amiodarone and quality of life

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

8.1 Quality of life (DASI at 30 months) Show forest plot

1

1160

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.20 [‐0.56, 2.96]

8.2 Quality of life (MHI‐5 at 30 months) Show forest plot

1

1124

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.20 [‐0.26, 4.66]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 8. Amiodarone and quality of life
Comparison 9. Amiodarone versus placebo (adverse effects)

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

9.1 Hyperthyroidism Show forest plot

8

5972

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

4.14 [1.54, 11.17]

9.2 Hypothyroidism Show forest plot

8

4008

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

6.13 [2.46, 15.28]

9.3 Pulmonary Show forest plot

12

5924

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.66 [1.15, 2.40]

9.4 Discontinuation Show forest plot

13

7616

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.45 [1.26, 1.67]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 9. Amiodarone versus placebo (adverse effects)
Comparison 10. Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics (adverse effects)

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

10.1 Hyperthyroidism Show forest plot

3

514

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

7.43 [1.33, 41.57]

10.2 Hypothyroidism Show forest plot

4

886

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

7.77 [1.85, 32.68]

10.3 Pulmonary Show forest plot

6

1296

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.30 [0.36, 14.67]

10.4 Discontinuation Show forest plot

8

1438

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.06 [0.84, 1.33]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 10. Amiodarone versus other antiarrhythmics (adverse effects)
Comparison 11. Amiodarone versus no treatment (adverse effects)

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

11.1 Hyperthyroidism Show forest plot

3

414

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

4.97 [0.60, 41.16]

11.2 Hypothyroidism Show forest plot

3

414

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

12.82 [0.73, 225.33]

11.3 Pulmonary Show forest plot

2

405

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

14.79 [0.85, 256.43]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 11. Amiodarone versus no treatment (adverse effects)