Results of the REFLEC-CR study
Administration of extended-release flecainide to patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation significantly improves their quality of life and is associated with excellent treatment compliance. This conclusion is based on the results of the prospective, multicenter observational REFLEC-CR study, sponsored by Win Medica.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, in which the atria of the heart contract in an abnormal, irregular and rapid manner and do not synchronize with the ventricles. It is diagnosed in 1%-3% of the general population, while in older people over 80 years of age it may occur in 10%.
Atrial fibrillation is not innocent, as it is associated with an increased risk of vascular stroke, heart failure and other cardiac complications, and adversely affects patients’ quality of life.
Flecainide, a class is antiarrhythmic drug, is indicated as first-line therapy in the treatment of patients with symptomatic, paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation without coexisting coronary artery disease or underlying structural heart disease.
The objective of the REFLEC-CR study was to assess the effect of oral, once-daily extended-release flecainide on the quality of life of patients with atrial fibrillation and their compliance with 12 weeks of treatment.
The study evaluated 679 patients (53.2% women, 65.9±11.7 years), treated with extended-release flecainide as part of a rhythm control strategy, in 70 public and private cardiology clinics throughout Greece.
The effect of extended-release flecainide on patients’ quality of life was assessed using the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Severity of Atrial Fibrillation Scale (CCS-SAF), which was measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment.
At the end of the follow-up period, there was an improvement in patients’ quality of life, as measured by the CCS-SAF scale, to a statistically significant degree (p-value <0.0001), regardless of the type of atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal or persistent).
In addition, excellent compliance (100%) to treatment was reported in 93.6% of patients.
In total, 23 patients (3.4%) withdrew from the study, 5 due to adverse events.
Following the oral presentation of the study results at the European Congress of Cardiology in Paris (ESC Congress 2019)1 , the study was recently published in the prestigious medical journal Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy2.
Win Medica’s President and CEO, Mr. M. Kosmidis, stated that the vision to upgrade patient care to improve patient quality of life is reflected in the REFLEC-CR study. Win Medica, despite the difficult and challenging economic environment, is investing in clinical research, highlighting its high scientific background.
He thanked the participating physician-researchers and the Coordinator, Mr. S. Jay, for the successful conduct of the study and emphasized Win Medica’s commitment to developing new and improved treatment options for chronic and intractable diseases.
About Win Medica
Win Medica is one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical companies in Greece, in the field of Primary Health Care and Hospital Care, with a modern strategy serving the improvement of Health, patient access to treatments and saving resources. The areas of activity include originator medicines, high value-added generics and differentiated medicines, biotechnology medicines, medical devices and non-prescription medicines. Product and service quality is Win Medica’s key roadmap. With a focus on caring for people, Win Medica produces, promotes and distributes safe, quality medicines that improve the quality of life of patients, investing steadily in research and supporting distinguished scientists in our country.
The information provided is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of Healthcare Professionals. The treating physician is responsible for deciding what is the appropriate treatment for each patient.
