Atropine for the prevention of cardiac dysrhythmias in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing percutaneous ethanol instillation: A, randomized, placebo-controlled, doub…

Introduction: Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) is an established method in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other tumors. During this procedure severe complications including cardiac bradyarrhythmias can occur. Preemptive injection of atropine is recommended by professional guidelines to prevent these dysrhythmias. The usefulness of this application has not been proven. Aim of the study was to investigate the effect of pre-procedure atropine injection on the occurrence of dysrhythmias during PEI. Methods: Forty consecutive patients scheduled for PEI were randomised 1:1 to receive 0.5mg atr…