Oral Steroids Before Pulmonary Vein Isolation to Improve Outcomes

Use of Oral Steroids Before Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation to Improve Outcomes

The primary purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of oral prednisone in improving the outcomes of pulmonary vein isolation with radiofrequency ablation.

The purpose of this study is:

1. To assess the efficacy of oral prednisone in improving the outcomes of pulmonary vein isolation with radiofrequency ablation.
2. To measure the inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8) response to radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation with or without prior prednisone treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Able to provide written informed consent;
2. Scheduled for radiofrequency ablation procedure for treatment of atrial fibrillation

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of heart failure (right or left or biventricular) or cardiomyopathy.
2. Immunosuppressive disorders and systemic fungal infection
3. Concurrent use of corticosteroids in one week prior recruitment.
4. Allergy or prednisone or its components.
5. Other medical conditions were use of corticosteroids is not recommended or contraindicated.
6. Patients with chronic and permanent atrial fibrillation.
7. Patients with established diagnosis of rheumatological and immunological disorders.