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Few studies have directly compared different antiarrhythmic-drug treatments for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Now, researchers have randomized, in double-blind fashion, 665 patients (mean age, 67; 99% men; 89% white) with AF of at least 72 hours' duration to receive amiodarone (initially 800 mg daily, decreased gradually to 200 mg daily); sotalol (initially 80 mg twice daily, then increased to 160 mg twice daily); or placebo. If AF did not terminate spontaneously within 28 days after randomization, cardioversion was performed. Transtelephonic rhythm monitoring was conducted weekly; patient follow-up ranged from 1 year to 4.5 years. Ventricular response was controlled with diltiazem, verapamil, and/or digoxin (target rate, 60–90 bpm).…