Which statement about dronedarone is correct?

The statement that dronedarone increases the risk of death in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation or symptomatic heart failure is accurate. This is an important consideration in the use of dronedarone, as clinical trials have shown that its use in these patient populations is associated with an increased risk of mortality compared to those without these specific conditions.

Dronedarone, while developed to be a less toxic alternative to amiodarone with a similar antiarrhythmic effect, does not provide the same benefits in patients with more severe forms of atrial fibrillation, such as permanent atrial fibrillation or those with heart failure. This understanding emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting patients for dronedarone therapy, ensuring it's used primarily in individuals with transient arrhythmias rather than those with more chronic and serious cardiovascular issues.

Overall, the need for careful patient selection is underscored, prompting clinicians to weigh the potential risks versus benefits of dronedarone in specific populations, particularly where there is an elevation in mortality risk.