Association Of the Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Recurrence of Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Ischemic Stroke- A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Hyperhomocystenemia and genetic variants are factors for causing young age stroke glob-ally. This study aims to identify homocysteine related-MTHFR gene polymorphism that associated with recurrent cardiovascular outcomes. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial conducted upon 90 hyperhomocysteinemic ischemic stroke patients were taken from the neurology wards of a tertiary care hospital were randomly selected into vitamin B therapy group and control groups (n=45 in each group). Baseline subject details were col-lected venous blood sample for MTHFR genetic testing via PCR-RFLP technique along with blood homo-cysteine levels, vitamin B12, folic acid levels. Results: The results showed that the frequency of CT genotype polymorphism was 15.5% vs 13.3% for the MTHFR C677T gene without any significant difference between vitamin group and control group re-spectively (p-value >0.05). The reduction in mean homocysteine up to -6.77±4.50 versus -2.08±0.71 μmol/L in the vitamin group as compared to control group respectively, p value 0.001. Conclusion: Considerable amount of MTHFR gene polymorphism found among hyperhomocysteinemic ischemic stroke of sub-Himalayan region. Nutritional deficiencies including vitamin B 12 & folic acid, and some hidden reasons found, which could lead to the primary cause of hyperhomocysteinemia. Vitamin B therapy is an effective for reducing homocysteine.

Yixin Ningshen Tablet Alleviates Comorbidity of Myocardial Infarction and Depression by Enhancing Myocardial Energy Metabolism and Increasing Availability of Monoamine Neurotransmitter / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the therapeutic effect of Yixin Ningshen Tablet (YXNS) on comorbidity of myocardial infarction (MI) and depression in rats and explore the underlying mechanism.@*METHODS@#The Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups with 7 rats in each group according to their weights, including control, model, fluoxetine (FLXT, 10 mg/kg), low-dose YXNS (LYXNS, 100 mg/kg), and high-dose YXNS (HYXNS, 300 mg/kg) groups. All rats were pretreated with corresponding drugs for 12 weeks. The rat model of MI and depression was constructed by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery and chronic mild stress stimulation. The echocardiography, sucrose preference test, open field test, and forced swim test were performed. Myocardial infarction (MI) area and myocardial apoptosis was also detected. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT), and norepinephrine (NE) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The proteins of adenosine 5'-monophosphate -activated protein kinase (AMPK), p-AMPK, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) in heart were detected by Western blot analysis. The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1), kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), and kynureninase (KYNU) in hippocampus were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the model group, the cardiac function of rats treated with YXNS improved significantly (P<0.01). Meanwhile, YXNS effectively reduced MI size and cardiomyocytes apoptosis of rats (P<0.01 or P<0.05), promoted AMPK phosphorylation, and increased PGC-1α protein expression (P<0.01 or P<0.05). HYXNS significantly increased locomotor activity of rats, decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, and increased the serum levels of 5-HT, NE, ACTH, and CORT (all P<0.05). Moreover, HYXNS decreased the mRNA expressions of IDO1, KMO and KYNU (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#YXNS can relieve MI by enhancing myocardial energy metabolism. Meanwhile, YXNS can alleviate depression by resisting inflammation and increasing availability of monoamine neurotransmitters. It may be used as a potential drug to treat comorbidity of MI and depression.

Cardiovascular Risk and Factors Associated to the Health in Hypertensive African Descent People Resident in Quilombola Community / Riesgo cardiovascular y factores asociados a la salud en personas afrodescendientes hipertensas residentes en la comunidad Quilombola / Risco cardiovascular e fatores associados à saúde em pessoas afrodescendentes hipertensas residentes em comunidade Quilombola

Abstract Introduction Hypertension is a cardiovascular risk factor of wide magnitude among people of African descent, especially those living in Quilombos. However, little is known about the factors associated with cardiovascular risk in residents of the urban Quilombola community. Objetive To analyze the cardiovascular risk and health-related factors in the family context of hypertensive Afro-descendants living in an urban Quilombola. Materials and methods It is a cross-sectional and community-based study carried out from November 2017 to March 2018. The study's population consisted of 303 hypertensive patients enrolled in the family health unit, with ages ranging from 35 to 79 years old, of both genders; and using antihypertensive drugs. The instruments used for data production were: The Primary Arterial Hypertension Questionnaire and the Framingham Risk Score . Results There was a significant association between cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular disease (CVD) family history (p<0.011), type II diabetes (p<0.001) and overweight and obesity (p<0.010). Conclusion Research has shown that hypertensive Quilombola people have consistent cardiovascular risk outcomes, especially with CVD family history, type II diabetes, overweight and obesity, schooling and gender with significant associations.

Resumen Introducción La hipertensión es un factor de riesgo cardiovascular de gran magnitud entre las personas de ascendencia africana, especialmente las que viven en quilombos. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre los factores asociados con el riesgo cardiovascular en los residentes de la comunidad urbana Quilombola. Objetivo Analizar el riesgo cardiovascular y los factores asociados con la salud en el contexto familiar de los descendientes africanos hipertensos que viven en una comunidad urbana de Quilombolas. Material y métodos Este es un estudio transversal y basado en la comunidad, realizado desde noviembre de 2017 hasta marzo de 2018. La población de estudio consistió en 303 pacientes hipertensos inscritos en la unidad de salud familiar, de edad de 35 a 79 años, ambos sexos; y en el uso medicamentos antihipertensivos. Los instrumentos utilizados para producir los datos fueron: el Cuestionario de Hipertensión en Atención Primaria, la puntuación de riesgo de Framingham . Resultados Se observó una asociación significativa entre el riesgo cardiovascular y los antecedentes familiares de enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) (p <0.011), diabetes tipo II (p <0.001) y sobrepeso y obesidad (p <0.010). Conclusión La investigación mostró que las personas Quilombolas hipertensos tienen resultados consistentes con respecto al riesgo cardiovascular, especialmente con la inclusión de antecedentes familiares de ECV, diabetes tipo II, sobrepeso y obesidad, educación y sexo con asociaciones significativas.

Resumo Introdução A hipertensão é um fator de risco cardiovascular de ampla magnitude entre pessoas de ascendência africana, principalmente, as que vivem em Quilombos. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre os fatores associados ao risco cardiovascular em residentes na comunidade Quilombola urbana. Objetivo Analisar o risco cardiovascular e fatores associados à saúde no contexto familiar de descendentes africanos hipertensos que vivem em uma comunidade Quilombola urbana. Material e métodos Trata-se de um estudo censitário de base comunitária, realizado de novembro de 2017 a março de 2018. A população do estudo foi composta por 303 pacientes hipertensos matriculados na unidade de saúde da família, com idades entre 35 e 79 anos, ambos os sexos; e em uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos. Os instrumentos utilizados para produzir os dados foram: o Questionário de Hipertensão na Atenção Primária, e o escore de risco de Framingham . Resultados Foi observada associação significativa entre risco cardiovascular e histórico familiar de doença cardiovascular (DCV) (p <0,011), diabetes tipo II (p <0,001) e sobrepeso e obesidade (p <0,010). Conclusão A pesquisa mostrou que pessoas hipertensas quilombolas apresentam resultados consistentes em relação ao risco cardiovascular, principalmente com a inclusão de histórico familiar de DCV, diabetes tipo II, sobrepeso e obesidade, educação e sexo com associações significativas.

Cardiovascular Risk and Factors Associated to the Health in Hypertensive African Descent People Resident in Quilombola Community

Introduction: Hypertension is a cardiovascular risk factor of wide magnitude among people of African descent, especially those living in Quilombos. However, little is known about the factors associated with cardiovascular risk in residents of the urban Quilombola community. Objetive: To analyze the cardiovascular risk and health-related factors in the family context of hypertensive Afro-descendants living in an urban Quilombola. Materials and methods: It is a cross-sectional and community-based study carried out from November 2017 to March 2018. The study's population consisted of 303 hypertensive patients enrolled in the family health unit, with ages ranging from 35 to 79 years old, of both genders; and using antihypertensive drugs. The instruments used for data production were: The Primary Arterial Hypertension Questionnaire and the Framingham Risk Score. Results: There was a significant association between cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular disease (CVD) family history (p<0.011), type II diabetes (p<0.001) and overweight and obesity (p<0.010). Conclusion. Research has shown that hypertensive Quilombola people have consistent cardiovascular risk outcomes, especially with CVD family history, type II diabetes, overweight and obesity, schooling and gender with significant associations.

Introducción: La hipertensión es un factor de riesgo cardiovascular de gran magnitud entre las personas de ascendencia africana, especialmente las que viven en quilombos. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre los factores asociados con el riesgo cardiovascular en los residentes de la comunidad urbana Quilombola. Objetivo: Analizar el riesgo cardiovascular y los factores asociados con la salud en el contexto familiar de los descendientes africanos hipertensos que viven en una comunidad urbana de Quilombolas.Material y métodos: Este es un estudio transversal y basado en la comunidad, realizado desde noviembre de 2017 hasta marzo de 2018. La población de estudio consistió en 303 pacientes hipertensos inscritos en la unidad de salud familiar, de edad de 35 a 79 años, ambos sexos; y en el uso medicamentos antihipertensivos. Los instrumentos utilizados para producir los datos fueron: el Cuestionario de Hipertensión en Atención Primaria, la puntuación de riesgo de Framingham. Resultados: Se observó una asociación significativa entre el riesgo cardiovascular y los antecedentes familiares de enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) (p <0.011), diabetes tipo II (p <0.001) y sobrepeso y obesidad (p <0.010). Conclusión: La investigación mostró que las personas Quilombolas hipertensos tienen resultados consistentes con respecto al riesgo cardiovascular, especialmente con la inclusión de antecedentes familiares de ECV, diabetes tipo II, sobrepeso y obesidad, educación y sexo con asociaciones significativas.

Introdução: A hipertensão é um fator de risco cardiovascular de ampla magnitude entre pessoas de ascendência africana, principalmente, as que vivem em Quilombos. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre os fatores associados ao risco cardiovascular em residentes na comunidade Quilombola urbana. Objetivo: Analisar o risco cardiovascular e fatores associados à saúde no contexto familiar de descendentes africanos hipertensos que vivem em uma comunidade Quilombola urbana. Material e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo censitário de base comunitária, realizado de novembro de 2017 a março de 2018. A população do estudo foi composta por 303 pacientes hipertensos matriculados na unidade de saúde da família, com idades entre 35 e 79 anos, ambos os sexos; e em uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos. Os instrumentos utilizados para produzir os dados foram: o Questionário de Hipertensão na Atenção Primária, e o escore de risco de Framingham. Resultados: Foi observada associação significativa entre risco cardiovascular e histórico familiar de doença cardiovascular (DCV) (p <0,011), diabetes tipo II (p <0,001) e sobrepeso e obesidade (p <0,010). Conclusão: A pesquisa mostrou que pessoas hipertensas quilombolas apresentam resultados consistentes em relação ao risco cardiovascular, principalmente com a inclusão de histórico familiar de DCV, diabetes tipo II, sobrepeso e obesidade, educação e sexo com associações significativas.

Pediatric risk of mortality III score in predicting mortality in children with altered sensorium in pediatric intensive care unit

Background: The Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) Score has been devised to predict outcome and risk of mortality. The PRISM III score is one of the most recent scoring systems of pediatric mortality. This was developed involving 32 PICUs. Physiological data included the most abnormal values from the first 12 and second 12 hours of the PICU stay. To evaluate the mortality rate in children with altered sensorium by applying PRISM III (pediatric risk of mortality) score.Methods: This study was done in the paediatric intensive care unit of the Department of Paediatrics, Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India on 100 children of both sexes aged between 1 month and 13 years. The study was carried out for a period from December 2017 to July 2018. PRISM III scoring scale was applied for every child in his/her first 24 hours of PICU admission and their calculated score was recorded into the proforma. The clinical details at admission, laboratory data were recorded into the proforma.Results: Three major groups that contributed to the bulk of the admissions were acute CNS infection, seizure disorder and, bites and stings. They constituted to around 54% of our total admissions. As PRISM III Score increases there is a steady increase in the mortality rate. This table shows that the mortality rate is 0% for the 0-9 group and that it increases to 100% for 20-29 and 30 and above groups as the PRISM III score increase.Conclusions: PRISM III score provides an objective assessment of the severity of illness. PRISM III, when performed well, is good to predict mortality in an Indian PICU. Scoring systems with fewer laboratory parameters will be more useful in author's context. Larger studies are needed to develop/validate a mortality prediction score for our country.

A Cross Sectional Study among Type 2 Diabetes Cases with Silent Myocardial Ischaemia in a Tertiary Care Center in a Northern Maharahstra

Introduction: Silent myocardial ischemia is definedas objective evidence of myocardial ischemia withoutangina or angina equivalent. In Framingham study, 30% ofmyocardial infarcts were silent, diagnosed only by serialelectrocardiography. There is increasing evidence thatasymptomatic myocardial infarctions and silent ischemiaoccur more frequently in diabetic patients. So present studywas done to record the prevalence of silent myocardialischemia in asymptomatic patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus.Material and methods: The present study was a crosssectional study, carried out among 88 randomly selectedpatients of type 2 diabetes mellitus for more than 1 year,patients >18 years of age, who do not have any symptomsrelated to cardiovascular system.Results: Our study shows that the prevalence of silent MIamong patients with DM was 20.45%. It was reported inthe present study that the mean fasting and post prandialblood sugar among patients was 162.23±12.18 mg/dl and192.4±21.29 mg/dl respectively.Conclusion: Our study shows that the prevalence of silent MIamong patients with DM was 20.45%. In our study majorityof cases of silent myocardial ischemia were found in patientswith age group of >50 years, patients with duration of diabetesmellitus of 5-10 years

Current aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome: A literature review / Aspectos atuais da síndrome do ovário policístico: uma revisão da literatura

SUMMARY Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder with variable prevalence, affecting about one in every 15 women worldwide. The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome requires at least two of the following criteria: oligoovulation and/or anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism and morphology of polycystic ovaries. Women with PCOS appear to have a higher risk of developing metabolic disorders, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this article was to present a review of the literature by searching the databases Pubmed and Scielo, focusing on publications related to polycystic ovaries, including its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapeutic aspects, as well as its association with cardiovascular and arterial hypertensive disorders.

RESUMO A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) é uma desordem endócrina heterogênea com prevalência variável, que afeta cerca de uma em cada 15 mulheres no mundo. O diagnóstico da SOP requer, pelo menos, dois dos seguintes critérios: oligo-ovulação e/ou anovulação, evidência clínica e/ou bioquímica de hiperandrogenemia e morfologia dos ovários policísticos. As mulheres com SOP parecem ter um risco mais elevado de desenvolver distúrbios metabólicos, hipertensão e doenças cardiovasculares. O objetivo deste artigo foi apresentar uma revisão da literatura por meio de pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed e Scielo, focada em publicações relacionadas com ovários policísticos, incluindo patogênese, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico e aspectos terapêuticos, bem como associação com doenças cardiovasculares e hipertensão arterial.

Arterial Stiffness in Patients Taking Second-generation Antipsychotics

OBJECTIVE: That treatment with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) causes metabolic side effects and atherosclerosis in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD) is well-known. Increased arterial stiffness is an important marker of arteriosclerosis and has been identified as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We measured pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a marker of arteriosclerosis in patients with schizophrenia and BD who use SGAs. METHODS: Patients and controls were collected from our psychiatry outpatient clinics or family medicine. Mental illness was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. Mean age, gender, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, Framingham risk score (FRS), etc. were determined. Simultaneous electrocardiography and pulse wave were recorded with an electromyography device. The photo-plethysmographic method was used to record the pulse wave. Inclusion criteria included use of SGAs for at least the last six months. Patients with diseases that are known to cause stiffness and the use of typical antipsychotics were excluded. RESULTS: Ninety-six subject (56 patients, 40 controls) were included in our study. There were 49 females, 47 males. Patients had schizophrenia (n=17) and BD (n=39). Their treatments were quetiapine (n=15), risperidone (n=13), olanzapine (n=15), and aripiprazole (n=13). Although differences in mean age, gender, and FRS in the patient and control groups were not statistically significant (p=1), PWV was greater in patients in the antipsychotic group (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: This study supported the liability to stiffness in patients with schizophrenia and BD. Using SGAs may contribute to arterial stiffness in these patients.

Consideraciones sobre la depresión como factor de riesgo en pacientes cardiovasculares / Considerations of depression as risk factor in cardiovascular patients

Numerosos estudios han encontrado una asociación robusta entre los síntomas depresivos o la depresión mayor y un incremento en la morbilidad y la mortalidad cardiaca posterior a un síndrome coronario agudo (SCA); sin embargo, también se ha reportado evidencia en contra. Debido a esta divergencia, la depresión aún no ha sido aceptada por la Asociación Americana del Corazón como un factor de riesgo para un mal pronóstico en pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares. En este artículo se aborda el tema de la depresión en pacientes que han tenido un SCA y los factores que pueden influir en la divergencia de los resultados mencionada. Se concluye que la depresión se relaciona con un peor pronóstico en estos pacientes, específicamente cuando su presencia es posterior al evento o se trata de un cuadro resistente al tratamiento. Los síntomas cognitivos y somáticos son indicadores de mal pronóstico, así como la presencia de ansiedad comórbida.

Studies have found a strong association between depressive symptoms and major depression and cardiac morbidity and mortality increased after acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however it has also been reported evidence against this association. This difference in results may explain why depression has not yet been accepted by the American Heart Association as a risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with CVD. In this article depression is discussed as a risk factor of poor prognosis in patients who have had ACS and the factors that may influence the divergence of results in the studies. Our conclusions show that depression is related with a worse prognosis in ACS patients specifically when the symptomatology occurred after the event or when it is a treatment-resistant disorder. Cognitive and somatic symptoms and also comorbid anxiety are bad prognosis indicators.

Health Conditions that Result in Disability in Adults

Under ElderShield, policyholders who are not able to perform at least 3 of the following ADLs, will be eligible for the insurance pay-outs. The conditions that result in disability in adults can be grouped into six: Disorders from childhood – sequelae of infections, injuries, and intellectual disorders reach adulthood and contribute to the pool of adults with disability; Injuries – spinal cord injuries in younger adults, traumatic brain injury in young and old, musculoskeletal injury in particular hip fractures in the older adult; Cardiovascular system disorders - strokes, ischaemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy; Degenerative musculoskeletal disorders – osteoarthritis of the knee, hip; cervical and lumbar spondylosis. Health conditions with a high potential to result in ADL disability are strokes, pelvic/femoral fractures, and osteoporosis. Prevention of strokes through attention to the high risk diseases (obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia). In the elderly, falls is an important cause of traumatic brain injury and musculoskeletal injury. Patients on hypnotic drugs, cough preparations and anti-platelets were more likely to fall. Appropriate usage of analgesics, especially paracetamol, to relieve pain may reduce falls.

Green tea catechins: defensive role in cardiovascular disorders / 中国天然药物

Green tea, Camellia sinensis (Theaceae), a major source of flavonoids such as catechins, has recently shown multiple cardiovascular health benefits through various experimental and clinical studies. These studies suggest that green tea catechins prevent the incidence of detrimental cardiovascular events, and also lower the cardiovascular mortality rate. Catechins present in green tea have the ability to prevent atherosclerosis, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, ischemic heart diseases, cardiomyopathy, cardiac hypertrophy and congestive heart failure by decreasing oxidative stress, preventing inflammatory events, reducing platelet aggregation and halting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Catechins afford an anti-oxidant effect by inducing anti-oxidant enzymes, inhibiting pro-oxidant enzymes and scavenging free radicals. Catechins present anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of transcriptional factor NF-κB-mediated production of cytokines and adhesion molecules. Green tea catechins interfere with vascular growth factors and thus inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and also inhibit thrombogenesis by suppressing platelet adhesion. Additionally, catechins could protect vascular endothelial cells and enhance vascular integrity and regulate blood pressure. In this review various experimental and clinical studies suggesting the role of green tea catechins against the markers of cardiovascular disorders and the underlying mechanisms for these actions are discussed.

Effect of Conyza aegyptiaca on the frog semi isolated heart.

Conyza aegyptiaca (L.) Asteraceae is currently used in traditional medicine for many purposes including cardiovascular diseases. For this purpose, the present study was understood to investigate crude extract and different fractions of the plants on the frog heart activity and furthermore its antioxidant was investigated. Results indicated that the crude extract and fractions reduce all heart activity both amplitude and frequency. In contrast, crude extract and fractions do not have antioxidant properties. This investigation reveals that utilization of ethanolic extract of Conyza aegyptiaca to alleviate cardiovascular diseases may be passed through direct effect on the heart. This result confirms the use of this plant in traditional medicine.

Gender-dependent effects of aging on the kidney

It is well known that the kidney plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. The normal aging process leads to changes in kidney morphology, hemodynamics and function, which increase the incidence of cardiovascular events in the elderly population. These disturbances are influenced by several factors, including gender. In general, females are protected by the effects of estrogens on the cardiorenal system. Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of estrogens on renal function in the elderly; however, the relationships between androgens and kidney health during one’s lifetime are not well understood. Sex steroids have many complex actions, and the decline in their levels during aging clearly influences kidney function, decreases the renal reserve and facilitates the development of cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms by which sex hormones may influence renal function during the aging process.

A radiographic correlation between systemic disorders and pulp stones.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between pulp stones and cardiovascular disorders, Type II diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders and dental wear defects. This study also aims to evaluate the frequency of pulp stone in population of Dakshina Kannada district (Karnataka, India) and to determine association of pulp stones in different sexes, tooth type, dental arches and sides. Patients and Methods: A total of 1432 teeth of five groups were examined, comprising of patients with C.V.S. disorders; Type II diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, dental wear defects and control group. Teeth were examined under 2Χ magnification on radio visiograph (RVG) and conventional intra-oral periapical radiograph. The presence or absence of pulp stones were recorded. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square analysis was used to compare the frequency of occurrence of pulp stones between sexes, tooth type, dental arches and sides. Results: Pulp stones were found in 134 (9.35%) of 1432 teeth detected. Significantly, higher numbers of pulp stones were recorded in patients with cardiovascular disorder (15.86%) than other groups. The occurrence of pulp stones were significantly higher in molars (18.29%) than premolars (6.6%) and in maxillary arch (12.36%) than in mandibular arch (5.95%). No significant difference was found between sexes and sides. Conclusion: Positive correlation was found between systemic disorder and pulp stones. Cardiovascular patients had maximum number of pulp stones followed by dental-wear defects and least number of pulp stones were evident in control group.

Congenital cardiovascular disorders: surgical approach and prognosis

Fifty-six patients with various types of congenital cardiovascular disorders are presented and thoroughly analyzed as regard their clinical features, surgical considerations, operative results and prognosis. Indications and contraindications for operation are given and the various surgical techniques are briefly discussed. The results in general are encouraging, a favorable outcome depending on the careful cardiologic and surgical evaluation of the individual case and the choice of the proper technique. This report is the experience of one surgeon whose practice is limited to surgery of the cardiovascular system. (Summary)