Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Urapidil for Older Hypertensive Patients with Acute Heart Failure: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: Urapidil is putatively effective for patients with hypertension and acute heart failure, although randomized controlled trials thereon are lacking. We investigated the efficacy and safety of intravenous urapidil relative to that of nitroglycerin in older patients with hypertension and heart failure in a randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (>60 y) with hypertension and heart failure were randomly assigned to receive intravenous urapidil (n=89) or nitroglycerin (n=91) for 7 days. Hemodynamic parameters, cardiac function, and safety outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Patients in the urapidil group had significantly lower mean systolic blood pressure (110.1±6.5 mm Hg) than those given nitroglycerin (126.4±8.1 mm Hg, p=0.022), without changes in heart rate. Urapidil was associated with improved cardiac function as reflected by lower N terminal-pro B type natriuretic peptide after 7 days (3311.4±546.1 ng/mL vs. 4879.1±325.7 ng/mL, p=0.027) and improved left ventricular ejection fraction (62.2±3.4% vs. 51.0±2.4%, p=0.032). Patients given urapidil had fewer associated adverse events, specifically headache (p=0.025) and tachycardia (p=0.004). The one-month rehospitalization and all-cause mortality rates were similar. CONCLUSION: Intravenous administration of urapidil, compared with nitroglycerin, was associated with better control of blood pressure and preserved cardiac function, as well as fewer adverse events, for elderly patients with hypertension and acute heart failure.

Intraoperative "Kounis syndrome" that improved electrocardiography changes and hemodynamic situation afteradministering nitroglycerine / Síndrome de Kounis intraoperatória com melhoria das alterações eletrocardiográficas e da situação hemodinâmica após a administração de nitroglicerina / Síndrome de Kounis intraoperatorio con mejoría de las alteraciones electrocardiográficas y de la situación hemodinámica después de la administración de nitroglicerina

A 58-year-old female without cardiovascular risk factors, was going to be operated to repair the rotator cuff. Induction and interscalene brachial plexus block were uneventful, but after her placement for surgery the patient started with severe bronchospasm, hypotension, cutaneous allergic reaction and ST elevation on the electrocardiogram. An anaphylactic shock was suspected and treated but until the perfusion of nitroglycerina was started no electrocardiographic changes resolved. After necessary diagnostic test the final diagnosis was variant I of Kounis syndrome due to cefazolin and rocuronium. Ephinephrine is the cornerstone of treatment for anaphylaxis but should we use it if the anaphylactic reaction is also accompanied by myocardial ischemia? The answer is that we should not use it because myocardial ischemia in this syndrome is caused by vasospasm, so it would be more useful drugs such as nitroglycerin. But what if we do not know if it is a Kounis syndrome or not? In this article we report our experience that maybe could help you in a similar situation.

Paciente do sexo feminino, 58 anos, sem fator de risco cardiovascular, submetida a cirurgia para reparação do manguito rotador. A indução do bloqueio do plexo braquial interescalênico foi feita sem intercorrência, mas, após seu posicionamento para a cirurgia, a paciente apresentou broncoespasmo grave, hipotensão, reação alérgica cutânea e elevação do segmento ST ao eletrocardiograma. Houve suspeita de choque anafilático que foi tratado, mas até que a perfusão de nitroglicerina fosse iniciada não houve resolução das alterações eletrocardiográficas. Após teste diagnóstico necessário, o diagnóstico final foi de variante tipo I da síndrome de Kounis por causa de cefazolina e rocurônio. Epinefrina é a base sólida do tratamento para anafilaxia, mas devemos usá-la se a reação anafilática também for acompanhada de isquemia miocárdica? A resposta é que não devemos usá-la, porque a isquemia miocárdica nessa síndrome é causada por vasoespasmo; portanto, drogas como a nitroglicerina seriam mais úteis. Porém, e quando não sabemos se é ou não uma síndrome de Kounis? Neste artigo relatamos nossa experiência que, talvez, possa ajudar em uma situação similar.

Paciente del sexo femenino, 58 años de edad, sin factor de riesgo cardiovascular, sometida a cirugía para la reparación del manguito rotador. La inducción del bloqueo del plexo braquial interescalénico fue realizada sin intercurrencias, pero después de su posicionamiento para la cirugía, la paciente presentó broncoespasmo grave, hipotensión, reacción alérgica cutánea y elevación del segmento ST al electrocardiograma. Hubo sospecha de choque anafiláctico que fue tratado, pero hasta que la perfusión de nitroglicerina se iniciase no hubo resolución de las alteraciones electrocardiográficas. Después del test diagnóstico necesario, el diagnóstico final fue de variante tipo i del síndrome de Kounis debido a la cefazolina y al rocuronio. La epinefrina es la base sólida del tratamiento para la anafilaxia, pero ¿debemos usarla si la reacción anafiláctica también viene seguida de isquemia miocárdica? La respuesta es que no debemos usarla porque la isquemia miocárdica en ese síndrome está causada por el vasoespasmo; por tanto, fármacos como la nitroglicerina serían más útiles. Sin embargo, ¿y cuando no sabemos si es o no un síndrome de Kounis? En este artículo, relatamos nuestra experiencia que, tal vez, pueda ayudarle a usted a hacer frente a una situación similar.

The analgesic effect of nitroglycerin added to lidocaine on quality of intravenous regional anesthesia in patients undergoing elective forearm and hand surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of nitroglycerine (NTG) on sensory and motor block onset and recovery time as well as the quality of tourniquet pain relief, when added to lidocaine (LID) for intravenous regional anesthesia in elective forearm and hand surgery. METHODS: A randomized double-blinded clinical trial was performed on 40 patients that were randomly allocated into two groups received lidocaine 3 mg/kg with NTG 200 µg or received only lidocaine 3 mg/kg as the control. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two study groups in hemodynamic parameters before tourniquet inflation, at any time after inflation and after its deflation. There was no difference in the mean of pain score over time between the two groups. The onset time of sensory and motor blockades was shorter in the group received both LID and NTG. The mean recovery time of sensory blockade was longer in the former group. The frequency of opioid injections was significantly lower in those who administered LID and NTG. CONCLUSION: The adjuvant drug of NTG when added to LID is effective in improving the overall quality of anesthesia, shortening onset time of both sensory and motor blockades, and stabling homodynamic parameters in hand and forearm surgery.

Migration of fully deployed stent after intracoronary glyceryl trinitrate administration: an unusual percutaneous coronary intervention complication

Stent embolization is a rare complication of coronary stenting. If left untreated, it may lead to devastating consequences. Although there is much known about stent embolization, data about migration of stent after deployment is limited. We report an unusual case of a deployed stent migration into the distal part of right coronary artery after intracoronary glyceryl trinitrate administration during percutaneous coronary intervention

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of topical diltiazem and nitroglycerine for pain relief during transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Transrectal ultrasound biopsy of prostate is a painful procedure. The introduction of the rectal probe is one of the major contributors to the pain associated with this procedure. Drugs that relax the anal sphincter should theoretically decrease this pain. This study was done to compare the efficacy and safety of two topical medications that relax the anal sphincter, diltiazem and nitroglycerine, in decreasing the pain associated with transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 66 patients who were to undergo their first prostate biopsy were randomized to receive either 2 mL of 2% topical diltiazem or 2 mL of 0.2% topical nitroglycerine or placebo 20 minutes before prostate biopsy. All patients also received 15 mL of intrarectal lignocaine. A 10-point visual analogue score was used to record the pain immediately after the insertion of the probe, during biopsy and at the end of the procedure. RESULTS: The pain scores due to probe insertion, during biopsy and at the end of the procedure in patients who received topical diltiazem or nitroglycerine were significantly lower compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the pain scores between the patients receiving diltiazem compared to those receiving nitroglycerine. Higher incidence of headache and fall in blood pressure was noted in patients who received nitroglycerine compared to those receiving diltiazem. CONCLUSION:Topical diltiazem and nitroglycerine are equally effective in reducing the pain associated with transrectal prostatic biopsy. Diltiazem is safer compared to nitroglycerine.

A Case of Severe Coronary Spasm Associated with 5-Fluorouracil Chemotherapy

Cardiotoxicity associated with 5-fluorouracil (FU) is an uncommon, but potentially lethal, condition. The case of an 83-year-old man with colon cancer who developed chest pain during 5-FU infusion is presented. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed pronounced ST elevation in the lateral leads, and the chest pain was resolved after infusion of nitroglycerin. A coronary angiogram (CAG) revealed that the patient had significant atherosclerosis in the proximal left circumflex artery. Coronary artery spasm with fixed stenosis was considered, and a drug-eluting stent was implanted. After 8 hours, the patient complained of recurring chest pain, paralleled by ST elevation on the ECG. The chest pain subsided after administration of intravenous nitroglycerin followed by sublingual nifedipine. Repeated CAG showed patency of the previous stent. This case supports the vasospastic hypothesis of 5-FU cardiac toxicity, indicating that a calcium channel blocker may be effective in the prevention or treatment of 5-FU cardiotoxicity.

Effectiveness of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate patch

To determine the effectiveness of transdermal patch of glyceryl trinitrate as tocolytic agent. Interventional- Quasi experimental study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit- 1, Services hospital, Lahore. One year [February 10, 2006 - February 10, 2007]. Fifty pregnant women with preterm labour were included in the study. 54% of pregnant women were between G2 - G4. Majority [48%] of the women presented between 31 - 34 weeks of gestation. 46% of pregnant women had bishop score of 4 or more. 64% of patients found to have no risk factor for preterm labour. Majority [86%] responded after application of second patch [10 mg glyceryl trinitrate patch]. 84% had no side effects. Local skin reaction [10%] and headache [4%] observed in few patients. 58% of pregnant women delivered after 48 hours and 78% of them delivered vaginally which was statically significant and majority of babies delivered weight more than 1.5 kg and with good Apgar score. It is concluded from the study that glyceryl trinitrate is a safer tocolytic, which has simple method of application; rapid onset of action with low cost, low risk from side effects and it does not require intensive monitoring

Acute hemodynamic effects of inhaled nitroglycerine, intravenous nitroglycerine, and their combination with intravenous dobutamine in patients with secondary pulmonary hypertension.

Objectives: The presence of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) affects the prognosis of patients; therefore, it is important to treat it. The aim of this study is to compare the acute hemodynamic effects of inhaled nitroglycerine (iNTG), intravenous nitroglycerine (IV NTG) alone and their combination with intravenous dobutamine (IV DOB) during the early postoperative period, in patients with PAH undergoing mitral valve or double valve replacement surgery. Materials and Methods: In the study, 40 patients with secondary PAH were administered iNTG 2.5 μg/kg/min, IV NTG 2.5 μg/kg/min, a combination of iNTG 2.5 μg/kg/min + IV DOB 10 μg/kg/min, and IV NTG 2.5 μg/kg/min + IV DOB 10 μg/kg/min for 10 minutes each following valve replacement surgery, in random order. The hemodynamic parameters were recorded before (T0) and immediately after the intervention. (T1). Results: iNTG effectively decreased mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI), and the PVR / SVR ratio, without affecting arterial pressures, systemic vascular resistance or mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO 2 ). IV NTG produced both systemic and pulmonary vasodilation along with a significant fall in SvO 2 . The combination of iNTG and IV DOB caused a significant decrease in mPAP and PVRI, with no significant change in SVRI, PVR / SVR ratio, and SvO 2 . A combination of IV NTG + IV DOB caused both pulmonary and systemic vasodilatation with a significant decrease in SvO 2 . None of the drugs caused any significant change in the cardiac index. Conclusion: All drugs were of similar efficacy in reducing the pulmonary vascular resistance index. Only iNTG produced selective pulmonary vasodilatation, while IV NTG and its combination with IV dobutamine had a significant concomitant systemic vasodilatory effect.

Airway and cardio vascular responses to nebulized glyceryl trinitrate in normal subjects

Glyceryl Trinitrate [GTN] is a potent smooth muscle relaxant and vasodilator. There are conflicting reports regarding its efficacy as a bronchodilator. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of nebulized GTN on airway calibare and cardio vascular system in normal subjects. We studied 24 normal subjects [6 female] on two occasions, administering either nebulized GTN 6 mg or placebo in a double-blind, randomized, crossover fashion. Bronchial response was assessed by measurement of FEV1. A systemic effect of this dose of GTN was demonstrated by a supine to erect increase in heart rate of 36.0 [8.6%] mean [95% CI] after GTN compared with 16.2 [6.1%] after placebo. Systolic Blood Pressure [BP] decreased by 8.0 [3.8%] after GTN compared with 1.4 [2.8%] after placebo. Diastolic BP did not change. Baseline FEV1 did not differ on the two study days. There was no acute bronchodilator effect. Nebulized GTN has cardio vascular effects but does not have any bronchodilator effect in normal subjects. Further investigation in airways disease is justified

Nitroglicerina transdérmica versus nifedipina oral para inibição do trabalho de parto prematuro: ensaio clínico randomizado / Transdermal nitroglycerin versus oral nifedipine administration for tocolysis: a randomized clinical trial

OBJETIVO: comparar a efetividade da nitroglicerina transdérmica com a nifedipina oral na inibição do trabalho de parto prematuro. MÉTODOS: foi realizado um ensaio clínico com 50 mulheres em trabalho de parto prematuro, randomizadas em dois grupos, 24 para nifedipina oral (20 mg) e 26 para nitroglicerina transdérmica (patch 10 mg). Foram selecionadas as pacientes com gestação única, entre a 24ª e 34ª semanas e diagnóstico de trabalho de parto prematuro. Foram excluídas pacientes com malformações fetais e com doenças clínicas ou obstétricas. As variáveis analisadas foram tocólise efetiva, tempo necessário para tocólise, frequência de recorrência, progressão para parto prematuro e efeitos colaterais. RESULTADOS: a eficácia da tocólise nas primeiras 12 horas foi semelhante entre os grupos (nitroglicerina: 84,6 por cento versus nifedipina: 87,5 por cento; p=0,5). A média do tempo para tocólise também foi semelhante (6,6 versus 5,8 horas; p=0,3). Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à recorrência de parto prematuro (26,9 versus 16,7 por cento; p=0,3) e nem na frequência de parto prematuro dentro de 48 horas (15,4 versus 12,5 por cento; p=0,5). Entretanto, a frequência de cefaleia foi significativamente maior no grupo que usou nitroglicerina (30,8 versus 8,3 por cento; p=0,04). CONCLUSÕES: a nitroglicerina transdérmica apresentou efetividade semelhante à nifedipina oral para inibição do trabalho de parto prematuro nas primeiras 48 horas, porém com maior frequência de cefaleia.

PURPOSE: to compare the effectiveness of transdermal nitroglycerin with oral nifedipine in the inhibition of preterm delivery. METHODS: a clinical essay has been performed with 50 women in preterm delivery, randomly divided into two groups, 24 receiving oral nifedipine (20 mg), and 26, transdermal nitroglycerin (10 mg patch). Patients with a single gestation, between the 24th and the 34th weeks and diagnosis of preterm delivery were selected. Women with fetal malformation and clinical or obstetric diseases were excluded. The variables analyzed were: effective tocolysis, time needed for tocolysis, recurrence frequency, progression to preterm delivery, and side effects. RESULTS: tocolysis efficacy in the first 12 hours was similar between the groups (nitroglycerin: 84.6 percent versus nifedipine: 87.5 percent; p=0.50). The time average time needed for tocolysis was also similar (6.6 versus 5.8 hours; p=0.30). There was no difference between the groups, concerning the recurrence of preterm delivery (26.9 versus 16.7 percent; p=0.30), and neither in the rate of preterm delivery within 48 hours (15.4 versus 12.5 percent; p=0.50). Nevertheless, the cephalea rate was significantly higher in the Nitroglycerin Group (30.8 versus 8.3 percent; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: transdermal nitroglycerin has presented similar effectiveness to oral nifedipine to inhibit preterm delivery in the first 48 hours, however with higher cephalea frequency.

Acute anal fissure; effect of topical glyceryl trinitrate [GTN] on its management

To evaluate the role of topical glyceryl trinitrate [0.2% GTN] on the clinical features of acute anal fissure. A prospective, open label therapeutic trial was carried out at Combined Military Hospital, Kharian Cantonment during one calendar year. All adult males and females presenting with acute anal fissure were included. Patients with chronic anal fissure, associated pathology [hemorrhoids, fistula in ano], age < 15 years, previous surgery of anal canal were excluded. The diagnosis was based upon history and physical examination. A detailed history was taken regarding their symptoms like painful defecation, bleeding per rectum, constipation and itching. Then the patients were examined to look for anal fissure, associated mucus discharge and sphincter tone and recorded in the proforma. 0.2% topical GTN ointment was prescribed twice daily for local application in the anal canal with the help of cotton pledget on a stick [soaked completely in ointment]. The duration of treatment was four weeks and their symptomatology and healing of anal fissure was assessed weekly. A total of 40 patients were treated in this study. Age varied between 22 - 51 years. 36 patients [90%] were male while only 4 patients [10%] were females. Painful defecation [100%], bleeding PR [87.5%] constipation [50%], and itching [40%] were the main complaints. Posterior fissure was seen in 85%, anterior fissure in 12.5%, while both anterior and posterior fissures were seen in 2.5% of patients. Out of 40 patients 21 had complete healing of anal fissure while 03 patients recovered partially. Thus the healing rate was 60%. Topical glyceryl trinitrate is an effective treatment modality for acute anal fissure

Topical diltiazem hydrochloride and glyceryl trinitrate in the treatment of chronic anal fissure

To compare the symptomatic relief, healing and side-effects of topical diltiazem [DTZ] and glyceryl trinitrate in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. Randomized controlled trial. The Surgical Outpatient Department of Civil Hospital, Karachi, from March 2006 to February 2007. Patients with chronic anal fissure were included in the study and randomized to two groups. One group was administered topical 2% diltiazem hydrochloride and other was given 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate [GTN], perianally twice daily for 8 weeks. Patients with anal fissure due to other diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, malignancy, sexually transmitted diseases, previous treatment with local ointment or surgery; patients who required anal surgery for any concurrent disease like hemorrhoids, pregnant women and patients with significant cardiovascular conditions were excluded. There were four follow-up sessions during the course of treatment. Healing and side-effects were recorded. Analysis was done by SPSS version 10 on intention-to-treat basis. Chi-square was used where appropriate. Eighty patients with symptomatic chronic anal fissure were included in the study and equally divided into two groups. After 8 weeks of treatment healing occurred in 31 of 40 patients treated with diltiazem and 33 of 40 patients treated with GTN [p = 0.576]. There were less side-effects with DTZ [n=13] than with GTN [n=29, p < 0.001]. In particular, headache occurred more commonly with GTN [n=27] than with DTZ [n=9, p < 0.0001]. Diltiazem hydrochloride and glyceryl trinitrate were equally effective in healing chronic anal fissure. Diltiazem caused fewer side-effects particularly headache than glyceryl trinitrate ointment. Diltiazem may be the first-line treatment for chemical sphincterotomy for the chronic anal fissure

Diltiazem [2%] versus glyceryl trinitrate cream [0.2%] in the management of chronic anal fissure

To assess and compare the effectiveness of topical 0.2% glycerl trinitrate [GTN] and topical 2% diltiazem [DTZ], in the management of chronic anal fissure. Comparative, descriptive study. Department of Surgery, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro/Hyderabad from September 2004 to August 2005. Patients with chronic anal fissure were treated with topical 0.2% GTN [50 patients] and 2% DTZ [47 patients] application for 8 weeks, three times a day at peri anal area. Symtoms, recurrence, wound healing and side effects were compared. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 10 employing X[2] test. A p-value below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. There were 53 females and 44 males with a mean age of 30 years. Patients who received topical diltiazem [DTZ] showed statistically significant difference than those who were prescribed topical glycerl trinitrate terms of wound healing and side effects mainly the headaches [p=0.02 and 0.003 respectively]. Improvement in symptoms [p=0.345] and recurrence rates [p=0.612] turned to be statistically insignificant although recurrence rate was lower with DTZ. Chemical sphincterotomy is an effective first line management for chronic anal fissure. Both GTN and DTZ are equally effective in managing the chronic anal fissure. DTZ has fewer side effects, a better healing response and low recurrence rates

Sublingual versus intravenous nitroglycerin for management of retained placenta

This study was designed to investigate and compare the effect of sublingual versus intravenous nitroglycerin for management of retained placenta and to assess possible adverse effects of the treatment. Sixty patients in the third stage of delivery complicated by retained placenta were randomly divided into two groups: group [1] include 30 patients received 1 mg nitroglycerin sublingual, group [2] include 30 patients received 200 microgram intravenous nitroglycerin. Success rate for delivery of placenta, blood pressure, pulse rate and blood loss were examined and compared between two groups. All sixty women in both groups had successful delivery of placenta. There was no statistical significant difference regarding mean blood b among both groups. [P > 0.05]. No adverse effects of clinical importance were registered. Differences in haemodynamic parameters were significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 1 [P <0.001]. Sublingual or intravenous nitroglycerin seems to be effective for treatment of retained placenta without causing serious adverse effects

Miocárdio viável pela tomografia computadorizada com Tc-99m (MIBI) sensibilizada por nitroglicerina endovenosa / Viable myocardium scintigraphy with intravenous nitroglycerine by computed tomography with Tc-99m (MIBI)

FUNDAMENTO: A seleção de pacientes com doença coronariana crônica para recanalização baseia-se na detecção do miocárdio comprometido, potencialmente viável. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o miocárdio isquêmico, potencialmente viável pelo SPECT com MIBI sensibilizado por nitroglicerina em dose máxima tolerada. MÉTODOS: Investigamos de forma prospectiva, de abril de 2004 a novembro de 2005, pela tomografia computadorizada por emissão de fóton único SPECT com Tc-99m (MIBI), 40 pacientes (média etária 62 ± 8,9 anos, 30 homens) com obstrtução coronariana demonstrada angiograficamente, e a cintilografia miocárdica foi realizada em repouso e com nitroglicerina endovenosa (EV), iniciando com a dose (1 µg/kg/min) e incremento a cada minuto, até a queda da pressão arterial sistólica em 20 mmHg. A redução da perfusão dos segmentos foi classificada em moderada e severa, e comparada depois da nitroglicerina. Analisamos as variáveis angiográficas, hemodinâmicas e de perfusão miocárdica. RESULTADOS: Analisamos 680 segmentos miocárdicos em repouso: 538 com distribuição homogênea e 142 com hipoperfusão (54 com redução moderada e 88 severa). Depois da nitroglicerina, ocorreu aumento da perfusão em 19 (47,5 por cento) de 40 pacientes. Tornaram-se viáveis 55 de 142 segmentos: 33 (61,1 por cento) com redução moderada e 22 (25 por cento) com redução severa, ambos apresentaram aumento significativo da distribuição do radiofármaco (p < 0,001, qui-quadrado). CONCULSÃO: Dos componentes com Tc-99m, está incluído o Tc-99m-2-methoxy-isobutil-isonitrila (MIBI) que, utilizado com dose otimizada de nitroglicerina EV, pode aumentar a captação do radiofármaco em áreas com hipoperfusão moderada e severa. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem aumento da sensibilidade do Tc-99m (MIBI) pela nitroglicerina para detecção de miocárdio viável.

BACKGROUND: The selection of patients with chronic coronary disease for recanalization is based on the detection of the affected myocardium that is potentially viable. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potentially viable ischemic myocardium through single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with MIBI after a maximum tolerated dose of I.V. nitroglycerin. METHODS: We prospectively investigated by SPECT with Tc-99m (MIBI), from April 2004 to November 2005, 40 patients (mean age: 62 ± 8.9 yrs, 30 men) with coronary obstruction demonstrated angiographically; the myocardium scintigraphy was carried out at rest and after intravenous (I.V.) nitroglycerin, which was started at a dose of 1 µg/kg/min and increased every minute until the systolic blood pressure decreased by 20 mmHg. The decrease in the perfusion of the segments was classified as moderate or severe and compared after the nitroglycerin. The angiographic, hemodynamic and myocardial perfusion variables were analyzed. RESULTS: We analyzed 680 myocardial segments at rest: 538 with a homogenous distribution and 142 with hypoperfusion (54 with moderate and 88 with severe decrease). After the nitroglycerin, there was an increase in the perfusion in 19 (47.5 percent) of 40 patients and 55 of 142 segments became viable: 33 (61.1 percent) with moderate and 22 (25 percent) with severe decrease; both presented a significant increase in the radiotracer distribution (p < 0.001, Chi-square). CONCLUSION: One of the components with Tc-99m is Tc-99m 2-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (MIBI), which, when used with an optimized dose of I.V. nitroglycerin, can increase the radiotracer uptake in areas with moderate and severe hypoperfusion. The results of the present study suggest the increase in the Tc-99m (MIBI) sensitivity by nitroglycerin for the detection of viable myocardium.

Comparative study of lateral internal sphincterotomy versus local 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate ointment for the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

The gold standard surgical treatment of chronic anal fissure is lateral internal sphincterotomy which lowers the resting anal pressure and effectively heals the majority of fissures. Local application of 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate ointment has been used as an agent for chemical sphincterotomy, causing temporary alleviation of sphincter spasm and allowing the fissure to heal without compromising the anal continence. The aim of the present study was to compare the results of surgical sphincterotomy with that of local 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate ointment in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. Seventy adult patients between the age of 18 and 50 years with chronic anal fissure were randomized in a prospective trial to receive either surgical sphincterotomy or 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate ointment locally. Patients were followed up at 2 weeks' interval for 10 weeks. Symptom relief, fissure healing and continence scores were the outcomes assessed. Six patients were excluded for protocol violations. Surgical sphincterotomy was significantly more effective in providing pain relief and was associated with significantly better fissure healing rates at 6 weeks and 10 weeks (both p < 0.001). There were substantial problems with compliance in ointment group related to slow healing and longer time needed for symptomatic relief. Minor incontinence was 6% in sphincterotomy group and none in ointment group (p > 0.05). Considering early symptomatic relief, rapid fissure healing and better patient compliance surgical sphincterotomy is the treatment of choice for chronic anal fissure.

effect of intravenous nitroglycerine on blood pressure during intubation

Hypertension is one of the most frequent complication during laryngoscopy and intubation; thus in the premedication or induction stages, many drugs have been used to control this hypertension. Nitroglycerine is one of the drugs thought to be effective and the purpose of this study is to appraise this deliberation. 150 patients of 20-50 years of age were enrolled in this randomized double blind clinical trial. They were randomly divided into two group, one received 2 micro g/kg nitroglycerine while the other group did not received any drug. Blood pressure was checked in 3 different stages and compared. In both groups, pre and post intubation systolic pressure had a significant difference; whereas this relation could not be found for the diastolic pressure. These variables did not have a statistically significant relation prior to intubation; whilst after intubation, a significant relation was elicited. Injection of 2 micro g/kg nitroglycerine immediately after anesthetic induction is effective in preventing the unwanted increase in the blood pressure, and as a result, complications following this response in patients with ischemic heart disease would be reduced