Conversion from sustained-release to immediate-release calcium entry blockers: outcome in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension.

We evaluated 110 patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension (diastolic blood pressure 95 to 110 mmHg) whose blood pressure was initially controlled on monotherapy with once-daily sustained-release calcium entry blockers; these patients were then switched to their respective immediate-release formulations TID. The study group consisted of 35 patients on diltiazem controlled delivery (CD) switched to immediate-release diltiazem, 41 patients on nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) switched to immediate-release nifedipine, and 34 patients on verapamil sustained-release (SR) switched to immediate-release verapamil. Outcome evaluation included a pair-wise comparison of the following during treatment with both formulations: blood pressure control, need for additional hypertensive agents, side effects, compliance, and cost of therapy. Blood pressure was controlled in 94% of patients switched from diltiazem CD to immediate-release diltiazem; 6% of patients required additional antihypertensive agents. Side effects and compliance were not significantly different between groups. Blood pressure was controlled in 78% of patients switched from nifedipine GITS to immediate-release nifedipine; 22% of patients required additional antihypertensive agents. Side effects, compliance, and cost of therapy were significantly different between groups. Side effects increased from 32% on nifedipine GITS to 58% on immediate-release nifedipine; and compliance decreased from 93% on nifedipine GITS to 76% on immediate-release nifedipine (P < 0.05). Blood pressure was controlled in 91% of patients switched from verapamil SR to verapamil immediate release; 9% of patients required additional antihypertensive agents. Side effects and compliance were not significantly different between groups, but immediate-release verapamil was significantly less expensive than verapamil SR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules in the lower female genital tract: relationship to the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon.

Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon, the in vivo formation of eosinophilic radiate structures around microorganisms and biologically inert substances, may simulate actinomycotic sulfur granules and has been recognized in extragenital sites. In the lower female genital tract, the authors have noted these pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules (PAMRAGs) in both the presence and the absence of intrauterine contraceptive devices. To elucidate the nature and morphogenesis of PAMRAGs, the light microscopic morphologic features of PAMRAGs were studied by means of a battery of special stains. The absence of central branching filaments or diptheroid forms in PAMRAGs serves to distinguish them from true actinomycotic sulfur granules. Using the immunoperoxidase technique, the authors examined PAMRAGs for the presence of immunoglobulin, complement, and fibrin. Their studies showed that PAMRAGs contain neutral glycoproteins, lipid, and calcium with no demonstrable microorganisms, immunoglobulin, complement, or fibrin. The authors do not support the assertions of others that Splendore-Hoeppli radiate bodies are immune complexes derived from host serum proteins. They speculate that PAMRAGs of the genital tract are derived from host leukocytes that aggregate in response to the commonly present bacteria, parasites, or inert foreign bodies that initiate the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon and the morphogenesis of PAMRAGs.