RESUMO
Background: Thrombolytics are recommended in high risk patients with massive pulmonary embolism (PE). However, clinical practice seems to be far different and questions related to its utility in less severely affected patients remain the subject of investigation. The objective of this observational study was to compare the efficacy and safety of tenecteplase with streptokinase and heparin. Method: A total of 103 patients (tenecteplase: 62, streptokinase: 17, heparin: 24) diagnosed with PE (massive: 33 [32.04%], submassive: 50 [48.54%], and minor: 20 [19.42%]) were included. Results: Mean age was 50.04 years and major risk factors were immobilization due to hospitalization, history of deep vein thrombosis, and diabetes. Common clinical symptoms of dyspnoea, right ventricular dysfunction, and cough were found in 94.17%, 81.55%, and 77.67% patients, respectively. Between treatment and day 7, death occurred in 4.84%, 5.88%, and 8.33% patients in the tenecteplase, streptokinase, and heparin groups, respectively. The differences among treatment groups were non-significant (p > .05). All treatments have demonstrated significant alleviation of dyspnoea and heart rate (p < .05). Significant (p < .05) increase in oxygen saturation was seen and it was markedly higher in the tenecteplase-treated patients compared with the streptokinase- and heparin-treated patients. By day 7, there was 100% resolution of right bundle branch block only in the tenecteplase group. No intracranial bleeding or fatal bleeding episodes were found in any group. Conclusion: Tenecteplase was found to be effective in patients with PE irrespective of their clinical status and no major adverse events were noted.
RESUMO
Background: Globally the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising, an important cause of death and loss of disability-adjusted life years. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is involved in its pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of telmisartan (40 mg/day), an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) in Indian patients with CKD in real-life setting. Method: This was a prospective observational study. Fifty-six patients (>18 years) diagnosed with CKD were enrolled into the study. Serum creatinine, 24-h urinary protein, spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and blood pressure (BP) were assessed along with safety. Results: A total of 55 patients (96.36% hypertensive; 63.61% diabetic) with mean age of 48.23 years completed the study. At the end of 3 months treatment with telmisartan, 24-h urinary protein, spot urine protein-to-creatinine, serum creatinine and BP significantly reduced (p < .05) by 806.78 mg, 0.95, 0.44 mg/dl and 8.9/4.7 mmHg in the overall population. GFR increased from the baseline value of 52.13 to 65.01 ml/min. Telmisartan was well tolerated and treatment was discontinued in one patient because of hyperkalemia. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that telmisartan effectively and safely reduces proteinuria in chronic kidney disease patients.
