Impacto pronóstico de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y el asma bronquial en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca / Prognostic impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma in patients with heart failure

Propósito Analizar el impacto de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y el asma bronquial sobre el manejo terapéutico y el pronóstico de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Métodos Análisis de la información contenida en un registro clínico de pacientes remitidos a una unidad especializada de IC entre enero de 2010 y junio de 2022. Se compararon su perfil clínico, el tratamiento y el pronóstico en base a la presencia de EPOC o asma bronquial. El análisis de supervivencia se realizó mediante los métodos de Kaplan-Meier y Cox. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 1.493 días. Resultados Se estudiaron 2.577 pacientes, de los cuales 251 (9,7%) presentaban EPOC y 96 (3,7%), asma bronquial. Observamos diferencias significativas entre los tres grupos con respecto a la prescripción de betabloqueantes (EPOC=89,6%; asma=87,5%; no broncopatía=94,1%; p=0,002) e inhibidores del cotransportador de sodio-glucosa tipo2 (EPOC=35,1%; asma=50%; no broncopatía=38,3%; p=0,036). Además, los pacientes con patología bronquial recibieron con menor frecuencia un desfibrilador (EPOC=20,3%; asma=20,8%; no broncopatía=29%; p=0,004). La presencia de EPOC se asoció de forma independiente con mayor riesgo de muerte por cualquier causa (HR=1,64; IC95%: 1,33-2,02), muerte u hospitalización por IC (HR=1,47; IC95%: 1,22-1,76) y muerte cardiovascular o trasplante cardiaco (HR=1,39; IC95%: 1,08-1,79) en comparación con la ausencia de broncopatía. La presencia de asma bronquial no se asoció a un impacto significativo sobre los desenlaces analizados. Conclusiones La EPOC, pero no el asma bronquial, es un factor pronóstico adverso e independiente en pacientes con IC. (AU)

Purpose To analyze the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma on therapeutic management and prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF). Methods Analysis of the information collected in a clinical registry of patients referred to a specialized HF unit from January-2010 to June-2012. Clinical profile, treatment and prognosis of patients was evaluated, according to the presence of COPD or asthma. Survival analyses were conducted by means of Kaplan-Meier and Cox's methods. Median follow-up was 1493 days. Results We studied 2577 patients, of which 251 (9.7%) presented COPD and 96 (3.7%) bronchial asthma. Significant differences among study groups were observed regarding to the prescription of beta-blockers (COPD=89.6%; asthma=87.5%; no bronchopathy=94.1%; P=.002) and SGLT2 inhibitors (COPD=35.1%; asthma=50%; no bronchopathy=38.3%; P=.036). Also, patients with bronchial disease received less frequently a defibrillator (COPD=20.3%; asthma=20.8%; no broncopathy=29%; P=.004). COPD was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.64; 95%CI: 1.33-2.02), all-cause death or HF admission (HR=1.47; 95%CI: 1.22-1.76) and cardiovascular death or heart transplantation (HR=1.39; 95%CI: 1.08-1.79) as compared with patients with no bronchopathy. Bronchial asthma was not significantly associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes. Conclusions COPD, but not asthma, is an adverse independent prognostic factor in patients with HF. (AU)

Prognostic impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma in patients with heart failure.

PURPOSE: To analyze the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma on therapeutic management and prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF). METHODS: Analysis of the information collected in a clinical registry of patients referred to a specialized HF unit from January-2010 to June-2012. Clinical profile, treatment and prognosis of patients was evaluated, according to the presence of COPD or asthma. Survival analyses were conducted by means of Kaplan-Meier and Cox's methods. Median follow-up was 1493 days. RESULTS: We studied 2577 patients, of which 251 (9.7%) presented COPD and 96 (3.7%) bronchial asthma. Significant differences among study groups were observed regarding to the prescription of beta-blockers (COPD=89.6%; asthma=87.5%; no bronchopathy=94.1%; p=0.002) and SGLT2 inhibitors (COPD=35.1%; asthma=50%; no bronchopathy=38.3%; p=0.036). Also, patients with bronchial disease received less frequently a defibrillator (COPD=20.3%; asthma=20.8%; no broncopathy=29%; p=0.004). COPD was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.64; 95% CI 1.33-2.02), all-cause death or HF admission (HR=1.47; 95% CI 1.22-1.76) and cardiovascular death or heart transplantation (HR=1.39; 95% CI 1.08-1.79) as compared with patients with no bronchopathy. Bronchial asthma was not significantly associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: COPD, but not asthma, is an adverse independent prognostic factor in patients with HF.

¿Se puede predecir el pronóstico de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera? / Prognosis of the contralateral hip after primary total hip replacement: Can it be predicted?

Introducción: La coxartrosis es una de las patologías más frecuentes e incapacitantes. El 20% de los mayores de 60 años desarrollará coxartrosis sintomática y el 10% requerirá una prótesis total de cadera. La artroplastia total de cadera es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos que más aumenta la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Cuando recomendamos la artroplastia en la práctica clínica, los pacientes a menudo preguntan sobre el pronóstico de su otra cadera: ¿Se deteriorará de la misma forma? ¿Será necesario operarla? ¿Cuándo? El objetivo es determinar si existe alguna variable o signo radiológico que prediga el pronóstico a medio plazo de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos de artroplastia total de cadera en nuestro hospital durante los años 2011 y 2012, con un total de 543 pacientes. Se determinó el grado de coxartrosis, según las clasificaciones JOA y Tönnis, en la radiografía de ambas caderas en el momento de la primera artroplastia y a intervalos regulares durante el seguimiento, analizando cada uno de los ítems incluidos en estas clasificaciones. Se estableció la relación de estos hallazgos radiográficos con la progresión de la artrosis y la necesidad de artroplastia contralateral. Resultados y conclusiones: Podría esperarse una progresión de la artrosis de la cadera contralateral en los próximos 3 años en el 10% de los pacientes. Esta progresión será mayor y más rápida en aquellos con grado JOA III-IV/Tönnis II-III y, especialmente, en aquellos con mayor estrechamiento articular y mayor alteración de la cabeza femoral, pudiendo alcanzar entre el 25 y el 30% de los pacientes. El grado de JOA/Tönnis inicial es un factor predictor de necesitar una prótesis de cadera contralateral.

Introduction: Coxarthrosis is one of the most frequent and disabling pathologies. 20% of individuals over 60 years of age will develop symptomatic coxarthrosis and 10% of them will need a hip replacement; it is probably one of the orthopaedic procedures that most increases quality of life. When we recommend arthroplasty in clinical practice, patients often ask about the prognosis of their other hip. Will it deteriorate in the same way? Will it be necessary to replace it? When? The aim of the study is to determine if there is any variable or radiological sign that predicts the medium-term prognosis of the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty. Material and methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty in our hospital during 2011 and 2012 was carried out, with a total of 543 patients. The coxarthrosis degree at X-ray was determined at the time of the first arthroplasty and at regular intervals during follow-up, according to the JOA and Tönnis classifications, analyzing each of the items included in these classifications. Its relation with the progression of osteoarthritis and the need of contralateral hip replacement was established. Results and conclusions: A progression of osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip could be expected in the next 3 years in 10% of patients. This progression will be greater and faster in those with JOA grade III–IV/Tönnis grade II–III, especially, in those with greater joint narrowing and femoral head shape score, and can reach between 25 and 30% of patients. The initial JOA/Tönnis degree is a predictive factor for requiring a hip replacement on the contralateral side.(AU)

[Translated article] Prognosis of the contralateral hip after primary total hip replacement: Can it be predicted? / ¿Se puede predecir el pronóstico de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera?

Introduction: Coxarthrosis is one of the most frequent and disabling pathologies. 20% of individuals over 60 years of age will develop symptomatic coxarthrosis and 10% of them will need a hip replacement; it is probably one of the orthopaedic procedures that most increases quality of life. When we recommend arthroplasty in clinical practice, patients often ask about the prognosis of their other hip. Will it deteriorate in the same way? Will it be necessary to replace it? When? The aim of the study is to determine if there is any variable or radiological sign that predicts the medium-term prognosis of the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty. Material and methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty in our hospital during 2011 and 2012 was carried out, with a total of 543 patients. The coxarthrosis degree at X-ray was determined at the time of the first arthroplasty and at regular intervals during follow-up, according to the JOA and Tönnis classifications, analyzing each of the items included in these classifications. Its relation with the progression of osteoarthritis and the need of contralateral hip replacement was established. Results and conclusions: A progression of osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip could be expected in the next 3 years in 10% of patients. This progression will be greater and faster in those with JOA grade III–IV/Tönnis grade II–III, especially, in those with greater joint narrowing and femoral head shape score, and can reach between 25 and 30% of patients. The initial JOA/Tönnis degree is a predictive factor for requiring a hip replacement on the contralateral side.(AU)

Introducción: La coxartrosis es una de las patologías más frecuentes e incapacitantes. El 20% de los mayores de 60 años desarrollará coxartrosis sintomática y el 10% requerirá una prótesis total de cadera. La artroplastia total de cadera es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos que más aumenta la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Cuando recomendamos la artroplastia en la práctica clínica, los pacientes a menudo preguntan sobre el pronóstico de su otra cadera: ¿Se deteriorará de la misma forma? ¿Será necesario operarla? ¿Cuándo? El objetivo es determinar si existe alguna variable o signo radiológico que prediga el pronóstico a medio plazo de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos de artroplastia total de cadera en nuestro hospital durante los años 2011 y 2012, con un total de 543 pacientes. Se determinó el grado de coxartrosis, según las clasificaciones JOA y Tönnis, en la radiografía de ambas caderas en el momento de la primera artroplastia y a intervalos regulares durante el seguimiento, analizando cada uno de los ítems incluidos en estas clasificaciones. Se estableció la relación de estos hallazgos radiográficos con la progresión de la artrosis y la necesidad de artroplastia contralateral. Resultados y conclusiones: Podría esperarse una progresión de la artrosis de la cadera contralateral en los próximos 3 años en el 10% de los pacientes. Esta progresión será mayor y más rápida en aquellos con grado JOA III-IV/Tönnis II-III y, especialmente, en aquellos con mayor estrechamiento articular y mayor alteración de la cabeza femoral, pudiendo alcanzar entre el 25 y el 30% de los pacientes. El grado de JOA/Tönnis inicial es un factor predictor de necesitar una prótesis de cadera contralateral.

Prognosis of the contralateral hip after primary total hip replacement: Can it be predicted? / ¿Se puede predecir el pronóstico de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera?

INTRODUCTION: Coxarthrosis is one of the most frequent and disabling pathologies. 20% of individuals over 60 years of age will develop symptomatic coxarthrosis and 10% of them will need a hip replacement; it is probably one of the orthopaedic procedures that most increases quality of life. When we recommend arthroplasty in clinical practice, patients often ask about the prognosis of their other hip. Will it deteriorate in the same way? Will it be necessary to replace it? When? The aim of the study is to determine if there is any variable or radiological sign that predicts the medium-term prognosis of the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty in our hospital during 2011 and 2012 was carried out, with a total of 543 patients. The coxarthrosis degree at X-ray was determined at the time of the first arthroplasty and at regular intervals during follow-up, according to the JOA and Tönnis classifications, analyzing each of the items included in these classifications. Its relation with the progression of osteoarthritis and the need of contralateral hip replacement was established. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A progression of osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip could be expected in the next 3 years in 10% of patients. This progression will be greater and faster in those with JOA grade III-IV/Tönnis grade II-III, especially, in those with greater joint narrowing and femoral head shape score, and can reach between 25 and 30% of patients. The initial JOA/Tönnis degree is a predictive factor for requiring a hip replacement on the contralateral side.

[Translated article] Prognosis of the contralateral hip after primary total hip replacement: Can it be predicted?

INTRODUCTION: Coxarthrosis is one of the most frequent and disabling pathologies. 20% of individuals over 60 years of age will develop symptomatic coxarthrosis and 10% of them will need a hip replacement; it is probably one of the orthopaedic procedures that most increases quality of life. When we recommend arthroplasty in clinical practice, patients often ask about the prognosis of their other hip. Will it deteriorate in the same way? Will it be necessary to replace it? When? The aim of the study is to determine if there is any variable or radiological sign that predicts the medium-term prognosis of the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty in our hospital during 2011 and 2012 was carried out, with a total of 543 patients. The coxarthrosis degree at X-ray was determined at the time of the first arthroplasty and at regular intervals during follow-up, according to the JOA and Tönnis classifications, analyzing each of the items included in these classifications. Its relation with the progression of osteoarthritis and the need of contralateral hip replacement was established. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A progression of osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip could be expected in the next 3 years in 10% of patients. This progression will be greater and faster in those with JOA grade III-IV/Tönnis grade II-III, especially, in those with greater joint narrowing and femoral head shape score, and can reach between 25 and 30% of patients. The initial JOA/Tönnis degree is a predictive factor for requiring a hip replacement on the contralateral side.

Antigens from Leishmania amastigotes inducing clinical remission of psoriatic arthritis.

A first generation vaccine (AS100-1) was manufactured with protein from four cultured Leishmania species, which proved to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis. A single blind trial on 3,132 psoriasis patients revealed 508 (16.2%) subjects with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) that received AS100-1 antigens. The study group was distributed according to percent psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) reduction from PASI 10 to PASI 100. All groups decreased in arthritis score (AS), tender joints counts and nail changes after treatment; the highest decreased in the PASI 100 group. Relapses of psoriasis and PsA had PASI and AS lower than initial values before treatment. Clinical remissions were at lower doses and less time, after the second course of treatment. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) lymphocyte subsets (LS) varied with PASI range (1-10, 11-20 and 21-72). Pre-treatment, absolute values of gated LS: CD4+, CD8+HLA-, CD8+HLA+, CD8+CD3-, CD8+CD3+ decreased in PBMC as PASI increased, suggesting migration from the blood to the skin. In contrary to the previous finding, the following LS: CD8+CD4-, CD3+CD8-, HLA+CD8-, CD19, CD8+CD4+ and membrane surface immunoglobulin IgA+, IgD+, IgM+, IgE+, and IgG+ increased in PBMC as PASI increased suggesting activation and proliferation by unknown antigens creating a homeostatic cycle between skin/joints and peripheral blood. After nine doses of AS100-1, the following LS: CD8+CD3+, CD8+HLA+, CD3+CD8-, CD4+CD8-, CD8+HLA-, HLA+CD8-, CD8+CD3-, CD19+, CD8+CD4-, CD8+CD4+, IgA+, IgD+, IgM+, IgE+, and IgG+ decreased significantly as compared with values before treatment. The LS decreased stops the vicious cycle between skin/joints and blood explaining clinical remission of lesions.

Antigens from Leishmania amastigotes induced clinical remission of psoriasis.

While injecting volunteers in Venezuela with a vaccine for prevention of leishmaniasis, we observed 100% clinical remission of a psoriatic lesion in one subject. Subsequently, the vaccine (AS100) was evaluated in psoriatic patients with an open label, single center study. The study was conducted in 2,770 subjects and included plaque (79%), guttate (10%), plaque and guttate (10%), palm/plantar, erythrodermia, inverse, plaque and arthritis and nail psoriasis. Baseline PASI compared with post-treatment values were: PASI 100, 23%; PASI 75, 45%; PASI 50, 13%; PASI 10, 9% and

[Pulmonary haemorrhage and primary antiphospholipid syndrome: case report and review]. / Hemorragia pulmonar y síndrome antifosfolípido primario: aportación de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

The antiphospholipid syndrome is defined by the association of vein and/or arterial thrombotic events and a high level of antiphospholipid antibodies. Pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension are the most usual complications and recently some new cases of alveolar haemorrhage have been described. We present the case of an alveolar haemorrhage in a patient with a primary antiphospholipid syndrome. The first manifestation of this patient was a deep vein thrombosis on his left lower leg . After that he had persistent hemoptoic sputum and his chest x-ray showed alveolar infiltrates. The bronchoscopy ruled out another causes of haemoptysis and the bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed that it was an alveolar haemorrhage (80% of hemosiderophages ). The case is discussed and we do a literature review.

Hemorragia pulmonar y síndrome antifosfolípido primario: aportación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Pulmonary haemorrhage and primary antiphospholipid syndrome: case report and review

El síndrome antifosfolípido se caracteriza por la asociación de fenómenos trombóticos venosos y/o arteriales y un título elevado de anticuerpos antifosfolipídicos. Sus manifestaciones pulmonares más frecuentes son el tromboembolismo y la hipertensión pulmonar, pero recientemente también se han descrito algunos casos de hemorragia alveolar. Aportamos un caso de hemorragia alveolar en el seno de un síndrome antifosfolípido primario. La primera manifestación en este paciente fue una trombosis venosa profunda del miembro inferior derecho. Posteriormente presentó esputos hemoptoicos de forma persistente y la radiografía mostró infiltrados alveolares. La broncoscopia descartó otras causas de hemoptisis y el lavado broncoalveolar confirmó que se trataba de una hemorragia alveolar (80% de hemosiderófagos). Se discute el caso y realizamos una revisión de la literatura

The antiphospholipid syndrome is defined by the association of vein and/or arterial thrombotic events and a high level of antiphospholipid antibodies. Pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension are the most usual complications and recently some new cases of alveolar haemorrhage have been described. We present the case of an alveolar haemorrhage in a patient with a primary antiphospholipid syndrome. The first manifestation of this patient was a deep vein thrombosis on his left lower leg . After that he had persistent hemoptoic sputum and his chest x-ray showed alveolar infiltrates. The bronchoscopy ruled out another causes of haemoptysis and the bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed that it was an alveolar haemorrhage (80% of hemosiderophages ). The case is discussed and we do a literature review

Suicide risk factors for young adults: testing a model across ethnicities.

A general path model based on existing suicide risk research was developed to test factors contributing to current suicidal ideation in young adults. A sample of 673 undergraduate students completed a packet of questionnaires containing the Beck Depression Inventory, Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire, and Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale. They also provided information on history of suicidality and exposure to attempted and completed suicide in others. Structural equation modeling was used to test the fit of the data to the hypothesized model. Goodness-of-fit indices were adequate and supported the interactive effects of exposure, repulsion by life, depression, and history of self-harm on current ideation. Model fit for three subgroups based on race/ethnicity (i.e., White, Black, and Hispanic) determined that repulsion by life and depression function differently across groups. Implications of these findings for current methods of suicide risk assessment and future research are discussed in the context of the importance of culture.

Diagnostic utility of eosinophils in the pleural fluid.

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of eosinophilia in 358 consecutive samples of pleural fluid (all cases corresponded to first thoracentesis), to review the cause of eosinophilic pleural effusions, and to determine whether the presence of eosinophils increases the likelihood of nonmalignant underlying disorders. Eosinophilic pleural effusions were identified in 45 patients (12.6%): malignant underlying conditions were diagnosed in 11 patients (24.4% with eosinophilic effusions) and benign aetiologies were found in 27 patients. Benign aetiologies included uncomplicated paraneumonic effusion in 10 patients, tuberculosis in seven, complicated paraneumonic in five, liver cirrhosis in three, hydronephrosis in one and pulmonary thromboembolism in one. Seven pleural effusions were idiopathic. There was no difference in the prevalence between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic effusions according to the different diagnoses. With parameters of sensitivity, specificity, pretest and post-test probability and positive and negative predictive values for any prevalence figure using the Bayes' theorem and for any value of eosinophils (both in percentage or absolute numbers) in the pleural fluid (receiver operating characteristic curve) an adequate predictor of benign disease was not found. It is concluded that pleural eosinophilia at the initial thoracentesis cannot be considered as a predictor of an underlying benign disorder.

[Adverse effects on the respiratory system in textile printing sprayers]. / Efectos adversos sobre el tracto respiratorio en trabajadores de aerografía textil.

OBJECTIVE: To study the initial respiratory effects and those observed 18 months later after the inhalation of toxic and irritant substances in textile aerography workers. SUBJECTS: Seventeen patients (14 women and 3 men), with a mean age of 21 years (range: 18-38). METHODS: Initially, pulmonary effects were assessed by pathological (transbronchial biopsy and/or video-thoracoscopy) and functional findings [spirometry with lung volumes and study of diffusion capacity of CO (DLCO)]. Eighteen months later a challenge bronchial test with histamine was performed. RESULTS: Forty-one per cent of patients had pathologic lesions with intraalveolar fibrin, 35% had minimal non-specific lesions, 18% bronchiolitis obliterans with organized pneumonia (BOOP) and 6% pulmonary fibrosis and BOOP. Functional respiratory test showed two patients with a slight restrictive pattern, one patient with very severe restriction and six patients with low DLCO. The challenge tests was positive for 59% of patients. CONCLUSION: After the massive inhalation of irritant and/or toxic substances, patients presented different types of pathological response at pulmonary level. In our workers histological repairing lesions--of high or low degree--were found, BOOP being the lesions observed most frequently, and different patterns of functional involvement. Fifty-nine per cent of cases developed non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity consistent with a reactive airways dysfunction syndrome.

Thiamine deficiency in patients admitted to a palliative care unit.

This study looks at the clinical and thiamine status of 50 terminally ill patients who were admitted to a palliative care unit. Thiamine levels were found to be abnormally low in 28% of the patients and borderline in a further 36%. Cognitive impairment, as measured by the mini-metal state examination (MMSE) of Folstein, Folstein and McHugh, was present in 68% of those tested and a significant correlation was found between the MMSE status and thiamine levels.

Prevalence of ectopic ventricular activity after left ventricular mass regression.

To assess the effects of left ventricular mass reduction on the prevalence of ventricular ectopic activity, we conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial measuring ambulatory 48 h premature ventricular depolarizations in 27 patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension and an increased left ventricular mass index. Data was obtained at baseline and 6 +/- 2 months after randomization to either 25 mg captopril or placebo twice a day. Patients on captopril attained reduction in blood pressure from 167 +/- 11/103 +/- 6 to 136 +/- 10/85 +/- 5 mm Hg (P = .001), left ventricular mass index regression from 149 +/- 17 to 96 +/- 23 g/m2 (P = .001), and ventricular ectopic activity reduction from 413 +/- 172 to 77 +/- 27 ventricular extrasystoles/day (P = .001). Patients on placebo had no significant change in blood pressure (from 162 +/- 11/101 +/- 6 at baseline to 160 +/- 8/100 +/- 8 mm Hg after 6 months; P = NS). In the placebo group left ventricular mass index increased from 155 +/- 40 to 182 +/- 51 g/m2 (P = .01), and ventricular ectopic activity decreased from 634 +/- 293 to 562 +/- 260 ventricular extrasystoles/day (P = NS). Eight out of 14 patients on captopril (57%) and 1 out of 13 patients on placebo (8%) achieved reduction > 85% in ventricular ectopic activity per day (P = .004). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, left ventricular mass index regression and reduction in systolic blood pressure were the most important correlates for this effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of enalapril on heart failure in hypertensive patients with diastolic dysfunction.

Ten hypertensive patients with symptoms of heart failure and normal systolic function but with diastolic dysfunction were treated with 10 mg enalapril twice a day for 9 +/- 3 months to evaluate the effects of this agent alone on heart failure induced by diastolic dysfunction. After therapy, all patients improved and echocardiographic parameters of diastolic dysfunction became normalized. It is concluded that enalapril appears to be useful in the treatment of heart failure in hypertensive patients with normal systolic function and diastolic dysfunction.

Distorting patient or distorting instrument? Body shape disturbance in patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

Three current techniques for estimating body size (Image Marking, Visual Size Estimation, and Distorting Video techniques) were compared. Anorexia nervosa and bulimic patients and normal control subjects were required to make size judgments of the way they 'knew' they looked, the way they 'felt' they looked, and of the width of an inanimate control object. Results from the three techniques were not the same, thus implying that research findings can no longer be cross-compared. Moreover, while all subjects were similar in the accuracy of their estimation of a control object, anorexia nervosa and bulimic patients overestimated their own body size significantly more than normal controls. This difference was even more marked when affective instructions were compared.