The effectiveness and safety of a very low molecular weight heparin fraction were evaluated in the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis in patients confined to bed due to hemiplegia consecutive to a recent cerebral infarction. CY 222 was administered within 48 hours of the stroke by one single daily subcutaneous injection of 0.6 ml (= 15,000 U AXa IC) during 14 days. This randomized pilot study involved 30 patients. The effects of CY 222 were assessed in a group of 15 patients compared with a control group of 15 untreated patients. No deep-vein thrombosis was detected by the labelled fibrinogen test in the treated group, as against 12 patients in the control group. Six patients (3 in each group) died during the study. One case of lethal pulmonary embolism was observed and confirmed at autopsy in the control group. In the remaining 5 patients, no systematic autopsy which would have asserted the absence of pulmonary embolism or drug-induced haemorrhage was performed. Numerous standard laboratory tests confirmed that CY 222 was well tolerated.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cicletanide improves outcome after left circumflex coronary artery occlusion-reperfusion in the dog.

The possible antifibrillatory effect of cicletanide, a new diuretic antihypertensive drug, was investigated at random in 50 anesthetized dogs subjected to left circumflex coronary artery ligation for 60 min and later reperfused. In this model, standard electrocardiographic leads 2 and 3 were continuously registered to measure delta R wave percent changes, to count the number of ventricular premature beats, and to document the onset of ventricular fibrillation; aortic pressure was recorded; 6-keto PGF1 alpha and TXB2 plasma levels were determined. Cicletanide significantly reduced early (Phase 1a) postischemic ventricular fibrillation (5 of 25 vs. 12 of 25, p = 0.036) but failed to reduce the incidence of global ischemia-induced ventricular fibrillation. On the other hand, the incidence of postreperfusion ventricular fibrillation was lower in the cicletanide group (1 of 14 vs. 5 of 9, p = 0.04). In addition, the total survival rate was improved in cicletanide treated dogs (p = 0.0257). While the rate-pressure product was lowered by the drug independent of the presence of ischemia, delta R% changes after occlusion were less in treated dogs than in controls. Moreover, the drug reduced significantly the number of ventricular premature beats in the early (Phase 1a) postischemic period. Finally, the drug increased (mean two-fold) the plasma levels of 6-keto PGF1 alpha as compared with controls; however, this increase was less than that achieved (mean 20-fold) after 100 ng/kg/min epoprostenol (prostacyclin) given in a further series of animals. Thus, improved outcome follows 10 mg/kg i.v. cicletanide administration in this model.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Alteration in prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 production. Correlation with changes in human aortic atherosclerotic disease.

Prostacyclin (PGI2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was investigated in human aortas (five controls and 27 with atherosclerotic lesions). The specific activities of PGI2 and PGE2 synthetase were studied using radioimmunoassays of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGE1 alpha of aortic microsomes incubated in the presence of additional substrate and cofactors. The atherosclerotic lesions were examined under the light microscope and were classified as Stage 1 when the disease was restricted to the intima and as Stages 2 and 3 when there were moderate or advanced lesions. Prostaglandin production for the control group (n = 5), Stage 1 (n = 7), Stage 2 (n = 10), and Stage 3 (n = 10) were as follows: 454 +/- 15, 162 +/- 81, 92 +/- 90, and 65 +/- 61 pmol 6-K-PGF1 alpha/50 mg protein/10 minutes; and 15 +/- 12, 399 +/- 406, 227 +/- 174, and 366 +/- 362 pmol PGE2/50 mg protein/10 minutes (mean +/- SD) respectively. We conclude that: 1) In normal aortas, PGE2 production was low, while PGI2 synthesis activity was elevated. The reverse situation was observed in aortas with atherosclerosis lesions (p less than 0.05). 2) There was an inverse relationship between PGE2 and PGI1 production (p less than 0.05). 3) There was a direct histologic relationship between lower PGI2 production and atherosclerosis progression. A decided decline in 6-K-PGF1 alpha production was detected in aortas in the early stages (65% of control values). 4) By contrast, a progressive increase in PGE2 production was found in Stage 2 and Stage 3 groups (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in angina pectoris. Influence of plasma insulin and acute-phase response.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is an important physiological inhibitor of fibrinolysis. It circulates in blood both in free active form and in inactive form complexed with tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA). Control mechanisms for its synthesis and release from hepatocytes and endothelial cells are important in the pathogenesis of thrombosis. Possible risk factors for myocardial infarction include high insulin and PAI-1 levels, which correlate with one another in healthy subjects, and fibrinogen, which together with PAI-1, is an acute-phase reactant. We therefore studied the interrelationships between PAI-1, plasma insulin, and acute-phase proteins in 67 patients with angina pectoris. Plasma insulin correlated strongly (r = 0.59, p less than 0.001) with PAI activity, free PAI-1 antigen (r = 0.60, p less than 0.001), and total PAI-1 antigen (r = 0.58, p less than 0.001). The acute-phase proteins, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein, correlated significantly with t-PA antigen, total PAI-1 antigen, and PAI-1/t-PA complexes but not with PAI activity or free PAI-1. The results suggest that insulin stimulates synthesis and release of free PAI-1 (probably via hepatocytes as previously shown with cell culture) and that endothelial cell synthesis and release of t-PA, together with PAI-1, reflects a nonspecific acute-phase response to chronic vascular disease. Hyperinsulinemia found in patients with angina pectoris could play a role in the development of myocardial infarction via the induction of high plasma PAI-1 activity.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Proceedings: Surgical correction using 3 Bjork's prostheses of a malignant post-streptococcal multiple valve disorder in a 14-year-old].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Pulsed Doppler echography in the quantification of aortic insufficiency in adults].

Since several methods based on doppler-echocardiography have been suggested to quantify aortic valve regurgitation, we compared two of these methods--left ventricular diastolic jet mapping and evaluation of blood flow in the descending aorta--with the results of left heart catheterization in 82 patients with aortic regurgitation. The invasive quantification rested on the degree of left ventricular opacification after contrast injection into the supra-sigmoid aorta, the results being classified into 3 grades. Left ventricular mapping was carried out using pulsed doppler ultrasound by the apical route; results were expressed as 3 grades of increasing severity. Blood flow in the aorta was recorded using pulsed doppler velocimetry by the suprasternal route at the level of the aortic isthmus where we measured the diastolic to systolic velocity integrals ratio (D/S). Apical mapping could be performed in 81 of the 82 patients, whereas suprasternal planimetry could be performed in only 56 patients (68 p. 100). Mapping provided good correlations with catheterization in 65 patients (80 p. 100); discordances were observed mainly in patients with aortic leakage due to prosthetic valve dysfunction (4/8 prosthetic valves) or with major left ventricular dilatation (found in 7 out of 9 cases of underestimation of leakage by the doppler system). The D/S ratio values obtained by the suprasternal route ranged from 16 to 28 p. 100 for mild angiographic leakage, from 34 to 66 p. 100 for moderate leakage, and from 52 to 155 p. 100 for severe leakage. "Borderline" values of 30 and 60 p. 100 respectively enabled the various degrees of aortic regurgitation to be separated. Despite their limitations, the non-invasive methods used in combination are effective in quantifying aortic regurgitation in most cases; mapping offers the advantage of simplicity: the suprasternal study is more accurate but cannot be performed in all patients.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Slow-release verapamil 240 mg and treatment of mild to moderate hypertension].

The study was carried out in association with medical practitioners who were responsible for observing the patients. Its aim was to determine the effective dosage of slow release verapamil (V) in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension and to compare plasma concentrations of V with blood pressure effects. The study comprised a 2-week placebo period and a 3-month active treatment period with V, during which patients were examined, 20-24 h after last intake of V, at the end of the first (D30) and of the third (D90) month of treatment. Active treatment started with 240 mg of V (once a day); at D-30 if diastolic blood pressure (DBP) remained above 90 mmHg the dosage of V was increased to 480 mg (t.d.s.). At each examination blood pressure, body weight and heart rate were registered, electrocardiogram and routine biochemical tests were carried out; plasma concentration of V was measured at D30 for every patient and at D90 for those receiving 480 mg. of V. Thirty patients (11 men and 19 women) aged from 29 to 80 years (mean : 61.7) took part in the study. Treatment needed to be stopped in one patient; results are based on the other 29. At D30 systolic blood pressure (SBP) fell from 179.4 +/- 5.9 to 156.2 +/- 5,5 mmHg and DBP from 101.3 +/- 1.8 to 88.3 +/- 3 mmHg; DPB became normal (less than 90 mmHg) in 23 subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Calcium channel blockers in ischemic cardiopathies].

Calcium-entry blockers are the drugs of choice in coronary spasm, unstable angina, and when patients do not have any effort limitation. However, beta-blockers, without sympathomimetic activity, remain the treatment of angina pectoris. When clinical situation is difficult to control, association calcium blockers and bêta-blockers are more efficient than monotherapy. In myocardial infarction, results are controversial: calcium channel blockers should be administered only with beta-blockers.

Angina Pectoris↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Current methods of diagnosis of phlebitis of the lower limbs].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Fibrinogen↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Value of real time B mode ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs.

In order to determine the value and the role of real time B mode ultrasound imaging (USI) in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs, it was compared to bilateral contrast ascending venography used as a standard of reference, prospectively and systematically on 430 patients suspected of having DVT or pulmonary embolism. A total of 854 limbs were thus studied double blindly both by the two methods. The results corresponded in 95% of the legs with a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 95% for USI. Isolated thrombosis of the calf were detected in 91% of the legs and proximal thrombosis were in 100% in this series whatever their topography and extent should be and whatever be the degree of obstruction of the vein. The discrepancies between the two methods are related to: (a) Vein thrombosis especially located in the calf, in the soleal sinuses and the gastrocnemius with in most cases the direct image of the thrombus detected by U.S.I. more often than by venography, provided that the technique and the equipment are appropriate. (b) The absence of visualisation of venous segments with venography which is not specific of venous thrombosis. These veins when non affected by the thrombosis are not filled by the contrast medium if located above an occluded ilio-femoral or ilio-caval junction or when they are the site of extrinsic compression. The direct imaging of the vein and the surrounding structures obtained with USI enhances the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and provides precision of the exact extension of the thrombosis. Venous study by USI is always coupled with the Doppler.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The contribution of echocardiography in the management of thrombo-embolic disease.

To evaluate the contribution of echocardiography on the management of acute pulmonary embolism (A.P.E.) a study was carried out on 84 patients. For each of them echocardiography was performed: (a) the M mode shows an increase in RVDD/LVDD quotient correlated with the gravity of the A.P.E.; (b) the two dimensional mode allows 9 times the discovery of a thrombus which could be: static and broad based 6 cases or mobile, large sized 3 cases. So echocardiography can be systematically and initially be proposed for any patient suspected of having A.P.E.; (c) the absence of increase in RVDD/LVDD ratio 0.33 exclude the possibility of a serious A.P.E. and it is possible to postpone the pulmonary angiogram. On the contrary the increase of the RVDD/LVDD ratio must lead to the angiographic exploration due to the seriousness of A.P.E.: (d) the discovery of a mobile, large sized thrombus with hight embolic potential makes the catheterism of the right cavities dangerous and lead to an emergency embolectomy because of the high risks of a new A.P.E.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The role of thrombolytics in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis of the legs].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adolescent↗