The objective of this study was to characterize the transfer of flecainide across the placenta and determine the fetal: maternal ratio of flecainide in the gravid baboon. Flecainide acetate has been especially successful for the treatment of fetal supraventricular tachycardia associated with hydrops fetalis. However, the degree of transplacental transmission remains unknown. In this study, all animals were placed under general anesthesia. Flecainide 2.5 mg/kg was administered intravenously. Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling was performed simultaneously with maternal sampling. Flecainide levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. A total of six gravid baboons were studied at an average gestational age of 132 days. The mean maternal volume of distribution at steady state was 5.1 +/- 1.8 L/kg. The mean combined elimination constant (k(el)) was 0.79 +/- 0.19 hr(-1) [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64-0.93]. There was a linear relationship between maternal and fetal concentrations, with a ratio of fetal-to-maternal serum levels of 0.49 +/- 0.05 (95% CI, 0.39-0.59). At steady state, fetal flecainide levels are approximately 50% of maternal flecainide levels. Flecainide is rapidly distributed in the mother and fetus following a single intravenous dose with a maternal volume of distribution similar to that reported in normal healthy human adults. Since fetal levels correlate closely with maternal levels, we propose that it is possible to estimate fetal levels by monitoring maternal levels.

Animals↗

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Drug-induced pemphigus. I. A survey.

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Adult↗

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Chemistry of soaps and detergents: various types of commercial products and their ingredients.

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Detergents↗

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Entering the 21st century: future perspectives.

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Detergents↗

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Automated MR imaging protocols for improved patient throughput.

The total time spent on each patient during an MR study determines patient throughput and ultimately influences MR scan charges. Actual data acquisition often represents only a small portion of this examination time. Other functions such as patient loading and unloading, positioning, coil placement, scan setup, and image reconstruction time also contribute to the total examination time. We describe a technique for creating automated imaging protocols for standard MR examinations which optimize these functions, thereby decreasing operator interventions and shortening the overall examination time. A prototype sequence for examining the larynx and neck was developed which allowed three sequential multiple slice acquisitions to be obtained in three orthogonal planes with a single operator setup step. All tuning and scan placement after this first step was done under computer control. The new sequence allowed larynx and neck studies to be performed in less than 30 min for spin echo and under 16 min for field echo instead of the 50-60 min required by previous methods. The new technique should be useful for improving patient throughput for a cariety of standardized examinations including the temporal bone, head and neck, joints, and other regions.

Computers↗

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