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Biomedical subjects

A B Chokshi

Publications and source records attributed to A B Chokshi.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Electrophysiologic properties of furosemide in man.

Furosemide has been extensively used in the treatment of heart failure and its effect on cardiovascular dynamics are well established. Clinical relief of the symptoms of pulmonary congestion frequently precedes any demonstrable diuretic effect, suggesting that extra renal factors may also be involved. More recent studies on the extra-renal action of furosemide showed an increase of venous capacitance as an early hemodynamic effect of the drug. In spite of furosemides wide use in the treatment of heart failure and hypertension, there is no information on the electrophysiologic properties of the drug in man. The present study involving 8 human subjects was undertaken to determine what effect intravenously administered furosemide has on the human conduction system.

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Effect of nebulized isoproterenol on cardiac conduction in man.

The effects of Isuprel administered by means of a mistometer were studied in 8 patients with heart disease. Recordings were made at varied heart rates using atrial pacing. In addition, the functional and effective refractory periods were measured with the use of the extra stimulus technique. Four inhalations of the mistometer were administered to each patient (0.5 mg). The AH interval was 100 +/- 13 msec before and 93 +/- 23 msec 5 minutes after the Isuprel administration (p less than 0.05). Isuprel significantly reduced the AH interval with atrial pacing. The AH interval at an atrial pacing rate of 100/minute was 148 +/- 70 msec before and 131 +/- 51 msec after Isuprel (p less than 0.05). Isuprel had no significant effect on the HV interval. The effective and functional refractory period of the atrioventricular node was not significantly changed after Isuprel. The heart rate and blood pressure showed no significant change after Isuprel. No cardiac arrhythmias were seen. (The systemic absorption of the drug was probably minimal.) Isuprel administered by means of the mistometer can improve conduction through the atrioventricular node. Nevertheless, the potent bronchodilating effects of Isuprel and the absence of tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias does attest to the safety of this agent.

Administration, Oral

Impact of peer review in reduction of permanent pacemaker implantations.

Because of a sharp increase in the number of permanent pacemakers inserted at The Brooklyn Hospital between 1972 and 1976, a peer-review committee was established to monitor subsequent pacemaker implantation. Total initial implants declined from 48 to 22 per year in the two years that followed. The number of implantations for sinoatrial bradycardias declined from 50 to 27 and the number of implantations for intraventricular conduction defects declined from 32 to five in the two years after peer review, compared with the two years before. There was no change in the number of pacemakers implanted for complete or advanced heart block. Almost 10% of patients who received a pacemaker between 1972 and 1976 had other conditions that might have accounted for the events that precipitated the decision to implant a pacemaker. The symptoms for which the pacemaker was implanted persisted in 19% of patients, despite a normally functioning pacemaker system. Patients receiving a permanent pacemaker before peer review had a 17% one-year and a 43% three-year mortality. When a more critical patient selection process was instituted, a smaller percentage remained symptomatic (9% vs 19%) and three-year survival rate was improved (86% vs 57%). From 1977 through 1978, when permanent pacemaker implantations declined, the number of hospital, medical service, and coronary care unit admissions increased. It is concluded that peer review can have substantial impact on permanent pacemaker implantations.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac

Pacemaker failure following external defibrillation.

An 81-year-old female with the sick sinus syndrome had a permanent pacemaker implanted. She subsequently developed ventricular fibrillation and was successfully defibrillated. However, the defibrillation paddle was placed on the pulse generator which led to a complete loss of function of the pulse generator. External defibrillation can produce varying degrees of damage to the implanted pulse generator. The resultant abnormalities are discussed and recommended defibrillation procedures are also outlined in this report.

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