Biomedical subjects

Ali Tamer

Publications and source records attributed to Ali Tamer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

The comparison of dexmedetomidine and midazolam used for sedation of patients during upper endoscopy: A prospective, randomized study.

The aim of the present prospective, randomized study was to investigate and compare the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus midazolam in providing sedation for gastroscopy. A total of 50 adult patients (25 patients receiving dexmedetomidine and 25 patients receiving midazolam), 18 to 60 years of age, and rated I and II on the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system were included. A brief questionnaire was used to collect demographic data; patients were asked to rate anxiety, satisfaction with care to date and expected discomfort on a visual analogue scale. The following parameters were measured continuously and recorded every minute: heart rate, mean arterial pressure, hemoglobin oxygen saturation and respiratory rate. The two groups were similar with regard to age, body mass index, sex, education, duration of endoscopy, and ethanol or tobacco use. After the procedure, full recovery time, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels were similar in both groups. Both groups also had low levels of perceived procedural gagging, discomfort and anxiety scores (P > 0.05), and high satisfaction levels (90.1+/-3.0 for dexmedetomidine versus 84.9+/-4.5 for midazolam; P > 0.05). Retching and endoscopist satisfaction were significantly different in patients receiving dexmedetomidine versus those receiving midazolam (88.8+/-6.5 versus 73.5+/-16.4, P < 0.05; and 20.6+/-4.4 versus 45.2+/-6.0; P < 0.001). In the midazolam group, the number of patients who had adverse effects was higher than the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). As a result, dexmedetomidine performed as effectively and safely as midazolam when used as a sedative in upper gastroscopy; it was superior to midazolam with regard to retching, rate of side effects and endoscopist satisfaction. It was concluded that dexmedetomidine may be a good alternative to midazolam to sedate patients for upper endoscopy.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

A new effect of acetylsalicylic acid? Significantly lower prevalence of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among patients receiving orally administered acetylsalicylic acid.

We aimed to evaluate effect of acetylsalicylic acid on the prevalence of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus. Patients were orally administered a prophylactic dose of acetylsalicylic acid and then were compared with control subjects. The prevalence of nasal carriage of S. aureus was significantly lower among patients who received acetylsalicylic acid than among the control subjects (P<.001).

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2006

The prevalence of neuropathy and relationship with risk factors in diabetic patients: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSP) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, to evaluate the role of history, neurological examination and the electrodiagnostic methods in the diagnosis of DSP, and to determine the association between electromyography-supported neuropathy (ESN), neuropathic complaints (NCs) and risk factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 191 type 2 DM patients (109 female, 82 male; mean age 58.7 +/- 10 years) were recruited. The NCs were recorded. All patients had electromyographic (EMG) examinations. The relationship between ESN, NCs and risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 191 patients, 83 (43.5%) had DSP on EMG examinations and 92 (48.2%) patients suffered from NCs. Among the ESN patients, a significant relationship existed with HbA1(c) level, illness duration, smoking, male gender or insulin usage (p < 0.05) but not with age, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia. The frequency of NCs was higher in patients with ESN. There was also a significant association between NCs and ESN (p < 0.05). The presence of NCs was not related to age, gender, smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia (p > 0.05) but NCs were correlated to HbA1(c) level, illness duration and insulin usage (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data show that a strong association exists between the presence of DSP and illness duration, HbA1(c), smoking, thereby indicating that cessation of smoking and near normal glycemic control would be additional precautions to delay the beginning or progression of polyneuropathy.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage and associated factors in type 2 diabetic patients.

We aimed to compare the rate of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus (NCSA) between type 2 diabetic patients and non-diabetic ones and also to reveal the associated risk factors. Type 2 diabetic subjects were selected from outpatient diabetes clinics and control subjects were selected from outpatient internal medicine clinics in the same hospital. The subjects were divided into 3 groups. Group I included 68 subjects on insulin therapy and dietetic treatment, Group II included 80 subjects on oral anti-diabetic agents and dietetic treatment and Group III included 150 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic subjects. The rates of NCSA for Group I, II and III subjects were found to be 24 (35.3%), 11 (13.8%), and 16 (10.7%), respectively. Whereas there was no significant difference in NCSA positivity between Group II and Group III, a significant difference was found between Groups I and III (P < 0.01). Univariate analysis revealed that the following were significant risk factors for NCSA in our diabetic patients: insulin use, hospital admission within the last 6 months, being diabetic for more than 6 years, fasting glucose level above 111 mg/dl and antibiotic usage within the last 6 months. Furthermore, insulin use (odds ratio 3.32) and antibiotic usage within the last 6 months (odds ratio 5.75) were defined as significant risk factors for NCSA in diabetic subjects by the logistic regression method. Our results suggested that the rate of NCSA was significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients who used insulin or antibiotics within the last 6 months.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with thyroid dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid gland dysfunction affects the structure and function of the heart. Tissue Doppler echocardiography is a new technique, and it has been used frequently in the evaluation of ventricular function. In the present study, right ventricular function was assessed in patients with overt or subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and in healthy subjects using the tissue Doppler method, and results were compared. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 20 healthy subjects and 63 patients diagnosed with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were included in the study. Annular and myocardial systolic peak velocities, early and late diastolic peak velocities, precontraction, total contraction and relaxation times of the right ventricle were recorded by tissue Doppler echocardiography. The results of the patients were compared to those of the controls. RESULTS: Myocardial systolic velocity was significantly higher in patients with hyperthyroidism. Annular and myocardial late diastolic velocities were found to be significantly lower in patients with overt hypothyroidism. Annular precontraction time was increased in patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism. Myocardial precontraction time was decreased in patients with hyperthyroidism, and increased in patients with overt hypothyroidism patients. Annular relaxation time was increased in patients with overt hypothyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: Right ventricular function is affected in patients with thyroid diseases. The tissue Doppler technique is a suitable tool to detect impairments in right ventricular function. There is a significant correlation between serum thyroid hormone levels and right ventricular velocities and time intervals.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Impaired immunity against tetanus in type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare serum levels of tetanus antibody in diabetic patients over 50 years of age with those of age- and sex-matched non-diabetic controls. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study population consisted of 115 type 2 diabetic patients and 115 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic patients. Serum levels of tetanus IgG were measured by a commercial ELISA kit, and levels over 0.1 IU/ml were considered protective. RESULTS: Mean serum levels of tetanus antibody in the diabetic and control groups were 0.164+/-0.140 IU/ml vs. 0.374+/-0.534 IU/ml, respectively (p<0.001). Mean serum levels of tetanus antibody in the diabetics vs. controls aged 50-64 years were 0.172+/-0.141 IU/ml vs. 0.568+/-0.653 IU/ml and in those p<0.001, p=1.000). Among patients aged 50-64 years, 38 (55.9%) cases in the diabetic and 45 (73.8%) in the control group demonstrated protective levels of tetanus antibodies (p=0.034). Of patients p=0.298). CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of tetanus antibody decreased in diabetic patients older than 50 years of age, whereas this period of time is prolonged to 65 years in healthy individuals. All individuals over 65 years should be vaccinated against tetanus; however, vaccination over 50 years of age might be considered for diabetic patients.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Tissue Doppler echocardiography in evaluation of cardiac effects of subclinical hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is a mild form of thyroid failure, associated with initial signs of cardiovascular hypothyroidism. Tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) is a new and powerful method in evaluation of both regional and global systolic or diastolic ventricular function. We aimed to investigate the use of TDE in evaluation of cardiac effects of SH and affect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy (TRT) on tissue Doppler parameters of SH patients. METHODS: Twenty-two patients who were diagnosed as SH and 22 healthy, age and sex-matched cases were included in the study. Conventional echocardiography and TDE were performed in all individuals. TRT was started in SH group. On the achievement of euthyroid state echocardiography were repeated. RESULTS: Septal annulus relaxation time was significantly higher in SH group (82+/-21, 98+/-11 ms, p=0.024). Lateral annulus and myocardial relaxation times, precontraction/contraction ratios and precontraction times were also slightly higher. Septal lateral annulus and lateral myocardial relaxation times were decreased after TRT (98+/-11 vs. 81+/-12, p<0.001, 89+/-14 vs. 78+/-11, p=0.022, 90+/-16 vs. 80+/-14 ms, p=0.008, respectively). Precontraction times and precontraction/contraction ratios decreased after TRT but did not reach the significance level. There was a positive correlation between TSH and TDE relaxation times. CONCLUSIONS: TDE is a powerful tool in diagnosis and follow-up of SH patients and TRT inhibits adverse affects of SH on myocardium. Septal myocardium is the most affected region of left ventricle in SH. The relaxation time is the best criteria of cardiac involvement and monitoring the effect of TRT.

Cardiomyopathies↗

PubMed2005

Iatrogenic left main coronary artery thrombosis during percutaneous coronary intervention.

During diagnostic angiographic procedures or percutaneous coronary angioplasty-stenting of the other coronary arteries, the overall risk for a complication related to the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is low; however, if such complications occur, they tend to be life-threatening and contribute to a large part of the total catheter-related mortality. We encountered a case of iatrogenic significant subtotal left main coronary artery thrombotic stenosis in a patient who had undergone prior percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty-stenting of the left circumflex artery. In light of the literature, an extremely rare clinical presentation of iatrogenic left main coronary artery thrombosis is discussed.

Angina Pectoris↗

PubMed2005

Use of tissue Doppler to assess right ventricle function in hemodialysis patients.

AIMS: Although there are plenty of data about the differences in left ventricular tissue Doppler (TD) velocities by preload reduction, only a few studies regarding right ventricular function are found in the literature. We investigated the effect of intravascular volume reduction on right ventricular function by ultrafiltration in dialysis patients. METHODS: 27 end-stage renal failure patients who were hypervolemic and undergoing hemodialysis were included in the study. TD studies of the right ventricle were performed before and 1 h after dialysis. These data were compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 41 +/- 15 years and mean volume of ultrafiltration was 3.8 +/- 1.8 liters. Systolic, early and late diastolic lateral annular TD velocities before dialysis were 0.109 +/- 0.029, 0.088 +/- 0.039, 0.111 +/- 0.039 m/s, and after dialysis were 0.099 +/- 0.028, 0.078 +/- 0.036, 0.106 +/- 0.037 m/s, respectively (p = 0.216, p = 0.112, p = 0.350). Myocardial early diastolic velocity decreased significantly (p = 0.049) but systolic and late diastolic velocities did not change significantly (p = 0.579, p = 0.146). CONCLUSION: Right ventricular systolic and diastolic velocities detected by TD were not or only minimally affected by preload reduction in hemodialysis patients and the TD early/late ratio is the most valuable variable that can predict right ventricular diastolic function. The right ventricular systolic and early diastolic TD velocities were positively correlated with left ventricle ejection fraction.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

The relation between homocysteine and calcific aortic valve stenosis.

BACKGROUND: In patients diagnosed with calcific aortic valve stenosis, cardiac risk factors are similar to those of coronary artery disease; homocysteine concentration is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between plasma homocysteine levels and aortic valve stenosis and the influence of homocysteine levels on the coexistence of coronary artery disease in patients with moderate to severe aortic valve stenosis. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients who had been diagnosed with moderate to severe aortic stenosis formed the test group of this study, and 47 healthy subjects without coronary artery disease or aortic valve stenosis formed the control group. The patients with aortic stenosis were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of coronary artery disease in their coronary angiograms. After 12 h fasting venous blood samples were collected and total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides and homocysteine levels were measured and compared between the two groups. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The mean blood homocysteine level was 10.8 +/- 3.3 micromol/l in patients with aortic valve stenosis and 8.1 +/- 4.7 micromol/l in the control group; the difference between these levels was statistically insignificant. The patients with aortic valve stenosis had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol and hypertension and were more likely to have a positive family history for coronary artery disease. When the two subgroups of patients with aortic valve stenosis were compared, mean blood homocysteine levels were 13.2 +/- 3.1 and 8.3 +/- 2.2 micromol/l, respectively, showing significantly higher levels in the group with coronary artery disease. In this comparison patients with coronary artery disease were also found to have significantly higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL and they were more likely to be smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no relation between blood homocysteine levels and the existence of aortic valve stenosis, in cases with both coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis homocysteine levels were significantly higher than in the patients with pure aortic valve stenosis.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Tetanus immunity in nursing home residents of Bolu, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Tetanus is a serious but vaccine-preventable disease and fatality rate of the disease is high in the neonates and the elderly. The aim of this study was to detect the tetanus antibody prevalence in the over sixty-year age residents of the nursing homes in Bolu. METHODS: A voluntary-based study was done in the residents of two nursing homes in Bolu, Turkey. Blood samples were taken from 71 volunteers residing in there nursing homes. Tetanus IgG antibodies were measured by a commercial ELISA kit. RESULTS: Among overall subjects, only 11 (15.7 %) had the protective tetanus antibody titers at the time of the study. Totally, 10 subjects were examined in emergency rooms due to trauma or accidents within the last ten years and, four (40%) of them had protective antibody levels. Of the remaining 61 subjects only 7 (11%) had protective antibody levels (p < 0.05) [Relative Risk = 3.49, 95% Confidence Interval 1.24-9.77]. CONCLUSIONS: Tetanus antibody level is below the protective level in the majority of the over-sixty-year-age subjects residing in the nursing homes. Each over sixty-year age person in our country should be vaccinated. Until this is accomplished, at least, nursing home residents should be vaccinated during registration.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Effect of reperfusion on P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion in acute myocardial infarction: primary angioplasty versus thrombolytic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia occurring in about 10-20% of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). P-wave dispersion (PWd) and P-wave duration (PWD) have been used to evaluate the discontinuous propagation of sinus impulse and the prolongation of atrial conduction time, respectively. This study was conducted to compare the effects of reperfusion either by thrombolytic therapy or primary angioplasty on P-wave duration and dispersion in patients with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction. METHODS: We have evaluated 72 consecutive patients retrospectively (24 women, 48 men; aged 58 +/- 12 years) experiencing acute anterior wall myocardial infarction (AMI) for the first time. Patients were grouped according to the reperfusion therapy received (primary angioplasty (PTCA) versus thrombolytic therapy). Left atrial diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined by echocardiography in all patients. Electrocardiography was recorded from all patients on admission and every day during hospitalization. Maximum (P max) and minimum (P min) P-wave durations and P-wave dispersions were calculated before and after the treatment. RESULTS: There were not any significant differences between the groups regarding age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter and volume, cardiovascular risk factors, and duration from symptom onset to treatment. P-wave dispersions and P-wave durations were significantly decreased after PTCA [Mean P max was 113 +/- 11 ms before and 95 +/- 17 ms after the treatment (P = 0.007)]. Mean PWd was 46 +/- 12 ms before and 29 +/- 10 ms after the treatment (P = 0.001). Also, P max and PWd were significantly lower in PTCA group (for P max 97 +/- 22 ms vs 114 +/- 16 ms and for PWd 31 +/- 13 ms vs 55 +/- 5 ms, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Primary angioplasty reduces the incidence of AF by decreasing P max and P-wave dispersion.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

PubMed2005

The relationship between P wave dispersion and diastolic dysfunction.

We investigated the relationship between P wave dispersion, which is easily measured on the surface electrocardiogram and may be used in evaluating the risk of atrial fibrillation, and left ventricular diastolic function. There were 133 patients: 73 with diastolic dysfunction and 60 without. P wave dispersions were calculated by measuring minimum and maximum P wave duration values on the surface electrocardiogram. The relationships between P wave dispersion and the presence, cause, severity, and echocardiographic measurements of diastolic dysfunction were investigated. P wave dispersion was 53 +/- 9 ms in patients with diastolic dysfunction and 43 +/- 9 ms in the control group (P < 0.01). When patients were grouped according to stage of diastolic dysfunction, P wave dispersion was 48 +/- 7 ms in stage 1, 54 +/- 8 ms in stage 2, and 58 +/- 9 ms in stage 3. As the severity of diastolic dysfunction increased, P wave dispersion increased but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P < 0.05). When the cause of diastolic dysfunction was considered, P wave dispersion was 53 +/- 8 ms in patients with ischemic heart disease and 52 +/- 9 ms in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (P > 0.05). We conclude that P wave dispersion increases in diastolic dysfunction, but that this increase is not related to the severity or cause of diastolic dysfunction. When clinical and echocardiographic variables are taken into account, there is a weak but significant correlation only between P wave dispersion and left ventricular ejection fraction.

Atrial Fibrillation↗

PubMed2005

Effectiveness of lamivudine and interferon-alpha combination therapy versus interferon-alpha monotherapy for the treatment of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Results comparing the effectiveness of lamivudine used as monotherapy or in combination with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B are not conclusive. This study compared the effects of IFN-alpha alone or in combination with lamivudine for the treatment of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B. Participation of patients in the IFN-alpha monotherapy and combination groups was randomized to a 1:1 ratio. Twenty seven HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B received IFN-alpha (13 patients) at 9 million units 3 times weekly for 24 weeks or IFN-alpha at 9 million units 3 times weekly for 24 weeks plus lamivudine 100 mg/day (14 patients) daily for 1 year. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was measured quantitatively by real-time polymerase chain reaction at 0, 6, 12 and 18 months after the start of treatment. Sustained virologic response was defined as non-detectable serum HBV DNA 72 weeks after starting treatment. Sustained biochemical response was defined as normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values 72 weeks after starting treatment. The baseline characteristics of the 2 treatment groups were similar with respect to age, gender, ALT, HBV DNA levels and histologic diagnosis. Sustained biochemical responses were found at week 72 in 7 patients in each group (54% with IFN-alpha monotherapy and 50% with combination therapy) [p>0.05]. Sustained virologic responses were found at week 72 in 5 patients (38%) in the monotherapy and 7 patients (50%) in the combination therapy group (p>0.05). Combination therapy was not superior to IFN-alpha alone for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Combination treatment was associated with some disadvantages, such as additional cost. Lamivudine, on the other hand, may be more suitable for patients with cirrhosis, non-responders to IFN-alpha or in cases with contraindication for IFN-alpha.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Albendazole versus metronidazole treatment of adult giardiasis: An open randomized clinical study.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of albendazole and metranidazole treatment in giardiasis. METHODS: The open comparative randomized trial was carried out prospectively from December 1999 to July 2001 in Duzce City of Turkey. The diagnosis was based on the presence of signs and symptoms compatible with giardiasis including a positive stool examination of giardia cysts or trophozoite. Metranidazole group consisted of 29 patients and was given metranidazole 500 mg, three times a day for 5 d and albendazole group was consisted of 28 patients and was given albendazole 400 mg/d for 5 d. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographical and therapeutical effects and patient's compliance between both groups. But side effects were seen more in metranidazole group than in albendazole group. CONCLUSION: Albendazole is as effective as metranidazole in adults' giardiasis. Albendazole has less side effect potentials than metranidazole in the treatment of giardiasis.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Spontaneous rupture of a coronary artery aneurysm: a case report and review of the literature.

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is a rare disorder, characterized by abnormal dilatation of a localized portion or diffuse segments of the coronary artery. CAA may cause angina, myocardial infarction, sudden death due to thrombosis, embolisation, or rupture. In this report, a 63 year old Turkish male patient is presented who had an acute non-Q wave myocardial infarction due to spontaneous rupture of the left circumflex artery aneurysm. An extremely rare clinical presentation of rupture of a left circumflex CAA is discussed.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMed2004

Hepatitis B carriage and Brucella seroprevalence in urban and rural areas of Bolu province of Turkey: a prospective epidemiologic study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen positivity and antibodies against Brucella in rural and urban areas of Bolu province of Turkey. METHODS: A total of 4,234 [corrected] people were screened from the urban and rural regions (3084 [corrected] versus 1150, respectively). All sera were evaluated for HBsAg and Brucella antibody. RESULTS: HBsAg, rose bengal and serum tube agglutination positivity were found to be 2.85%, 1.0%, 0.46%, respectively, in the urban area, versus 2.6%, 1.7%, 1.1%, respectively, in rural areas (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HBsAg seropositivity in Bolu is lower than in many other centers in Turkey. Brucella prevalence is 1%, which is higher than that in the Ministry of Health records. This shows that the recording system in our country is not very efficient. Similar studies should be carried out in different regions of our country to determine the actual values, which requires the cooperation of scientific foundations and the Ministry of Health.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed2003

Relation between stage of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and QT dispersion.

OBJECTIVE: In 30-40% of patients with clinical heart failure diastolic dysfunction is present although systolic function is normal. Evaluation of diastolic functions are important for the patient's early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. QT dispersion is an important parameter that reflects heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization and predicts ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death. According to several studies, QT dispersion is significantly increased in patients with diastolic dysfunction due to ischemic heart disease and left ventricular hypertrophy compared to the patients without diastolic dysfunction. However, a study about the relation between the stage of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and QT dispersion is not present. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the stage of left ventricular diastolic function determined by transthoracic echocardiography and QT dispersion. METHODS AND RESULTS: In our study the left ventricular diastolic functions of 80 patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. Eighty patients were divided to four stages each containing 20 patients. Stage 0 was defined as normal, stage 1 as prolonged relaxation pattern, stage 2 as pseudonormal pattern and stage 3 as restrictive pattern. We measured QT dispersion (QT D) and corrected QT dispersion (QTc D) values according to Bazzet's formula in their ECGs. QT D and QTc D were found 20+/-8 ms vs. 26+/-1 ms in normal patients, 25+/-8 ms vs. 37+/-9 ms in the patients with prolonged relaxation pattern, 28+/-10 ms vs. 38+/-11 ms in the patients with pseudonormal pattern and 38+/-13 ms vs. 41+/-14 ms in the patients with restrictive pattern. A significant direct relation was found between the stage of left ventricular diastolic function and QT, QTc dispersion (p<0.01). Furthermore, when classified according to the aetiology of the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (stage 1, 2, 3) QT D and QTc D were 24+/-6 ms vs. 32+/-9 ms in the patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and 32+/-9 ms vs. 41+/-12 ms in the patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that QT D and QTc dispersion values increase in relation to increasing left ventricular diastolic functional stage that is determined by echocardiography and that the patients with ischaemic heart disease have much more increased QT values than the patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.

Adult↗