PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E Daoud

Publications and source records attributed to E Daoud.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Painless electrodiagnostic current perception threshold and pain tolerance threshold values in CRPS subjects and healthy controls: a multicenter study.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate both painless and painful sensory transmission in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) using the automated electrodiagnostic sensory Nerve Conduction Threshold (sNCT) test. This test generates reliable, painless Current Perception Threshold (CPT) and atraumatic Pain Tolerance Threshold (PTT) measures. Standardized CPT and PTT measures using constant alternating current sinusoid waveform stimulus at 3 different frequencies 5 Hz, 250 Hz, and 2 kHz (Neurometer CPT/C Neurotron, Inc. Baltimore, MD) were obtained from CRPS subjects at a distal phalange of the affected extremity and at an ipsilateral asymptomatic control site. Matched sites were tested on healthy subjects. Detection sensitivities for an abnormal PTT and CPT test were calculated based on specificity of 90% as determined from data obtained from healthy controls. A Spearman rank correlation was used to test for a significant association between presence of allodynia and an abnormal PTT or CPT at any frequency tested. Thirty-six CRPS subjects and 57 healthy controls were tested. The highest detection sensitivity of the PTT test from symptomatic test sites was 63% for the finger and 71% for the toe. PTT abnormalities were also detected, to a lesser degree, at the asymptomatic control site (41% finger control site, 16% toe control site). The highest CPT detection sensitivity at the symptomatic site was 37% for the finger site and 53% for the toe site. CPT abnormalities were also detected at the asymptomatic control site (29% finger control site, 37% toe control site). Eighty-six percent of the CRPS subjects had either a PTT or CPT abnormality at any frequency at the symptomatic site. There was a significant correlation between presence of allodynia and presence of an abnormal CPT and PTT, respectively (P < .01). The correlation coefficient was lower for CPT than for PTT, ie, 0.34 versus 0.6 for the finger and 0.48 versus 0.67 for the toe, respectively. In studied CRPS patients an abnormal PTT was detected with higher sensitivity than an abnormal CPT. Assessing PTT may become a useful electrodiagnostic quantitative sensory test for diagnosing and following the course of neuropathic pain conditions.

Journal Article↗

Impact of biventricular pacing on mortality in a randomized crossover study of patients with heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias.

Biventricular (BV) pacing is under clinical investigation for the treatment of heart failure. Its impact on mortality is unknown. Patients with heart failure and ventricular tachyarrhythmias received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator with BV pacing capability. Patients were randomized 1:1 to BV pacing or no pacing, then crossed over to the alternate mode after 3 months. All-cause mortality was measured in each arm up to the point of crossover. Fifteen of 222 patients died between implant and crossover. Five patients died while programmed to BV pacing and 19 died while programmed to no pacing. Survival in the BV pacing arm was 93 +/- 4% versus 86 +/- 6% in the no pacing arm (P = 0.18). In a patient population with symptomatic heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias, BV pacing does not appear to be associated with excess mortality. Larger and longer studies will be needed to determine if BV pacing confers a survival benefit.

Aged↗

Efficacy of biventricular sensing and treatment of ventricular arrhythmias.

While much is known concerning the hemodynamic effects of biventricular (BV) pacing, little has been reported concerning the efficacy of BV sensing and pacing in the detection and treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Two hundred nineteen heart failure (HF) patients with VT or VF and a QRS > or = 120 ms during sinus rhythm received an ICD capable of BV pacing and sensing. Detection times of induced VF and success rates for terminating induced VT were measured. The ICD system used a left ventricular epicardial lead implanted via thoracotomy (52 patients) or a specially designed percutaneous, over-the-wire lead inserted in the coronary venous system. VF detection times and VT termination rates by antitachycardia pacing (ATP) were compared with those measured in a population of recipients of ICD using a RV lead alone. Median induced VF detection times were comparable (2.0-s BV vs 1.8-s RV). Termination of induced VT on the first attempt was comparable with BV pacing (87.4%) versus RV pacing (89.6%). The time to detect induced VF was not different with ICDs using BV sensing versus conventional ICDs using RV sensing alone. Similarly, the rates of successful termination of induced VT by ATP with BV or RV pacing were comparable.

Cardiac Pacing, Artificial↗

Biventricular pacing in patients with congestive heart failure: two prospective randomized trials. The VIGOR CHF and VENTAK CHF Investigators.

Epidemiologic studies suggest that 20-30% of patients diagnosed with symptomatic congestive heart failure (CHF) have intraventricular conduction disorders characterized by a discoordinate contraction pattern and wide QRS. Biventricular pacing is an emerging therapy allowing simultaneous electrical stimulation of the right and left ventricles with the use of an implantable pacing system. The aim of this article is to describe 2 prospective randomized multicenter trials examining the effects of biventricular pacing on functional capacity, quality of life, and hemodynamic status in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and intraventricular delay. The VIGOR CHF Trial is designed to assess functional and symptomatic improvement in heart failure patients with biventricular pacing and without a concomitant indication for conventional bradycardia pacemaker therapy. To assess for potential placebo effects, patients are randomized to receive either biventricular pacemaker therapy or no pacing therapy for the first 6 weeks, after which both groups receive pacing therapy. The VENTAK CHF trial uses an implantable cardioverter defibrillator system (ICD) designed to provide chronic biventricular pacing therapy in addition to treating ventricular tachyarrhythmias. All patients receive conventional ICD and CHF therapy throughout the study and are randomized in a 2-period crossover design to receive either no pacing or biventricular pacing for 3-month intervals. Patient enrollment in both studies is ongoing, with a closed analysis. The unique designs of these trials provide the opportunity to study this therapy in high-risk patients who have been optimally treated for heart failure.

Adult↗

Cardiac electrophysiologic effects of norepinephrine in human beings.

BACKGROUND: The electrophysiologic effects of norepinephrine (NE) in human beings have not been previously described. METHODS: The electrophysiologic effects of NE infused at a rate of 25 ng/kg/min were determined in 21 patients with a mean age of 41 +/- 11 years and without structural heart disease who underwent an electrophysiology procedure. In a subgroup of 10 patients electrophysiologic parameters were measured at baseline, after the infusion of NE, and after administration of beta-blockade while in continuous NE infusion. RESULTS: The baseline NE plasma concentration of 298 +/- 153 pg/ml increased to 708 +/- 419 pg/ml after the infusion of NE. NE significantly increased the mean blood pressure, sinus cycle length, corrected sinus node recovery time, ventriculoatrial block cycle length, and the atrial and ventricular effective refractory periods. In a subset of 10 patients 0.2 mg/kg propranolol administered during continued infusion of NE resulted in a further increase in sinus cycle length, atrial-His interval, and ventricular refractoriness. CONCLUSION: A physiologic elevation in the plasma NE concentration results in a depression of sinus node function and atrioventricular conduction and in prolongation of atrial and ventricular refractoriness. Some of NE's effects are partially offset by beta-adrenergic stimulation.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Long-term follow-up after radiofrequency ablation of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in patients with tachycardia-induced atrial fibrillation.

Four of 12 patients (33%) with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and tachycardia-induced atrial fibrillation (AF) had recurrences of paroxysmal AF after successful catheter ablation of the PSVT. This study demonstrates that AF often remains a problem after radiofrequency catheter ablation of PSVT in patients with tachycardia-induced AF, and it may not be possible to predict in which patients this will be the case.

Atrial Fibrillation↗

Cost comparison of radiofrequency modification and ablation of the atrioventricular junction in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Because it is not clear which technique is less expensive, the purpose of this study was to compare the cost of radiofrequency modification and ablation of the atrioventricular (AV) node in drug-refractory patients with atrial fibrillation and an uncontrolled ventricular rate. METHODS AND RESULTS: The initial nominal charges for a successful procedure were compared in 10 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation who underwent modification of the AV node ($13 109+/-2002) and 14 similar patients who underwent ablation and pacemaker implantation ($28 302+/-2023, P<.001). On the basis of the long-term follow-up of patients who underwent each procedure, it was assumed that 31% of patients selected for the modification procedure would require a permanent pacemaker for inadvertent AV block or because of AV nodal ablation after a failed modification procedure and that the recurrence rate after AV node ablation would be 2%. The annual charges during follow-up were predicted and adjusted for recurrences and the need for additional procedures. The adjusted total charges at 1 year of follow-up were significantly lower for the modification procedure ($19 389+/-2002) than for the ablation procedure ($28 485+/-2023, P<.001). After 10 years of follow-up, the cumulative, adjusted charges for modification were $20 016 (42%) less than for ablation. CONCLUSIONS: The initial charges generated by AV node modification are significantly lower than for AV node ablation in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Even when adjusted for higher failure and recurrence rates, the modification procedure retains a major cost advantage over ablation during long-term follow-up.

Aged↗

Failure of single- and multisite high-frequency atrial pacing to terminate atrial fibrillation.

This study determined the efficacy of single- and multisite atrial pacing for terminating episodes of atrial fibrillation induced in patients in the electrophysiology laboratory. One- to 5-second bursts of atrial pacing at a cycle length of 20 ms were not effective in terminating atrial fibrillation, when delivered either in the high right atrium or when delivered simultaneously at the high right atrium, midseptum, and coronary sinus.

Atrial Fibrillation↗

Comparison of effective and ineffective target sites that demonstrate concealed entrainment in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing radiofrequency ablation of ventricular tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Concealed entrainment has been useful in guiding catheter ablation of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in patients with coronary artery disease. However, not all sites with concealed entrainment result in successful ablation of the targeted ventricular tachycardia. The purpose of this prospective study was to identify factors at sites that demonstrate concealed entrainment that differentiate effective from ineffective target sites. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 14 consecutive patients with hemodynamically stable monomorphic ventricular tachycardia and coronary artery disease, radiofrequency ablation of 26 ventricular tachycardias was performed. Ablation was attempted at 46 sites that demonstrated concealed entrainment. Twenty-five of the targeted ventricular tachycardias (96%) were successfully ablated. The positive predictive value of concealed entrainment for successful ablation was 54%; it increased to 72% in the presence of a stimulus-QRS interval/ventricular tachycardia cycle length ratio of < or = 70%, to 82% in the presence of a match of the stimulus-QRS and electrogram-QRS interval, and to 89% in the presence of isolated mid diastolic potentials that could not be dissociated from ventricular tachycardia during entrainment. CONCLUSIONS: The positive predictive value of concealed entrainment for identification of successful ablation sites in patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia and coronary artery disease can be significantly enhanced by the presence of associated mapping criteria, particularly an isolated mid diastolic potential that cannot be dissociated from the tachycardia.

Adult↗

Long-term follow-up after radiofrequency modification of the atrioventricular node in patients with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe the long-term follow-up results in 62 patients with atrial fibrillation and an uncontrolled ventricular rate, who underwent radiofrequency modification of the atrioventricular (AV) node. BACKGROUND: Previous studies in small numbers of patients have suggested that radiofrequency modification may be effective in controlling the ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation, but long-term follow-up data have been lacking. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 62 consecutive patients (mean age +/- SD 65 +/- 14 years; 43 with structural heart disease) who underwent an attempt at radiofrequency modification of the AV node because of symptomatic, drug-refractory atrial fibrillation with an uncontrolled ventricular rate. The atrial fibrillation was chronic in 46 patients and paroxysmal in 16. Radiofrequency energy was applied to the posteroseptal or mid-septal right atrium to lower the ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation to 120 to 130 beats/min during an infusion of 4 micrograms/min of isoproterenol. RESULTS: Short-term control of the ventricular rate was successfully achieved without the induction of pathologic AV block in 50 (81%) of 62 patients. Inadvertent high degree AV block occurred in 10 (16%) of 62 patients, with the AV block occurring at the time of the procedure in 6 patients and 36 to 72 h after the procedure in 4. During 19 +/- 8 months of follow-up (range 4 to 33), 5 (10%) of 50 patients had a symptomatic recurrence of an uncontrolled rate during atrial fibrillation. Overall, adequate rate control at rest and during exertion, without pathologic AV block, was achieved long term in 45 (73%) of 62 patients. Among 37 patients with a successful outcome, left ventricular ejection fraction increased from (mean +/- SD) 0.44 +/- 0.14 to 0.51 +/- 0.10 one year later (p < 0.001). Complications other than AV block included polymorphic ventricular tachycardia 10 to 24 h after the procedure in two patients who had a predisposing factor for ventricular tachycardia and sudden death 1 to 5 months after the procedure in two patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, one of whom had a pacemaker for AV block. CONCLUSIONS: In approximately 70% of properly selected patients with atrial fibrillation and an uncontrolled ventricular rate, radiofrequency modification of the AV node results in excellent long-term control of the ventricular rate at rest and during exertion.

Aged↗

Response to pacing at sites of isolated diastolic potentials during ventricular tachycardia in patients with previous myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to determine whether isolated diastolic potentials (IDPs) recorded during ventricular tachycardia (VT) are generated in zones of slow conduction and whether the arcs of block that bound these zones of slow conduction are functional or anatomic in nature. BACKGROUND: No previous studies have systematically investigated the response to pacing during VT and sinus rhythm at sites where IDPs are recorded. METHODS: The study included 11 patients with a previous infarction who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation of 15 hemodynamically stable, sustained VTs and in whom an IDP that could not be dissociated from the VT was detected during mapping. RESULTS: Pacing during VT at the site where the IDP was recorded resulted in concealed entrainment in each of the 15 VTs. In 10 of the 15 VTs, an IDP was present during sinus rhythm at the same site at which a diastolic potential was recorded during VT. In nine VTs, the isolated potential occurred early in diastole; in these cases, the QRS configuration during pacing in the setting of sinus rhythm was different from that during VT. In six VTs, the isolated potential occurred later in diastole, and in these cases, the QRS configuration during pacing in the setting of sinus rhythm was the same as that during VT. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated diastolic potentials may often be generated in an area of slow conduction bounded by arcs of block that are anatomically determined and present during sinus rhythm.

Cardiac Pacing, Artificial↗

Idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia with left and right bundle branch block configurations.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia typically has a right bundle branch block configuration. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate that idiopathic ventricular tachycardia arising in or near the left posterior fascicle also may have a left bundle branch block configuration. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 27-year-old woman underwent an electrophysiologic procedure because of recurrent, verapamil-responsive, wide QRS complex tachycardia. Two types of ventricular tachycardia (cycle lengths 330 to 340 msec) were reproducibly inducible, one with a right bundle branch block configuration and left-axis deviation that had been documented clinically, and the other with a left bundle branch block configuration and axis of zero. A Purkinje potential recorded at the junction of the left ventricular mid-septum and inferior wall preceded the ventricular complex by 40 msec in both tachycardias. A single application of radiofrequency energy at this site successfully ablated both ventricular tachycardias. CONCLUSION: The findings of this case report demonstrate that idiopathic ventricular tachycardia arising in or near the left posterior fascicle may have a left bundle branch block configuration.

Adult↗

Spatial resolution of atrial pace mapping as determined by unipolar atrial pacing at adjacent sites.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the spatial resolution of unipolar atrial pace mapping by pacing at adjacent sites within the coronary sinus and the right atrium. METHODS AND RESULTS: Unipolar pacing from each pole of a quadripolar catheter was performed in the coronary sinus (n = 29) and in the right atrium (n = 10). Pacing from the distal electrode was used to simulate the site of origin of an atrial tachycardia. These P waves were compared with the P waves generated by unipolar pacing from each of the three proximal electrodes. The P waves were analyzed for changes in amplitude, duration, and configuration. Pacing within the coronary sinus resulted in significant changes in amplitude and duration at distances of 17 and 21 mm from the distal pole, respectively. Similarly, pacing in the right atrium resulted in significant changes in amplitude and duration at distances of 17 and 32 mm from the distal pole, respectively. No significant changes in configuration were noted in the coronary sinus in any lead at packing sites < or = 32 mm from the distal pole. Configurational changes were noted in the right atrium at pacing sites 17 mm from the distal pole. CONCLUSIONS: The spatial resolution of unipolar atrial pace mapping is approximately 17 mm. These findings indicate that mapping techniques that depend on the accurate discrimination of P-wave morphology, such as pace mapping or concealed entertainment, are likely to be imprecise when used in the atria.

Adult↗

Reasons for prolonged or failed attempts at radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory pathways.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to categorize the reasons for a prolonged or failed procedure in a series of patients undergoing catheter ablation of an accessory pathway. BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation of accessory pathways at times requires a lengthy procedure or a second ablation session, or both, and not prior studies have systematically investigated the reasons for this. METHODS: In a consecutive series of 619 patients undergoing catheter ablation of an accessory pathway, the mean ablation time +/- SD was 68 +/- 64 min. The subjects of this study were 14 patients who had an ablation time >2 SD greater than the mean (>196 min) and 51 patients who required a second ablation session for a successful outcome. The accessory pathway in the 65 patients in this study was located in the right free wall in 19 patients (29%), septum in 14 (22%) and left free wall in 32 (49%). RESULTS: The primary reasons for a lengthy or failed ablation attempt were 1) inability to position the ablation catheter at the effective target site (16 patients, 25%); 2) instability of the ablation catheter or inadequate tissue contact at the target site, or both (15 patients, 23%); 3) mapping error due to an oblique course of the accessory pathway (7 patients, 11%); 4) failure to recognize a posteroseptal accessory pathway as being left-sided instead of right-sided (4 patients, 6%); 5) other errors in accessory pathway localization (6 patients, 9%); 6) epicardial location of the accessory pathway (5 patients, 8%); 7) recurrent atrial fibrillation (2 patients, 3%); 8) occurrence of a complication (2 patients, 3%); 9) unusual right-sided accessory pathway that inserted in the anterior right ventricle, 2 cm away from the lateral tricuspid annulus (1 patient, 1.5%); and 10) unexplained factors (7 patients, 11%). The most common effective strategies employed to achieve a successful outcome in these patients were 1) substitution of a more experienced operator; 2) use of ablation catheters of varying configurations; 3) switching from a retrograde aortic to a trans-septal approach; 4) switching from an inferior to a superior vena caval approach; 5) use of a 60-cm guiding sheath; 6) detailed mapping of the atrial or ventricular insertion of the accessory pathway; and 7) searching within the coronary sinus for a presumed accessory pathway potential. CONCLUSIONS: A lengthy or failed attempt at catheter ablation of an accessory pathway may be due to a variety of reasons, the most common of which are problems related to some aspect of catheter manipulation and errors in accessory pathway localization. Knowledge of the most common reasons for a lengthy or ineffective procedure may facilitate successful outcome of accessory pathway ablation.

Adult↗

QT dispersion in nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and coronary artery disease.

This study examines the relation between QT dispersion and the inducibility of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 35 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease who underwent electrophysiologic testing for evaluation of nonsustained VT. The mean age of the patients was 66 +/- 9 years (+/- SD) and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.36 +/- 0.14. In 6 patients in whom sustained, monomorphic VT was inducible by programmed ventricular stimulation, QT dispersion was significantly greater than in the 29 patients in whom VT was not inducible (126 +/- 35 vs 67 +/- 25 ms, p < 0.001). All patients who had a QT dispersion > 120 ms had inducible sustained monomorphic VT, and no patient who had a QT dispersion < 90 ms had inducible VT. The patients who had inducible VT dis not differ significantly from those who did not with regard to age, gender, ejection fraction, RR interval, or mean QT. In conclusion, in patients with coronary artery disease who have nonsustained VT, inducibility of monomorphic VT is associated with an increase in QT dispersion. QT dispersion may be helpful in predicting which patients with nonsustained VT are and are not likely to have inducible VT by programmed stimulation.

Aged↗

Prospective randomized comparison of anodal monophasic shocks versus biphasic cathodal shocks on defibrillation energy requirements.

Biphasic shocks are believed to be superior to monophasic shocks. Monophasic anodal shocks, as opposed to cathodal shocks, are associated with improved defibrillation energy requirements (DERs). However, it is unclear how the DER of anodal monophasic shocks compare with conventional biphasic shocks. Therefore the purpose of this study was to prospectively compare the DER of an anodal monophasic shock with that of a cathodal biphasic shock. A transvenous defibrillation lead with distal and proximal shocking electrodes was used. The subjects of this study were 20 consecutive patients with a mean age of 64.2 +/- 10.5 years ( +/- SD) and a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 0.36 +/- 0.18. Six had had cardiac arrest. The DER, defined as the lowest energy that converted ventricular fibrillation to sinus rhythm, was determined twice with a step-down protocol (25 J, 20 J, 15 J, 10 J, 5 J, 3 J, 1 J). If the DER was > or = 25 J, then a subcutaneous patch was deemed necessary for system implantation. In random order the DER was determined with a monophasic anodal shock (distal electrode positive) and then with a cathodal (first phase, distal electrode negative) biphasic shock. The mean DER with anodal monophasic shocks was 15.1 +/- 8.5 J compared with 13.6 +/- 8.1 J with cathodal biphasic shocks (p = 0.4). A DER > or = 25 J was present in three patients with the monophasic waveform and in three patients with the biphasic waveform (p = NS). In conclusion, the DER and frequency of subcutaneous patch use with an anodal monophasic waveform is comparable to that obtained with cathodal biphasic waveform.

Aged↗

Atrioventricular node properties in patients with accessory pathways.

A study during the era of surgical ablation suggested that atrioventricular (AV) nodal conduction is faster in patients with accessory pathways than in controls. In the present study, AV nodal characteristics were studied in 30 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation of an accessory pathway and compared to 23 control patients. Sinus cycle length, AH and HV intervals, AV block cycle length, ventriculoatrial (VA) block cycle length, AV nodal effective refractory period, and VA effective refractory periods were measured in control and postablation accessory pathway patients before and after autonomic blockade with 0.04 mg/kg of atropine and 0.2 mg/kg of propranolol. The mean sinus cycle length in the control and accessory pathway groups did not differ significantly at baseline (798 +/- 211 and 766 +/- 156 msec, respectively) or after autonomic blockade (654 +/- 98 and 649 +/- 108 msec, respectively). The mean AH interval in the accessory pathway group (77 +/- 15 msec) was significantly shorter than in the control group (91 +/- 22 msec; p < 0.05) at baseline; however, there was no difference after autonomic blockade. No other significant differences were observed between the accessory pathway and control groups. These results demonstrate that AV nodal properties of patients with accessory pathways are not significantly different from controls and suggest that previously reported differences may have been due to selection bias.

Adult↗