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Biomedical subjects

E Meaney

Publications and source records attributed to E Meaney.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in hyperlipidemic, type 2 diabetic patients. A 34-week, multicenter, open-label study.

Hyperlipidemia is common in type 2 diabetic patients and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-daily atorvastatin 10-80 mg for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in type 2 diabetics with plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels exceeding 3.4 mmol/l (130 mg/dl). One hundred and two patients met the study criteria and received 10 mg/day atorvastatin. Patients who reached the target LDL-C level of </=2.6 mmol/l (100 mg/dl) maintained the same dosage regimen until they had completed 16 weeks of treatment. Patients not reaching the target LDL-C underwent dose titration to atorvastatin 20, 40 and 80 mg/day at Weeks 4, 8 and 12, respectively. All 88 patients who completed the study attained target LDL-C levels and 52 (59%) of patients achieved the target goal at the starting dose of atorvastatin 10 mg/day. In this group the differences between baseline and post-treatment values for LDL-C were 4.3+/-0.7 mmol/l (166+/-26 mg/dl) versus 2. 2+/-0.4 mmol/l (87+/-14 mg/dl) (P<0.0001), respectively, a decrease of 47%. Similar trends were observed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels. The safety profile of atorvastatin in these patients was highly favorable and similar to those reported with other statins. Only one patient withdrew due to a possible drug-related adverse event. These data confirm the marked efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia and the efficacy of atorvastatin 10 mg in helping patients attain their LDL-C goal.

Anticholesteremic Agents↗
PubMed1995

Vascular dynamics in isolated systolic arterial hypertension.

With a growing elderly population, the incidence of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) has increased. This study characterizes dynamic vascular changes that occur with advanced age and with ISH. Fifty-five healthy individuals and seven with ISH were distributed in seven age groups from the second to the seventh decade. An index of aortic stiffness (delta P/delta V) was derived using a mercury sphygmomanometer to obtain pulse pressure, and ultrasonographic measurements were used to estimate aortic volumes applying the "cylinder formula." The mathematic derivation of this formula is explained in detail. Pulse pressure showed no significant change with age, but showed a significant increase with ISH. A decrease in volume change from systole to diastole was found with advanced age. Normotensive subjects aged 65 +/- 2 years had a 2.6-fold increase in aortic stiffness compared with young individuals. Elderly patients with ISH had a 7-fold increase in aortic stiffness compared with Group 1 (15 +/- 2 years) (p < 0.001) and a 2.7-fold increase compared with Group 6 (normotensive subjects aged 65 +/- 2 years). A strong correlation between systolic pressure and arterial stiffness was observed (r = 0.953) (p < 0.001). The proposed stiffness index was compared with the one described by Hirai, obtaining a high correlation, that is, r = 0.989 (p < 0.001). When compared with Stefanadis' index of distensibility, our index showed a correlation of r = 0.932 (p < 0.003). It is concluded that while systolic pressure is a main determinant of arterial stiffness, the delta P/delta V is a more sensitive method to estimate dynamic changes in elastic arteries such as the aorta.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Structural and dynamic changes in the elastic arteries due to arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.

Five groups of 20 patients each were studied to analyze the vascular dynamics and structure of the elastic arteries. Group I consisted of healthy young individuals (27 +/- 4 years); Group II of healthy adults (46 +/- 9 years); Group III of normotensive hypercholesterolemic adults (45 +/- 12 years and serum cholesterol > 239 mg/dl); Group IV of hypertensive normocholesterolemic adults (56 +/- 13 years); and Group V of hypertensive hypercholesterolemic adults (56 +/- 9 years). The differential arterial pressure was estimated and divided by the volume change (delta P/delta V) of the aorta and the carotid and brachial arteries. The volume change was calculated using the "cylinder formula", measuring the radius from the ultrasonographic vessel image and assigning the cylinder a height of 1 cm. The A/E index of the Doppler transmitral spectrum and the maximum velocity flow using Doppler in the above arteries were calculated. The presence of carotid atherosclerosis was observed and given an arbitrary scoring grade of 0, 1, or 2. A higher arterial and ventricular stiffness was found in the hypertensive patients regardless of the presence of hypercholesterolemia. A higher fall in Doppler velocity and an increase in atherosclerosis lesions were found in Group V. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that vascular and left ventricular stiffness have a close relationship with arterial hypertension but not with hypercholesterolemia. The hypercholesterolemic patients had a higher prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis and a higher scoring grade of severity.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Efficacy and tolerability of amlodipine in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension.

Twenty-one subjects with mild or moderate systemic hypertension were treated for 12 weeks with amlodipine, a new calcium antagonist of the dihydropyridine group. Initial amlodipine dose was 5 mg once daily, but the dose could be increased after four or eight weeks to 10 mg once daily if diastolic blood pressure was not less than or equal to 90 mmHg (12.0 kPa). At the end of the study, a substantial reduction of systolic blood pressure (20 mmHg-2.7 kPa-from baseline) and diastolic blood pressure (14 mmHg-1.9 kPa-from baseline) was observed. Statistically significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were produced after four weeks of treatment. There were no statistically significant changes in heart rate throughout the study. Six patients with mild and five patients with moderate hypertension became normotensive after amlodipine treatment (64%). Two with mild hypertension finished the trial without change in hypertensive status, and four with initially moderate hypertension changed to mild at the end of the study. Only one patient dropped out due to an adverse reaction, two adverse events were rated severe, but did not require discontinuation. Overall impressions of efficacy were excellent or good in two-thirds of cases and poor in 10%; overall impressions of toleration were excellent or good in 71% of cases and poor in 10%. It is concluded that amlodipine is useful and well tolerated in patients with mild or moderate hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Antihypertensive treatment with metoprolol or hydrochlorothiazide in patients aged 60 to 75 years. Report from a double-blind international multicenter study.

In a randomized double-blind study (N = 562), a traditional treatment schedule, starting antihypertensive treatment in elderly hypertensive patients (60 to 75 years old) with 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide once daily and doubling the dose if a satisfactory response was not achieved, was compared with antihypertensive treatment of 100 mg of metoprolol once daily, adding 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide for patients whose response was not satisfactorialy achieved with metoprolol alone. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced with both regimens. The frequency rates of responders (diastolic blood pressure, less than or equal to 95 mm Hg) in the metoprolol group and the hydrochlorothiazide group were 50% and 47% after four weeks and 65% and 61% after eight weeks, respectively. There were no significant differences in total symptom score or single symptoms between the regimens, but significantly more patients had hypokalemia and hyperuricemia with the hydrochlorothiazide regimen. Thus, we conclude that beginning antihypertensive treatment with 100 mg of metoprolol once daily and adding a small dose of hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg) in patients whose response is not satisfactory with metoprolol alone appears to be effective and safe in elderly hypertensive patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

Echocardiographic changes after successful renal transplantation in young nondiabetic patients.

Eighteen young nondiabetic patients with chronic renal failure were studied by M-mode echocardiography before and three to 67 weeks after a successful renal transplant. Left ventricular mass (LVM), cardiac output (CO), and stroke work, which were increased before the operation, decreased afterward, in some cases to normal values. Both regression of the LVM and normalization of CO were detected as early as three weeks postoperatively and probably resulted from changes in the end-diastolic volume, mean systemic blood pressure, and hematocrit as a consequence of normal renal function. Because all the patients had normal left ventricular function and only moderate dilatation of the left ventricle, it is not known whether these striking beneficial changes after SRT also will occur in patients with significant dilatation or dysfunction of the left ventricle.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Cardiac amyloidosis, contrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Cardiac amyloidosis is not characterized by a single hemodynamic pattern. Some of the cases present the clinical findings of restrictive cardiomyopathy and in these differentiation from constrictive pericarditis remains difficult in spite of the introduction of techniques designed to assess myocardial contractility and ventricular diastolic compliance. The clinical features and the demonstration of left ventricular diastolic pressure greater than right remain the most useful means of distinguishing restrictive cardiomyopathy from constrictive pericarditis. In other cases of cardiac amyloidosis the diastolic pressure is elevated throughout diastole and ventricular ejectile ability is lost. These cases do not simulate constrictive pericarditis and should not be classified as restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Amyloidosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Increased arterial stiffness in children with a parental history of hypertension.

The vascular dynamics of children with a parental history of hypertension has not been defined. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether or not these children have different arterial stiffness compared to the offspring of normotensive parents. One hundred healthy, nonobese subjects (ages 10-21 years) were divided into two groups of 50. Group A included the offspring of hypertensive patients and group B the offspring of normotensive parents. The variables studied were body surface area, blood pressure, and systolic and diastolic diameters of the aortic and carotid arteries as well as maximum velocity flow of these vessels. Carotid and aortic stiffness were calculated. Children and adolescents with a parental history of hypertension had higher carotid stiffness and smaller carotid diameters. These differences continued to be significant when correcting for body surface area. A higher blood pressure and a greater body surface area were also found.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Electrocardiography changes in newborn infants during the 1st 6 weeks of life in Mexico City. Physiological implications].

The electrocardiograms of 150 newborns who were born in Mexico City (2,240 m. above sea level) were obtained in the first 24 hours of life and six weeks later. The electrocardiographic changes were similar to those observed at sea level; AQRS shifted to the left, the T waves became negative in the right precordial leads and the R/S relation increased in the left precordial leads. Mid-altitude does not affect the pulmonary vascular maturation of the normal newborn.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of left ventricular wall motion.

A new method for the assessment of left ventricular wall motion, using a polar analysis, is proposed. The percent shortening of several radii, labeled at 30 degrees intervals, were plotted against Theta (degrees) and an excellent numerical and visual display of wall motion was obtained. Two methods for correcting the systolic upward shifting of apex were tested. The simplest one uses the intersection of the major and minor axes to realign both the end-diastolic and the end-systolic silhouettes. In the other method ventricular outlines were realigned using anatomical internal markers (diaphragm, ribs, or vertebrae). The intersection of both long axes, whether inside or outside the ventricular silhouettes was used as a pivot point around which the long axes were rotated and the outlines realigned. The mid-point of the long axis was used as a common center. There was no statistical difference in the two methods. The data from 14 normal subjects composed a normal percent shortening vs. Theta graph, which can be used as a frame of reference as compared with abnormal hearts.

Cineangiography↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Pulmonary complications of acute myocardial infarct. Therapeutic orientation].

The heart and the lung make up an inseparable anatomic and functional unit. The changes in one affect the other and vice versa. In acute myocardial infarction a heart failure syndrome develops. This syndrome is characterized by passive pulmonary congestion, which leads to hypoxemia. This hypoxemia indicate the functional disturbance of the lung, and the hemodinamic evolution of the disease. Arterial gases determination is the best way to assess the sickness progression. A certain paralelism exists among the central venous saturation, cardiac insufficiency and the degree of pulmonary disfunction. Such a procedure is not very appreciable and does not substitute the direct analysis of the arterial PO2. The pulmonary complications in the myocardial infarction shock are directly responsable of death in 50% of the patients. To heart failure and shock, hipperfusion and hypoxia are added. Many vessels close due to the decrease in the pulmonary flow. This brings about the release of substances that are toxic to the vessel causing an inflammatory vascular reaction. The decrease in the flow harms the lung cell and for this reason atelectasia or alveolar colapse occur; besides inducing the formation of shunts. Under these conditions the lung compliance decreases. The areas that are badly ventilated and hypoperfused can easily become infected and pneumonitis and abscesses cause even more harm to the tissue. The decrease in the speed of circulation and hematologic changes of shock, induce a diseminated intravascular coagulation. What was stated before leads to an important reduction of the lung as a depurating organ and makes the shock irreversible. As far as therapy is concerned in the prevention of vascular colaps and the improvement of the oxemia, oxygen is very useful when there is a venous congestion (clinically, X rays, and oxemia). When the concentration of O2 is lower than 50% in the cases with slight cardiac failure; do not use oxygen in higher concentrations unless the hypoxia is associated to acute pulmonary edema and shock. Mechanic ventilators, and intermitent possitive pressure are recommended even though they have a posenous effect on the cardiac output. Always keep the air ways permeable: changing position, breathing exercises, humidifications, aspiration of secretions, intubation, or traqueostomy depending upon the various cases.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Systolic stress in mitral stenosis].

Left ventricular systolic stress was studied in nineteen patients with mitral stenosis, twelve in sinus rhythm and seven in atrial fibrillation. Left ventricular dimensions and volumes and septal and posterior wall thickness were measured by means of M and two bidimensional echocardiography at rest and during isometric exercise. Expulsive indices: fractional shortening, ejection fraction and mean circumferential shortening rate were calculated. Ventricular mass, meridional stress and several end-systolic stress or pressure/volume relationships were estimated. Patients with atrial fibrillation were older and had systolic dysfunction: greater end-systolic volumes and depression of both expulsive fractions and some of the end-systolic indices. Preload and wall thickness were normal. Patients with atrial fibrillation showed higher ventricular stress as a consequence of greater ventricular dimensions. Ejection fraction correlates directly with mitral valve area and inversely with inotropic state and heart rate. It is concluded that systolic dysfunction in mitral stenosis is multifactorial. The most important determinants of the abnormality are heart rate and inotropic state. The study did not show any primary abnormality of afterload or hypotrophy of the left ventricle.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Differentiation of ejection systolic and regurgitant murmurs with inhaled isoproterenol].

A common clinical problem is the differentiation among ejection and regurgitant murmurs. Inhalation of amyl nitrite is useful for this purpose because it increases the intensity of ejection murmurs while decreases that of regurgitant ones. Because amyl nitrite is not easily available, inhaled isoproterenol was tested in seventeen patients with ejection murmurs and eighteen with regurgitant ones. Isoproterenol was administered at doses of 480-640 mcg, according to age and corpulence. The changes in murmur amplitude and heart rate were phonocardiographically registered immediately and then every 15'' up to a minute and a half after the inhalation, and were expressed as percent of change with respect to basal values. Heart rate increased in both groups. The intensity of ejection murmurs increased immediately and maximally 45'' after inhalation; on the contrary, the intensity of regurgitant murmurs decreased immediately and maximally 15'' after inhalation. It is concluded that isoproterenol, whose effects are similar to those of amyl nitrite, can substitute the latter in the clinical and phonocardiographically differentiation of systolic murmurs.

Administration, Inhalation↗