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Biomedical subjects

J Dusleag

Publications and source records attributed to J Dusleag.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Prednimustine combined with mitoxantrone and 5-fluorouracil for first and second-line chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer.

A total of 60 patients with advanced breast cancer were treated with a combination of prednimustine (P: 110 mg/m2, days 1-5), mitoxantrone (M: 12 mg/m2, day 1) and 5-fluorouracil (F: 500 mg/m2, day 1) (PMF). Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. In all 53 patients were evaluable for response. A total of 12 subjects had failed prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease. In response to PMF treatment we observed 21 partial remissions and 3 complete remissions, amounting to a total response rate of 45%. The median duration of response was 39 weeks, and median survival was 56 weeks. Dose-limiting side effects were leukopenia (40 cases) and thrombocytopenia (11 patients). Nausea and vomiting was experienced by 93% of subjects; in 56% of cases it reached WHO stage II-III. Alopecia occurred in 18% of our patients. Our results suggest that PMF represents an active regimen in the treatment of advanced breast cancer and yields a response rate of 45%. Considering that the majority of our patients had not received prior chemotherapy, the question remains open as to whether a 45% response rate outweighs the observed toxicity.

Adult↗

Brain magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychologic evaluation of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

We compared brain magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychologic performance in 20 neurologically asymptomatic patients suffering from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (mean age 41 [range 18-49] years) and 20 age-matched controls (mean age 38 [range 28-49] years). Patients exhibited a significantly higher rate of cerebral infarcts (20% versus 0%, p less than 0.05) and cortical (50% versus 5%, p less than 0.01) and ventricular (55% versus 15%, p less than 0.02) atrophy than controls. Accordingly, semiquantitative volumetric measurements yielded a significantly increased ventricular-to-intracranial cavity ratio in the patients (6.2 +/- 2.9% versus 4.1 +/- 1.3%, p less than 0.01). This ratio and the cortical atrophy ratings correlated positively with disease duration (r = 0.63 and 0.54, p less than 0.05). Cognitive test performance was significantly worse in patients than in controls and was most impaired in those patients with morphologic cerebral abnormalities.

Adult↗

Circadian blood pressure pattern in patients with treated hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensives is an important determinant of prognosis. In the present study 45 patients with treated essential hypertension were divided into two groups: 23 patients had normal left ventricular dimension and 22 patients had echocardiographic signs of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). All patients were adequately treated during daytime, but ambulatory blood pressure monitoring showed a distinct abnormal pattern in the LVH group characterized by a lack of blood pressure reduction during the night; 16 of 22 patients with LVH had no blood pressure decline during the night, whereas 17 of 23 patients without hypertrophy showed this reduction (P less than 0.01). In conclusion, patients with hypertension and LVH often reveal a lack of blood pressure decline during the night, which may be the reason for the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (and thus should be managed by a different circadian blood pressure therapy) or which may be the consequence of progressive structural changes in the resistance vessels, along with the development of left ventricular hypertrophy. It is suggested that patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy should have ambulatory twenty-four hour blood pressure monitoring.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

New concepts in ischemia prevention.

Transient myocardial ischemia may result from obstruction to flow in the large epicardial coronary arteries or diminished flow reserve due to small vessel disease or left ventricular hypertrophy. In patients with coronary heart disease, calcium blockers have proven to reduce stress induced ischemia in patients with normal left ventricular function and in those with ischemic cardiomyopathy. However, recent studies indicate a need for caution when giving calcium antagonists to patients with postinfarction left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Moreover, calcium antagonists that reduce heart rate (diltiazem) are able as a monotherapy to reduce total ischemic burden. Calcium antagonists that may increase rate (dihydropiridines) have to be combined with beta-blockers to achieve this goal. For 24-h control of ischemia the ischemic threshold should be determined for a differentiated therapy in the individual patient. Is the ischemic threshold of the majority of episodes lower than the exercise threshold, a calcium blocker should work. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are not effective in stress-induced ischemia, but may reduce total ischemic burden, although this effect is not significant. In patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and/or small vessel disease, calcium blockers and ACE inhibitors are probably effective in regression of left ventricular hypertrophy and vascular hypertrophy. However, it remains to be shown that ischemia is reduced by these drugs.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

[Correlation between late potentials, left ventricular function and coronary heart disease].

By signal averaging it is possible to registrate late, fragmented low amplitude signals (late potentials, LP's) from the bodysurface 26 patients (21 males, 5 females) with a mean age of 57 years were investigated by signal averaging, Holter-monitoring and cardiac catheterization. 11 patients had a dilative cardiomyopathy (group A), 10 patients a coronary heart disease (group B), 5 of them with an ejection fraction greater than 50%, 5 of them with a reduced ejection fraction, whereas the control-group with 5 patients (group C) showed no coronary stenosis or reduced ventricular function, 6 out of 11 patients with dilative cardiomyopathy showed LP's; all of these with Lown IVb had LP's. In 2 patients with coronary heart disease and good left ventricular function late potentials were found, and in all 5 patients with disturbed left ventricular function. The control-group revealed no late potentials although 4 patients had Lown IVa or more in Holter-ECG. In conclusion, late potentials show a good correlation to malignant ventricular ectopic beats in patients with dilative cardiomyopathy and coronary heart disease, especially when the left ventricular function is reduced.

Adult↗

Anticardiolipin antibodies are no marker for survived myocardial infarction.

Antiphospholipid antibodies--both the lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies--are closely associated with arterial and venous thrombosis. In this prospective trial the IgM- and IgG-anticardiolipin antibodies in serum were determined in acute and chronic coronary artery disease. Seventy-four unselected males (34-87 years, mean 60) were included in the study. All patients underwent coronary angiography; infectious and autoimmune diseases were exclusion criteria. Sixteen patients had coronary artery disease (group A), 34 showed coronary stenoses with prior infarction (B), and 14 had survived an acute myocardial infarction (C), whereas 10 patients revealed no significant coronary narrowing (D; controls). The major risk factors were the same for all groups. Neither the IgM- nor the IgG-anticardiolipin antibody levels showed any significant difference in the four groups. The severity of coronary artery disease did not correlate to these antibodies. Furthermore, no correlation was found between elevated anticardiolipin antibodies and thrombocyte levels. Thus, a higher anticardiolipin level does not appear to be a marker for recurrent cardiovascular events.

Adult↗

[The patient following PTCA].

Diagnostic measures after PTCA consist of history, clinical findings, after 3 months and thereafter in 6 months intervals as well as ergometry in case of recurrency of complaints of after 3 months and then in 6 months intervals. A thallium-scintigraphy is done eventually. A repetition of a coronarography is indicated only in cases of typical symptoms or registration of ischemia. Therapy consists of lifelong ASS and calcium channel blockers for 3 months and treatment of risk-factors. Repetition of a PTCA, atherectomy, stent-implantation, laser-angioplasty or bypass-surgery varies from case to case; the decision has to be made individually.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Coronary revascularization: influence on ventricular arrhythmias.

Myocardial ischemia may cause severe cardiac arrhythmias. In the present study, the influence of revascularization on ventricular arrhythmias was investigated. A total of 68 patients (61 male, 7 female; mean age 53 years) with coronary artery disease was divided into three groups: Group A (21 patients) underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA); Group B (37 patients) had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); and Group C were 10 patients who served as controls, who had simple coronary angiography. All patients had a Holter ECG on the day before angiography. PTCA patients and controls were restudied on the day after the procedure, while in Group B, Holter ECG was repeated three weeks after surgery. Groups A and B were again studied 18 months after the first Holter ECG. The PTCA group showed a slight reduction in complex arrhythmias immediately following PTCA, which increased again after 18 months; the CABG group, however, revealed a significant increase in complex arrhythmias three weeks after bypass surgery, but a decrease after 18 months. There was no significant change in the control group before or after angiography. Thus, successful revascularization has no influence on ventricular arrhythmias after 18 months.

Adult↗

Effects of benazepril and metoprolol OROS alone and in combination on myocardial ischemia in patients with chronic stable angina.

The efficacy of benazepril, metoprolol OROS and their combination was evaluated in 29 patients (42 to 74 years of age) with chronic stable angina and documented coronary artery disease in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial using serial quantitated exercise testing and ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. The mean (+/- SEM) exercise time was 8.5 +/- 0.7 min with placebo, 8.3 +/- 0.6 min (95% confidence interval [CI]-1.06 to 0.54) with benazepril, 9.4 +/- 0.5 min (95% CI -0.32 to 2.14) with metoprolol OROS and 9.6 +/- 0.5 min (95% CI -0.25 to 2.47) with the combination of benazepril and metoprolol OROS. The mean exercise time to the development of 1 mm ST segment depression was prolonged from 6.0 +/- 0.6 min with placebo to 6.3 +/- 0.6 min (95% CI -0.93 to 1.45) with benazepril, 7.9 +/- 0.5 min (95% CI 0.83 to 3.0) with metoprolol OROS and 8.1 +/- 0.6 min (95% CI 0.88 to 3.29) with the combination of benazepril and metoprolol OROS. Benazepril did not alter the rest or maximal heart rate, whereas metoprolol OROS alone and in combination significantly lowered the heart rate at rest and during maximal exercise. Systolic blood pressure at rest was nonsignificantly reduced, whereas diastolic blood pressure was lowered significantly by all treatments in comparison with placebo. At maximal exercise, only metoprolol OROS, whether given alone or in combination with benazepril, was able to blunt significantly systolic blood pressure and rate-pressure product.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Noninvasive and invasive diagnosis of a huge congenital aneurysm of the left atrium: a case report.

An intrapericardial aneurysm of the left atrium in a twenty-eight-year old asymptomatic woman is reported. The aneurysm was diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography and the specific intraaneurysmatic flow pattern was described by color blood flow imaging. To the authors' knowledge such a noninvasive diagnosis of a left atrial aneurysm has never been reported in the literature before. The diagnosis was confirmed by angiocardiography. The aneurysm was successfully resected. The patient was discharged without medication and continues to do well.

Adult↗

Ketanserin prevents early restenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

In the treatment of coronary artery stenoses restenosis represents the main problem in 25-35% of cases following successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). In the present trial the effect of the 5HT2-serotonergic receptor antagonist ketanserin on the rate of restenosis after 24 h ('early restenosis') or 4-9 months ('late restenosis') was investigated. Preliminary studies demonstrated that ketanserin infused at the dose of 0.1 mg/min inhibited platelet aggregation without evidence of side effects. In the restenosis study, 43 patients (37 males, 6 females; mean 55 years) were randomized into two groups. After PTCA, 22 patients were treated with conventional therapy (group A), whereas 21 received additionally ketanserin (0.1 mg/min for 24 h, group B). The angiograms (prior to, after, 24 h after, and 4-9 months after PTCA) were examined in a blind manner using a computer-based quantitative angiographic system. After 24 h, 3 patients of group A, but none of group B showed restenosis (more than 50% decrease in diameter stenosis). In total, the diameter at the site of stenosis prior to PTCA decreased by 11% in the controls, but remained unchanged in the ketanserin-treated patients. After 4-9 months, 26% of group A (5 out of 19 patients examined) and 22% of the controls (4 out of 18 patients examined) developed restenosis of more than 50%; there was no statistical difference in the degree of residual stenosis between both groups. These findings suggest that a 24-hour infusion of ketanserin following PTCA may prevent early restenosis, but does not influence the incidence of late restenosis.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Combination therapy of 4'-O-tetrahydropyranyl-doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, and high-dose folinic acid in patients with advanced breast cancer: a phase I-II study (preliminary results).

Previous clinical studies have suggested that 4'-O-tetrahydropyranyl-doxorubicin (THP) as well as 5-fluorouracil/high-dose folinic acid (5-FU/HDFA) are active and well-tolerated drugs in breast cancer treatment. This phase I-II study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of THP in combination with 5-FU/HDFA as a weekly schedule and to examine the activity and safety of this drug regimen in patients with advanced breast cancer. 5-FU and HDFA were set at doses of 350 mg/qm i.v. and 500 mg/qm i.v., respectively, whereas the THP dose has been escalated in increments of 5 mg/qm i.v. beginning at a dose level of 10 mg/qm until reaching of MTD in at least four patients in one dose level. For determination of MTD the first six cycles of each patient have been taken into account. Up to July 1990, 21 patients previously not treated with chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer were entered into the study; the latest patient entered at 35 mg/qm THP dose level. A total of 270 cycles have been administered so far. Anemia and leukopenia was limited to ECOG grades I and II. Other toxicities were mild or moderate. No acute or subacute cardiotoxicity has been observed. Up to July 1990, MTD had not been reached. In the second part of the study, at least another 14 patients have to be entered in a dose level one below the MTD to evaluate the activity and safety of this regimen in a phase II trial.

Adult↗

Serum selenium levels in distinct manifestations of coronary artery disease.

The trace element selenium plays an important role in the oxidation of lipids and is therefore closely associated with atherosclerosis. In a series of 49 unselected male patients having undergone coronary angiography, the serum selenium level was determined using flameless atomic absorption spectrometry (Zeeman technique), and compared to a standard (Seronorm; Nycomed). In the whole series the serum selenium levels were markedly decreased with no significant difference between patients with or without coronary artery disease. The severity of the coronary artery disease (CAD) did not correlate with the selenium level. However, patients with prior myocardial infarction had a significant higher selenium level than those without. Thus, the level of selenium does not appear to be a marker or a risk factor for coronary artery disease.

Aged↗

[Tl-201 myocardial SPECT in silent myocardial ischemia and angiographically proven coronary heart disease].

Silent myocardial ischemia is defined as true myocardial ischemia without angina pectoris in patients with angiographically detected coronary artery disease. In this study 52 patients (46 male, 8 female: mean age 53 years) with a pathological exercise test but no symptoms were investigated. They showed stenosis of 75% or more of the diameter in at least one coronary segment on angiography. Prior to or after catheterization (within 14 days) Tl-201 SPECT was done and evaluated independently of angiography. A clear correlation between angiographically confirmed stenosis and reversible perfusion defects with Tl-201 SPECT was established (62 out of 76 lesions). Furthermore, there was a significant relation between angiographically detected subtotal or total occlusions of coronary vessels and irreversible perfusion defects using Tl-201 SPECT (35 in 44 lesions) (p less than 0.001). In patients with ST depression but without angina pectoris during the exercise test, the Tl-201 SPECT is highly suited to determine the hemodynamic effect of coronary stenoses.

Angina Pectoris↗

[Management of acute intrathoracic aortic dissection].

At the intensive care station of the Internal Medicine Department, University Clinic Graz, all patients admitted were promptly and carefully examined in case of suspected acute intrathoracic aortic dissection and immediately treated. In 1987 a total of 4446 patients were referred to this CCU, 893 suffered from acute thoracic pain. In 21 patients of the latter a clinical suspicion of aortic dissection was observed. In 9 patients of these, diagnosis could be established within 5 hours by echocardiography, CT and angiography. 11 patients had no dissection while one positive finding could only be determined by postmortem exam. Retrospectively, these figures for 1982 were 3908 admitted patients, 790 suffering from acute thoracic pain of which only 5 showed suspected dissection. In 3 cases dissection could be confirmed using the same diagnostic procedures, but 2 were without finding. Further 3 patients out of the total series were affected with dissection which could only be determined postmortem. Out of the 9 patients with positive diagnosis, 6 showed Typ I, 1 Typ II and 2 Typ III dissection according to DeBakey (8m, 1f, range 46-78 years). 2 patients underwent surgery immediately after diagnosis, 1 after 12 hours, while 4 cases were conservatively treated. These 7 patients have survived by controlled hypotension up to now (10 to 22 months). Two patients died 2 and 10 hours, respectively, after admission with positive diagnosis. In spite of the severity of this disease prompt and efficient diagnosis and rapid therapeutic management are the key to survival.

Aged↗