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J S Kalus

Publications and source records attributed to J S Kalus.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Calcium-channel antagonists and nitrates in coronary artery bypass patients receiving radial artery grafts.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature assessing the role of vasodilators for the prevention of vasospasm leading to graft failure in patients receiving the radial artery (RA) as a conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). DATA SOURCE: A MEDLINE search (January 1966-May 2000) was performed using calcium-channel antagonists, nitrates, radial artery, and coronary artery bypass as key words. English-language articles were identified, and the references of these articles were used to further identify pertinent articles. DATA SYNTHESIS: RAs can be used as conduits in CABG. It has been suggested that failure of these grafts may be due to vasospasm, leading to occlusion observed angiographically. Calcium-channel antagonists and nitrates have been proposed as a means of preventing vasospasm and subsequent graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: Currently published data on the use of calcium-channel antagonist or nitrate therapy as prophylaxis against vasospasm in patients receiving RA grafts are inconclusive. Systematic evaluations of currently available pharmacologic agents are needed to guide clinical practice in this area.

Calcium Channel Blockers↗
PubMed2000

Dofetilide: a class III-specific antiarrhythmic agent.

OBJECTIVE: To review published reports on the pharmacology and clinical use of dofetilide in the management of cardiac dysrhythmias. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (January 1966-June 1999) was performed using dofetilide and UK-68,798 as key words. English-language articles were identified, and the references of these articles were used to further identify pertinent articles. STUDY SELECTION: All acquired studies and reviews discussing the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, chemistry, and clinical efficacy of dofetilide were reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION: Articles were selected based on quality of review of the pharmacology and clinical use of dofetilide. Given the paucity of data on the clinical pharmacology and use of dofetilide, most articles obtained were used, including abstracts when full reports were not available. DATA SYNTHESIS: Dofetilide is a relatively specific class III antiarrhythmic agent. It increases action potential duration and effective refractory period without impacting conduction velocity. These actions of dofetilide are explained by its ability to inhibit the rapid component of the delayed, outward-rectifying potassium current, thus blocking the efflux of potassium during repolarization. Introductory investigations suggest that dofetilide may be of use in treating and preventing atrial dysrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Dofetilide may also have a role in preventing ventricular tachycardia from occurring. Some data also suggest that dofetilide may improve the morbidity of heart failure patients. Currently, the most troublesome adverse effect of dofetilide is its propensity to induce ventricular proarrhythmias, especially torsade de pointes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data currently available, dofetilide should have a role in the pharmacotherapy of cardiac dysrhythmias, especially those of atrial origin. More data on its efficacy and tolerability are needed, however, to fully delineate dofetilide's role amid currently available antiarrhythmic agents.

Adult↗