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M Brignole

Publications and source records attributed to M Brignole.

131 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

[The hyposmolar-hyponatremic syndrome in hepatic cirrhosis. Possible role of ADH].

Following some remarks on the hyposomolar-hyponatraemic syndrome and on the formation of free water, the possible aetiopathogenetic mechanisms of hyponatraemia in ascitogenous cirrhosis of the liver and in particular the role of ADH are considered. 3 cases out of 18 suffering from ascitic phase cirrhosis in whom inability to produce free water was accompanied by conserved urinary excretion of sodium are reported. One explanation might be the intervention of ADH or of an antidiuretic substance.

Adult↗

Carotid sinus syncope: the most frequent neurally mediated syncope in the elderly.

The present work reviews current literature and the authors' experience of carotid sinus syndrome (CSS), which is considered to be the most common cause of neurally mediated acute disorders of consciousness in the elderly. Although no definitive consensus about its nosology has yet been reached, most groups agree that three features fulfill the diagnosis: anamnestic presence of syncope or its minor equivalents, and their reproduction by carotid sinus massage associated with defined values of cardioinhibition or vasodepression or both. The technique for performing carotid sinus massage used by the authors is described; this manoeuvre seems very safe and reproducible as long as simple rules are followed, and it allows the classification of CSS types. The treatment of CSS is varied, according to several factors. No pharmacological therapy has yet been demonstrated to be effective. While severe cardioinhibitory forms require an appropriate pacing, vasodepressive ones and types with only minor symptoms show a more favourable natural history. Pacing is advised in mixed CSS with either frequent and invalidating relapses, or 'high risk' attacks (severe, abrupt, with major traumas, etc.). Finally, the protocol for choosing the adequate mode of pacing is illustrated. In most cases VVI is sufficient, but the decision requires a careful individual examination.

Journal Article↗

Systolic time intervals as possible predictors of pressure response to sustained beta-adrenergic blockade in arterial hypertension. A within-patient, placebo-controlled study.

Systolic time intervals (STI) were recorded at rest and during isometric exercise (IHG) in 20 hypertensive outpatients, WHO Stage 1 or 2. In a double-blind crossover study, slow-release metoprolol 200 mg once daily and matched placebo were given for 4 weeks each, at the end of a 2-week placebo washout. Blood pressure and STI were taken in the last day of washout and of either crossover period. Treatment decreased blood pressure and heart rate values at rest and on peak IHG; it didn't modify preejection period index (PEPI), left ventricular ejection time index (LVETI), and their ratio at rest, but decreased the ratio between diastolic blood pressure and PEPI (DBP/PEPI ratio) at rest and on peak IHG and lengthened the PEPI at peak IHG. Resting PEPI values on placebo treatment showed a negative correlation with systolic (r = -0.72) as well as diastolic (r = -0.80) pressure reduction on slow-release metoprolol as compared with placebo treatment. The PEP/LVET ratio at rest on placebo treatment showed a negative correlation with systolic (r = -0.78) as well as diastolic (r = -0.82) pressure reduction at rest on metoprolol compared with placebo treatment. Patients with a resting PEP/LVET ratio less than 0.43 showed a reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure approximating or exceeding 20 mm Hg, whereas patients with a PEP/LVET ratio greater than 0.47 showed a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of less than 10 mm Hg. In patients with a PEP/LVET ratio of 0.43 to 0.47 (50% of the trial population), STI didn't show any correlation with the pressure response to beta-blockade. A positive correlation was found between the DBP/PEPI ratio at rest on placebo treatment and systolic (r = 0.56) as well as diastolic (r = 0.76) pressure reduction at rest on slow-release metoprolol compared with placebo treatment. Thus, STI appeared as promising predictors of the magnitude of blood pressure response to sustained beta-blocking therapy in mild-to-moderate essential hypertension, mostly in patients with a resting PEP/LVET ratio less then 0.43 or greater then 0.47.

Adult↗