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T S Cook

Publications and source records attributed to T S Cook.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1986

Adverse reactions to antiarrhythmic drugs during therapy for ventricular arrhythmias.

We analyzed the incidence of adverse reactions to antiarrhythmic drugs in 123 consecutive patients with a history of sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Blood levels were measured serially and were maintained within the usual therapeutic range. Minor reactions were defined as those that required dosage reduction and major reactions as those that required drug discontinuation or permanent pacing for bradycardia. A total of 237 individual, oral drug trials were evaluated in the 123 patients. Adverse reactions were noted in 79 trials (33%). Fifty-nine (48%) of the 123 patients had one or more adverse reaction. Major reactions were noted in 36 patients (29%). Adverse effects occurred during 49% of trials with mexiletine hydrochloride, 44% of trials with amiodarone, 24% of trials with procainamide hydrochloride, and 18% of trials with quinidine sulfate or gluconate. In conclusion, clinically significant adverse reactions are common during drug therapy for ventricular arrhythmias. These observations indicate that with the drugs used in this study, an acceptable risk-benefit ratio will be possible only in patients at a significant risk for a symptomatic arrhythmia. Antiarrhythmic drug therapy in patients at low risk for serious arrhythmia should be discouraged.

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PubMedDate not supplied

A new compound curved needle for skin and skin-graft closure.

A new compound curved needle has been developed for skin and skin-graft closure from a unique stainless steel alloy, American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) 45500. This needle has a short, straight, sharpened point with a reverse cutting edge and a curved distal section. In spite of its geometry, it exhibits sharpness and resistance to bending and breakage similar to that of a needle with a single radius of curvature that is manufactured from the same alloy. The design of this new needle enables the surgeon to pass it through the skin with greater accuracy to a controlled depth and length of bite.

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