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Wellington J Davis

Publications and source records attributed to Wellington J Davis.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Simultaneous angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition moderates ventricular dysfunction caused by doxorubicin.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine that the administration of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril would confer protection against doxorubicin-induced experimental heart failure, and attenuate the development of left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS: Seventeen dogs were chronically instrumented with an intracoronary catheter and received doxorubicin weekly for 4 weeks. Animals were assigned to two groups: group 1: untreated heart failure; and group 2: simultaneous enalapril administration (5 mg twice a week). Hemodynamic data were obtained at week 0 and 12. Echocardiography was performed weekly. RESULTS: Survival improved with simultaneous enalapril administration (36% in group 1 vs. 100% in group 2, P=0.04). The increase in the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was significantly reduced at week 12 (17+/-1 mmHg in group 1 vs. 9+/-1 mmHg in group 2, P=0.0042). The fall in left ventricular stroke work index was significantly prevented (52% in group 1 vs. 21% in group 2, P=0.006). The increase in right ventricular end-diastolic diameter was significantly reduced by enalapril prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous treatment with enalapril was beneficial in the prevention of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Open heart surgery in patients 85 years and older.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increase in the number of elderly patients considered for cardiac surgery. Several reports have documented acceptable morbidity and mortality in patients 80 years and older. The results from surgical patients 85 years and older were analyzed. METHODS: The records of 89 consecutive patients 85 years and older having cardiac operations between June 1993 and May 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. For purposes of statistical analysis follow-up was considered as a minimum of one office visit to the surgeon, cardiologist, or internist at least 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients underwent coronary artery grafting and two patients had mitral valve replacement. Follow-up was 100% complete. The operative mortality rate was 12.3%; probability of in-hospital death was 8.2%; risk-adjusted mortality rate was 3.2%. The complication rate was 31.5%. The actuarial 1-, 3-, and 5-year survivals were as follows: 75%, 67%, and 40%. Multivariate predictors of 30-day mortality were preoperative EF, less than 30% (p = 0.029) and postoperative renal failure (p = 0.0039). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac surgery can be performed in patients 85 years and older with good results. There is an associated prolonged hospital stay for elderly patients. Consistent successful outcomes can be expected in this patient population with selective criteria identifying risk factors.

Adult↗