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PubMed1994

Screening for peripheral arterial disease: the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of noninvasive tests in a defined population.

Large vessel peripheral arterial disease (LV-PAD) is a common condition that causes significant morbidity and disability. The authors evaluated the individual components of a comprehensive noninvasive vascular examination to identify the most sensitive and specific measurements for diagnosing LV-PAD. This cohort, initially screened between 1979 and 1981 in Rancho Bernardo, California, included 421 normal subjects and 63 subjects with LV-PAD. Segmental blood pressure ratios and flow velocities by Doppler ultrasound were used to define cases of LV-PAD. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of each individual component of the diagnostic algorithm were determined. Overall, measurements of posterior tibial flow showed the highest sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy. In addition, an absent or non-recordable posterior tibial peak forward flow, occurring in 96% of all limbs with isolated posterior tibial disease, or an ankle ratio < or = 0.8 considered in parallel yielded a test with sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 99%, positive predictive value of 90%, negative predictive value of 99%, and overall accuracy of 98%. These results indicate that the vast majority of LV-PAD cases can be detected with a single measurement using a handheld Doppler flowmeter employed at the ankle.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Clinical pathology: preanalytical variation in preclinical safety assessment studies--effect on predictive value of analyte tests.

Significant differences in concentrations of analytes in samples may be introduced before samples enter analyzers. These differences are known as preanalytical variation and are part of the overall variation in analytical data. Preanalytical variation is caused by factors that operate during animal preparation prior to sampling, sample collection, sample processing, and sample storage prior to measurement. Preanalytical variation is important because it detracts from the predictive value of analyte measurements. Preanalytical variation may permanently damage data. Because its effects are difficult to quantitate it should be minimized in safety assessment studies. Sources of preanalytical variation are actions performed on animals prior to sample collection and actions performed on the specimen prior to analysis. Preanalytical variation produces a range of artefacts in experimental data. Consequences of preanalytical variation are loss of confidence in the data, obfuscation of real test article effects, false effects, and possibly the expense of repeating a study. To limit preanalytical variation, its sources must be identified, the effects documented, and measures devised to eliminate its sources. Predictive value (likelihood of actual disease) of appropriate clinical pathology tests in toxicology is inversely dependent on preanalytical variation: uncontrolled variation produces data with low predictive values, and controlled variation produces data with high predictive values.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Laboratory and clinical comparison of a rapid versus a classic progesterone radioimmunoassay for use in determining abnormal and ectopic pregnancies.

A rapid, solid-phase, nonextraction progesterone kit (n = 36) was compared with an established extraction method, liquid phase tritium radioimmunoassay for progesterone (n = 79). Logistic regression of the rapid method over the extraction method gave a correlation coefficient of r = 0.968. Logistic regression gave a discriminatory zone (abnormal vs normal pregnancy) of 22.58 ng/ml by the rapid method compared with 15 ng/ml for the extraction method (log Y = 0.253 + 0.936 log X). Similar sensitivity (100% and 100%), specificity (63% and 59%), and predictive values of positive and negative tests (positive predictive value = 91% and 75%, negative predictive value = 100% and 100%) were found using a discriminatory level of 15 and 20 ng/ml for the extraction method (n = 79) and rapid method (n = 76), respectively. Clinically, curettage for patients with values less than these discriminatory zones would have given unacceptable rates for termination of a potentially normal pregnancy (38%). Clinical comparison of abnormal (ectopic or abortion) and normal (term pregnancy) outcomes in two populations of women presenting with first-trimester bleeding revealed that progesterone levels would accelerate the workup in only a small percentage (27%, 15 of 56) of patients with ectopic pregnancies. The rate of ruptured ectopic pregnancies in the observed patients was similar (20%, 3 of 15) to studies using progesterone levels prospectively. Therefore in this retrospective analysis progesterone levels would have given no greater benefit than conventional management.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Predictive value of serological tests in the diagnosis of celiac disease].

In the diagnostic work-up of celiac disease (CD) the simpler enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the identification of serum anti-transglutaminase (tTG) autoantibodies could substitute the immunofluorescence technique used for the detection of anti-endomysial antibodies (EmA). However, most of the studies on anti-tTG assay have considered pre-selected groups of patients and not consecutive subjects with suspected CD. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA), EmA and two anti-tTG ELISAs, one based on guinea pig (gp)-tTG and the other on human (h)-tTG as antigens, in consecutive patients investigated for suspected CD. The study included 130 consecutive patients (age range 16-84 years), who underwent intestinal biopsy for suspected CD. They presented with one or more of the following symptoms: weight loss, anemia, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, alternating bowel habits and constipation. At the time of admission in the study, an intestinal biopsy was performed and a serum sample was taken for immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA AGA, IgA EmA, anti-gp-tTG and anti-h-TG determination. Intestinal histology revealed that 15 patients had partial or total villous atrophy. In these patients the diagnosis of CD was confirmed at subsequent follow-up. The remaining 115 patients included in the study had an intestinal histology characterized by a normal villi/crypts ratio and were considered as controls. Serum EmA, anti-gp-tTG, and anti-h-tTG were positive in all the 15 CD subjects, whereas IgG and IgA AGA were positive in 10/15; in the control group, none were positive for serum EmA, but 11/115 (10%) were positive for anti-gp-tTG and 6/115 (5%) were positive for anti-h-tTG. The sensitivity was 100% for EmA, gp-tTG and h-tTG and 66% for IgA and IgG AGA. The specificity was 100% for EmA, 90% for anti-gp-tTG, 95% for anti-h-tTG, 74% for IgG AGA and 87% for IgA AGA. The negative predictive value was 100% for EmA, anti-h-tTG and anti-gp-tTG, 94% for IgG AGA and 95% for IgA AGA. The positive predictive value was 100% for EmA, 71% for anti-h-tTG (p = 0.03 vs EmA) and 58% for anti-gp-tTG (p = 0.003 vs EmA). Most of the patients who were false positive for anti-tTG had Crohn's disease or chronic liver disease. In conclusion, although both the anti-tTG ELISAs evaluated in the present study showed an optimum sensitivity, their low specificity determined positive predictive values which were significantly lower than those of EmA assay. Besides, the positive predictive value of gp-tTG was too low to warrant submitting a patient to intestinal biopsy for suspected CD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Value and limitations of exercise stress testing to predict the functional results of coronary artery bypass grafting.

To assess the value of exercise stress testing to predict the functional result of revascularization, 90 patients were evaluated by coronary angiography and exercise testing pre and postoperatively. Patients were classified on the basis of the postoperative angiogram in a group with successful surgery and a group with unsuccessful surgery. The predictive accuracy positive of ST segment depression to detect unsuccessful surgery was 67% The predictive accuracy negative was 61%. The best predictor of unsuccessful surgery was residual angina pectoris after revascularization with predictive value positive and negative of 85% and 60%, respectively. Thus exercise stress testing has limited value to accurately predict the degree of revascularization.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Predictive values of diagnostic tests in the evaluation of female urinary stress incontinence.

Preoperatively a collaboration between gynecologists, urologists and radiologists is essential for the diagnostic accuracy of urinary incontinence especially to isolate stress incontinence for surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to estimate the value of these combined efforts. 212 women referred for urinary incontinence were assessed by history of micturition, pelvic examination, cystoscopy, cystometry, stress test for urine loss, uroflowmetry and colpo-cysto-urethrography. A final diagnosis obtained on this basis classified the patients in stress incontinence (130), urge incontinence (47), neuromuscular dysfunction (6), uncertain type (10), other disease (8) and no incontinence (11). According to calculations of predictive values of positive and negative tests, respectively, each single test in the preoperative investigation programme was evaluated regarding the final diagnosis stress incontinence. It was assumed that the symptom stress incontinence, the pelvic examination and the colpo-cysto-urethrography were of minor or no importance for the diagnosis stress incontinence but might have been for the choice of surgical treatment. Cystoscopy and uroflowmetry had no place in daily routine. In contrast normal cystometry and especially the sign stress incontinence deserved consideration of refinements.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The predictive value of the penlight test for photophobia for serious eye pathology in general practice.

BACKGROUND: Photophobia has been described as a useful sign in distinguishing severe from benign eye pathology. OBJECTIVE: This observational study was performed to assess the utility of the penlight test for photophobia in patients presenting with a red eye in general practice. METHODS: Thirty patients presenting with a red eye to one GP in 1 year were studied. All patients were examined with a penlight flashlight for photophobia. This was followed by slit-lamp examination for diagnosis of serious or benign eye pathology. RESULTS: The penlight test was positive in eight out of 10 (80%) patients with serious pathology (mainly uveitis and keratitis) and was negative in 21 out of 26 (81%) patients with less serious pathology (mainly conjunctivitis). The positive predictive value of the test was 60% and the negative predictive value was 90% (chi-squared = 7, P = 0.001, odds ratio = 17, 95% confidence interval 2-179). CONCLUSION: The penlight test for photophobia was found to be a useful test for distinguishing serious from benign eye pathology in a general practice population.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2004

Low negative predictive value of skin tests in investigating delayed reactions to radio-contrast media.

Delayed reactions to radio-contrast media (RCM) with positive skin tests are rare. We report the study of a series of 15 patients who presented delayed reactions to RCM, with an analysis of the clinical features and the results of standardized drug skin tests. Patch tests were performed with RCM and iodized antiseptics (IAs). If negative, prick tests were performed, followed by intradermal tests (IDTs), then intravenous administration under hospital surveillance. The main clinical features were maculopapular rashes or a macular rubella-like rashes. Patch tests were positive with RCM in 2 of 15 cases and with IAs in 4 of 15 cases. All the prick tests were negative. IDTs were positive at 24 h in 8 of 15 cases. 5 of 12 patients had a non-severe relapse of the rash upon receiving an RCM despite clearly negative skin tests with the readministered RCM. Visipaque cross-reacted with Iopamiron, Iomeron, Telebrix, Omnipaque, Xenetix and Hexabrix. Omnipaque cross-reacted with Hexabrix and Iopamiron. IDTs with delayed readings are of better value than patch tests in such patients. The readministration of RCM with negative IDTs must be performed with progressive amounts under hospital surveillance. Cross-reactions between various classes of RCM are frequent. The responsible epitopes are unknown. Iodine itself could be involved.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Predictive value of intradermal tests using muscle-relaxing drugs].

A retrospective postal inquiry was carried out to find out a possible relation between the results of intradermal tests carried out for a previous anaesthetic and the course of a second anaesthetic performed afterwards. This study included 350 patients who have had an intradermal test to vecuronium, alcuronium, suxamethonium, gallamine, pancuronium, thiopentone, fentanyl and droperidol between March 1984 and November 1986. Eighty-nine did not reply (25.4%), 183 (52.3%) did not undergo new general anaesthetic since the skin tests, whilst 78 (22.3%) did. The inquiry was then sent to the 73 anaesthetists corresponding to the last group of patients. The 51 complete answers included 62 anaesthetics. Twenty-four patients had negative intradermal tests before the new anaesthetic, the other 27 having had a test positive to at least one muscle relaxant. Of these latter, 16 were given a muscle relaxant during their general anaesthetic, selected among those resulting in a negative intradermal test. Thirteen had undergone skin testing because of an anaphylactic reaction during induction. No new anaphylactic reaction was observed. Three anaesthetists only were not aware of the results of the intradermal tests at the time of the new anaesthetic. These data tend to demonstrate that a muscle relaxant could be injected in a patient who has had a previous anaphylactic reaction with positive intradermal tests, provided that the drug chosen for the new anaesthetic does not give a positive intradermal reaction.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism: assessment of the predictive value of biochemical testing and response to combined therapy using propylthiouracil and potassium perchlorate.

In order to assess the value of thyroid function testing during amiodarone therapy, we reviewed all available tests in 128 patients treated with this drug. Nine patients (7.0%) developed biochemical hyperthyroidism with elevation of both free thyroxine index (FT4I) and free triiodothyronine index (FT3I) and marked suppression of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) after 1-46 months of therapy; six of these nine patients had clear clinical evidence of thyroid overactivity. Where serial tests were available before development of hyperthyroidism, this complication developed suddenly, despite previously stable normal indices of thyroid function, and could not be predicted by currently-available biochemical tests such as T4, T3, sensitive TSH, thyroglobulin or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) assays. Clinical features such as unexplained weight loss, proximal myopathy, exacerbation of arrhythmia, or heat intolerance appear to be the key to prompt diagnosis of this complication. Hyperthyroxinemia without T3 excess was found in 32.8% of patients without progression to true hyperthyroidism. Serum TSH remained detectable by sensitive assay in 17 out of 18 patients with amiodarone-induced euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia and was significantly higher than in patients with equivalent hyperthyroxinemia due to thyroxine therapy. Serial levels of SHBG were higher in patients with true hyperthyroidism than in those with euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia. The effect of combined treatment with propylthiouracil (800 mg/day) and potassium perchlorate (800 mg/day) was evaluated in five of the six clinically hyperthyroid patients. Biochemical euthyroidism was achieved after 7-19 weeks, a response slower than previously reported, indicating that this drug combination does not result uniformly in prompt resolution of amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

The predictive value of sensation testing in the development of neuropathic ulceration on the hands of leprosy patients.

The early detection of the loss of protective sensation in leprosy patients is vital if neuropathic ulceration and subsequent disabilities are to be avoided. The aim of this study was to find protective value of sensory thresholds in the hands of leprosy patients. Thresholds for touch-pressure, vibration and temperature were assessed in areas on leprosy-affected hands near ulcers or ulcer scars (LU-group), in areas without lesions (LN-group), and in controls (N-group). Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used for testing the touch-pressure threshold (PST), a biothesiometer for the vibration threshold (VST) and a Thermo Sensation Tester for the temperature threshold (TST). The distribution of ulcers was about equal on palmar and dorsal aspects of the hands. In the LU-group there was a negative response to SWF of 2.0 g in all patients, while 74% could feel the 2.0 g in LN-areas and in N-areas 100% could detect the 2.0 g SWF. In the LU-group about 11% felt 8 V VST, in the LN-group about 60% and in the N-group 89%. Testing temperature sensation was given up prematurely because the results in controls were unsatisfactory. Both palmar and dorsal sides of the hands should be tested for sensation. The thresholds for protective sensation are 2.0 g SWF and 8 V for vibration sense. It is recommended that Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments should always be used for early detection of loss of protective sensation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of screening tests for eye conditions in a clinic-based population.

PURPOSE: To assess four commonly available visual function tests to detect visually disabling or vision-threatening eye conditions among new patients of a large, urban, public, general ophthalmology clinic. METHODS: Three hundred seventeen patients were tested for contrast sensitivity, Amsler grid abnormalities, and visual acuity at near and at distance. A complete eye evaluation found the prevalence of serious eye diseases, allowing determination of the sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), likelihood ratio (LR), and other characteristics of each test. RESULTS: Of 317 patients, most were Hispanic (77%), women (60%), and middle-aged (44 +/- 17 years). Normal findings were reported in 18%; refractive error in 43%; cataracts in 16%; glaucoma in 7.3%; and macular degeneration in 4.1%. Near visual acuity of 20/40 or worse (Sn = 0.75; Sp = 0.74; LR = 2.8); and distance visual acuity testing of 20/30 or worse (Sn = 0.74; Sp = 0.73; LR = 2.7) correlated significantly with ocular disease, whereas contrast sensitivity testing (Sn = 0.62; Sp = 0.41; LR = 1.1) and Amsler grid test (Sn = 0.19; Sp = 0.92; LR = 2.4) did not. Test performance decreased when refractive errors were excluded and among those younger than 40 years of age relative to those 40 years of age or older. CONCLUSION: Of the four screening tests studied, distance and near threshold visual acuities as defined above were judged to have the best correlations of an abnormal result with ocular disease, both including or excluding refractive error. Different combinations of tests did not result in more accurate detection of ocular disease. More efficient screening tools for detecting ocular disease need to be developed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

[Predictive value of the exercise test for multivessel disease after initial myocardial infarction].

The extent of coronary artery disease after primary myocardial infarction is an important prognostic factor. The predictive value of exercise electrocardiography for multivessel disease was assessed by comparison with coronary angiography in a series of 100 patients. In the group of patients with primary anterior infarction (n = 48), 37.5% had positive exercise ECGs. Coronary angiography showed 62.5% single vessel disease. In multivessel disease, the sensitivity of exercise ECG was 78% and specificity 86%. The predictive value of a positive test was 78% and, for a negative test, 86%. In primary inferior infarction (n = 52), positive exercise ECGs were recorded in 48% of cases. Coronary angiography showed 48% multivessel disease. In multivessel disease, sensitivity of exercise ECG was 92% ans specificity 93%. The predictive value of a positive test was 92% and of a negative test, 93%. Therefore, exercise ECG gives a more precise prediction of the extent of coronary artery disease after primary inferior infarction than after primary anterior infarction. However, it is not an ideal guide for the choice of patient for coronary angiography because of its poor predictive value in cases of anterior infarction, and because of the high incidence of multivessel disease in patients with primary inferior infarcts. Nevertheless, it is of great prognostic value with regards to the eventual course of the coronary disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Can antimicrobial susceptibility testing results for ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin predict susceptibility to a newer fluoroquinolone, gatifloxacin?: Report from The SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (1997-99).

A serious problem confronting clinical laboratories and hospital formulary practices is the delayed availability of approved, commercially prepared susceptibility test reagents for newer antimicrobials. A current example is gatifloxacin, a new 8-methoxy fluoroquinolone with expanded potency against many Gram-positive pathogens. This study addresses the use of "surrogate marker" fluoroquinolones to predict susceptibility for gatifloxacin. Reference broth microdilution MIC results for 29,632 strains isolated in United States medical centers (SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program, 1997-99) were used: staphylococci (9,940 strains), enterococci (2,570), Streptococcus pneumoniae (3,784), Enterobacteriaceae (10,670) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2,668). Gatifloxacin interpretation categories were compared to those of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin by regression statistics and error rate bounding analyses. For the Enterobacteriaceae, the absolute categorical agreement was 97.9 to 98.7% (false-susceptible or very-major error [VME], 0.03%-0.1%) for comparisons of both ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin with gatifloxacin. P. aeruginosa testing was more problematic (higher minor error rates), but acceptable at 0.6% to 1.1% VME and a 85.7% to 89.9% overall agreement. Ciprofloxacin results used to predict gatifloxacin in Gram-positive species was almost without VME (0.0%-0.2%) because gatifloxacin was significantly superior against these species, especially for S. pneumoniae, where gatifloxacin (MIC(90,) 0.5 microg/ml) was fourfold more potent than levofloxacin (MIC(90,) 2 microg/ml). The preferred gatifloxacin predictor drug was ciprofloxacin for all species except S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, where levofloxacin results had a slightly greater predictive value. Susceptibility testing results for selected currently available fluoroquinolones can be used to predict susceptibility to gatifloxacin with high confidence. Many Gram-positive cocci, however, will be categorized as false-resistant by this interim method since gatifloxacin has a 11% to 34% wider spectrum of activity compared to ciprofloxacin when testing staphylococci and enterococci. Clinical laboratories can reliably use these suggested "surrogate markers" until reliable tests for gatifloxacin become available.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed1998

Predictive value of serological tests in rubella virus infection during pregnancy.

In an attempt to define diagnostic criteria that may help to distinguish the congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) from subclinical intrauterine rubella virus (RV) infection, maternal and fetal serum samples were analyzed using (1) enzyme immunoassay employing RV synthetic peptides as antigen, (2) IgG avidity assay, and (3) immunoblot under nonreducing conditions, in addition to hemagglutination inhibition and commercial enzyme immunoassays. Infants born with CRS and their mothers were shown to reveal low or undetectable levels of E2-specific antibodies and deficient IgG recognizing the major neutralizing antibody-inducing epitope on the E1 protein (SP15). Antibody responses were normal in mothers with presumed RV reinfection as well as in asymptomatic infants born after maternal primary rubella. The results indicate that the maturation of specific humoral immune responses is obviously less efficient when intrauterine RV infection results in CRS. The detection of high avidity IgG, conformational E2-specific as well as SP15-reactive antibodies may serve as a potential predictor for a benign outcome of intrauterine RV infections.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed2003

Hay fever and predictive value of prick test and specific IgE antibodies: a prospective study in children.

Little is known from population-based studies in children about the diagnostic values of allergen-specific IgE antibodies (RAST) and skin prick test (SPT) with respect to hay fever. We aimed to determine and compare the diagnostic values of SPT and RAST to aeroallergens with respect to the incidence of hay fever cases in schoolchildren at different cut-off points. A prospective cohort study was performed on 1100 school children (5-7 and 8-10 years). Information on a doctor's diagnosis of hay fever was obtained by questionnaire and allergic sensitization to grass and birch pollen, cat, and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were measured using SPT and RAST between September 1992 and July 1993. Thirty-eight children give a history of hay fever (3.5%) in 1992/93 and additionally 37 cases occurred until 1996. Allergic sensitization was present in 17.9% (SPT), 30.2% (RAST) and more frequent in children with a history of hay fever (SPT: OR 11.7, 5.5-24.7; RAST: OR 10.6, 4.3-26.4). This difference was most pronounced for sensitization to pollen allergens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) for SPT and RAST were 65.6, 83.7, 11.9, 98.6 and 79.3, 71.6, 9.3, 99.0, respectively, with differences for specificity being significant (p < 0.001). Whereas NPV were equally high for SPT (99.2) and RAST (99.3), the incidence of hay fever cases were predicted rather poorly though somewhat better by SPT than by RAST (PPV 16.7 vs. 9.8; p < 0.001) initially. With increasing cut-off point for RAST reactivity, the PPV increased and reached 25.0 at 17.5 kU/l, whereas the NPV decreased to 97.9, which was lower than that of SPT reactivity (p < 0.01). At the cut-off point of 1.5 kU/l almost identical predictive values for SPT and RAST were obtained. SPT and RAST perform better in the negative than positive prediction of hay fever cases in epidemiological studies. Differences in the predictive capabilities depend on the chosen cut-off point for RAST reactivity.

Allergens↗
PubMed2004

Different predictive values of electrophysiological testing and autonomic assessment in patients surviving a sustained arrhythmic episode.

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggest that the electrophysiological study (EPS) has limited value in the identification of high risk patients, so the aim of the present study was to evaluate if non-invasive measurement of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), a marker of autonomic balance, provides additional prognostic information in patients surviving a sustained arrhythmic episode. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study group comprised 112 post myocardial infarction patients consecutively referred for EPS following documented ventricular fibrillation (VF) (20), sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) (74) or a syncopal episode with subsequently documented non-sustained VT at Holter monitoring (18). BRS was assessed according to the transfer function method. A cardioverter - defibrillator (ICD) was implanted in 97 patients. During follow-up (median 315 days), appropriate ICD discharge occurred in 53 patients, and 3 more patients died suddenly. Sustained VT was induced in 84% and 77% of patients who did or did not develop arrhythmia at follow-up (p=0.34). No differences were found in age, sex, infarct site, drug therapy, resting RR interval or cycle of induced VT. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < or =35%, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class >2 and BRS < or =3.3 ms/mmHg were found to be univariate predictors of arrhythmia recurrence. Multivariate models were obtained after grouping patients according to a moderately or severely depressed LVEF. Among the patients with LVEF < or =35%, BRS < or =3.3 ms/mmHg emerged as the only significant risk predictor of arrhythmia occurrence (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value = 79%, 74%, 83% and 68%, respectively), whereas NYHA class >2 was a significant predictor among patients with LVEF >35%. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive BRS, but not EPS, is of value in predicting VT/VF episode recurrence in patients surviving a major arrhythmic event.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗