mmHg Vs (mmhg + v)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Studies of associations between the Arg389Gly polymorphism of the ,1 -adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB1) and hypertension and obesity in 7677 Danish white subjects

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 4 2007
A. P. Gjesing
Abstract Aims, Activation of the ,1 -adrenergic receptor (ADRB1) causes increased lipolysis in adipose tissue and enhances cardiac output. Analysis of the association of the functional ADRB1 Arg389Gly variant with obesity and hypertension has given ambiguous results. To clarify the potential impact of this variant on obesity and hypertension in the general population, we examined the Arg389Gly variant in a relatively large-scale population-based study. Methods, Case-control studies and quantitative trait analyses were carried out in 7677 Danish Caucasians who were genotyped for the Arg389Gly variant (dbSNP rs1801253) using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Results, A weak association between the Gly allele of the Arg389Gly variant and obesity was observed when comparing cases (n = 1540) defined as body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 with control subjects (n = 6108) defined as BMI , 30 kg/m2 for both allele frequencies (P = 0.05) and genotype distribution (P = 0.05). Case-control studies (cases n = 2518; control n = 3981) examining the effect on hypertension showed no association with allele frequencies (P = 0.3) or genotype distribution (P = 0.5); however, in the quantitative trait analyses, individuals carrying the Gly allele had slightly but significantly lower diastolic (Arg/Arg = 81.9 mmHg vs. Gly-allele carriers = 81.5 mmHg) and systolic (Arg/Arg = 129.4 mmHg vs. Gly-allele carriers = 128.8 mmHg) blood pressure as well as a lower mean arterial blood pressure. Conclusion, Our results suggest that the Arg389Gly polymorphism does not have any clinically important impact on the pathogenesis of obesity in Danish white subjects. Furthermore, despite the observed minor influence on blood pressure, this variant is most likely not to be a major contributor to the development of hypertension. [source]


Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication for achalasia: long-term outcomes and effect on chest pain

DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 4 2010
A. Sasaki
SUMMARY The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (LHD) and its effect on chest pain. Between June 1995 and August 2009, a total of 35 patients with achalasia underwent an LHD. The symptom scores were calculated by combining the frequency and the severity. Pre- and postoperative evaluations included symptom score, radiology, manometry, and 24-hour pH manometry. Median total symptom score was significantly lower than the preoperative score (19 vs 4, P < 0.001) at a median follow-up of 94 months. Among the 35 patients, 18 (51%) had chest pain. The frequency of chest pain was similar for the pre- and postoperative scores, but the severity tended to be less. Median esophageal diameter (5.4 cm vs 3.5 cm, P < 0.001) and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (41 mmHg vs 8.9 mmHg, P < 0.001) were significantly reduced after surgery. Median age, duration of symptoms, esophageal diameter, and lower esophageal sphincter pressure were similar between patients with and without chest pain prior to surgery. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of amplitude, duration, and frequency of contractions from the findings of postoperative 24-hour esophageal manometry. Chest pain resolved in three patients (17%) and improved in seven patients (39%) after surgery. LHD can durably relieve achalasic symptoms of both dysphagia and regurgitation, and it can be considered the surgical procedure of choice. However, achalasic chest pain does not always seem to be related with patient characteristics and manometric findings. [source]


Gastroesophageal reflux before and after Helicobacter pylori eradication.

DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 4 2003
A prospective study using ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH monitoring
SUMMARY, The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of GERD before and after Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication utilizing 24-h esophageal pH/manometry studies. Helicobacter pylori status was confirmed by the Campylobacter like organism test. Those testing positive underwent 24-h pH/manometry followed by HP eradication therapy and urea breath test. Patients were followed up at 6 months and then at 1 year when they underwent a repeat 24-h pH/manometry. Twenty patients, 10 with non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and 10 with duodenal ulcer (DU) were enrolled, though only 10 patients attended for a repeat 24-h pH/manometry study. The patients were well matched, though patients with NUD had a significantly higher symptom score at entry compared with the DU group (8.5 vs 5.7, P < 0.05). The pH and esophageal manometry data were similar in the two groups. Overall nine patients (45%; DU = 5, NUD = 4) had evidence of GERD prior to HP eradication and it persisted one year after cure of the infection. The reflux disease occurred in the presence of normal LES pressure (mean 15.6 ± 3.3 mmHg). New onset GERD was uncommon after cure of HP infection, occurring in only one patient with NUD. Overall HP eradication had no impact on percentage of time pH < 4 (4.69 ± 3 vs 4.79 ± 3), episodes > 5 min (9.8 ± 16 vs 15.5 ± 25.3) and Johnson DeMeester Score (16.8 ± 7.5 vs 26.8 ± 18). In addition successful cure of HP produced no significant changes in LES pressure (17.9 ± 3.8 mmHg vs 19.3 ± 4.6 mmHg), and other esophageal manometry data. Half of HP-positive patients with NUD and DU have evidence of GERD before HP eradication. This persists after successful cure of the infection. New onset GERD occurs very uncommonly one year after HP eradication. [source]


The effects of exercise during hemodialysis on adequacy

HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2005
C. Caner
Pedalling during hemodialysis (HD) has been shown to increase solute clearance in a previous study. In the present study, we aimed to test whether an easy to perform exercise program, not requiring a special device, could yield similar outcomes. Fifteen HD patients with the mean age of 48.4 ± 3.8 years were enrolled into the study. Patients with significant access recirculation (>10%), moderate to severe coronary artery disease, moderate to severe heart failure, severe chronic obstructive lung disease, and history of lower extremity surgery during last three month period were excluded. All patients were studied on two consecutive HD sessions with identical prescriptions. At the first session, standard HD was applied without exercise, whereas in the second session lower extremity exercise of 30 minutes duration was added. Reduction rates and rebound for urea, creatinine, and potassium and Kt/V were calculated. Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied in analysis and p < 0.05 was accepted as significance level. All patients completed the study. When both sessions were compared, mean arterial blood pressure (97 ± 3 mmHg vs 120 ± 4 mmHg, p < 0.001) and heart rate (77 ± 1 beats/min vs 92 ± 3 beats/min, p < 0.001) were higher in the exercise group. On the other hand, urea reduction rates, rebound values of urea, creatinine, and potassium were similar in both groups. Conclusion:,In the study, we did not observe any changes in solute rebound and clearance with the exercise. Shorter duration of the exercise may be the explanation of failure to achieve desired outcomes. Increasing patients' tolerance and fitness levels by means of steadily increasing exercise programs may be of help. Additionally, mode of exercise may also be responsible for different outcomes. [source]


Dysfunction of oesophageal motility in Helicobacter pylori -infected patients with reflux oesophagitis

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 12 2001
J. C. Y. Wu
Background: Helicobacter pylori infection has been suggested to be protective against gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. However, a significant proportion of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are infected by H. pylori. Aim: To study oesophageal motor function in H. pylori -infected patients with reflux oesophagitis. Methods: Patients with erosive reflux oesophagitis were recruited prospectively for stationary oesophageal manometry and 24-h ambulatory oesophageal pH monitoring. H. pylori status was determined by biopsy urease test. Non-reflux volunteers were recruited as controls. Results: Seventy-four patients with erosive oesophagitis (34 H. pylori -positive, 40 H. pylori -negative) and 48 non-reflux patient controls (22 H. pylori -positive, 26 H. pylori -negative) were recruited. There was no difference in severity of oesophagitis (median grade, 1; P=0.53) or oesophageal acid exposure (total percentage time oesophageal pH < 4, 7.6% vs. 6.8%; P=0.57) between H. pylori -positive and H. pylori -negative groups. Compared to H. pylori -negative patients, H. pylori -positive patients had significantly lower basal lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (12.2 mmHg vs. 15.3 mmHg; P=0.03) and amplitude of distal peristalsis (56.9 mmHg vs. 68.4 mmHg; P=0.03). Ineffective oesophageal motility (14% vs. 7%; P=0.02) and failed oesophageal peristalsis were also significantly more prevalent in H. pylori -positive patients. Conclusions: Among patients with a similar degree of reflux oesophagitis, H. pylori -infected patients have more severe oesophageal dysmotility and lower oesophageal sphincter dysfunction. Oesophageal motor dysfunction probably plays a dominant role in the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in patients with H. pylori infection. [source]


Vagal dysfunction in irritable bowel syndrome assessed by rectal distension and baroreceptor sensitivity

NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 4 2008
R. Spaziani
Abstract, Autonomic nervous system dysfunction has been implicated in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study characterized the autonomic response to rectal distension in IBS using baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS), a measure of autonomic function. Rectal bag pressure, discomfort, pain, ECG, blood pressure and BRS were continuously measured before, during and after rectal distension in 98 healthy volunteers (34 ± 12 years old, 52 females) and 39 IBS patients (39 ± 11 years old, 35 females). In comparison with the healthy volunteers, IBS patients experienced significantly more discomfort (69 ± 2.2% vs 56 ± 3.6%; P < 0.05), but not pain (9 ± 1.4% vs 6 ± 2.4%; ns) with rectal distension despite similar distension pressures (51 ± 1.4 vs 54 ± 2.4 mmHg; ns) and volumes (394 ± 10.9 vs 398 ± 21.5 mL; ns). With rectal distension, heart rate increased in both healthy volunteers (66 ± 1 to 71 ± 1 bpm; P < 0.05) and IBS patients (66 ± 2 to 74 ± 3 bpm; P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure also increased in both healthy volunteers (121 ± 2 to 143 ± 2 mmHg; P < 0.05) and patients (126 ± 3 to 153 ± 4 mmHg (P < 0.05) as did diastolic blood pressure, 66 ± 2 to 80 ± 2 mmHg (P < 0.05), compared with 68 ± 3 to 84 ± 3 mmHg (P < 0.05) in IBS patients. The systolic blood pressure increase observed in IBS patients was greater than that seen in healthy volunteers and remained elevated in the post distension period (139 ± 3 mmHg vs 129 ± 2 mmHg; P < 0.05). IBS patients had lower BRS (7.85 ± 0.4 ms mmHg,1) compared with healthy volunteers (9.4 ± 0.3; P < 0.05) at rest and throughout rectal distension. Greater systolic blood pressure response to rectal distension and associated diminished BRS suggests a compromise of the autonomic nervous system in IBS patients. [source]


Role of arterial blood gas abnormalities in oedema formation in COPD

RESPIROLOGY, Issue 4 2004
Fisun KARADAG
Objective: Renal and hormonal abnormalities, manifesting as oedema or hyponatraemia, are often seen in patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of airflow obstruction and arterial blood gas abnormalities on oedema formation in COPD patients. Methodology: A total of 58 COPD patients hospitalized for treatment of COPD exacerbation were admitted to the study. Of these, 38 patients had peripheral oedema (group 1) and 20 patients had no oedema (group 2). Results: The mean age was 68 ± 9 years in group 1 and 68 ± 8 years in group 2. On the first day of admission, serum urea was 29.18 ± 12.25 mg/dL and creatinine was 1.62 ± 0.46 mg/dL in group 1, while urea was 15.50 ± 4.59 mg/dL and creatinine was 1.07 ± 0.10 mg/dL in group 2. Hyponatraemia occurred in five patients (13%) in group 1 and one patient (5%) in group 2. There was no difference in severity of airflow obstruction in the two groups; FEV1 was 44 ± 15% of predicted and FEV1/FVC was 53 ± 14 in group 1, while FEV1 was 45 ± 16% of predicted and FEV1/FVC was 54 ± 20 in group 2. There were statistically significant differences in pH (7.32 vs. 7.39; P= 0.013) and in PaCO2 (62 ± 10 mmHg vs. 42 ± 6; P= 0.048) for group 1 compared with group 2. PaO2 (62 ± 17 mmHg vs. 82 ± 27) and Sao2 (87 ± 9%vs. 90 ± 13) were found to be lower in group 1 compared with group 2 but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Alterations in pH and PaCO2 (respiratory acidosis and hypercapnia) appear to have more prominent roles than hypoxaemia in oedema formation in COPD patients. [source]


Improved Outcomes in Islet Isolation and Transplantation by the Use of a Novel Hemoglobin-based O2 Carrier

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 12 2006
J. G. Avila
During isolation, islets are exposed to warm ischemia. In this study, intraductal administration of oxygenated polymerized, stroma-free hemoglobin-pyridoxalated (Poly SFH-P) was performed to improve O2 delivery. Rat pancreata subjected to 30-min warm ischemia were perfused intraductally with collagenase in oxygenated Poly SFH-P/RPMI or RPMI (control). PO2 was increased by Poly SFH-P (381.7 ± 35.3 mmHg vs. 202.3 ± 28.2, p = 0.01) and pH maintained within physiological range (7.4,7.2 vs. 7.1,6.6, p = 0.009). Islet viability (77%± 4.6 vs. 63%± 4.7, p = 0.04) was improved and apoptosis lower with Poly SFH-P (caspase-3: 34,714 ± 2167 vs. 45,985 ± 1382, respectively, p = 0.01). Poly SFH-P improved islet responsiveness to glucose as determined by increased intracellular Ca2+ levels and improved insulin secretion (SI 5.4 ± 0.1 vs. 3.1 ± 0.2, p = 0.03). Mitochondrial integrity was improved in Poly SFH-P-treated islets, which showed higher percentage change in membrane potential after glucose stimulation (14.7%± 1.8 vs. 9.8 ± 1.4, respectively, p < 0.05). O2 delivery by Poly SFH-P did not increase oxidative stress (GSH 7.1 ± 2.9 nm/mg protein for Poly SFH-P vs. 6.8 ± 2.4 control, p = 0.9) or oxidative injury (MDA 1.8 ± 0.9 nmol/mg protein vs. 6.2 ± 2.4, p = 0.19). Time to reach normoglycemia in transplanted diabetic nude mice was shorter (1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 7 ± 2.5 days, p = 0.02), and glucose tolerance improved in the Poly SFH-P group (AUC 8106 ± 590 vs. 10,863 ± 946, p = 0.03). Oxygenated Poly SFH-P improves islet isolation and transplantation outcomes by preserving mitochondrial integrity. [source]


Faecal incontinence after lateral internal sphincterotomy is often associated with coexisting occult sphincter defects: A study using endoanal ultrasonography

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 10 2001
Joe J. Tjandra
Background: Troublesome faecal incontinence following a lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is often attributed to faulty surgical techniques: division of excessive amount of internal sphincter or inadvertent injury to the external sphincter. The aim of the present paper was to assess the anatomic and physiological factors that may contribute to faecal incontinence following a technically satisfactory lateral internal sphincterotomy by a group of colorectal specialists. Methods: Fourteen patients (nine women, five men; median age: 38 years; range: 23,52 years) who developed troublesome postoperative faecal incontinence were evaluated by clinical assessment, endoanal ultrasonography and anorectal physiological studies (manometry, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency) by two independent observers. The Cleveland Clinic continence score (0,20; 0, perfect continence; 20, complete incontinence) was used to quantify the severity of faecal incontinence. Fourteen continent subjects after a LIS (nine female patients, five male patients; median age: 36 years; range: 20,44 years) were also evaluated as ,continent' controls (continence score , 4). Results: In the incontinent group, the median postoperative Cleveland Clinic continence score was 9 (range: 6,13) compared with a preoperative score of 1 (range: 0,3). On assessment by endoanal ultrasonography the site of the internal sphincterotomy was clearly identified. There were additional coexisting defects, on endoanal ultrasonography, of the external anal sphincter in seven female patients, of the internal sphincter in two female and two male patients; and a defect of both the external and internal sphincters in a male patient who had had a prior fistulotomy. The pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) was prolonged in two female patients on the side contralateral to the lateral internal sphincterotomy. In two of five male patients there was no evidence of any occult sphincter injuries. In the continent controls a defect of the distal portion of the external sphincter was noted in one female patient. None of the patients had a prolonged PNTML. The maximum voluntary contraction was significantly lower in the female subjects than in the female continent controls (92 mmHg vs 140 mmHg; P < 0.05), while the resting anal canal pressures and length of the high pressure zone were similar between the study subjects and the continent controls. Conclusion: Troublesome faecal incontinence after a satisfactorily performed lateral internal sphincterotomy is often associated with coexisting occult sphincter defects. [source]


Levosimendan versus Dobutamine in Heart Failure Patients Treated Chronically with Carvedilol

CARDIOVASCULAR THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2008
Hamza Duygu
Introduction: Although beta-blockers are highly effective in the treatment of heart failure (HF), many patients with HF receiving a beta-blocker continue to become decompensated and require hospitalization for worsening HF. Levosimendan and dobutamine are used to manage decompensated HF, but their comparative effects on left ventricular (LV) function in patients prescribed beta-blockers are unknown. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dobutamine and levosimendan on LV systolic and diastolic functions in chronic HF patients treated chronically with carvedilol. Forty patients with chronic HF who had NYHA class III to IV symptoms, a LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%, and ongoing treatment with carvedilol were enrolled in this randomized (1:1), dobutamine controlled, open-label study. Before and 24 h after treatment, LVEF, mitral inflow peak E and A wave velocity, E/A ratio, the deceleration time of the E wave (DT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), peak systolic (Sm) and early diastolic (Em) mitral annular velocity, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) were measured by echocardiography. Results: Levosimendan produced a statistically significant increase in LVEF (28 ± 5% vs. 33 ± 3%), Sm (6.5 ± 1.2 cm/s vs. 7.4 ± 0.9 cm/s), DT (120 ± 10 ms vs. 140 ± 15 ms), and Em (7.5 ± 0.4 cm/s vs. 8.1 ± 0.5 cm/s) and significant decrease in E/A ratio (2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 1.7 ± 0.4) and SPAP (55 ± 5 mmHg vs. 40 ± 7 mmHg). No significant change occurred in LV systolic and diastolic function parameters, or SPAP with dobutamine treatment. Levosimendan did not significantly alter the heart rate (72 ± 4 bpm vs. 70 ± 3 bpm), systolic (105 ± 5 mmHg vs. 102 ± 4 mmHg), or diastolic blood pressure (85 ± 5 mmHg vs. 83 ± 5 mmHg) whereas with dobutamine treatment, all these parameters significantly increased. Conclusions: Dobutamine and levosimendan have different effects on LV functions in patients treated chronically with carvedilol. These differences should be considered when selecting inotropic therapy for decompensated HF receiving long-term carvedilol. [source]