Predictors of sexual function during pregnancy.

The aim of the study was to evaluate sexual functions of pregnant women and to determine the factors affecting their sexual function. The cross-sectional study recruited 286 pregnant women from a hospital. To collect data, 'Patient Information Form', 'State Anxiety Inventory' and 'Female Sexual Function Index' were used. The mean age of women was 29.15 ± 4.85 and 77.6% of them presented with sexual dysfunction. Having partner at advanced age, a history of miscarriage, a history of health problem during previous pregnancy and a high level of anxiety were found to be factors negatively affecting sexual function. Health professionals should be aware of a number of risk factors that may contribute to sexual dysfunction in pregnant women.

Atherosclerosis, some serum inflammatory markers in psoriasis.

AIM: Psoriasis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease which is associated with increased inflammatory markers and atherosclerosis. We wanted to investigate whether there is a relationship between some inflammatory markers and subclinical atherosclerosis markers. METHODS: We studied 60 psoriasis patients and 50 healthy controls. Demographic, biochemical parameters, C3, C4, d-dimer, CRP, fibrinogen and YKL-40 (human cartilage glycoprotein-39) levels were measured. After measuring carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and aortic elasticity parameters such as aortic strain, (beta) stiffness index and compliance, statistical comparisons were done. RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis had significantly higher diastolic blood pressure, CRP, fibrinogen, C3, uric acid levels, ß-stiffness index, and cIMT values than the control group. cIMT was correlated with CRP, YKL-40 and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score (r=0.219, P=0.038; r=0.225, P=0.033 and r=0.275, P=0.034). Aortic strain (%), aortic compliance and aortic stiffness index were correlated with C3 (r=-0.349, r=-0.526 and r=0.235) and fibrinogen (r=-0.354, r=-0.275 and r=0.289), all P values <0.05, but not with PASI score. The presence of psoriasis was related to aortic strain (ß±SE: -2.055±0.861, P=0.019) and ß-stiffness index (ß±SE: 2.934±1.143, P=0.012). CONCLUSION: Serum C3, CRP, fibrinogen and YKL-40 levels are elevated as well as increased cIMT and impaired aortic elasticity in psoriasis. CRP, YKL-40 and PASI score are correlated with cIMT. Increased serum C3 and fibrinogen levels correlate negatively with aortic strain and aortic compliance, and correlate positively with the ß-stiffness index.

Effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on coronary blood flow in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is known to be associated with endothelial dysfunction (ED). Reducing ED can attenuate the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. One of the indicators of ED is decreased coronary blood flow (CBF). Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are known to directly improve ED in both euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions and have been shown to decrease the incidence of major cardiovascular events. We aimed to investigate whether SGLT-2is improves CBF in patients with T2DM, who have angiographically normal or nearly normal coronary arteries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, all patients who underwent coronary angiography between January 2017 and September 2022 were screened. We designed the study by dividing the patients into two groups - those who used conventional antidiabetic medications (CAM) together with SGLT-2is (patients using an SGLT-2 inhibitor for at least 3 months) and those who used only conventional antidiabetic medications. Of the 18,205 patients who underwent coronary angiography, 5,040 patients had T2DM. After exclusion, 288 patients were divided into two groups - those who used CAM together with SGLT-2is and those who used only CAM. CBF was assessed by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counting. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-eight patients who had T2DM and met the inclusion criteria were included in our study. The patients were divided into two groups - those who used CAM together with SGLT-2is (n = 75) and those who used only CAM (n = 213). The median age in the group that used CAM together with SGLT-2is was 55 (51-64), where 52 (69.3%) patients were female. The mean TIMI frame count (TFC) was 23.5 in the group using CAM + SGLT-2is and 27.5 in the group using only CAM. In the multivariable linear regression analysis, the mean TFC was significantly lower in the group using CAM together with SGLT-2is compared to the group using only CAM [ß-coefficient = -12.766, 95% Cl: -5.304; -3.887, p < 0.001]. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation between an increase in BMI and hemoglobin with an increase in the mean TFC [ß-coefficient = 3.018, 95% Cl 0.037-0.175, p = 0.003 and ß-coefficient = 2.316, 95% Cl 0.033-0.405, p = 0.021, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that the use of SGLT-2is improves coronary artery blood flow in patients with T2DM who have normal or nearly normal coronary angiography.

Relation of interatrial duration and p wave terminal force as a novel indicator of severe mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: Interatrial duration is defined as prolonged p wave on electrocardiogram. p waves with a negative terminal phase recorded in V1 enclosing an area of one small square on the electrocardiogram is significantly and strongly correlated with interatrial duration. The aim of study was to investigate whether interatrial duration with p terminal force can be used as reflection of echocardiographic severity of mitral regurgitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty two consecutive patients with mitral regurgitation. were prospectively studied. Age/gender matched 57 subjects who had normal mitral structure and did not have mitral regurgitation. Patients with mitral regurgitation referred to a single cardiac center for echocardiography and who met the entry criteria documented moderate or severe mitral regurgitation with sinus were included. The interatrial duration was defined on the routine 12-lead electrocardiogram (50 mm/s, 10 mm/mV) using the greatest duration of p waves from D2, D3, AVF and V1. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between interatrial duration (>/= 110 ms) and effective regurgitant orifice (r = 0.3, p < 0.001). However, left atrial diameter and brain natriuretic peptide were significantly higher in cases with mitral regurgitation. There was also strong correlation between interatrial duration (>/= 110 ms) and p terminal force and left atrial diameter. ROC analysis revealed that interatrial duration of > 110 msec. could predict of severe mitral regurgitation with 88% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Severe mitral regurgitation, left atrial diameter was correlated with p terminal force and interatrial duration. Significant interatrial duration (>/= 110 ms) and p terminal force might be considered as novel indicators of severe mitral regurgitation.

Do different abdominal incision techniques play a role in wound complications in patients operated on for gastrointestinal malignancies ? "Scalpel vs. electrocautery".

BACKGROUND: Despite the studies of animals that demonstrate better wound healing after abdominal incisions with the use of a scalpel rather than electocautery, clinical experience does not confirm these findings. The purpose of this study was to compare the early postoperative and late-term wound complication rates between the scalpel and electrocautery in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies undergoing midline abdominal incisions. METHODS: Patients undergoing midline abdominal incisions for gastrointestinal malignancies were randomly divided into two groups according to the method used to perform the incisions: scalpel or electrocautery. Complications were investigated, diagnosed and compared in the early postoperative and late-term follow-up periods. The independent samples, chi-square, and Student's t tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighteen patients were included to this study, of whom 97 (44.5%) were in the scalpel group and 121 (55.5%) in the electrocautery group. Both groups were similar with respect to their demographic, operative and postoperative characteristics. The analysis revealed no significant statistical differences in consideration of the incidences of either wound infection in the early postoperative period or incisional hernia in the late-term follow-up period between these two study groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Scalpel and electrocautery are similar in terms of early postoperative and late-term wound complications when used to perform midline abdominal incisions. Therefore, the choice of method remains a matter of the surgeon's preference.

The relationship between dermatological findings and serum interleukin 31 and serum uridine diphosphate glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase levels among patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous diseases are observed with increasing duration and severity of renal disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to elucidate dermatological manifestations at different stages of CKD and determine their relationship with interleukin 31 (IL-31), a T-cell cytokine that induces severe pruritus, and uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG), an enzyme that metabolizes ceramide, which plays an important role in moisturizing epidermis. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study 145 patients with a mean age of 46 ± 17 years were categorized into hemodialysis (group 1), peritoneal dialysis (group 2),  kidney transplant (group 3), CKD (group 4), and healthy control (group 5) groups. Serum IL-31 and  UGCG levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and clinical dermatologists evaluated dermatological manifestations. RESULTS: In the overall cohort, pruritus was significantly and inversely correlated with glomerular filtration rate and serum hemoglobin and albumin levels (p <0.005). Additionally, pruritus was significantly more frequent in group 2 than in group 5; and significantly less frequent in group 3 than in groups 1, 2, and 4 (p =0.01). In group 4, the patients with longitudinal nail ridges had significantly higher serum IL-31 levels than those without longitudinal nail ridges in their nails (p =0.02). Furthermore, in group 2, the patients with pruritus had significantly lower UGCG levels than those without pruritus (p =0.045). CONCLUSION: IL-31 might play a role in the development of longitudinal nail ridges, whereas UGCG might provide protection from pruritus and xerosis in patients with CKD.  HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(2): 75-80.

Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children and adolescents: experience in a single institution.

INTRODUCTION: Experience in the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the investigation and treatment of pancreaticobiliary disorders is relatively limited in children. This report reviews the experience in a single institution with pediatric ERCPs and documents the indications, success rate, diagnostic and therapeutic yields, complications, and the impact on patient management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of all consecutive patients aged < or = 18 years who underwent ERCP procedures between the years 1997 and 2007 were retrospectively identified through a computer database search. The database prospectively recorded the indications, findings, therapies, and complications. RESULTS: During the study period, 32 ERCP procedures were performed in 28 children with a median age of 13 (range 8 - 18) years. ERCPs were performed for biliary pathology in 21 (75 %) and for pancreatic pathology in 7 (25 %) patients. The most common biliary indications were suspected choledocholithiasis and postoperative bile leaks. Hydatid disease was the most common diagnosis that yielded bile leaks. The pancreatic indications were recurrent pancreatitis and traumatic pancreatic duct disruption. Cannulation of the desired duct was successful in all procedures. An endoscopic sphincterotomy, stone/sludge removal or a stent placement was performed in 20 (63 %) procedures. According to the long-term follow-up, avoidance from any further surgical interventions was achieved in 11 (65 %) children, in whom ERCP was undertaken as a therapeutic intervention. The complication rate was 6 % with the development of mild self-resolving pancreatitis in one patient and stent occlusion in another. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP in the pediatric population has a high success rate, both as a diagnostic tool and for therapeutic interventions, provided it is performed by experienced endoscopists. The delicate delineation of the anatomy by ERCP and its therapeutic potential make it absolutely superior to other less invasive tools such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.

Association between the plasma levels of IMA and coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden and ischemic burden in early phase of non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), a novel biochemical marker, is known to reflect ischemia in early phases of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In the present study, we evaluated the role of IMA on the prediction of coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden and ischemic burden in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-six consecutive NSTEACS patients presented within the first three hours of symptom onset were prospectively enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected in the first 30 min of admission for IMA measurement. Serum levels of IMA were analyzed using the rapid and colorimetric method and reported in absorbance units (ABSU). Coronary plaque burden was assessed by using angiographic Gensini score (GS). In addition, patients were divided into large (LIBG) and small ischemic burden (SIBG) groups based on angiography findings. RESULTS: Patients were dichotomized into two groups according to median GS as follows; with GS ≤ 44 and GS > 44, respectively. Mean IMA was significantly higher in GS > 44 group as compared to GS ≤ 44 group (0.746 ± 0.15 vs. 0.550 ± 0.12 ABSU, p < 0.001). The GS was positively correlated with the levels of IMA (r = 0.673, p < 0.001). IMA was significantly higher in LIBG as compared to SIBG (0.745 ± 0.16 vs. 0.570 ± 0.13 ABSU, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IMA measurement in early phases of NSTEACS may give predictive information about ischemic burden and coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden; thus, may be useful in decision-making about treatment options in these patients.

Cervical spinal cord stimulation improves neurological dysfunction induced by cerebral vasospasm.

The effect of cervical spinal cord stimulation on the cerebral blood flow has been investigated both experimentally and clinically since 1986. Although the effect of the spinal cord stimulation on cerebral ischemia induced by cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage has been investigated widely, neurological dysfunction induced by cerebral vasospasm and the effect of the spinal cord stimulation on neurological dysfunction have not been investigated so far. The aim of this study is to investigate the neurological dysfunction induced by cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage and whether the spinal cord stimulation improves this neurological dysfunction or not in New Zealand albino rabbits. The animals were divided into sham and experiment groups: Sham group. Motor evoked potentials were recorded before experimental procedure was performed in this group. Just after, intracisternal saline was injected and 3 days later a stimulation electrode was placed in the cervical epidural space. Motor evoked potentials were recorded but electrical stimulation was not applied. Experiment group. Firstly, motor evoked potentials had been recorded before experimental procedure was performed in also this group. After then a stimulation electrode was placed in the cervical epidural space of the animals in which subarachnoid hemorrhage procedure was performed 3 days ago. Motor evoked potentials were recorded both before and after spinal cord stimulation. Motor evoked potential latencies and amplitudes did not change in the sham operation group. But, motor evoked potential latencies extended and the amplitudes decreased in the experiment group before spinal cord stimulation. Spinal cord stimulation improved the changes occurring in latencies and amplitudes in the experiment group. Spinal cord stimulation improves the neurological dysfunction induced by cerebral vasospasm and motor evoked potentials recording is a reliable electrophysiological method to detect cerebral vasospasm and to assess the effects of different treatments in cerebral vasospasm.

The serum copeptin levels in obstructive sleep apnea patients with prehypertensive.

OBJECTIVE: Copeptin is a precursor of AVP, an antidiuretic hormone, plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is related to cardiovascular disease. We sought to evaluate the serum copeptin levels in newly diagnosed prehypertensive patients with OSAS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-four prehypertensive patients were evaluated using polysomnography and were divided into two groups, an OSAS (n = 41) group and a control (n = 43) group. Serum copeptin levels were measured using the ELISA method. RESULTS: Copeptin levels were significantly higher in the OSAS group compared to the control group (146 [93-739] pg/ml vs. 111 [33-253] pg/ml, respectively, p < 0.001). A regression analysis revealed that the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and the lowest SpO2 were related to serum copeptin levels (unstandardized ß = 1.02 ± 0.40, p = 0.014 and unstandardized ß = -3.1 ± 0.9, p = 0.048 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of our study, serum copeptin levels are higher in the prehypertensive patients with OSAS compared to those in the control group. Therefore, in assessing the severity of OSAS, serum copeptin levels can be a candidate for a biochemical marker in addition to polysomnographic findings.

Endoscopic diagnosis and management of complications following surgery for gallstones.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increasingly being performed for therapeutic purposes. This report reviews our experience in an attempt to determine the role and efficacy of ERCP in the management of postoperative complications following surgery for gallstones. METHODS: This study analyzes ERCP records of 418 patients performed in a single referral center after a surgery for gallstones, in the period from December 1991 to June 2000. RESULTS: A total of 451 endoscopic procedures were performed for 418 patients. The primary operations which required ERCP and were included in the study were laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n = 161, 38.5%), choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage (n = 157, 37.5%), open cholecystectomy (n = 82, 19.6%), choledochoduodenostomy (n = 14, 3.3%), and cholecystostomy (n = 4, 1%). Procedure was carried out successfully in 403 patients (96.4%), whereas a proper endoscopic diagnosis was not achieved in 15 (3.5%). Retained biliary stones (without any associated abnormality) were found in 163 (38.9%), ductal injuries in 44 (10.5%), biliary strictures in 21 (5.0%), papillary stenosis in 36 (8.6%), cystic stump leak (with or without retained stones) in 30 (7.1%), leak from T-tube tract (with/or without retained stones) in 20 (4.8%), and unsuspected malignancies in 18 (4.3%). A sole diagnostic cholangiography was obtained in 63 patients (15.0%). Patients were managed by debris or stone extraction in 169 (40.4%), endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in 145 patients (34.6%), stent insertion in 19 (4.5%), or dilatation in 2 (0.4%). Overall successful stone removal rate was 97.4%. Thirty-nine patients with normal cholangiographic findings underwent ES for the relief of presenting signs and symptoms. ERCP-related morbidity was 13.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The need for ERCP is rising, especially for stones retained after cholecystectomies. Endoscopy offers safe and effective methods in the treatment of bile leaks, unless associated with major ductal injuries. ES is a reasonable method for treating papillary stenosis and some post-cholecystectomy pain or symptoms.

False aneurysm of the hepatic artery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PURPOSE: A rare complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is defined: iatrogenic injuries to hepatic artery system which may evolve to pseudoaneurysms in the late postoperative period. This rare phenomenon may be overlooked and pose a challenge to surgeons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We will describe three cases with iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The onset of symptoms and the course of the disease was not uniform. Diagnosis was made after a considerable delay. In the first case, a small, uncomplicated extrahepatic pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated with coil embolization. The second patient who had an intrahepatic pseudoaneurysm with multiple injuries to the common bile duct and portal vein, did not survive despite surgical and endovascular interventions. In the latter, surgical treatment for a large pseudoaneurysm that had ruptured into the liver parenchyma was successfully conducted. Review of the literature reveals fifty-four more cholecystectomy-related pseudoaneurysms. The site of injury was the right hepatic artery in 61% of the cases and the presenting symptom was upper gastrointestinal bleeding (haemobilia) in two-third of the patients. Embolization was performed in 82% of the cases, and surgery was undertaken in the remaining 18%. CONCLUSION: Pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Prompt attention is necessary since the lesion has a high risk of rupture. Embolization is the first line of treatment and surgery is reserved for more complex injuries and cases with life-threatening rupture of the aneurysm.

Comparison of maternal-and paternal-fetal attachment in Turkish couples.

OBJECTIVE: to compare maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and paternal-fetal attachment (PFA) in terms of selected variables. DESIGN: cross-sectional study. SETTING: three training hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. The study was performed between December 2005 and March 2006. PARTICIPANTS: a total of 144 pregnant women and 144 partners participated in the study; the response rate was 98%. FINDINGS: there was a statistically significant difference between MFA and PFA scores (p<0.001). A comparison of MFA and PFA scores according to the selected variables (education, employment status, planning of pregnancy, pregnancy risk status) revealed that the MFA scores for pregnant women were significantly higher than the PFA scores of their partners, except for unemployed partners. The MFA (rho=-0.24, p<0.004) and PFA (rho=-0.32, p<0.001) scores decreased with increasing age of both pregnant women and their partners. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: although partners have lower fetal attachment scores than pregnant women, it is important to recognise factors influencing the attachment of the mother and father towards their fetus. Prenatal midwives and nurses are in a unique position to assess attachment and to intervene to promote attachment behaviours.

Sympathetic skin responses in reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

This study was performed to determine the utility of sympathetic skin response (SSR) in evaluating the sympathetic function and to follow up the effects of sympathetic blockade in reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). Thirty patients having RSD with upper extremity involvement were randomly divided into two groups. Besides medical therapy and exercise, physical therapy agents were applied to both the groups. In addition to this treatment protocol, stellar ganglion blockade was done by diadynamic current in Group II. The normal sides of the patients were used for the control group. SSRs were measured in all the patients before and after the therapy. The amplitude was found to be increased and the latency was found to be decreased in the affected side in both the groups before the therapy. After the therapy, the amplitude was decreased and latency was increased in both the groups. But, the differences in amplitude (P = 0.001) and latency (P = 0.002) before and after the therapy were significantly higher in Group II. (Before the treatment, SSRs were significantly different between the normal and the affected sides in both the groups. The observed change in SSRs after the treatment was higher in Group II.) It was concluded that, SSR can be a useful and noninvasive method in diagnosing the sympathetic dysfunction in RSD and can be used for evaluating the response to sympathetic blockade and other treatment modalities.

A case of protrusion of an intraperitoneal chemotherapy catheter through rectum.

Bowel penetration of an intraperitoneal catheter occurred in a patient who had received a course of uncomplicated intraperitoneal chemotherapy for a persistent ovarian carcinoma. One month after the termination of chemotherapy, she presented with protrusion of a catheter through anus. At operation, the catheter was removed, the rectum was repaired primarily, and a cytoreductive surgery was performed.

Relapsing polychondritis with involvement of posterior inferior cerebellar artery causing acute lateral medullary syndrome.

We present a patient with relapsing polychondritis who presented with findings of lateral medullary syndrome, known as the syndrome of Wallenberg, produced by infarction of a wedge of lateral medulla lying posterior to the inferior olivary nucleus. Angiographic examination showed complete occlusion of the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery and segmental narrowings in the basilar artery. We believe that the angiographic findings were based on an underlying vasculitis because of his relapsing polychondritis. This is the first case of relapsing polychondritis with angiographically demonstrated posterior inferior cerebellar artery involvement. Although this syndrome is usually a result of atherosclerosis, our case suggests that vasculitis must also be considered because it may respond to treatment with corticosteroids.

Carpal tunnel syndrome leads to significant bone loss in metacarpal bones.

The present study was designed to determine bone density modifications at the forearm and metacarpal bones in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the one-third distal end and for the total of the radius-ulna, together with the third and fourth metacarpal bones, in 48 clinically and electrophysiologically diagnosed (18 unilateral and 15 bilateral) affected extremities in 33 premenopausal women (mean age 38.9 +/- 6.5 years) with CTS. BMD values for non-affected extremities were used as controls for comparison with affected extremities. Bone mass was decreased approximately 7% in the forearm region (P < 0.02) and 18% in metacarpal bones (P < 0.01) of the thenar atrophy associated group compared with controls. A significant correlation was observed between disease duration (mean duration 3.2 +/- 2.7 years) and the decrease in metacarpal bone density (r = 0.43; P = 0.004). This is the first clinical report of quantified bone loss in affected extremities in patients with CTS, and the results suggest the need for further studies to assess the clinical significance and morbidity of this pathology, especially in patients with thenar atrophy.

Supression of cardiac parasympathetic functions in patients with right hemispheric stroke.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sympathetic and cardiac parasympathetic function and the side of the lesion in stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with stroke and 29 healthy age-matched control subjects were studied. Sympathetic skin responses (SSR) and RR interval variations (RRIV) during rest and deep breathing were recorded for the assessment of sympathetic and vagal parasympathetic function, respectively. RESULTS: The mean SSR amplitude values in patients compared with controls were 337 +/- 244 versus 1897 +/- 848 (P < 0.0001) for right hemispheric lesions and 466 +/- 398 versus 1873 +/- 843 (P < 0.0001) for left hemispheric lesions. The mean SSR latencies in patients compared with controls were 1526 +/- 163 versus 1395 +/- 109 (P < 0.05) for right hemispheric lesions and 1490 +/- 125 versus 1423 +/- 112 (P < 0.05) for left hemispheric lesions. RRIV (during deep breathing)/RRIV (at rest) ratios in patients compared with controls were 1.20 +/- 0.25 versus 1.84 +/- 0. 52 (P < 0.0001), and 1.55 +/- 0.88 versus 1.84 +/- 0.52 (P < 0.05) for right and left hemispheric lesions, respectively. CONCLUSION: Supression of vagal parasympathetic activity was more apparent in stroke patients with right hemispheric lesions in our series. Therefore, the right hemisphere seems to have a greater effect upon parasympathetic activity.