Comparison of atenolol versus bisoprolol with noninvasive hemodynamic and pulse wave assessment.

We aimed to compare atenolol versus bisoprolol regarding general hemodynamics, central-peripheral blood pressure (BP), pulse wave parameters, and arterial stiffness. In this open-label, crossover study, we recruited 19 hypertensives, untreated or with stable monotherapy. Patients were randomized to receive atenolol (25-50 mg) or bisoprolol (2.5-5 mg), and then switched medications after 4 weeks. Studies were performed at baseline and after each drug period. In pulse wave analyses, both drugs significantly increased augmentation index (P < .01) and ejection duration (P < .02), and reduced heart rate (P < .001), brachial systolic BP (P ≤ .01), brachial diastolic BP (P ≤ .001), and central diastolic BP (P ≤ .001), but not central systolic BP (P ≥ .06). Impedance cardiographic assessment showed a significantly increased stroke volume (P ≤ .02). There were no significant differences in the effects between drugs. In conclusion, atenolol and bisoprolol show similar hemodynamic characteristics. Failure to decrease central systolic BP results from bradycardia with increased stroke volume and an earlier reflected aortic wave.

[Continuing medical education: a clinical research institutional project]. / Proyecto institucional para la educación médica continua en investigación clínica.

In Argentina, education in clinical investigation is based on courses with theoric content. In developed countries programs with ongoing and practical content exist, generating the proper context to learn. In 2006, the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (HIBA) created an area to train physicians, Research Area in Internal Medicine, and enable them to participate in every step of the clinical investigation process. The objective of this study is to describe this teaching area and its impact on the investigation in Internal Medicine in the HIBA, in the period 2006-2008. This area counts with fellow positions and provides training in Clinical Investigation for rotating residents. It has different activities including lectures, project counseling and 3 ongoing Institutional Registers for prevalent medical problems, 33% (6/18) of Intern staff are currently participating, with 3 fellows and 7 monitors for the Registers; 25 residents rotated in the area and generated their own research projects. 59 posters were presented in local and international congresses. Currently 6 original articles are in process of publication and 2 in peer review evaluation. A survey was carried out to evaluate the area where 76% (35/46) of the participants believed that they have acquired new skills; with 93% (44/47) using these knowledges in their every day practice. A 100% thought that they were adequately oriented in their projects, their ideas being fully respected (97%) (45/46). The inclusion of the Research Area in Internal Medicine improved the knowledge of the process of clinical Investigation and increased independent scientific production.

Proyecto institucional para la educación médica continua en investigación clínica / Continuing medical education: A clinical research institutional project

En la Argentina, educar en investigación clínica consiste principalmente en cursos teóricos. En países desarrollados existen programas que generan el entorno propicio para un aprendizaje práctico y continuo. En el 2006, en el Servicio de Clínica Médica del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires se creó el Área de Investigación en Medicina Interna para formar profesionales capaces de participar en todas las etapas de la investigación clínica. El propósito de este estudio es describir el área y su impacto en la educación en investigación en medicina interna durante el período 2006-2008. El proyecto cuenta con un programa de capacitación en investigación clínica para residentes y otro de perfeccionamiento para becarios. Además de becas, asesoramiento en proyectos, ateneos sobre investigación clínica y registros de enfermedades prevalentes en medicina interna. Participan el 33% (6/18) de los clínicos de internación, se encuentran en formación 3 becarios y 7 monitores de investigación. 25 residentes pasaron por el programa de capacitación, completaron una propuesta de investigación 19 (76%). Se hicieron 59 presentaciones en congresos. Se encuentran en proceso de publicación 6 artículos originales y 2 en revisión por comités editoriales. De un cuestionario de evaluación del área, el 76% (35/46) considera que ha adquirido nuevas habilidades, y 93% (44/47) refiere que las utiliza en la práctica diaria. El 100% (47/47) considera que ha recibido orientación adecuada. El 97% (45/46) considera que sus ideas han sido respetadas. La implementación del área de investigación logró aumentar la capacitación y producción científica en investigación clínica independiente.

In Argentina, education in clinical investigation is based on courses with theoric content. In developed countries programs with ongoing and practical content exist, generating the proper context to learn. In 2006, the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (HIBA) created an area to train physicians, Research Area in Internal Medicine, and enable them to participate in every step of the clinical investigation process. The objective of this study is to describe this teaching area and its impact on the investigation in Internal Medicine in the HIBA, in the period 2006-2008. This area counts with fellow positions and provides training in Clinical Investigation for rotating residents. It has different activities including lectures, project counseling and 3 ongoing Institutional Registers for prevalent medical problems, 33% (6/18) of Intern staff are currently participating, with 3 fellows and 7 monitors for the Registers; 25 residents rotated in the area and generated their own research projects. 59 posters were presented in local and international congresses. Currently 6 original articles are in process of publication and 2 in peer review evaluation. A survey was carried out to evaluate the area where 76% (35/46) of the participants believed that they have acquired new skills; with 93% (44/47) using these knowledges in their every day practice. A 100% thought that they were adequately oriented in their projects, their ideas being fully respected (97%) (45/46). The inclusion of the Research Area in Internal Medicine improved the knowledge of the process of clinical Investigation and increased independent scientific production.