Mentalizing abilities mediate the impact of the basic social perception on negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

Social cognitive deficits are currently considered as one of the main predictors of clinical symptoms and functional outcome in patients with schizophrenia. Multiple studies have suggested that a two-factor solution (low-level vs. high-level) best describes the structure of social cognitive processes in patients. While higher-order processes have been repeatedly linked to negative symptoms, no such association was found for lower-level processes. Thus, the aim of the current study is to examine whether the association between basic social perception processes and symptoms in patients with schizophrenia is mediated by mentalizing abilities. One hundred thirty-nine patients have completed basic social perception (Communicative Interactions Database task CID-12) and mentalizing (Reading the Mind in the Eyes task) tasks. In line with our hypothesis, we have observed full mediation of the effects of basic social perception abilities on negative symptoms via mentalizing abilities in patients. This effect suggests that, similarly as in the case of positive symptoms, a hierarchical nature of social cognitive processes should be considered while investigating negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Serum levels of PYY(1-36) peptide in patients with schizophrenia on clozapine monotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: The present study was undertaken to determine if patients with schizophrenia on clozapine monotherapy have lower serum levels of peptide YY [PYY(1-36)], which is an endogenous inhibitor of food intake, comparing to healthy controls. METHODS: Data for 24 patients (mean age 38.8 years) with paranoid schizophrenia on clozapine monotherapy and 24 healthy subjects (gender- and age-matched; mean age 39.9 years) were analyzed. RESULTS: Fasting serum levels of PYY(1-36) were lower in the clozapine group (178.4±138.4 vs. 277.4±218.1 pg/mL, p=0.034). In the whole study sample PYY(1-36) levels were lower in subjects with body mass index≥25 kg/m(2) (p=0.03) and in subjects with abdominal obesity defined using International Diabetes Foundation criteria (p=0.04). There were no significant differences for metabolic syndrome, smoking, impaired fasting glucose, dyslipidemia, and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) defined insulin resistance. DISCUSSION: RESULTS suggest that weight is asso-ciated with levels of PYY. Patients on clozapine had higher body mass index, but not fat mass index or body weight, therefore lower levels of PYY(1-36) in patients taking clozapine may result from clozapine-induced weight gain and central -obesity.

[Function of the left atrial appendage after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm]. / Czynnosc uszka lewego przedsionka po kardiowersji elektrycznej migotania przedsionków do rytmu zatokowego.

INTRODUCTION: It is widely believed that atrial fibrillation appears in a secondly manner to atrial enlargement. Morfological alteration might be the source of disturbance of electrical activation and mechanical function to fibres that facilitate arrhythmia preservation as well as life threatening complications. THE OBJECTIVE: It is crucial to establish whether reversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm causes size diminishment and function improvement of the left atrial appendage, which creates hope to avoid dangerous complications, particularly systemic embolisation. DATA AND METHODOLOGY: 30 patients were qualified including 18 males and 12 females aged between 52 and 86 (average age was 63.81 +/- 9.22). All the patients suffered from nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. The echocardiographic examination was conducted before reversion of atrial fibrillation, right after reaching sinus rhythm and after 6 months observation at sustained sinus rhythm. During the transesophageal echocardiographic examination the following parameters were investigated: LAApodl, LAApoprz, LAAobw, LAApole, LAAF, LAAB, LAAF intg, LAAB intg, spontaneous echocardiographic contrast, thrombus. RESULTS: Left atrial appendage size right after reversion of atrial fibrillation did not considerably differ from the values registered at the time of arrhythmia. It significantly diminished in the case of sustained stabilisation of sinus rhythm. The diminishment of the left atrial appendage size was connected with its function improvement expressed by increased maximum filling and emptying velocities as well as their integrals. SEC appearance frequency considerably increased right after reaching sinus rhythm. SEC appeared very rarely in the examination after 6 months. No single case of THR in LAA was noted. At the same time several cases of THR were disclosed both before and directly after restoration of sinus rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: Sinus rhythm restoration and its sustaining for a longer period of time results in size diminishing and function improvement of left atrial appendage. The stability of sinus rhythm is closely tied with thromboembolism risk factors.

[The effect of prokinetic treatment and eradication of Helicobacter pylori on gastric emptying and symptoms of functional dyspepsia]. / Wplyw leczenia prokinetycznego i eradykacji Helicobacter pylori na opróznianie zoladka i objawy dyspepsji czynnosciowej.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to estimate clinical symptoms and gastric emptying in functional dyspepsia (f.d.) before and after treatment. METHODS: 40 patients were examined. Control group consisted of 10 healthy volunteers. The severity of symptoms was estimated in 0-3 score. Gastric emptying was measured with radionuclide method. Examinations were performed prior and after treatment with famotidine (group I), cisaprid + famotidine (group II), cisaprid (group III), eradication of H.p. (group IV). RESULTS: Significantly delayed gastric emptying was observed in patients with f.d. Severity of symptoms score was significantly reduced after treatment, and was: group. I 13.8-11.2, group II. 14.8-8.8, group III 13.7-6.9, group IV 13.3-9.0. Gastric emptying was improved after treatment in groups: II 64.3-45.5 and III 65.1-46.7 respectively. In groups I and IV there was a minor nonsignificant change in gastric emptying. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Gastric emptying is significantly delayed in patients with f.d. 2. Prokinetic therapy with cisapride results in the improvement of gastric emptying together with alleviation of clinical symptoms of f.d. 3. Antisecretory treatment with famotidine and eradication of Helicobacter pylori do not effect gastric emptying, but exerts positive clinical response.

[Usefulness of selected echocardiographic parameters at prognosing recurrence of nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation]. / Przydatnosc wybranych parametrów echokardiograficznych w prognozowaniu nawrotu migotania przedsionków.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrence of atrial fibrillation (FA) is very important problem after sinus rhythm (SR) restoration. The aim of study was to determinate a correlation between FA recurrence and echocardiographic parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 98 patients (40 women and 58 men, age 36 do 86, mean 64.72 +/- 10.43 years) with nonrheumatic FA the SR was restored. For left atrium (LA) and its appendage (LAA) assessment the transthoracical (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography were performed during first hour of SR. At the TTE the following parameters were measured: LAmax, LAshort, LAlong, LAarea, LAcirc. During TEE were recorded: LAAshort, LAAlong, LAAcirc, LAAarea, LAAF, LAAB, LAAFintg, LAABintg. Immediately after reversion of FA the Holter recording was started. RESULTS: In 14 patients FA recurred during 24 hours after cardioversion. In 6 patients FA only short episodes were noted, in the others 8 patients arrhythmia was remained at the end of Holter recordings. Among patients with arrhythmia recurrence during first 24 hours significantly larger LA max, LA short, LAA short and LAA area were measured when compared with patients who maintained sinus rhythm. Most of Doppler echocardiographic parameters measured after SR restoration evidenced better LA performance collarated with improved LA hemodynamic function. LA max and LA short were significantly smaller in patients with sustained SR 6 months follow up than in patients who had recurrence of FA. Most of Doppler echocardiographic parameters characterising LA function were meaningly higher in patient who maintained SR after arrhythmia termination. Similarly LAAF, LAAB, LAAF intg and LAAB intg had significantly greater values than in patients with recurrence of FA during 6-months observation. Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast occurrence both before and after SR restoration coexisted with arrhythmia return either during first 24 hours and 6-months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: FA recurrence is connected with LA and LAA enlargement. The LAA function assessed just after SR restoration is not a good predictor of SR stabilization. Long term SR stabilization is related to smaller LA an LAA diameters and theirs better hemodynamic function as well during FA as after arrhythmia termination.

[Effect of arterio-venous fistula blood flow dynamics on ECG abnormalities in chronic hemodialysis patients]. / Wplyw dynamiki przeplywu przetoki tetniczo-zylnej na zmiany elektrokardiograficzne u chorych hemodializowanych z powodu krancowej niewydolnosci nerek.

UNLABELLED: The dialysis doses is mostly dependent on well functional permanent vascular access. From the other hand high vascular access blood flow (Qva) may induce cardiac problems in HD patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vascular access dynamics on electrocardiographic abnormalities in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, forty non-diabetic, HD patients, with native vascular access (VA) were divided into two equal groups; with Qva > 1500 ml/min (group A), and also Qva < 1500 ml/min (group B). The average of VA survival period was 28 +/- 18 (mean +/- SE) (group A), and 29 +/- 15 (months) (group B). The Qva measurements monitoring by color Doppler sonography included also: maximal velocity (Vmax), time average of maximal velocity (TAMX), pulsate index (PI), and resistive index (RI). Kt/V index was calculated, as classical parameter of adequacy, and also shunt recirculation using 3 urea samples was measured. For estimation of cardiac function we used M-mode echocardiography, and 24-hours ECG (Holter) monitoring. The occurrence of ventricular (VE), and supraventricular extrasystoles (SVE), ST-T, and ST characteristic as well were monitored by 24-hours Holter. CONCLUSIONS: 1. In the group with high Qva (A) we observed significantly higher number of VE, and also of SVE recorded by Holter monitoring compared with the low Qva group (B). 2. The mean number of patients with ST-T changes was higher in group A (12 vs. 7), but number of patients with recorded by Holter ST depression, and ST elevation between investigated groups were similar. 3. The mean number of ventricular arrhythmias of Lown classified as 4A, and 4B of Lown grading was significantly higher in the group with high Qva (A).

[Left ventricle function after the reversion of atrial fibrillation]. / Czynnosc rozkurczowa lewej komory po umiarowieniu migotania przedsionków.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation could be a consequence of heart failure as well as arrhythmia may cause deterioration of left ventricle systolic function. There are also studies suggested that atrial fibrillation promote left ventricle diastolic dysfunction. AIM OF STUDY: Assessment of left ventricle diastolic function in patients with sustained sinus rhythm during six months observation after reversion of atrial fibrillation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 30 patients, which had stabilized sinus rhythm at least six months after successful reversion of atrial fibrillation. Transthoracical and transesophageal echocardiography in all patients was performed during atrial fibrillation, immediately after reversion of arrhythmia and after six months observation without reoccurrence of atrial fibrillation. The transthoracical echocardiographic parameters characterising left ventricle diastolic function was measured: E ampl LV, E acct LV, E dcct LV, E time LV, E intg LV. Consequently TEE was performed with Doppler probe in left superior pulmonary vein and following parameters were recorded: PVD, PVD intg, PVD dcct. RESULTS: The E ampl LV immediately after sinus rhythm restoration significantly decreased and was similar to values recorded during atrial fibrillation. After six months observation further significant decreasing of this parameter was noted. The E intg LV was markedly smaller after arrhythmia reversion and did not changed during six months period of sustained sinus rhythm. The E acct LV remained almost the same in all points of study. Whereas the E dcct LV and E time LV were only slightly longer just after reversion the values recorded after six months observation were significantly greater compared to both values before and immediately after sinus rhythm restoration. PVD and PVD intg increased just after sinus rhythm restoration but not significantly. During six months observation their values markedly decreased compared to measurements during atrial fibrillation and were slightly smaller than at first hour of sinus rhythm. PVD dcct insignificantly decreased just after sinus rhythm restoration. Stabilization of sinus rhythm for six months has allowed for significant increasing of this parameter. CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricle diastolic parameters in patients with atrial fibrillation do not significantly change immediately after sinus rhythm restoration. Maximal mitral early diastolic flow velocity and maximal diastolic flow velocity in pulmonary veins markedly decrease at six months observation after reversion of atrial fibrillation, whereas both deceleration time of early diastolic mitral flow and deceleration time of diastolic pulmonary flow became longer and than this indices don't differ from control group without arrhythmia in anamnesis.

[Noninvasive transcutaneous cardiac pacing]. / Nieinwazyjna przezskorna stymulacja serca.

The method of Noninvasive Transcutaneous Cardiac Pacing (NTCP) is presented in this paper. The authors describe the history of this stimulation type and difficulties during the first clinical attempts at pacing. Then they focus on cardiac activation by noninvasive cardiac pacing. Subsequently they analyse the effect of electric field on the myocardium and skeletal muscles. The hemodynamic aspects of NTCP take an important place. A the end the authors review the clinical application of NTCP.

[Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular function in patients after myocardial infarction treated with enalapril]. / Echokardiograficzna ocena czynnosci lewej komory u chorych po zawale serca leczonych enalaprylem.

The studies were carried out in 30 patients (24 men and six women) aged 40-56 years, mean age 51 years after myocardial infarction in whom enalapril in doses 5-10 mg daily, mean dose 8,5 mg daily was added to drugs used as yet. This drug was administered for six weeks. The patients had myocardial infarction 6-18 months before their inclusion to the studies. In all patients two-dimensional echocardiographic and Doppler examinations were performed twice: before and after the treatment with enalapril. Left ventricular contractility disturbances and the following parameters were analysed: maximal early diastolic filling rate (EDF), maximal late diastolic filling rate (LDF), EDF/LDF ratio and early diastolic deceleration time (dec. EDF) and early diastolic slope (EF sl.). Enalapril administered in patients after myocardial infarction caused an increase of ejection fraction and increase of the contractility of left ventricular muscle segments not involved by necrosis. It exerted, however, no effect on the changes of contractility index. After the treatment with enalapril the maximal late diastolic filling rate (LDF) was significantly decreased while early diastolic deceleration slope (EF sl.) was significantly increased. The observed influence of enalapril on the left ventricular filling profile may suggest an improvement of left ventricular diastolic function.

[Localization of myocardial infarction with the help of EKG and two-dimensional echocardiography. Controversies]. / Lokalizacja zawalu serca za pomoca ekg i echokardiografii dwuwymiarowej. Kontrowersje.

A multicentre study of the localization of myocardial infarction (MI) using ECG and 2-dimensional echocardiography (Echo-2D) was performed on the 21st day of the onset of MI. The study population consisted of 650 pts (mean age 55.0 years), 553 males and 97 females. The purpose of the study was: 1) to compare the site of MI as diagnosed by ECG and Echo-2D, 2) to determine the controversies in the diagnosis between these two methods. Consistent results of both methods were obtained in 408 pts (62.8%) of the group. In 61 pts (9.4%) the diagnosis of MI by ECG and Echo-2D was undefined. In 181 pts (27.8%) the inconsistencies of ECG and Echo-2D evaluations were demonstrated; in 106 pts ECG changes were undefined, but evident Echo-2D changes were found; on the contrary, in 51 pts MI diagnosed by ECG was not confirmed by Echo-2D. In 24 pts entirely inconsistent results were shown. 209 pts (32%) with myocardial contractility disorders in the apical region of the heart diagnosed by Echo-2D showed different MI localisation as determined by ECG: 147 pts had anterior or antero-lateral MI, 28 pts--postero-inferior MI, 12 pts--apical MI and 22 pts--another one. By these findings it has been shown that ECG and Echo-2D are compatible methods but not replaceable ones.

[Use of the preparation Iso Mack Retard 60 mg I 120 mg in the treatment of patients with advanced ischemic heart disease]. / Zastosowanie preparatu ISO MACK Retard 60 mg I 120 mg 2 leczeniu chorych z zaawansowana choroba niedokrwienna serca.

The purpose of the study was an evaluation of the effectiveness of the preparation ISO MACK RETARD in capsules of 60 mg and 120 mg in patients with advanced exacerbated ischaemic heart disease. The study included 72 patients, in 61 (84.7%) of them very good result treatment, estimated subjectively, was achieved. ISO MACK RETARD in capsules of 60 and 120 mg was well tolerated; in the studied group no side effects were observed.

[Effect of physical exercise on aortic blood flow in patients with primary arterial hypertension]. / Wplyw wysilku fizycznego na przeplyw krwi przez aorte u chorych z pierwotnym nadcisnieniem tetniczym.

In 40 patients (30 men and 10 women) aged to 21 to 48 years (mean 42 years) with essential hypertension stage II, according to WHO classification, blood flow was recorder in the ascending aorta by Doppler echocardiography. The investigation was done in erect position, at rest, and during 30 seconds of each phase of exercise on moving track. The control group comprised 20 healthy males aged 23-45 years (mean 38 years). In essential hypertension the values of the heart rate (T), maximal (MAX-V) and mean (ME-V) flow velocity, and systolic volume index (SVI) were significantly higher at rest than in controls. In the 3rd minute of exercise the values of heart rate (T), mean flow acceleration (ACC) and minute volume index (COI) were significantly higher in the patients than in controls. At the peak exercise MAX-V, ME-V and COI were significantly lower than in controls. On the other hand, in the 5th minute after the exercise the values of all the analysed blood flow parametres in the aorta were significantly higher in the patients. After the exercise the fall of the integral flow (INTG) and SVI greater in controls than in patients, while the rise of the mean flow acceleration (ACC) was higher in hypertension than in health.

[Evaluation of the effectiveness of delayed-action propranolol in the treatment of arterial hypertension]. / Ocena skutecznosci propranololu o przedluzonym dzialaniu w leczeniu nadcisnienia tetniczego.

The reported study was carried out in 25 patients aged 21 to 58 years with essential hypertension in second stage of WHO classification. During three months in 10-day courses they were given alternately 1 placebo tablet or 160 mg propranolol retard in one dose daily. The values of the heart rate and blood pressure were compared before and after the treatment. A significant decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate was noted. The comparison of blood pressure and heart rate values after 10 days on propranolol with those before the treatment showed a statistically significant reduction of these parameters. This is an evidence that the hypotensive action of propranolol retard develops already during 10 days of treatment.

[Effects of verapamil and propranolol on the left-ventricular diastolic function in patients with primary arterial hypertension]. / Werapamil i propanolol a czynnosc rozkurczowa lewej komory w pierwotnym nadcisnieniu tetniczym.

Mitral flow was assessed by Doppler echocardiography in patients with systemic hypertension. The study was carried out on 40 patients (27 men and 13 women) aged 24-50 years, mean 43 years with essential hypertension stage II according to WHO classification. No patient had other heart disease or diabetes. All patients were randomly assigned to verapamil (20 patients) or propranolol (20 patients). The daily dose of verapamil was 60-120 mg, mean 80 mg and propranolol 120-180 mg, mean 140 mg. Pulsed Doppler studies in all patients were performed before the treatment and after 4-6 weeks of the treatment. Echocardiographic examination was performed with Hewlett-Packard 707020 A ultrasound system using 2.5 MHz transducer. Two dimensionally guided pulsed Doppler echocardiograms were recorded with sample volume positioned in the inflow area below the mitral annulus. The following Doppler parameters were measured: early diastolic flow velocity (EDF), late diastolic flow velocity (LDF) and their ratio (EDF/LDF) which represents the ratio of early and late diastolic flow velocity of left ventricular filling. The study has showed that before treatment the value of EDF, LDF and EDF/LDF ratio in both groups did not significantly differ. Heart rate and arterial pressure in patients with systemic hypertension after treatment with verapamil or propranolol were significant lower than before treatment. Treatment with verapamil caused significant increase of EDF from 61.2 to 78.2 cm/sek and increase EDF/LDF ratio from 1.02 to 1.30. While LDF values were not changed. In the group of patients treated with propranolol the values of EDF, LDF and ratio EDF/LDF were similar to those before treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Curves of aortic and mitral flow recorded by Doppler echocardiography in patients with primary hypertension]. / Krzywe przeplywu aortalnego i mitralnego rejestrowane badaniem echokardiograficznym metoda Dopplera u chorych z pierwotnym nadcisnieniem tetniczym.

The systolic and diastolic left-ventricular myocardium function was assessed by Doppler echocardiography in patients with hypertension. The study was carried out on 40 patients (26 men and 14 women) aged 21-50 years (mean 45 years) with essential hypertension, stage II according to WHO classification. The control group comprised 20 healthy subjects aged 19-48 years (mean 43 years). In patients with hypertension, as compared to controls, the Doppler curve of aortic flow showed an increased maximal and mean velocity of flow, the ejection time was shortened, and the ejection time to acceleration time index was decreased. The Doppler curve of the mitral flow in the patients showed reduced maximal velocity of early diastolic flow, increased velocity of maximal end-diastolic flow, decreased fraction of rapid left-ventricular filling, and lower ration of maximal early diastolic to end-diastolic flow. Doppler echocardiography is a useful method for assessment of left-ventricular myocardium functions in hypertension.

[Dynamics of left ventricular contraction in patients with myocardial infarction after hospital rehabilitation, assessed by Doppler echocardiography]. / Dynamika skurczu lewej komory u chorych z zawalem serca po rehabilitacji szpitalnej oceniana za pomoca echokardiografii dopplerowskiej.

The reported study was carried out in 30 men with myocardial infarction. In all cases after completion of rehabilitation treatment in hospital the exercise test was done on cycle ergometer and echocardiographic examination was performed (TM, 2D and Doppler). The patients were divided into two groups depending on the size of the necrotic zone (limited or extensive infarction in ECG) and physical fitness (low and high) determined by means of the PCW-170 test. In such formed groups certain left-ventricular contraction parameters (PEP, PEPI, LVET, LVETI, PEP/LVET, CO) were calculated by means of Doppler echocardiography. It was found that after hospital rehabilitation the patients with extensive myocardial infarction had significantly lower values of LVETI, SV, CO and higher PEP/LVET value in relation to patients with limited infraction zone, which suggested worse left-ventricular contraction. Moreover, patients with lower physical fitness had worse left ventricular contraction activity (significantly lower values of LVET, LVETI, SV, CO, and higher value of PEP/LVET) than patients with better fitness. Thus the indices describing the left-ventricular contraction activity calculated by means of Doppler echocardiography correlated well with fitness and infraction zone size. The method of Doppler echocardiography is useful for determination of left-ventricular contraction activity after myocardial infraction and for programming of exercises during rehabilitation treatment in hospital.

[Effect of the treatment with propranolol and pindolol on selected hemodynamic parameters in patients with primary arterial hypertension]. / Wplyw leczenia propranololem oraz pindololem na zachowanie sie wybranych parametrów hemodynamicznych u chorych z pierwotnym nadcisnieniem tetniczym.

On the basis of echocardiographic investigations changes were analysed of certain haemodynamic parameters in 40 patients aged 21-50 years, mean 44 years, with primary arterial hypertension in stage II according to WHO classification. All patients were randomly chosen to receive for 6-9 weeks propranolol 120-480 mg daily, mean dose 280 mg, or pindolol 10-35 mg daily, mean dose 22 mg daily. The changes developing during the treatment with both drugs in relation to the initial values included the mean arterial blood pressure, the heart rate, the index of cardiac output and the systolic left-ventricular tension. In the studied patients treated with propranolol the heart rate and the ejection volume were decreased more than during pindolol treatment. Propranolol increased evidently the total peripheral vascular resistance and decreased the ejection fraction and the mean velocity of shortening of the circumferential fibres. Pindolol decreased slightly the peripheral vascular resistance and increased the ejection fraction and the mean velocity of shortening of the circumferential fibres. Pindolol, in relation to propranolol, had a more favourable effect on haemodynamics in patients with primary hypertension.

[Value of Doppler echocardiography in evaluating pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with mitral valve defect]. / Wartosc badania echokardiograficznego metoda Dopplera w ocenie cisnienia w tetnicy plucnej u chorych z wada mitralna.

In 40 patients aged 25-52 years (mean 36 years) with mitral valve disease but without overt circulatory failure haemodynamic studies and echocardiographic examinations were carried out recording the blood flow in the pulmonary artery and the blood flow through the tricuspid valve by pulsating and continuous-wave methods. From the obtained curves the time was calculated from the beginning of the flow to its maximum (TPV), the pre-ejection time (RPEP) and the right-ventricular ejection time (RVET), and the indices TPV/RVET and RPEP/RVET. Moreover, in 14 patients with coexistent insufficiency of the tricuspid valve the systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery was calculated by determining the systolic gradient across the tricuspid valve. On the basis of the results of haemodynamic examination the patients were divided into two groups: with normal (24 patients) and with raised (16 patients) pressure in the pulmonary artery. In the group of mitral valve disease and pulmonary hypertension a significantly shorter TPV, lower values of the TPV/RVET index and greater values of the RPEP/RVET index were found as compared with the patients with mitral disease and normal value of the systolic arterial pressure in the pulmonary artery. The systolic arterial pressure in the pulmonary artery determined on the basis of Doppler echocardiography with measurement of the regurgitation wave in tricuspid valve insufficiency showed a high agreement (r = 0.94) with the pressure recorded during cardiac catheterization.

[Value of sustonit in the treatment of patients with stable angina pectoris]. / Wartosci preparatu sustonit w leczeniu chorych z dusznica bolesna stabilna.

The clinical trial was carried out in 40 men with stable angina receiving for three weeks Sustonit mite or forte. Before and after three weeks of the treatment the exercise test was done on cycle ergometer, followed by echocardiography (for evaluation of left ventricular function) noting also the number of anginal pains and the number of nitroglycerin tablets taken as emergency treatment. In the light of the obtained results it was estimated that Sustonit reduced anginal pains in 82.5% of the patients with stable angina, and exerted a beneficial effect on the left ventricular function as evidenced by increased mean velocity of shortening of the circumferential fibres and reduced number of echocardiograms with segmental contractility disturbances in the ventricular septum and posterior wall of the left ventricle after 3 weeks of treatment. Moreover, Sustoinit treatment increased significantly the amount of work done until reaching of submaximal heart rate and working time during submaximal exercise, as well as the greatest workload necessary for reaching of submaximal heart rate. The drug had no significant effect on the heart and arterial blood pressure. Sustonit mite and forte is regarded as highly valuable and effective drug in the treatment of patients with stable angina.