Expression of intestinal mucosa tight junctions claudin proteins and mRNA in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Objective：To investigate the changes of intestinal mucosa tight junctions （TJs） claudin-1, -3, -4 proteins and mRNA changes in patients with irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） and to elucidate their possible roles in the changes of bowel evacuation habit and formation. Methods： Claudin-1, -3, -4 proteins and mRNA were evaluated in intestinal mucosa in control group, D-IBS （diarrhea IBS） group and C-IBS （constipation IBS） group with immunohistochemical assay and Realtime-PCR. Results： It was observed that claudin-1, -3, -4 proteins were localized in the membranes of epithelial cells along the entire length of the plasma membrane including the apical end of the epithelial cells. The elaudins were concentrated at the site of TJs only. Claudin-1, 3, -4 mRNA and claudin-1 protein in small intestinal mucosa and colonal mucous in D-IBS group were significantly downregulated （P〈0.05）. Claudin-1, -3, -4 mRNA and proteins in small intestinal mucosa and colonal mucous in C-IBS group were significantly upregulated （P〈0. 05）. There was no significant difference in the expression of claudin-3 protein in both small intestinal mueosa and colonal mucous between D-IBS group and control group（P〉0.05）. Similarly, no significantly different expression of claudin-4 protein in colonal mucous in D-IBS group was found compared with control group （P〉0.05）. Otherwise, the expression of claudin 4 protein in small intestinal mucosa decreased in D-IBS group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Claudin-1, -3, -4 may play a potential important role in the changes of bowel evacuation habit and formation in patients with IBS. It is not due to the localization changes of claudin proteins in TJ, but may be caused by the quantitative changes of the expression of TJ proteins and mRNA.     

K-ATP channel openers facilitate glutamate uptake by GluTs in rat primary cultured Astrocytes

Increasing evidence, including from our laboratory, has revealed that opening of ATP sensitive potassium channels(K-ATP channels) plays the neuronal protective roles both in vivo and in vitro. Thus K-ATP channel openers(KCOs) have been proposed as potential neuroprotectants. Our previous studies demonstrated that K-ATP channels could regulate glutamate uptake activity in PC12 cells as well as in synaptosomes of rats. Since glutamate transporters(GluTs) of astrocytes play crucial roles in glutamate uptake and KATP channels are also expressed in astrocytes, the present study showed whether and how KATP channels regulated the function of GluTs in primary cultured astrocytes. The results showed that nonselective KCO pinacidil, selective mitochondrial KCO diazoxide, novel, and blood-brain barrier permeable KCO iptakalim could enhance glutamate uptake, except for the sarcolemmal KCO P1075. Moreover pinacidil, diazoxide, and iptakalim reversed the inhibition of glutamate uptake induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+). These potentiated effects were completely abolished by mitochondrial K-ATP blocker 5-hydroxydecanoate. Furthermore, either diazoxide or iptakalim could inhibit MPP+-induced elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of protein kinases C(PKC). These findings are the first to demonstrate that activation of K-ATP channel, especially mitochondrial K-ATP channel, improves the function of GluTs in astrocytes due to reducing ROS production and downregulating PKC phosphorylation. Therefore, the present study not only reveals a novel pharmacological profile of KCOs as regulators of GluTs, but also provides a new strategy for neuroprotection.     

Effect of mitochondrial KATP channel on voltage-gated K+ channel in 24 hour-hypoxic human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

Background Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is initiated by inhibition of O2-sensitive, voltage-gated (Kv) channels in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). The mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension has not yet been fully elucidated. The mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel (MitoKATP) is extremely sensitive to hypoxia, and is a decisive factor in the control of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). This study investigated the changes of cell membrane potential and Kv channel in cultured human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (hPASMC) exposed to 24 hour-hypoxia, and explored the role of MitoKATP and ΔΨm in this condition. Methods Fresh human lung tissues were obtained from the patients undergoing a chest operation. hPASMCs were isolated, cultured, and divided into 6 groups: ① control group, cultured under normoxia; ② diazoxide group, cultured in normoxia with diazoxide, an opener of MitoKATP; ③ 5-HD group, cultured in normoxia with sodium 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), an antagonist of MitoKATP; ④ 24 hour-hypoxia group; ⑤ 24 hour-hypoxia + diazoxide group; and ⑥ 24 hour-hypoxia + 5HD group. Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to trace the cell membrane K+ currents. The expressions of cell membrane Kv1.5 mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot technique, respectively. The relative changes in mitochondrial potential were tested with rhodamine fluorescence (R-123) technique. Results After exposure to diazoxide for 24 hours, the intensity of R-123 fluorescence in normoxic hPASMCs was significantly increased compared with control group (P<0.05), but there were no significant changes in these tests after the hPASMCs had been exposed to 5-HD for 24 hours. Twenty-four hour-hypoxia or 24 hour-hypoxia + diazoxide could markedly increase the intensity of R-123 fluorescence in hPASMC and the changes were more significant in 24 hour-hypoxia +diazoxide group than in 24 hour-hypoxia group (P<0.05) although 5-HD could partly weaken the effect of 24 hour-hypoxia on the intensity of R-123 fluorescence. After exposure to diazoxide for 24 hours, the cell membrane K+ currents and the expression of cell membrane Kv1.5 mRNA and protein in normoxic hPASMCs were significantly decreased compared with control group (P<0.05), but there were no significant changes in these tests after the hPASMCs had been exposed to 5-HD for 24 hours. Also, 24 hour-hypoxia or 24 hour-hypoxia + diazoxide decreased the cell membrane K+ currents and the expression of Kv1.5 mRNA and protein (P<0.05) but the changes were more significant in 24 hour-hypoxia + diazoxide group than in 24 hour-hypoxia group (P<0.05). Again, 5-HD could partly weaken the inhibitory effect of 24 hour-hypoxia on the cell membrane K+ currents and the expression of Kv1.5 mRNA or protein (P<0.05). Conclusions The opening of MitoKATP followed by a depolarization of ΔΨm in hypoxia might contribute to the alterations in the expression of cell membrane Kv1.5 mRNA and protein leading to change in the cell membrane potential of hypoxic hPASMCs. This might be a mechanism of the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.     

Effects of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel on protein kinase C pathway and airway smooth muscle cell proliferation in asthma

The effects of ATP-sensitive mitochondrial K + channel(mitoK ATP) on mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψm),cell proliferation and protein kinase C alpha(PKCα) expression in airway smooth muscle cells(ASMCs) were investigated.Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were immunized with saline(controls) or ovalbumin(OVA) with alum(asthma models).ASMCs were cultured from the lung of control and asthma rats.ASMCs were treated with diazoxide(the potent activator of mitoK ATP) or 5-hydroxydencanote(5-HD,the inhibitor of mitoK ATP).Rhodamine-123(R-123) was used to detect Δψm.The expression of PKCα protein was examined by using Western blotting,while PKCα mRNA expression was detected by using real-time PCR.The proliferation of ASMCs was measured by MTT assay and cell cycle analysis.In diazoxide-treated normal ASMCs,the R-123 fluorescence intensity,protein and mRNA levels of PKCα,MTT A values and percentage of cells in S phase were markedly increased as compared with untreated controls.The ratio of G 0 /G 1 cells was decreased(P<0.05) in diazoxide-treated ASMCs from normal rats.However,there were no significant differences between the ASMCs from healthy rats treated with 5-HD and the normal control group.In untreated and diazoxide-treated ASMCs of asthmatic rats,the R-123 fluorescence intensity,protein and mRNA levels of PKCα,MTT A values and the percentage of cells in S phase were increased in comparison to the normal control group.Furthermore,in comparison to ASMCs from asthmatic rats,these values were considerably increased in asthmatic group treated with diazoxide(P<0.05).After exposure to 5-HD for 24 h,these values were decreased as compared with asthma control group(P<0.05).In ASMCs of asthma,the signal transduction pathway of PKCα may be involved in cell proliferation,which is induced by the opening of mitoK ATP and the depolarization of Δψm.     

Cardioprotective effects of mitochondrial KATP channels activated at different time

Backgroud Recent studies in adult hearts have indicated that KATP channels in the inner mitochondrial membrance are responsible for the protection. And we investigated whether opening of mitochondrial KATP channels (mKATP) could provide myocardial protection for immature rabbits and determined its role in cardioprotection.Methods Thirty-four 3-4-week-old rabbits, weighing 300-350 g, were divided randomly into five groups: Group Ⅰ (control group, n=8); Group Ⅱ ［diazoxide preconditioning group; n=8; the hearts were pretreated with 100 μmol/L diazoxide for 5 minutes followed by 10-minute wash out with Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB)］; Group Ⅲ ［diazoxide+5-hydroxydeconate (5-HD) preconditioning group; n=5; the hearts were pretreated with 100 μmol/L diazoxide and 100 μmol/L 5-HD); Group Ⅳ (diazoxide+cardioplegia group; n=8; cardioplegia containing 100 μmol/L diazoxide perfused the hearts for 5 minutes before ischemia); Group Ⅴ (diazoxide+5-HD+cardioplegia group; n=5; the cardioplegia contained 100 μmol/L diazoxide and 100 μmol/L 5-HD). All hearts were excised and connected to langendrff perfusion system and passively perfused with KHB at 38℃ under a pressure of 70 cmH2O. After reperfusion, the recovery rate of left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP), ±dp/dtmax, coronary flow (CF), the creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in coronary sinus venous effluent and the tissue ATP were measured. Mitochondria were evaluated semiquantitatively by morphology.Results After ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), the two groups that were treated by diazoxide only (Groups Ⅱ and Ⅳ) had a significant improvement in LVDP, ±dp/dtmax, and CF recovery. AST, LDH, and CK were decreased, and the levels of tissue ATP in the two groups were higher. Mitochondria was protected better in Group Ⅳ than in other groups. Conclusions Activating mKATP channels before and during ischemia can similarly protect immature rabbit hearts, and the mechanism is related to the direct protective effect on mitochondria. Opening of mKATP channel during ischemia provides a better protection for mitochondria than it does before ischemia.     

Effects of Tanshinone ⅡA on Transforming Growth Factor β1-Smads Signal Pathway in Renal Interstitial Fibroblasts of Rats

The effects of tanshinone ⅡA （TSN） on transforming growth factor β1 （TGFβ1） signal transduction in renal interstitial fibroblasts of rats were studied in order to investigate its mechanism in prevention of renal interstitial fibrosis. Rat renal fibroblasts of the line NRK/49F were cultured in vitro, stimulated with 5 ng/mL TGFβ1 and pretreated with 10-6, 10-5, 10-4 mol/L TSN respectively. The mRNA levels of fibronectin （FN） were examined by RT-PCR. The protein expression of FN and Smads was detected by Western blot. TGFβ1 induced the expression of FN mRNA and Smads in a time-dependent manner in a certain range. Compared with pre-stimulation, the FN mRNA and protein levels were increased by 1.1 times and 1.5 times respectively （P〈0.01, P〈0.01）, and the protein expression of phosphorylated Smad2/3 （p-Smad2/3） increased by 7 times at the end of TGFβ1 stimulation （P〈0.01）. TSN pretreatment may down-regulate the FN and p-Smad2/3 expression in a dose-dependent manner. 10-6 mol/L TSN pretreatment had no effect on the FN and p-Smad2/3 expression （both P〉0.05）. After pretreatment with 10-5 and 10-4 mol/L TSN, the FN mRNA levels were decreased by 28.1% and 43.8% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）, the FN protein levels were decreased by 40% and 44% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.05）, and the p-Smad2/3 protein expression were decreased by 40% and 65% respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. The inhibitory effect of TSN on renal interstitial fibrosis may be related to its blocking effect on TGFβ1-Smads signal pathway in renal intersti- tial fibroblasts.     

CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF PTEN AND CASPASE-3 EXPRESSIONS IN BREAST CANCER

Objective To investigate the expressions of PTEN and Caspase-3 proteins in human breast carcinoma, and to evaluate their clinicopathological implications during the tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer. Methods The expressions of PTEN and Caspase-3 proteins in 95 cases of breast cancer and 15 cases of benign breast diseases were investigated immunohistochemically. Correlations between the expression of PTEN protein, Caspase-3 protein, and clinicopathological features of breast cancers were analyzed. Results The loss expression rate of PTEN protein in tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in benign breast diseases （33.7% vs. 0, P 〈 0.01 ）. Analysis of the clinicopathological features showed that PTEN expression level was negatively correlated with TNM stage, histological grade, axillary lymph node status, recurrence, and metas- tasis （ P 〈 0. 05 ）. The positive expression level of Caspase-3 was negatively correlated with TNM stage （ P 〈 0. 01 ）, but not related with histological grade, axillary lymph node status, recurrence, or metastasis （ P 〉 0.05 ）. In addition, the expression of PTEN protein had significantly positive correlation with the expression of Caspase-3 protein in breast cancer （P 〈 0. 01 ）. Conclusion The combination detection of PTEN and Caspase-3 may serve as an important index to estimate the pathobiological behavior and prognosis of breast cancer.     

Up-regulation of Niacinamide in Intervertebral Disc Aggrecan in vitro

The regulatory effects of niacinamide （Nia） on intervertebral disc （IVD） aggrecan in vitro was investigated. Chiba＇s 10 ng/mL interleukin-1 （IL-1）-induced rabbit IVD degeneration model in vitro was established. 0.5, 0. 25 and 0.05 mg/mL Nia was added to normal and degenerated IVDs for intervention. On the first and second week after intervention, safranin O-fast green staining intensity and glycosaminoglycan （GS） content were measured. The expression of aggrecan core protein was detected by RT-PCR. The results showed： （1） After treatment with 0. 5 mg/mL Nia for one week, the GS content in nucleus pulposus （NP） was increased by 44.80% as compared with control group （P〈0. 01） ; The GS content in IL-1 induction groups was increased with the increase of Nia concentrations： After treatment with 0. 5 mg/mL for one week, the GS content in NP was increased by 68.30% as compared with control group （P〈0. 01）. After two weeks, GS content in NP and fibrous rings was still higher than in control group at the same period （P〈0. 01） and untreated group （P〈0.01）. （2） Safranin O-fast green staining revealed that with the increase of Nia concentrations, staining density in NP and fibrous rings was increased and histological structure damage to IVDs by IL-1β was alleviated. （3） RT-PCR showed that the expression of core protein gene in IL-1β-induced degenerated IVDS was increased with the increase of Nia concentrations. It was concluded that under conditions in vitro, Nia could up-regulate the expression of aggrecan in IVDs and protect IVDs from IL-1β-induced degeneration at least partially, which offers a potential choice for IVD degeneration clinical therapy.     

Attenuation of cisplatin induced ototoxicity by sound preonditioning through NO pathway

Objective：To explore the protective effect of sound preconditioning against ototoxicity induced by cisplatin and its possible mechanism with respect to the nitric oxide （NO） pathway. Methods： Albino guinea pigs were divided into silent control, CDDP,sound preconditioning and sound preconditioning＋CDDP groups. The animals of the CDDP group were injected with cisplatin intravenously 8 mg/kg b.w. The animals in the sound preconditioning were exposed to white noise at 85dB SPL, 5h/d, for 10 d （sound preconditioning）. The animals in the sound preconditioning＋CDDP group were treated with sound preconditioning first and then administrated with cisplatin intravenously 8 mg/kg b.w. Hearing thresholds of auditory brainstem responses （ABRs） of all animals were measured to evaluate hearing function. Hair cell loss was estimated via surface preparation. Cochlear tissue was assayed for measurement of NO level and immunohistochemistry method was used for inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） analysis. Results： There was no significant difference between the silent control and sound preconditioning animals with respect to either functional or histological measures. Among the animals in the CDDP group, there was a significant elevation of threshold at the high test frequencies after administration compared with the silent control group （P〈0. 05）. Morphological examination showed that there was obvious loss of the OHC, especially in the third row of the basal turn. The NO level and immunoreactivity to iNOS in this group were higher and more intensive than those of the silent control group （P〈0. 05）. The ABR thresholds in the sound preconditioning ＋ CDDP group were much lower than those of the CDDP group （P〈0.05）. Slight sporadic loss of OHC was found in this group. The immunoreactivity to iNOS and the level of NO in cochlea decreased significantly compared with the CDDP group （P〈 0. 05）. Conclusion： It is suggested that sound preconditioning, to some extent, provides protective effect against ototoxicity of cisplatin. The excess synthesis of NO induced by the over-expressed of iNOS may be involved in the CDDP induced ototoxicity. The possible mechanism is related to suppression of the NO pathway.     

Effects of Ethyl Pyruvate on Myocardial Apoptosis and Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax Proteins after Ischemia-reperfusion in Rats

In order to study the effects of ethyl pyruvate on cardiomyocyte apoptosis following ischemia/reperfusion （I/R） in vitro and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins, isolated rat hearts were perfused in a Langendorff model. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into 3 groups （n=8 in each group）： control group was perfused for 120 min. In the I/R group, after 30 min stabilization the injury was induced by 30 min global ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion. Ethyl pyruvate （EP） group was set up with the same protocol as I/R group except that it was supplied with 2 mmol/L EP 15 rain before ischemia and throughout reperfusion. Myocardial malonaldehyde （MDA） content was measured. Myocardial apoptotic index （AI） was tested by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） method. The expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic protein Bax in cardiac myocytes was detected by immunohistochemistry. As compared with control group, the content of MDA, myocardial AI and the expression of Bcl-2, Bax proteins were increased significantly in I/R group, but the content of MDA, myocardial AI and the expression of Bax protein were decreased obviously and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was up-regulated in EP group （P〈0.05）. These results demonstrate that EP could inhibit apoptosis of cardiac myocytes possibly via alleviating oxidative stress, up-regulating Bcl-2 and down-regulating Bax proteins.     

小儿耳鼻喉手术麻醉的新进展

因小儿耳鼻喉手术刺激强,时间短,且常与气道相关,故麻醉的控制有一定难度,现对国内外现阶段小儿耳鼻喉手术麻醉的改良方法及新观点进行评述,以期对临床工作有较好的指导意义。     

云南省2006年登革热监测分析

目的了解云南省登革热的疫情动态、人群抗体水平、媒介伊蚊种群（包括成幼虫孳生和密度变化）的动态变化、为登革热流行趋势的预测、预警和制定防治对策、措施提供科学依据。方法各级医疗、卫生、检疫机构的医务人员对疑似、临床病例进行及时发现和诊断;在流行季节前随机抽取正常人群血清,-20℃保存,用ELISA方法进行血清学检测;在6～10月采用定时、定点调查法,对登革热的主要传播媒介白纹伊蚊、埃及伊蚊的种群、孳生环境、伊蚊幼虫指数和成蚊密度进行监测,每月1次。结果2006年云南省发生输入性登革热病例18例;健康人群登革热IgG抗体阳性率8．09％。伊蚊幼虫密度布雷图指数（BI）、容器指数（Cl）分别在14～98、4．7～73．68之间,白纹伊蚊成蚊密度在3．5～34只,人工小时之间。结论云南省输入性登革热疫情有不断上升的趋势;人群抗体水平登革热IgG抗体阳性率较高,提示当地人群中可能存在该病毒的既往感染或隐性感染;媒介伊蚊幼虫布雷图指数、容器指数和白纹伊蚊成蚊密度均较高。对登革热传播具有极高的危险性,应引起高度注意。     

大鼠脑出血灶周围星形胶质细胞内糖原含量的变化

目的：研究脑出血后局部超微结构的变化，探讨脑出血的病理生理过程，为临床治疗提供理论依据．方法：健康雄性SD大鼠4只，随机等分为实验组和对照组．实验组采用细菌胶原酶注射制作纹状体脑出血模型，对照组采用相同方法在相应部位注入等体积生理盐水，采用透射电镜观察脑出血后24h病变局部及其周围和对照组超微结构的变化和糖原的水平变化．结果：电镜观察到在脑出血动物出血灶周围区，不同类型的细胞内均可见到各种各样的超微结构改变．最为醒目的是在脑内血肿周围星形胶质细胞胞质和突起内有大量的糖原颗粒聚集，尤其在毛细血管周围的胶质细胞突起内非常明显；小胶质细胞和少突胶质细胞内均未发现明显糖原颗粒存在．在生理盐水对照组动物，相应部位的各种细胞的超微结构正常；而且神经元、各种胶质细胞和毛细血管内皮细胞内均无明显糖原颗粒聚集．结论：脑出血周围糖原含量增高，局部存在明显的糖代谢障碍．     

2001年我国医药研究的若干进展

随着国内外生命科学和生物技术等的飞速发展,我国医药技术在2001年取得了长足的进步。提前完成了我国所承担的人类基因组汁划中的1％测序任务,到2000年,中国科学家在功能基因研究和基因组多样性领域共完成研究论文1850篇,遍及医药各领域,研究手段和水平可于国际先进水平媲美,中国完全有条件在“后基因时代”成为主角之一。     

癫痫发病中突触机制的研究进展

反复的癫痫发作可导致突触蛋白的表达异常、突触重塑和异常神经元网络的形成,这是难治性癫痫的病 理生理学机制之一。近年来发现突触蛋白在原发性癫痫的发病机制中同样发挥重要的作用。多个突触调控蛋白以及 突触后膜受体蛋白表达异常可导致癫痫发作。绝大多数的抗癫痫药物是以离子通道为作用靶点,但卡马西平及唑尼 沙胺可通过影响突触融合蛋白及可溶性N-乙基马来酰亚胺敏感因子附着蛋白受体复合物的功能而发挥抗癫痫作用。 突触囊泡蛋白2A是新型抗癫痫药物左乙拉西坦、布瓦西坦和seletracetam的作用靶点。     

昆明市某高校957名学生失眠症情况调查评估

目的了解昆明市某高校大学生失眠情况及其分布特征.方法对昆明市某高校957名学生进行睡眠质量和失眠相关问题的问卷调查.结果 27.3%的同学有不同程度的失眠,女生失眠率高于男生（P〈0.01）;本科生的失眠检出率高于研究生（P〈0.05）;三年级学生失眠率高于一年级和二年级学生（P=0.01）.不同专业、不同年龄段学生失眠率差异无统计学意义.结论性别、年级、学历是影响高校学生睡眠的主要因素.     

西藏林芝地区藏族健康体检人群高尿酸血症分析

目的了解西藏林芝地区藏族人群高尿酸血症的患病情况,为防治高原高尿酸血症和相关疾病提供依据。方法采用尿酸酶法对在某院体检的2867例藏族健康体检者的血尿酸水平进行测定,分析比较不同年龄段（≤30岁、31～40岁、41～50岁、≥51岁）、不同性别血尿酸水平及高尿酸血症检出率。结果2867例中高尿酸血症782例（27.3%）;男性646（22.50%）,女性136例（4.74%）,男女高尿酸血症检出率之比为4.75∶1,男性明显多于女性（χ2=85.5,P＜0.01）。2867例血尿酸水平平均为（369.7±126.8）μmol/L,其中男性、女性血尿酸水平分别为（389.4±141.5）μmol/L和（316.7±89.5）μmol/L,男性明显高于女性（t=16.4,P＜0.05）。结论林芝地区藏族人群高尿酸血症发病率高,严重危害了藏族群众的健康,应该引起高度重视,同时应针对藏族饮食和民族特点开展健康教育以预防和控制高尿酸血症和相关疾病的发生。     

Palpitation in pregnancy: experience in one major hospital in Kuwait

Background

Increased heart rate is a normal physiological adaptation occurring during pregnancy. Some women have severe tachycardia requiring medical attention. Aim of this study is to determine the number of women with benign symptomatic palpitations who receive treatment.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of all women who were referred to our obstetric-medicine clinic for evaluation of palpitation from January 2009 to December 2009 in one major maternity hospital in Kuwait.

Results

A total number of 27 women were identified. Of these, only 7 (25.9%) were given treatment for palpitation. Two were started on digoxin, 3 given propranolol, 1 woman on both propranolol and digoxin and 1 was started on verapamil. Eighteen women had normal deliveries with healthy babies.

Conclusion

Palpitation is a common symptom during pregnancy. However, only a small number of patients receive treatment despite safety of drugs that are used to control tachycardia.