Impact of percutaneous coronary intervention on plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels and ventricular remodeling in patients with acute right ventricular myocardial infarction combined with left ventricular inferior wall or anterior wall myocardial infarction

目的 探讨急性右心室心肌梗死并左心室下壁、前壁梗死直接和延迟经皮冠状动脉介入(PCI)治疗对血浆脑利钠肽(BNP)水平及心室重构的影响.方法 急性右心室心肌梗死并左心室下壁、前壁梗死患者207例.根据梗死部位分为急性右心室梗死并左心室下壁梗死组(n=159)和急性右心室梗死并左心室前壁梗死组(n=48),比较2组患者PCI治疗前血浆BNP水平、心肌酶、血流动力学指标及冠状动脉病变特点;根据是否行PCI及PCI治疗的时机将两组再分别分为未行PCI组、直接PCI组和延迟PCI组,比较组间死亡情况的差异及直接和延迟PCI治疗前后血浆BNP水平、左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张末期内径(LVEDd)的变化.结果 急性右心室心肌梗死并左心室前壁梗死组PCI治疗前血浆BNP水平、肌酸激酶(CK)峰值、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)峰值、肺动脉收缩压、梗死相关冠状动脉狭窄程度及2支病变发生率均高于急性右心室心肌梗死并左心室下壁梗死组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).直接和延迟PCI治疗后均能使血浆BNP水平及LVEDd较术前下降(P＜0.05),但直接PCI治疗术后血浆BNP水平更低、LVEDd改善更明显(P＜0.05).未行PCI治疗的患者死亡发生率明显高于行直接PCI及延迟PCI治疗的患者,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.0 5).结论 急性右心室心肌梗死并左心室前壁梗死患者血浆BNP水平高,梗死相关冠状动脉病变严重;直接PCI治疗后心室重构改善明显,血浆BNP水平下降显著.     

还原性谷胱甘肽治疗对非ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者近期预后及血浆硫氧还蛋白水平变化的影响

目的 在常规治疗基础上联合还原性谷胱甘肽(GSH)治疗非ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者,观察患者的近期预后指标及其血浆硫氧还蛋白(TRX)水平变化,了解GSH治疗对患者的治疗价值.方法 研究中共收入72例不稳定型心绞痛患者,以随机数表法随机分为常规治疗组(n=34)和联合GSH治疗组(n=38),分别随访12周,观察患者在随访期内的临床非心血管病不良事件发生率、心绞痛再发率、ST段抬高型心肌梗死发生率、心力衰竭发生率、心血管事件死亡率等预后指标,并在入选后第1天和第1、2、4、12周各时间点获取外周血浆标本,以酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法检测分析其外周血浆内TRX水平,最后对相关结果进行统计分析.结果 与常规治疗组患者比较,联合GSH治疗组自第1周起血浆TRX水平明显下降(P＜0.05),肝功能损害的发生率明显下降(P＜0.05),心绞痛再发率有所下降但差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组患者在随访期内均无发生ST段抬高型心肌梗死、心力衰竭及心血管病死亡事件.结论 联合GSH治疗能够降低非ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者的外周血浆TRX水平,减轻患者体内氧化应激过程,同时明显降低患者治疗期间发生肝损害的风险,长远可能有助于改善患者预后.     

卡维地洛对老年充血性心力衰竭患者心功能和细胞因子的影响

目的:观察卡维地洛对老年充血性心力衰竭(CHF)患者心功能的改善和对细胞因子的影响.方法:老年CHF患者45例随机分为心力衰竭常规治疗组(n=22)和卡维地洛治疗组(n=23),后者在常规抗心力衰竭治疗基础上加用卡维地洛,疗程6个月.两组治疗前和治疗3个月、6个月分别测定左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左心室射血分数(LVEF)和6 min步行距离.测定健康对照组(n=30)和两组心衰患者治疗前和治疗6个月血浆肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-1β和IL-6的浓度.结果:老年CHF患者用卡维地洛治疗6个月后,LVEDD、LVESD、LVEF和6min步行距离的改善均优于常规治疗组(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).心衰患者3种细胞因子血浆浓度均高于对照组(P＜0.001),卡维地洛治疗后细胞因子的下降明显优于常规抗心力衰竭治疗(P＜0.01).结论:卡维地洛可明显改善老年CHF患者心功能,提高运动耐量,改善左室重构,降低细胞因子TNF、IL-1和IL-6的浓度.     

NT-proBNP、HCY及UA与冠心病的相关性研究

目的:研究不同类型冠心病(CHD)患者血浆氨基末端脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)、同型半胱氨酸(HCY)及血清尿酸(UA)水平差异,探讨NT-proBNP、HCY、UA水平与冠心病严重程度相关性.方法:选取临床上诊断为CHD的150例患者,其中急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死(STEMI)组50例、急性非ST段抬高型心肌梗死(NSTEMI)组50例、心绞痛(AP)组(包括不稳定型心绞痛及稳定型心绞痛)50例,同时选取冠脉造影正常者50例设为对照组.测定血浆NT-proBNP、HCY及UA水平,彩色超声心动图检测左心室射血分数(LVEF)值,并计算冠心病患者血浆NT-proBNP、HCY及UA水平、LVEF值与冠状动脉病变血管支数的相关性.结果:冠心病患者血浆NT-proBNP、HCY及UA水平均显著高于对照组(P＜0.05),急性心肌梗死(AMI)组NT-proBNP水平显著高于AP组(P＜0.05).HCY、UA水平在对照组、AP组、NSTEMI组、STEMI组中呈递增趋势,且差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).AMI组LVEF值显著低于AP组及对照组(P＜0.05).多支病变较单支病变组NT-proBNP、HCY、UA水平及LVEF值差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).冠心病患者的血NT-proBNP、HCY、UA水平与病变血管支数呈正相关(rNT-proBNP=0.753,rHCY=0.792,rSUA=0.633,P＜0.01),LVEF与病变血管支数呈负相关关系(r= -0.436,P＜0.01).结论:NT-proBNP、HCY及UA可以作为反映冠状动脉病变严重程度的重要指标.     

红花黄色素对老年慢性心力衰竭患者心功能及血浆胱抑素C、超敏C反应蛋白水平的影响

目的 观察红花黄色素对老年慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者心功能及血浆胱抑素C(CysC)、超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)水平的影响.方法 选择老年CHF患者90例,分为对照组和治疗组各45例,对照组给予常规抗心力衰竭治疗,治疗组在对照组基础上加用红花黄色素静脉滴注.于治疗前及治疗后4周,两组患者均行超声心动图检测左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)及左心室射血分数(LVEF);两组患者行6min步行距离测试,检测两组患者血浆N-末端脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)、CysC及hs-CRP的水平变化.结果 治疗组总有效率(82.2％)高于对照组(60.0％)(P＜0.05).治疗4周后,两组患者6min步行距离较治疗前显著增加(P＜0.05),治疗组6min步行距离长于对照组(P＜0.05);治疗后两组患者LVEDD、LVESD及LVEF水平较治疗前改善,但差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);治疗后两组患者血浆NT-proBNP、CysC 及hs-CRP水平较治疗前显著降低(P＜0.05),治疗组低于对照组(P＜0.05).结论 红花黄色素治疗老年CHF患者临床疗效显著,可有效改善患者的心功能,降低其血浆NT-proBNP、CysC及hs-CRP水平.     

左西孟旦治疗顽固性心力衰竭合并肾功能不全的对照研究

目的 研究左西孟旦治疗顽固性心力衰竭合并肾功能不全的疗效.方法 将重庆市中山医院心内科67例顽固性心力衰竭合并重度肾功能不全患者分为左西孟旦治疗组(L组,n=33),多巴胺治疗组(D组,n=34).比较、分析治疗后1、3、7、30d患者N-末端脑钠肽前体(NT-pro-BNP)、左心室射血分数(LVEF)、肾小球滤过率(GFR)的变化.结果 治疗前,两组间基线指标差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).L组:NT-pro-BNP治疗后1、3、7d较基线显著下降(P＜0.05),LVEF治疗后3、7d较基线显著上升(P＜0.05),GFR治疗后1、3、7、30 d与基线比较显著上升(P＜0.05).D组:NT-pro-BNP治疗后7d较基线显著下降 (P＜0.05),LVEF治疗后7d较基线显著上升(P＜0.05),GFR治疗后1、3、7、30 d较基线差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).治疗后,NT-pro-BNp、LVEF、GFR的显著水平值L组均优于D组.结论 左西孟旦改善顽固性心力衰竭合并重度肾功能不全患者心、肾功能水平优于多巴胺.     

卡维地洛治疗慢性充血性心力衰竭患者的临床疗效

目的:探讨卡维地洛对慢性充血性心力衰竭(CHF)患者的症状、心功能、心室重构和细胞因子的影响。方法:随机选择CHF患者72例随机分为心力衰竭常规治疗组(n=34)和卡维地洛治疗组(n=38),后者在常规抗心力衰竭治疗基础上加用卡维地洛,剂量平均为12.5～37.5mg/次,2次/d,患者经治疗随访达6～12个月,观察两组治疗前和治疗后6个月、12个月,对患者症状、心室重构及心功能的影响,分别测定左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左心室射血分数(LVEF)和6min步行距离。测定健康对照组(n=35)和两组心衰患者治疗前和治疗6个月血浆肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、B形脑钠尿肽(BNT)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的浓度。结果:CHF患者在强心、利尿和血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂治疗基础上,用卡维地洛治疗6、12个月后,能显著改善慢性心力衰竭患者的运动耐量、心功能和心室重构,LVEDD、LVESD、LVEF和6min步行距离的改善均优于常规治疗组(P<0.01,P<0.05)。心衰患者3种细胞因子血浆浓度均高于对照组(P<0.001),卡维地洛治疗后细胞因子的下降明显优于常规抗心力衰竭治疗(P<0.01)。结论:卡维地洛可明显改善CHF患者心功能,提高运动耐量,抑制左室重构,降低细胞因子TNF、BNT和IL-6的浓度。     

参麦注射液对心力衰竭患者疗效及N末端脑钠肽的影响

目的 探讨参麦注射液对慢性心力衰竭（CHF）患者N末端脑钠肽前体（NT-proBNP）及心功能的影响.方法 选取120例CHF患者按照随机数字表法随机分为治疗组68例与对照组52例.2组患者均给予常规抗CHF治疗,治疗组在此基础上加用参麦注射液,比较2组患者治疗前后的血浆NT-proBNP水平及左心室射血分数（LVEF）.结果 2组患者治疗前血浆NT-proBNP水平无明显差异（P＞0.05）,治疗后治疗组血浆NT-proBNP水平较对照组明显减少（P＜0.01）.2组患者治疗前左心室射血分数（LVEF）无明显差异（P＞0.05）,治疗后LVEF均明显改善（P＜0.05）,治疗组较对照组改善更加明显（P＜0.05）.治疗组总有效率优于对照组（94.12％ vs.71.15％,P＜0.05）.结论 参麦注射液可显著降低CHF患者血浆NT-proBNP水平,提高LVEF及改善临床症状,对改善CHF患者预后具有重要意义.     

阿托伐他汀对PCI冠心病CHF患者NT-proBNP、hs-CRP和左室重构的影响

目的 观察阿托伐他汀对经皮冠状动脉介入术(PCI)后慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者氨基末端脑钠肽前体( NT-proBNP)、超敏C反应蛋白(bs-CRP)和左室重构的影响及相关性.方法 122例PCI术后CHF患者(NYHA分级Ⅱ/Ⅲ)随机分为阿托伐他汀20 mg组(阿托代他汀20 mg/d治疗,n=62)和阿托伐他汀他汀10mg组(阿托伐他汀10 mg/d治疗,n=60),比较两组治疗前一般资料、两组治疗前和治疗12个月后血浆NT-proBNP和hs-CRP水平以及左室重构相关指标的变化,并分析其相关性.结果 两组治疗后血浆NT-proBNP和hs-CRP水平均较治疗前显著降低(P＜0.05),治疗后阿托伐他汀20 mg组血浆NT-proBNP和hs-CRP水平显著低于阿托伐他汀10mg组(P＜0.05).阿托伐他汀治疗后,两组左室舒张末期内径( LVEDD)较治疗前均显著降低(P＜0.05),两组左室射血分数(LVEF)较治疗前均显著升高(P＜0.05),阿托伐他汀20 mg组左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)显著小于阿托伐他汀10 mg组(P＜0.05);阿托伐他汀20 mg组LVEF显著大于阿托伐他汀10 mg组(P＜0.05).两组治疗前后血浆NT-proBNP和hs-CRP的下降水平均与LVEDD减少呈正相关,与LVEF增加呈负相关;NT-proBNP、hs-CRP下降水平两者呈正相关(均P＜0.05).结论 阿托伐他汀对PCI冠心病CHF患者心功能改善有益,且与药物剂量有关.     

中西医结合治疗冠心病慢性心力衰竭的临床分析

目的分析芪参益气滴丸联合西医规范治疗对冠心病慢性心力衰竭患者心室重构,血浆NT-proBNP及心功能的影响。方法将73例冠心病心力衰竭患者随机分为芪参益气滴丸治疗组（n=36）、对照组（n=37）。两组均按西医冠心病慢性心力衰竭治疗指南规范治疗;治疗组在规范治疗基础上加用芪参益气滴丸口服,疗程12周。治疗前后评定左心室射血分数（LVEF）、左室舒张末期内径（LVd）、血浆NT-proBNP浓度、心功能分级及不良反应。结果治疗12周后,两组患者血浆NTproBNP、LVd、LVEF及心功能分级均有改善。治疗组血浆NT-proBNP值下降更为明显,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;治疗组LVEF及LVd改善优于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;心功能疗效总有效率治疗组88.9%,优于对照组70.3%,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。两组均无明显不良反应。结论芪参益气滴丸可明显降低冠心病慢性心力衰竭患者血浆NT-proBNP水平,改善心功能。     

Value of D-Dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection

Objective: To evaluatel the value of D-dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: This study consisted of 16 patients with AAD and 27 non-AAD patients. Serum D-dimets were measured by Sta-Liatest D-DI immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: D-dimer level was higher (P ＜ 0.001) in patients with AAD(7.91 ± 5.52 μg/ml) than that in non- AAD group(1.57±1.24 μg/ml). D-dimer was positive (＞0.4 μg/ml) in all patients with AAD and in 10 control group patients (37%). Among patients with acute AAD, D-dimers tended to be higher in Stanford A than in Stanford B (8.67 ± 4.31 μg/ml vs. 3.24±1.27 μg/ml, P ＜0.01). D-dimer values tended to be higher in more extended disease(3.84 ± 1.65 μg/ml, 8.57 ± 3.58 μg/ml and 11.87 ± 5.69 μg/ml in thoracic aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta and iliacal arteries, respectively, P ＜ 0.05 for both 8.57 ± 3.58 and 11.87 ± 5.69 vs. 3.84 ± 1.65 ). Including the control group into the analysis, we found a sensitivity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 100%, and a specificity of 66% and a positive predictive value of 64% for D-dimer in diagnosis of AAD in our patients with suspected AAD. Conclusion: D-dimer was elevated in patients with AAD. A negative D-dimer test result could be useful in excluding AAD.     

Research of combined liver-kidney transplantation model in rats

Objective： To set up a simple and reliable rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation. Methods： SD rats served as both donors and recipients. 4℃ sodium lactate Ringer＇s was infused from portal veins to donated livers,and from abdominal aorta to donated kidneys, respectively. Anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava （IVC） inferior to the right kidney between the graft and the recipient was performed by a double cuff method, then the superior hepatic vena cava with suture. A patch of donated renal artery was anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta. The urethra and bile duct were reconstructed with a simple inside bracket. Results： Among 65 cases of combined liver-kidney transplantation, the success rate in the late 40 cases was 77.5%. The function of the grafted liver and kidney remained normal. Conclusion： This rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation can be established in common laboratory conditions with high success rate and meet the needs of renal transplantation experiment.     

BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGE WITH AGE IN SALT-SENSITIVE TEENAGERS

Objective To observe blood pressure change with age in salt-sensitive teenagers whose salt sensitivity were determined by repeated testing.Methods Salt sensitivity was determined through intravenous infusion of normal saline combined with volume-depletion by oral diuretic furosemide in 55 teenagers. After five years, salt sensitivity was re-examined and subject blood pressure was followed up. Blood pressure changes in salt-sensitive teenagers were compared to that of non-salt sensitive teenagers over five years.Results After 5 years, the repetition rate of salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading is 92.7%. In teenagers with salt sensitivity on the baseline, both the systolic blood pressure increments and increment rates were much higher than non-salt sensitive teenagers (12.7±12.1 mmHg vs. 2.8±5.2 mmHg, P＜ 0.01; 12.2%± 12.0% vs. 2.5% ±4.4%, P＜ 0.001,respectively). There was a similar trend for diastolic blood pressure (8.4 ± 6.4 mmHg vs. 3.7 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.052; 13.2% ±10.6 % vs. 6.8%± 10.1%, P = 0.053, respectively).Conclusions Salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading showed good reproducibility. Blood pressure increments with age were much higher in salt-sensitive teenagers than non-salt sensitive teenagers, especially in terms of systolic blood pressure.     

安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术后生活质量影响的研究

目的：评价使用安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术（PPCI）术后生活质量的影响.方法：将160例接受PPCI的急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者随机分为安心颗粒组（术前顿服安心颗粒8.8g,术后安心颗粒4.4 g/次,每日2次）和对照组（仅接受基础药物治疗）.所有患者均服用阿司匹林、氯吡格雷和阿托伐他汀.分别在入院时、出院前1d、出院后180 d时,应用心肌梗死多维度量表（MIDAS）、中文版SF-36评价量表对患者生活质量评分.并观察术后30 d以内的出血并发症、血小板减少症发生情况.结果：入院时和出院前1d,两组患者的心肌梗死MIDAS、SF-36量表评分比较无差异（P＞0.05）;出院后180 d时,与对照组比较,安心颗粒组MIDAS、SF-36评分明显减低（P＜0.05）;组内与入院时比较,两组出院前1d、出院后180 d时,MIDAS、SF-36评分均降低（P＜0.05）.两组患者在随访期间均无大量出血、少量出血、重度和极重度血小板减少症发生,安心颗粒组有4例、对照组有7例发生不明显出血（P＞0.05）.两组发生轻度血小板减少症的患者数比较无差异（P＞0.05）.结论：PPCI使用安心颗粒,能改善急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者的生活质量,且不增加出血风险.     

The comparative studies of the influences of Urapidil and Nicardipine on sino-atrial node function, atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics

Objective:To investigate the influences of urapidil and nicardipine on rabbit sinus function,atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics.Methods:Thirty-two Angora's rabbits were selected and randomly divided into four groups.U1 group:urapidil 0.25 mg/kg;U2 group:urapidil 0.5 mg/kg;N1 group:nicardipine 10 μg/kg;N2 group:nicardipine 20 μg/kg.All these medicine were administrated within 30 seconds.Measurements were taken before and after the administration of urapidil or nicardipine for the following data:mean blood pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),sino-atrial conduction time(SACT),maximal sinoatrial recovery time(SNRTmax)corrected sinus node recovery time(CSNRT),index of sinus node recovery time(SNRTI),Wenckebach A-V conduction frequency (WB),and P-R interval.Results:Significant MAP and HR changes were identified in all of the four groups before and after administration of both urapidil and nicardipine.No significant changes could be found in the rest of the parameters.Intergroup analysis showed that SACT and CSNRT of N1 and N2 groups were shorter than those of the U2 group(P＜0.01);the MAP decreased(P＜0.01)and the HR increased drastically(P＜0.01).Conclusions:Neither urapidil(0.25 mg/kg,0.5 mg/kg)nor nicardipine(10μg/kg,20μg/kg)has any significant influence on rabbit sinus function or rabbit atrio-ventricular node function.Nicardipine could be a better choice than urapidil for parafunctional sinus node patients.     

Expression of OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the patients of hip fracture due to osteoporosis

Objective：To investigate the gene expression of osteoprotegerin（OPG） and osteoclast differentiation factor（ODF） in the bone tissue of patients with hip fracture due to osteoporosis. Methods：OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the bone tissue in 50 cases of osteoporosis sufferers（over 50 years old） with hip fracture（Observer Group） and 30 cases of hip facture sufferers with no osteoporosis（Control group） were analyzed with the Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR method. Results：The mRNA expressed of ODF, OPG were both high in the patients with hip fracture. In the control group, the expression of OPG mRNA was observed, while the expression of ODF mRNA was very slight. Conclusion：Aged patients contained all signals including OPG, ODF that are essential for inducing osteoclastogenesis and promoting bone resorption.     

The clinicopathological and immuohistochemical analysis of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas： report of 9 cases

Objective：To investigate the clinical features, pathological characteristics and immunophenotype of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas（SPTP）. Methods：Nine surgically treated cases of SPTP were retrospectively reviewed. Hematoxylin and Eosin（HE） staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze all cases, and the general clinical data was collected. Results：Six patients were asymptomatic except for a palpable mass. Two patients complained of vague-epigastric pain. One patient appeared jaundice. The tumor was encapsulated and solid tissues alternately with cystic tissues. Histologically, the histological structure of solid portion was pseudopapillary with a fibrovascular core. Tumor cells were uniform and medium-sized which were arranged in sheets ets or nests or pseudopapillary patterns. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that SPTP proved positive in vimentin（9/9 cases）, AAT（9/9 cases）, NSE（9/9 cases）, ACT（7/9 cases）, CK20（2/9 cases）, CgA（1/9 cases）, S-100（3/gcases）, PR（4/gcases）, Syn（3/9 cases） and CD56（5/9cases）, negative in CEA and ER. Conclusion：SPTP is a tumor predominantly occurring in young women frequently without special symptoms. This tumor has various characteristical histological patterns with different immunophenotype.     

Dynamic Changes in Serum Estradiol and Progesterone levels in Patients of Premenstrual Syndrome with Adverse Flow of Liver-qi

Objective:To probe into the influence of changes of ovarian hormones on the pathogenesis of the specific sub-type premenstrual syndrome(PMS)and reveal partial microcosmic mechanisms of adverse flow of liver-qi.Methods:Estradiol(E2)and progesterone(P)levels in serum were determined at different phases of menstrual cycle by radioimmunoassay.Results:In the group of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.the secretive peak value Of E2 and P at the follicular phase significantly decreased,and the secretive peak value at the luteal phase did not come into being.Conclusions:Low E2 and P secretive peak at the follicular phase and absence of secretive peak at the luteal phase is one of the microcosmic mechanisms of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.One of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of specific sub-type PMS is probably the continuous low level of E2and P.     

Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Left Ventricular and Right Ventricular Volumes

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE)is a new ultrasound technique that enables dynamic threedimensional visualization and quantification of the heart in real time. Investigation of feasibility and methodology of RT3DE in determining left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, RT3DE was performed in 35 normal adults using Philips SONOS 7500 system with a 2-4 MHz matrix array transducer. The 60°×60° "pyramid" volume database was obtained and analyzed on a TomTec echo workstation. Both LV and RV volumes were calculated with four 3DE methods (i.e. apical 2, 4, 8, and 16-plane) through manually tracing ventricular endocardial borders in end diastole and end systole. Stroke volumes were then calculated. LV volume was also measured by 2DE Simpson's rule using GE VIVID 7 ultrasound machine.     

SCREENING FOR A 21-CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITY IN PREIMPLANTED EMBRYOS OF ELDERLY WOMEN

Increasing maternal age is the only etiological factor unequivocally linked to Down's syndrome in humans. The occurrence rate of newborns with Down's syndrome is about 1/220 in women over 35 years old. However, the occurrence rate in embryos fertilized in vitro, of the elder woman is unclear. Using FISH we screened the number of chromosome 21 in preimplanted embryos of 5 elderly women (average age, 38.4 years) to study the feasibility and necessity of screening trisomy 21 in embryos in patients over 35 years old at the in vitro fertilization (IVF) center.