Sotalol and metoprolol comparison of their anti-hypertensive effect

Summary 28 patients, aged 35–62 years, with uncomplicated hypertension, entered a double-blind, crossover study, in which the effects of single daily doses of sotalol and metoprolol were compared. Both drugs exerted a clinically useful anti-hypertensive effect as monotherapy, or in combination with a thiazide diuretic. No significant difference in hypotensive effects was noted between the two beta-blocking agents, when the dose was titrated to an optimal clinical effect. Treatment with sotalol and metoprolol was associated with a clinically insignificant increase in serum uric acid concentration. The side-effects observed were few, and in only two cases was therapy discontinued. We regard both sotalol and metoprolol as useful anti-hypertensive drugs.     

Working with tactile massage--a grounded theory about the energy controlling system

The purpose of this study was to acquire a theoretical understanding of what it is like to work as a tactile massage therapist (TMT). There is insufficient knowledge in this area—despite increasing demand and implementation of tactile massage; so 26 female TMTs were interviewed (6 interview groups in Stockholm County). Grounded theory was used to analyse the data. The analysis resulted in a theoretical model that explains how TMTs individually underwent a transformation in which they learned about the energy-controlling system (energy takers, energy returners, and energy controllers) and managed to implement this demanding treatment, while maintaining health and inner balance in order to have total presence during treatment sessions. Results showed that total presence was crucial for implementing high-quality treatment, and inability to control energy may pose a risk to inner balance and health among TMTs.     

Determinants for a low health-related quality of life in asthmatics

People with asthma suffer from impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL), but the determinants of HRQL among asthmatics are not completely understood. The aim of this investigation was to study determinants of low HRQL in asthmatics and to study whether the determinants of HRQL differ between sexes and age groups. A cohort of three age groups in Sweden was investigated in 1990 using a questionnaire with focus on respiratory symptoms. To study quality of life, the generic instrument Gothenburg Quality of Life was used. The participants were also investigated with interviews, spirometry, and allergy testing. Asthma was diagnosed in 616 subjects. Fifty-eight per cent (n = 359) of the subjects were women; and 24% were smokers, 22% ex-smokers, and 54% were non-smokers. Women were more likely than men to report poor health-related quality of life. Respiratory symptoms severity was another independent determinant of a lower quality of life as well as airway responsiveness to irritants. Current and former smokers also reported lower quality of life. Finally, absenteeism from school and work was associated with lower quality of life. Factors such as sex, smoking habits, airway responsiveness to irritants, respiratory symptom severity, allergy, and absenteeism from school and work were associated with low HRQL in asthmatics.