The effect of dobutamine without and with L-arginine on arterial compliance in heart failure patients.

The effect of dobutamine on carotid and brachial arteries compliance and the association of L-arginine as a potential nitric oxide pathway restorer were evaluated in patients with heart failure. Twenty-seven outpatients participated. Drugs used for the treatment of heart failure were withheld at least 24 hours before the study.

Comparison of open commissurotomy and balloon valvuloplasty in mitral stenosis. A five-year follow-up.

Objective: To compare clinical and laboratory data in patients with mitral stenosis undergoing open commissurotomy or balloon valvuloplasty, who were followed up for 5 years.

Methods: Eighty-one patients were prospectively assessed prior to the procedure (PRE) and immediately after the procedure, in the immediate postoperative period (IPO), and followed up yearly for 5 years (PO12M, PO24M, PO36M, PO48M, and PO60M). They were randomized into the following 2 groups: GC (group undergoing open commissurotomy): 37 patients (32.