Flow cytometric analysis of intraplatelet VASP phosphorylation for the detection of clopidogrel resistance in patients with ischemic cardiovascular diseases.

Interindividual variability of the inhibitory effect of clopidogrel on platelet functions leading to clopidogrel resistance has been described in some patients with ischemic cardiovascular disease. A reliable laboratory test is therefore needed to identify patients insufficiently protected by this antiplatelet treatment. The phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), an intraplatelet actin regulatory protein, is dependent on the level of activation of the platelet P2Y12 receptor, which is targeted by clopidogrel.

[Effects of heart rate increase by transesophageal stimulation on the left ventricular filling in the normal subject. A pulsed echo-Doppler study].

The effects of increasing the heart rate on left ventricular filling were studied by Doppler echocardiography in 12 mildly sedated normal subjects. The heart rate was increased by 10, 20 and 30 bpm with respect to the basal rhythm by transoesophageal pacing. Four stages were thereby defined: S0, S1, S2 and S3.

[Enoximone, vasodilator and/or inotropic agent in congestive cardiac insufficiency? Hemodynamic and ventriculographic study of 20 cases].

The aim of this study was to document the effects of enoximone in congestive cardiac failure. The haemodynamic data (aortic pressure, pulmonary pressures, left ventricular pressure, cardiac output, isovolumic contractility index: Vmax) and left ventricular kinetics of 20 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (11 ischemic and 9 idiopathic in Stages III or IV of the NYHA Classification before recompensation) were recorded under basal conditions, after 30 minutes infusion of dobutamine (10 micrograms/kg/mn) and after 3 hours infusion of enoximone (total dose: 3.6 mg/kg).

[Ventricular arrhythmia in moderate essential arterial hypertension. Review of the literature apropos of 2 cases].

The authors report two observations of severe ventricular arrhythmias is two hypertensive patients without coronary disease. In the light of these observations and of a literature review, they recall the frequency of these arrhythmias, their possible role in the event of the sudden death of the hypertensive subject without coronary disease and their physiopathology, where the left ventricular hypertrophy is predominant. They also try to draw the practical guidelines for the management of the hypertensive patient.