Effect of d-sotalol on mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after recent and remote myocardial infarction. The SWORD Investigators. Survival With Oral d-Sotalol.

Background: Left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction is associated with an increased risk of death. Other studies have suggested that a potassium-channel blocker might reduce this risk with minimal adverse effects. We investigated whether d-sotalol, a pure potassium-channel blocker with no clinically significant beta-blocking activity, could reduce all-cause mortality in these high-risk patients.

Hemodynamic changes during induction of anesthesia with eltanolone and propofol in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to examine global and regional hemodynamic changes during induction of anesthesia with eltanolone, a new short-acting steroid hypnotic, as compared to propofol, in chronically instrumented dogs. The effects on cardiac performance were assessed in six animals. Renal and hepatic blood flows were examined in a separate study including five animals.

Survival with oral d-sotalol in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction: rationale, design, and methods (the SWORD trial).

Impaired left ventricular function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with an increased risk of death. Despite recent advances in the management of these patients, sudden death accounts for up to 50% of this mortality, and effective treatment strategies have yet to be identified. Preliminary trials with amiodarone have offered promise that drugs that prolong action potential duration by blocking the potassium channel may be useful in reducing this mortality.

Global and regional haemodynamic effects of urapidil in conscious dogs with chronic coronary artery occlusion.

The haemodynamic effects of urapidil, an alpha 1-antagonist with central serotoninergic properties, were studied in an experimental canine model of chronic ischaemic heart disease. Global and regional haemodynamic recordings were made in conscious dogs with ameroid-induced single vessel coronary artery occlusion. Three intravenous bolus-infusion doses of urapidil (0.