Randomised clinical trial: a 1-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of pancreatin 25 000 Ph. Eur. minimicrospheres (Creon 25000 MMS) for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency after pancreatic surgery, with a 1-year open-label extension.

Background: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) often occurs following pancreatic surgery.

Aim: To demonstrate the superior efficacy of pancreatin 25 000 minimicrospheres (Creon 25000 MMS; 9-15 capsules/day) over placebo in treating PEI after pancreatic resection.

Methods: A 1-week, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicentre study with a 1-year, open-label extension (OLE).

Prediction of the effect of bisoprolol in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Survival improvement by beta-blocker treatment in patients with chronic heart failure appears to be related to the intermediate-term changes in left ventricular function. The therapeutic potential of beta blockade might be increased by early identification of patients in whom left ventricular function would deteriorate. We aimed at predicting the intermediate-term effect of bisoprolol on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

[Prognostic value of exercise parameters and simple non-invasive variables of left ventricular function in dilated cardiomyopathy].

Authors assessed the prognostic value of some simple, routinely used non-invasive parameters in dilated cardiomyopathy. Fifty patients, 43 male and 7 female, mean NYHA class 2.3, treated with digitalis, diuretics and vasodilators, were tested.

Prognostic value of simple exercise test parameters in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

The prognostic value of maximal exercise capacity as well as that of the simple exercise systolic blood pressure and heart rate variables were evaluated in 50 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Patients were treated beside digitalis and/or diuretics with vasodilators aggressively. Exercise was performed on an upright bicycle ergometer.

[Experience with long-term atrial pacing].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term results of atrial pacing. There were 27 atrial pacemaker implantations and 26 out of them were followed for an average of 47, 04 months. Lead dislodgement occurred in two cases, which made necessary a ventricular pacing.