Comparison of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor alone and in combination with irbesartan for the treatment of heart failure.

Objective: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) is beneficial in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Some, but not all, angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) was demonstrated to be effective as "add-on" therapy. We investigated whether irbesartan is useful as an add-on therapy in CHF.

Are left ventricular diastolic function and diastolic asynchrony important determinants of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy?

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been shown to reduce symptoms and reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling. It is not known, however, whether diastolic function will improve after CRT and diastolic asynchrony will predict LV reverse remodeling. Seventy-six patients (mean age 65 +/- 12 years, 74% men) who received CRT were studied at baseline and after 3 months.

Improved health-related quality of life and left ventricular hypertrophy among dialysis patients treated with parathyroidectomy.

Background: We prospectively studied changes in the perception of health-related quality of life, pruritus, and degree of left ventricular hypertrophy in end-stage renal disease patients with tertiary hyperparathyroid disorder, before and 6 months after total parathyroidectomy treatment.

Methods: A series of 12 consecutive patients were enrolled. Throughout the follow-up period, all subjects completed the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form-36 (KDQOL SF-36) questionnaire at inclusion and after 6 months.