Antibody levels against Chlamydia pneumoniae and outcome of roxithromycin therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Results from a sub-study of the randomised Antibiotic Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction (ANTIBIO) trial.

Background: Results of studies concerning prevention of cardiovascular disease by treatment with macrolide antibiotics targeting C. pneumoniae infection are still controversial. This study describes the results of different tests for infection with C.

Proarrhythmic effect of pacemaker stimulation in patients with implanted cardioverter-defibrillators.

Background: We sought to determine the potential of right ventricular VVI backup pacing to induce ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with implanted cardioverter-defibrillators.

Methods And Results: All consecutive patients presenting exclusively with pacemaker-induced tachycardias (PITs) were included in a prospective study using a crossover protocol. Patients were randomized to either group 1 (augmentation of the baseline frequency of the pacemaker to 60 bpm) or group 2 (pacemaker turned off) and were followed up for 1 year and then crossed over to the other programming, looking for reoccurrence of PIT.

[Hidden intracardiac conduction disturbances and their spontaneous course in patients with progressive muscular dystrophy].

In patients with progressive muscular dystrophy (PMD) invasive electrophysiologic studies can detect hidden intracardiac conduction disturbances. The aim of this study was a long-term follow-up of these patients. Twelve consecutive patients (9 m, 3 f, age 28 +/- 4 yrs) without cardiac symptoms and with normal echocardiographic findings were included in the study.

[Where should the implantable ECG event recorder be placed?].

Aim of our study was the comparison of bipolar ECG quality (with a 4 cm lead distance) at different sites within the anterior thorax to find the preferable implantation site for an ECG event recorder (ECG-ER). In 70 patients a bipolar ECG with a short electrode distance and in the vertical position was registered at the following sites: left and right subclavicular, left and right parasternal (4th-5th ICR), left and right anterior axilla (4th-5th ICR), at the heart apex and subxiphoidal. Then it was compared to the standard lead II.

Is atrial sensing of ventricular far-field signals important in single-lead VDD pacing?

Unlabelled: In single-lead VDD pacing the atrial sensitivity frequently is programmed to sensitive values. Atrial sensing of ventricular far-field signals should be reduced by differential atrial sensing. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach.