[Improvement of communication between consultants and family practitioners: a controlled trial].

Communication between primary care physician and consultants is essential for continuing patient care. Several studies have noted failures of consultants to provide follow-up information to the referring physician. We studied the referral pattern in a family practice clinic, and tried to increase written communication between consultants and primary care physicians.

Effects of hydrochlorothiazide, diltiazem and enalapril on mononuclear cell sodium and magnesium levels in systemic hypertension.

Sixteen patients (mean age 68 years) with mild to moderate hypertension were treated with either diltiazem or hydrochlorothiazide for 6 weeks, followed by enalapril for a further 6 weeks. A second group of 40 patients (mean age 71 years) was treated with either hydrochlorothiazide or enalapril for 12 weeks; nonresponders received both drugs for 8 weeks. Treatment with hydrochlorothiazide or enalapril resulted in a lowering of systolic and diastolic blood pressures, but diastolic pressure was lower in patients treated with enalapril (89 +/- 2 and 82 +/- 2 mm Hg, respectively; p less than 0.

Familial bidirectional ventricular tachycardia.

The occurrence of incessant ventricular arrhythmia with bouts of polymorphous and bidirectional ventricular tachycardia is described in two totally asymptomatic sisters, with structurally normal hearts and no QT prolongation. Familial survey revealed the occurrence of increased ventricular ectopic activity in the father, brother and another sister.

[Physician-initiated smoking cessation program].

The detrimental effects of smoking are well-known, but physicians have generally been unsuccessful in eliminating this serious public health problem. It has been suggested that the family physician is the ideal person to give antismoking advice and to initiate a treatment program. The aim of this study was to examine intervention by family physicians in cigarette smoking.