ECG T-wave patterns in genetically distinct forms of the hereditary long QT syndrome.

Background: The long QT syndrome is an inherited disorder with prolonged ventricular repolarization and a propensity to ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden arrhythmic death. Recent linkage studies have demonstrated three separate loci for this disorder on chromosomes 3, 7, and 11, and specific mutated genes for long QT syndrome have been identified on two of these chromosomes. We investigated ECG T-wave patterns (phenotypes) in members of families linked to three genetically distinct forms of the long QT syndrome.

Comparison of the bleeding potential of vampire bat salivary plasminogen activator versus tissue plasminogen activator in an experimental rabbit model.

Background: Vampire bat salivary plasminogen activator (Bat-PA) has significantly greater fibrin specificity than any of the fibrinolytic agents currently in clinical use. This study tests the hypothesis that avoiding fibrinogen depletion may protect against the hemorrhage induced by plasminogen activator treatment.

Methods And Results: Bat-PA was compared with tissue-type plasminogen activator (TPA) in a randomized, prospective, and blinded study using a rabbit ear puncture model of fibrinolytic bleeding.

Facial nerve paralysis from slag injury to the ear.

Transtympanic facial nerve paralysis resulting from a penetrating injury through the external auditory canal is a rare occurrence. The common mechanism of paralysis is direct fracture or penetration of the fallopian canal. Slag injuries of the ear caused by hot sparks or molten metal are well known to otolaryngologists because they often result in chronic tympanic membrane perforations and chronic otorrhea.

Improving pediatricians' compliance-enhancing practices. A randomized trial.

Previous evaluations of continuing medical education (CME) have yielded conflicting results regarding its effects on physician knowledge, performance, and subsequent patient outcomes. Poor adherence by mothers to prescribed pediatric regimens is a separate, but well-documented, problem. In the present study we assessed the ability of CME to: (1) increase the knowledge of pediatricians about compliance-enhancing strategies; (2) increase the performance of these practices by pediatricians; and (3) improve mothers' compliance with antibiotic regimens for their children's otitis media.