[Ambulatory blood pressure, intima media thickness, global cardiovascular risk and therapeutic decisions]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and global cardiovascular risk on the therapeutic strategies issued from our hypertension unit.

METHODS

All essential uncomplicated and never treated hypertensive patients referred to our hypertension unit between 1996 and 1997 for etiologic or target organ damage evaluation were considered eligible. We excluded diabetics and patients with renal disease who need a specific therapeutical approach. 54 patients (44.7 +/- 10.1 years) were included (40 men). All patients underwent an ABPM measurement. The right common carotid IMT measurement had been performed (0.06 +/- 09 mm). The global cardiovascular risks were assessed with the Framingham prediction chart taking into account age, sex, total cholesterol, smoking status and systolic office blood pressure. According to the therapeutic decision three groups were made up: group 1 lifestyle counselling (n = 13), group 2 single drug therapy (n = 31), and group 3 combination therapy (n = 10).

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in age, sex ratio, prevalence of severe hypertension, office systolic blood pressure, body mass index, global cardiovascular risk between the three groups. In contrast ABP (24 h ABP mmHg: group 1: 128.23 +/- 6.91/79.7 +/- 6.4; group 2: 140.48 +/- 9.7/97.48 +/- 8.17; group 3: 152.4 +/- 15.35/99.4 +/- 12.14 p < .0001) and IMT (group 1: 10.55 +/- .09, group 2: .59 +/- .07, group 3: .66 +/- .11 p = .02), were significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2 and in group 1. The percentage of white coat hypertensives was higher in group 1 than in group 3 (group 1: 61.5%, group 2: 3.2%, group 3: 0%). In the whole population, the higher was the global cardiovascular risk, the higher was the common carotid intima media thickness. In this study the global cardiovascular risks are not related to therapeutic decisions. Therapeutic strategies are influenced by ABP level and by the vascular remodeling which depends partly on the global cardiovascular risk.

[Study of the efficacy and safety of fosinopril in general practice in 19,435 hypertensive patients (FLIGHT Study)]

The efficacy and good safety of fosinopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor recently made available to the medical profession in France, has been demonstrated by several controlled studies versus placebo and reference antihypertensives. A phase IV multicentre clinical trial was conducted among general practitioners in order to assess, on a larger scale and under conditions of daily practice, the results obtained in terms of blood pressure control and quality of life as well as the clinical and laboratory safety of the drug. This analysis was based on 19,435 hypertensive patients, 989 of whom were over the age of 75 years, followed for 12 weeks after introduction of fosinopril either as monotherapy or in combination with the antihypertensive treatment(s) already prescribed. Under these conditions, after 12 weeks of treatment, blood pressure was controlled in 79.8% of patients, with improvement of all items of the quality of life scale. The very low incidence of clinical and laboratory adverse events, even among the oldest patients, confirms the safety of use of fosinopril, predictive of good long-term compliance with treatment.

[Intima media thickness of the carotid artery in white coat and ambulatory hypertension]

Recent epidemiological studies have reported an association between carotid intima media thickness (IMT), ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and absolute cardiovascular risk. To study the relation between white coat effect and vascular changes in hypertensives (HT), 57 essential HT (office blood pressure (OBP) 152.2 +/- 19.5/93.7 +/- 12.4 mmHg) were recruited (46.4 +/- 11.8 years old, 49 men). After antihypertensive drugs withdrawal, an ABP was performed (Spacelabs 90207). The right common carotid artery IMT 3 cm proximal to the bifurcation was examined by ultrasonography. IMT (0.59 +/- 0.09 mm; Software lotec system) were measured by a reader blinded to the ABP data. White coat hypertension (WCH) was defined by a mean day-time ambulatory BP (d-ABP) lower than the 90th percentile of the distribution of daytime ABP of a normotensive population reported by Verdecchia et al. (131/86 mmHg in women and 136/87 mmHg in men). [table: see text] White coat hypertension was found in 8 from 57 (14%) subjects. IMT was significantly increased in ambulatory HT when compared with white coat HT while age, sex ratio, OBP, smoking status were not different. In stepwise regression age and systolic d-ABP were the only determinants of IMT (p < 0.05). In our hypertensive population. ABP appears more closely related to IMT than OBP and IMT in sustained is greater than in white coat hypertensive.

[MUltiple sclerosis and obstetric epidural analgesia]

A prior diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been considered a contraindication for performing epidural blocks due to the possible negative impact of the course of disease. For this reason, women with MS who given birth have rarely benefited from obstetric epidural analgesia. We report the case of a woman giving birth at full-term who had been diagnosed one year before the pregnancy of "probable" MS. She was given epidural analgesia with a mixture of bupivacaine and fentanyl at low doses. Both the birth and the immediate postpartum period transpired without complications and no new signs of disease were reported over the following years. We conclude that obstetric epidural analgesia with bupivacaine administered at a low concentration is safe for women with MS.

[Aldosterone precursors and hypertension with hypokalemia and adrenal module non caused by primary hyperaldosteronism]

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the interest of aldosterone precursors assays in arterial hypertension with hypokaliemia and adrenal nodules non due to aldosterone. Seven hypertensive patients, 3 men and 4 women, aged 59.5 +/- 10.1 years were included in the study. After drug withdrawal, kaliemia was 3.1 +/- 0.3 mmol/l (2.7-3.6), active renin 2.9 +/- 1.4 ng/l, plasma aldosterone (aldo) 108 +/- 49.4 pg/ml, cortisol 13 +/- 3.1 micrograms/100 ml, and [S] 0.47 +/- 0.5 micrograms/100 ml. Adrenal CT scan showed an adenoma in 3 patients (30.5 +/- 5 mm) and an unilateral nodular hyperplasia in 4 patients. In all patients, the plasma levels (RIA, chomatographic step) of the following steroids in the mineralocorticoid (MC) pathway were determined: DOC, 18 OH-DOC, B, 18 OH-B and aldosterone. Two from 7 (28%) exerted aldosterone precursors excess, 1 with DOC-producing adenoma (DOC-PA) (table), and 1 with a partial 11 beta hydroxylase deficiency (DOC: 211 pg/ml; S: 1 mu/100 ml). Aldosterone/DOC + 18 OH-DOC ratio proposed as a malignancy index was decreased in the patient with DOC-PA (8.1). No dysfunction in the MC pathway was identified in the 5 other patients. [table: see text] The study suggests the relevance of aldosterone precursors assays in low renin hypertension non due to aldosterone and in incidentally discovered adrenal masses.

Effects of axotomy and intraocular administration of NT-4, NT-3, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor on the survival of adult rat retinal ganglion cells. A quantitative in vivo study

PURPOSE

To investigate in vivo the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) 4 to 14 days after optic nerve (ON) transection alone or in combination wih a single intraocular injection of neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

METHODS

In adult rats, RGCs were labeled with fluorogold (FG) applied to their main targets in the brain. Seven days later, the left ON was intraorbitally transected, and, in several groups of animals, the left eye received a sham injection or was injected with 5 microliters of 1% bovine serum albumin-phosphate-buffered saline alone or containing 5 micrograms of NT-4, NT-3, or BDNF. Four, 5, 7, 9, 12 and 14 days after ON transection, the retinas were examined under fluorescence microscopy to estimate RGC survival.

RESULTS

In control retinas, the mean densities (cells/mm2+/-SEM) of FG-labeled RGCs were 2421+/-55 (n=20). Four days after axotomy, the densities of RGCs were similar to those observed in control retinas, but 5 and 7 days after axotomy, the mean densities had decreased to 2028+/-63 (n=6) and 1568+/-50 (n=6) respectively. In the group of retinas with sham injection, with vehicle alone or with NT-3, RGC densities also decreased by 7 days to 1261+/-71 (n=5), 1506+/-98 (n=10), and 1474+/-125 (n=4), respectively. However, similar densities to those observed in control retinas were observed 7 days after ON transection in the groups of retinas treated with NT-4 (2505+/-91; n=7) or BDNF (2380+/-74; n=7). Fourteen days after axotomy, RGC densities decreased to 521+/-39 (n=10). Comparable densities were found in groups that underwent axotomy and either sham injection (533+/-51; n=5), injection of vehicle (588+/-19; n=10), or NT-3 treatment (634+/-62; n=6). However, at this time, higher densities were observed in the groups treated with NT-4 839+/-39 (n=8) or BDNF 1321+/-120 (n=7).

CONCLUSIONS

Axotomy-induced RGC death first appears by day 5 and reaches 80% of the original RGC population by day 12. NT-4 and BDNF administered intraocularly at the time of axotomy exert a neuroprotective effect on axotomy-induced RGC death, thus increasing the population of surviving RGCs and delaying the onset of RGC of axotomy-induced RGC death by approximately 3 days. Intraocular administration of NT-3 did not modify the survival of RGCs after injury.

[What can we think about diastolic hypertension?]

Isolated diastolic hypertension is not officially recognized as a form of hypertension. It is currently defined as a diastolic pressure greater than 90 mm Hg with systolic pressure < 140 mmHg. It implies an elevation of vascular resistance in the arteriolar sector and small arteries, and persistence of distensibility of the aorta and large vessels. It therefore predominantly affects young patients with relatively recent HT, without any accentuation of aging of the vessel wall by smoking, diabetes, or atheroma. It is responsible for a reduction of pulse pressure, and does not appear to be associated with deterioration of the prognosis. The demonstration of diastolic HT indicates the presence of excess adrenergic tone with predominance of alpha tone, or raised plasma renin, in the absence of any alteration of myocardial function capable of reducing systolic pressure. Monotherapy with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, which reduce stimulation of growth of smooth muscle fibres, and calcium channel blockers, whose effects increase with increasing vasoconstrictor tone, would be preferable to diuretics and non-selective beta-blockers.

[Arterial hypertension and insulin resistance]

Insulin resistance manifested by hyperinsulinism is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. When associated with characteristic disorders of the lipid metabolism and arterial hypertension it is regarded today as a metabolic syndrome X. To detect hyperinsulinism in patients with arterial hypertension in everyday practice, it is advisable to determine the rations "circumference of the waist, circumference of the hips", while its abnormal values necessitate a carbohydrate challenge. Hyperinsulinism in AH patients should be born in mind when devising therapeutic measures, the mainstay of which is dietary therapy, with Calcium antagonists and inhibitors of the converting enzyme being used as hypotensive agents.

Influence of glucose metabolism on nycthemeral blood pressure variability in hypertensives with an elevated waist-hip ratio. A link with arterial distensibility

We studied the influence of glucose metabolism on the nycthemeral blood pressure (BP) pattern and arterial distensibility in 33 nontreated hypertensive patients, 45.6 +/- 8.5 years old, with elevated waist/hip ratio. All patients underwent an ambulatory BP monitoring, a pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement, and an oral glucose tolerance test. The ratio of mean nocturnal:diurnal systolic BP (N/D ratio) was used to assess nycthemeral BP variability. N/D ratio correlated positively with PWV (r = 0.62; P < .01). When considered according to their glycemic status, N/D ratio and PWV were significantly higher (P < .05; P < .01) in diabetics and in glucose intolerants compared to patients with normal glucose levels. Our data indicate that the nycthemeral BP pattern was different according to the metabolic status. The loss of nocturnal decline in BP is associated with carbohydrate disturbances and reduced arterial stiffness.

[Conceptual basis and diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism]

Primary aldosteronism comprises two different conditions, the tumoral form usually caused by an adenoma and the idiopathic form due to nodular hyperplasia of the two adenals. More rarely, an adenoma of the adrenal cortex, glucocorticosteroid-sensitive hyperplasia, and angiotensin-sensitive adenoma or an autonomous nodule transformed to primary tumoral hyperplasia, may be observed. Primary alderosteronism may be conceived as a spectrum of genetic abnormalities which express themselves either by hyperplasia or by a tumour. A defect in steroid genesis and prolonged stimulation of the cortex would lead to the formation of nodules which may become autonomous and generate a tumour. Hypertension may be isolated. Detection requires three sampling of serum potassium in all hypertensive patients, a study of the aldosterone-renin axis when the value is less than 3.6 mEq, or whenever the hypertension is severe or resistant to treatment. The diagnosis is made by the association of an increased plasma aldosterone level before getting up in the morning and a plasma renin unaffected by orthostatism. The choice of medical or surgical treatment depends on the uni- or bilateral anatomic substrate. Computerised tomography, very sensitive but not specific, like hormonal studies, often provides incomplete answers. Adrenalectomy is indicated in the presence of a mass of centimetric proportions with concordant results of the dynamic test. In other situations, investigations are continued with the search for an aldosterone gradient by selective venous sampling. This is very valuable to determine the lateralisation but fails in 25% of cases, and its results have to be compared with those of imaging techniques: CT scan, venography and, when necessary, scintigraphy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Ambulatory measurement of blood pressure and plasma catecholamines in the study of orthostatic hypotension]

The purpose of the study was to investigate the interest of ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) and plasma catecholamines in the management of orthostatic hypotension (OH). Fifteen patients, 4 men, 11 females, 53.3 +/- 21.1 years old, with OH were included in the study: 7 with dysautonomia (G1) = multiple systemic atrophy, pure autonomic failure, OH in elderly people; 8 with OH from other origin (G2) = hypovolemia, neurodystonia, vaso-vagal syncope. ABPM and plasma catecholamines assays (HPLC) in lying then in standing position were carried out in all patients. BP was 131.2 +/- 31.9/78.1 +/- 12.0 mmHg in lying and 112.1 +/- 25.3/75.4 +/- 15.8 in standing position (n = 15). The systolic (S) standing-induced (delta) decrease in BP after 1 min and 10 min (delta SBP) correlated with standard-deviation and variation coefficient of mean SBP (r = 0.78, p < 0.01; r = 0.82, p < 0.01 for delta sBP 1 min and r = 0.80, p < 0.01; r = 0.81, p < 0.01 for delta sBP 10 min), but not with norepinephrine (NorE) or epinephrine levels. There was a significant correlation between diastolic nycthemeral BP variability expressed by mean night-time DBP/mean day-time DBP ratio/diastolic N/D) and standing-induced decrease in DBP after 1 min (r = 0.59, p < 0.05). delta SBP 1 min and 10 min, delta DBP 1 min (p = 0.02, p = 0.05, p = 0.01) and systolic and diastolic N/D (p = 0.02; p < 0.01) were significantly different in G1 and G2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Arterial blood pressure changes, circadian rhythm and arterial elasticity in hemodialysed patients]

An increased blood pressure variability (BVP) and a loss of nocturnal decline in BP could enhance cardiovascular disease. Peripheral resistances and arterial compliance determine systolic BP. BVP could depend on arterial stiffness. We tested this hypothesis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ERSD) who have arterial elasticity impairment. Twenty one ESRD patients (49.9 +/- 16.7 years) 12 mean and 9 women, undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were studied; 19 had treated hypertension. Ambulatory (ABP) monitoring was performed in all patients: BP was measured every 15 minutes in day-time and every 30 minutes at night. Systolic diurnal variation coefficient was calculated as the ratio between standard deviation and the mean of systolic diurnal BP. Nycthemeral BP pattern was evaluated as the ratio between mean diurnal and nocturnal systolic BP (N/D). Pulse wave velocity (PVW), an index of arterial stiffness, was determined between carotid and femoral sites (11.6 +/- 4.22 m/s). These investigations were performed after the midweek dialysis session. We found a positive correlation between PVW and systolic diurnal BPV (stepwise regression F = 12.9, p < 0.01). This correlation was independent of hypertension, antihypertensive treatment, duration of hemodialysis, and erythropoientin. We also found a positive correlation between N/D and PWV (stepwise regression: F = 8.9 p < 0.05). Our study shows that arterial distensibility links BPV and N/D. It is suggested that an arterial distensibility impairment could enhance BPV and modify nycthemeral BP pattern.

Renal artery stent placement: long-term results with the Wallstent endoprosthesis

PURPOSE

To evaluate clinical success and long-term patency of a Wallstent in the renal artery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five Wallstents were placed in 21 patients to treat delayed restenosis after previous balloon angioplasty (n = 13) or inadequate immediate postangioplasty response (n = 8). Indications for angioplasty were hypertension in all patients and renal preservation in seven. Stenosis was atheromatous in 15 patients, involving ostium in seven.

RESULTS

Stent placement was successful in all patients. At follow-up angiography (range, 12-60 months), four patients (20%) had stent restenosis. Of these, three had undergone treatment for restenosis after angioplasty and three had ostial lesions. Cumulative primary patency rate was 95%, 85%, and 77% at 7, 9, and 15 months, respectively. Hypertension was cured in three patients and improved in 18.

CONCLUSION

Arterial stent placement has good clinical results and high long-term patency rates after conventional renal angiography or delayed restenosis, especially in ostial lesions.

Blood pressure measurements and left ventricular mass in young adults with arterial hypertension screened at high school check-up

The aim of this study was to determine which BP measurement is the best related to target organ damage. There were 49 young adults with a history of childhood hypertension (school check-up) and to increase the prevalence of hypertension in the study group, 25 males 24 females, aged 20.1 +/- 2.2 years old were included in the study. All patients had a diurnal ambulatory BP monitoring and office BP measurements taken with a sphygmomanometer and with an oscillometric device during a 15 minute period monitoring (Dinamap BP). Echocardiography and blood samples (cholesterol and triglycerides) were performed in all patients. In contrast with office BP, a mean ambulatory SBP and mean Dinamap SBP significantly correlated to left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (P < 0.01). There was also a correlation between triglycerides and mean Dinamap SBP (P < 0.01) which could suggest an early insulin resistance. In this selected population, a short period BP monitoring, as well as ambulatory BP, is more closely related to LVMI than office BP.

Parental rearing and intimate relations in women's depression

Bowlby has suggested that attachment behavior is not restricted to early childhood but can remain valid through the life span. This study was designed to test whether recall of parental rearing (Parental Bonding Instrument) and perception of marital relationship (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) is significantly different between 2 groups of women: one with non-bipolar depressive disorder (DSM-III-R) compared with another (control) of healthy women from a primary practice setting. We also examined the hypothesis that exposure to dysfunctional parenting is associated with negative intimate relationships in adulthood. Our results partially support these hypotheses. We discuss the significance of these findings in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders.

[For which hypertensive patient should angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor be prescribed or forbidden?]

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors act by lowering the level of angiotensin II. The therapeutic benefits of these drugs and their potential side-effects therefore result from suppression of the physiological effects of angiotensin II. It is rational to prescribe an ACE inhibitor when the renin-angiotensin system is activated, as in renin-dependent essential hypertension, malignant hypertension and hypertension associated with heart failure. The beneficial effects of ACE inhibitor must be weighed against the special risks of renovascular hypertension: risk of renal artery thrombosis in case of unilateral stenosis and risk of renal failure if the stenosis is bilateral or affects a solitary kidney. In some situations the renin-angiotensin system is not directly involved in hypertension but may play a local haemodynamic role, as in some cases of primary or diabetic nephropathy. In such case the ACE inhibitors are thought to exert a protective effect. ACE inhibitors were reputed to be less effective in the elderly than in younger patients, but we now know that they can be prescribed with equal success in both instances to reduce peripheral resistance and improve regional blood flow as well as arterial compliance. Finally, ACE inhibitors can be prescribed, albeit with limited effectiveness, when the renin-angiotensin system is not activated, as in low renin hypertension and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism due to adrenal hyperplasia. They are ineffective in case of Conn's adenoma and contra-indicated in pregnant women.

[Efficacy of antihypertensive treatment in the French population. A multicenter survey]

In order to assess the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment in the population, a study was undertaken in 5 French cities during the commercial fairs of Grenoble, Marseilles, Nice, Toulouse and Lille. The blood pressure was measured according to the WHO recommendations in volunteers. The study included a total of 7107 subjects of both sexes, with 4064 subjects in the 35-64 year age group. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in the 791 hypertensive patients who knew their antihypertensive therapy. Taking < 160/95 mmHg as the criterion of efficacy, 52 to 73% of the hypertensive patients were well controlled. However, if the therapeutic objective of normalisation of the blood pressure (BP < 140/90 mmHg) is taken as the criterion of efficacy, only 23 to 29% of the hypertensive patients were controlled whilst their BP remained significantly higher than that of normotensive controls of the same age. The difference in efficacy of antihypertensive therapy between the cities may be explained by the heterogenicity of the populations whereas the treatment did not differ significantly. After adjustment analysis with respect to sex showed that women were better controlled than men whatever the criterion chosen. The group controlled at BP < 160/95 mmHg only differed from the group < 140/90 with respect to the average BP value which was higher before treatment and decreased less with treatment; though this did not achieve statistical significance. In matters of public health, if the ideal blood pressure is taken as < 140/90 mmHg, this study shows that the objective is only attained in one out of four patients in the population studied.

[Value of nocturnal blood pressure in treated non-insulin-dependent hypertensive patients]

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the loss of nocturnal (N) decline in blood pressure (BP) in type II treated hypertensive diabetics. The study concerned 36 hypertensive diabetics 59 +/- 10 years old, 20 men and 16 women, with poor metabolic control (HbA1C: 9.6 +/- 3%), without dysautonomia; 14 had macroproteinuria and/or microalbuminuria (mu alb) (< 30 micrograms/min). An ambulatory BP monitoring (Spacelabs 90207) was performed in all patients. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and E/A were determined by Doppler-echocardiography. Two groups (G) were individualized: G1 (n = 17), with a normal circadian rhythm (diurnal and N.BP significantly different); G2 (n = 19) with a loss of N decline in systolic (S) and diastolic (D) BP or both; and compared to non diabetic treated hypertensive controls (G3). There was no difference neither in LVMI (125 +/- 43 g/m2), E/A (0.7), 24 h-mean (M) BP in the three groups, nor in HbA1C levels and mu alb occurrence in G1 and G2. Mean N.SBP and mean N.DBP were more closely related to LVMI in G2 than in G1 and G3. [table: see text] Half of these hypertensive diabetics, with bad metabolic control, have an altered circadian BP pattern; the prognostic value of nocturnal BP, related to LVMI despite the antihypertensive treatment, is suggested.

[Value of the study of electrocardiographic P wave in pheochromocytoma]

The diagnostic value of electrocardiographic P wave analysis in the frontal plane was assessed with respect to previously reported abnormalities: right atrial hypertrophy-dilatation; an enlarged, crenalleted summit without criteria of right atrial hypertrophy. Two observers studied the ECG recordings of 20 hypertensive patients with pheochromocytomas: 10 men and 10 women, aged 45.5 +/- 16 years, and in 30 patients with essential hypertension, 15 men and 15 women, aged 48.9 +/- 9 years (NS). The duration of hypertension was 2.6 +/- 2 years versus 4.7 +/- 4 years (p = 0.02). Right atrial hypertrophy-dilatation was observed in 5 patients in the pheochromocytoma group and in none of the essential hypertensive patients: an isolated abnormality of the summit of the P wave was observed in 5 other cases of pheochromocytoma and by 1 observer in 1 of the essential hypertension. These abnormalities disappeared after ablation of the tumour. These changes were not recorded in 3 patients who had predominant noradrenaline hypersecretion; nevertheless, comparison of the urinary adrenaline, noradrenaline, normeta- and metanephrine levels were inconclusive. No relationship was established between these concentrations, global urinary catecholamines and meta block, the duration of hypertension, the frequency and level of hypertensive crises, or the presence of "ischaemic" ST-T wave changes. P wave changes are thought to be related to high plasma catecholamine levels irrespective of the clinical impact; the sensitivity of these changes is modest (10/20) but the specificity is better within a group of hypertensive patients. An experienced observer can orient the diagnostic investigations to the search for a pheochromocytoma or to a secondary recurrence of the tumour from the surface ECG. The role of marker of a very high noradrenaline or adrenaline secretion cannot be confirmed from a series limited in separated plasma concentration measurements.

[Should arterial hypertension in sleep apnea syndrome be stressed?]

The frequent association of sleep apnea syndrome and essential hypertension led to think of sleep apnea as an etiology of hypertension, especially as a good correlation has been found between the severity of both diseases. Moreover, treating the apnea syndrome results in a decrease of blood pressure. The aim of our study is to depict the outlines of a severe hypertensive individual with sleep apnea by comparing 9 men primarily referred to the hypertension clinic with refractory hypertension and finally found to have sleep apnea (study group) to 23 men whose diagnosis of sleep apnea was made in the pulmonary unit (controls). Fifteen of these were hypertensives. Mean age of the study group was 47 +/- 7 years vs 60 +/- 11. Controls were less overweighted: BMI = 33 +/- 6 kg/m3 vs 39 +/- 5. Mean blood pressure was 171 +/- 16/107 +/- 4 mmHg in the study group vs 157 +/- 19/92 +/- 12 mmHg in controls. Prevalence of glucose metabolism disorders was significantly greater in the study group: 6 patients with maturity onset diabetes and 3 with proven glucose intolerance, vs respectively 4 and 6 controls. Triglycerides were elevated in both groups whereas mean cholesterol was slightly above normal values. Six patients of the study group could have an echocardiogram which showed left ventricular hypertrophy (mean left ventricular mass index = 206 +/- 31 g/m2 after the Penn convention).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Outcome of "white coat reaction" induced by nurse and physician in patients with hypertension treated with a beta blockader (bisoprolol)]

The aim of the study was to assess the evolution of Alerting reaction (AR) under beta blocker treatment and to discuss its incidence on the management of arterial hypertension (AH). In 28 patients (pts), 19 men, 9 females, 46 +/- 12 years old, suffering from a mild to moderate AH, blood pressure (BP) was measured, according to a ritual circuit by a nurse (N), then a 12-minutes recorded monitoring, then a physician (Ph) using a mercury sphygmomanometer in upright, then in supine position at the end of the visit (165 +/- 18/108 +/- 13 mmHg, 161 +/- 14/100 +/- 9 mmHg). Pts received a cardioselective beta blocker, bisoprolol (B), 10 mg once daily and BP was evaluated after 1 and 2 months (D30; D60) under identical conditions. When compared to monitoring BP, there was a significant increase in systolic (S) and diastolic (D) BP, taken by the nurse and the physician, attributed to AR (delta SBP; delta DBP). Under B, AR remained unchanged, even increased regarding upright DBP at D30, D60 in spite of its efficacy: (formula; see text) The study demonstrates that there is no incidence of beta blocker on alerting reaction and that AR must be considered to evaluate the treatment and avoid an unnecessary or overtreatment. In case of discrepancies, it is suggested to perform an ambulatory BP monitoring.

[Ambulatory blood pressure in hypertension with dysautonomia]

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the interest of ambulatory blood pressure (BP) recording (ABPR) in the management of arterial hypertension (AH) with dysautonomia. The study concerned 8 hypertensive patients (pts), 5 men, 3 females 52 +/- 10 years old, with orthostatic hypotension (OH): BP was 162 +/- 19/87 +/- 16 mmHg and 129 +/- 15/76 +/- 8 mmHg in lying and standing position respectively. In two cases AH was associated with a central degenerative disorder whereas the six other pts had a diabetic dysautonomia: bad metabolic control (HBA1c 14.4 +/- 2.7%), and incipient or over nephropathy (4 pts). ABPR was performed in all pts during 24 hours (space-labs system). In these hypertensive pts with OH, the mean 24 hour-BP was surprisingly normal at 128 +/- 11/76 +/- 6 mmHg. ABPR demonstrated the loss of nocturnal decline in BP: diurnal and nocturnal BP were respectively 125 +/- 13/74 +/- 6 mmHg and 133 +/- 16/78 +/- 10 mmHg (NS). 6 of 8 pts had an increase in BP at night resulting for the population (n = 8) in a nocturnal increase (%) of + 5.6%, this pattern widely differs from controls--13%. The decrease in heart rate during sleep was blunted but significant from 89 +/- 9 b/min to 81 +/- 9 b/min (p 0.01). Diurnal and nocturnal BP variability (V), assessed by variation coefficient were not significantly different: SBP-V was 10.3 +/- 6.4% day and 12.3 +/- 4.2% night, DBP-V 7.5 +/- 6.3% day and 12.5 +/- 3.1% night.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Effect of a calcium inhibitor, nicardipine, on aldosterone secretion in primary hyperaldosteronism]

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, nicardipine (N), on blood pressure (BP) and aldosterone secretion in hypertensive patients (pt) with primary aldosteronism. The study concerned 8 pts, mean age 55.6 +/- 7.7 years, 1 pt with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and 7 pts with idiopathic aldosteronism: plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were respectively 0.30 +/- 0.2 ng/ml/h) and 314 +/- 109 pg/ml. Acute administration of 12 mg of nicardipine during 90 mn (three periods of N infusion during 30 mn: 0.4 mg/mn-5 mn; then 0.08 mg/mn-25 mn) significantly decreased BP, with an increase in heart rate (HR); the levels of PAC were significantly reduced with a slight but not significant increase in PRA, 60 mn after N: (table; see text) N decreased also PAC in the pt with APA [600 to 410 pg/ml] but did not improve hypokalemia (3.1 vs 3.3 mmol/l, n = 8 N.S.). In contrast, PAC levels were not modified 2 hours after acute oral administration of captopril (1 mg/kg): 302 +/- 164 pg/ml vs 332 +/- 191 pg/ml (NS). This study demonstrated the antihypertensive efficacy of acute infusion of nicardipine in primary aldosteronism; the decrease of PAC under this calcium antagonist suggested its potential interest in the management of idiopathic aldosteronism.

[Neurogenic arterial hypertension in humans]

The purpose of this study was to investigate baroreflex activity in hypertensive patients with orthostatic hypotension (OH) due to sinoaortic baroreceptor denervation. The study concerned 3 patients (pts), 58-63 years, mean age 60.6 +/- 2 with both arterial hypertension (paroxysms recorded at 250/130 mmHg) and OH. They received radiation therapy to the entire cervical area for neoplasm, 9.6 +/- 2.8 years ago and had a carotid murmur without significant stenosis. Every pt had a severe and symptomatic OH: blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were respectively 163 +/- 17/105 +/- 7, 82 +/- 5 b/mn in lying position and 82 +/- 16/53 +/- 9 mmHg, 99 +/- 1 b/mm in standing position. The standing-induced increase in HR was lower (delta HR = + 17.3 b/mn) than expected; atropine (0.02 mg/kg) infusion and cold pressor test were ineffective; the massage of sinocarotid receptors induced a slight decrease in HR (delta HR = - 8 b/mn) and BP was not modified by Valsalva's maneuver. Infusion of norepinephrine (0.016 mg/mn) performed in one pt, increased BP without effect on HR. Platelet alpha 2-adrenoreceptors (alpha 2AR) evaluated by (3H) Yohimbine binding showed a significant increase in alpha 2AR number (Bmax), without any significant change in affinity (KD) when compared with normotensive and essential hypertensive pts: (table; see text) This study described an unusual etiology of a paroxysmal hypertension with orthostatic hypotension, demonstrated the impairment of baroreflex activity and suggested the potential interest of platelet alpha 2 adrenoceptors measurement to evaluate sympathetic tone in these patients.

[Renal insufficiency and treatment of persistent cardiac insufficiency with converting enzyme inhibitor]

The purpose of this retrospective study was to consider impaired renal function in patients with severe congestive heart failure after converting enzyme inhibition and to emphasize the characteristics of this population. The study concerned 26 patients (pts), 72.5 +/- 8.1 years old, with a severe congestive heart failure (NYHA Class IV). Before treatment serum creatinine was slightly increased and the introduction of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) - Captopril 58.9 +/- 17.3 mg/j or enalapril 9.2 +/- 4.4 mg - impaired renal function from 132.0 +/- 50.7 mumol/l to 183.5 +/- 139.3 mumol/l (n = 26; p less than 0.05). Patients were separated in 3 groups: in group I; 15 pts, serum creatinine remained unchanged under ACEI in despite of the significant decrease of blood pressure (BP); from 140.7 +/- 24.0/82.5 +/- 13.4 to 120.3 +/- 12.8/71.8 +/- 8.7 mmHg (p less than 0.01). The cause of heart failure was an ischemic heart disease (IHD) in 15 patients (chi 2 test, p less than 0.05), a dilated cardiomyopathy in 4 pts and an aortic or mitral valvular regurgitation in 2 pts. In contrast renal function was significantly impaired in group II; serum creatinine increased from 120.8 +/- 25.2 to 189.0 +/- 80.7 mumol/l under ACEI. BP remained unchanged 136.9 +/- 29.0/78.1 +/- 4.9 and 118.7 +/- 13.6/75.6 +/- 7.6 mmHg respectively before and after treatment. There was 4 pts with dilated cardiomyopathy, 4 pts with mitral or aortic valvular regurgitation and only one with IHD. The introduction of an ACEI in two pts--group III--with severe tricuspid regurgitation induced an acute and reversal renal failure (serum creatinine at 600 mumol/l).

[Effectiveness and tolerance of norfloxacin compared with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections]

Forty patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infections were randomized to receive norfloxacin (400 mg) twice daily or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (160-800 mg) twice daily for 10 days. The percentage of patients with bacteriological outcomes of eradication was significantly greater (p = 0.0310) with norfloxacin (90%) than the obtained percentage with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (55%). The clinical response was, also, significantly better (p = 0.0012) in the norfloxacin group (100%) than in the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole group (55%). Two patients receiving trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole experienced clinical side effects-gastrointestinal in nature but the treatment was not discontinued. In the norfloxacin group clinical side effects were not observed. No adverse hematological or biochemical changes were noted. From these results, we conclude that norfloxacin is more effective than trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the therapy of uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

[Value of the study of circulating adrenergic receptors in the diagnosis and surveillance after surgery of pheochromocytoma]

The purpose of the study was to investigate leukocyte beta adrenoceptors and platelet alpha 2 adrenoceptors in pheochromocytoma. The study concerned nine hypertensive patients, five men and four women (aged 42 +/- 8 years) with a pheochromocytoma demonstrated by high levels of urinary catecholamines and radiological data. Catecholamine plasma levels, assayed by HPLC were wide-ranging: 10.7 to 172.8 nM for noradrenaline and 0.7 to 3.9 nM for adrenaline. In each case the number of leukocyte beta adrenoceptors sites (measured with 125 I-cyanopindolol) significantly decreased: Bmax was 20.6 +/- 2.8 versus 48.5 +/- 1.5 fmol/mg protein in controls (p less than 0.05). In contrast, the number of platelet alpha 2 adrenoceptors sites (measured with 3H-yohimbine) was not modified: 206 +/- 22.6 versus 186.0 +/- 12.1 fmole/mg protein in controls. There was no change in affinity constant (Kd), neither for beta nor alpha2 adrenoceptors. After tumor removal, there was a significant increase in beta adrenoceptor number. We conclude that down regulation occurs in vivo for beta adrenoceptors but not for alpha2 adrenoceptors and that the decrease in leukocyte beta adrenoceptor number is an interesting and suitable index in the management of pheochromocytoma.

[Influence of angiotensin on the secretion of aldosterone in idiopathic hyperaldosteronism]

The purpose of study was to investigate the role of angiotensin II in idiopathic primary aldosteronism (IPA) and to evaluate the interest of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) in its management. The study concerned 10 hypertensive patients, mean 49 +/- 11 years with idiopathic primary aldosteronism due to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia: plasma renin activity (PRA) less than 1.5 ng/ml/h and plasma aldosterone (PA) greater than 25 ng/100 ml. Adrenal venography and adrenal vein aldosterone levels demonstrated bilateral hyperplasia. PRA and PA were evaluated in recumbent position, then after 4 hours in upright posture. The next day, a "captopril screening test" was performed with PA assays before and three hours after a single oral administration of captopril (1 mg/kg). Upright PRA and PA were slightly increased and acute administration of captopril reduced significantly PA levels in all patients. Blood pressure (BP was unmodified under captopril. These hormonal results demonstrated that adrenal glomerulosa remained sensitive to low concentrations of angiotensin II, and underlined the potential interest of ACEI in the management of IPA. Brown R. demonstrated already an increase of adrenal sensitivity to angiotensin II infusions, and isolated an aldosterone-stimulating factor (ASF). Plasma aldosterone levels were related to increased ASF concentrations but there was no link between PRA and ASF. Carey R. suggested that ASF acts through an increase of the sensitivity of aldosterone production to angiotensin II.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Treatment of deep venous thrombosis in the presence of a congenital antithrombin III deficiency. Apropos of the use of purified concentrates]

The authors report the case of an active 32 year old man who developed right leg DVT. Before heparinisation, he was discovered to have a low antithrombin III level (biological activity (B) 60%, immunological level (I) 50) and a further inquiry showed the same abnormality in 4 members of the family, leading to a diagnosis of a congenital deficit: a 35 year old sister with a bilateral post-DVT changes had antithrombin III levels of 70% (B) and 45% (I); two nephews, sons of the affected sister: the one aged 5 years was asymptomatic despite antithrombin III levels of 50% (I) and 70% (B); the other had experience DVT at the age of 2 and, on oral anti-vitamin K drugs, had antithrombin III levels of 55% (I) and 67% (B) at the age of 15 years; the patient's brother died at the age of 29 of cerebral vein thrombosis after pulmonary embolism. The recurrence of local signs of DVT after 12 day's heparin therapy with AT III levels (B) of 40%, led to a change in management with infusion of purified AT III concentrate at a dose of 40 U per kg (2 500 U per hour). This induced a rise in AT III activity to over 100% and enabled early introduction of anti-vitamin K therapy. The patient remains asymptomatic after 6 months follow-up. This case illustrates the value of determining AT III activity in all patients who developed DVT without obvious reason.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Role of the TRF test in the study of atrial dysrhythmia]

The aim of this retrospective study of 43 patients (32 females) aged 26 to 84 years old (mean 62 +/- 14,5) was to assess the value of the TRF test in cases with normal static endocrine levels and isolated arrhythmias: 25 atrial fibrillations, 3 atrial flutters, 10 sinus tachycardias, 2 junctional tachycardias, 2 focal atrial tachycardias and 1 atrial extrasystoles. There was underlying cardiac disease in 24 patients. Thyroid function was assessed by T4, T3 and the TRF test. There was no relationship between cardiac disease and arrhythmias with the levels of TSH 25 minutes after TRF. The reactivity to TRF was low: 5,8 +/- 5,6 microU/ml. Nineteen patients were hyperthyroid (TSH at O and 25 min: 1,7 +/- 0,5 and 2 +/- 1 microU/ml respectively), in the following three eventualities: - Clinical hyperthyroidism and raised hormonal levels, the TRF confirmed the diagnosis in 10 out of 11 cases; - Clinical hyperthyroidism and normal hormone levels: the TRF confirmed the diagnosis in 8 out of 14 cases; - Normal clinical examination and normal hormone levels: the TRF test showed a hyperthyroid reaction in 1 out of 18 cases. T3 and T4 measurements are often misleading. The TRF test with 2 blood samples would appear to be essential, especially in patients over 60 years of age. The hyperthyroid population was older (68,5 +/- 8 years) and the mean values of the thyroid investigations (T3, T4 and STH at 25 minutes) were significant. Underlying cardiac disease was detected in over half these cases. Atrial fibrillation was the commonest arrhythmia. Each case of arrhythmia, whether or not related to hyperthyroidism, justifies echocardiography.