“
“Electrophysiological abnormalities of the QT interval of the standard electrocardiogram are not uncommon. Congenital long QT syndrome is due to mutations of several possible genes (genotype) that result in prolongation of the corrected QT interval (phenotype). Abnormalities of the QT interval can be acquired and are often drug-induced. Torsades de Pointes (TP) is an arrhythmia that is a result of aberrant repolarization/QT

abnormalities. If not recognized and corrected quickly, QT interval abnormalities may precipitate potentially fatal ventricular dysrhythmias. The main mechanism responsible for the development of QT prolongation is blockade of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (I (kr)), encoded for by the human-ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG). The objectives LY2606368 purchase of this review were (1) to describe the electrical pathophysiology of QT interval abnormalities, (2) to differentiate congenital from acquired QT interval abnormalities, (3) to describe the currently known risk factors for QT interval abnormalities, (4) to identify current drug-induced causes of acquired QT interval abnormalities, and (5) to recommend immediate and effective management strategies to prevent unanticipated dysrhythmias and deaths from QT abnormalities selleckchem in

the perioperative period.”
“SETTING: A reference hospital for tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) with a TB control programme in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs and to identify associated factors. DESIGN: In a cross-sectional

study, clinical and laboratory data were collected retrospectively from 2001 to 2005. Patients with isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and available drug susceptibility tests were considered eligible. Data on demographic characteristics, risk factors for resistance, HIV scrology and past TB history were collected and analysed by chi(2) Mann-Whitney test and Poisson regression.

RESULTS: We analysed 350 treatments, of which 62 were for patients with previous TB. HIV status was positive in 31.2% of cases. Resistance was found in 15.7% and multidrug resistance (MDR) see more in 4.3% of cases. Previous treatment (P < 0.001) and relapse within 2 years were associated with resistance (P < 0.03). Pulmonary cavities were associated with MDR (P < 0.001). Homelessness was associated with any resistance in newly diagnosed patients (P < 0.01). Working in a hospital was not associated with resistance.

CONCLUSION: Suspicion of drug-resistant disease is necessary in patients with a history of previous TB in hospitals in Rio de Janeiro. The implementation of an effective hospital TB control programme can prevent transmission even in high TB prevalence settings.”
“Mastocytosis is an orphan disease rarely encountered by practicing anesthesiologists.