Two contrasted cases of complete heart block observed over many years.

Hyperkalemia-induced complete heart block

Background: Potassium, as an extracellular ion, plays an important role in the electrophysiologic function of the myocardium and any change in extracellular concentration of this ion might have a marked impression upon myocyte electrophysiologic gain. High serum potassium levels are thought to impair pulse conduction in Purkinje fibers and ventricles more than that in the Atrio...

Spinal cord injures in children observed over many years.

The known salient features of spinal cord injuries in children are that 1) plane X-rays may not show dislocations or fractures, 2) many of these injuries are complete transections, 3) many injuries are located at the level of upper thoracic spine, and 4) the duration of spinal shock is short. Complications such as pressure sores occur just as easily in children as in adults and the injuries ten...

Six cases of congenital complete heart block followed for 34-40 years.

Prevalence of Heart Failure in the Cases of Beta-thalassemia Major; Two Years Follow-Up

  Inroduction: Heart failure (HF) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the cases of Beta-thalassemia major. The purpose of this study was to estimate HF prevalence in these patients and to assess the survivability of those who were treated with intensive chelating therapy.   Design and methods: This cross sectional study included 72 beta-thalassemia major cases, the mean age at t...

Complete congenital heart block. Report of 35 cases.

Congenital complete atrioventricular block is uncommon, and the outlook is usually regarded as favourable. Thirty-five patients with congenital heart block are presented. There was no obvious sex difference and their ages ranged from 12 days to 85 years, though most were under the age of 20 years when first seen. Accompanying heart disease was noted in six, but presentation with symptoms in ear...