PURPOSE Based on diameter measurements on the short posterior ciliary artery, this study was intended to determine the direct pharmacologic effect of beta-blockers; to determine the differences among a selective beta-blocker betaxolol, a beta-blocker with intrinsic sympathetic activity befunolol, and a nonselective beta-blocker timolol; and to find experimental evidence for the indirect hemodyn...

BACKGROUND beta-Blockers have improved symptoms and reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in studies of patients with heart failure, but it is unclear which end points are most sensitive to the therapeutic effects of these drugs. METHODS AND RESULTS We combined the results of all 18 published double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trials of beta-blockers in heart failure. From t...

BACKGROUND Within-class comparative effectiveness studies of β-blockers have not been performed in the chronic dialysis setting. With widespread cardiac disease in these patients and potential mechanistic differences within the class, we examined whether mortality and morbidity outcomes varied between cardio-selective and non-selective β-blockers. METHODS Retrospective observational study of ...

Hypokalaemic periodic paralysis secondary to subclinical hyperthyroidism is an uncommon clinical phenomenon characterised by lower limb hypokalaemia in the background of hyperthyroidism. In this article, we report a patient who presented with progressive muscle weakness that was refractory potassium replacement therapy. He has no diarrhoea, reduced appetite and not taking any medication can cau...

BACKGROUND MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 'Ecstasy') produces tachycardia and hypertension and is rarely associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. In clinical practice, beta-blockers are often withheld in patients with stimulant intoxication because they may increase hypertension and coronary artery vasospasm due to loss of beta(2)-mediated vasodilation and uno...

our experience with seven cases of pheochromocytoma has been described. preparation with alpha and beta receptor blockers, as well as the correction of hypovolaemia prior to operation, have been rccommcned. the transverse abdominal incision has been selected as the incision of choice. the usage of noradrenaline post operatively, has been abandoned. the preparation with alpha and beta receptor b...