Arch Intern Med
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure in African Americans on a low-potassium diet. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
To determine the effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure in African Americans consuming a low-potassium diet. ⋯ Potassium supplementation reduces blood pressure substantially in African Americans consuming a diet low in potassium. Increased potassium intake may play an important role in reducing blood pressure in this population at high risk for hypertension.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Postdischarge geriatric assessment of hospitalized frail elderly patients.
The diffusion of comprehensive geriatric assessment services has been rather limited in North America partly because of reimbursement and organizational constraints. ⋯ Although efficacy has been demonstrated for some forms of comprehensive geriatric assessment, the types of services that are easier to establish (inpatient consultation services and ambulatory assessment) have not been shown to improve outcomes. Our results indicate that outcomes are unaffected by a limited form of comprehensive geriatric assessment begun in the hospital and completed at home. Further efforts are needed to develop and to evaluate realistic approaches to comprehensive geriatric assessment.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The efficacy of intravenous amiodarone for the conversion of chronic atrial fibrillation. Amiodarone vs quinidine for conversion of atrial fibrillation.
Chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) is a serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality. The mainstay of drug therapy for the conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm continues to be quinidine. The value and safety of intravenously (i.v.) administered amiodarone therapy vs quinidine sulfate therapy was compared in a cohort of patients with CAF of more than 3 weeks' duration. ⋯ During the first 48 hours of treatment, i.v. amiodarone and oral quinidine were equally effective in converting CAF to sinus rhythm. At 2 and 9 months of therapy, treatment with oral amiodarone was superior to that of quinidine in restoring sinus rhythm. Long-term treatment with oral amiodarone is better tolerated than with quinidine.