Results: In eight patients, 27 VT episodes were induced and treated with a total of 46 high-voltage (25-200 V) field stimuli, which terminated 11 VT episodes (41% efficacy) and never accelerated VT into VF. VT episodes slower than 230 beats per minute (bpm) (median rate) were terminated more successfully than faster arrhythmia episodes (69% vs 15%, P < 0.01). The strength of the field stimulus had no major influence Epigenetics inhibitor on the effectiveness. We therefore postulate that suboptimal timing of field stimuli (delivered simultaneously with a sensed event in the right ventricular apex) was the main reason for failed VT terminations.

Conclusion: A short (0.12-0.36

ms), high-voltage (50-100 V) field stimulus delivered from the shock coil of an implanted ICD system can safely terminate VT, especially for VT rates below 230 bpm. We believe that it would be reasonable to test the effectiveness of automatic field-stimulus therapy from implanted ICDs in VT episodes up to 230 bpm that are not susceptible to termination by antitachycardia BI 2536 supplier pacing. (PACE 2010; 33:1540-1547).”
“Background: Acquired primary hypothyroidism in neonates and infants under 3 years of age is very rare. Herein

we report the case of an infant female affected by acquired autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Patient report: The infant was transferred to the Pediatric Clinic, University of Catania, Italy for evaluation of dysmorphic features, growth and motor retardation, and hypothyroidism on laboratory testing. Neonatal screening test for TSH and PKU was negative. An ultrasound scan showed a non-homogeneous thyroid gland which was increased in volume. Based on the laboratory results, the diagnosis of autoimmune hypothyroidism was made and L-thyroxine treatment was initiated at 50 mu g/day.

Conclusions: Autoimmune hypothyroidism in infancy is rare, but early recognition and therapy are essential

to prevent neurologic damage and growth deficits. In this patient we would like to underline the early age of appearance of autoimmune thyroid disease and the possible PR-171 mouse onset of pathologic events before birth.”
“Approximately half the world’s population now has replacement-level fertility or below. The UK experience in accommodating to a changing dependency ratio provides some generalizable insights. A mechanistic approach assuming a fixed retirement age and a need to raise fertility or increase immigration in order to maintain pensions at a fixed proportion of the gross domestic product (GDP) is overstated and wrong. It needs to be replaced by a welfare optimizing model, which takes into account the increasing years of healthy life, a slow rise in the pensionable age, capital inheritance and wider welfare considerations of population density that are not reflected in GDP measures.