We evaluated the short-term effects of tamsulosin in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. Twenty-seven patients, aged 57 to 86 years (mean 68.4), complaining of obstructive urinary symptoms who had received no previous treatment for such symptoms were orally administered 0.2 mg of tamsulosin for 4 weeks. Symptoms (total AUA symptom score and AUA symptom subscores) and objective parameters including peak and average flow rate, and post-void residual urine rate were evaluated before and after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. The mean total AUA symptom score and the mean AUA symptom subscores for incomplete emptying and weak stream were significantly decreased after only 1 week of treatment. The mean AUA symptom subscores for intermittency, urgency and nocturia were significantly decreased after 4 weeks of treatment. The mean AUA symptom subscores for frequency and hesitancy were unchanged after 4 weeks of treatment. The mean peak and average flow rate, and post-void residual urine rate were significantly improved after only 1 week of treatment. In conclusion, tamsulosin improved not only objective parameters but also symptoms only 1 week after the start of treatment. (J Nippon Med Sch 1999; 66: 382-387)

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The difference between the maximum and minimum QT interval measured from a 12-lead electrocardiogram was defined as an index of spatial inhomogeneous repolarization of the ventricular myocardium. The causal relationship between QT dispersion and incidence of ventricular arrhythmias has been pointed out in various heart diseases, but until now it was discussed mainly related to sinus rhythm. QT dispersion in extrasystole may be more important in the development of arrhythmias. We examined 5 cases (mean age 34±12 years) with a history of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, who underwent electrophysiologic study. Both atrial and ventricular premature stimuli were given at a basic cycle length of 600 msec respectively. The QT interval and the ventricular activation time (VAT)(period from premature test stimulus to the summit of QRS) of the premature beats were measured in a simultaneously recorded 12-lead electrocardiogram. QT dispersion (the difference between the longest QT interval and the shortest QT interval) and VAT dispersion (the difference between the longest VAT and the shortest VAT) were measured. In atrial premature beats, there were no significant changes in the QT dispersion or VAT dispersion when the coupling interval of the premature beats was shortened. In the ventricular premature beats, however, both the QT dispersion and the VAT dispersion tended to increase with the shortening of the coupling interval. We concluded that only a short coupled ventricular premature beat induces greater QT and VAT dispersion. A Ventricular couplet with short coupling interval may contribute to the development of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. (J Nippon Med Sch 1999; 66: 388-394)

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