The use of long-acting propranolol ('Inderal' LA) in the management of elderly hypertensive patients

Fifteen elderly patients whose hypertension was controlled by conventional propranolol 80 mg twice a day had their medication changed to one capsule of 'Inderal' LA (160 mg) daily. The blood pressure, heart rate and propranolol concentrations were measured at various time points when the patients were receiving the conventional preparation and these assessments were repeated when the long-acting preparation was administered. Although the heart rate was lower with conventional propranolol than with 'Inderal' LA there was no significant difference in the blood pressure levels. The mean peak blood level of propranolol was, however, significantly lower with 'Inderal' LA compared with conventional propranolol and occurred later. At 12 h the plasma propranolol levels were higher after 'Inderal' LA then following the intake of conventional propranolol (p less than 0.01); there was no difference in the plasma levels at 24 h. The area under the concentration time curve was significantly higher on conventional propranolol. Compared with published data, the plasma levels were higher than those in younger patients. 'Inderal' LA was well tolerated and side effects were minimal.

Seronegative pauciarticular arthritis and HLA B27

Twenty-six patients with a pauciarticular arthritis have been studied clinically, radiologically and with histocompatibility typing. An increased frequency of HLA B27 was found (p = 1.87 x 10(-12)). Low back and buttock pain, Achilles tendinitis and dactylitis of the toes were more frequent in HLA-B27 positive patients. It is suggested that histocompatibility testing may be of some value in diagnosis and in the investigation of the possible 'reactive' nature of this type of arthritis.