Schweizerische Rundschau für Medizin Praxis = Revue suisse de médecine Praxis
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In view of their potentially dangerous proarrhythmic effects, antiarrhythmic drugs should only be prescribed for patients with poorly tolerated symptomatic supraventricular arrhythmias. The choice of a suitable preparation depends not only on the type of arrhythmia, but also on the underlying heart disease and left-ventricular function. Digoxin, verapamil, sotalol and quinidine remain first-line drugs, while in view of recent trials the type-1c antiarrhythmics (flecainide) should only be given in cases resistant to other agents. Amiodarone is also an important and efficacious "reserve" antiarrhythmic, which has to be utilized at low doses to avoid its well-known side effects.
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Organ transplantation is increasing by becoming an important part of medicine and surgery. Its development is mainly restricted by a lack of organ donation. ⋯ Medical and paramedical professionals should be aware of the actual achievements in organ transplantation. Their motivation and their responsiveness should become the mainstays in the further development of transplantation.