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Three dimensional body surface maps provide more information on the gee-spatial distribution of cardiac elactrieal activity. It is hypo thesised that this information could facilitate the diagnosis of acute MI in early cases where standard methods are equivocal. To date these techniques have been confined to the laboratory and have yet to find clinical application. An important first step is the assessment of their diagnostic value among patients with established MI.All 82 consecutive patients admitted to the RVH cardiac unit with first presentation ofchastpaln suggestive of MI were mapped at 24 hours using a Corazonix BSM-32 predieter which measured QRS and STT iso-lntegrals using 32 leads. Of the 82 patients, 57 (69.5%) had an initial diagnostic ECG with subsequent confirmatory enzyme elevation. A further 25 (30.5%) presented with nondiagnostic ECG f'mdings. Fifteen of this group had an MI as confirmed by an increase in cardiac enzymes. For comparative purposes, 54 consols were recruited and mapped, all with normal ECG and no IHD risk factors. A series of discriminant function analyses were performed to assess sensitivity and specificity. Using a subset of the 32 QRS and the 32 STT iso-integralmeasurements, selected by a stepwise forward algorithm, a sensitivity of 94.7% (54/57) and a specificity of 90.7% (49/54) was obtained. When all measurements were analysed together, better results were obtained: sensitivity 10070 (57]57) and specificity 96.3 (42/ 54). In further multivariate analysis, map topography differed significantly (p<< 0.01) between males and females. Separating the data according to sex and using all QRS and sTr iso-integral measurements, 100% specificity and sensitivity resulted. Despite these findings, each of the derived discriminam functions had difficulty in classifying the 25 cases belonging to the possible MI group. The best results obtainable were: a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 60%. This suggests that further analysis is required to identify the topography of these patients. MYOGLOBULIN RELEASE AS AN INDICATOR OF REPERFUSION FOLLOWING THROMBOLYSIS IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTIONF. Lavin, M. Keane, A. Forde, P, Shah, F. Gannon, K. Daly. Department of Cardiology, University College Hospital, Galway. National Diagnostics Unit, University College, Galway.Myoglobulin (ME) coneentratien time curves were studied as an index of successful reperfusion in acute myocardial infarctien and compared to standard non-invasive indices of reperfusiontime to peak CPK, rapid-ST segment normalization, reperfusion arrhythmias. 18 patients with clinical and electrocardiographic evidence of acute myocardial infarction were studied, of which 12 received thrombulytic therapy. Six patients who received thrombolysis showed signs of early reperfusion -Group A, six patients did not reperfuse -Group B, six did not get thrombolysis -Group C. Group A were shown subsequently angiographically to have patent infarct related arteries. Blood samples were obtained on admission (O hrs.), hourly up to8 hrs. and 8 ho...

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AbstractFood portion sizes routinely consumed by children have increased over time and consumption of larger portion sizes is associated with higher weight status. Parents often have the critical role of deciding portion sizes of foods to serve their children. It is not well understood, however, how parents decide the amount of food to serve. This research aimed to investigate parental views on portion sizes of foods and beverages served to children.A purposive sample of preschools and primary schools geographically located in either urban or rural areas of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and classified as either high or low deprivation were recruited. Selected schools were invited to facilitate this research. Parents with at least one child aged 2–12 years attending a recruited school were then invited to participate in a focus group. A maximum of three groups were scheduled with interested parents at each school. One researcher moderated the focus groups, assisted by another researcher in all groups where possible. A semi-structured discussion guide was followed, using probes to stimulate discussion. The guide explored practices in portioning foods and beverages for children, factors influencing portioning and views on portion sizes of foods and beverages served to children. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and data was analysed thematically. Nvivo software was used to manage the coded data.Focus groups (n = 24) ranging in size from 3–12 parents were conducted across 19 schools. The response rate from parents at recruited schools ranged from 1–16%. A total of 144 parents (86% female, mean age 46y) participated, of which 60% had a child attending a high deprivation school and 64% had a child attending a rural school. Factors influencing parental portioning included seven themes comprised of sub-themes: parent knowledge (portion size knowledge, serving a learned amount), parent motivations (ensure child is fed, encourage healthier food), child-related factors (appetite, body size, food preferences, eating patterns), family influence (spouses and grandparents serving), food retail and other settings (restaurants, takeaways, special occasions), socio-cultural influences (parent childhood experiences, parents’ portion size norms) and portioning resources used (serve ware, utensils, hand sizes).Parents’ main concern regarding the amount they feed their children was to ensure that they are fed a sufficient amount to feel full. Parents learned this amount through experience and felt it was specific to each child's appetite. These findings will inform future interventions and information campaigns to help parents understand child portion sizes.