[Use of a computer-assisted electrocardiograph for electrocardiographic control of pulse therapy]

A study was made of the effect produced by a short course of treatment with large doses of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide on the ECG in patients with different rheumatic diseases before, during and after pulse therapy. The study was performed with the aid of a computer-aided electrocardiograph IKS 6000. No changes were recorded on the part of automatism and conduction of the heart muscle. Twenty-nine patients (85%) manifested changes in the amplitude of the T waves during pulse therapy. Of them 16 demonstrated a reduction whereas 13 an increase in the amplitude of the T waves. Out of 8 patients, who received cyclophosphamide in addition to hormones, 6 showed a decrease in the amplitude of the waves, which attested to the effect of the treatment on myocardial metabolism.