Circulation
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Few data exist on gender-related differences in clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, management, and outcomes in acute aortic dissection (AAD). ⋯ Our analysis provides insights into gender-related differences in AAD with regard to clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes; important diagnostic and therapeutic implications may help shed light on aortic dissection in women to improve their outcomes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Double-blind, randomized controlled trial on the effect of leukocyte-depleted erythrocyte transfusions in cardiac valve surgery.
Leukocytes in allogeneic blood transfusions are believed to be the cause of immunomodulatory events. A few trials on leukocyte removal from transfusions in cardiac surgery have been conducted, and they showed inconclusive results. We found in a previous study a decrease in mortality rates and number of infections in a subgroup of more heavily transfused patients. ⋯ Mortality at 90 days was not significantly different; however, a beneficial effect of LD in valve surgery was found for the secondary end points of in-hospital mortality and infections.