Circulation
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Impact of aortic valve replacement on outcome of symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis with low gradient and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
The optimal management of low-gradient "severe" aortic stenosis (mean gradient <40 mm Hg, indexed aortic valve area ≤0.6 cm2/m2) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction remains controversial because gradients may be similar after aortic valve replacement (AVR). We compared outcomes of low-gradient severe aortic stenosis with AVR or medical therapy. ⋯ AVR is associated with better survival than medical therapy in patients with symptomatic low-gradient severe AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
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This study quantifies the association between maternal medical conditions/illnesses and congenital heart defects (CHDs) among infants. ⋯ Several chronic maternal medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, connective tissue disorders, and congenital heart disease, confer an increased risk of CHD in the offspring.