Circulation
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Outcomes of left ventricular assist device implantation as destination therapy in the post-REMATCH era: implications for patient selection.
The landmark Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure (REMATCH) trial first demonstrated that implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as destination therapy (DT) can provide survival superior to any known medical treatment in patients with end-stage heart failure who are ineligible for transplantation. In the present study, we describe outcomes of DT in the post-REMATCH era in the United States. ⋯ Appropriate selection of candidates and timing of LVAD implantation are critical for improved outcomes of DT. Patients with advanced heart failure who are referred for DT before major complications of heart failure develop have the best chance of achieving an excellent 1-year survival with LVAD therapy.
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Multicenter Study
Impact of preoperative anemia on outcome in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
The risk of preoperative anemia in patients undergoing heart surgery has not been described precisely. Specifically, the impact of low hemoglobin per se or combined with other risk factors on postoperative outcome is unknown. Thus, we determined the effects of low preoperative hemoglobin and comorbidities on postoperative adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery bypass graft in a large comprehensive multicenter study. ⋯ Anemic patients undergoing cardiac surgery have an increased risk of postoperative adverse events. Importantly, the extent of preexisting comorbidities substantially affects perioperative anemia tolerance. Therefore, preoperative risk assessment and subsequent therapeutic strategies, such as blood transfusion, should take into account both the individual level of preoperative hemoglobin and the extent of concomitant risk factors.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Clinical outcomes of palliative surgery including a systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt in infants with cyanotic congenital heart disease: does aspirin make a difference?
Aspirin (ASA) often is used to prevent thrombosis in infants with congenital heart disease after placement of a systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt, but its effect on outcomes is unknown. ⋯ The morbidity and mortality for infants after surgical placement of a systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt are high. ASA appears to lower the risk of death and shunt thrombosis in the present observational study.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Treatment of proximal deep-vein thrombosis with the oral direct factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban (BAY 59-7939): the ODIXa-DVT (Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor BAY 59-7939 in Patients With Acute Symptomatic Deep-Vein Thrombosis) study.
An effective and safe oral anticoagulant that needs no monitoring for dose adjustment is urgently needed for the treatment of diseases that require long-term anticoagulation. Rivaroxaban (BAY 59-7939) is an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor currently under clinical development. ⋯ Results of this proof-of-concept and dose-finding study support phase III evaluation of the orally active direct factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban, because efficacy and safety were apparent in the treatment of proximal deep-vein thrombosis across a 3-fold range of fixed daily dosing.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Metoprolol reverses left ventricular remodeling in patients with asymptomatic systolic dysfunction: the REversal of VEntricular Remodeling with Toprol-XL (REVERT) trial.
There are no randomized, controlled trial data to support the benefit of beta-blockers in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. We investigated whether beta-blocker therapy ameliorates left ventricular remodeling in asymptomatic patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. ⋯ Beta-blocker therapy can ameliorate left ventricular remodeling in asymptomatic patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.