International heart journal
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Early reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the current standard therapy for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). To achieve better prognoses for these patients, reducing the door-to-balloon time is essential. As we reported previously, the Kitasato University Hospital Doctor Car (DC), an ambulance with a physician on board, is equipped with a novel mobile cloud 12-lead ECG system. ⋯ The door-to-balloon time in the DC group was 56.1 ± 13.7 minutes and 74.0 ± 14.1 minutes in the Non-DC Group (P < 0.0001). Maximum levels of CPK were 2899 ± 308 and 2876 ± 269 IU/L (P = 0.703), and those of CK-MB were 292 ± 360 and 295 ± 284 ng/mL (P = 0.423), respectively, in the 2 groups. The Doctor Car system with the Mobile Cloud ECG was useful for reducing the door-to-balloon time.
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Review Meta Analysis
Liberal versus restricted fluid administration in heart failure patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Restrictive fluid intake is recommended, in addition to standard pharmacologic treatment, in the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, this recommendation lacks firm scientific evidence. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials to estimate the effect of fluid restriction in patients with heart failure. ⋯ There was no difference in any of the outcomes after correcting for heterogeneity. While studies to date are limited by heterogeneity and small sample sizes, the combined data suggest similar clinical outcomes in patients with CHF managed with liberal and restrictive fluid intake. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.
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A 67-year-old man who had cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) at home was admitted to our institution. His spontaneous circulation was restored by bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by his wife and an automated external defibrillator (AED). J waves were observed in the inferior leads of an electrocardiogram. ⋯ Most VF events occurred in the early morning between 1:00 to 6:00, and ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) were detected just before the occurrence of VF. Since the VF events always occurred in the early morning, we started long-acting disopyramide (150 mg/day, before bedtime), which has a muscarinic receptor blocking action. As a result, he has not received any appropriate ICD shocks for more than two years.
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Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is one of the most important complications following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and results in higher morbidity and mortality. However, few reports have focused on the predictors of LCOS following CABG. This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of LCOS following isolated CABG through the review of 1524 consecutive well-documented patients in a single center, retrospective trial. ⋯ Through univariate analysis and then logistic regression analysis, the predictors of LCOS following CABG included older age (age > 65 years) (OR = 1.85, 95%CI 1.27-3.76), impaired left ventricular function (OR = 2.05, 95%CI 1.53-4.54), on-pump CABG (OR = 2.16, 95%CI 1.53-4.86), emergent CPB (OR = 9.15, 95%CI 3.84-16.49), and incomplete revascularization (OR = 2.62, 95%CI 1.79-5.15). LCOS following isolated CABG caused higher mortality, higher rates of morbidity, and longer ICU and postoperative hospital stays. Older age, impaired left ventricular function, on-pump CABG, emergent CPB, and incomplete revascularization were identified as 5 predictors of LCOS following isolated CABG surgery.
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The modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (mBTS) is one of the most important palliative procedures in congenital heart surgery. However, in neonates and small infants, operative mortality and morbidity due to excessive pulmonary blood flow or shunt failure remains high. In this study, a small shunt graft (3.0-mm diameter) was estimated to determine the optimal shunt graft size of BTS as an initial palliation for ultimate biventricular circulation. ⋯ There were no differences in body weight at intracardiac repair (ICR) between the groups. During the interstage to ICR, body weight gain was significantly greater in group S than in group L (P = 0.008). The small shunt graft (3.0-mm diameter) in BTS was safe, provided adequate pulmonary blood flow, and led to significant weight gain between mBTS and ICR for ultimate biventricular circulation in neonates and small infants with low body weight.