Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Observational Study
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular mortality and catherization activity during the lockdown in central Germany: an observational study.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital admissions for cardiac care have declined. However, effects on mortality are unclear. Thus, we sought to evaluate the impact of the lockdown period in central Germany on overall and cardiovascular deaths. Simultaneously we looked at catheterization activities in the same region. ⋯ During the COVID-19-related lockdown a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality was observed in central Germany, whereas catherization activities were reduced. The mechanisms underlying both of these observations should be investigated further in order to better understand the effects of a pandemic-related lockdown and social-distancing restrictions on cardiovascular care and mortality.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on regional STEMI care in Germany.
To assess the impact of the lockdown due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on key quality indicators for the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. ⋯ NCT00794001.
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Heart transplantation may represent a particular risk factor for severe coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to chronic immunosuppression and frequent comorbidities. We conducted a nation-wide survey of all heart transplant centers in Germany presenting the clinical characteristics of heart transplant recipients with COVID-19 during the first months of the pandemic in Germany. ⋯ Severe course of COVID-19 was frequent in heart transplanted patients. High mortality was associated with right ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, thromboembolic events, and markedly elevated cardiac biomarkers.
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Multicenter Study
Geographical differences in heart failure characteristics and treatment across Europe: results from the BIOSTAT-CHF study.
Geographical differences may impact the treatment of heart failure (HF) and the results of clinical trials. We have investigated the differences between geographical areas across Europe in the BIOSTAT-CHF program. ⋯ The BIOSTAT-CHF study showed significant differences in the clinical features, treatment and prognosis in European patients with HF. Patients from the Mediterranean centers less often had the HF treatments up-titrated; however, the treatment up-titration benefited patients irrespective of their geographical region and should be part of the "default" clinical practice.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Impact of renal function on clinical outcomes after PCI in ACS and stable CAD patients treated with ticagrelor: a prespecified analysis of the GLOBAL LEADERS randomized clinical trial.
Impaired renal function (IRF) is associated with increased risks of both ischemic and bleeding events. Ticagrelor has been shown to provide greater absolute reduction in ischemic risk following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in those with versus without IRF. ⋯ The trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01813435.