Vascular health and risk management
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Vasc Health Risk Manag · Jan 2010
ReviewAspirin and clopidogrel resistance: methodological challenges and opportunities.
Antiplatelet drug resistance is one of the urgent issues in current cardiovascular medicine. Many platelet function tests have been used to define responsiveness of patients with cardiovascular disease to aspirin and clopidogrel. ⋯ Measurement of platelet size seems to be a promising approach for monitoring antiplatelet drug therapy. This commentary highlights some limitations of studies on aspirin and clopidogrel resistance in patients undergoing coronary interventions.
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Vasc Health Risk Manag · Jan 2010
Levosimendan neither improves nor worsens mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock due to ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of levosimendan on mortality in cardiogenic shock (CS) after ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). ⋯ The use of levosimendan neither improves nor worsens mortality in patients with CS due to STEMI. Well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to define the role of inotropic therapy in the treatment of CS.
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Vasc Health Risk Manag · Jan 2010
Lower extremity arterial injuries over a six-year period: outcomes, risk factors, and management.
Limb loss following lower extremity arterial injury is not uncommon and has serious implications on the patient's life and functionality. This retrospective study was performed to analyze the results of lower extremity arterial injuries and to identify the risk factors associated with amputation. ⋯ Limb loss may be decreased by performing prophylactic fasciotomy more often and by repairing at least 2 crural arteries.