The American journal of medicine
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We determined the contemporary trends of percutaneous aortic balloon valvotomy and its outcomes using the nation's largest hospitalization database. There has been a resurgence in the use of percutaneous aortic balloon valvotomy in patients at high surgical risk because of the development of less-invasive endovascular therapies. ⋯ This study comprehensively evaluates trends for percutaneous aortic balloon valvotomy in the United States and demonstrates the significance of operator and hospital volume on outcomes.
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Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We describe trends in the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors for stroke in the US Medicare population from 1988 to 2008. ⋯ Incident strokes in the Medicare population aged ≥65 years decreased by approximately 40% over the last 2 decades, a decline greater than expected on the basis of the population's stroke risk factors. Case fatality from stroke also declined. Although causality cannot be proven, declining stroke rates paralleled increased use of statins and antihypertensive medications.
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Antibiotics may interact with warfarin, increasing the risk for significant bleeding events. ⋯ Warfarin users who are prescribed high-risk antibiotics are at higher risk for serious bleeding events. Early INR evaluation may mitigate this risk.