European heart journal
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European heart journal · Nov 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyCOlchicine for the Prevention of the Post-pericardiotomy Syndrome (COPPS): a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
No drug has been proven efficacious to prevent the post-pericardiotomy syndrome (PPS), but colchicine seems safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of pericarditis. The aim of the COlchicine for the Prevention of the Post-pericardiotomy Syndrome (COPPS) trial is to test the efficacy and safety of colchicine for the primary prevention of the PPS. ⋯ Colchicine is safe and efficacious in the prevention of the PPS and its related complications and may halve the risk of developing the syndrome following cardiac surgery. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00128427.
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European heart journal · Nov 2010
Multicenter StudyMarkers of renal function and acute kidney injury in acute heart failure: definitions and impact on outcomes of the cardiorenal syndrome.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) is part of the cardiorenal syndrome and has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, definitions and prognostic impact of AKI in AHF have been variable. Cystatin C is a prospective new marker of AKI. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of cystatin C as a marker of early AKI in AHF. ⋯ Cystatin C appears to be a useful marker of early AKI in patients hospitalized for AHF. A decline in renal function detected by cystatin C during the first 48 h after hospitalization occurs frequently in AHF and has a detrimental impact on prognosis.
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European heart journal · Nov 2010
Multicenter StudyUnderestimated and under-recognized: the late consequences of acute coronary syndrome (GRACE UK-Belgian Study).
To define the long-term outcome of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome [ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and non-STEMI and unstable angina acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without biomarker elevation] and to test the hypothesis that the GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) risk score predicts mortality and death/MI at 5 years. ⋯ The GRACE risk score predicts early and 5 year death and CVD/MI. Five year morbidity and mortality are as high in patients following non-ST MI and UA as seen following STEMI. Their morbidity burden is high (MI, stroke, readmissions) and the substantial late mortality in non-STE ACS is under-recognized. The findings highlight the importance of pursuing novel approaches to diminish long-term risk.
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European heart journal · Nov 2010
Impact of red blood cell transfusion on platelet activation and aggregation in healthy volunteers: results of the TRANSFUSION study.
The underlying mechanisms leading to recurrent ischaemic events or mortality after red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in anaemic acute coronary syndrome patients are poorly understood. The aim of this paper is to determine whether RBC transfusion increases platelet activation and aggregation. ⋯ Red blood cell transfusion increases platelet activation and aggregation in vitro in healthy volunteers. This effect might be mediated through the P2Y(12) activation pathway.