European heart journal
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European heart journal · Jul 2011
Multicenter StudyMultidetector computed tomography for acute pulmonary embolism: diagnosis and risk stratification in a single test.
In patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), right ventricular dysfunction at echocardiography is associated with increased in-hospital mortality. The aims of this study in patients with acute PE were to identify a sensitive and simple criterion for right ventricular dysfunction at multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) using echocardiography as the reference standard and to evaluate the predictive value of the identified MDCT criterion for in-hospital death or clinical deterioration. ⋯ In patients with acute PE, MDCT might be used as a single procedure for diagnosis and risk stratification. Patients without right ventricular dysfunction at MDCT have a low risk of in-hospital adverse outcome.
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European heart journal · Jun 2011
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyEarly diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in the elderly using more sensitive cardiac troponin assays.
To examine the diagnostic accuracy of sensitive cardiac troponin (cTn) assays in elderly patients, since elevated levels with sensitive cTn assays were reported in 20% of elderly patients without acute myocardial infarction (AMI). ⋯ Sensitive cTn assays have high diagnostic accuracy also in the elderly. Mild elevations are common in elderly non-AMI patients, therefore the optimal cut-off levels are substantially higher in elderly as compared with younger patients. Furthermore, sensitive cTn assays yielded different prognostic value.
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European heart journal · Apr 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEvaluation of the efficacy and safety of RLY5016, a polymeric potassium binder, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with chronic heart failure (the PEARL-HF) trial.
To evaluate efficacy and safety of RLY5016 (a non-absorbed, orally administered, potassium [K+]-binding polymer) on serum K+ levels in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) receiving standard therapy and spironolactone. ⋯ RLY5016 prevented hyperkalaemia and was relatively well tolerated in patients with HF receiving standard therapy and spironolactone (25-50 mg/day).
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European heart journal · Apr 2011
Multicenter StudyChronic vagus nerve stimulation: a new and promising therapeutic approach for chronic heart failure.
In chronic heart failure (CHF), reduced vagal activity correlates with increased mortality and acute decompensation. Experimentally, chronic vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) improved left ventricular (LV) function and survival; clinically, it is used for the treatment of drug-refractory epilepsy. We assessed safety and tolerability of chronic VNS in symptomatic CHF patients, using a novel implantable nerve stimulation system. The secondary goal was to obtain preliminary data on clinical efficacy. ⋯ This open-label study shows that chronic VNS in CHF patients with severe systolic dysfunction may be safe and tolerable and may improve quality of life and LV function. A controlled clinical trial appears warranted.
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European heart journal · Jan 2011
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyTranscatheter aortic valve implantation: first results from a multi-centre real-world registry.
Treatment of elderly symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis and co-morbidities is challenging. Transcatheter aortic valve interventions [balloon valvuloplasty and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)] are evolving as alternative treatment options to surgical valve replacement. We report the first results of the prospective multi-centre German Transcatheter Aortic Valve Interventions-Registry. ⋯ In this real-world registry of high-risk patients with aortic stenosis, TAVI had a high success rate and was associated with moderate in-hospital complications. However, careful patient selection and continued hospital selection seem crucial to maintain these results.