International journal of cardiology
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Multicenter Study
Three decades later: The fate of the population of patients who underwent the Atriopulmonary Fontan procedure.
To review our experience of patients with an atrio-pulmonary Fontan circulation to determine their long-term outcomes. ⋯ Two-thirds of the patients who underwent a classical atrio-pulmonary Fontan are still alive 3 decades later. The majority are affected by the burden of arrhythmias but remain functionally active today. These challenging patients should only receive follow-up care from cardiologists with specialised training.
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Multicenter Study
Syncope and risk of sudden cardiac arrest in coronary artery disease.
Syncope has been associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in specific patient populations, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and long QT syndrome, but data are lacking on the risk of SCA associated with syncope among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common cause of SCA. We investigated this association among CAD patients in the community. ⋯ Syncope was associated with increased risk of SCA in CAD patients even with preserved LV function. These findings suggest a role for this clinical marker among patients with CAD and normal LVEF, a large sub-group without any current means of SCA risk stratification.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for refractory cardiac arrest: A multicentre experience.
To describe the ECPR experience of two Australian ECMO centres, with regards to survival and neurological outcome, their predictors and complications. ⋯ In selected patients with refractory cardiac arrest, ECPR may provide temporary support as a bridge to intervention or recovery. We report favourable survival and neurological outcomes in one third of patients and pre-ECMO lactate levels predictive of mortality. Further studies are required to determine optimum selection criteria for ECPR.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Cardiovascular Effects of Energy Drinks in Familial Long QT Syndrome: A Randomized Cross-Over Study.
Caffeinated energy drinks may trigger serious cardiac effects. The aim of this study was to determine the cardiovascular effects of caffeinated energy drink consumption in patients with familial long QT syndrome (LQTS). ⋯ Caffeinated energy drinks have significant haemodynamic effects in patients with LQTS, especifically an acute increase in blood pressure. Since dangerous QTc prolongation was seen in some LQTS patients, we recommend caution in young patients with LQTS consuming energy drinks.
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Apelin acts as the endogenous ligand of G protein coupled receptors APJ. The apelin/APJ system is responsible for the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, apelin/APJ has been considered to play an important role in cardiac hypertrophy, but whether that role is beneficial or aggravating remains controversial. ⋯ In this paper, we review the controversies associated with apelin/APJ in cardiac hypertrophy and we elaborate the role of apelin/APJ in cardiac hypertrophy related-diseases including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, myocarditis and myocardial infarction. We conclude that further studies should emphasize more about the relationship between apelin/APJ and pathological hypertrophy especially in clinical patients. Moreover, apelin/APJ can be a promising therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy.