International journal of cardiology
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Review Case Reports
How to face emergencies in heart failure patients with ventricular assist device.
Ventricular assist device (VAD) technology has rapidly evolved, and VADs are now seen as a reliable lifesaving option to support the failing heart in the short- and long-term: in some cases, VAD therapy represents a well-accepted treatment option for advanced heart failure that can obviate the need for heart transplantation. In the near future, more and more cardiologists will encounter VAD patients in their clinical practice and need to know how to handle the inherent risks associated with VAD use. ⋯ Here, we describe two emergency scenarios in VAD patients, two paradigmatic clinical in-hospital situations, in different settings. Following a brief overview of the role of cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers in VAD patients, we propose a working algorithm that might help to ensure a timely and efficient response to acute demands in this setting.
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A review of cardiac point-of-care (POC) tests used to detect or exclude acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with a focus on test performance within 6 hours after the start of symptoms. ⋯ The ideal POC test for the diagnosis of AMI within 6 hours after the onset of symptoms does not yet exist. Evaluated POC tests were in general of poor methodological quality and reported too many false negatives to be considered as save for the assessment of patients suspected of AMI. A POC test of high-sensitive troponin could possibly fill the gap in the early hours after symptom onset, especially in those with non-definitive electrocardiography.
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Review Meta Analysis
Influence of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes on the risk of hemorrhagic complications in warfarin-treated patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The main challenge for warfarin anticoagulation is the risk for hemorrhagic complications. Although certain pharmacogenetic factors may explain the individual variabilities about the therapeutic warfarin dose requirement, the genetic factors to warfarin hemorrhagic complications due to over-anticoagulation are largely unknown. To interpret the potential role of warfarin-related genotypes on over-anticoagulation and hemorrhagic complications, we conducted a meta-analysis based on 22 published studies. ⋯ Both CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes are associated with an increased risk for warfarin over-anticoagulation, with VKORC1 c. -1639G > A more sensitive early in the course of anticoagulation. CYP2C9*3 is the main genetic risk factor for warfarin hemorrhagic complications.
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Review
Autologous bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy in heart disease: discrepancies and contradictions.
Autologous bone marrow stem cell therapy is the greatest advance in the treatment of heart disease for a generation according to pioneering reports. In response to an unanswered letter regarding one of the largest and most promising trials, we attempted to summarise the findings from the most innovative and prolific laboratory. ⋯ Modern reporting of clinical research can still be imperfect. The scientific literature absorbs such reports largely uncritically. Even meta-analyses seem to resolve contradictions haphazardly. Discrepancies communicated to journals are not guaranteed to reach the scientific community. Journals could consider prioritising systematic reporting of queries even if seemingly minor, and establishing a policy of "habeas data".