International journal of cardiology
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Kounis syndrome is potentially a life-threatening medical emergency with both a severe allergic reaction and acute coronary syndrome. Most of the information about this syndrome has come from the case reports. ⋯ We have summarized our recommendations for the work-up and treatment of Kounis syndrome from available data. Obviously, larger prospective studies are needed to establish definitive treatment guidelines for these patients.
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Limited data are available on long-term mortality and morbidity of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ischemic heart disease. We examined how COPD affects long-term mortality and morbidity after undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). ⋯ COPD is an independent risk factor for long-term cardiac and cardiovascular mortality in patients with ischemic heart disease.
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To evaluate the utility of plasma BNP measurement in the long term follow-up of patients with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). ⋯ In patients with surgically repaired TOF, plasma BNP is significantly correlated with right ventricular volume load. In clinical practice a considerable overlap limits the estimation of right ventricular volume load by BNP, but longitudinal evaluation helps to appoint the appropriate timing of pulmonary valve replacement.
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Limited data are available concerning benefits and risks of early abciximab (EA) administration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in elderly ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of EA before PPCI in elderly (>or=65 years) patients. ⋯ Patients >or=65 years of age have a substantially increased risk of angiographic PCI complications, death and bleeding events compared with their younger counterparts. Strategy of EA before PPCI improves reperfusion parameters and clinical outcome in elderly patients and is not associated with elevated risk of major bleeding.