Scandinavian cardiovascular journal : SCJ
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Scand. Cardiovasc. J. · Aug 2009
Editorial CommentCirculatory assistance in acute heart failure--where do we go from here?
The comment concerns two short-term assist systems, namely the Impella axial-flow recovery system and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) used for circulatory assistance in patients with acute heart failure. The results, particularly for patients in cardiogenic shock not related to cardiac surgery, calls for cautious optimism.
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Scand. Cardiovasc. J. · Feb 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyRationale and design of the Randomized Intervention with CPAP in Coronary Artery Disease and Sleep Apnoea--RICCADSA trial.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in coronary artery disease (CAD) and a possible cause of increased mortality. To date, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials to draw the conclusion that all CAD patients should be investigated for OSA and subsequently be treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). ⋯ The RICCADSA trial will contribute to defining the impact of CPAP on prognosis of CAD patients with OSA.
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We present a short discussion of the literature concerning institutional volume and outcomes for congenital heart surgery. Although there are limitations to some of the studies discussed, all published studies conclude that higher volumes are associated with better outcomes. We then reflect on some of the arguments that can be made in favour of greater centralisation of this practice and some of the arguments that can be made against centralisation.
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Scand. Cardiovasc. J. · Dec 2008
Elevated glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is a risk marker in coronary artery bypass surgery.
To evaluate if glycosylated haemoglobin 1 (HbA1c) was associated with increased risk of infection and mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). ⋯ HbA1c > or =6% was associated with an increased risk of postoperative superficial sternal wound infections and a trend for higher mediastinitis rate and significantly higher mortality three years after CABG.
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Scand. Cardiovasc. J. · Oct 2008
Postoperative delirium and health related quality of life after coronary artery bypass grafting.
We wanted to identify determinants for postoperative delirium and its influence on health related quality of life (HRQoL) during 36-month follow-up of coronary artery bypass (CABG) patients. ⋯ Preoperatively older and sicker patients with complicated postoperative course are at higher risk of developing delirium after CABG. Preoperative status and operative complications together with delirium may exert negative influence on forthcoming HRQoL, which is seen especially in patients with a relatively high preoperative level of HRQoL.