The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyLow preoperative hepcidin concentration as a risk factor for mortality after cardiac surgery: a pilot study.
Hepcidin regulates iron absorption and recycling and is central to host defense, protection from reactive iron species, and a biomarker of iron-related pathophysiology. We assessed the value of hepcidin measured preoperatively for the prediction of in-hospital mortality and renal outcomes. ⋯ Low preoperative hepcidin concentration might be a risk factor for in-hospital mortality. Findings should be validated in larger patient cohorts with a greater number of events.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2013
Multicenter StudyFour-dimensional, flow-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging of blood flow patterns in thoracic aortic dissections.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate alterations in flow patterns in thoracic aortic dissections using 4-dimensional, flow-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging. ⋯ Four-dimensional, flow-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0T provided qualitative and quantitative information on alterations of aortic flow in patients with thoracic aortic dissection. Future application of this magnetic resonance flow methodology may help provide insights into the pathophysiology and effects of flow alterations and establish prognostic indicators for the development of complications or aneurysm growth in patients with aortic dissection.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyHow should I wean my next intra-aortic balloon pump? Differences between progressive volume weaning and rate weaning.
Although the intra-aortic balloon pump is the most used ventricular assist device, no study has ever evaluated the best weaning method. We compared 2 different intra-aortic balloon pump weaning methods. ⋯ Intra-aortic balloon pump weaning by volume deflation allowed better hemodynamic and metabolic parameters.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2013
B-type natriuretic peptide levels predict outcomes in infants undergoing cardiac surgery in a lesion-dependent fashion.
B-type natriuretic peptide is used in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of adult patients with cardiac disease. However, its use in infants with congenital heart disease has been limited, particularly in the perioperative period. Our objective was to determine the alterations in perioperative B-type natriuretic peptide levels and their predictive value on postoperative outcomes, in infants undergoing congenital heart surgery. ⋯ The perioperative changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels and their ability to predict outcomes are lesion-specific. Characterization of these changes might be useful in caring for infants after congenital heart surgery.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2013
Multicenter StudyTotal anomalous pulmonary venous connection: outcome of postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction.
Pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) is an important cause of late mortality in total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). We aimed to describe current practices for the management of postoperative PVO and the efficacy of the different interventional procedures. ⋯ Postoperative PVO tends to appear in the first 6 months after TAPVC repair and can be progressive. Early intervention for PVO may be indicated before irreversible secondary changes occur.