Panminerva medica
-
Review
Clinical approach to the patient with Brugada Syndrome: risk stratification and optimal management.
The Brugada Syndrome (BrS) is an inherited cardiac ion channel disorder associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and mortality. Diagnosis is based on a characteristic electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern of coved type ST-segment elevation >2 mm followed by a negative T-wave in ≥1 of the right precordial leads V1 to V3. Since the first description of BrS, the definition of disease and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms have been significantly improved in recent years. ⋯ There is more information about patients who would need an implantable cardiac defibrillator for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (that is, those with spontaneous Type I Brugada ECG pattern and arrhythmia-related syncope), but currently published data concerning asymptomatic patients with Brugada ECG pattern and other less-well defined presentations are conflicting. Whereas the role of cardiac defibrillator in patients with Brugada Syndrome is clear, optimal use of catheter ablation and antiarrhythmic drug therapy needs to be further investigated. In this review, we summarize current evidence and contemporary management of patients with BrS.
-
Multicenter Study Observational Study
Efficacy of a motorized air support to prevent pressure ulcers in at-risk patients hospitalized in rehabilitation departments: incidence and prevalence studies.
The main objective was to assess the reduction of the pressure ulcers prevalence which could be obtained if Ascalis Optimo® mattresses were made available ad libitum in rehabilitation services (RS) by comparison to prevalence as observed in the national PERSE study (historical control) in similar departments using a variety of prevention aids. ⋯ The significant decrease of the prevalence of pressure ulcer in the rehabilitation departments where Ascalis Optimo® were available when compared to the current prevalence observed in rehabilitation services and moreover the results of the study of pressure ulcer incidence in patients bedridden on Ascalis Optimo®, shows the benefit provided to patients in terms of pressure ulcers prevention.
-
Chagas disease (CD) is an emerging infection in Italy as the consequence of the huge immigration from Latin American countries observed during the last ten-fifteen years. However, the interest of Italian researchers on CD dates back to the '80-90s of the last century with studies conducted in collaboration with Brazilian and Argentinian colleagues by Italian cardiologists and pathologists. ⋯ As observed in Latin America about 30% of screened subjects in Italy are affected by cardiac or digestive forms of CD. More than 20% of subjects treated with benznidazole discontinued it permanently due to adverse events.
-
Conflicting information exists about whether sex differences modulate outcome in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Our aim was to analyze baseline characteristics, medical management, risk factor control, and long-term outcome according to gender in patients with stable CAD. ⋯ In contemporary practice, women with stable CAD had a poorer control of cardiovascular risk. However, at 5-year follow-up, cardiovascular outcomes were similar for both genders.
-
The aim of this registry was to evaluate the efficacy of Meriva® in subjects with temporary kidney dysfunction (TKD) and increased oxidative stress levels. TKD was a casual finding on urinary tests after reported side effects following drug consumption, a clinical event or dehydration. ⋯ This registry study indicates that albuminuria - marker of TKD - is safely ameliorated with the standardized supplement Meriva®. Studies are needed to evaluate the effect of Meriva® in subjects with more significant clinical conditions (i.e. diabetics) or risk factors.