European journal of heart failure
-
Eur. J. Heart Fail. · May 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA randomized study of haemodynamic effects and left ventricular dyssynchrony in right ventricular apical vs. high posterior septal pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy.
The effect on left ventricular (LV) systolic function and LV dyssynchrony by alternative right ventricular (RV) lead position in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is unclear. In the present study, RV apical (RV-A) was compared with RV high posterior septal (RV-HS) lead position in CRT. ⋯ RV-A and RV-HS in CRT demonstrated similar LV reverse remodelling and LV reverse dyssynchrony at 6-month follow-up. Concordant LV leads provided superior LV reverse remodelling and LV reverse dyssynchrony.
-
Eur. J. Heart Fail. · Mar 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyN-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide in the management of patients in the medical emergency department (PROMPT): correlation with disease severity, utilization of hospital resources, and prognosis in a large, prospective, randomized multicentre trial.
N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a potent marker of heart failure and other cardiac diseases. The value of NT-proBNP testing in the medical emergency department (ED) was assessed in patients >65 years old. ⋯ Although NT-proBNP does not affect overall hospitalization, it is associated with better stratification of patient care and is strongly correlated with subsequent utilization of hospital resources and prognosis.
-
Eur. J. Heart Fail. · Jan 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyLink between decisions regarding resuscitation and preferences for quality over length of life with heart failure.
Survival preferences, ascertained from time-trade-off utilities, have not been studied in heart failure patients who designate a 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) status. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association of heart failure patients' resuscitation preferences with survival preferences and mortality in the ESCAPE trial. ⋯ Heart failure patients' requests to forego resuscitation may signify more than simply 'what-if' directives for emergency care. DNR decisions may reflect preferences for intervention to enhance quality rather than prolong survival, which is particularly important as these patients have high early mortality.
-
Eur. J. Heart Fail. · Sep 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialShort-term opioids for breathlessness in stable chronic heart failure: a randomized controlled trial.
To assess the effect of oral opioids vs. placebo on breathlessness in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). ⋯ We demonstrated no benefit over placebo for the relief of breathlessness with short-term low-dose oral opioids for CHF patients. Trial registered prior to the recruitment of the first participant with Current Controlled Trials (www.controlled-trials.com; Trial number ISRCTN 85268059).
-
Eur. J. Heart Fail. · Aug 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyThe WHICH? trial: rationale and design of a pragmatic randomized, multicentre comparison of home- vs. clinic-based management of chronic heart failure patients.
To describe the rationale and design of the Which Heart failure Intervention is most Cost-effective & consumer friendly in reducing Hospital care (WHICH?) trial. ⋯ Despite its relatively small size, the WHICH? trial is well placed to examine the relative impact of two of the most commonly applied forms of face-to-face management designed to reduce recurrent hospitalization and prolong survival in CHF patients.