International heart journal
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Early reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the current standard therapy for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). To achieve better prognoses for these patients, reducing the door-to-balloon time is essential. As we reported previously, the Kitasato University Hospital Doctor Car (DC), an ambulance with a physician on board, is equipped with a novel mobile cloud 12-lead ECG system. ⋯ The door-to-balloon time in the DC group was 56.1 ± 13.7 minutes and 74.0 ± 14.1 minutes in the Non-DC Group (P < 0.0001). Maximum levels of CPK were 2899 ± 308 and 2876 ± 269 IU/L (P = 0.703), and those of CK-MB were 292 ± 360 and 295 ± 284 ng/mL (P = 0.423), respectively, in the 2 groups. The Doctor Car system with the Mobile Cloud ECG was useful for reducing the door-to-balloon time.
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Review Meta Analysis
Liberal versus restricted fluid administration in heart failure patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Restrictive fluid intake is recommended, in addition to standard pharmacologic treatment, in the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, this recommendation lacks firm scientific evidence. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials to estimate the effect of fluid restriction in patients with heart failure. ⋯ There was no difference in any of the outcomes after correcting for heterogeneity. While studies to date are limited by heterogeneity and small sample sizes, the combined data suggest similar clinical outcomes in patients with CHF managed with liberal and restrictive fluid intake. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.
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We describe a case of a 41-year-old woman with acute exacerbation of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) complicated by rapidly progressive respiratory failure and right heart failure with cardiogenic shock. A computed tomography (CT) showed thrombi in the right main pulmonary artery and bilateral peripheral pulmonary arteries, and echocardiography showed right ventricular dilatation and tricuspid regurgitation, with an estimated pressure gradient of 80 mmHg. The patient was initially diagnosed with acute pulmonary thromboembolism, and thrombolytic therapy was administered. ⋯ Five days after BPA, the patient was removed from VA-ECMO and on the 57th day of hospitalization, she was weaned off the ventilator. The patient was discharged after 139 days of hospitalization. Rescue BPA represents a useful intervention for improving PH and weaning off VA-ECMO in a patient with acute exacerbation of CTEPH.
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Anticoagulation of patients with cardiac tamponade (CT) complicating catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is an ongoing problem. The aim of this study was to survey the clinical practice of periprocedural anticoagulation in such patients. This study analyzed the periprocedural anticoagulation of 17 patients with CT complicating AF ablation. ⋯ After 12 months of follow-up, all patients had no neurological events and no occurrence of delayed CT. The results showed that it was effective and safe to resume anticoagulation therapy 12 hours after removal of the drainage catheter. This may help to prevent thromboembolic events following catheter ablation of AF.
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Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is one of the most important complications following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and results in higher morbidity and mortality. However, few reports have focused on the predictors of LCOS following CABG. This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of LCOS following isolated CABG through the review of 1524 consecutive well-documented patients in a single center, retrospective trial. ⋯ Through univariate analysis and then logistic regression analysis, the predictors of LCOS following CABG included older age (age > 65 years) (OR = 1.85, 95%CI 1.27-3.76), impaired left ventricular function (OR = 2.05, 95%CI 1.53-4.54), on-pump CABG (OR = 2.16, 95%CI 1.53-4.86), emergent CPB (OR = 9.15, 95%CI 3.84-16.49), and incomplete revascularization (OR = 2.62, 95%CI 1.79-5.15). LCOS following isolated CABG caused higher mortality, higher rates of morbidity, and longer ICU and postoperative hospital stays. Older age, impaired left ventricular function, on-pump CABG, emergent CPB, and incomplete revascularization were identified as 5 predictors of LCOS following isolated CABG surgery.