Journal of cardiovascular medicine
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Jun 2008
Comparative StudyImpact of prehospital diagnosis in the management of ST elevation myocardial infarction in the era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention: reduction of treatment delay and mortality.
The aim of the study is to assess, as primary endpoints, in-hospital mortality and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) mortality and to compare the outcome in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with different pathways to a catheterization laboratory in the context of an area with 24 h availability of catheter facilities. ⋯ The present study shows a reduction in treatment delay and in-hospital mortality by prehospital ECG and direct referral to catheterization laboratory.
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Jun 2008
Analysis of inflammatory response and utility of N-terminal pro brain-type natriuretic peptide in cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.
Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) elicits an inflammatory response. During and after cardiac surgery, we examined the pattern of cytokine release of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, to investigate inflammatory response. We analyzed N-terminal pro brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as a marker of ventricular function. ⋯ Our data indicate a relationship between cytokine levels and sex, time of CPB and aortic clamping, The increase of cytokines correlates with a need for inotropic support, mechanical ventilation and length of stay in ICU. We confirmed the predictive role, and its utility in the risk stratification of the NT-proBNP, and its importance in early diagnosis of postoperative ventricular dysfunction.