Chest
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Comparative Study
Use of indwelling pleural catheters for cardiogenic pleural effusions.
Cardiogenic pleural effusions are rarely refractory to treatment of the underlying disease. Few options are available in these cases. Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) insertion has been well described for the management of malignant pleural effusions. We present our experience with using IPCs for cardiogenic pleural effusion management. ⋯ IPC insertion for cardiogenic pleural effusion is a feasible option in carefully selected patients. Further research is needed to confirm the results and to assess the impact of IPC insertion on the quality of life of these patients.
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Comparative Study
β-trace protein and prognosis in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity and it commonly coexists with chronic kidney disease. A biomarker of renal function, β-trace protein (BTP), has been implicated in the progression of cardiovascular disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of BTP with adverse cardiovascular events, bleeding, and mortality in patients with AF. ⋯ We suggest that BTP, a proposed renal damage biomarker, may be a novel predictor of adverse cardiovascular events, major bleeding, and mortality in patients with AF. BTP may help refine clinical risk stratification in these patients.