Wiener klinische Wochenschrift
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Aug 2014
Observational StudyThe association of serum albumin with coronary slow flow.
A number of inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and fibrinogen have been shown to be associated with coronary slow flow (CSF). Our aim was to investigate the relationship between albumin, a long-acting negative acute-phase protein, and CSF. ⋯ We found that s-albumin levels decreased and Hs-CRP levels increased in patients with CSF. S-albumin was also found to have superior predictive value than Hs-CRP for diagnosing CSF. S-albumin, an inexpensive and easily measurable laboratory variable, may be a useful predictor of CSF, especially when other reasons which alter its serum levels were excluded.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Aug 2014
Clinical TrialThe effect of growth hormone replacement therapy on the morphological and functional changes in the left ventricle in patients with adult-onset growth hormone deficiency.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy on the morphological and functional changes in the left ventricle (LV) in patients with GH deficiency (GHD). ⋯ A mild increase in LVM and improvement of LVEF accompanies long-term GH replacement therapy. The effect on LV morphology is more pronounced in men than in women.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Aug 2014
The prevalence and clinical importance of incidentally detected noncoronary cardiovascular findings with coronary multidetector CT angiography.
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical importance of incidental findings of noncoronary cardiac structures and mediastinal great vessels in patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). ⋯ Noncoronary incidental cardiovascular findings in patients who underwent CCTA are common. It is important to be aware of these findings necessitating immediate treatment or intervention, and follow-up or further investigations, and careful attention must be paid to all the structures included in the images.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Aug 2014
Case ReportsLevosimendan reverses right-heart failure in a 51-year-old patient after heart transplantation.
Primary graft failure in the early postoperative period after heart transplantation, remains a main cause of a poor outcome. Current treatment options include pharmacological (catecholamines and phosphodiesterase inhibitors) and mechanical assist device support. Pharmacological support with catecholamines is related to elevated myocardial oxygen consumption and regional hypoperfusion leading to organ damage. ⋯ We present a case of a 51-year-old man, who was suffering from acute right-heart failure in the early postoperative period after heart transplantation. As a rescue therapy at the late stage of a low cardiac output state, levosimendan was started as continuous infusion at 0.1 μg/kg/min for 12 h and thereafter, at 0.2 μg/kg/min for the following 36 h. Levosimendan demonstrated an advanced pharmacological option as was portrayed in this case, where the right ventricle was under a prolonged severe depression and acutely overloaded after heart transplantation.