International journal of cardiology
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Review Meta Analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis of incidence and correlates of recurrence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a disorder of myocardial inflammation induced by high catecholamine levels and is associated with acute complications. In the long-term TTC is associated with a risk of single or multiple recurrences, but risk of such occurrences is not clear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and consolidate the evidence on the incidence and clinical correlates of cases of TTC recurrence. ⋯ (1) TTC is associated with only 1-2% annual recurrence rate but substantially greater frequency of ongoing symptoms. (2) ACEi/ARB rather than BB may reduce risk of recurrence.
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The development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is multifactorial with a number of biomarkers serving as mediators of neurohormonal activation [B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its N-terminal-pro-fragment (NT-proBNP)], endothelial dysfunction [asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)] and cellular proliferation [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)]. ⋯ Right heart dysfunction, endothelial inflammation and proliferation are mirrored by plasma levels of the corresponding biomarkers among patients with CHD-PAH. There is early evidence to suggest that natriuretic peptides, in particular, may be a simple and effective tool for determining prognosis and timing for therapeutic interventions in patients with CHD-PAH.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficiency of radiofrequency ablation for surgical treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation in rheumatic valvular disease.
It remains unclear whether concomitant radiofrequency ablation procedure in valvular surgery could offer additional benefits to patients with rheumatic valvular disease. We designed a prospective and randomized control study to evaluate the efficacy of surgical radiofrequency ablation in patients with rheumatic heart disease. ⋯ Radiofrequency ablation concurring with valvular surgery can bring a higher sinus rhythm restoration rate when compared with medical anti-arrhythmic drug therapy in low-medium risk rheumatic heart disease. The trial was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (registry number NCT01013688).
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We sought to evaluate the prognostic impact of absolute and relative kinetic changes of high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin T (hs-cTnT) in comparison to baseline hs-cTnT elevations for risk stratification in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and non-ACS conditions with increased hs-cTnT. ⋯ Our data suggest that the magnitude of baseline hs-cTnT, and not acute dynamic changes, convey superior long-term prognostic information in ACS and non-ACS conditions. Moreover, absolute and relative kinetic δ-changes of hs-cTnT do not add significant incremental value in risk assessment in both conditions.