International journal of cardiology
-
The mortality of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) is high. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has shown some favorable results, but this may delay door-to-balloon (D2B) time. Whether the benefit surpasses the risk of longer D2B time remains controversial. ⋯ In STEMI RCS patients, ECMO before PCI improves both short- and long-term outcomes, even if it nonsignificantly increases the D2B time. Our data suggests that ECMO before PCI is a reasonable and safe strategy in this particularly-ill population.
-
Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Dual versus single antiplatelet therapy after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: An updated meta-analysis.
The potential benefit and risks of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) over single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is controversial. ⋯ While DAPT has been associated with lower CV mortality in observational samples undergoing CABG, such findings were not replicated in RCTs. Lower rates of SVG occlusion with DAPT are offset by a higher rate of major bleeding.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Rise of first follow-up sodium in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure is associated with better outcomes.
The prognostic effect of the direction of change in sodium (Na) level from admission to subsequent check in patients with acute heart failure (HF) has not been previously explored. ⋯ Rise of first follow-up Na in patients with HF decompensation and hyponatremia on admission is associated with favorable intermediate-term outcomes.
-
Multicenter Study Pragmatic Clinical Trial
Hospital readmission following transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the real world.
There is limited data on hospital readmissions following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to investigate hospital readmissions post-TAVI. ⋯ Readmission occurred in approximately one-fifth of patients post-TAVI and was associated with poor patient outcomes. Early readmission was mainly due to procedural complications, while late readmission was mainly determined by baseline comorbidities including a frailty criterion. Measures should be taken to reduce hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes post-TAVI.
-
Late survival of patients having deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting is largely unexplored. ⋯ DSWI after BITA use seems to reduce late survival even after adjusting for baseline patient characteristics and concomitant postoperative complications.