Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyPlasma brain natriuretic peptide-guided therapy to improve outcome in heart failure: the STARS-BNP Multicenter Study.
The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of a therapeutic strategy using plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. ⋯ In optimally treated CHF patients, a BNP-guided strategy reduced the risk of CHF-related death or hospital stay for CHF. The result was mainly obtained through an increase in ACEI and beta-blocker dosages.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2007
Review Meta AnalysisAssociation between C-reactive protein and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after successful electrical cardioversion: a meta-analysis.
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to examine the association between baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after successful electrical cardioversion (EC). ⋯ Our meta-analysis suggests that increased CRP levels are associated with greater risk of AF recurrence, although there was significant heterogeneity across the studies. The use of CRP levels in predicting sinus rhythm maintenance appears promising but requires further study.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2007
Comparative StudyInfluence of obstructive sleep apnea on mortality in patients with heart failure.
This study sought to determine, in patients with heart failure (HF), whether untreated moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a higher mortality rate than in patients with mild to no sleep apnea (M-NSA). ⋯ In patients with HF, untreated OSA is associated with an increased risk of death independently of confounding factors.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2007
Comparative StudyPrognostic value of midregional pro-adrenomedullin in patients with acute myocardial infarction: the LAMP (Leicester Acute Myocardial Infarction Peptide) study.
This study sought to assess the prognostic impact of midregional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). ⋯ The ADM system is activated after AMI. The MR-proADM is a powerful predictor of adverse outcome, especially in those with an elevated NTproBNP. The MR-proADM may represent a clinically useful marker of prognosis after AMI.