Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jul 2005
Comparative StudyIn-hospital mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure requiring intravenous vasoactive medications: an analysis from the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry (ADHERE).
We sought to compare the in-hospital mortality of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) who were receiving parenteral treatment with one of four intravenous vasoactive medications. ⋯ Therapy with either a natriuretic peptide or vasodilator was associated with significantly lower in-hospital mortality than positive inotropic therapy in patients hospitalized with ADHF. The risk of in-hospital mortality was similar for nesiritide and nitroglycerin.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jul 2005
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialPercutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO system) to prevent stroke in high-risk patients with non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation: results from the international multi-center feasibility trials.
These studies were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion using the PLAATO system (ev3 Inc., Plymouth, Minnesota). ⋯ Closing the LAA using the PLAATO system is feasible and can be performed at acceptable risk. It may become an alternative in patients with AF and a contraindication for lifelong anticoagulation treatment.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jul 2005
Coagulopathy after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation following cardiac arrest: implication of the protein C anticoagulant pathway.
We investigated coagulation abnormalities in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients, with special attention to the protein C anticoagulant pathway. ⋯ Major coagulation abnormalities were found after successful resuscitation of cardiac arrest. These abnormalities are consistent with secondary down-regulation of the thrombomodulin-endothelial protein C receptor pathway.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialInhibition of awake sympathetic nerve activity of heart failure patients with obstructive sleep apnea by nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure.
This study was designed to determine whether reductions in morning systolic blood pressure (BP) elicited by treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in heart failure (HF) patients are associated with a reduction in sympathetic vasoconstrictor tone. ⋯ Treatment of coexisting OSA by CPAP in HF patients lowers daytime MSNA, systolic BP, and HR. Inhibition of increased central sympathetic vasoconstrictor outflow is one mechanism by which nocturnal CPAP reduces awake BP in HF patients with moderate to severe OSA.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialChanges in brain natriuretic peptide levels and bioelectrical impedance measurements after treatment with high-dose furosemide and hypertonic saline solution versus high-dose furosemide alone in refractory congestive heart failure: a double-blind study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new treatment for refractory congestive heart failure (CHF) on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) plasma levels and hydration station. ⋯ Our data show that the HSS group reached dry weight more rapidly, a significantly faster reduction in BNP levels, shorter hospitalization stay, and lower incidence in readmissions in the 30-day study period.