Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2003
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyBedside B-Type natriuretic peptide in the emergency diagnosis of heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Results from the Breathing Not Properly Multinational Study.
This study examines B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with systolic versus non-systolic dysfunction presenting with shortness of breath. ⋯ We conclude that NS-CHF is common in the setting of the ED and that differentiating NS-CHF from S-CHF is difficult in this setting using traditional parameters. Whereas BNP add modest discriminatory value in differentiating NS-CHF from S-CHF, its major role is still the separation of patients with CHF from those without CHF.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2003
Comparative StudyTroponin as a risk factor for mortality in critically ill patients without acute coronary syndromes.
We sought to assess the mechanism and prognostic value of elevated troponins in patients without acute coronary syndromes (ACS). ⋯ Elevated troponin is a mortality risk factor for medical intensive care patients admitted for reasons other than ACS. It is associated with decreased left ventricular function and higher levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2003
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyContemporary utilization and outcomes of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in acute myocardial infarction: the benchmark registry.
We sought to examine contemporary utilization patterns and clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) requiring intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation. ⋯ With contemporary advances in device technology, insertion technique, and operator experience, IABP counterpulsation may be successfully employed for a wide variety of conditions in the AMI setting, providing significant hemodynamic support with rare major complications in a high-risk patient population.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2003
Nonsurgical transthoracic epicardial radiofrequency ablation: an alternative in incessant ventricular tachycardia.
The purpose of this study was to analyze the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of epicardial radiofrequency (RF) ablation in patients with incessant ventricular tachycardia (VT). ⋯ In patients with incessant VT despite the use of drugs or standard EdA, the epicardial approach was very effective and should be considered as an alternative in this life-threatening situation.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 2003
Clinical assessment identifies hemodynamic profiles that predict outcomes in patients admitted with heart failure.
This study was designed to determine the relevance of a proposed classification for advanced heart failure (HF). Profiles based on clinical assessment of congestion and perfusion at the time of hospitalization were compared with subsequent outcomes. ⋯ Simple clinical assessment can be used to define profiles in patients admitted with HF. These profiles predict outcomes and may be used to guide therapy and identify populations for future investigation.