Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 2002
Risk of embolization after institution of antibiotic therapy for infective endocarditis.
This study was designed to assess the risk of systemic embolization in patients with left-sided infective endocarditis, once adequate antibiotic treatment had been initiated, on the basis of prospective clinical follow-up. ⋯ Embolism before antimicrobial therapy is a risk factor for new emboli. The risk of embolization seems to increase with increasing vegetation size, and this is particularly significant in mitral endocarditis and staphylococcal endocarditis. An increase in vegetation size, despite antimicrobial treatment, may predict later embolism.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2002
Comparative StudySurvival after aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis with low transvalvular gradients and severe left ventricular dysfunction.
We sought to assess whether aortic valve replacement (AVR) among patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and a low transvalvular gradient (TVG) is associated with improved survival. ⋯ Among select patients with severe AS, severe LV dysfunction and a low TVG, AVR was associated with significantly improved survival.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2002
Development of a risk adjustment mortality model using the American College of Cardiology-National Cardiovascular Data Registry (ACC-NCDR) experience: 1998-2000.
We sought to develop and evaluate a risk adjustment model for in-hospital mortality following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures using data from a large, multi-center registry. ⋯ A risk adjustment model for in-hospital mortality after PCI was successfully developed using a contemporary multi-center registry. This model is an important tool for valid comparison of in-hospital mortality after PCI.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Mar 2002
Early and late complications associated with transcatheter occlusion of secundum atrial septal defect.
The goal of this study was to report the early and late complications experienced in atrial septal defect (ASD) transcatheter closure. ⋯ Our series of patients with ASD by transcatheter occlusion shows that the procedure is safe and effective in the vast majority of cases. To further reduce the complications rate, the criteria of device selection according to ASD morphology and some technical tips during implantation are discussed.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Mar 2002
Comparative StudyOverproduction of platelet microparticles in cyanotic congenital heart disease with polycythemia.
We sought to clarify the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of abnormal coagulation in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) with polycythemia; we evaluated the production of platelet microparticles (MPs), platelet degranulation and aggregation response, as well as the correlations of these variables with polycythemia. ⋯ Platelet MPs are overproduced in patients who have CCHD with polycythemia, probably due to a high shear stress derived from blood hyperviscosity. Circulating incompetent platelets, which have already been activated, as well as MPs, might play an important role in the coagulation abnormalities identified in such patients.