Cardiology in review
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Cardiology in review · Jan 2016
ReviewUse of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Refractory Cardiogenic Shock.
Cardiogenic shock is a condition marked by low cardiac output and end-organ hypoperfusion frequently requiring hemodynamic support, and it carries a high mortality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an effective tool in providing mechanical circulatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock refractory to conventional medical therapies. ⋯ A multidisciplinary team approach is needed in managing such patients and intensive monitoring is required to avoid complications from ECMO. Nevertheless, randomized clinic trials are warranted to prove a survival benefit.
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Cardiology in review · Sep 2015
ReviewNovel Biomarkers of Acute Kidney Injury After Contrast Coronary Angiography.
Acute kidney injury (AKI), defined as a rise in serum creatinine of greater than 25% from baseline measured at 48 hours after renal insult, may follow iodinated contrast coronary angiography. Termed contrast-induced nephropathy, it can result in considerable morbidity and mortality. Measurement of serum creatinine as a functional biomarker of glomerular filtration rate is widely used for detection of AKI, but it lacks sensitivity for the early diagnosis of AKI (typically rising 24 hours after functional loss) and, as a solely functional marker of glomerular filtration rate, is unable to differentiate among the various causes of AKI. ⋯ In this article, we discuss the use of iodinated contrast for coronary procedures and the risk factors for contrast-induced nephropathy, followed by a review the potential diagnostic utility of several novel biomarkers of early AKI in the clinical settings of coronary angiography/percutaneous coronary intervention. In particular, we discuss neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin in depth. If validated, such biomarkers would facilitate earlier AKI diagnosis and improve clinical outcomes.
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Cardiology in review · Mar 2015
ReviewConsensus review of the treatment of cardiovascular disease in people with hemophilia A and B.
With advances in care, increasing numbers of people with hemophilia (PWH) achieve near-normal life expectancies and present with typical age-related cardiovascular conditions. Evidence-based guidelines for medical or surgical management of cardiovascular conditions in individuals with hemophilia are limited. Published recommendations exist for the management of some common cardiovascular conditions (eg, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation), but identifying optimal strategies for anticoagulant or antithrombotic therapy constitutes the primary challenge of managing nonoperative cardiovascular disease (CVD) in PWH. ⋯ Published outcomes of CVD treatment in PWH are similar to those in the general population. Specific knowledge about factor replacement, factor inhibitors, and disease-specific treatment distinguishes the cardiovascular care of PWH from similar care of individuals without this rare bleeding disorder. Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach incorporating a hematologist with an onsite coagulation laboratory, ideally associated with a hemophilia treatment center, is integral to the management of CVD in PWH.
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Cardiology in review · Mar 2015
ReviewPeripartum cardiomyopathy: definition, incidence, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a serious pregnancy-associated disorder of unknown etiology. The precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying PPCM are unclear. A heightened awareness among health care providers can result in early diagnosis of heart failure in late pregnancy and the early postpartum period. ⋯ In patients with persistent severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, advanced therapies like mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation should be considered. Owing to recent data demonstrating deterioration of LV systolic function after initial recovery, it is essential to maintain long-term follow up of these patients regardless of initial recovery of LV function. We present a comprehensive review of the literature etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of PPCM.
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Cardiology in review · Jan 2015
ReviewBeyond PARTNER: appraising the evolving trends and outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the preferred treatment in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis deemed to be at prohibitive or high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. With evolving technology, improving practices and patient selection, outcomes in TAVR have improved. In the not so distant future, TAVR may become an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement even for patients who are not at high risk for open surgery. However, issues such as stroke, paravalvular leak and pacemaker need remain, and the unknown limitations of TAVR, including durability and undefined options for reintervention for prosthesis dysfunction, must be addressed before this therapy can be extended to younger, lower risk patients.