Journal of cardiac failure
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Mixed venous saturation (MVS) obtained from the distal pulmonary artery (PA) during Swan-Ganz catheterization is the criterion standard for calculating cardiac output (CO) and cardiac index (CI) with the use of the Fick method. We think that calculating CI with the use of central venous saturation (CVS) instead of PA-MVS is both feasible and accurate. Earlier studies were small, enrolled heterogeneous patient populations, and resulted in inconsistent findings. ⋯ In cardiac patients, CVS can be used as a surrogate to true MVS in the calculation of CI. This method is readily available in patients who have central venous access, and may aid in early goal-directed treatment when cardiogenic shock is suspected.
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Few studies have measured cognitive dysfunction in older adults during acute exacerbations of heart failure (HF), even though 25% of patients are readmitted within 30 days. The aims of this study were to examine cognitive dysfunction and acute HF symptoms in older adults hospitalized for HF and to evaluate the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and 30-day rehospitalization rates for acute HF. ⋯ Participants with more and worse symptoms had decreased speed and decreased accuracy in the cognitive domains tested. Cognitive dysfunction measures did not differentiate participants who were readmitted versus those who were not readmitted within 30 days for acute HF.
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Observational Study
Insufficient natriuretic response to continuous intravenous furosemide is associated with poor long-term outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure.
Treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with loop diuretics, such as furosemide, is frequently complicated by insufficient urine sodium excretion. We hypothesize that insufficient natriuretic response to diuretic therapy, characterized by lower urine sodium (UNa) and urine furosemide, is associated with subsequent inadequate decongestion, worsening renal function, and adverse long term events. ⋯ In patients with ADHF receiving continuous furosemide infusion, impaired natriuretic response to furosemide is associated with greater likelihood of worsening renal function and future adverse long-term outcomes, independently from and incrementally with decreasing intrinsic glomerular filtration.
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The aim of this work was to identify the main contextual factors and processes that influence patients' self-care of heart failure (HF). ⋯ HF self-care is influenced by contextual elements that fall outside of traditional elements of a HF self-care program. Inclusion of these elements may help to address the current concerns about poor adherence to self-management programs.
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Meta Analysis Observational Study
Clinical outcomes in fulminant myocarditis requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a weighted meta-analysis of 170 patients.
Fulminant myocarditis (FM) is often a self-resolving entity if the patient survives the acute illness. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used successfully for treatment of cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest due to FM. However, clinical outcomes are not well understood, in part because of small study sizes. In the absence of large clinical trials, performance of pooled analysis represents the best method for ascertaining survival rates for ECMO. ⋯ More than two-thirds of patients with FM and either cardiogenic shock and/or cardiac arrest survive to hospital discharge with ECMO. These findings could be used in the risk-benefit analysis when initiation of a cardiopulmonary bypass system is being considered for FM.