Journal of cardiac failure
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Pro-inflammatory cytokines may contribute to the development and progression of heart failure (HF) and are also implicated in depressive disorders. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated whether systemic inflammation, as assessed by circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines, was associated with comorbid depression in patients with heart failure. ⋯ In this cross-sectional analysis, HF patients with comorbid depression, compared with nondepressed HF patients, had higher levels of sTNFr1 and trend toward higher levels of sTNFr1 even when adequately treated for depression.
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We hypothesized that recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (nesiritide) could improve urine output and neurohormonal markers of heart failure without worsening renal function in pediatric patients. ⋯ Nesiritide safely treated decompensated heart failure in children. Increased urine output reflected improving renal function. Improved neurohormonal markers were seen after 72 hours of therapy, and complications were uncommon.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A 6-month follow-up of intermittent levosimendan administration effect on systolic function, specific activity questionnaire, and arrhythmia in advanced heart failure.
Levosimendan (LS) improves cardiac contractility without increasing myocardial oxygen demand. We administrated LS on a monthly intermittent 24-hour protocol and evaluated the clinical effect after 6 months in a randomized, open, prospective study. ⋯ A 6-month intermittent LS treatment in patients with decompensated advanced heart failure improved symptoms and LV systolic function.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Levosimendan improves renal function in patients with advanced chronic heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation.
Long-term impact of levosimendan on renal function remains undefined. Prospectively, we evaluated effects of levosimendan on renal function in patients with advanced chronic heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation. ⋯ Levosimendan improves long-term renal function in advanced chronic heart failure patients awaiting cardiac transplantation.
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Little is known about the differences between natriuretic peptides used to evaluate elderly patients with heart failure. The aim of the study was to evaluate the information and the power to predict cardiovascular mortality derived from an analysis of cardiac natriuretic peptides from the same study population and at the same time. ⋯ Cardiac natriuretic peptides are useful tools for evaluating elderly patients with heart failure. Three of the 4 peptides were very similar. ANP exhibits inferior properties and cannot be recommended in clinical practice.