Circ Cardiovasc Qual
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Circ Cardiovasc Qual · Nov 2012
ReviewHow small is too small? A systematic review of center volume and outcome after cardiac transplantation.
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the volume of cardiac transplantation procedures performed in a center and the outcome after cardiac transplantation. ⋯ There is a relationship between center volume and mortality in heart transplantation. The existence of a minimum acceptable center volume or threshold is unproven. However, a level of 10 to 12 heart transplants per year corresponds to the upper limit of low-volume categories that may have relatively higher mortality. It is not known whether outcomes for patients treated in low-volume transplant centers would be improved by reorganizing centers to ensure volumes in excess of 10 to 12 heart transplants per year.
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Circ Cardiovasc Qual · Nov 2012
ReviewHow small is too small? A systematic review of center volume and outcome after cardiac transplantation.
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the volume of cardiac transplantation procedures performed in a center and the outcome after cardiac transplantation. ⋯ There is a relationship between center volume and mortality in heart transplantation. The existence of a minimum acceptable center volume or threshold is unproven. However, a level of 10 to 12 heart transplants per year corresponds to the upper limit of low-volume categories that may have relatively higher mortality. It is not known whether outcomes for patients treated in low-volume transplant centers would be improved by reorganizing centers to ensure volumes in excess of 10 to 12 heart transplants per year.
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Circ Cardiovasc Qual · Sep 2012
Review Meta AnalysisSystematic review and adjusted indirect comparison meta-analysis of oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation.
Oral anticoagulants such as apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban are alternatives to warfarin for preventing events in patients with atrial fibrillation. Direct comparative studies between agents are unavailable. Our objective was to conduct an adjusted indirect comparison meta-analysis between new oral agents in atrial fibrillation. ⋯ Significant differences in efficacy and safety parameters may exist between oral anticoagulant agents in patients with atrial fibrillation. Apixaban lowers the risk of major and gastrointestinal bleeding versus dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Dabigatran lowers the composite of stroke or systemic emboli, and ischemic stroke versus rivaroxaban. Head-to-head clinical trials are required to confirm these findings.
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Circ Cardiovasc Qual · Sep 2012
Review Meta AnalysisAssociation of obstructive sleep apnea with risk of serious cardiovascular events: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular events remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review to determine the incident risk of cardiovascular events among patients with OSA. ⋯ OSA appears to be associated with stroke, but the relationship with ischemic heart disease and cardiovascular mortality needs further research.
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Circ Cardiovasc Qual · May 2012
ReviewMost important outcomes research papers in cardiovascular disease in the elderly.
The following are highlights from the new series, Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes Topic Review. This series will summarize the most important manuscripts, as selected by the Editor, that have published in the Circulation portfolio. The objective of this new series is to provide our readership with a timely, comprehensive selection of important papers that are relevant to the quality and outcomes and general cardiology audience. The studies included in this article represent the most significant research in the area of cardiovascular disease in the elderly.