Neth Heart J
-
In our institution, we have redefined our criteria for direct availability of red blood cell (RBC) units in the operation room. In this study, we sought to evaluate the safety of applying this new logistical policy of blood transfusion in the first preliminary group of patients. ⋯ In a selected group of patients, it is safe to perform cardiac surgery without the immediate availability of RBCs in the operating room. Transfusion was avoided in 81 % of these patients. Female gender, LVEF and EuroSCORE were associated with blood transfusion.
-
Survival to hospital discharge after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) varies widely. This study describes short-term survival after OHCA in a region with an extensive care path and a follow-up of 1 year. ⋯ A survival rate of 43 % after OHCA is achievable. Witnessed cardiac arrest, cardiac cause of arrest, initial cardiac rhythm and GCS ≥13 were associated with higher survival.
-
Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) are important tools for risk stratification in pulmonary embolism (PE). We investigate the association of RVD and cTnI in normotensive PE patients and calculate a cTnI cut-off level for predicting RVD and submassive PE. ⋯ In normotensive PE patients, cTnI is helpful for risk stratification and excluding RVD. cTnI elevation is correlated with increasing age and reduced kidney function.