Rev Esp Cardiol
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The quality of life in patients with refractory angina has been shown to improve dramatically with spinal cord stimulation because of its beneficial results. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term morbimortality of this technique of spinal cord stimulation in the long term. ⋯ Spinal cord stimulation can be considered a safe and effective alternative treatment of refractory angina. Long-term morbidity is low, and mortality is not higher than the expected in this group of patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
[The use of anticoagulant treatment in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation].
The efficacy of anticoagulant treatment in the prevention of thromboembolic complications among patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation is established. In our country, data on the use of this therapy in clinical practice are not available. ⋯ a) Anticoagulant treatment is underused among patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation; b) previous thromboembolism, left atrium dilation and heart failure have conditioned higher probability of undergoing anticoagulant treatment, and c) patients aged 80 years and over and non permanent atrial fibrillation predicted less use of the therapy.
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Recently, ultrafiltration techniques are used more and more as a treatment for the inflammatory response of cardiopulmonary bypass. It also provides fine control of fluids. The purpose of this study is to present a technique which combines conventional and modified ultrafiltration and to analyze the obtained results. ⋯ Perioperative combined ultrafiltration is feasible without undue morbidity and provides adequate hemoconcentration and excellent postoperative hemodynamic results. More studies with control groups are necessary to better define the therapeutic influence in antiinflammatory properties of this technique.
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Review Case Reports
[Pneumopericardium in an asthmatic patient. A case report and review of the bibliography].
Pneumopericardium is an uncommon but potentially serious condition of which leading cause is mechanical ventilation in infants suffering respiratory distress syndrome. In adults, however, the most common causes are iatrogenic in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, as well as traumatic lesions. We describe a case of pneumopericardium in a teenager suffering an asthma crisis. A review of the literature is presented, stressing the most relevant findings of the physical examination and habitual laboratory tests.
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Comparative Study
[Risk factors in the Glenn bidirectional shunt as an intermediate procedure before Fontan correction].
The bidirectional Glenn shunt is the most common palliation before the Fontan repair, especially in high-risk patients. We studied the influence of certain risk factors in bidirectional Glenn results, with and without an additional source of pulmonary blood flow. ⋯ Bidirectional Glenn shunt is an effective and low-risk palliation for patients with univentricular hearts. Only low weight and high pulmonary pressure were significant in hospital mortality, and we advise the association of an additional source of pulmonary blood flow in these patients at the start. Early extubation provides correct performance of the shunt.