Minerva cardioangiologica
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Minerva cardioangiologica · Feb 2020
Central cardiovascular calcifications: supplementation with Pycnogenol® and Centellicum®: variations over 12 months.
This 'concept' registry study evaluated the efficacy of Pycnogenol® and the combination Pycnogenol® and Centella Asiatica (Centellicum®) in controlling over 12 months the increasing number of arterial/cardiac calcifications in subjects with asymptomatic atherosclerosis. ⋯ This study shows that there is a significant activity of the complex Pycnogenol®+ Centellicum® in reducing the progressive diffusion of central cardiovascular calcifications-associated with advanced plaques - in a relatively short period of time. Longer studies - focusing also on events - may better evaluate the efficacy of these standardized supplements combination on the evolution of atherosclerosis.
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Minerva cardioangiologica · Feb 2020
Delayed progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in asymptomatic patients with atherosclerotic plaques: 3-year prevention with the supplementation with Pycnogenol®+Centellicum®.
The aim of this study was the evaluation of the progression of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of cardiovascular events in asymptomatic patients with atherosclerotic plaques (Class IV and V) and arterial wall atherosclerotic lesions and intima-media thickening (IMT). ⋯ In conclusion, this study indicates that the combined supplementation with Pycnogenol®+Centelicum® appears to control both the progression of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of cardiovascular events in this 3 year study. Larger studies, in a wider population with more complex and less standardized conditions may be needed.
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Minerva cardioangiologica · Dec 2019
Comparative StudyPycnogenol®+Centellicum®, post-stent evaluation: prevention of neointima and plaque re-growth.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the regrowth and progression of within-stent neointima after stenting as a model of accelerated atherosclerosis and the potential effects of the combination Pycnogenol® and Centellicum® in 12 months' follow-up. ⋯ In conclusion, the combination Pycnogenol®+Centellicum® appears to reduce the rate of progression of the neointima after stenting.
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Minerva cardioangiologica · Oct 2019
Comparative StudyUse of DOACs in real-world challenging settings: a Delphi Consensus from Italian cardiologists.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) represent the first therapeutic option for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). However, phase 3 trials that demonstrated higher safety and at least similar efficacy of DOACs compared to Warfarin, included a selected population, not entirely representative of real-world. The present Consensus document was aimed at overcoming the uncertainties about DOAC use in challenging setting where data are conflicting or sparse or where a gap between trials and real world exists. ⋯ DOACs should represent the first-line anticoagulation therapy in non-valvular AF patients in the majority of challenging settings, underexplored by literature. Caution in their prescription is needed in case of severe renal impairment. Dose choice should follow the SmPC, although this is matter of debate in borderline patients.
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The tricuspid valve has historically received less attention than any other cardiac valve with regard to pathophysiology and surgical management. The tricuspid valve is part of a complex functional apparatus that includes the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary circulation. Functional tricuspid regurgitation is the most common tricuspid valve disease and it occurs secondary to dilatation of tricuspid annulus and/or tethering of valve leaflets from right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. ⋯ An aggressive approach to surgical management as well as prophylactic interventions are becoming more widely adopted. Aggressive tricuspid surgery however, remains an area of controversy in cardiac surgery, although surgical repair remains the gold standard for functional tricuspid regurgitation with replacement reserved for advanced or organic tricuspid disease. Transcatheter therapy is primarily directed toward non-surgical patients and is not included in this review.