Saturday, March 9, 2013

EMBASE Cardiac Update AutoAlert: EPICORE Cardiac Surgery Blogger2

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<1>
Accession Number
2013107816
Authors
Lu Q. Han Y. Cao W. Lei J. Wan Y. Zhao F. Huang L. Li X.
Institution
(Lu, Han, Lei, Zhao, Huang, Li) Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu
Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
(Cao) Department of Interventional Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth
Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
(Wan) Department of Health Statistics and Institute for Health
Informatics, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
Title
Comparison of non-divided intercostal muscle flap and intercostal nerve
cryoanalgesia treatments for post-oesophagectomy neuropathic pain control.
Source
European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery. 43 (3) (pp e64-e70), 2013.
Article Number: ezs645. Date of Publication: March 2013.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP, United
Kingdom)
Abstract
Objectives: Oesophagectomy is at present considered to be the optimal
curative treatment for patients with severe oesophageal disease.
Postoperative pain, both acute and chronic, plays a significant role in
the quality of life for post-oesophagectomy patients. The present study
compared the effects of two methods-application of a non-divided
intercostal muscle flap (NIMF) and intercostal nerve cryoanalgesia (INC)
treatment-in reducing neuropathic pain in post-oesophagectomy patients.
Methods: From June 2009 to June 2010, a total of 160 patients who
underwent posterolateral thoracotomy and oesophagectomy were subsequently
recruited to our study and divided into NIMF groups and INC groups at
random. Patient follow-up studies were conducted for one year on all the
subjects and the resultant postoperative pain, chronic pain,
rehabilitation and complication scored were measured and documented.
Results: INC treatment was more time-intensive than NIMF treatment (P <
0.05). Also, additional chest tube drainage and subsequent extubation were
often necessary in the INC group (P < 0.001). No statistically significant
differences were found between the two groups regarding the number of
subjects who required oral medication one month postoperative with respect
to pain score. The chronic pain level, as well as the number of patients
requiring oral pain medication, increased significantly by the sixth month
following operation and notably increased until the 12th postoperative
month in the INC group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Both NIMF and INC
treatments were effective and safe for the treatment of acute pain after
oesophagectomy. NIMF was the better technique in reducing chronic
postoperative pain. The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press
on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All
rights reserved.

<2>
Accession Number
2013125618
Authors
Johnson N.J. Gaieski D.F. Allen S.R. Perrone J. DeRoos F.
Institution
(Johnson, Gaieski, Perrone, DeRoos) Department of Emergency Medicine,
Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Ground
Silverstein, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States
(Gaieski) Center for Resuscitation Science, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA, United States
(Allen) Division of Traumatology, Surgical Critical Care, and Emergency
Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,
PA, United States
(Perrone, DeRoos) Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency
Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA, United States
Title
A Review of Emergency Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Severe Poisoning by
Cardiotoxic Drugs.
Source
Journal of Medical Toxicology. 9 (1) (pp 54-60), 2013. Date of
Publication: 2013.
Publisher
Springer New York (233 Spring Street, New York NY 10013-1578, United
States)
Abstract
Cardiovascular collapse remains a leading cause of death in severe acute
drug intoxication. Commonly prescribed medications such as
antidysrhythmics, calcium channel antagonists, and beta adrenergic
receptor antagonists can cause refractory cardiovascular collapse in
massive overdose. Emergency cardiopulmonary bypass (ECPB), a modality
originating in cardiac surgery, is a rescue technique that has been
successfully implemented in the treatment of refractory cardiogenic shock
and cardiac arrest unresponsive to traditional medical interventions. More
recently a growing number of animal studies, case reports, and case series
have documented its use in refractory hemodynamic collapse in poisoned
patients. This article will review current ECPB techniques and explore its
growing role in the treatment of severely hemodynamically compromised
poisoned patients. 2012 American College of Medical Toxicology.

<3>
Accession Number
2013096776
Authors
Messori A. Trippoli S. Biancari F.
Institution
(Messori, Trippoli) HTA Unit, Estav Centro Toscana, Regional Health
Service, Firenze and Prato, Italy
(Biancari) Department of Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
Title
Early and intermediate survival after transcatheter aortic valve
implantation: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies.
Source
BMJ Open. 3 (1) , 2013. Article Number: e001770. Date of Publication:
2013.
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group (Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JR, United Kingdom)
Abstract
Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implants (TAVIs) is indicated as an
alternative to surgical valve replacement for patients unfit for surgery.
No systematic review has studied survival after 2 years and limited
information is available on between-study heterogeneity. Objectives: A
systematic review and meta-analysis on intermediate survival after TAVI.
Data sources: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and references of selected articles.
Study eligibility criteria: Clinical studies evaluating TAVI, published
between 2010 and 2012, reporting survival at 2 or more years.
Participants: About 3500 patients from 14 studies. Study appraisal and
synthesis methods: Proportion meta-analysis with 95% CI and heterogeneity
assessment (I2 and Cochran's Q). Metaregression analysis was performed as
well. Results: Pooled immediate postoperative death rate was 7.8% (95% CI
6.2% to 9.8%, I2=40.8%; Cochran's Q=97.7 with 92.9 df, p<0.0001) and
stroke rate was 3.8% (95% CI 2.8% to 5.0%, I2=34.3%; Cochran's Q=96.5 with
92.9 df, p<0.0001). Pooled death rates at 1, 2 and 3 years were 23.2%,
31.0% and 38.6%, respectively. Among studies reporting on concomitant
percutaneous coronary intervention, pooled death rates at 30 days, 1 year
and 2 years were 6.3%, 17.8% and 25.8%, respectively. Limitations:
Although our analysis examined a total of about 3500 patients, only a
minority of these were actually followed up after 2 years. Conclusions:
Pooled survival rates after TAVI (at 2 years:69.0%; at 3 years:61.4%) can
be considered excellent, particularly in the light of the high-risk
profile of this patient population. Implications of key findings: The
favourable intermediate outcome in patients subjected to TAVI seems to
justify its use in patients unfit for surgery. Such pooled results
indicate that TAVI is a valid alternative to surgical valve replacement,
but lack of data on late durability after TAVI prevents its use in
low-risk patients with long expectancy of life.

<4>
Accession Number
2013107761
Authors
Zheng H. Xue S. Lian F. Huang R.-T. Hu Z.-L. Wang Y.-Y.
Institution
(Zheng, Xue, Lian, Huang, Hu, Wang) Department of Cardiovascular Surgery,
Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,
Shanghai, China
Title
Meta-analysis of clinical studies comparing coronary artery bypass
grafting with percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with
end-stage renal disease.
Source
European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery. 43 (3) (pp 459-467), 2013.
Article Number: ezs360. Date of Publication: March 2013.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP, United
Kingdom)
Abstract
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are at high risk for coronary
artery disease (CAD). The optimal revascularization strategy remains
unknown. We performed a meta-analysis of retrospective observational
trials to compare coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with percutaneous
coronary intervention (PCI) for ESRD patients with CAD. A search of
published reports was conducted to identify clinical studies comparing
CABG with PCI in ESRD patients with CAD with a minimal follow-up of 12
months. Sixteen studies included 32 350 ESRD patients with
revascularization. Compared with PCI, CABG was associated with a lower
risk for late mortality [relative risk (RR) 0.90, 95% confidence interval
(CI) 0.87-0.93], myocardial infarction event (RR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.61-0.68),
repeat revascularization event (RR 0.22, 95% CI: 0.16-0.31) and cumulative
events (RR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.65-0.73), despite having a higher risk for
early mortality (RR 1.98, 95% CI: 1.51-2.60). In conclusion, the long-term
results of PCI in ESRD patients are dismal, and CABG is significantly
superior to PCI in this subset of patients. The Author 2012. Published by
Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for
Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

<5>
Accession Number
2013104308
Authors
Loughran J.H. Chugh A.R. Ismail I. Bolli R.
Institution
(Loughran, Chugh, Bolli) Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University
of Louisville, ACB Bldg, 550 S Jackson Street, Louisville KY 40202, United
States
(Ismail) School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY,
United States
Title
Stem cell therapy: Promising treatment in heart failure?.
Source
Current Heart Failure Reports. 10 (1) (pp 73-80), 2013. Date of
Publication: 2013.
Publisher
Current Science Inc. (400 Market Street, Suite 700, Philadelphia PA 19106,
United States)
Abstract
Cardiac repair through the use of regenerative medicine has been a
considerable research focus over the last decade. Several stem cell types
have been investigated over this timeframe as potential candidates to
target post-infarction heart failure. The progression of investigation
through the rigors of clinical trial design has provided some answers as
to the potential clinical utility of this therapy; although there are many
questions that remain. This review will concentrate on the clinical trial
results of stem cell therapy for cardiac repair since the turn of the
century and discuss some of the points that need clarification before this
form of therapy can be considered for widespread applicability. 2013
Springer Science+Business Media New York.

<6>
[Use Link to view the full text]
Accession Number
2013110550
Authors
Gordon R.J. Weinberg A.D. Pagani F.D. Slaughter M.S. Pappas P.S. Naka Y.
Goldstein D.J. Dembitsky W.P. Giacalone J.C. Ferrante J. Ascheim D.D.
Moskowitz A.J. Rose E.A. Gelijns A.C. Lowy F.D.
Institution
(Gordon) Departments of Medicine, Columbia University College of
Physicians, New York, NY, United States
(Naka) Departments of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians,
New York, NY, United States
(Giacalone, Lowy) Departments of Pathology, Columbia University College of
Physicians, New York, NY, United States
(Gordon) Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of
Public Health, New York, NY, United States
(Weinberg, Ferrante, Ascheim, Moskowitz, Rose) International Center for
Health Outcomes and Innovation Research, Department of Health Evidence and
Policy, United States
(Ascheim) Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, United
States
(Gelijns) Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
(Pagani) Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Health
Systems, Ann Arbor, United States
(Slaughter) Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of
Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
(Pappas) Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Advocate Christ Medical
Center, Oak Lawn, IL, United States
(Goldstein) Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
(Dembitsky) Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, CA, United States
Title
Prospective, multicenter study of ventricular assist device infections.
Source
Circulation. 127 (6) (pp 691-702), 2013. Date of Publication: 12 Feb 2013.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (530 Walnut Street,P O Box 327,
Philadelphia PA 19106-3621, United States)
Abstract
Background-Ventricular assist devices (VADs) improve survival and quality
of life in patients with advanced heart failure, but their use is
frequently complicated by infection. There are limited data on the
microbiology and epidemiology of these infections. Methods and Results-One
hundred fifty patients scheduled for VAD implantation were enrolled
(2006-2008) at 11 US cardiac centers and followed prospectively until
transplantation, explantation for recovery, death, or for 1 year.
Eightysix patients (57%) received HeartMate II devices. Data were
collected on potential preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative
risk factors for infection. Clinical, laboratory, and microbiological data
were collected for suspected infections and evaluated by an infectious
diseases specialist. Thirty-three patients (22%) developed 34 VAD-related
infections with an incidence rate of 0.10 per 100 person-days (95%
confidence interval, 0.073-0.142). The median time to infection was 68
days. The driveline was the most commonly infected site (n=28); 18 (64%)
were associated with invasive disease. Staphylococci were the most common
pathogen (47%), but pseudomonas or other Gram-negative bacteria caused 32%
of infections. A history of depression and elevated baseline serum
creatinine were independent predictors of VAD infection (adjusted hazard
ratio=2.8 [P=0.007] and 1.7 [P=0.023], respectively). The HeartMate II was
not associated with a decreased risk of infection. VAD infection increased
1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio=5.6; P<0.0001). Conclusions-This
prospective, multicenter study demonstrates that infection frequently
complicates VAD placement and is a continuing problem despite the use of
newer, smaller devices. Depression and renal dysfunction may increase the
risk of VAD infection. VAD infection is a serious consequence because it
adversely affects patient survival. Clinical Trial Registration-URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01471795.
(Circulation. 2013;127:691-702.). 2013 American Heart Association, Inc.

<7>
[Use Link to view the full text]
Accession Number
2013110548
Authors
Kohli P. Wallentin L. Reyes E. Horrow J. Husted S. Angiolillo D.J.
Ardissino D. Maurer G. Morais J. Nicolau J.C. Oto A. Storey R.F. James
S.K. Cannon C.P.
Institution
(Kohli, Cannon) Cardiovascular Division, TIMI Study Group, Brigham and
Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
(Kohli) Division of Cardiology, University of California San Francisco,
San Francisco, CA, United States
(Wallentin) Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala Clinical Research
Center, Uppsala University, Sweden
(Reyes) Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, United States
(Horrow) AstraZeneca R and D, Wilmington, DE, United States
(Husted) Department of Cardiology, Arhus University Hospital, Arhus,
Denmark
(Angiolillo) Cardiovascular Division, University of Florida College of
Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, United States
(Ardissino) Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
(Maurer) Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
(Morais) Santo Andre's Hospital, Leiria, Portugal
(Nicolau) Heart Institute University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao
Paulo, Brazil
(Oto) Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
(James) Department of Cardiovascular Science, University of Sheffield,
Sheffield, United Kingdom
Title
Reduction in first and recurrent cardiovascular events with ticagrelor
compared with clopidogrel in the PLATO study.
Source
Circulation. 127 (6) (pp 673-680), 2013. Date of Publication: 12 Feb 2013.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (530 Walnut Street,P O Box 327,
Philadelphia PA 19106-3621, United States)
Abstract
Background-We sought to evaluate the effect of potent platelet inhibition
after acute coronary syndrome on total (ie, first and recurrent)
occurrences of any of the primary outcome events (eg, cardiovascular
death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) as well as on other ischemic
events, such as urgent revascularization, (severe) recurrent ischemia,
transient ischemic attacks, and arterial thrombotic events. Methods and
Results-In the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) study, 18
624 patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes randomly received
ticagrelor (n=9333) or clopidogrel (n=9291). Cox proportional hazard
models were used to calculate time to first event and hazard ratios. Total
events were compared using a Poisson regression model, and time to second
event or death was calculated with the Wei Lin Weissfeld method. Patients
randomized to ticagrelor had 1057 total primary end point events versus
1225 for patients on clopidogrel (rate ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence
interval, 0.79-0.93; P=0.003). The number of additional events was
numerically lower for ticagrelor (189 versus 205; P=0.40), resulting in a
hazard for time to second event/death of 0.80 (95% confidence interval,
0.70-0.90; P<0.001) and a number needed to treat of 54. For cardiovascular
death/myocardial infarction/stroke/(severe) recurrent ischemia/transient
ischemic attack/arterial thrombotic events, total events were fewer with
ticagrelor (2030 versus 2290; rate ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval,
0.82-0.95; P<0.001), with fewer recurrent events with ticagrelor (740
versus 834; P=0.01) and a highly significant concurrent reduction in
hazard for time to second event or death of 0.83 (95% confidence interval,
0.75-0.91; P<0.001). Recurrent PLATO major or Thrombolysis in Myocardial
Infarction (TIMI) major non-coronary artery bypass graft bleeding events
were infrequent and not different between the two therapies (P=0.96 and
0.38, respectively). Conclusions-In PLATO, treatment with ticagrelor
compared with clopidogrel resulted in a reduction in total events,
including first and subsequent recurrent cardiovascular events, when
compared with clopidogrel. These types of analyses demonstrate an even
greater absolute benefit of ticagrelor over clopidogrel than previously
reported. Clinical Trial Registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/.
Unique identifier: NCT00391872. (Circulation. 2013;127:673-680.). 2013
American Heart Association, Inc.

<8>
Accession Number
2013106595
Authors
Deppe A.-C. Liakopoulos O.J. Choi Y.-H. Slottosch I. Kuhn E.W. Scherner M.
Stange S. Wahlers T.
Institution
(Deppe, Liakopoulos, Choi, Slottosch, Kuhn, Scherner, Stange, Wahlers)
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center of the University of
Cologne, Kerpener Strase 62, 50924 Cologne, Germany
(Choi) Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne,
Cologne, Germany
Title
Endoscopic vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting: A
systematic review with meta-analysis of 27,789 patients.
Source
Journal of Surgical Research. 180 (1) (pp 114-124), 2013. Date of
Publication: March 2013.
Publisher
Academic Press Inc. (1250 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, California CA 92101,
United States)
Abstract
Background: To determine the current strength of evidence for or against
endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) in patients undergoing coronary artery
bypass grafting (CABG). Materials and Methods: A meta-analysis of
randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational trials (OT) was
performed that reported the impact of EVH on adverse clinical outcomes
after CABG. Analyzed postoperative outcomes included wound infection,
postoperative pain, myocardial infarction (MI), vein graft failure, length
of hospital stay, and mortality. Pooled treatment effects (OR or weighted
mean difference (WMD), 95%CI) were assessed using a fixed or random
effects model. Results: A total of 27,789 patients from 43 studies (16
RCT, 27 OT) were identified who underwent saphenectomy by endoscopic (46%;
n = 12,822) or conventional technique (54%; n = 14,967). Pooled effect
estimates revealed a reduced incidence (P < 0.001) for wound infections
(OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.32), pain (WMD -1.26, 95% CI -2.07 to -0.44; P
= 0.0026), and length of hospital stay (WMD -0.6 d, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.12;
P = 0.0152). EVH was associated to an increase of the odds for vein graft
failure (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.88; P = 0.0433), a finding that lost
statistical difference after pooled analysis of RCT and studies with high
methodological quality. Similarly, graft-related endpoints, including
mortality and MI, did not differ between the harvesting techniques.
Conclusion: The present systematic review underscores the safety of EVH in
patients undergoing CABG. EVH reduces leg wound infections without
increasing the midterm risk for vein graft failure, MI, or mortality.
2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

<9>
Accession Number
2013111375
Authors
Kaczmarek I. Zaruba M.-M. Beiras-Fernandez A. Reimann R. Nickel T.
Grinninger C. Sadoni S. Hagl C. Meiser B.
Institution
(Kaczmarek, Zaruba, Reimann, Grinninger, Sadoni, Meiser) Transplantation
Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Grosshadern University
Hospital, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
(Kaczmarek, Hagl) Department of Cardiac Surgery,
Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
(Zaruba, Nickel, Grinninger) Medical Department i, Klinikum Grosshadern,
Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
(Beiras-Fernandez) Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery,
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
Title
Tacrolimus with mycophenolate mofetil or sirolimus compared with
calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression (sirolimus/mycophenolate
mofetil) after heart transplantation: 5-year results.
Source
Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. 32 (3) (pp 277-284), 2013. Date
of Publication: March 2013.
Publisher
Elsevier USA (6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando FL 32862 8239, United States)
Abstract
Background: Despite improvements in immunosuppressive therapy, the most
advantageous combination for cardiac transplant recipients has not been
established. This randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate
the efficacy and safety of 3 immunosuppressive protocols. Methods: Between
2003 and 2005, 78 de novo cardiac transplant recipients were randomized
2:2:1 to receive steroids and tacrolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil
(TAC/MMI n = 34), TAC and sirolimus (TAC/SRL; n = 29), or SRL and MMF
(SRL/MMF) plus anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG; n = 15). Steroids were
withdrawn after 6 months. Results: The 5-year survival was 85.3% for
TAC/MMF, 93.1% for TAC/SRL, and 86.7% for SRL/MMF (p = 0.31 for TAC/MMF vs
TAC/SIR; p = 0.47 for TAC/MMF vs SIR/MMF and p = 0.86 for TAC/SIR vs
SIR/MMF). Despite the use of ATG, patients in the SRL/MMF group revealed
numerically fewer freedom from acute rejection episodes: TAC/MMF, 82.4%;
TAC/SRL, 85.2%; SRL/MMF, 73.3% (p = 0.33). Mean creatinine at 5 years
revealed preservation of renal function in the SRL/MMF vs the TAC/MMF
group (p = 0.045): TAC/MMF, 1.70+/-0.91 mg/dl; TAC/SRL, 1.44+/-0.65 mg/dl;
and SRL/MMF, 1.25+/-0.46 mg/dl. Freedom from cardiac allograft
vasculopathy was improved in the SRL/MMF group (93.3%) compared with
TAC/MMF (73.5%) and TAC/SRL (80.8%) groups, reaching no statistical
significance. Freedom from cytomegalovirus infection was TAC/MMF, 72.2%;
TAC/SRL, 89.7%; and SRL/MMF, 86.7%. There was a trend toward improved
freedom from cytomegalovirus infection with TAC/SRL vs TAC/MMF (p =
0.076). More frequent discontinuations of study medication occurred in
SRL-based immunosuppression protocols (TAC/SRL vs TAC/MMF, p = 0.034;
SRL/MMF vs TAC/MMF, p = 0.003). Conclusions: The 3 strategies yield no
survival advantage at 5 years, with higher numeric rates of rejection and
adverse effects in the calcineurin inhibitor-free arm. A trend was
observed in favor of freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy and
preservation of renal function in the calcineurin inhibitor-free arm.
However, the clinical relevance on outcomes is unclear because only few
patients were receiving the assigned treatment protocols. 2013
International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. All rights
reserved.

<10>
Accession Number
2013122763
Authors
Vrtovec B. Sever M. Domanovic D. Lezaic L. Poglajen G. Cernelc P. Haddad
F. Torre-Amione G.
Institution
(Vrtovec, Poglajen) Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation Center, UMC
Ljubljana, Slovenia
(Sever, Cernelc) Department of Hematology, UMC Ljubljana, Slovenia
(Domanovic) National Blood Transfusion Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
(Lezaic) Department of Nuclear Medicine, UMC Ljubljana, Slovenia
(Haddad) Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United
States
(Torre-Amione) Methodist DeBakey Heart Center, Houston, TX, United States
Title
Long-term effects of stem cell transplantation in heart failure.
Source
Zdravniski Vestnik. 81 (SUPPL.2) (pp 373-383), 2013. Date of Publication:
2012.
Publisher
Slovene Medical Society (Dalmatinova 10, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia)
Abstract
Background: We investigated long-term effects of intracoronary
transplantation of CD<sub>34</sub>+ cells in patients with dilated
cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods: Of 110 DCM patients, 55 were randomized to
CD<sub>34</sub>+ cell transplantation (SC) group, and 55 patients received
no cell therapy (controls). In the SC group, peripheral
CD<sub>34</sub>+cells were mobilized by G-CSF and collected via apheresis.
Patients underwent myocardial scintigraphy and CD<sub>34</sub>+ cells were
injected in the artery supplying the segments with reduced viability.
Patients were followed for 5 years. Results: At baseline, the 2 groups did
not differ in age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), or
NT-proBNP levels. At 5 years, stem cell therapy was associated with an
increase in LVEF (from 24.3 +/- 6.5 % to 30.0 +/- 5.1 %; P = 0.02), an
increase in 6-minute walk distance (from 344 +/- 90 m to 477 +/- 130 m; P
< 0.001), and a decrease in NT-proBNP (from 2322 +/- 1234 pg/mL to 1011
+/- 893 pg/mL; P < 0.01). During followup, 27 (25 %) patients died and 9
(8 %) underwent heart transplantation. Of the 27 deaths, 13 were
attributed to pump failure, and 14 to sudden cardiac death. Total
mortality was lower in SC group (8/55 [14 %]) than in controls (19/55 [35
%]) (P = 0.01). The same was true of pump failure (3/55 [5 %] vs. 10/55
[18 %], P = 0.03), but not of sudden cardiac death (5/55 [9 %] vs. 9/55
[16 %], P = 0.39). SC therapy was an independent predictor of outcome on
multivariable analysis (P = 0.04). Conclusions: Intracoronary stem cell
transplantation may be associated with improved ventricular remodeling,
exercise tolerance, and longterm survival in patients with DCM.

<11>
Accession Number
2013111536
Authors
Kodric M. Trevisan R. Torregiani C. Cifaldi R. Longo C. Cantarutti F.
Confalonieri M.
Institution
(Kodric, Trevisan, Torregiani, Cifaldi, Longo, Cantarutti, Confalonieri)
Department of Pneumology, University Hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
Title
Inspiratory muscle training for diaphragm dysfunction after cardiac
surgery.
Source
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 145 (3) (pp 819-823),
2013. Date of Publication: March 2013.
Publisher
Mosby Inc. (11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis MO 63146, United
States)
Abstract
Objective: Diaphragm dysfunction is a complication of cardiac surgery with
partial or absent spontaneous recovery in most cases. Surgical diaphragm
plication represents the only option when symptoms persist. Because
training improves functional nerve recovery after a nerve lesion, we
hypothesized that early diaphragm muscle training may be beneficial.
Methods: A prospective, randomized at 2:1 ratio, controlled trial of
diaphragm training using an adjustable pressure device (Threshold; Philips
Respironics Inc, Murrysville, Pa) versus no training (sham device) was
performed in patients with diaphragm paralysis after major cardiac
surgery. This 1-year study recruited consecutive adult patients with sniff
fluoroscopy-defined diaphragm paralysis after coronary bypass, valve
replacement, or both. The outcome measures were diaphragm function
recovery assessed by sniff fluoroscopy, maximum inspiratory and expiratory
pressures, and lung function tests. Results: A total of 69 patients were
randomized. At 12 months, 52 patients completed the study assessments, 36
in the treatment group and 16 in the control group. Inspiratory muscle
training produced a significant improvement of diaphragm mobility after 12
months (P < .001). Most patients in the training group (77.78%)
experienced a partial improvement (41.67%) or achieved a complete
improvement (36.11%) versus no improvement (87.5%) or partial recovery
(12.5%) among controls. Conclusions: Inspiratory muscle training may
improve inspiratory muscle strength and increases paralyzed diaphragm
mobility. Copyright 2013 by The American Association for Thoracic
Surgery.

<12>
Accession Number
2013093502
Authors
Wu X. Wang C. Zhu J. Zhang C. Zhang Y. Gao Y.
Institution
(Wu, Wang, Zhu, Zhang, Zhang, Gao) Department of Cardiovascular Medicine,
Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University,
Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, China
Title
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on magnesium in addition to
beta-blocker for prevention of postoperative atrial arrhythmias after
coronary artery bypass grafting.
Source
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. 13 , 2013. Article Number: 5. Date of
Publication: 23 Jan 2013.
Publisher
BioMed Central Ltd. (Floor 6, 236 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8HB, United
Kingdom)
Abstract
Background: Atrial arrhythmia (AA) is the most common complication after
coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Only beta-blockers and amiodarone
have been convincingly shown to decrease its incidence. The effectiveness
of magnesium on this complication is still controversial. This
meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of magnesium as a sole
or adjuvant agent in addition to beta-blocker on suppressing postoperative
AA after CABG.Methods: We searched the PubMed, Medline, ISI Web of
Knowledge, Cochrane library databases and online clinical trial database
up to May 2012. We used random effects model when there was significant
heterogeneity between trials and fixed effects model when heterogeneity
was negligible.Results: Five randomized controlled trials were identified,
enrolling a total of 1251 patients. The combination of magnesium and
beta-blocker did not significantly decrease the incidence of postoperative
AA after CABG versus beta-blocker alone (odds ratio (OR) 1.12, 95%
confidence interval (CI) 0.86-1.47, P = 0.40). Magnesium in addition to
beta-blocker did not significantly affect LOS (weighted mean difference
-0.14 days of stay, 95% CI -0.58 to 0.29, P = 0.24) or the overall
mortality (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.08-4.56, P = 0.62). However the risk of
postoperative adverse events was higher in the combination of magnesium
and beta-blocker group than beta-blocker alone (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.66-4.71,
P = 0.0001).Conclusions: This meta-analysis offers the more definitive
evidence against the prophylactic administration of intravenous magnesium
for prevention of AA after CABG when beta-blockers are routinely
administered, and shows an association with more adverse events in those
people who received magnesium. 2013 Wu et al.; licensee BioMed Central
Ltd.

<13>
Accession Number
2013111887
Authors
Sakaguchi M. Sasaki Y. Hirai H. Hosono M. Nakahira A. Seo H. Suehiro S.
Institution
(Sakaguchi, Sasaki, Hirai, Hosono, Nakahira, Seo, Suehiro) Department of
Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine,
Osaka, Japan
Title
Efficacy of landiolol hydrochloride for prevention of atrial fibrillation
after heart valve surgery.
Source
International Heart Journal. 53 (6) (pp 359-363), 2012. Date of
Publication: 2012.
Publisher
International Heart Journal Association (7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
113-8655, Japan)
Abstract
The goal of this prospective study was to examine the effects of landiolol
hydrochloride on prevention of atrial fibrillation and on hemodynamics in
the acute postoperative phase after heart valve surgery. The subjects were
60 patients who underwent valve surgery at our hospital from April 2008 to
July 2010. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the
landiolol group (30 patients) and the control (no landiolol) group (30
patients). In the landiolol group, continuous intravenous landiolol was
initiated immediately on admission to the intensive care unit at a dose of
10 mug/kg/ minute. Occurrence of atrial fibrillation was compared between
the groups over an observation period of 72 hours after surgery. Atrial
fibrillation occurred in 6 patients (20%) in the landiolol group and 16
(53.3%) in the control group during the observation period. Landiolol
hydrochloride significantly reduced the occurrence of atrial fibrillation
in the acute postoperative phase after heart valve surgery. Heart rate was
significantly decreased by landiolol, but aggravation of hemodynamics was
not observed. These results suggest that landiolol is a useful drug for
prevention of atrial fibrillation after valve surgery.

<14>
[Use Link to view the full text]
Accession Number
2013102178
Authors
Kotwal S. Jun M. Sullivan D. Perkovic V. Neal B.
Institution
(Kotwal, Jun, Perkovic, Neal) George Institute for Global Health,
University of Sydney, PO Box M201, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
(Sullivan) University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Title
Omega 3 fatty acids and cardiovascular outcomes: Systematic review and
meta-analysis.
Source
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. 5 (6) (pp 808-818),
2012. Date of Publication: November 2012.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (530 Walnut Street,P O Box 327,
Philadelphia PA 19106-3621, United States)
Abstract
Background-Early trials evaluating the effect of omega 3 fatty acids (?-3
FA) reported benefits for mortality and cardiovascular events but recent
larger studies trials have variable findings. We assessed the effects of
?-3 FA on cardiovascular and other important clinical outcomes. Methods
and Results-We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register
of Controlled Trials for all randomized studies using dietary supplements,
dietary interventions, or both. The primary outcome was a composite of
cardiovascular events (mostly myocardial infarction, stroke, and
cardiovascular death). Secondary outcomes were arrhythmia, cerebrovascular
events, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, coronary revascularization,
heart failure, total mortality, nonvascular mortality, and end-stage
kidney disease. Twenty studies including 63 030 participants were
included. There was no overall effect of ?-3 FA on composite
cardiovascular events (relative risk [RR]=0.96; 95% confidence interval
[CI], 0.90-1.03; P=0.24) or on total mortality (RR=0.95; 95% CI,
0.86-1.04; P=0.28). ?-3 FA did protect against vascular death (RR=0.86;
95% CI, 0.75-0.99; P=0.03) but not coronary events (RR=0.86; 95% CI,
0.67-1.11; P=0.24). There was no effect on arrhythmia (RR=0.99; 95% CI,
0.85-1.16; P=0.92) or cerebrovascular events (RR=1.03; 95% CI, 0.92-1.16;
P=0.59). Adverse events were more common in the treatment group than the
placebo group (RR=1.18, 95% CI, 1.02-1.37; P=0.03), predominantly because
of an excess of gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusions-?-3 FA may
protect against vascular disease, but the evidence is not clear-cut, and
any benefits are almost certainly not as great as previously believed.
2012 American Heart Association, Inc.

<15>
[Use Link to view the full text]
Accession Number
2013102175
Authors
Pettit S.J. Jhund P.S. Hawkins N.M. Gardner R.S. Haj-Yahia S. McMurray
J.J.V. Petrie M.C.
Institution
(Pettit, Gardner, Haj-Yahia, Petrie) Scottish National Advanced Heart
Failure Service, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Agamemnon St,
Clydebank, Glasgow, G81 4DY, United Kingdom
(Jhund, McMurray) Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, BHF
Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Glasgow, Glasgow,
United Kingdom
(Hawkins) Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine and Science, Liverpool
Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Title
How small is too small? A systematic review of center volume and outcome
after cardiac transplantation.
Source
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. 5 (6) (pp 783-790),
2012. Date of Publication: November 2012.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (530 Walnut Street,P O Box 327,
Philadelphia PA 19106-3621, United States)
Abstract
Background-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. Methods and Results-PubMed,
Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched for articles on the
volume-outcome relationship in cardiac transplantation. Ten studies were
identified, and all adopted a different approach to data analysis and
varied in adjustment for baseline characteristics. The number of patients
in each study ranged from 798 to 14 401, and observed 1-year mortality
ranged from 12.6% to 34%. There was no association between the continuous
variables of center volume and observed mortality. There was a weak
association between the continuous variables of center volume and adjusted
mortality up to 1 year and a stronger association at 5 years. When centers
were grouped in volume categories, low-volume centers had the highest
adjusted mortality, intermediate-volume centers had lower adjusted
mortality, and high-volume centers had the lowest adjusted mortality but
were not significantly better than intermediate-volume centers. Category
limits were arbitrary and varied between studies. Conclusions-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. 2012 American Heart Association, Inc.

<16>
[Use Link to view the full text]
Accession Number
2013102171
Authors
Schneider R.H. Grim C.E. Rainforth M.V. Kotchen T. Nidich S.I.
Gaylord-King C. Salerno J.W. Kotchen J.M. Alexander C.N.
Institution
(Schneider, Rainforth, Nidich, Gaylord-King, Salerno, Alexander) Institute
for Natural Medicine and Prevention, Maharishi University of Management,
Fairfield, IA 52556, United States
(Schneider, Rainforth, Nidich, Gaylord-King, Salerno) Center for Natural
Medicine and Prevention, Maharishi University of Management Research
Institute, Maharishi Vedic City, IA, United States
(Grim, Kotchen, Kotchen) Department of Medicine, Medical College of
Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
Title
Stress reduction in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease:
Randomized, controlled trial of transcendental meditation and health
education in blacks.
Source
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. 5 (6) (pp 750-758),
2012. Date of Publication: November 2012.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (530 Walnut Street,P O Box 327,
Philadelphia PA 19106-3621, United States)
Abstract
Background-Blacks have disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular
disease. Psychosocial stress may contribute to this disparity. Previous
trials on stress reduction with the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program
have reported improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors,
surrogate end points, and mortality in blacks and other populations.
Methods and Results-This was a randomized, controlled trial of 201 black
men and women with coronary heart disease who were randomized to the TM
program or health education. The primary end point was the composite of
all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Secondary end
points included the composite of cardiovascular mortality,
revascularizations, and cardiovascular hospitalizations; blood pressure;
psychosocial stress factors; and lifestyle behaviors. During an average
follow-up of 5.4 years, there was a 48% risk reduction in the primary end
point in the TM group (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval,
0.29-0.92; P=0.025). The TM group also showed a 24% risk reduction in the
secondary end point (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval,
0.51-0.1.13; P=0.17). There were reductions of 4.9 mm Hg in systolic blood
pressure (95% confidence interval -8.3 to -1.5 mm Hg; P=0.01) and anger
expression (P<0.05 for all scales). Adherence was associated with
survival. Conclusions-A selected mind-body intervention, the TM program,
significantly reduced risk for mortality, myocardial infarction, and
stroke in coronary heart disease patients. These changes were associated
with lower blood pressure and psychosocial stress factors. Therefore, this
practice may be clinically useful in the secondary prevention of
cardiovascular disease. 2012 American Heart Association, Inc.

<17>
Accession Number
2013101529
Authors
Mirhosseini S. Forouzannia S. Ali-Hassan-Sayegh S. Ravan H. Abdollahi M.
Mozayan M.
Institution
(Mirhosseini, Forouzannia) Departments of Cardiac Surgery, Shahid Sadoughi
University of Medical Sciences, Afshar Cardiovascular Hospital, Jomhouri
Blvd, Yazd, Iran, Islamic Republic of
(Ali-Hassan-Sayegh) Departments of Medical and Researcher of Cardiac
Surgery, Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University
of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Islamic Republic of
(Ravan) Departments of Cardiaology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical
Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Islamic Republic of
(Abdollahi) Departments of Anesthesiology, Afshar Hospital, Shahid
Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Islamic Republic of
(Mozayan) Department of English Language, Shahid Sadoughi University of
Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, Islamic Republic of
Title
Preoperative C-reactive protein can predict early clinical outcomes
following elective off-pump CABG surgery in patients with severe left
ventricle dysfunction.
Source
Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia. 6 (4) (pp 327-331), 2012. Date of
Publication: October-December 2012.
Publisher
Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd (B9, Kanara Business Centre, off
Link Road, Ghatkopar (E), Mumbai 400 075, India)
Abstract
Purpose: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia
following elective off-pump coronary bypass graft (CABG) surgery,
occurring on the 2 <sup>nd</sup> or 3 <sup>rd</sup> postoperative day.
Postoperative atrial fibrillation and early complications may be the cause
of long term morbidity and mortality after hospital discharge. High
sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) seems to be most significantly
associated with cardiovascular disorders. This study was designed to
evaluate whether preoperative hsCRP (>=3 mg/dl) can predict post-elective
off-pump CABG, AF, and early complications in patients with severe left
ventricle dysfunction (Ejection Fraction (EF)<30%). Methods: This study
was conducted on 104 patients with severe left ventriclar dysfunction (EF
< 30%), undergoing elective off-pump CABG surgery during April to
September 2011 at the Afshar Cardiovascular Center in Yazd, Iran. Patients
undergoing emergency surgery and those with unstable angina, creatinine
higher than 2.0 mg/dl, malignancy, or immunosuppressive disease were
excluded from the study. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group
I with preoperative increased hsCRP (>3 mg/dl) (n=51) and group N with
preoperative normal hsCRP (<3 mg/dl) (n=53). We evaluated post-CABG
variables including incidence, duration, and frequency of AF, early
morbidity (bleeding, infection, vomiting, renal and respiratory
dysfunctions), ICU or hospital stay and early mortality. Data were then
analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Chi-square and Fisher exact test
for quantitative and qualitative variables. Results: The average age of
the patients was 62.5 years, 75 cases (72.1%) were male, and 39 (37.5%)
were female. Postoperative AF occurred in 19 cases (18.2%); 17 cases
(33.3%) had hsCRP>=3 mg/dl and 2 cases (3.8%) had hsCRP<=3 mg/dl (P=0.03).
Postoperative midsternotomy infection, respiratory dysfunction, and
hospital stay were significantly higher in group I compared with group N
(P<0.05). No statistical significant differences were identified between
the two groups concerning other postoperative complications (bleeding,
vomiting, renal dysfunction and ICU stay) (P>0.05). Conclusion:
Preoperative hsCRP >=3 mg/dl can predict incidence of postoperative atrial
fibrillation and early complications such as midsternotomy infection,
respiratory dysfunction, and hospital stay following elective off-pump
CABG.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

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<1>
[Use Link to view the full text]
Accession Number
2013110579
Authors
Cholette J.M. Powers K.S. Alfieris G.M. Angona R. Henrichs K.F. Masel D.
Swartz M.F. Daugherty L.E. Belmont K. Blumberg N.
Institution
(Cholette, Powers, Daugherty) Department of Pediatrics, University of
Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
(Alfieris, Angona, Masel, Swartz, Belmont) Department of Cardiac Surgery,
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
(Henrichs, Blumberg) Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine,
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
Title
Transfusion of cell saver salvaged blood in neonates and infants
undergoing open heart surgery significantly reduces RBC and coagulant
product transfusions and donor exposures: Results of a prospective,
randomized, clinical trial.
Source
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. 14 (2) (pp 137-147), 2013. Date of
Publication: February 2013.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (530 Walnut Street,P O Box 327,
Philadelphia PA 19106-3621, United States)
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate whether transfusion of cell saver salvaged, stored
at the bedside for up to 24 hrs, would decrease the number of
postoperative allogeneic RBC transfusions and donor exposures, and
possibly improve clinical outcomes. DESIGN:: Prospective, randomized,
controlled, clinical trial. SETTING:: Pediatric cardiac intensive care
unit. PATIENTS:: Infants weighing less than 20 kg (n = 106) presenting for
cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTIONS:: Subjects were
randomized to a cell saver transfusion group where cell saver blood was
available for transfusion up to 24 hrs after collection, or to a control
group. Cell saver subjects received cell saver blood for volume
replacement and/or RBC transfusions. Control subjects received crystalloid
or albumin for volume replacement and RBCs for anemia. Blood product
transfusions, donor exposures, and clinical outcomes were compared between
groups. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:: Children randomized to the cell
saver group had significantly fewer RBC transfusions (cell saver: 0.19 +/-
0.44 vs. control: 0.75 +/- 1.2; p = 0.003) and coagulant product
transfusions in the first 48 hrs post-op (cell saver: 0.09 +/- 0.45 vs.
control: 0.62 +/- 1.4; p = 0.013), and significantly fewer donor exposures
(cell saver: 0.60 +/- 1.4 vs. control: 2.3 +/- 4.8; p = 0.019). This
difference persisted over the first week post-op, but did not reach
statistical significance (cell saver: 0.64 +/- 1.24 vs. control: 1.1 +/-
1.4; p = 0.07). There were no significant clinical outcome differences.
CONCLUSION:: Cell saver blood can be safely stored at the bedside for
immediate transfusion for 24 hrs after collection. Administration of cell
saver blood significantly reduces the number of RBC and coagulant product
transfusions and donor exposures in the immediate postoperative period.
Reduction of blood product transfusions has the potential to reduce
transfusion-associated complications and decrease postoperative morbidity.
Larger studies are needed to determine whether this transfusion strategy
will improve clinical outcomes. 2013 by the Society of Critical Care
Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care
Societies.

<2>
Accession Number
2013099360
Authors
Asida S.M. Atalla M.M.M. Gad G.S. Eisa K.M. Mohamed H.S.
Institution
(Asida, Gad, Mohamed) Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, South
Valley University, Qena, Egypt
(Atalla) Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Egypt
(Atalla) Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
(Eisa) Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Qena Faculty of Medicine,
South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
Title
Effect of perioperative control of blood glucose level on patient's
outcome after anesthesia for cardiac surgery.
Source
Egyptian Journal of Anaesthesia. 29 (1) (pp 71-76), 2013. Date of
Publication: January 2013.
Publisher
Central Society of Egyptian Anaesthesiologists (P.O. Box 167, Panorama
October 11811, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt)
Abstract
Background: Blood glucose control is an important factor in improving
outcome of diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Objective: Is to
estimate the relation between blood glucose control and perioperative
outcomes in these patients. Study design: Prospective cohort study.
Methods: One hundred diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery, were
divided equally into group I (control group) in whom no tight glycemic
control was done and group II (study group) in which tight glycemic
control was done. Patients in the study group received intra-operatively
an infusion of rapidly acting insulin according to a modified protocol to
keep blood glucose level between 80 and 110 mg/dl and continued in the ICU
until complete recovery from anesthesia. Patients in the control group
followed the same protocol of insulin infusion only if their
peri-operative blood glucose level exceeded 180 mg/dl. Results: There was
a rise of blood glucose level in the control group patients till the end
of operations (mean level = 227 mg/dl). Mean blood glucose level before
CPB was comparable in the two groups, but was significantly different
after that until extubation. We reported three cases of delayed recovery
in the control group compared to one case in the study group. We also
recorded four cases of cardiac problems in group I compared to one case in
group II (P = 0.044). There was statistically significant difference
between groups regarding renal, neurological and surgical post-operative
complications. Conclusion: Tight glycemic control is recommended for
better patient's outcome after cardiac anesthesia. 2012 Egyptian Society
of Anesthesiologists. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

<3>
[Use Link to view the full text]
Accession Number
2013110580
Authors
Gaies M.G. Langer M. Alexander J. Steil G.M. Ware J. Wypij D. Laussen P.C.
Newburger J.W. Goldberg C.S. Pigula F.A. Shukla A.C. Duggan C.P. Agus
M.S.D.
Institution
(Gaies, Goldberg) Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, C.S.
Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann
Arbor, MI, United States
(Langer) Department of Surgery, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, United
States
(Alexander, Steil, Duggan, Agus) Department of Medicine, Children's
Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
(Ware) Department of Psychology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
(Wypij) Department of Biostatistics, Harvard University School of Public
Health, Boston, MA, United States
(Laussen) Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
(Newburger) Department of Cardiac Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston,
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
(Pigula) Department of Cardiac Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston,
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA., United States
(Shukla) Department of Anesthesia, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, MA., United States
Title
Design and rationale of safe pediatric euglycemia after cardiac surgery: A
randomized controlled trial of tight glycemic control after pediatric
cardiac surgery.
Source
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. 14 (2) (pp 148-156), 2013. Date of
Publication: February 2013.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (530 Walnut Street,P O Box 327,
Philadelphia PA 19106-3621, United States)
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:: To describe the design of a clinical trial testing the
hypothesis that children randomized to tight glycemic control with
intensive insulin therapy after cardiac surgery will have improved
clinical outcomes compared to children randomized to conventional blood
glucose management. DESIGN:: Two-center, randomized controlled trial.
SETTING:: Cardiac ICUs at two large academic pediatric centers. PATIENTS::
Children from birth to those aged 36 months recovering in the cardiac ICU
after surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTIONS:: Subjects in the
tight glycemic control (intervention) group receive an intravenous insulin
infusion titrated to achieve normoglycemia (target blood glucose range of
80-110 mg/dL; 4.4-6.1 mmol/L). The intervention begins at admission to the
cardiac ICU from the operating room and terminates when the patient is
ready for discharge from the ICU. Continuous glucose monitoring is
performed during insulin infusion to minimize the risks of hypoglycemia.
The standard care group has no target blood glucose range. MEASUREMENTS
AND MAIN RESULTS:: The primary outcome is the development of any
nosocomial infection (bloodstream, urinary tract, and surgical site
infection or nosocomial pneumonia). Secondary outcomes include mortality,
measures of cardiorespiratory function and recovery, laboratory indices of
nutritional balance, immunologic, endocrinologic, and neurologic function,
cardiac ICU and hospital length of stay, and neurodevelopmental outcome at
1 and 3 yrs of age. A total of 980 subjects will be enrolled (490 in each
treatment arm) for sufficient power to show a 50% reduction in the
prevalence of the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS:: Pediatric cardiac surgery
patients may recognize great benefit from tight glycemic control in the
postoperative period, particularly with regard to reduction of nosocomial
infections. The Safe Pediatric Euglycemia after Cardiac Surgery trial is
designed to provide an unbiased answer to the question of whether this
therapy is indeed beneficial and to define the associated risks of
therapy. 2013 by the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World
Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies.

<4>
Accession Number
2013105185
Authors
Rahe-Meyer N. Hanke A. Schmidt D.S. Hagl C. Pichlmaier M.
Institution
(Rahe-Meyer) Clinic for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine,
Franziskus Hospital, Kiskerstr. 26, D-33615 Bielefeld, Germany
(Rahe-Meyer, Hanke) Clinic for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine,
Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
(Schmidt) CSL Behring, Marburg, Germany
(Hagl, Pichlmaier) Clinic for Cardiothoracic, Transplant and Vascular
Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
(Hagl) Cardiac Surgery Clinic, University Clinic Grosshadern, Munich,
Germany
Title
Fibrinogen concentrate reduces intraoperative bleeding when used as
first-line hemostatic therapy during major aortic replacement surgery:
Results from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Source
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 145 (3 SUPPL.) (pp
S178-S185), 2013. Date of Publication: March 2013.
Publisher
Mosby Inc. (11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis MO 63146, United
States)
Abstract
Objectives: We assessed whether fibrinogen concentrate as targeted
first-line hemostatic therapy was more effective than placebo or a
standardized transfusion algorithm in controlling coagulopathic bleeding
in patients undergoing major aortic surgery. Methods: In this
single-center, prospective, double-blind study, adults undergoing elective
thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic replacement surgery involving
cardiopulmonary bypass were randomized to intraoperative fibrinogen
concentrate (n = 29) or placebo (n = 32). Study medication was given if
patients had clinically relevant coagulopathic bleeding, measured by
5-minute bleeding mass, after cardiopulmonary bypass removal, protamine
administration, and surgical hemostasis. Fibrinogen concentrate dosing was
individualized using the thromboelastometric FIBTEM test. If bleeding
continued, a standardized transfusion algorithm was followed. In the
placebo group, all 32 patients received 1 transfusion cycle of
fresh-frozen plasma/platelets, and 30 patients required a second
transfusion cycle; none of these patients received any other procoagulant
therapy. Change in bleeding rate after treatment was compared using t
tests. Results: Mean change in bleeding rate after fibrinogen concentrate
was -48.3 g/5 min, compared with 0.4 g/5 min after placebo (P < .001),
-16.1 g/5 min after 1 transfusion cycle (fresh-frozen plasma or platelets;
P =.003), and -28.0 g/5 min after 2 transfusion cycles (fresh-frozen
plasma and platelets; P =.11). Reductions in bleeding rate were greater
for patients with higher bleeding rates before treatment, especially with
fibrinogen concentrate. Conclusions: FIBTEM-guided intraoperative
hemostatic therapy with fibrinogen concentrate is more effective than
placebo in controlling coagulopathic bleeding during major aortic
replacement surgery. Fibrinogen concentrate is also more effective than 1
cycle of fresh-frozen plasma/platelets and is more rapid than - and at
least as effective as - 2 cycles of fresh-frozen plasma/platelets.
Copyright 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The American
Association for Thoracic Surgery.

<5>
Accession Number
2013104879
Authors
Dagenais G.R. Lu J. Faxon D.P. Bogaty P. Adler D. Fuentes F. Escobedo J.
Krishnaswami A. Slater J. Frye R.L.
Institution
(Dagenais, Bogaty) Quebec Heart and Lung University Institute, Quebec
City, QC, Canada
(Lu) Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,
United States
(Faxon, Adler) Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital,
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
(Fuentes) Department of Medicine, University of Texas, Health Science
Center, Houston, TX, United States
(Escobedo) Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City, Mexico
(Krishnaswami) Department of Medicine, Kaiser-Permanente Medical Center,
San Jose, CA, United States
(Slater) Department of Medicine, University-Langone Medical Center, New
York, NY, United States
(Frye) Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
Title
Prognostic impact of the presence and absence of angina on mortality and
cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and stable
coronary artery disease: Results from the BARI 2D (Bypass Angioplasty
Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes) trial.
Source
Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 61 (7) (pp 702-711), 2013.
Date of Publication: 19 Feb 2013.
Publisher
Elsevier USA (6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando FL 32862 8239, United States)
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this analysis was to assess in patients with
type 2 diabetes and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) whether the risk
of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events varied according to the
presence or absence of angina and angina equivalent symptoms. Background:
Data on the prognostic value of symptoms in these patients are limited.
Methods: Post-hoc analysis was performed in 2,364 patients with type 2
diabetes and documented CAD enrolled in the BARI 2D (Bypass Angioplasty
Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes) trial to determine the
occurrence of death and composite of death, myocardial infarction, and
stroke during a 5-year follow-up according to cardiac symptoms at
baseline. Results: There were 1,434 patients with angina (A), 506 with
angina equivalents (E), and 424 with neither of these (N). The cumulative
death rates (total 316) were 12% in A, 14% in E, and 10% in N (p = 0.3),
and cardiovascular composite rates (total 548) were 24% in A, 24% in E,
and 21% in N (p = 0.5). Compared with N, the hazard ratios adjusted for
confounders were not different for death in A (1.11; 99% CI: 0.81 to 1.53)
and E (1.17; 99% CI: 0.81 to 1.68) or for cardiovascular events in A
(1.17; 99% CI: 0.92 to 1.50) and E (1.11; 99% CI: 0.84 to 1.48).
Conclusions: Whatever their symptom status, patients with type 2 diabetes
and stable CAD were at similar risk of cardiovascular events and death.
These findings suggest that these patients may be similarly managed in
terms of risk stratification and preventive therapies. (Bypass Angioplasty
Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes [BARI 2D]; NCT00006305) 2013
American College of Cardiology Foundation.

<6>
Accession Number
2013104229
Authors
Schou M. Gustafsson F. Videbaek L. Tuxen C. Keller N. Handberg J. Sejr
Knudsen A. Espersen G. Markenvard J. Egstrup K. Ulriksen H. Hildebrandt
P.R.
Institution
(Schou, Tuxen, Hildebrandt) Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology,
Frederiksberg University Hospital, DK-2000 Frderiksberg, Denmark
(Schou, Gustafsson) Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre,
Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
(Videbaek) Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000
Odense C, Denmark
(Keller) Department of Cardiology, Herlev University Hospital, DK-2730
Herlev, Denmark
(Handberg) Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, Hillerod University
Hospital, DK-3400 Hillerod, Denmark
(Sejr Knudsen) Department of Cardiology, Vejle University Hospital,
DK-7100 Vejle, Denmark
(Espersen) Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, DK-9000
Aalborg, Denmark
(Markenvard) Department of Internal Medicine, Fredericia County Hospital,
DK-7000 Fredericia, Denmark
(Egstrup) Department of Internal Medicine, Funen University Hospital,
DK-5700 Svendborg, Denmark
(Ulriksen) Department of Internal Medicine, Skive County Hospital, DK-7800
Skive, Denmark
Title
Extended heart failure clinic follow-up in low-risk patients: A randomized
clinical trial (NorthStar).
Source
European Heart Journal. 34 (6) (pp 432-442), 2013. Date of Publication:
2013.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP, United
Kingdom)
Abstract
BackgroundOutpatient follow-up in specialized heart failure clinics (HFCs)
is recommended by current guidelines and implemented in most European
countries, but the optimal duration of HFC programmes has not been
established. Nor is it known whether all or only high-risk patients, e.g.
identified by NT-proBNP, might benefit from an extended HFC
follow-up.Methods and resultsIn a multi-centre setting, we randomly
assigned 921 clinically stable systolic heart failure (HF) outpatients on
optimal medical therapy to undergo either an extended follow-up in the HFC
(n = 461) or referral back to their general practitioner (GP) (n = 460).
The primary composite endpoint was death or a cardiovascular admission.
Secondary endpoints included mortality, an HF admission, quality of life,
number of days admitted, and number of admissions. The median age of the
patients was 69 years; 23% were females; the median left ventricular
ejection fraction was 0.30; and the median NT-proBNP was 801 pg/mL; 89%
were in NYHA class I-II. The median follow-up was 2.5 years. Time-to-event
did not differ between groups (HFC vs. GP) (HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.95-1.45, P
= 0.149). The two groups did not differ with respect to any of the
secondary endpoints at the follow-up (P> 0.05 for all). In high-risk
patients identified by NT-proBNP >=1000 pg/mL, no benefit from HFC
follow-up was found (P = 0.721).ConclusionIrrespective of the level of
NT-proBNP stable HF patients on optimal medical therapy do not benefit
from long-term follow-up in a specialized HFC in a publicly funded
universal access healthcare system. Heart failure patients on optimal
medical therapy with mild or moderate symptoms are safely managed by their
personal GP.Trial Registration: www.Centerwatch.com: 173491 (NorthStar).
The Author 2012.

<7>
Accession Number
2013091400
Authors
Gui P. Wu Q. Wu J. Yao S.
Institution
(Gui, Wu, Wu, Yao) Department of Anesthesiology, Huazhong University of
Science and Technology, Union Hospital, 1277# Jiefang Da Dao, Wuhan
430022, China
Title
Protective effect of esmolol on myocardial ischemic injury during open
heart surgery in children.
Source
Paediatric Anaesthesia. 23 (3) (pp 217-221), 2013. Date of Publication:
March 2013.
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd (9600 Garsington Road, Oxford OX4 2XG, United
Kingdom)
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of esmolol in protecting the
myocardium from ischemia during pediatric cardiac surgery. Background
Esmolol, an ultra-short acting beta 1-adrenoceptor blocker, reduces
myocardial injury in adult cardiac operations. However, this technique is
rarely used in pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods: Thirty children with
ventricular septal defect were randomly allocated to the esmolol group and
the control group. Patients received intravenous esmolol (0.05
mgkg<sup>-1</sup>min<sup>-1</sup> after tracheal intubation, 0.3
mgkg<sup>-1</sup>min<sup>-1</sup> during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and
0.03-0.05 mgkg <sup>-1</sup>min<sup>-1</sup> until the end of surgery) or
placebo, respectively. Results: Plasma levels of creatine kinase-MB,
cardiac troponin I in the esmolol group 2 min after completion of CPB, at
the end of surgery, 4 h after surgery, and the first postoperative day
were significantly lower than those in the control group. Values of heart
rate 10 min after induction, 2 min before institution of CPB, 2 min after
completion of CPB, and at the end of surgery were significantly lower in
the esmolol group; however, mean arterial pressure, CPB time, cross-clamp
time, and the rate of heart spontaneous rebeating were not statistically
different between two groups. Cumulative postoperative dosage of dopamine
in the esmolol group (100.1 +/- 53.1 mg) was significantly less than that
in the control group (171.4 +/- 92.1 mg). Conclusions: Esmolol can protect
the myocardium from ischemic injury during CPB in children and
significantly reduce the use of inotropic drug. 2013 Blackwell Publishing
Ltd.

<8>
Accession Number
2013080474
Authors
Bridgewater B.
Institution
(Bridgewater) UHSM, Southmoor Road, Manchester M23 9LT, United Kingdom
Title
Almanac 2012 adult cardiac surgery: The national society journals present
selected research that has driven recent advances in clinical cardiology.
Source
Egyptian Heart Journal. 65 (1) (pp 43-50), 2013. Date of Publication:
March 2013.
Publisher
Egyptian Society of Cardiology (Egypt)
Abstract
This review covers the important publications in adult cardiac surgery in
the last few years, including the current evidence base for surgical
revascularisation and the use of off-pump surgery, bilateral internal
mammary arteries and endoscopic vein harvesting. The changes in
conventional aortic valve surgery are described alongside the outcomes of
clinical trials and registries for transcatheter aortic valve
implantation, and the introduction of less invasive and novel approaches
of conventional aortic valve replacement surgery. Surgery for mitral valve
disease is also considered, with particular reference to surgery for
asymptomatic degenerative mitral regurgitation. 2012.

<9>
Accession Number
2013086966
Authors
Bond R.T. Cohen J.M. Comerota A. Kahn S.R.
Institution
(Bond) Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
(Cohen, Kahn) Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational
Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
(Comerota) Division of Vascular Surgery, Jobst Vascular Institute, Toledo,
OH, United States
(Comerota) Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Michigan Medical
Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
(Kahn) Division of Internal Medicine, McGill University, Jewish General
Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste. Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
(Kahn) Division of Internal Medicine, Lady Davis Institute for Medical
Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
Title
Surgical treatment of moderate-to-severe post-thrombotic syndrome.
Source
Annals of Vascular Surgery. 27 (2) (pp 242-258), 2013. Date of
Publication: February 2013.
Publisher
Elsevier Inc. (360 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10010, United States)
Abstract
Background: Severe post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) occurs in 5% to 10% of
patients after deep venous thrombosis. Medical therapy such as compression
has limited effectiveness for the treatment of such patients. The
objective of this study was to systematically review the effectiveness and
safety of surgical approaches for the treatment of moderate-to-severe PTS.
Method: A computerized search was conducted using PubMed and reverse
citation searches to retrieve English- and French-language articles,
published after 1980, reporting on the endovascular and surgical treatment
of PTS. Results: Three hundred three titles were retrieved, of which 28
full publications were reviewed. Twelve articles met criteria for
inclusion, reporting on 349 patients. Surgical techniques included vein
dilation and stent placement (two studies), venous bypass grafting (two
studies), endophlebectomy with reconstruction (one study), valve
reconstruction/transplant (six studies), and interruption of perforating
veins (one study). Follow-up periods ranged from 1 month to 5 years.
Eleven of 12 included studies described improvement in PTS after the given
surgical intervention. Seven of 12 studies found improvement in all
anatomic measures assessed (e.g., venous valve competency and patency,
venous filling times, or ambulant venous pressure), and 11 of 12 studies
reported clinical improvement (e.g., improvement in signs and symptoms,
ulcer healing, ability to return to work, or reduced need for elastic
compression stockings), with rates of ulcer healing ranging from 50% to
100%. Eight of 12 studies (representing 264 patients) reported safety
outcomes. Complications reported most frequently were hematoma/seroma
formation and wound infection, with no reported instances of mortality or
pulmonary embolism. Limitations of the studies included a lack of
randomized controlled trials, absence of control groups, small sample
sizes, short follow-up periods, retrospective data collection, imprecise
definition of PTS, heterogeneity of study participants, and, in three
studies, lack of reporting on procedure safety. Conclusion: Surgical and
endovascular treatment of moderate-to-severe PTS could have the potential
to be effective where conservative and medical treatments have failed. Our
review describes studies of surgical techniques to treat PTS, but
highlights important limitations of such studies. Further research using
stricter research methodology is needed to evaluate the potential role of
surgical techniques for the treatment of moderate-to-severe PTS. 2013
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

<10>
Accession Number
2013093382
Authors
van der Sluis P.C. Ruurda J.P. van der Horst S. Verhage R.J.J. Besselink
M.G.H. Prins M.J.D. Haverkamp L. Schippers C. Rinkes I.H.M.B. Joore H.C.A.
ten Kate F.J.W. Koffijberg H. Kroese C.C. van Leeuwen M.S. Lolkema
M.P.J.K. Reerink O. Schipper M.E.I. Steenhagen E. Vleggaar F.P. Voest E.E.
Siersema P.D. van Hillegersberg R.
Institution
(van der Sluis, Ruurda, van der Horst, Verhage, Besselink, Prins,
Haverkamp, Schippers, Rinkes, van Hillegersberg) Department of Surgery,
G04.228, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht,
CX, 3584, Netherlands
(Joore) Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center
Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, CX, 3584, Netherlands
(ten Kate, Schipper) Department of Pathology, University Medical Center
Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, CX, 3584, Netherlands
(Koffijberg, Steenhagen) Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary
Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, CX,
3584, Netherlands
(Kroese) Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Utrecht,
Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, CX, 3584, Netherlands
(van Leeuwen) Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht,
Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, CX, 3584, Netherlands
(Lolkema, Voest) Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center
Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, CX, 3584, Netherlands
(Reerink) Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Center Utrecht,
Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, CX, 3584, Netherlands
(Vleggaar, Siersema) Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, CX, 3584,
Netherlands
Title
Robot-assisted minimally invasive thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy
versus open transthoracic esophagectomy for resectable esophageal cancer,
a randomized controlled trial (ROBOT trial).
Source
Trials. 13 , 2012. Article Number: 230. Date of Publication: 30 Nov 2012.
Publisher
BioMed Central Ltd. (Floor 6, 236 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8HB, United
Kingdom)
Abstract
Background: For esophageal cancer patients, radical
esophagolymphadenectomy is the cornerstone of multimodality treatment with
curative intent. Transthoracic esophagectomy is the preferred surgical
approach worldwide allowing for en-bloc resection of the tumor with the
surrounding lymph nodes. However, the percentage of cardiopulmonary
complications associated with the transthoracic approach is high (50 to
70%).Recent studies have shown that robot-assisted minimally invasive
thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy (RATE) is at least equivalent to the
open transthoracic approach for esophageal cancer in terms of short-term
oncological outcomes. RATE was accompanied with reduced blood loss,
shorter ICU stay and improved lymph node retrieval compared with open
esophagectomy, and the pulmonary complication rate, hospital stay and
perioperative mortality were comparable. The objective is to evaluate the
efficacy, risks, quality of life and cost-effectiveness of RATE as an
alternative to open transthoracic esophagectomy for treatment of
esophageal cancer.Methods/design: This is an investigator-initiated and
investigator-driven monocenter randomized controlled parallel-group,
superiority trial. All adult patients (age >=18 and <=80 years) with
histologically proven, surgically resectable (cT1-4a, N0-3, M0) esophageal
carcinoma of the intrathoracic esophagus and with European Clinical
Oncology Group performance status 0, 1 or 2 will be assessed for
eligibility and included after obtaining informed consent. Patients (n =
112) with resectable esophageal cancer are randomized in the outpatient
department to either RATE (n = 56) or open three-stage transthoracic
esophageal resection (n = 56). The primary outcome of this study is the
percentage of overall complications (grade 2 and higher) as stated by the
modified Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical
complications.Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial
designed to compare RATE with open transthoracic esophagectomy as surgical
treatment for resectable esophageal cancer. If our hypothesis is proven
correct, RATE will result in a lower percentage of postoperative
complications, lower blood loss, and shorter hospital stay, but with at
least similar oncologic outcomes and better postoperative quality of life
compared with open transthoracic esophagectomy. The study started in
January 2012. Follow-up will be 5 years. Short-term results will be
analyzed and published after discharge of the last randomized
patient.Trial registration: Dutch trial register: NTR3291
ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT01544790. 2012 van der Sluis et al.; licensee
BioMed Central Ltd.

<11>
Accession Number
2013096688
Authors
Desch S. Boudriot E. Rastan A. Buszman P.E. Bochenek A. Mohr F.W. Schuler
G. Thiele H.
Institution
(Desch, Boudriot, Schuler, Thiele) Department of Internal
Medicine/Cardiology, University of Leipzig Heart Center, Strumpellstr. 39,
04289 Leipzig, Germany
(Rastan, Mohr) Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Leipzig Heart
Center, Leipzig, Germany
(Buszman) Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Silesia,
Katowice, Poland
(Bochenek) Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Silesia,
Katowice, Poland
Title
Bypass surgery versus percutaneous coronary intervention for the treatment
of unprotected left main disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled
trials.
Source
Herz. 38 (1) (pp 48-56), 2013. Date of Publication: February 2013.
Publisher
Urban und Vogel GmbH (Aschauer Str.30, Munich 81549, Germany)
Abstract
Objective: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to
compare coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary
intervention (PCI) for the treatment of de novo unprotected left main
disease. Background: Although CABG is accepted to be standard of care for
revascularization of unprotected left main stenosis, PCI is increasingly
being used as an alternative primary approach. Methods: We searched for
randomized, controlled trials comparing CABG and PCI for the treatment of
unprotected left main disease. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular
events (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat
revascularization) were analyzed. Results: The search strategy identified
4 randomized controlled trials enrolling a total of 1,611 patients.
Follow-up ranged between 1 and 2 years. There were no significant
differences in the risk of death or myocardial infarction between the two
treatment modalities. While the risk of stroke was significantly lower in
patients undergoing PCI (risk ratio (RR) 0.26, 95% confidence interval
(CI) 0.10-0.69, p = 0.007), the risk of repeat revascularization was
higher among patients undergoing PCI (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.43-2.61, p <
0.001). No relevant statistical heterogeneity across studies could be
found. Conclusion: In this largest series of randomized patients with
unprotected left main stenosis to date, the risk of death and myocardial
infarction was comparable between CABG and PCI. However, patients
undergoing CABG had a higher risk of stroke, whereas patients undergoing
PCI were at a higher risk for repeat revascularization. 2012 Urban &
Vogel, Muenchen.

<12>
Accession Number
2013090148
Authors
Prado G.F. Lombardi E.M.S. Morais A.M. Martins S.R. De Paula Santos U.
Institution
(Prado, Lombardi, Morais, Martins, De Paula Santos) Divisao de Pneumologia
do Inst. do Coracao (InCor) do Hosp. das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina,
Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
(Prado) Instituto do Cancer do Estado de Sao Paulo Octavio Frias de
Oliveira, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
Title
Smoking: What has been addressed in Brazilian journals.
Source
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia. 99 (6) (pp 1171), 2012. Date of
Publication: September 2012.
Publisher
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia (Rua Beira Rio, 45, 3.o andar, Sao
Paolo SP 04548-050, Brazil)
Abstract
The topic of tobacco smoking, in its several aspects, has been receiving
increasing attention among researchers over the past few years, which has
been reflected in more data and more solid scientific literature on the
subject in national journals. This article aims to review the studies that
focused on smoking published between January 2010 and June 2012, in
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia (Brazilian Archives of Cardiology),
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, Clinics (Sao Paulo),
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia (Brazilian Journal of Pulmonology),
Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (Journal of the Brazilian Medical
Association) and Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (Brazilian
Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery). During the aforementioned period 58
articles were published, 52 of which were original ones, addressing
several aspects of smoking, such as effects on health, epidemiology,
cessation and experimental studies.

<13>
Accession Number
2013077668
Authors
Rasmussen T.B. Zwisler A.-D. Sibilitz K.L. Risom S.S. Bundgaard H. Gluud
C. Moons P. Winkel P. Thygesen L.C. Hansen J.L. Norekval T.M. Berg S.K.
Institution
(Rasmussen, Zwisler, Sibilitz, Risom, Bundgaard, Moons, Berg) Heart
Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen,
Denmark
(Rasmussen, Berg) Department of Cardiology, Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte,
Denmark
(Zwisler, Thygesen) National Institute of Public Health, University of
Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
(Gluud, Winkel, Hansen) Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical
Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet,
Copenhagen, Denmark
(Moons) Centre for Health Services and Nursing Research, KU
Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
(Norekval) Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
(Norekval) Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
Title
A randomised clinical trial of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation versus
usual care for patients treated for infective endocarditis-the CopenHeart
IE trial protocol.
Source
BMJ Open. 2 (6) , 2012. Article Number: e001929. Date of Publication:
2012.
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group (Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JR, United Kingdom)
Abstract
Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE) is among the most serious
infectious diseases in the western world. Treatment requires lengthy
hospitalisation, high-dosage antibiotic therapy and possible valve
replacement surgery. Despite advances in treatment, the 1-year mortality
remains at 20-40%. Studies indicate that patients experience persisting
physical symptoms, diminished quality of life and difficulties returning
to work up to a year postdischarge. No studies investigating the effects
of rehabilitation have been published. We present the rationale and design
of the CopenHeart<sub>IE</sub> trial, which investigates the effect of
comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation versus usual care for patients
treated for IE. Methods and analysis: We will conduct a randomised
clinical trial to investigate the effects of comprehensive cardiac
rehabilitation versus usual care on the physical and psychosocial
functioning of patients treated for IE. The trial is a multicentre,
parallel design trial with 1 : 1 individual randomisation to either the
intervention or control group. The intervention consists of five
psychoeducational consultations provided by specialised nurses and a
12-week exercise training programme. The primary outcome is mental health
(MH) measured by the standardised Short Form 36 (SF-36). The secondary
outcome is peak oxygen uptake measured by the bicycle ergospirometry test.
Furthermore, a number of exploratory analyses will be performed. Based on
sample size calculation, 150 patients treated for left-sided (native or
prosthetic valve) or cardiac device endocarditis will be included in the
trial. A qualitative and a survey-based complementary study will be
undertaken, to investigate postdischarge experiences of the patients. A
qualitative postintervention study will explore rehabilitation
participation experiences. Ethics and dissemination: The study complies
with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the regional research
ethics committee (no H-1-2011-129) and the Danish Data Protection Agency
(no 2007-58- 0015). Study findings will be disseminated widely through
peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

<14>
Accession Number
2013083441
Authors
Wang L.-M. Chang X.-L. Ren X.-L. Lv H.-W.
Institution
(Wang, Chang, Ren, Lv) Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated
Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
Title
Effectiveness and safety of dexmedetomidine for postoperative sedation in
cardiac patients: A meta-analysis.
Source
Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine. 13 (1) (pp 93-99), 2013. Date
of Publication: 2013.
Publisher
West China University of Medical Science (37 Wainan Guoxue Xiang, Chengdu,
Sichuan 610041, China)
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dexmedetomidine for
postoperative sedation in cardiac patients. Methods Such databases as
PubMed, EBSCO, Springer, Ovid, The Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, VIP and
WanFang Data were searched electronically from the date of their
establishment to May 2012, and other relevant journals and references of
the included literature were also searched manually. Two reviewers
independently screened the studies in accordance with the inclusion and
exclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed methodology quality. Then
the meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1software. Results A total
of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1 157 patients were
included. The Jadad scores of 7 RCTs were more than 3, and only 1 RCT
scored 2. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with the
control group, dexmedetomidine significantly raised peripheral oxygen
saturation (RR=0.90, 95%CI 0.31 to 0.49, P=0.003), decreased the incidence
of average heart rate (RR=-5.86, 95%CI -7.31 to -4.40, P<0.000 01),
ventricular tachycardia (RR=0.27, 95%CI 0.08 to 0.88, P=0.03), delirium
(RR=0.28, 95%CI 0.16 to 0.48, P<0.000 01) and postoperative hyperglycemia
(RR=0.57, 95%CI 0.38 to 0.85, P=0.006), and reduced the number of patients
who needed vasoactive agents such as epinephrine (RR=0.53, 95%CI 0.29 to
0.96, P=0.04) and beta-blocker (RR=0.60, 95%CI 0.38 to 0.94, P=0.03).
However, it failed to shorten the time of both ICU stay (RR=-1.24, 95%CI
-4.35 to 1.87, P=0.43) and mechanical ventilation (RR=-2.28, 95%CI -5.13
to 0.57, P=0.12), increase mean artery pressure (RR=-2.78, 95%CI -6.89 to
1.34, P=0.19), and well control postoperative nausea, vomiting and
atrial-fibrillation. There were no significant differences between the two
groups in myocardial infarction, acute cardiac failure, acute kidney
failure, and mortality rate. Conclusion For postoperative sedation in
cardiac patients, dexmedetomidine can effectively stabilize hemodynamic
indexes, and reduce tachycardia, delirium, postoperative hyperglycemia and
vasoactive agents. However, it has no marked influence on the prognosis.
For the quantity and quality limitation of included studies, this
conclusion needs to be proved by performing more high quality and large
sample RCTs. 2013 Editorial Board of Chin J Evid-based Med.

<15>
Accession Number
2013079440
Authors
Backes D. Van den Bergh W.M. Van Duijn A.L. Lahpor J.R. van Dijk D.
Slooter A.J.C.
Institution
(Backes, Van den Bergh, Van Duijn, van Dijk, Slooter) Department of
Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht,
Netherlands
(Lahpor) Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Centre
Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
(van Dijk) Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Centre
Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Title
Cerebrovascular complications of left ventricular assist devices.
Source
European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery. 42 (4) (pp 612-620), 2012.
Article Number: ezs320. Date of Publication: October 2012.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP, United
Kingdom)
Abstract
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly being used as a
bridge to heart transplantation or destination therapy. It is unclear
which antithrombotic regimen should be used to reduce the risk of stroke.
We systematically reviewed the literature on all types of antithrombotic
regimens and stroke in patients with any type of LVADs. Our primary
outcome measure was the mean incidence of any type of stroke. Twenty-six
articles were selected as relevant, comprehending 1989 patients with a
mean LVAD support of 200 days (range 30-621). The mean proportion of
patients affected with stroke was 20% (range 0-55%), with a mean incidence
of 0.74 (range 0-6.91) events/patient-year. Support with HeartMate II and
a regimen of postoperative heparin converted to coumarins, acetylsalicylic
acid (ASA) and dipyridamole resulted in 0.17 (mean; range 0.06-0.29)
strokes/patient-year. HeartMate II support and the same regime without
heparin was associated with 0.07 (mean; range 0.03-0.11)
strokes/patient-year. A Novacor device with heparin, converted to
coumarins, was associated with 3.82 (mean; range 1.03-6.91)
strokes/patient-year, while ASA added to this regime resulted in 0.97
ischaemic strokes/patient-year (mean; range 0.53-1.48). Other combinations
of assist devices and antithrombotic regimes were investigated in one or
two studies only. This systematic review provides risk estimates for
stroke for various LVADs and antithrombotic regimes. Our findings indicate
that the postoperative use of heparin in HeartMate II patients is
doubtful, and suggest an important role for antiplatelet drugs to prevent
stroke in patients supported with a Novacor device. The Author 2012.
Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association
for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

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Accession Number
70993214
Authors
Pant S. Deshmukh A. Hayes K. Kumar G. Sachdeva R. Mehta J.L.
Institution
(Pant, Deshmukh, Hayes, Mehta) University of Arkansas for Medical
Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
(Kumar) Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
(Sachdeva) Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
Title
Survival and discharge rates for octogenarians undergoing coronary
revascularization procedures after acute myocardial infarction.
Source
Journal of Investigative Medicine. Conference: American Federation for
Medical Research Southern Regional Meeting, AFMR 2013 New Orleans, LA
United States. Conference Start: 20130221 Conference End: 20130223.
Conference Publication: (var.pagings). 61 (2) (pp 452), 2013. Date of
Publication: February 2013.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Abstract
Purpose of Study: Octogenarians constitute a significant proportion of
total acute coronary syndrome burden. Large randomized trials and
metaanalyses have examined the appropriateness of intervention in patients
less than 80 years but whether these data can be extrapolated to
octogenarians is unknown. This study has been undertaken to evaluate the
survival and discharge rates of octogenarians undergoing coronary
revascularization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) from a nationwide
database. Methods Used: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS)
database 2007, patients age Q 80 years discharged with the primary
diagnosis of AMI were identified. Outcome variables included in-hospital
mortality, length of stay (LOS), coronary revascularization procedures
performed and discharge disposition. Multivariate regression analysis was
performed using appropriate survey commands in Stata IC, version 11.0.
Summary of Results: of the 117,282 discharges with primary diagnosis of
AMI, 28,429 patients (24.24%) were aged Q80 years. The unadjusted
mortality in octogenarians was 10.4% (vs. 3.7% in non-octogenarians,
p<0.001), as was the adjusted mortality (OR 3.4; 95% CI 3.1-3.6; p<0.001).
The number of procedures performed was 19% in octogenarians (vs. 44.8% in
non-octogenarians, OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.33-0.37; p<0.001). Mortality was
significantly lower in octogenarians undergoing any coronary
revascularization procedure (6.5% vs 11.3%, OR 0.34; 95%CI 0.29-0.40; pG
0.001). Octogenarians undergoing no coronary revascularization procedures
had significantly longer LOS compared to those undergoing
revascularization for AMI (5.7 vs. 4.8 days; p<0.001). Finally,
octogenarians undergoing revascularization for AMI were less likely to be
discharged to a nursing home than those undergoing conservative management
(17.3% vs 33.8%, p<0.001). Conclusions: The ''treatment paradox'' in the
octogenarian needs further exploration given the findings of better
outcomes in octogenarians receiving same degree of aggression in treatment
of acute coronary syndrome as younger population.