Saturday, August 16, 2014

EMBASE Cardiac Update AutoAlert: EPICORE Cardiac Surgery Blogger2

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<1>
Accession Number
2014519906
Authors
Sharma A. Vallakati A. Einstein A.J. Lavie C.J. Arbab-Zadeh A.
Lopez-Jimenez F. Mukherjee D. Lichstein E.
Institution
(Sharma, Lichstein) Department of Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center,
1016 50th St, Brooklyn, NY 11219, United States
(Vallakati) Division of Cardiology, University of Kansas Medical Center,
Kansas City, United States
(Einstein) Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia
University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
(Lavie) Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Ochsner Clinical School,
University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United
States
(Lavie) Department of Preventive Medicine, Pennington Biomedical Research
Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, United States
(Arbab-Zadeh) Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
(Lopez-Jimenez) Division of Cardiology, Mayo College of Medicine,
Rochester, MN, United States
(Mukherjee) Division of Cardiology, Texas Tech University, El Paso, United
States
Title
Relationship of body mass index with total mortality, cardiovascular
mortality, and myocardial infarction after coronary revascularization:
Evidence from a meta-analysis.
Source
Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 89 (8) (pp 1080-1100), 2014. Date of Publication:
August 2014.
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
Objective To investigate the relationship of body mass index (BMI) with
total mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, and myocardial infarction
(MI) after coronary revascularization procedures (coronary artery bypass
grafting [CABG] and percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]). Patients
and Methods Systematic search of studies was conducted using PubMed,
CINAHL, Cochran CENTRAL, Scopus, and the Web of Science databases. We
identified studies reporting the rate of MI, CV mortality, and total
mortality among coronary artery disease patients' postcoronary
revascularization procedures in various BMI categories: less than 20
(underweight), 20-24.9 (normal reference), 25-29.9 (overweight), 30-34.9
(obese), and 35 or more (severely obese). Event rates were compared using
a random effects model assuming interstudy heterogeneity. Results A total
of 36 studies (12 CABG; 26 PCI) were selected for final analyses. The risk
of total mortality (relative risk [RR], 2.59; 95% CI, 2.09-3.21), CV
mortality (RR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.63-4.39), and MI (RR, 1.79; 95% CI,
1.28-2.50) was highest among patients with low BMI at the end of a mean
follow-up period of 1.7 years. The risk of CV mortality was lowest among
overweight patients (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.95). Increasing degree of
adiposity as assessed by BMI had a neutral effect on the risk of MI for
overweight (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.84-1.01), obese (RR, 0.99; 95% CI,
0.85-1.15), and severely obese (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.78-1.11) patients.
Conclusion After coronary artery disease revascularization procedures (PCI
and CABG), the risk of total mortality, CV mortality, and MI was highest
among underweight patients as defined by low BMI and CV mortality was
lowest among overweight patients. 2014 Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research.

<2>
Accession Number
2014508249
Authors
Kim S.-J. Samad Z. Bloomfield G.S. Douglas P.S.
Institution
(Kim, Bloomfield, Douglas) Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC,
United States
(Samad, Bloomfield, Douglas) Division of Cardiology, Duke University
Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
(Kim) Division of Cardiology, Ulsan University Hospital, University of
Ulsan College of Medicine, 877 Bangeojinsunhwan-doro, Dong-gu, Ulsan,
South Korea
Title
A critical review of hemodynamic changes and left ventricular remodeling
after surgical aortic valve replacement and percutaneous aortic valve
replacement.
Source
American Heart Journal. 168 (2) (pp 150-159.e7), 2014. Date of
Publication: August 2014.
Publisher
Mosby Inc.
Abstract
Background The introduction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement
(TAVR) in clinical practice has widened options for symptomatic patients
at high surgical risk; however, it is not known whether TAVR has
equivalent or prolonged benefits in terms of left ventricular (LV)
remodeling. Methods To explore the relative hemodynamic benefits and
postoperative LV remodeling associated with TAVR and surgical aortic valve
replacement (SAVR), we performed a critical review of the available
literature. A total of 67 studies were included in this systematic review.
Results There is at least equivalent if not slightly superior hemodynamic
performance of TAVR over SAVR, and TAVR showed lower prosthesis-patient
mismatch compared with SAVR. However, LV mass appears to regress to a
greater degree after SAVR compared with TAVR. Aortic regurgitation,
paravalvular in particular, is more common after TAVR than SAVR, although
it is rarely more than moderate in severity. Improvements in diastolic
function and mitral regurgitation are reported in only a handful of
studies each and could not be compared across prosthesis types.
Conclusions The published data support the hemodynamic comparability of
SAVR and TAVR, with the higher incidence of prosthesis-patient mismatch in
SAVR offset by higher incidence of paravalvular leak in TAVR. These
results highlight the need for further studies focusing on hemodynamic
changes after valve therapy. 2014 Mosby, Inc.

<3>
Accession Number
2014505113
Authors
Li X.-M. Li D.-Z. Yang Y.-N. Ma Y.-T. Zheng H. Yang Y.-Z. Chen Q.-J. Li
W.-M. Xie X. Zhao Y.
Institution
(Li, Li, Yang, Ma, Chen, Xie) Department of Cardiology, Xinjiang Medical
University, No 1 Liyushan Road, Urumqi 830054, China
(Li, Li, Yang, Ma, Chen, Xie) Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular
Disease Research, Urumqi 830054, China
(Zheng) Department of Anesthesiology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi,
China
(Yang) Department of Infectious Diseases, Harbin Medical University,
Harbin 150081, China
(Li) Intensive Care Unit, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054,
China
(Zhao) Library, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
Title
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of intracoronary versus
intravenous administration of tirofiban during percutaneous coronary
intervention for acute coronary syndrome.
Source
Experimental and Clinical Cardiology. 20 (7) (pp 1084-1104), 2014. Date of
Publication: 2014.
Publisher
Cardiology Academic Press
Abstract
It remains unclear whether intracoronary (IC) or intravenous (IV)
administration of Tirofiban is superior for patients with acute coronary
syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
(RCTs) to compare the effects of IC versus IV administration of Tirofiban
in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Eight RCTs involving 673
patients met our inclusion criteria. Primary end-points were short-term
(1-3 months) major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) [e.g., mortality,
reinfarction, target vessel revascularization (TVR)]. Secondary end-points
included thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade flow and TIMI
myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) flow. Bleeding complications were
evaluated as safety end-points. IC administration of Tirofiban was found
to decrease short-term MACEs, including mortality, reinfarction, and TVR
(OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.13-0.44, P < 0.0001). Short-term mortality (OR: 0.40,
95% CI: 0.12-1.33, P = 0.13), reinfarction rate (OR: 0.48, 95% CI:
0.18-1.27, P = 0.14), and TVR rate (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.10-2.03, P = 0.30)
also showed an apparent decrease with IC versus IV administration of
Tirofiban, although the differences were not statistically significant.
However, a significant increase in TIMI grade 3 flow (OR: 3.67, 95% CI:
2.26-5.95, P < 0.00001) and TMPG grade 2-3 flow (OR: 3.88, 95% CI:
2.44-6.15, P < 0.00001) were observed for IC versus IV administration. In
contrast, no significant difference was observed in bleeding complications
reported for the two groups. In conclusion, IC administration of Tirofiban
in patients with ACS undergoing PCI can significantly increase target
coronary flow and myocardial reperfusion without increasing the risk of
bleeding complications. It can also decrease total short-term MACEs, yet
does not improve clinical outcome compared with IV administration.

<4>
Accession Number
2014508256
Authors
Gibson M.C. Krucoff M. Fischell D. Fischell T.A. Keenan D. Abueg C. Patel
C. Holmes D.
Institution
(Gibson, Abueg, Patel) Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 185 Pilgrim Road, Deaconess 319,
Boston, MA 02215, United States
(Krucoff) Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, United States
(Fischell, Keenan) Angel Medical Systems, Shrewsbury Township, NJ, United
States
(Fischell) Heart Institute at Borgess, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
(Holmes) Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
Title
Rationale and design of the AngeLmed for early recognition and treatment
of STEMI trial: A randomized, prospective clinical investigation.
Source
American Heart Journal. 168 (2) (pp 168-174), 2014. Date of Publication:
August 2014.
Publisher
Mosby Inc.
Abstract
Significant improvements in door-to-balloon times have led to a reduction
in mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; however, mean
symptom-to-door times remain at 2 to 3 hours. An intracardiac electrogram
monitoring device may be beneficial in high-risk patients by alerting them
to rapidly progressive ST-segment changes indicative of acute coronary
occlusion. The Cardiosaver and DETECT phase I clinical studies
demonstrated the safety, feasibility, and potential benefit of using an
intracardiac electrogram monitoring device to alert the patient to seek
medical attention. The goal of the randomized, prospective ALERTS Trial
(Clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT00781118) is to evaluate the efficacy of an
implantable monitoring device (IMD) in reducing the composite of either
cardiac or unexplained death, new Q-wave myocardial infarction, or
symptom-to-door time of >2 hours for confirmed thrombotic events. The IMD
alerts the patient in real time when ST-segment deviation from a
personalized baseline exceeds the trigger threshold. The trial is designed
to enroll high-risk post-acute coronary syndrome patients or patients with
previous multivessel coronary artery bypass surgery. All patients have the
IMD implanted, with 1:1 unblinded randomization to the alerting feature
being either turned on versus turned off for the first 6 months.
Randomization occurs at the first follow-up visit, 7 to 14 days after the
implantation of the IMD. Subjects then return for follow-up visits at
months 1, 3, and 6 and thereafter every 6 months until closure of the
investigational device exemption. Subjects who cannot be implanted
successfully or who have the device explanted are removed from the study
and followed up for a minimum of 30 days post-procedure. If a subject
experiences a device-related complication and/or adverse experience, the
subject is followed up until resolution or until the condition becomes
stable and no further change is anticipated. 2014 Mosby, Inc.

<5>
Accession Number
2014510289
Authors
Serpil U.O.Z. Fevzi T. Murat O. Umit G. Esin E. Pinar U. Sahin S. Hasan K.
Cem A.
Institution
(Cem, Murat, Umit, Sahin, Hasan, Cem) Department of Cardiovascular
Surgery, Acibadem University, School of Medicine, Atasehir, Istanbul,
Turkey
(Serpil, Fevzi) Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Acibadem
University, School of Medicine, Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey
(Esin, Pinar) Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Acibadem Healthcare
Group, Acibadem Kadikoy Hospital, Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey
Title
Efficacy of near-infrared spectrometry for monitoring the cerebral effects
of severe dilutional anemia.
Source
Heart Surgery Forum. 17 (3) (pp E154-E159), 2014. Date of Publication:
June 2014.
Publisher
Carden Jennings Publishing Co. Ltd (375 Greenbrier Drive, Suite #100,
Charlottesville VA 22901-1618, United States. E-mail: ijh@cjp.com)
Abstract
Introduction: Clear guidelines for red cell transfusion during cardiac
surgery have not yet been established. The current focus on blood
conservation during cardiac surgery has increased the urgency to determine
the minimum safe hematocrit for these patients. The aim of this study was
to determine whether monitoring of cerebral regional oxygen saturation
(rSO<sub>2</sub>) via near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) is effective for
assessing the cerebral effects of severe dilutional anemia during elective
coronary arterial bypass graft surgery (CABG). Methods: The prospective
observational study involved patients who underwent cerebral
rSO<sub>2</sub> monitoring by NIRS during elective isolated first-time
CABG: an anemic group (N=15) (minimum Hemoglobin (Hb) <7 g/dL at any
period during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and a control group (N=15) (Hb
>8 g/dL during CPB). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), pump blood flow, blood
lactate level, pCO<sub>2</sub>, pO<sub>2</sub> at five time points and
cross-clamp time, extracorporeal circulation time were recorded for each
patient. Group results statistically were compared. Results: The anemic
group had significantly lower mean preoperative Hb than the control group
(10.3 mg/dL versus 14.2 mg/dL; P = .001). The lowest Hb levels were
observed in the hypothermic period of CPB in the anemic group. None of the
controls exhibited a >20% decrease in cerebral rSO<sub>2</sub>. Eleven
(73.3%) of the anemic patients required an increase in pump blood flow to
raise their cerebral rSO<sub>2</sub>. Conclusions: In this study, the
changes in cerebral rSO <sub>2</sub> in the patients with low Hb were
within acceptable limits, and this was in concordance with the blood
lactate levels and blood-gas analysis. It can be suggested that NIRS
monitoring of cerebral rSO<sub>2</sub> can assist in decision making
related to blood transfusion and dilutional anemia during CPB.

<6>
Accession Number
2014510037
Authors
Schaffer A. Verdoia M. Cassetti E. Marino P. Suryapranata H. De Luca G.
Institution
(Schaffer, Verdoia, Cassetti, Marino, De Luca) Division of Cardiology,
Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Maggiore della Carita, Eastern Piedmont
University, Novara, Italy
(Suryapranata) Department of Cardiology, UMC St Radboud, Nijmegen,
Netherlands
Title
Relationship between homocysteine and coronary artery disease. Results
from a large prospective cohort study.
Source
Thrombosis Research. 134 (2) (pp 288-293), 2014. Date of Publication:
2014.
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) still represents the major cause
of mortality in developed countries. Large research programs have been
focused on the identification of new risk factors to prevent CAD, with
special attention to homocysteine (Hcy), due to the known associated
increased thrombogenicity, oxidative stress status and endothelial
dysfunction. However, controversy still exists on the association between
Hcy and CAD. Therefore, aim of the current study was to investigate the
association of Hcy with the prevalence and extent of CAD in a large
consecutive cohort of patients undergoing coronary angiography. Methods
Our population is represented by a total of 3056 consecutive patients
undergoing coronary angiography between at the Azienda Ospedaliera
"Maggiore della Carita", Novara, Italy. Fasting samples were collected for
homocysteine levels assessment. Coronary disease was defined for at least
1 vessel stenosis > 50% as evaluated by QCA. Results Study population was
divided according to Hcy tertiles (< 13,3, 13,3-18.2, > 18.2 nmol/ml).
High plasmatic level of homocysteine was related with age (p < 0.001),
male gender (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001) renal failure (p <
0.001), family history of CAD (p < 0.001), previous cerebrovascular
accident (p < 0.001), previous MI (p = 0.002), previous CABG (p = 0.003),
ejection fraction (p < 0.001), higher baseline creatinine (p < 0.001), in
treatment with nitrates (p < 0.001), calcium antagonists (p < 0.001),
diuretics (p < 0.001), Ace inhibitors (ACE-I) (p = 0.006), Clopidogrel (p
= 0.05), haemoglobin (p = 0.001), white blood cells (WBC) count (p =
0.008), total cholesterol (p = 0.04), Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) (p =
0.01). A significant relationship was found between Hcy levels and the
extent of coronary artery disease (71.8% vs 77.8% vs 77.4%, OR[95%CI] =
1.18[1.11-1.252.], p < 0.001 and severe CAD (23.6% vs 29.5% vs 32.1%, OR
[95%CI] = 1.275 [1.209-1.344], p < 0.001). Elevated Hcy was significantly
associated with increased risk of CAD (adjusted OR[95%CI] =
1.087[1.009-1.171], p = 0.02 and severe CAD (adjusted OR [95%CI] = 1.07
[1.01-1.16, P = 0.04]). The results were confirmed in the majority of high
risk subsets of patients. Conclusions This study showed that high levels
of plasmatic Hcy are independently associated with CAD. Further large
studies are certainly needed to explore the adjunctive benefits from
vitamin administration in patients with elevated Hcy to prevent the
occurrence and progression of CAD. 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

<7>
Accession Number
2014508286
Authors
Stone P.A. Aburahma A.F. Mousa A.Y. Phang D. Hass S.M. Modak A. Dearing D.
Institution
(Stone, Aburahma, Mousa, Phang, Hass, Dearing) Department of Surgery,
Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center of West Virginia University,
Charleston, WV, United States
(Modak) Department of Surgery, Charleston Area Medical Center, Health
Education and Research Institute, Charleston, WV, United States
Title
Prospective randomized trial of ACUSEAL versus vascu-guard patching in
carotid endarterectomy.
Source
Annals of Vascular Surgery. 28 (6) (pp 1530-1538), 2014. Date of
Publication: August 2014.
Publisher
Elsevier Inc.
Abstract
Background Multiple studies have been conducted that demonstrate the
superiority of patch angioplasty over primary closure for carotid
endarterectomy (CEA). Patch angioplasty with polytetrafluorethylene
patches (ACUSEAL) have shown results comparable to patch angioplasty with
saphenous vein and polyester patches. This is a prospective randomized
study to compare the clinical outcomes of CEA using ACUSEAL versus bovine
pericardium patching (Vascu-Guard). Methods Two hundred patients were
randomized (1:1) to either ACUSEAL or Vascu-Guard patching. Demographic
data/clinical characteristics were collected. Intraoperative hemostasis
times and the frequency of reexploration for neck hematoma were recorded.
All patients received immediate and 1-month postoperative duplex
ultrasound studies, which were repeated at 6-month intervals. A
Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the risk of restenosis and the
stroke-free survival rates. Results The demographics were similar in both
groups, except for a higher incidence of current smokers in the ACUSEAL
group and more patients with congestive heart failure in the Vascu-Guard
group (P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). The mean operative internal
carotid artery diameter and the mean arteriotomy length were similar in
both groups. The mean hemostasis time was 4.90 min for ACUSEAL patching
vs. 3.09 min for Vascu-Guard (P = 0.027); however, the mean operative
times were similar for both groups (ACUSEAL 2.09 hr vs. Vascu-Guard 2.16
hr, P = 0.669). The incidence of reexploration for neck hematoma was
higher in the Vascu-Guard group; 6.12% vs. 1.03% (P = 0.1183). The
incidence of perioperative ipsilateral neurologic events was 3.09% for
ACUSEAL patching vs. 1.02% for Vascu-Guard patching (P = 0.368). The mean
follow-up period was 15 months. The respective freedom from >70% carotid
restenosis at 1, 2, and 3 years were 100%, 100%, and 100% for ACUSEAL
patching vs. 100%, 98%, and 98% for Vascu-Guard patching (P = 0.2478). The
ipsilateral stroke-free rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 96% for ACUSEAL
and 99% for Vascu-Guard patching. Conclusions Although CEA patching with
ACUSEAL versus Vascu-Guard differed in hemostasis time, the frequency of
reexploration for neck hematomas was more frequent in the pericardial
patch group; however, only 1 patient had documented suture line bleeding
and the surgical reexploration rate is not likely to be patch related.
There were not any significant differences in perioperative/late
neurologic events and late restenosis in the 2 groups. 2014 Elsevier Inc.
All rights reserved.

<8>
Accession Number
2014506839
Authors
Ansari D. Bucin D. Nilsson J.
Institution
(Ansari, Nilsson) Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University,
Skane University Hospital, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
(Bucin) Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmo, Lund University, Skane
University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden
Title
Human leukocyte antigen matching in heart transplantation: Systematic
review and meta-analysis.
Source
Transplant International. 27 (8) (pp 793-804), 2014. Date of Publication:
August 2014.
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Abstract
Allocation of donors with regard to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is
controversial in heart transplantation. This paper is a systematic review
and meta-analysis of the available evidence. PubMed, Embase, and the
Cochrane Library were searched systematically for studies that addressed
the effects of HLA matching on outcome after heart transplantation.
Fifty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria. 34 studies had graft
rejection as outcome, with 26 of the studies reporting a significant
reduction in graft rejection with increasing degree of HLA matching.
Thirteen of 18 articles that reported on graft failure found that it
decreased significantly with increasing HLA match. Two multicenter studies
and nine single-center studies provided sufficient data to provide summary
estimates at 12 months. Pooled comparisons showed that graft survival
increased with fewer HLA-DR mismatches [0-1 vs. 2 mismatches: risk ratio
(RR) = 1.09 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.19; P = 0.04)]. Having
fewer HLA-DR mismatches (0-1 vs. 2) reduced the incidence of acute
rejection [(RR = 0.81 (0.66-0.99; P = 0.04)]. Despite the considerable
heterogeneity between studies, the short observation time, and older data,
HLA matching improves graft survival in heart transplantation. Prospective
HLA-DR matching is clinically feasible and should be considered as a major
selection criterion. 2014 Steunstichting ESOT.

<9>
[Use Link to view the full text]
Accession Number
2014506485
Authors
Morales C.H. Mejia C. Roldan L.A. Saldarriaga M.F. Duque A.F.
Institution
(Morales, Mejia, Roldan, Saldarriaga, Duque) Department of Surgery,
Universidad de Antioauia, Medellin, Colombia
(Morales) St. Vincent Paul University Hospital (HUSVP), Medellin, Colombia
Title
Negative pleural suction in thoracic trauma patients: A randomized
controlled trial.
Source
Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. 77 (2) (pp 251-255), 2014. Date
of Publication: August 2014.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The study aimed to establish the benefits of using chest tubes
with negative pleural suction against trapped water in patients with
penetrating or blunt chest trauma who underwent tube thoracostomy, in
terms of the incidence of complications, such as persistent air leak,
clotted hemothorax, empyema, and duration of stay. METHODS: Patients who
underwent tube thoracostomy because of traumatic pneumothorax, hemothorax,
or hemopneumothorax were randomly assigned into one of two groups: in
Group 1, the three-bottle drainage system was connected to a negative
suction; in Group 2, no suction was given. Patients who required
mechanical ventilation or emergency surgery (thoracotomy or thoracoscopy)
either at the time of admission to the institution or immediately after
the tube thoracostomy, patients who had histories of thoracic procedures
or chronic pulmonary diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
diffuse interstitial lung disease), and patients with multiple injuries
with severe traumatic brain injury and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score
less than 8 of 15 were excluded from the study. Hospital stay, duration of
tube thoracostomy, prolonged fistula, and other clinical variables were
compared. RESULTS: One hundred ten patients were included, 56 in the group
with suction and 54 in the group without suction. There were no
differences in the demographic characteristics of each group. There were
no differences between the groups in terms of hospital stay (p = 0.22),
duration of tube thoracostomy (p = 0.35) (3 days in each group), or
complications. However, the probability of air leak presence in time was
greater for the Group 1 patients with negative suction versus the Group 2
patients (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: The use of negative pleural suction did
not demonstrate advantages over the three-bottle chest drainage system
without suction in patients with uncomplicated traumatic pneumothorax,
hemothorax, or hemopneumothorax. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study,
level II. 2014 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

<10>
Accession Number
2014510911
Authors
Chi N.-H. Chou N.-K. Yu Y.-H. Yu H.-Y. Wu I.-H. Chen Y.-S. Huang S.-C. Ko
W.-J. Wang S.-S.
Institution
(Chi, Chou, Yu, Wu, Chen, Huang, Ko, Wang) Department of Surgery, National
Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan (Republic of China)
(Yu) Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public
Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (Republic of China)
Title
Heart transplantation in endstage rheumatic heart disease - Experience of
an endemic area.
Source
Circulation Journal. 78 (8) (pp 1900-1907), 2014. Date of Publication:
2014.
Abstract
Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a significant cause of
cardiovascular disease in developing countries. The nonsuppurative
cardiovascular sequel of group A streptococcal infection is sustained
inflammatory and immune reactions toward the myocardium and valves. This
study attempted to determine the long-term outcome of heart
transplantation in endstage RHD patients. Methods and Results: The 23
patients with endstage RHD at National Taiwan University Hospital between
June 1987 and March 2012 were enrolled. In the same period, 226 dilated
cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients were enrolled as the control group. The RHD
group experienced more right ventricular failure and higher central venous
pressure than the control group, which resulted in impaired liver and
kidney function. The RHD patients had a lower 15-year survival rate than
the DCM patients after transplantation (22.7% vs. 45.7%, P=0.038) and
higher incidence of tricuspid regurgitation than the control group (32.2%
vs. 11.4%). No differences existed between the groups for the mitral
regurgitation rate (RHD 37.7% vs. DCM 29.4%, P=0.562). Conclusions:
Preoperatively, the RHD patients suffered more tricuspid regurgitation
than the control group. The aortic and mitral valves in both groups
functioned well over the long term. Heart transplantation for endstage RHD
had a long-term survival rate that was inferior to that for DCM patients.

<11>
[Use Link to view the full text]
Accession Number
2014503531
Authors
Chiari P. Angoulvant D. Mewton N. Desebbe O. Obadia J.-F. Robin J. Farhat
F. Jegaden O. Bastien O. Lehot J.-J. Ovize M.
Institution
(Chiari, Desebbe, Bastien, Lehot) Department of Anesthesiology and
Critical Care, Lyon, France
(Mewton, Ovize) Clinical Investigation Center, Lyon, France
(Mewton, Ovize) Department of Cardiology, Lyon, France
(Obadia, Robin, Farhat, Jegaden) Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery,
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Louis Pradel, Lyon, France
(Chiari, Mewton, Obadia, Jegaden, Ovize) Lyon University, Inserm U1060,
CarMeN Laboratory, Univ Lyon-1, Lyon, France
(Angoulvant) Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de
Tours, EA 4245 Francois Rabelais University, Tours, France
Title
Cyclosporine protects the heart during aortic valve surgery.
Source
Anesthesiology. 121 (2) (pp 232-238), 2014. Date of Publication: August
2014.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Abstract
BACKGROUND:: Part of the myocardial damage occurring during cardiac
surgery is a consequence of reperfusion injury. Cyclosporine, a potent
inhibitor of the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition
pore, attenuates reperfusion injury in patients with acute ST-segment
elevation myocardial infarction. This study investigated whether the
administration of cyclosporine just before the aortic cross-unclamping
would reduce myocardial injury in patients undergoing aortic valve
surgery. METHODS:: This study was a monocentric, prospective, randomized,
single-blinded, controlled trial. Sixty-one patients, scheduled for
elective aortic valve surgery, were randomly assigned (computer-generated
randomization sequence) to receive either an intravenous bolus of
cyclosporine (2.5 mg/kg, cyclosporine group, n = 30) or normal saline
(control group, n = 31) 10 min before aortic cross-unclamping. The primary
endpoint was the 72-h area under the curve for cardiac troponin I.
RESULTS:: Both groups were similar with respect to baseline
characteristics and aortic cross-clamping duration. A significant 35%
reduction of area under the curve for cardiac troponin I was observed in
the cyclosporine group compared with the control group (242 + 225 vs. 155
+ 71 arbitrary units, mean + SD; mean difference, -86.2 + 42.5; 95% CI,
-172.3 to -0.1; P = 0.03). Cyclosporine beneficial effect remained
significant after adjustment for aortic cross-clamping duration in each
group (mean difference, -88 + 34, 95% CI, -157 to -19; P = 0.01). None of
the treated patients had significant side effects (odds ratio, 0.64; 95%
CI, 0.16 to 2.55; P = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS:: Cyclosporine administration at
the time of reperfusion protects against reperfusion injury in patients
undergoing aortic valve surgery. The clinical benefit of this protection
requires confirmation in a larger clinical trial. Copyright 2014, the
American Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc.

<12>
Accession Number
2014504088
Authors
Kumar P. Pillai R. Sreedharan M. Davidson D. Manjunath C.N. Fischer L.
Balakrishnan K.P. D'Ascenzo F. Sheiban I.
Institution
(Kumar) Meditrina Hospital, Trivandrum, India
(Pillai) KIMS Hospital, Trivandrum, India
(Sreedharan) NIMS Hospital, Trivandrum, India
(Davidson) Pushpagiri Hospital, Trivandrum, India
(Manjunath) Jayadeva Hospital, Bangalore, India
(Fischer) Medical Mission Hospital, Kolenchery, India
(Balakrishnan) PVS Hospital, Calicut, India
(D'Ascenzo, Sheiban) Division of Cardiology, University of Torino, Torino,
Italy
(Sheiban) Interventional Cardiology, Pederzoli Hospital, 37019 Peschiera
D/G, Italy
Title
RAPSTROM first-in-man study long-term results of a biodegradable polymer
sustained-release sirolimus-eluting stent in de novo coronary stenoses.
Source
Journal of Interventional Cardiology. 27 (4) (pp 373-380), 2014. Date of
Publication: August 2014.
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Abstract
Background Durable polymers used for first-generation drug-eluting stents
(DES) potentially contribute to persistent inflammation and late DES
thrombosis. We report the first real-life human experience with the
rapamycin-eluting biodegradable polymer-coated Rapstrom stent. Methods All
consecutive patients with single de novo native coronary stenosis (<30mm
and between 2.5 and 4.0mm) were enrolled. Major adverse cardiac events
(MACE) at 1 year (cardiac death, myocardial infarction [Q and non-Q], or
ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization) were the primary
end-point. Results A total of 123 patients were enrolled. The stent was
implanted without complications in all patients, and no MACE were recorded
at 30 days. At 12-month follow-up 9 patients (7.3%) experienced a MACE and
4 (3.2%) required a target lesion revascularization, while 1 (1%) stent
thrombosis was recorded. A planned angiographic follow-up (FU) was
performed in 73 patients (59%) at 9.4+2.6 months following the index
procedure. In-stent late loss was 0.16+0.09mm, and in-segment late loss
was 0.18+0.8mm. Conclusion The Rapstrom biodegradable polymer
rapamycin-eluting stent appeared safe and efficacious in this first
real-life human experience, due to a low late lumen loss. Larger
randomized studies are required to confirm these preliminary results. (J
Interven Cardiol 2014;27:373-380) 2014, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

<13>
Accession Number
2014509926
Authors
Kovamees O. Shemyakin A. Pernow J.
Institution
(Kovamees, Shemyakin, Pernow) Department of Medicine, Karolinska
Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Title
Effect of arginase inhibition on ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients
with coronary artery disease with and without diabetes mellitus.
Source
PLoS ONE. 9 (7) , 2014. Article Number: e103260. Date of Publication: 29
Jul 2014.
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Abstract
Background: Arginase competes with nitric oxide synthase for their common
substrate L-arginine. Up-regulation of arginase in coronary artery disease
(CAD) and diabetes mellitus may reduce nitric oxide bioavailability
contributing to endothelial dysfunction and ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Arginase inhibition reduces infarct size in animal models. Therefore the
aim of the current study was to investigate if arginase inhibition
protects from endothelial dysfunction induced by ischemia-reperfusion in
patients with CAD with or without type 2 diabetes (Clinical trial
registration number: NCT02009527). Methods: Male patients with CAD (n =
12) or CAD + type 2 diabetes (n = 12), were included in this cross-over
study with blinded evaluation. Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was
assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the radial artery before and
after 20 min ischemia-reperfusion during intra-arterial infusion of the
arginase inhibitor (N<sup></sup>-hydroxy-nor-L-arginine, 0.1 mg/min) or
saline. Results: The forearm ischemia-reperfusion was well tolerated.
Endothelium-independent vasodilatation was assessed by sublingual
nitroglycerin. Ischemia-reperfusion decreased FMD in patients with CAD
from 12.7+5.2% to 7.9+4.0% during saline administration (P<0.05).
N<sup></sup>-hydroxy-nor-L-arginine administration prevented the decrease
in FMD in the CAD group (10.3+4.3% at baseline vs. 11.5+3.6% at
reperfusion). Ischemia-reperfusion did not significantly reduce FMD in
patients with CAD + type 2 diabetes. However, FMD at reperfusion was
higher following nor-NOHA than following saline administration in both
groups (P<0.01). Endothelium-independent vasodilatation did not differ
between the occasions. Conclusions: Inhibition of arginase protects
against endothelial dysfunction caused by ischemia-reperfusion in patients
with CAD. Arginase inhibition may thereby be a promising therapeutic
strategy in the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury. 2014 Kovamees
et al.

<14>
Accession Number
2014497556
Authors
Erb J. Beutlhauser T. Feldheiser A. Schuster B. Treskatsch S. Grubitzsch
H. Spies C.
Institution
(Erb) Department of Anaesthesia, Surgical Intensive Care, Prehospital
Emergency Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital of Basel, Basel,
Switzerland
(Beutlhauser, Feldheiser, Schuster, Treskatsch, Spies) Department of
Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Campus Charite Mitte and
Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin,
Germany
(Grubitzsch) Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Campus Charite Mitte,
Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Title
Influence of levosimendan on organ dysfunction in patients with severely
reduced left ventricular function undergoing cardiac surgery.
Source
Journal of International Medical Research. 42 (3) (pp 750-764), 2014. Date
of Publication: June 2014.
Publisher
SAGE Publications Ltd
Abstract
Objectives: Levosimendan is an inotropic drug with organ-protective
properties due to its activation of mitochondrial K<sub>ATP</sub>
channels. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled
study investigated whether administration of levosimendan prior to
cardiopulmonary bypass could reduce organ dysfunction and influence
subsequent secondary endpoints. Patients and methods: Patients with left
ventricular ejection fraction <30% scheduled for elective coronary artery
bypass surgery (with or without valve surgery) received either
levosimendan (12.5 mg, 0.1 mug kg<sup>1</sup> per min; n=17) or placebo
(n=16) central venous infusion, immediately after anaesthesia induction,
as add-on medication to a goal-orientated treatment algorithm. Results: A
total of 33 patients completed the study. There were no statistically
significant differences in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores,
survival, haemodynamic parameters, time to extubation, time in intensive
care unit, need for haemodialysis or health-related quality-oflife at 6
months post operation. The levosimendan group compared with the placebo
group had significantly lower use of epinephrine (35% versus 81%) and
nitroglycerine (6% versus 44%) 24 h postoperation, and significantly less
frequent serious adverse events (13% versus 47%). The Author(s) 2014
Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

<15>
Accession Number
2014497548
Authors
Kim K. Kim W.-J. Choi D.-K. Lee Y.K. Choi I.-C. Sim J.-Y.
Institution
(Kim, Kim, Choi, Choi, Sim) Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine,
Asan Medical Centre, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South
Korea
(Lee) Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Hangang Sacred Heart
Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, South Korea
Title
The analgesic efficacy and safety of nefopam in patient-controlled
analgesia after cardiac surgery: A randomized, double-blind, prospective
study.
Source
Journal of International Medical Research. 42 (3) (pp 684-692), 2014. Date
of Publication: June 2014.
Publisher
SAGE Publications Ltd
Abstract
Objective: The efficacy and side-effects of nefopam were prospectively
compared with those of fentanyl for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
following cardiac surgery. Methods: Patients scheduled to undergo cardiac
surgery were randomly assigned between three PCA groups (nefopam, fentanyl
or nefopam + fentanyl). Pain was assessed at rest and during movement at
12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h after surgery using a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Total infused PCA volume, number of rescue drug injections, duration of
intubation and length of stay in the intensive care unit were recorded.
The incidence of adverse effects was noted at 48 h postoperatively.
Results: There were no significant between-group differences in VAS score,
total PCA infusion volume or number of rescue injections (n=92 per group).
Nausea was significantly more common in the fentanyl group compared with
both other groups. Conclusions: PCA with nefopam alone provides suitable
postoperative analgesia after cardiac surgery. The Author(s) 2014
Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

<16>
Accession Number
2014509468
Authors
Cassese S. Fusaro M. Byrne R.A. Tada T. Hoppmann P. Joner M. Laugwitz
K.-L. Schunkert H. Kastrati A.
Institution
(Cassese, Fusaro, Byrne, Tada, Joner, Schunkert, Kastrati) Deutsches
Herzzentrum, Technische Universitat Munchen, Lazarettstrasse, 36, Munich,
Germany
(Cassese, Fusaro, Byrne, Tada, Hoppmann, Joner, Laugwitz, Schunkert,
Kastrati) DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site
Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
(Hoppmann, Laugwitz) Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar,
Technische Universitat Munchen, Munich, Germany
Title
Clinical outcomes of patients treated with Nobori biolimus-eluting stent:
Meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Source
International Journal of Cardiology. 175 (3) (pp 484-491), 2014. Date of
Publication: 20 Aug 2014.
Publisher
Elsevier Ireland Ltd
Abstract
Backgrounds The Nobori is a new-generation, biodegradable-polymer coated,
biolimus-eluting stent (BES) that has recently been investigated in
several randomized trials with inconsistent results. The aim of this study
was to assess the efficacy and safety of Nobori BES versus other
drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients treated with percutaneous coronary
intervention (PCI). Methods We undertook a meta-analysis of randomized
trials investigating Nobori BES versus other DES. Primary efficacy and
safety outcomes were target lesion revascularization (TLR) and
definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST), respectively. Secondary outcomes
were the composite of cardiac death/myocardial infarction (MI)/target
vessel revascularization (TVR), MI and death. Results A total of 9114
PCI-patients randomly received Nobori BES (n = 5080) or other DES (n =
4034). This latter group comprised patients receiving everolimus- (n =
2533), sirolimus- (n = 1376) or paclitaxel-eluting stents (n = 125).
Median follow-up was 11 months [interquartile range 9-12]. The Nobori BES
versus other DES showed comparable risk of TLR (odds ratio [95% confidence
interval] = 0.91 [0.57-1.46], p = 0.71). There was significant
heterogeneity across trials due to significant lower TLR risk with Nobori
BES versus paclitaxel-eluting stent (0.32 [0.10-0.98], p = 0.046; p for
interaction = 0.009). Nobori BES versus other DES showed comparable risk
of definite/probable ST (1.40 [0.66-2.97], p = 0.39), cardiac death/MI/TVR
(1.05 [0.88-1.25], p = 0.59), MI (1.13 [0.87-1.48], p = 0.37) and death
(1.09 [0.81-1.48], p = 0.56). Conclusions Nobori BES has comparable
efficacy with other limus-eluting stents at 1-year follow-up. There is no
difference in terms of safety profile between these stent platforms. 2014
Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

<17>
Accession Number
2014503242
Authors
Antoniou G.A. Karkos C.D. Antoniou S.A. Georgiadis G.S.
Institution
(Antoniou) Department of Vascular Surgery, Hellenic Red Cross Hospital,
Souniou 11, 19001 Keratea, Athens, Greece
(Karkos) 5th Department of Surgery, Hippocrateio Hospital, Aristotle
University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
(Antoniou) Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Heraklion,
University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
(Georgiadis) Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Democritus
University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
Title
Can an accessory renal artery be safely covered during endovascular aortic
aneurysm repair?.
Source
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. 17 (6) (pp 1025-1027),
2013. Date of Publication: December 2013.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
A best evidence topic was constructed according to a structured protocol.
The question addressed was whether coverage of an accessory renal artery
(ARA) in patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is
associated with increased risk of renal impairment. Altogether, 106 papers
were located using the reported searches, of which 5 represented the best
evidence to answer the question. The authors, journal, date and country of
publication, study type, patient group studied, relevant outcomes
parameters and results of these papers are tabulated. Our best evidence
analysis included 116 patients who had one or more ARA excluded during
EVAR. Segmental renal infarction occurred in varying numbers of patients
(ranging from 0 to 84%). The authors consistently demonstrate that loss of
renal mass is not associated with functional renal impairment, expressed
by various outcome parameters such as serum creatinine, glomerular
filtration rate (GFR), renal failure requiring dialysis and worsening
hypertension. Comparisons of groups of patient with covered or preserved
ARAs by one of the selected studies showed no difference in any of these
renal outcome parameters, apart from a significantly higher renal infarct
volume in the former group (P< 0.001). Subgroup analysis of patients with
pre-existing renal dysfunction (GFR < 60 ml/h/m<sup>2</sup>) showed no
difference in GFR change when comparing covered with uncovered ARA patient
cohorts. No type II endoleak related to the covered ARA was reported in
any of these studies. In conclusion, current evidence supports the safety
of coverage of ARAs located in the proximal fixation zone to achieve seal
in EVAR. The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf
of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights
reserved.

<18>
Accession Number
2014503241
Authors
Watson R.A. Hamza M. Tsakok T.M. Tsakok M.T.
Institution
(Watson, Tsakok) Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2
1HG, United Kingdom
(Hamza) King's College London School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
(Tsakok) Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
Title
Radial artery for coronary artery bypass grafting: Does proximal
anastomosis to the aorta or left internal mammary artery achieve better
patency?.
Source
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. 17 (6) (pp 1020-1024),
2013. Date of Publication: December 2013.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a
structured protocol. The question addressed was 'in coronary artery bypass
grafting using radial artery grafts, does proximal anastomosis to the
aorta or left internal mammary artery achieve better patency'. Altogether
> 183 papers were found using the reported search, of which 9 represented
the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal,
date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type,
relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Radial artery
grafts typically have a narrower lumen than vein grafts, and as such there
is some concern that anastomosing them directly to the aorta during
coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may impair graft patency. As such,
some surgeons prefer to anastomose radial artery grafts to a second-order
vessel such as the left internal mammary artery (LIMA). We sought to
assess the evidence for this. A handful of papers directly addressing the
issue of the effect of the site of proximal anastomosis on graft patency
were found, with three showing no significant difference. One such study
reported an insignificant difference in angiographic patency at 32 months
postoperatively, with 94.1% of off-Aorta grafts remaining patent vs 87.2%
of off-LIMA grafts (p = 0.123). However, a large-scale well-designed study
was able to demonstrate a statistically significant difference at five
years postoperatively, with 74.3% of off-Aorta grafts patent, compared
with 65.2% of off-LIMA (p = 0.004). Nonetheless, a number of papers that
report patency for either off-Aorta or off-LIMA grafts give comparable
figures for each technique. Additionally, different centres and
investigators report very different patency results for grafts that have
the same site of proximal anastomosis. One centre was able to achieve
patency rates for off-LIMA grafts of 88% up to a mean of 7.7 years
postoperatively while another centre reported a patency rate of only 78.6%
at three years. Given this, and the plethora of other factors influencing
graft patency, we conclude that the best evidence suggests that the site
of proximal anastomosis has little or no effect on radial artery graft
patency following CABG. The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University
Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.
All rights reserved.

<19>
Accession Number
2014503237
Authors
Tennyson C. Lee R. Attia R.
Institution
(Tennyson) Ulster Hospital, South Eastern Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
(Lee) Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit, London Chest Hospital, London, United
Kingdom
(Attia) Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Academic Surgery, Guy's
and St Thoma's Hospital London, London, United Kingdom
Title
Is there a role for HbAlc in predicting mortality and morbidity outcomes
after coronary artery bypass graft surgery?.
Source
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. 17 (6) (pp 1000-1008),
2013. Date of Publication: December 2013.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a
structured protocol. The question addressed was is there a role for HbAlc
in predicting morbidity and mortality outcomes after coronary artery
bypass surgery? Eleven studies presented the best evidence to answer the
clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication,
patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these
papers are tabulated. The studies presented analyse the relationship
between preoperative HbAlc levels and postoperative outcomes following
coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in diabetic, non-diabetic or mixed
patient groups. Four studies found significant increases in early and late
mortality at higher HbAl c levels, regardless of a preoperative diagnosis
of diabetes. One study demonstrated that 30-day survival outcomes were
significantly worse in patients with previously undiagnosed diabetes and
elevated HbAlc compared with those with good control [HbAl c > 6%; odds
ratio 1.53, confidence interval (CI) (1.24-1.91); P = 0.0005]. However,
four studies of early mortality outcomes in diabetic patients only showed
no significant differences between patients with normal and those with
deranged HbAlc levels (P= 0.99). There were mixed reports on morbidity
outcomes. Three studies identified a significant increase in infectious
complications in patients with poorly controlled HbAlc, two of which were
irrespective of previous diabetic status [deep sternal wound infection (P
= 0.014); superficial sternal wound infection (P = 0.007) and minor
infections (P = 0.006) in poorly controlled diabetics only]. Four studies
presented outcomes for total length of stay (LOS). Three of these papers
looked specifically at diabetic patients, of which two found no
significant differences in length of stay between good and poor
preoperative glycaemic control [LOS: P= 0.59 and 0.86 vs P < 0.001].
However, elevated HbAlc vs normal HbAlc was associated with prolonged stay
in hospital and in intensive care unit (ICU) in patients irrespective of
previous diabetic status [total LOS (P< 0.001)]. Elevated HbAlc levels
were also a significant predictor of reduced intraoperative insulin
sensitivity in diabetic patients (R =-0.527; P< 0.001). Furthermore,
higher HbAlc levels were associated with a reduced incidence of
postoperative atrial fibrillation (P = 0.001). We conclude that elevated
HbA1 c is a strong predictor of mortality and morbidity irrespective of
previous diabetic status. In particular, the mortality risk for CABG is
quadrupled at HbAl c levels > 8.6%. Some studies have called into question
the predictive value of HbAl c on short-term outcomes in well-controlled
diabetics; however, long-term outcomes in this population have not been
reported.

<20>
Accession Number
2014503234
Authors
Reeb J. Falcoz P.-E. Olland A. Massard G.
Institution
(Reeb, Falcoz, Olland, Massard) Department of Thoracic Surgery, University
Hospital, Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 place de l'Hopital, BP
426, 67091 Strasbourg Cedex, France
Title
Are daily routine chest radiographs necessary after pulmonary surgery in
adult patients?.
Source
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. 17 (6) (pp 995-998),
2013. Date of Publication: December 2013.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
A best evidence topic was constructed according to a structured protocol.
The question addressed was whether daily routine (DR) chest radiographs
(CXRs) are necessary after pulmonary surgery in adult patients. Of the 66
papers found using a report search, seven presented the best evidence to
answer the clinical question. Four of these seven studies specifically
addressed post-cardiothoracic adult patients. Three of these seven studies
addressed intensive care unit (ICU) patients and included
post-cardiothoracic adult patients in well-designed studies. Six of these
seven studies compared the DR CXRs strategy to the clinically indicated,
on-demand (OD) CXRs strategy. Another study analysed the clinical impact
of ceasing to perform the DR, postoperative, post-chest tubes removal
CXRs. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, study type,
group studied, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are given. We
conclude that, on the whole, the seven studies are unanimously in favour
of forgoing DR CXRs after lung resection and advocate OD CXRs. One study
suggested that hypoxic patients could benefit from a DR CXRs strategy,
while other studies failed to identify any subgroup for whom performing DR
CXRs was beneficial. Indeed, DR CXRs, commonly taken after thoracic
surgery, have poor diagnostic and therapeutic value. Eliminating them for
adult patients having undergone thoracic surgery significantly decreases
the number of CXRs per patient without increasing mortality rates, length
of hospital stays (LOSs), readmission rates and adverse events. Hence,
current evidence shows that DR CXRs could be forgone after lung resection
because OD CXRs, recommended by clinical monitoring, have a better impact
on management and have not been proved to negatively affect patient
outcomes. Moreover, an OD CXRs strategy lowers the cost of care.
Nevertheless, an OD CXRs strategy requires close clinical monitoring by
experienced surgeons and dedicated intensivists. However, given the
published studies' low level of evidence, prospective and randomized
trials, specifically after thoracic surgery, are necessary in order to
confirm these results. The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University
Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.
All rights reserved.

<21>
Accession Number
2014503233
Authors
Moen C.A. Burrell A. Dunning J.
Institution
(Moen) Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen,
Norway
(Burrell, Dunning) Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, James Cook
University Hospital, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Title
Does tranexamic acid stop haemoptysis?.
Source
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. 17 (6) (pp 991-994),
2013. Date of Publication: December 2013.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a
structured protocol. The question addressed was 'Does tranexamic acid stop
haemoptysis'? Altogether 49 papers were found using the reported search
strategy, of which 13 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical
question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient
group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers
are tabulated. This consisted of one systematic review including a
meta-Analysis of two double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the
two RCTs, one cohort study, two case-series and seven case reports. Main
outcomes included bleeding time, bleeding volume and occurrence of
thromboembolic complications after start of treatment. Based on results
from the meta-Analysis, no difference in remission of bleeding within 1
week was found between tranexamic acid (TA) and placebo groups (odds ratio
1.56, 95% CI: 0.44-5.46). However, overall bleeding time was significantly
shorter for the TA group (weighted mean difference -19.47, 95% CI: -26.90,
-12.03 h). In one RCT, TA reduced both the duration and the volume of
bleeding compared with patients receiving placebo (both P< 0.0005).
However, the other RCT failed to find a difference in bleeding time (P =
0.2). In these studies, no patient suffered from thromboembolic
complications. Two case reports, however, describe development of
pulmonary embolism during TA treatment. Several case reports on the use of
TA for treatment of haemoptysis secondary to cystic fibrosis were found.
In general, they suggest that TA may be a useful and well-tolerated
medication for the treatment of intractable haemoptysis in this patient
group. We conclude that limited research on the use of TA for treatment of
haemoptysis exists. As aetiology of haemoptysis as well as length of
treatment, dosage and form of TA administration varied between the
studies, strong recommendations are difficult to give. Current best
evidence, however, indicates that TA may reduce both the duration and
volume of bleeding, with low risk of short-term thromboembolic
complications, in patients with haemoptysis. The Author 2013. Published
by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for
Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

<22>
Accession Number
2014503223
Authors
El Midany A.A.H. Mostafa E.A. Azab S. Hassan G.A.
Institution
(El Midany, Mostafa, Azab) Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic
Surgery, Ain Shams University, Ramses Str., Abbassia, PO Code 11588 Cairo,
Egypt
(Hassan) Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Menoufeya University,
Cairo, Egypt
Title
Perioperative sildenafil therapy for Pulmonary hypertension in infants
undergoing congenital cardiac defect closure.
Source
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. 17 (6) (pp 963-968),
2013. Date of Publication: December 2013.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary hypertension in paediatric patients with ventricular
septal defect remains one of the most important determinants of
perioperative morbidity and mortality. Sildenafil is an oral,
well-tolerated pulmonary vasodilator with few drug interactions. We
studied the effect of oral sildenafil, when given before and after
surgical closure compared with starting it postoperatively, on the
pulmonary artery pressure and patients' outcome. METHODS: We enrolled 101
infants with large ventricular septal defects who had moderate-to-severe
pulmonary hypertension scheduled for surgical closure. They were randomly
assigned to the sildenafil group (n = 51, mean age 10 months and mean
weight 6.5 kg), in which oral sildenafil was started 2 weeks before
surgery to be continued postoperatively, and to the control group (n = 50,
mean age 11 months and mean weight 7.3 kg), in which sildenafil was
started only postoperatively. It was started at 0.5 mg/kg and increased
gradually to a maximum dose of 2 mg/kg in both groups. RESULTS: Overall
hospital mortality was 4.9%. Mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased
significantly at all time points of recording in both groups (P< 0.0001).
In the sildenafil group, it decreased preoperatively after sildenafil
administration from 75.4 to 59.4 mmHg and postoperatively from 50.4 mmHg
immediate post-cardiopulmonary bypass to reach 44.2 mmHg before discharge.
In the control group, it decreased from 74.6 mmHg to 51 mmHg immediate
post-cardiopulmonary bypass to reach 42.7 mmHg before discharge. No
adverse effects have been recorded. Although there was no difference in
the duration of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay between the two
groups, intensive care unit stay was significantly shorter in the
sildenafil group. Dobutamine doses were significantly higher in the
sildenafil group; however, milrinone and epinephrine have been used more
significantly in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The low cost, the oral
availability and the good tolerability of sildenafil make it a suitable
and simple alternative therapy for secondary pulmonary hypertension
including persistent postoperative pulmonary hypertension associated with
ventricular septal defect in resource limited places. However, starting
sildenafil early before surgery does not add a great benefit in terms of
improving postoperative pulmonary hypertension or patients' outcome. The
Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the
European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

<23>
Accession Number
71555950
Authors
Salvatici M. Cardinale D. Facchi G. Colombo A. Spaggiari L. Sandri M.T.
Institution
(Salvatici, Cardinale, Facchi, Colombo, Spaggiari, Sandri) European
Institute of Oncology, Italy
Title
NtproBNP identifies patients at high risk of postoperative atrial
fibrillation suitable of preventive therapy.
Source
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Conference: 22nd International
Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 22nd Balkan
Clinical Laboratory Federation Meeting, BCLF 2014, 26th National Congress
of the Turkish Biochemical Society, TBS 2014, IFCC WORLDLAB 2014 Istanbul
Turkey. Conference Start: 20140622 Conference End: 20140626. Conference
Publication: (var.pagings). 52 (pp S577), 2014. Date of Publication: July
2014.
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter GmbH and Co. KG
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most
frequent complications of thoracic surgery for lung cancer, with an
incidence ranging from 8 to 42%. In some studies, postoperative AF has
been found to be a benign and self-limiting complication, whereas, in
others, it has been related to significantly increased morbidity and
mortality. The development of postoperative AF is associated with a
prolonged length of hospitalization and high related costs. The
identification of patients at high risk that could benefit from preventive
strategies, represents a clear need. Several risk indexes have been
evaluated, and recently the N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) has emerged as
an early marker predictive of post-operative AF in different surgical
settings. This study was aimed at the evaluation of the efficacy of
treatment with a beta-blocker or angiotensin receptor blocker, in patients
with elevated perioperative values of Nt-proBNP at higher risk for AF.
METHODS: We conducted a prospective randomized controlled study in
patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery for lung cancer. Patients
with elevated perioperative values of NT-proBNP were randomized to receive
a cardio protective therapy (Metoprolol or Losartan) or no therapy
(control subjects). The primary end point was a decrease of the incidence
of postoperative AF. RESULTS: of the 1116 cancer patients undergoing
thoracic surgery enrolled from April 2008 to June 2013, 315 showed a
perioperative NT-proBNP increase and were randomized to receive Metoprolol
n=104 or Losartan n=101, while 110 represented the control group. All
patients remained under continuous ECG monitoring until discharge.
Sixty-three patients (20%) develop a postoperative AF. A significant
reduction of postoperative AF events was observed in treated patients: 7%
(= 7 patients) and 11% (=12 patients) in the groups receiving metoprolol
or losartan respectively, compared to 40% (n=44) in the control group
(P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery
for lung cancer, a perioperative increased value of NtproBNP could
represent an early marker useful to candidate patients to receive a
therapy with beta-blocker or angiotensin to prevent the development of a
postoperative AF.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

EMBASE Cardiac Update AutoAlert: EPICORE Cardiac Surgery Blogger2

Total documents retrieved: 26

Results Generated From:
Embase <1980 to 2014 Week 32>
Embase (updates since 2014-08-01)


<1>
Accession Number
24197403
Authors
Hayn D. Kollmann A. Perl S. Kos C. Rotman B. Lercher P. Tscheliessnigg
K.-H. Schreier G.
Institution
(Hayn, Kollmann, Schreier) Safety and Security Department, AIT Austrian
Institute of Technology GmbH, Graz, Austria
(Perl, Kos, Rotman, Lercher) Division of Cardiology, Department Internal
Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
(Tscheliessnigg) Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery,
Medical University of Graz, Austria
Title
A randomized controlled clinical trial of pacemaker follow-up in clinic
and by telemedical interpretation of the pacemakers' magnet mode.
Source
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 19 (8) (pp 456-465), 2013. Date of
Publication: December 2013.
Abstract
We assessed a two-stage follow-up procedure for cardiac pacemakers, where
in-clinic follow-ups were partly replaced by telemedical follow-ups. This
was compared with the standard follow-up regime (in-clinic follow-up
only). The new procedure required an electronic patient record, a
telemedical follow-up unit for recording ECGs while the pacemaker was
temporarily set to magnet mode, an ECG processing unit, and a reviewing
and reporting unit. A total of 177 (86 female) patients were randomized to
the control group and 182 (98 female) patients to the telemedicine group.
In the telemedicine group, 234 telemedical follow-ups were performed. Out
of these, 68 required an additional in-clinic follow-up, while 166 were
sufficient for assessing the pacemakers' working status. During the study,
there were 19 deaths in the telemedicine group and 20 in the control
group. There was no significant difference between the two groups(P =
0.40). The probability that an individual patient's pacemaker would not to
be replaced over time was analysed in a similar way to the Kaplan-Meier
survival function. Fewer pacemakers were replaced in the telemedicine
group (14) than in the control group (18), but the difference was not
significant (P = 0.26). We conclude that alternating telemedical and
in-clinic follow-ups brings no additional risks for patients. The
follow-up procedure is feasible and interpretation of the pacemakers'
magnet effect provides an easy-to-use, manufacturer-independent method of
assessing the pacemakers' working status. This should reduce the patient
load on pacemaker centres and decrease the overall costs of pacemaker
therapy. The Author(s) 2013.

<2>
Accession Number
2014496983
Authors
Sarikaya S. Onk A. Boztosun B. Kocabay G. Sahin M. Fedakar A. Koksal C.
Institution
(Sarikaya, Onk, Fedakar, Koksal) Department of Cardiovascular Surgery,
Kartal Kosuyolu Yuksek Ihtisas Heart Education and Research Hospital,
Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey
(Boztosun, Kocabay, Sahin) Department of Cardiology, Kartal Kosuyolu
Yuksek Ihtisas Heart Education and Research Hospital, Kartal, Istanbul,
34846, Turkey
Title
The effect of nebivolol on internal mammary artery blood flow during
coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Source
Perfusion (United Kingdom). 29 (4) (pp 315-320), 2014. Date of
Publication: July 2014.
Publisher
SAGE Publications Ltd
Abstract
Background: During coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), one of the most
important complications related to the internal mammary artery (IMA) is
perioperative spasm. Nebivolol causes endothelium-dependent vascular
relaxation by increasing nitric oxide (NO) release and prevents
endothelial dysfunction in long-term use. In our study, we measured the
effect of a third generation beta blocker, nebivolol, on the flow dynamics
of IMA grafts. Methods: We recruited 90 hypertensive patients undergoing
isolated CABG operation, who were divided into three groups and each group
included 30 patients: Group 1 patients were under antihypertensive
treatment other than betablockers (angiontensin-converting enzyme [ACE]
inhibitors, calcium channel blockers or diuretics; monotherapy or
combination therapy), Group 2 received metoprolol (50 mg/day) and Group 3
received nebivolol (5 mg/day). These antihypertensive therapies were given
for at least one week before the operation and continued thereafter. IMA
blood flow volume was measured for one minute just before cardiopulmonary
bypass (measurement A) and before left internal mammary artery (LIMA)-left
anterior descending (LAD) artery anastomosis (measurement B) in the three
groups. Cardiac output measurements were also achieved simultaneously.
Results: The measurement A results were 56.3 + 36.2, 54.6 + 28.1 and 66.8
+ 34.2 mL/min in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p<0.05). The measurement
B results were 78.3 + 29.6, 80 + 28.8 and 91.1 + 40.8 mL/min in Groups 1,
2 and 3 (p<0.05), respectively. There were no differences in cardiac
outputs among the groups; 5.2 + 1.4, 5.0 + 1.6 and 5.3 + 1.1 L/min
(p>0.05). While the cardiac outputs were similar within the three groups,
the IMA free flow volume was higher in the nebivolol group after local
papaverine use. Conclusion: Nebivolol might represent a good choice in
hypertensive patients undergoing cardiac surgery by preventing
perioperative myocardial hypoperfusion which increases early morbidity and
mortality. The Author(s) 2014.

<3>
Accession Number
2014502135
Authors
Lim J.Y. Deo S.V. Kim W.S. Altarabsheh S.E. Erwin P.J. Park S.J.
Institution
(Lim, Deo, Kim) Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic,
Rochester, United States
(Kim) Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Samsung Medical
Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
(Altarabsheh) Department of Cardiac Surgery, Queen Alia Heart Institute,
Amman, Jordan
(Deo) Department of Cardiac Surgery, Adventist Wockhardt Heart Hospital,
Surat Gujarat, India
(Erwin) Mayo Clinic Libraries, Rochester MN, United States
(Park) Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Case Medical Center, Case
Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH, United States
Title
Drug-eluting stents versus coronary artery bypass grafting in diabetic
patients with multi-vessel disease: A meta-analysis.
Source
Heart Lung and Circulation. 23 (8) (pp 717-725), 2014. Date of
Publication: August 2014.
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
Background: Data comparing long-term results after percutaneous
intervention with drug-eluting stents (DES/PCI) and coronary artery
grafting (CABG) in diabetic patients (pts) with multi-vessel disease is
conflicting. We have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to
help answer this issue. Methods: MEDLINE, WoS, and Scopus were
systematically analysed to yield observational studies (OBS) or randomised
controlled trials (RCT) fulfilling search criteria. Odds ratio (OR) for
studied end-points were obtained with inverse variance random effects
analysis. Results are presented with 95% confidence intervals with
significance at p<0.05. Results: A total of 14 studies (5 RCT; 9 OBS)
including more than 5000 pts were selected for review. Early/30-day was
lower in the DES/PCI cohort [OR 0.49(0.27, 0.88); p=0.02;
I<sup>2</sup>=0%]. Post-procedural stroke was higher in the CABG (1.8%)
cohort compared to DES/PCI (0.17%; p<0.01). A pooled analysis of RCT
demonstrated that stroke rate was similar in both cohorts at the end of
one year [OR 0.84(0.19, 3.74); p=0.82; I<sup>2</sup> =67%].During a
follow-up of three to five years, repeat intervention was much higher in
the DES/PCI cohort [OR 3.02(2.13, 4.28; p<0.01]. The odds of suffering an
adverse cardiovascular /cerebrovascular event were 1.71 (1.27, 2.3) times
higher in the DES/PCI cohort compared to CABG. Conclusion: In diabetic
patients with multivessel disease, early mortality is lower in the DES/PCI
cohort. While peri-procedural stroke rates are lower with PCI, they are,
however, comparable at the end of one year. Use of drug-eluting stents
leads to a higher rate of re-intervention and major
cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events at three to five years. 2014
Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons
(ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ).

<4>
Accession Number
2014501167
Authors
Wang W. Xu Z. Xiong X. Yin W. Xu X. Shao W. Chen H. He J.
Institution
(Wang, Xu, Xiong, Yin, Xu, Shao, Chen, He) Department of Cardiothoracic
Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University,
Guangzhou 510120, China
(Wang, Xu, Xiong, Yin, Xu, Shao, Chen, He) Guangzhou Institute of
Respiratory Disease, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease,
Guangzhou 510120, China
Title
Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer in
patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Source
Journal of Thoracic Disease. 5 (SUPPL.3) (pp S253-S259), 2013. Date of
Publication: 2013.
Publisher
Pioneer Bioscience Publishing
Abstract
Objective: To assess the feasibility, safety and long-term outcomes of
video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for the treatment of
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with severe chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: The clinical data of
patients with NSCLC and severe COPD (preoperative FEV1% <50%) who
underwent VATS lobectomy from January 2000 to January 2011 were
retrospectively analyzed to identify their demographic parameters,
postoperative complications and outcomes. Results: The preoperative
FEV1/FVC was <70% and FEV1% <50% in all 61 patients in this study, with a
mean preoperative FEV1 of 0.99 L (0.54-1.58 L) and mean FEV1% of 38.4%
(22-49.82%). All of the 61 patients underwent the VATS lobectomy or sleeve
resection plus systemic lymph node dissection. The mean operative time was
218 minutes (120-355 minutes), with a mean intraoperative blood loss of
342 mL (50-1,600 mL). None of the patients converted to thoracotomy.
Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that age and TNM staging after
tumor resection were independent predictive factors for the 5-year
survival in those patients (P=0.014 and 0.013). Conclusions: With
preoperative imaging studies, pulmonary function assessment and target
positioning, VATS lobectomy can be safely and effectively performed for
patients with NSCLC and severe COPD to achieve a satisfying long-term
survival outcome. Pioneer Bioscience Publishing Company.

<5>
Accession Number
2014501863
Authors
Ding N. Ni B.-Q. Zhang X.-L. Zha W.-J. Hutchinson S.Z. Lin W. Huang M.
Zhang S.-J. Wang H.
Institution
(Ding, Zhang, Zha, Huang, Wang) Department of Respiratory Medicine, The
First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
(Ni, Zhang) Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated
Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
(Hutchinson) Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
(Lin) Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of
Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
Title
Elimination of central sleep apnea by cardiac valve replacement: A
continuous follow-up study in patients with rheumatic valvular heart
disease.
Source
Sleep Medicine. 15 (8) (pp 880-886), 2014. Date of Publication: August
2014.
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Background: Recent studies have suggested that cardiac surgery may affect
sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in chronic heart failure patients.
However, the dynamic changes in sleep apnea and heart function after
cardiac surgery and the mechanisms responsible for these changes remain
unknown. Methods: Patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease (RVHD)
and SDB were enrolled and followed up at three, six and 12. months after
cardiac valve replacement (CVR). Baseline and follow-up clinical data
consisting of NYHA classification, 6. min walk distance (6-MWD),
medications, echocardiography, electrocardiography, chest X-ray, arterial
blood gas, lung-to-finger circulation time (LFCT), and sleep data were
collected and evaluated. Results: Twenty-four central sleep apnea (CSA)
patients and 15 obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients completed three
follow-up assessments. Comparison of the baseline parameters between OSA
patients and CSA patients showed that CSA patients had a worse baseline
cardiac function assessed by higher NYHA class, shorter 6-MWD, larger left
atrial diameter, longer LFCT, and enhanced chemosensitivity (higher pH and
lower arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO<sub>2</sub>)). A continuous
significant elevation in 6-MWD and left ventricular ejection fraction and
decrease in NYHA class, plasma BNP, and left atrial diameter were found in
both CSA and OSA patients. When comparing CSA and OSA patients, the CSA
indices were remarkably reduced at month 3 post CVR and sustained
throughout the trial, whereas there were no significant decreases in OSA
index and hypopnea index. pH values and LFCT were markedly decreased and
PaCO<sub>2</sub> markedly increased in patients with CSA at the end of the
third months following CVR. These changes were sustained until the end of
the trial. Conclusions: CSA patients with RVHD had a worse baseline
cardiac function, enhanced chemosensitivity and disordered hemodynamic as
compared with OSA patients with RVHD. CSA were eliminated after CVR;
however, there were no changes in OSA. The elimination of CSA, post CVR,
is associated with the combined efficacies of improvement of cardiac
function, normalized chemosensitivity, and stabilized hemodynamic. 2014
Elsevier B.V.

<6>
Accession Number
2014501840
Authors
Santa Mina D. Clarke H. Ritvo P. Leung Y.W. Matthew A.G. Katz J.
Trachtenberg J. Alibhai S.M.H.
Institution
(Santa Mina, Matthew, Trachtenberg) Department of Surgical Oncology,
Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, ON, Canada
(Santa Mina, Ritvo) University of Guelph-Humber, Toronto, ON, Canada
(Santa Mina, Katz) School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York
University, Toronto, ON, Canada
(Clarke, Leung, Matthew, Katz, Trachtenberg, Alibhai) University of
Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
(Clarke, Leung, Katz, Alibhai) University Health Network, Toronto, ON,
Canada
(Ritvo) Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
Title
Effect of total-body prehabilitation on postoperative outcomes: A
systematic review and meta-analysis.
Source
Physiotherapy (United Kingdom). 100 (3) (pp 196-207), 2014. Date of
Publication: September 2014.
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
Objective: To systematically review the evidence of pre-operative
exercise, known as 'prehabilitation', on peri- and postoperative outcomes
in adult surgical populations. Design: Systematic review and
meta-analysis. Data sources: CENTRAL, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO
and PEDro were searched from 1950 to 2011. Methods: Two reviewers
independently examined relevant, English-language articles that examined
the effects of pre-operative total-body exercise with peri- and
postoperative outcome analysis. Given the nascence of this field,
controlled and uncontrolled trials were included. Risk of bias was
assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment tool. Only data on
length of stay were considered eligible for meta-analysis due to the
heterogeneity of measures and methodologies for assessing other outcomes.
Results: In total, 4597 citations were identified by the search strategy,
of which 21 studies were included. Trials were generally small (median. =
54 participants) and of moderate to poor methodological quality. Compared
with standard care, the majority of studies found that total-body
prehabilitation improved postoperative pain, length of stay and physical
function, but it was not consistently effective in improving
health-related quality of life or aerobic fitness in the studies that
examined these outcomes. The meta-analysis indicated that prehabilitation
reduced postoperative length of stay with a small to moderate effect size
(Hedges' g= -0.39, P= 0.033). Intervention-related adverse events were
reported in two of 669 exercising participants. Conclusion: The literature
provides early evidence that prehabilitation may reduce length of stay and
possibly provide postoperative physical benefits. Cautious interpretation
of these findings is warranted given modest methodological quality and
significant risk of bias. 2013 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

<7>
Accession Number
2014497935
Authors
Turner K.R. Fisher E.C. Hade E.M. Houle T.T. Rocco M.V.
Institution
(Turner) Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State
University, Columbus, OH, United States
(Fisher) Metrolina Nephrology Associates, Charlotte, NC, United States
(Hade) Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH,
United States
(Houle) Department of Anesthesia, Wake Forest School of Medicine,
Winston-Salem, NC, United States
(Rocco) Section on Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Wake Forest School
of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
Title
The role of perioperative sodium bicarbonate infusion affecting renal
function after cardiothoracic surgery.
Source
Frontiers in Pharmacology. 5 JUN , 2014. Article Number: 127. Date of
Publication: 2014.
Publisher
Frontiers Research Foundation
Abstract
Cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is associated
with poor outcomes including increased mortality, length of hospital stay
(LOS) and cost. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is reported to
be between 3 and 30% depending on the definition of AKI. We designed a
multicenter randomized controlled trial to test our hypothesis that a
perioperative infusion of sodium bicarbonate (SB) during cardiac surgery
will attenuate the post-operative rise in creatinine indicating renal
injury when compared to a perioperative infusion with normal saline. An
interim analysis was performed after data was available on the first 120
participants. A similar number of patients in the two treatment groups
developed AKI, defined as an increase in serum creatinine the first 48 h
after surgery of 0.3 mg/dl or more. Specifically 14 patients (24%) who
received sodium chloride (SC) and 17 patients (27%) who received SB were
observed to develop AKI post-surgery, resulting in a relative risk of AKI
of 1.1 (95% CI: 0.6-2.1, chi-square p-value = 0.68) for patients receiving
SB compared to those who received SC. The data safety monitoring board for
the trial recommended closing the study early as there was only a 12%
probability that the null hypothesis would be rejected. We therefore
concluded that a perioperative infusion of SB failed to attenuate the risk
of CSA-AKI. 2014 Turner, Fisher, Hade, Houle and Rocco.

<8>
Accession Number
2014486368
Authors
Jaksch P. Ankersmit J. Scheed A. Kocher A. Murakozy G. Klepetko W. Lang G.
Institution
(Jaksch, Ankersmit, Scheed, Murakozy, Klepetko, Lang) Department of
Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
(Kocher) Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna,
Wien, Austria
Title
Alemtuzumab in lung transplantation: An open-label, randomized,
prospective single center study.
Source
American Journal of Transplantation. 14 (8) (pp 1839-1845), 2014. Date of
Publication: August 2014.
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Abstract
Induction therapy with alemtuzumab followed by lower maintenance
immunosuppression (IS) has been associated with reduced morbidity and
mortality in abdominal and heart transplantation (TX). In the current
study, alemtuzumab, in combination with reduced levels of maintenance IS,
was compared to thymoglobulin in combination with standard IS. Sixty
consecutive patients who underwent lung transplantation (LUTX) at a single
center were prospectively randomized in two groups: group A received
alemtuzumab in conjunction with reduced doses of tacrolimus, steroids and
mycophenolate mofetil. Group B received thymoglobulin in association with
standard dose IS. Patient and graft survival, freedom from acute cellular
rejection (ACR), lymphocytic bronchiolitis, bronchiolitis obliterans
syndrome, kidney function, infectious complications and posttransplant
lymphoproliferative disorder were analyzed. Alemtuzumab induction therapy
resulted in complete the absence of ACR episodes > A2 within the first
year post-TX. The difference to thymoglobulin was significant (alemtuzumab
0 vs. ATG 0.33; p=0.019). All other factors studied did not show any
differences between the two groups. Alemtuzumab induction therapy after
LUTX in combination with reduced maintenance IS significantly reduces
higher-grade rejection rates. This novel therapeutic agent had no impact
on survival, infections rates, kidney function and incidence of
malignancies. Alemtuzumab induction therapy after lung transplantation in
combination with reduced maintenance immunosuppression significantly
reduces higher grade rejection rates, and shows comparable survival and
BOS rates to standard immunosuppressive therapy without increasing
incidence of infectious complications or malignancies. See editorial by
Todd and Palmer on page 1721. Copyright 2014 The American Society of
Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

<9>
Accession Number
2014486362
Authors
Andreassen A.K. Andersson B. Gustafsson F. Eiskjaer H. Gude E. Jansson K.
Solbu D. Sigurdardottir V. Arora S. Dellgren G. Gullestad L.
Institution
(Andreassen, Gude, Arora, Gullestad) Department of Cardiology, Oslo
University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
(Andersson) Department of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital,
Gothenburg, Sweden
(Gustafsson) Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
(Eiskjaer) Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby,
Denmark
(Gude) The Clinic for Heart Failure and Valvular Disease, Skane University
Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
(Jansson) Department of Cardiology, Heart and Medicine Center County
Council of Ostergotland, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
(Solbu) Novartis Norge AS, Oslo, Norway
(Sigurdardottir, Dellgren) Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University
Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
(Gullestad) K.G. Jebsen Cardiac Research Center, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Title
Everolimus initiation and early calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal in heart
transplant recipients: A randomized trial.
Source
American Journal of Transplantation. 14 (8) (pp 1828-1838), 2014. Date of
Publication: August 2014.
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Abstract
In a randomized, open-label trial, everolimus was compared to cyclosporine
in 115 de novo heart transplant recipients. Patients were assigned within
5 days posttransplant to low-exposure everolimus (3-6ng/mL) with
reduced-exposure cyclosporine (n=56), or standard-exposure cyclosporine
(n=59), with both mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids. In the
everolimus group, cyclosporine was withdrawn after 7-11 weeks and
everolimus exposure increased (6-10ng/mL). The primary efficacy end point,
measured GFR at 12 months posttransplant, was significantly higher with
everolimus versus cyclosporine (mean+SD: 79.8+17.7mL/min/1.73m<sup>2</sup>
vs. 61.5+19.6mL/min/1.73m <sup>2</sup>; p<0.001). Coronary intravascular
ultrasound showed that the mean increase in maximal intimal thickness was
smaller (0.03mm [95% CI 0.01, 0.05mm] vs. 0.08mm [95% CI 0.05, 0.12mm],
p=0.03), and the incidence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) was
lower (50.0% vs. 64.6%, p=0.003), with everolimus versus cyclosporine at
month 12. Biopsy-proven acute rejection after weeks 7-11 was more frequent
with everolimus (p=0.03). Left ventricular function was not inferior with
everolimus versus cyclosporine. Cytomegalovirus infection was less common
with everolimus (5.4% vs. 30.5%, p<0.001); the incidence of bacterial
infection was similar. In conclusion, everolimus-based immunosuppression
with early elimination of cyclosporine markedly improved renal function
after heart transplantation. Since postoperative safety was not
jeopardized and development of CAV was attenuated, this strategy may
benefit long-term outcome. This randomized, open-label trial in 115 de
novo heart transplant recipients shows that low-exposure everolimus (3-6
ng/mL) combined with reduced-exposure cyclosporine withdrawn at 7-11 weeks
results in significantly better renal function at 12 months versus
standard-exposure cyclosporine. See editorial by Kobashigawa and Zuckerman
on page 1719. Copyright 2014 The American Society of Transplantation and
the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

<10>
Accession Number
2014487229
Authors
Krause U. Becker K. Hahn G. Dittmar J. Ruschewski W. Paul T.
Institution
(Krause, Becker, Paul) Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Intensive
Care Medicine, University Medical Center Gottingen,
Georg-August-University Gottingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37099 Gottingen,
Germany
(Hahn, Dittmar) Department of Anesthesiology, Emergency and Intensive Care
Medicine, University Medical Center Gottingen, Gottingen, Germany
(Ruschewski) Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Congenital
Cardiac Surgery, University Medical Center Gottingen, Gottingen, Germany
Title
Monitoring of regional lung ventilation using electrical impedance
tomography after cardiac surgery in infants and children.
Source
Pediatric Cardiology. 35 (6) (pp 990-997), 2014. Date of Publication:
August 2014.
Publisher
Springer New York LLC
Abstract
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a noninvasive method to monitor
regional lung ventilation in infants and children without using radiation.
The objective of this prospective study was to determine the value of EIT
as an additional monitoring tool to assess regional lung ventilation after
pediatric cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease in infants and
children. EIT monitoring was performed in a prospective study comprising
30 pediatric patients who were mechanically ventilated after cardiac
surgery. Data were analyzed off-line with respect to regional lung
ventilation in different clinical situations. EIT data were correlated
with respirator settings and arterial carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>)
partial pressure in the blood. In 29 of 30 patients, regional ventilation
of the lung could sufficiently and reliably be monitored by means of EIT.
The effects of the transition from mechanical ventilation to spontaneous
breathing after extubation on regional lung ventilation were studied.
After extubation, a significant decrease of relative impedance changes was
evident. In addition, a negative correlation of arterial CO<sub>2</sub>
partial pressure and relative impedance changes could be shown. EIT was
sufficient to discriminate differences of regional lung ventilation in
children and adolescents after cardiac surgery. EIT reliably provided
additional information on regional lung ventilation in children after
cardiac surgery. Neither chest tubes nor pacemaker wires nor the intensive
care unit environment interfered with the application of EIT. EIT
therefore may be used as an additional real-time monitoring tool in
pediatric cardiac intensive care because it is noninvasive. 2014 Springer
Science+Business Media.

<11>
Accession Number
2014489056
Authors
Holmberg F.E.O. Ottas K.A. Andreasen C. Perko M.J. Moller C.H. Engstrom T.
Steinbruchel D.A.
Institution
(Holmberg, Perko, Moller, Steinbruchel) Department of Cardiovascular and
Thoracic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Sandbjerggade 48, 2th, DK-2200
Copenhagen N, Denmark
(Engstrom) Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
(Ottas, Andreasen) Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology,
Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
Title
Conditioning techniques and ischemic reperfusion injury in relation to
on-pump cardiac surgery.
Source
Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. 48 (4) (pp 241-248), 2014. Date of
Publication: August 2014.
Publisher
Informa Healthcare
Abstract
Objectives. The objective was to investigate the potential protective
effects of two conditioning methods, on myocardial ischemic and
reperfusion injury in relation to cardiac surgery. Design. Totally 68
patients were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 23), a
remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) group (n = 23) or a glucagon-like
peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue group (n = 22). The RIPC protocol consisted of
three cycles of upper limb ischemia. The GLP-1 analogue protocol consisted
of intravenous infusion with exenatide. The primary endpoint was
postoperative cardiac enzyme release. The other secondary endpoints were
metabolic parameters related to myocardial ischemia, measured using
microdialysis technique, as well as other operative-and postoperative
data. Results. Postoperative cardiac enzyme release indicated a possible
beneficial effect of the interventions, but the difference did not reach
statistical significance. RIPC showed a trend toward lower levels (p =
0.07). We managed to establish a functional myocardial microdialysis
model, but we were unable to demonstrate clear protective effects.
Conclusions. We were in this prospective randomized proof-of-concept
trial, unable to show distinct protective effects of the studied
conditioning methods. However, this trial can hopefully contribute to
generate a productive discussion concerning limitations and future use of
cardiac conditioning as well as microdialysis technique. 2014 Informa
Healthcare.

<12>
Accession Number
2014479265
Authors
Hanedan M.O. Unal E.U. Aksoyek A. Basar V. Tak S. Tutun U. Isik H.
Birincioglu C.L.
Institution
(Hanedan, Unal, Aksoyek, Basar, Tak, Tutun, Birincioglu) Cardiovascular
Surgery Clinic, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
(Isik) Microbiology Laboratory, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara,
Turkey
Title
Comparison of two different skin preparation strategies for open cardiac
surgery.
Source
Journal of Infection in Developing Countries. 8 (7) (pp 885-890), 2014.
Date of Publication: July 2014.
Publisher
Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
Abstract
Introduction: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a serious complication
after cardiac surgery; skin preparation is an important step in the
prevention of wound contamination with skin flora. In this study, two
different skin preparation strategies (standard povidine iodine cleaning
plus plain adhesive drape and microbial sealant (InteguSeal,
Kimberly-Clark Health Care, Roswell, GA, USA) were compared in cardiac
surgery patients. Methodology: This prospective study included 96 cardiac
surgery patients randomized to either a standard plain adhesive drape (28
patients, control group) or a microbial sealant (68 patients, study
group). Bacterial isolates were obtained from the wounds in the operating
room before the skin incision and after the surgical procedure had ended.
Results: Microorganisms were isolated from 38 patients (39.6%) in the
study population. Twenty-seven of these patients were from the microbial
sealant group and 11 were from the plain adhesive drape group. No
postoperative wound infection was encountered in either group. No
statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding the
number of patients with microorganism isolation (p = 0.974) or
postoperative leukocyte counts and neutrophil granulocyte percentages were
observed. Conclusions: Regarding SSI after cardiac surgery, microbial
sealant is equivalent to the standard skin preparation strategy applied
with povidine iodine cleaning and a plain adhesive drape. 2014 Hanedan et
al.

<13>
Accession Number
2014484453
Authors
Kogoj P. Furlan T. Bunc M.
Institution
(Kogoj, Bunc) Department of Cardiology, Division of Internal Medicine,
University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia
(Furlan) Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Jesenice,
Slovenia
Title
Balloon aortic valvuloplasty for severe aortic stenosis: Acute and
long-term outcomes.
Source
Experimental and Clinical Cardiology. 20 (7) (pp 1961-1969), 2014. Date of
Publication: 2014.
Publisher
Cardiology Academic Press
Abstract
Introduction. The use of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) has risen with
the development of transcatheter aortic valve stenosis (TAVR). The role of
BAV should be reevaluated as a part of complex treatment of severe aortic
stenosis in high risk patients. Aim. We evaluated patient characteristics,
peri-procedural complications and long-term outcome after BAV. We also
present our results of the external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) impact
on restenosis after BAV. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed all patients
who underwent BAV between January 2009 and June 2013 and stratified our
cohort into 3 groups: BAV as a bridge to TAVR/SAVR, BAV as a final therapy
and consecutive BAV. Results. We analyzed 228 patients (mean age 82.5+6.3,
logistic EuroSCORE 17.0+11.4). After BAV aortic valve area increased
(0.60+0. 20cm<sup>2</sup> to 0.72+0.21 cm<sup>2</sup>, p<0.001) and mean
aortic gradient decreased (48.8+15.7 mm Hg to 37.1+11.9 mm Hg, p<0.001).
Major intra-hospital complications occurred in 11.4% with three procedure
related deaths (1.3%). BAV bridged to TAVR had a better outcome than BAV
alone. EBRT showed no effect on long-term outcome.

<14>
Accession Number
2014483211
Authors
Makara-Studzinska M. Partyka I. Ziemecki P. Ziemecka A.
Institution
(Makara-Studzinska) Department of Applied Psychology, Medical University
of Lublin, Poland
(Partyka) Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Lublin, Poland
(Ziemecki, Ziemecka) Individual Medical Practice, Poland
Title
The occurrence of emotional problems in somatic diseases based on
psychodermatology.
Source
Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. 16 (2) (pp 23-28), 2014. Date of
Publication: June 2014.
Publisher
Polish Psychiatric Association
Abstract
Aim of the study. The aim of this study is to present selected aspects of
psychosocial problems in chronic somatic diseases based on the example of
dermatology with an impact on psoriasis as a model type of
psychodermatological disease. This review does not include the theoretical
basis for somatization as the issue exceeds the size of this article.
Material and methods. The analysis of present literature related to the
subject. Results. Confirmed the connection between emotional problems and
the course of an illness and proved the usefulness of psychodermatology in
improving the quality of life of patients with chronic skin diseases.
Discussion. Comparison of demographically and culturally varied groups.
The use of different research methods evokes the need of unification.
Conclusions. Relation between emotional factors and the course of
psychosomatic disease is unquestionable and mutual. Promising trends
include social support, multidisciplinary care and creating adequate tools
for assessment of emotional problems in psychosomatic problems and
practical use. Developing research tendencies compare impairment in
dermatological problems with other somatic disease.

<15>
Accession Number
2014481013
Authors
Gogenur I. Kucukakin B. Panduro Jensen L. Reiter R.J. Rosenberg J.
Institution
(Gogenur, Kucukakin, Rosenberg) Department of Surgery, University of
Copenhagen, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
(Panduro Jensen) Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Copenhagen,
Rigshospitalet, Denmark
(Reiter) Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of
Texas, Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
Title
Melatonin reduces cardiac morbidity and markers of myocardial ischemia
after elective abdominal aortic aneurism repair: A randomized,
placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
Source
Journal of Pineal Research. 57 (1) (pp 10-15), 2014. Date of Publication:
August 2014.
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Abstract
The aim was to examine the effect of perioperative melatonin treatment on
clinical cardiac morbidity and markers of myocardial ischemia in patients
undergoing elective surgery for abdominal aortic aneurism. Reperfusion
injury results in increased cardiac morbidity in patients undergoing
surgery for abdominal aortic aneurisms (AAA). A randomized,
placebo-controlled, clinical trial including patients undergoing surgery
for AAA was performed. The patients received by infusion over a 2-hr
period either, 50 mg melatonin or placebo intra-operatively, and 10 mg
melatonin or placebo orally, the first three nights after surgery.
Postoperative cardiac morbidity was registered, and blood samples for
analysis of troponin-I (TpI) were collected preoperatively, and at 5 min,
6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr after clamp removal/recirculation of the first
leg. Continuous measurement of ST-segment depression was performed by
Holter monitoring. A total of 26 patients received melatonin, while 24
received placebo. A significant reduction in cardiac morbidity was seen in
the melatonin-treated patients compared with those given placebo [4%
versus 29% (P = 0.02)]. Five patients (19%) who received melatonin had
increased TpI levels in the postoperative period compared with 12 patients
(50%) who were given placebo (P = 0.036). The median number of ST-segment
deviations was less in the melatonin-treated patients compared with the
placebo group [median 1 (range 0-4) versus 6 (range 0-13) (P = 0.01)], but
no differences were found in the duration of ST-segment deviations.
Melatonin treatment in the perioperative period decreased clinical cardiac
morbidity as well as the occurrence of myocardial ischemia after abdominal
aortic aneurism repair. 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John
Wiley & Sons Ltd.

<16>
[Use Link to view the full text]
Accession Number
2014486086
Authors
Jongman R.M. Zijlstra J.G. Kok W.F. Van Harten A.E. Mariani M.A. Moser J.
Struys M.M.R.F. Absalom A.R. Molema G. Scheeren T.W.L. Van Meurs M.
Institution
(Jongman, Kok, Van Harten, Struys, Absalom, Scheeren) Departments of
Anaesthesiology, Groningen, Netherlands
(Jongman, Moser, Molema, Van Meurs) Department of Critical Care,
University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box
30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, Netherlands
(Zijlstra, Moser, Van Meurs) Critical Care, Groningen, Netherlands
(Mariani) Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen,
University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Title
Off-Pump CABG surgery reduces systemic inflammation compared with on-pump
surgery but does not change systemic endothelial responses: A prospective
randomized study.
Source
Shock. 42 (2) (pp 121-128), 2014. Date of Publication: August 2014.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Abstract
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery can result in severe
postoperative organ failure. During CABG surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass
(CPB) with cardiac arrest is often used (on-pump CABG), which often
results in a systemic inflammatory response. To reduce this inflammatory
response, off-pump CABG was reintroduced, thereby avoiding CPB. There is
increasing evidence that the endothelium plays an important role in the
pathophysiology of organ failure after CABG surgery. In this study, 60
patients who were scheduled for elective CABG surgery were randomized to
have surgery for on-pump or off-pump CABG. Blood was collected at four
time points: start, end, 6 h, and 24 h postoperatively. Levels of
inflammatory cytokines, soluble adhesion molecules, and angiogenic factors
and their receptors were measured in the plasma. No differences were found
in preoperative characteristics between the patient groups. The levels of
tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 10, and myeloperoxidase, but not
interleukin 6, were increased to a greater extent in the on-pump CABG
compared with off-pump CABG after sternum closure. The soluble endothelial
adhesion molecules E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and
intracellular adhesion molecule 1 were not elevated in the plasma during
and after CABG surgery in both on-pump and off-pump CABG. Angiopoietin 2
was only increased 24 h after surgery in both on-pump and off-pump CABG.
Higher levels of sFlt-1 were found after sternum closure in off-pump CABG
compared with on-pump CABG. Avoiding CPB and aortic cross clamping in CABG
surgery reduces the systemic inflammatory response. On-pump CABG does not
lead to an increased release of soluble endothelial adhesion molecules in
the circulation compared with off-pump CABG. Copyright 2014 by the Shock
Society.

<17>
Accession Number
2014486494
Authors
Hu Z. Wang Z. Ren Z. Wu H. Zhang M. Zhang H. Hu X.
Institution
(Hu, Wang, Ren, Wu, Zhang, Zhang, Hu) Department of Cardiothoracic
Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Ziyang Rd, Wuhan, Hubei
Province 430060, China
Title
Similar cerebral protective effectiveness of antegrade and retrograde
cerebral perfusion combined with deep hypothermia circulatory arrest in
aortic arch surgery: A meta-analysis and systematic review of 5060
patients.
Source
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 148 (2) (pp 544-560),
2014. Date of Publication: August 2014.
Publisher
Mosby Inc.
Abstract
Objective Our objective was to determine if antegrade cerebral perfusion
(ACP) and retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) combined with deep
hypothermia circulatory arrest in aortic arch surgery results in different
mortality and neurologic outcomes. Methods The Cochrane Library, Medline,
EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Chinese Biomedical Database were
searched for studies reporting on postoperative strokes, permanent
neurologic dysfunction, temporary neurologic dysfunction, and all causes
mortality within 30 days postoperation in aortic arch surgery.
Meta-analysis for effect size, t test, and I<sup>2</sup> for detecting
heterogeneity and sensitivity analysis for assessing the relative
influence of each study was performed. Results Fifteen included studies
encompassed a total of 5060 patients of whom 2855 were treated with deep
hypothermic circulatory arrest plus ACP and 1897 were treated with deep
hypothermic circulatory arrest plus RCP. Pooled analysis showed no
significant statistical difference (P >.01) of 30-day mortality, permanent
neurologic dysfunction, and transient neurologic dysfunction in the 2
groups. Before sensitivity analysis, postoperative stroke incidence in the
ACP group was higher than in the RCP group (7.2% vs 4.7%; P <.01). After a
study that included a different percentage of patients with a history of
central neurologic events in the 2 groups was ruled out, postoperative
stroke incidence in the 2 groups also showed no significant statistical
difference (P >.01). Conclusions ACP and RCP provide similar cerebral
protective effectiveness combined with deep hypothermia circulatory arrest
and could be selected according to the actual condition in aortic arch
surgery. A high-quality randomized controlled trial is urgently needed to
confirm this conclusion, especially for stroke morbidity following ACP or
RCP. Copyright 2014 by The American Association for Thoracic Surgery.

<18>
Accession Number
2014486491
Authors
Indraratna P. Ang S.C. Gada H. Yan T.D. Manganas C. Bannon P. Cao C.
Institution
(Indraratna, Ang, Gada, Yan, Bannon, Cao) Systematic Review Unit,
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St George Hospital, Sydney,
Australia
(Indraratna, Ang, Manganas, Cao) Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St
George Hospital, Sydney, Australia
(Yan, Bannon) Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred
Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Title
Systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve
implantation.
Source
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 148 (2) (pp 509-514),
2014. Date of Publication: August 2014.
Publisher
Mosby Inc.
Abstract
Objective Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as an
alternative treatment to aortic valve replacement (AVR) for selected
patients with severe aortic stenosis. The present systematic review was
conducted to analyze the cost-effectiveness of this novel technique within
reimbursed healthcare systems. Methods Two reviewers used 7 electronic
databases from January 2000 to November 2012 to identify relevant
cost-effectiveness studies of TAVI versus AVR or medical therapy. The
primary endpoints were the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and
the probability of cost-effectiveness. The eligible studies for the
present systematic review included those in which the cost-effectiveness
data were measured or projected for TAVI and either medical therapy or
AVR. All forms of TAVI were included, and all retrieved publications were
limited to the English language. Results Eight studies were included for
quantitative assessment. The ICER for TAVI compared with medical therapy
for surgically inoperable patients ranged from US$26,302 to US$61,889 per
quality-adjusted life year gained. The probability of TAVI being
cost-effective compared with medical therapy ranged from 0.03 to 1.00. The
ICER values for TAVI compared with AVR for high-risk surgical candidates
ranged from US$32,000 to US$975,697 per quality-adjusted life year gained.
The probability of TAVI being cost-effective in this cohort ranged from
0.116 to 0.709. Conclusions Depending on the ICER threshold selected, TAVI
is potentially justified on both medical and economic grounds compared
with medical therapy for patients deemed to be surgically inoperable.
However, in the high-risk surgical patient cohort, the evidence is
currently insufficient to economically justify the use of TAVI in
preference to AVR. Copyright 2014 by The American Association for
Thoracic Surgery.

<19>
Accession Number
71546374
Authors
Guo Z. Yuan X. Ju W. Wang D. He X.
Institution
(Guo, Yuan, Ju, Wang, He) First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Guangzhou, China
Title
Changes in patient/graft survival and causes of death in liver, kidney,
and heart transplantation over time, according to age, sex, and geographic
region: A meta-analysis.
Source
Transplantation. Conference: 2014 World Transplantation Congress, WTC 2014
San Francisco, CA United States. Conference Start: 20140726 Conference
End: 20140731. Conference Publication: (var.pagings). 98 (pp 832), 2014.
Date of Publication: 15 Jul 2014.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Abstract
Background The efficacy of solid organ transplantation (SOT) has been
improved over time. We aimed to assess the patient/graft survivals and
causes of death in SOT recipients in relation to age, sex, geographic
region, and time period. Methods A search of PubMed and Embase with
predefined inclusion criteria identified eligible prospective studies.
Trends in patient/graft survivals and causes of death over time and the
effect of age, sex, and geographic region on these trends were assessed
with weighted linear regression analysis. Findings 66 studies with 12589
liver transplant recipients, 35 studies with 10296 renal transplant
recipients, and 39 studies with 14831 cardiac transplant recipients were
included. Patient/graft survivals in all three SOTs had increasing trends
per year. The annual increase of long-term patient survivals were with
yearly increases by 0.5%, 1.2%, and 2.3%, respectively, at 1, 3, and 5
years after liver transplantation; by 0.5% and 0.6% at 3 and 5 years after
kidney transplantation; and by 0.2%, 0.8%, and 0.8% at 1, 3, and 5 years
after heart transplantation. The 5-year kidney transplant recipient
survival rates (94%, 89-98) were higher in Asia than Europe (82%, 75-88).
No regional survival disparities were found in both liver and heart
transplantation. While the incidences of infection/sepsis and
cardiovascular factors as causes of death have decreased yearly, the
incidence of malignancy as a cause of death has been on the rise.
Furthermore, the role of graft rejection as a cause of death has been
decreasing overtime in liver and heart transplantation. Interpretation
Post-transplant patient/graft survivals have shown improving trends in the
past three decades, and these trends are not affected by patient age, sex,
or geographic region. (Figure Presented).

<20>
Accession Number
71543546
Authors
Sigurdardottir V. Andreassen A. Gustafsson F. Eiskjaer H. Radegran G. Gude
E. Larsson K. Solbu D. Andersson B. Dellgren G. Gullestad. L.
Institution
(Sigurdardottir, Dellgren) Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University
Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
(Andreassen, Gude, Gullestad.) Department of Cardiology, Oslo University
Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
(Gustafsson) Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital,
Copenhagen, Denmark
(Eiskjaer) Department of Cardiology, Skejby University Hospital, Aarhus,
Denmark
(Radegran) Clinic for Heart Failure and Valvular Disease, Skane University
Hospital and Lund University, Lund, Sweden
(Larsson) Heart Center University Hospital, Linkoping, Sweden
(Solbu) Novartis Norge AS, Oslo, Norway
(Andersson) Department of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital,
Gothenburg, Sweden
Title
Early calcineurin inhibitors elimination improves renal function in de
novo heart transplant recipients: The results of a randomized controlled
trial (schedule trial).
Source
Transplantation. Conference: 2014 World Transplantation Congress, WTC 2014
San Francisco, CA United States. Conference Start: 20140726 Conference
End: 20140731. Conference Publication: (var.pagings). 98 (pp 3), 2014.
Date of Publication: 15 Jul 2014.
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Abstract
Purpose: Calcineurin inhibitors remain the mainstay of immunosuppression
following heart transplantation, but are associated with significant long
term complications. We conducted a randomized, open-label, parallel group
clinical trial to assess whether early introduction of everolimus followed
by withdrawal of cyclosporine would lead to superior renal function in de
novo heart transplant (HTx) recipients, compared to a standard
cyclosporine-based immunosuppression. Methods: 115 patients were randomly
assigned within 5 days postoperatively to everolimus and reduced dose
cyclosporine (CsA) followed by CsA withdrawal after 7-11 weeks (n=56) or
standard cyclosporine dosage (n=59). All received mycophenolate mofetil
and corticosteroids. The primary efficacy endpoint was renal function
assessed by measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) after 12 months.
Secondary objectives included progression of cardiac-allograft
vasculopathy (by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)), left ventricular
function and rejections. Results: At 12 months, mGFR was significantly
higher in the everolimus group compared to those receiving standard
cyclosporine-based immunosuppression (80 mL/minvs.62 mL/min; p<0.0001;
Intention To Treat population). A significantly higher incidence of acute
cellular rejection was observed in the everolimus group, while left
ventricular function and NT-proBNP were similar between the two groups.
there were similar rates of bacterial infection but less cytomegalovirus
infection in everolimus treated patients (5.4% vs 30.5%; p<0.001). IVUS
data, not yet ready, will be presented. Conclusions: Early introduction of
everolimus followed by withdrawal of cyclosporine was associated with
significant and clinically relevant improvement in renal function in HTx
patients.

<21>
Accession Number
71538817
Authors
Siontis G. Juni P. Pilgrim T. Stortecky S. Buellesfeld L. Meier B.
Wenaweser P. Windecker S.
Institution
(Siontis, Juni, Pilgrim, Stortecky, Buellesfeld, Meier, Wenaweser,
Windecker) Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, Bern,
Switzerland; 2. Department of Clinical Research, Clinical Trials Unit,
Bern, Switzerland
Title
Predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVI: A
meta-analysis.
Source
EuroIntervention. Conference: EuroPCR 2014 Paris France. Conference Start:
20140520 Conference End: 20140523. Conference Publication: (var.pagings).
, 2014. Date of Publication: May 2014.
Publisher
EuroPCR
Abstract
Aims: Several patient and procedure related characteristics have been
evaluated and proposed as potential predictors of permanent pacemaker
(PPM) implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI);
however, the available evidence is sparse and inconsistent, mainly derived
from small studies. Therefore, we aimed to provide summary effect
estimates for clinically useful risk predictors. Methods and results: We
performed a systematic search for studies of original design reporting the
incidence of PPM implantation after TAVI. We deemed eligible any study
that provided quantitative raw data that enabled the calculation of crude
risk ratios for each predictor of interest. When overlapping populations
(according to participating institution(s) and recruitment period) were
documented in different reports, we included the one with the most recent
results and available data of interest. Patients with prior PPM were
excluded from the analysis. For our purpose, we focused on previously
proposed and clinically meaningful predictors, which could be plausibly
related to the intervention owing to direct injury to the aortic root.
Data on study design, patients, and procedural characteristics were
abstracted. Crude risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were
obtained for each predictor and combined by using random effects models,
while stratified analyses by the type of valve was also performed.
Heterogeneity across the studies was quantified with I index. Data were
obtained from 41 studies including 11,210 TAVI patients of whom 1,917
(17%) required PPM implantation after intervention. Studies were mainly
performed in Europe (93%) and published between 2009-2013; while patients'
recruitment occurred between 2005-2011. The self-expandable Medtronic
CoreValve Revalving System (MCRS) and the Edwards Sapine Valve (ESV) were
equally used; and the valve implantation was performed via femoral (73%),
apical (23%), or other route (4%) (aortic or subclavian access). The rate
of PPM ranged from 2% to 51% in individual studies (with a median of 28%
for MCRS (interquartile range, 24% to 35%) and 6% for ESV (5% to 7%)).
Fourteen predictors of interest were identified, while two or more
non-overlapping datasets were available for 11 of them. The summary
estimate indicated increased risk of PPM after TAVI for men (RR 1.23, 95%
CI 1.10-1.38); for patients with first degree AV block (RR 1.52, 95% CI
1.15-2.01), left anterior hemiblock (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.17-2.25), or RBBB
(RR 2.89, 95% CI 2.36-3.54) at baseline and for patients with
intraprocedural AV block (RR 3.49, 95% CI 2.49-4.89) (p-value<0.01 for all
estimates). There was no significant heterogeneity for any of the above
predictors and the I point estimate was 0% to 44%. The aforementioned
variables remained significant predictors when only patients treated with
the MCRS were considered; conversely, the data for ESV were limited.
Unadjusted estimate indicated a 2.5-fold higher risk of PPM for patients
who received MCRS compared to ESV. Conclusions: Conduction disturbances at
baseline and intraprocedural AV block emerged as predictors of PPM
implantation after TAVI in high-risk patients receiving one of the two
most widely used bioprostheses. Given the clinical and economic impact of
such interventions, clinicians should appropriately stratify patients.
This study provides useful tools to help clinicians to identify high-risk
patients and to guide clinical decision-making before and after TAVI.

<22>
Accession Number
71538636
Authors
Conrotto F. D'Ascenzo F. Giordana F. Colaci C. Scacciatella P. Pennone M.
Omede P. Moretti C. D'Amico M. Gaita F. Marra S.
Institution
(Conrotto, D'Ascenzo, Giordana, Colaci, Scacciatella, Pennone, Omede,
Moretti, D'Amico, Gaita, Marra) Department of Cardiology, Citta della
Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy; 2. Department of Internal
Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
Title
Impact of access on TAVI procedural and mid-term follow-up: A
meta-analysis of 13 studies and 10,468 patients.
Source
EuroIntervention. Conference: EuroPCR 2014 Paris France. Conference Start:
20140520 Conference End: 20140523. Conference Publication: (var.pagings).
, 2014. Date of Publication: May 2014.
Publisher
EuroPCR
Abstract
Aims: In most of the patients, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
(TAVI) may be performed using transfemoral (TF) or transapical (TA)
approach: however impact of access choice on periprocedural and mid-term
results remains to be defined. Aim of our study was to evaluate the impact
of access choice on short and mid-term follow-up after TAVI. Methods and
results: Medline and Cochrane Library were searched for articles
describing differences in baseline, periprocedural and mid-term outcomes
among patients undergoing TF or TA TAVI. The primary end point was
all-cause mortality at mid-term follow-up, while secondary ones were 30
days mortality and in hospital complications (bleeding and cerebrovascular
events). The independent impact of access choice was evaluated with pooled
analysis using a random-effect model. 13 studies with 10,468 patients were
included. TF was the most exploited strategy (69.5% vs. 30.5%). After
adjusting for confounding variables, 30 days and follow-up mortality
(median 365 days, range 222-400) were lower in TF patients with a pooled
adjusted odds ratio of 0.81 [0.68-0.99 I: 99%] and 0.85 [0.80-0.90 I2
96%], respectively. Regarding periprocedural outcomes, TF reduced risk of
bleedings and strokes (OR respectively of 0.74 [0.66-0.82 I: 95] and 0.91
[0.83-0.99) I: 86% respectively. Conclusions: TF approach reduces
mortality in TAVI patients, due to lower rates of periprocedural bleedings
and strokes.

<23>
Accession Number
71538633
Authors
Millan X. Skaf S. Joseph L. Noble S. Sia Y. Tzikas A. Asgar A. Ibrahim R.
Jolicoeur M.
Institution
(Millan, Skaf, Joseph, Noble, Sia, Tzikas, Asgar, Ibrahim, Jolicoeur)
Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada; 2. McGill University Health
Centre, Montreal, Canada; 3. Department of Medical Specialties, Cardiology
Division, Universite de Geneve, Geneve, Switzerland; 4. Centre Hospitalier
Universitaire de Montreal, Montreal, Canada; 5. Interbalkan European
Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece
Title
Transcatheter reduction of paravalvular leaks: A systematic review and
meta-analysis.
Source
EuroIntervention. Conference: EuroPCR 2014 Paris France. Conference Start:
20140520 Conference End: 20140523. Conference Publication: (var.pagings).
, 2014. Date of Publication: May 2014.
Publisher
EuroPCR
Abstract
Aims: Significant paravalvular leak following prosthetic valve replacement
can result in intractable congestive heart failure and haemolytic anaemia.
Since repeat surgery is only possible in a minority of patients,
transcatheter reduction of paravalvular leaks is emerging as an
alternative option, but its safety and efficacy remain uncertain. This
study sought to assess whether a successful transcatheter paravalvular
leak reduction is associated with an improvement in congestive heart
failure functional class or haemolytic anaemia. Methods and results: We
identified 9 clinical studies totalling 269 patients comparing successful
and failed transcatheter paravalvular leak reductions. A Bayesian
hierarchical meta-analysis was performed using as primary endpoint the
combined occurrence of improvement in New York Heart Association
functional class or haemolytic anaemia. Mortality and the need for repeat
surgery were used as secondary endpoints. A successful transcatheter
paravalvular leak reduction is associated with a superior improvement in
functional class or haemolytic anaemia compared to a failed intervention
(OR=7.63, 95% credible interval [CrI] from 1.32 to 52.33). A trend toward
fewer repeat surgeries was also observed with successful paravalvular leak
reductions (OR=0.22, 95% CrI from 0.04 to 1.12). Due to small sample
sizes, the effect between paravalvular leak reduction and mortality could
not be accurately estimated (OR=0.58, 95% CrI from 0.06 to 4.27).
Conclusions: A successful transcatheter paravalvular leak reduction is
associated with favourable clinical outcomes, including an improvement in
functional class and haemolytic anaemia.

<24>
Accession Number
71538630
Authors
Mylotte D. Andalib A. Theriault-Lauzier P. Dorfmeister M. Girgis M.
Alharbi W. Chetrit M. Galatas C. Mamane S. Sebag I. Buithieu J. Bilodeau
L. De Varennes B. Lachapelle K. Lange R. Martucci G. Virmani R. Piazza N.
Institution
(Mylotte, Andalib, Theriault-Lauzier, Dorfmeister, Girgis, Alharbi,
Chetrit, Galatas, Mamane, Sebag, Buithieu, Bilodeau, De Varennes,
Lachapelle, Lange, Martucci, Virmani, Piazza) McGill University Heart
Centre, Montreal, Canada; 2. German Heart Centre, Munich, Germany; 3.
CVPath Institute, Gaithersburg, USA
Title
Transcatheter heart valve failure: A systematic review.
Source
EuroIntervention. Conference: EuroPCR 2014 Paris France. Conference Start:
20140520 Conference End: 20140523. Conference Publication: (var.pagings).
, 2014. Date of Publication: May 2014.
Publisher
EuroPCR
Abstract
Aims: Bioprosthetic surgical valve failure is well described, however no
study has described transcatheter heart valve failure (THV) in a large
series. We performed a systematic review of published literature to
investigate the causes, diagnosis, management and outcomes of THV failure.
Methods and results: Between January 2002 and October 2013, all published
studies reporting patient level data on THV failure were identified by
systematic electronic search. Outcomes were defined according to the VARC
criteria. Among 56 publications and 69 individual cases of THV failure,
prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) (n=29), structural valve failure
(n=8), and THV thrombosis (n=12) were identified. The microbiological
profile of THV PVE was similar to that of surgical PVE, though up to 1/3
of patients underwent surgical intervention. THV thrombosis occurred at a
mean 8+7 months post implantation and was successfully treated with
anticoagulation in 2/3 of patients. Two novel causes of THV failure were
identified: 13 cases of late THV embolisation and 7 cases of THV
compression following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These failure modes
have not been reported in surgical aortic valve replacement, and all
involved balloon expandable THV systems. Potential risk factors for late
THV embolisation include THV undersizing/underexpansion; bicuspid and
non-calcified aortic valve; and asymmetric root calcification.
Conclusions: THVs are susceptible to failure modes typical of surgical
bioprostheses and unique to the design of THVs. THV compression and late
embolisation represent complications previously unreported in the surgical
literature. Management of THV PVE, valve thrombosis, and structural valve
failure differed considerably from surgical bioprosthetic failure.

<25>
Accession Number
71538608
Authors
Conrotto F. D'Ascenzo F. Giordana F. D'Amico M. Moretti C. Colaci C. Omede
P. Scacciatella P. Pennone M. Gaita F. Marra S.
Institution
(Conrotto, D'Ascenzo, Giordana, D'Amico, Moretti, Colaci, Omede,
Scacciatella, Pennone, Gaita, Marra) Department of Cardiology, Citta della
Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy; 2. Department of Internal
Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
Title
Mid-term prognostic value of sex in patients undergoing TAVI: A
meta-analysis of adjusted observational studies.
Source
EuroIntervention. Conference: EuroPCR 2014 Paris France. Conference Start:
20140520 Conference End: 20140523. Conference Publication: (var.pagings).
, 2014. Date of Publication: May 2014.
Publisher
EuroPCR
Abstract
Aims: The impact of gender related pathophyisiological features of severe
aortic stenosis on the outcome of transcatheter aortic valve implantation
(TAVI) is still debated. Our meta-analysis aims to clarify the independent
prognostic role of gender on mid-term survival in patients undergoing
TAVI. Methods and results: Pubmed, Medline and Cochrane collaboration were
searched for studies reporting predictors of adverse outcomes of patients
undergoing TAVI. Midterm all-cause mortality was the primary endpoint. 30
Days mortality and in-hospital complications the secondary ones.
Multivariable-adjusted risk estimates for all cause death, evaluated as
odds ratios ([OR] 95% confidence intervals [CI]), were pooled after
logarithmic transformation according to random-effect models with
inverse-variance weighting. 945 citations were first screened and finally
5 studies and 5,213 patients were included. Among them 52% were females.
Females were older (83.4 vs. 82.2 years), had a better ejection fractions
(55.1% vs. 49.5%) and higher mean pressure gradient (52.6 vs. 47 mmHg).
Women suffered more major vascular complications (12% vs. 7.4%) and more
major/life-threatening bleeds (22.1% vs. 12.7%). 30 days mortality was 7%
in females and 10% in males. After a median follow-up of 441 days
(365-730) mortality was 23.6% in females and 33.6% in males. At pooled
analysis of multivariate approach, female gender was significantly related
to a lower risk of death (OR 0.84, 95% CI, confidence interval: 0.73-0.96
I=0%). Conclusions: Female sex is independently associated with better
mid-term survival after TAVI. This finding should be weighted to
accurately evaluate risk and strategies for patients with severe aortic
stenosis.

<26>
Accession Number
71538607
Authors
Giordana F. D'Ascenzo F. Omede P. Benedetto S. Colaci C. D'Amico M.
Moretti C. Marra S. Gaita F.
Institution
(Giordana, D'Ascenzo, Omede, Benedetto, Colaci, D'Amico, Moretti, Marra,
Gaita) Division of Cardiology, Citta della Salute e della Scienza
Hospital, University of Turin, Torino, Italy; 2. Division of Cardiology,
Citta della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, University of Turin, Torino,
Italy; 3. Division of Cardiology, Citta della Salute e della Scienza
Hospital, Torino, Italy
Title
Incidence and predictors of all-cause mortality after TAVI: A systematic
review.
Source
EuroIntervention. Conference: EuroPCR 2014 Paris France. Conference Start:
20140520 Conference End: 20140523. Conference Publication: (var.pagings).
, 2014. Date of Publication: May 2014.
Publisher
EuroPCR
Abstract
Aims: TAVI (Transcatheter aortic valve implantation) was demonstrated to
be safe and efficacious in patients with severe aortic stenosis, although
with important rates of complications and of death at follow-up, mainly
due to comorbidities of patients. An accurate estimation of risk of these
patients represents an actual challenge. Methods and results: The PubMed
and Cochrane Collaboration databases were systematically searched for
articles reporting on the incidence and independent predictors of 30-day
and mid-term (>1 year) mortality. Adverse events were pooled with random
effect, while independent predictors were reported as odds ratios with 95%
confidence intervals. A total of 25 studies with 8,874 patients were
included (median age 82.5+1.5, 54.6% females). At 30-days 7.5% (663) of
patients died. At mid-term follow-up (median 365 days [IQR 267-365]) the
cumulative mortality rate was 21.6% (1,917). Acute kidney injury (AKI)
stage >2 (OR 18.0; CI 6.3-52), preprocedural hospitalisation for heart
failure (OR 9.4; CI 2.6-35), periprocedural myocardial injury (OR 8.5; CI
2.6-33.5) and increased pro-BPN levels (OR 5.4; CI 1.7-16.5) were the most
important independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Increased pro-BNP
levels (OR 11; CI 1.5-81), AKI stage 3 (OR 6.8; CI 2.6-15.7), left
ventricle ejection fraction <30% (OR 6.7; CI 3.5-12.7) and periprocedural
myocardial infarction (OR 6.5; CI 2.3-18.1) represented the predictors of
mid-term mortality. Conclusions: In this large meta-analysis of TAVI
patients, we found that high pro-BNP levels and post-procedural AKI were
the strongest independent predictors of both 30-day and 1 year mortality.
These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the risk
assessment process of TAVI patients.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

EMBASE Cardiac Update AutoAlert: EPICORE Cardiac Surgery Blogger2

Total documents retrieved: 2

Results Generated From:
Embase <1980 to 2014 Week 31>
Embase (updates since 2014-07-25)


<1>
Accession Number
2014479378
Authors
Rogers C.A. Pike K. Campbell H. Reeves B.C. Angelini G.D. Gray A. Altman
D.G. Miller H. Wells S. Taggart D.P.
Institution
(Rogers, Pike, Reeves, Miller, Wells) Clinical Trials and Evaluation Unit,
School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United
Kingdom
(Campbell, Gray) Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of
Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
(Angelini) Bristol Heart Institute, School of Clinical Sciences,
University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
(Altman) Centre for Statistics in Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford,
United Kingdom
(Taggart) Nuffield Department of Surgical Science, University of Oxford,
Oxford, United Kingdom
Title
Coronary artery bypass grafting in high-RISk patients randomised to off-
or on-pump surgery: A randomized controlled trial (the CRISP trial).
Source
Health Technology Assessment. 18 (44) (pp 1-157), 2014. Date of
Publication: 2014.
Publisher
NIHR Journals Library
Abstract
Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the treatment of
choice for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD).
Evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in low-risk populations
shows that 'off-pump' CABG is at least as safe as 'on-pump' CABG, but
high-quality trial data in high-risk populations are lacking. Objectives:
To test the hypothesis that, in high-risk patients, off-pump coronary
artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) reduces mortality and morbidity without
causing a higher risk of reintervention compared with on-pump coronary
artery bypass grafting (ONCABG). Design: Open parallel-group RCT with a 1:
1 allocation ratio and expertise-based randomisation. Setting: Eight
specialist cardiac surgery centres in the UK and one specialist centre in
Kolkata, India. Participants: Patients with an additive European system
for cardiac operative risk evaluation score (EuroSCORE) of > 5, undergoing
non-emergency isolated CABG via a median sternotomy. Interventions: CABG
without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), i.e. OPCABG on the beating heart, or
CABG with CPB, i.e. ONCABG on a chemically arrested heart. Main outcome
measures: Primary outcome - a composite of death or serious morbidity
[all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, prolonged
initial ventilation, sternal wound dehiscence] within 30 days of surgery.
Secondary outcomes - quality of life (QoL) [Rose Angina Questionnaire,
Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina class, European QoL-5
Dimensions (EQ-5D), Coronary Revascularisation Outcome Questionnaire
(CROQ)] and resource utilisation. Results: The organisation of a tertiary
cardiac surgery service in the UK presented several barriers to
recruitment. Referral information was often inadequate to confirm
eligibility. Limited surgeon participation at a centre, the need to meet
referral-to-treatment performance targets and complex referral pathways
did not support an expertise-based allocation. Urgent patients waiting for
surgery in local 'feeder' hospitals were often not transferred until late
the night before surgery, which limited the time available to take consent
and organise the surgery on an expertise basis. Several elective patients
declined to take part because they wanted the surgeon they had met when
the surgery was first discussed in clinic to operate. Several initiatives
were explored to boost recruitment. After 10 months of recruitment, the
trial design was modified to permit both within-surgeon and
expertise-based randomisation within a centre. However, this did not have
sufficient impact and the trial was stopped on the grounds of futility
after 106 patients (< 2% of the target sample size) had been recruited in
18 months. Ninety-eight patients were included in the trial analyses, six
patients were withdrawn and two died before surgery. In both groups, 6% of
patients experienced the primary outcome [adjusted odds ratio (OR) (OPCABG
to ONCABG) 1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27 to 4.14]. QoL scores at
4-8 weeks post surgery were similar in the two groups. Patients randomised
to OPCABG had a shorter stay in the intensive care unit and in hospital
after surgery (median 26.0 vs. 27.7 hours in intensive care and 7 vs. 8
days in hospital). Conclusions: The Coronary artery bypass grafting in
high-RISk patients randomised to off- or on-Pump surgery (CRISP) trial was
not successful for a range of logistical reasons. However, the experience
gained is of value for the design and conduct of future trials. The
surgical community have polarised views. A qualitative evaluation of the
reasons behind the views held by the advocates of the two techniques is an
area for future research. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials
ISRCTN29161170. Funding: This project was funded by the Medical Research
Council/National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Efficacy and
Mechanism Evaluation programme and will be published in full in Health
Technology Assessment; Vol. 18, No. 44. See the NIHR Journals Library
website for further project information. Queen'S Printer and Controller
of HMSO 2014.

<2>
Accession Number
2014478691
Authors
Yang R.-Q. Wang L. Huang Q.-Y. Jiang X.-H. Wu Y.-Q. Hong K. Wu Q.-H. Cheng
X.-S.
Institution
(Yang, Huang, Jiang, Wu, Hong, Wu, Cheng) Department of Cardiology, Second
Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, 1st Minde road, Nanchang, China
(Wang) Laboratory of Biochemistry, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang
University, Nanchang, China
Title
Invasive management of acute coronary syndrome in patients end-stage renal
disease: A meta-analysis.
Source
Experimental and Clinical Cardiology. 20 (6) (pp 145-159), 2014. Date of
Publication: 2014.
Publisher
Cardiology Academic Press
Abstract
The objective was to obtain evidence on the effectiveness of invasive
management by comparing mortality rates between patients with end-stage
renal disease (ESRD; Stage V CKD) who received invasive vs non-invasive
management of ACS. Medline, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google
Scholar were searched to identify studies involving patients with ACS and
ESRD (Stage V CKD) that compared outcomes for invasive (percutaneous
coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting) vs non-invasive
(pharmaceutical) management of ACS. The outcomes of interest were the
short-term (< 1 month) and 1-year mortality rates. A total of 3 studies,
involving 593 patients who received invasive management and 2698 patients
who received non-invasive management, were included in the meta-analysis.
It revealed that the short-term mortality rate was significantly lower for
patients who received invasive management compared with patients who
received non-invasive management (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.90; P =
0.006). Likewise, the 1-year mortality rate was significantly lower for
patients who received invasive management compared with patients who
received non-invasive management (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.88; P =
0.008). The results of our meta-analysis suggest that patients of ACS
comorbidity with ESRD may benefit from invasive rather than non-invasive
management.