Application and comparison of the FADES, MADIT, and SHFM-D risk models for risk stratification of prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator treatment.

Aims: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) treatment is beneficial in selected patients. However, it remains difficult to accurately predict which patients benefit most from ICD implantation. For this purpose, different risk models have been developed.

Long-Term Echocardiographic Outcome in Super-Responders to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and the Association With Mortality and Defibrillator Therapy.

Super-response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is associated with significant left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling and improved clinical outcome. The study aimed to: (1) evaluate whether LV reverse remodeling remains sustained during long-term follow-up in super-responders and (2) analyze the association between the course of LV reverse remodeling and ventricular arrhythmias. Of all, primary prevention super-responders to CRT were selected.

Prognostic Impact of Implementation of QRS Characteristics in the Seattle Heart Failure Model in ICD and CRT-D Recipients.

Background: The Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) provides accurate estimates of survival in heart failure (HF) patients. The model is, however, not developed for HF patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of SHFM combined with QRS morphology and CRT-related change in QRS duration in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and CRT defibrillator (CRT-D) recipients.

The clinical course of patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: Extended experience on clinical outcome, device replacements, and device-related complications.

Background: Large randomized trials demonstrated the beneficial effect of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) treatments in selected patients. Data on long-term follow-up of patients outside the setting of clinical trials are scarce.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of ICD and CRT-D recipients.

How adequate are the current methods of lead extraction? A review of the efficiency and safety of transvenous lead extraction methods.

Currently several extraction tools are available in order to allow safe and successful transvenous lead extraction (TLE) of pacemaker and ICD leads; however, no directives exist to guide physicians in their choice of extraction tools and approaches. To aim of the current review is to provide an overview of the success and complication rates of different extraction methods and tools available. A comprehensive search of all published literature was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Central.

Epicardial leads in adult cardiac resynchronization therapy recipients: a study on lead performance, durability, and safety.

Background: Transvenous left ventricular (LV) lead placement for cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) delivery is unsuccessful in 8% to 10% of cases. These patients might benefit from an epicardial lead. However, data on long-term epicardial lead performance are scarce.

Super-responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy remain at risk for ventricular arrhythmias and benefit from defibrillator treatment.

Aims: Mortality and ventricular arrhythmias are reduced in patients responding to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). This response is accompanied by improvement in LVEF, and some patients even outgrow original eligibility criteria for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. It is however unclear if these patients still benefit from ICD treatment.

Chronic kidney disease and implantable cardioverter defibrillator related complications: 16 years of experience.

Introduction: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation has become an accepted therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. However, serious comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) are influencing the beneficial effects of ICD therapy. In this study, the association between kidney function and the occurrence of ICD related complications was assessed.

Primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation in elderly patients: is it justified to withhold treatment?

Implementation of primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) treatment in the current clinical guidelines led to a significant increase in patients that may benefit from implantation of an ICD. Currently non-guideline-guided patient selection takes place by physicians whereby patients at higher age are more frequently excluded for ICD implantation. This editorial focuses on ICD treatment in the elderly and aims to clarify whether it is justified to withhold ICD treatment in these patients.

Gender-specific differences in clinical outcome of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients.

Objective: To assess differences in clinical outcome of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) treatment in men and women.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: University Medical Center.

Effect of supplementation with zinc and other micronutrients on malaria in Tanzanian children: a randomised trial.

Background: It is uncertain to what extent oral supplementation with zinc can reduce episodes of malaria in endemic areas. Protection may depend on other nutrients. We measured the effect of supplementation with zinc and other nutrients on malaria rates.