Peripheral Neuropathy in Beta-Thalassemia: Corneal Confocal Microscopy-Based Study.

Background Peripheral neuropathy is a controversial but serious complication of beta-thalassemia (β-Th). Although few studies have reported no relationship between neuropathy and thalassemia, many have linked it with increasing age, iron overload, and iron chelator toxicity. This study aims to investigate the presence of neuropathy in β-Th using corneal nerve fibers.

Enhanced left ventricular mass regression after aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis is associated with improved long-term survival.

Background: Aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis is usually followed by regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. More complete resolution of left ventricular hypertrophy is suggested to be associated with superior clinical outcomes; however, its translational impact on long-term survival after aortic valve replacement has not been investigated.

Methods: Demographic, operative, and clinical data were obtained retrospectively through case note review.

Medium to long-term clinical outcome following stentless aortic valve replacement: comparison between allograft and xenograft valves.

The xenograft stentless valve was designed to emulate the haemodynamic performance of the allograft. Early outcomes using either surgical option (stentless xenograft valve or allograft) have been similar. However, follow-up outcomes remain to be compared.

Propensity analysis of survival after subcoronary or root replacement techniques for homograft aortic valve replacement.

Objective: Homograft aortic valve replacement is associated with excellent clinical and hemodynamic outcomes. Valves are implanted predominantly by using 2 techniques: the freehand subcoronary technique or as an aortic root replacement. Our aim was to identify any difference in survival, durability, and clinical performance.