Objective: To evaluate the cardiac involvement in patients with Still's disease with a focus on myocarditis included in the multicenter AIDA (AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance) network Still's disease registry. To exploit the predictive factors for myocarditis in deriving a clinical risk patient profile for this severe manifestation.
Methods: A multicenter observational study was built up assessing consecutive patients with Still's disease characterized by the cardiac involvement among those included in the AIDA Network Still's Disease Registry.
To determine the optimal frequency and site of stimulation for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) to induce acute changes in the autonomic profile (heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV)) in healthy subjects (HS) and patients with heart failure (HF).We designed three single-blind, randomized, cross-over studies: (1) to compare the acute effect of left tVNS at 25 Hz and 10 Hz (= 29, age 60 ± 7 years), (2) to compare the acute effect of left and right tVNS at the best frequency identified in study 1 (= 28 age 61 ± 7 years), and (3) to compare the acute effect of the identified optimal stimulation protocol with sham stimulation in HS and HF patients (= 30, age 59 ± 5 years, and= 32, age 63 ± 7 years, respectively).In study 1, left tragus stimulation at 25 Hz was more effective than stimulation at 10 Hz in decreasing HR (-1.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Long peripheral catheters (LPCs) role in Difficult IntraVenous Access (DIVA) patients admitted to the emergency department has already been studied, resulting in a rapid, safe, and cost-effective procedure. Although their use in outpatient settings is established, there is a lack of studies assessing their benefits. In particular, rheumatologic outpatients affected by scleroderma, especially those affected by digital ulcers, are often treated with intravenous infusions of prostaglandin I (PGI) analog (IV-PGIA).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLife (Basel)
April 2024
Background: Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are often associated with splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT). Not all the factors involved in the thrombotic tendency are currently known.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate a possible association between ADAMTS13, von Willebrand factor (VWF), platelet microvesicles (MV), and factor VIII activity (FVIII:C) with thrombotic events in MPN patients.
Background: Short peripheral catheters (SPCs) are used to provide intravenous therapies in hospitalized patients. Recently, the category of SPC has become more complex, with the introduction in clinical practice of "integrated" SPCs (ISPCs), renewed regarding the material (polyurethane rather than polytetrafluoroethylene) and design (large wing; pre-assembled extension; preassembled needle-free connector (NFC)).
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized studies in hospitalized patients, analyzing the risk of overall catheter failure as well as the risk of each type of complication (occlusion, infiltration, thrombophlebitis, and dislodgement) for ISPCs compared to non-integrated SPCs.
Background: Platelet "Microvesicles" (MVs) are studied for their role in blood coagulation and inflammation. The study aimed to establish if MVs are related to age, plasma levels of inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis markers in healthy individuals.
Methods: We prospectively enrolled volunteers aged over 18 years.
Introduction: Venous catheters inserted in superficial femoral vein and with mid-thigh exit site have emerged as a feasible and safe technique for central or peripheral tip's venous access, especially in agitated, delirious patients. The spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial (MDR) strains is an emerging clinical problem and more and more patients are being colonized by these types of bacteria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) or catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in mid-thigh catheters in patients with positive rectal swabs to evaluate the safety of this procedure and the real infection risk.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative clinical practice guidelines recommend avoiding placement of peripherally inserted vascular access devices in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <45 ml/min. On the other hand, many patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) have poor prognosis.This study carried out a global assessment of mortality at 2 years through Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Beclap score in patients with PICCs or Midlines, assuming that in those with an estimated high mortality rate at 2 years, it could be acceptable to implant a peripheral vascular access device (PVAD) despite the presence of CKD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: During coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Helmet Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (h-CPAP) has been widely used to treat Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure (AHRF). In COVID-19 patients undergoing h-CPAP a simple short peripheral catheter could be insufficient. According to the European Recommendations for Proper Indication and Use of Peripheral venous access consensus, a stable peripheral Vascular Access Device is indicated for intravenous treatment compatible with the peripheral route scheduled for more than 1 week.
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