Left ventricular disease as a risk factor for adverse outcomes and stroke recurrence in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source.

Background: Severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction [EF] < 30%) is a known cardiovascular risk factor and a major cause of cardioembolism. However, less severe forms of LV disease (LVD), such as mild-to-moderate LV dysfunction and LV wall motion abnormalities (LVWMAs), are considered potential minor cardiac sources in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS), but their role is underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of LVD in ESUS and its association with adverse vascular events and mortality.

Cardiac remodelling in the era of the recommended four pillars heart failure medical therapy.

Cardiac remodelling is a key determinant of worse cardiovascular outcome in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). It affects both the left ventricle (LV) structure and function as well as the left atrium (LA) and the right ventricle (RV). Guideline recommended medical therapy for HF, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptors II blockers/angiotensin receptor blocker-neprilysin inhibitors (ACE-I/ARB/ARNI), beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) and sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), have shown to improve morbidity and mortality in patients with HFrEF.

Kidney Fibrosis and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs).

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disorder that causes changes in both the structure and function of the kidneys, causing complications such as hypertension, edema, and oliguria. Renal fibrosis is also a common pathological feature of CKD. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases that degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins.

Psoriasis and biological drugs at the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a mini review outlining risk of infection, seroprevalence, and safety and efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine.

Objective: The aim of this study is to review the life of patients with psoriasis on biologic therapy during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the relevance of frailty within this context, reviewing studies that describe the course and severity of infection in patients with psoriasis on biologics, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2, and the safety and efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine in these patients.

Materials And Methods: The keywords "Psoriasis," "Biologics," "SARS-CoV-2," "COVID-19," and "BNT162b2 Vaccine" were used in various combinations on database engines to find relevant articles on this topic.

Results: A total of 36 articles were found, with 20 concerning the course, severity, and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with psoriasis on biologic therapy and 16 concerning safety and efficacy of BNT162b2 in these patients.

A multidisciplinary dermatology-gastroenterology-rheumatology (DER.RE.GA) unit for the care of patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: analysis of the first 5 years from the dermatologist's perspective.

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) constitute a heterogenous group of chronic and highly disabling conditions. The clinical challenges they often pose led to formation of numerous dermo-rheumatological interdisciplinary units around the world, which are reported to benefit their patients in various ways. The present paper describes our experience with a multidisciplinary dermatology-rheumatology-gastroenterology unit DERREGA at the IRCCS Foundation Policlinico San Matteo of Pavia over a period of 5 years of its activity (2017-2022).

Long-Term Treatment with Trazodone Once-A-Day (TzOAD) in Patients with MDD: An Observational, Prospective Study.

Purpose: This was an observational, prospective, single-group, multicentre, international study aimed to describe the clinical response, functional impairment, and quality of life (QoL) of patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) and in treatment with Trazodone Once-A-Day (TzOAD) monotherapy, over a 24-week period.

Patients And Methods: A total of 200 patients with a diagnosis of MDD who had been treated with TzOAD monotherapy were enrolled from 26 sites across 3 European countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, and Poland), including psychiatric private practices, and outpatient departments from general and psychiatric hospitals. Study assessments were completed by physicians and patients during routine visits within the normal practice of care.

An Observational Pilot Study using a Digital Phenotyping Approach in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder Treated with Trazodone.

This 8-week study was designed to explore any correlation between a passive data collection approach using a wearable device (i.e., digital phenotyping), active data collection (patient's questionnaires), and a traditional clinical evaluation [Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)] in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated with trazodone once a day (OAD).

Acquisition of optical coherence tomography angiography metrics during hemodialysis procedures: A pilot study.

Background And Aims: The observation of optical microcirculation gives us an extraordinary way to directly assess the responses of human circulation to stress stimuli. We run a pilot study to analyze optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) metrics at determined time-points during a hemodialysis (HD) session to understand how these metrics gradually change and to evaluate possible correlations with patients' characteristics.

Methods: After the eligibility screening, 15 patients (23 eyes) were included in the study.

Factors associated with sick leave duration in patients suffering from major depressive disorder initiating antidepressant treatment: a real-world evidence study in Germany and Spain.

Objective: To describe MDD patients starting antidepressant (AD) treatment by pharmacological approach and identify factors associated with a longer sick leave (SL) duration.

Methods: Retrospective study on IQVIA German Disease Analyser (specialists) and Spanish Longitudinal Patient Database (general practitioners and specialists). MDD patients initiating AD treatment between July 2016-June 2018 were grouped by therapeutic approach (AD monotherapy combination/switch/add-on) and their characteristics were analysed descriptively.

Left atrial disease and left atrial reverse remodelling across different stages of heart failure development and progression: a new target for prevention and treatment.

The left atrium is a dynamic chamber with peculiar characteristics. Stressors and disease mechanisms may deeply modify its structure and function, leading to left atrial remodelling and disease. Left atrial disease is a predictor of poor outcomes.

Aortic Valve Stenosis and Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Misleading Association.

The association between aortic stenosis (AS) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is more frequent than expected. Albeit rare, CA, particularly the transthyretin (ATTR) form, is commonly found in elderly people. ATTR-CA is also the most prevalent form in patients with AS.

Predictors of sick leave days in patients affected by major depressive disorder receiving antidepressant treatment in general practice setting in Germany.

Objective: To identify sick leave days (SLD) predictors after starting antidepressant (AD) treatment in patients affected by major depressive disorder (MDD), managed by general practitioners, with a focus on different AD therapeutic approaches.

Methods: Retrospective study on German IQVIA Disease Analyser database. 19-64 year old MDD patients initiating AD treatment between July-2016 and June-2018 were grouped by therapeutic approach (AD monotherapy versus combination/switch/add-on).

Congestion in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure: Assessment and Treatment.

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by frequent hospital admissions due to acute decompensation and shortened life span with a progressive clinical course leading to an advanced stage where traditional therapies become ineffective. Due to aging of the population and improved therapies, only a small of proportion of patients with advanced HF are candidates for surgical treatments, such as mechanical circulatory support or heart transplantation. In most cases, prompt identification and management of congestion is paramount to improving symptoms and quality of life and avoiding progression to severe multiorgan dysfunction and death.

Assessment of right ventricle in pulmonary arterial hypertension with three-dimensional echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Aim: To correlate 3-D Echo and CMR RV parameters and to verify whether they are similarly related to the clinical conditions of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease in which the RV plays a crucial prognostic role.

Methods: We enrolled 34 consecutive PAH patients followed by our PAH clinics. All patients underwent a 3-D Echo and CMR assessment of RV volumes and functions in the same day.

Cardiac lymphoma with early response to chemotherapy: A case report and review of the literature.

Cardiac tumors are rare and benign masses account for the most part of the diagnosis. When malignant cancer is detected, primary or secondary cardiac lymphoma are quite frequent. Cardiac lymphoma may present as an intra or peri-cardiac mass or, rarely, it may diffusely infiltrate the myocardium.