Impact of comorbidity on waiting list and post-transplant outcomes in patients undergoing liver retransplantation.

Aim: To determine the impact of Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) on waiting list (WL) and post liver retransplantation (LRT) survival.

Methods: Comparative study of all adult patients assessed for primary liver transplant (PLT) ( = 1090) and patients assessed for LRT ( = 150), 2000-2007 at our centre. Demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were recorded.

Cardiac Troponin Release is Associated with Biomarkers of Inflammation and Ventricular Dilatation During Critical Illness.

Introduction: Troponin release is common during critical illness. We hypothesized that there was an association between cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and biomarkers of systemic inflammation and ventricular dilatation.

Methods: In an observational prospective cohort study, we enrolled consecutive adult patients admitted for noncardiac reasons to the intensive care unit (ICU) in two tertiary care centers.

Clostridium difficile infection and liver disease.

The rates of the predominantly hospital acquired infection, Clostridium difficile, have increased throughout the world. Several risk factors and susceptible patient populations have been identified. Patients with pre-existing liver disease represent an important cohort; recent evidence suggests that Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is associated with a worse outcome and increased health care costs.

Clostridium difficile-associated disease acquired in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, severity, and outcome associated with Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) acquired while in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU).

Design: A 5-year retrospective study.

Setting: The CTICU.