Genome-wide significance and replication of the chromosome 12p11.22 locus near the PTHLH gene for peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Background: Peripartum (PP) cardiomyopathy (CM) is a rare condition of unknown etiology that occurs in late pregnancy or early postpartum. Initial evidence suggests that genetic factors may influence PPCM. This study evaluated and replicated genome-wide association of single nucleotide polymorphisms with PPCM.

The Intermountain Risk Score (including the red cell distribution width) predicts heart failure and other morbidity endpoints.

Aims: The complete blood count (CBC) and basic metabolic profile are common, low-cost blood tests, which have previously been used to create and validate the Intermountain Risk Score (IMRS) for mortality prediction. Mortality is the most definitive clinical endpoint, but medical care is more easily applied to modify morbidity and thereby prevent death. This study tested whether IMRS is associated with clinical morbidity endpoints.

Impact of mechanical unloading on microvasculature and associated central remodeling features of the failing human heart.

Objectives: This study investigates alterations in myocardial microvasculature, fibrosis, and hypertrophy before and after mechanical unloading of the failing human heart.

Background: Recent studies demonstrated the pathophysiologic importance and significant mechanistic links among microvasculature, fibrosis, and hypertrophy during the cardiac remodeling process. The effect of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) unloading on cardiac endothelium and microvasculature is unknown, and its influence on fibrosis and hypertrophy regression to the point of atrophy is controversial.

The impact of bridge-to-transplant ventricular assist device support on survival after cardiac transplantation.

Objective: To determine the impact of bridge-to-transplant ventricular assist device support on survival after cardiac transplantation.

Methods: From January 1, 1993, to April 30, 2009, a total of 525 cardiac transplants were performed. Ventricular assist devices were placed as a bridge to transplant in 110 patients.

Risk factors predictive of right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device implantation.

Right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation appears to be associated with increased mortality. However, the determination of which patients are at greater risk of developing postoperative RVF remains controversial and relatively unknown. We sought to determine the preoperative risk factors for the development of RVF after LVAD implantation.