Total and high-affinity corticosteroid-binding globulin depletion in septic shock is associated with mortality.

Context: Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) and albumin transport circulating cortisol. Cleavage of high-affinity CBG (haCBG) by neutrophil elastase at inflammatory sites causes cortisol release into tissues, facilitating immunomodulatory effects.

Objective: To determine whether depletion of haCBG is related to mortality in septic shock.

Unnatural history of tetralogy of Fallot: prospective follow-up of 40 years after surgical correction.

Background: Prospective data on long-term survival and clinical outcome beyond 30 years after surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot are nonexistent.

Methods And Results: This longitudinal cohort study consists of the 144 patients with tetralogy of Fallot who underwent surgical repair at <15 years of age between 1968 and 1980 in our center. They are investigated every 10 years.

Birth prevalence of congenital heart disease worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) accounts for nearly one-third of all major congenital anomalies. CHD birth prevalence worldwide and over time is suggested to vary; however, a complete overview is missing. This systematic review included 114 papers, comprising a total study population of 24,091,867 live births with CHD identified in 164,396 individuals.