Is continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) better than continuous Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) for mitral valve surgery via mini-thoracotomy? Results from a prospective observational study.

Aims: Chest wall blocks are effective alternatives for postoperative pain control in mitral valve surgery in right mini-thoracotomy (mini-MVS). We compared the efficacy of Serratus Anterior plane block (SAPB) and Erector Spinae plane block (ESPB) on postoperative pain relief after mini-MVS.

Settings And Design: It is a prospective, observational study.

Extracorporeal life support programme for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest during competitive sport events: the experience of the Volleyball Men's World Championship Final Six in Turin (Italy).

The high incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest refractory to standard resuscitation protocols, despite precompetitive screening, demonstrated the need for a prehospital team to provide an effective system for life support and resuscitation at the Volleyball Men's World Championship. The evolution of mechanical circulatory support suggests that current advanced cardiovascular life support protocols no longer represent the highest standard of care at competitive sporting events with large spectator numbers. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) improves resuscitation strategies and offers a rescue therapy for refractory cardiac arrest that can no longer be ignored.

Correction to: Spot urinary sodium in acute decompensation of advanced heart failure and dilutional hyponatremia: insights from DRAIN trial.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.

Spot urinary sodium in acute decompensation of advanced heart failure and dilutional hyponatremia: insights from DRAIN trial.

Background: Diuretic resistance portends a poor prognosis in acute heart failure, especially in advanced stages. Early identification of a poor response to diuretics may help to improve treatment and outcomes. Spot natriuresis (UNa) at 2 h from the start of intravenous furosemide has been proposed as an early indicator of diuretic response.

Diuretic treatment in high-risk acute decompensation of advanced chronic heart failure-bolus intermittent vs. continuous infusion of furosemide: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Diuretic resistance is a common issue in patients with acute decompensation of advanced chronic heart failure (ACHF). The aim of this trial was to compare boluses and continuous infusion of furosemide in a selected population of patients with ACHF and high risk for diuretic resistance.

Methods: In this single-centre, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized trial, we enrolled 80 patients admitted for acute decompensation of ACHF (NYHA IV, EF ≤ 30%) with criteria of high risk for diuretic resistance (SBP ≤ 110 mmHg, wet score ≥ 12/18, and sodium ≤ 135 mMol/L).

Prolonged QT interval in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: predictors and prognostic value in medium-term follow-up.

Aims: The prognostic role of corrected QT interval in ST-elevation myocardial infarction is still unknown. This study aims to identify the prognostic value of corrected QT interval prolongation (≥480 ms) in acute coronary syndrome.

Methods: One hundred and eighty-five consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction were prospectively enrolled and electrocardiographic monitoring of corrected QT interval was performed during the hospitalization.

Clinical and prognostic role of ammonia in advanced decompensated heart failure. The cardio-abdominal syndrome?

Background: Advanced heart failure is associated with end-organ damage. Recent literature suggested an intriguing crosstalk between failing heart, abdomen and kidneys. Venous ammonia, as a by-product of the gut, could be a marker of abdominal injury in heart failure patients.

Clinical assessment of hypoperfusion in acute heart failure – evergreen or antique?

Background: Cold hemodynamic profile assessed on physical examination predicts survival, although it has low specificity and low reproducibility. We herein propose a new cold profile definition (Cold Modified 2014), including renal and hepatic damage. The aim of the study was to evaluate the additional prognostic value of clinical and laboratory identification of hypoperfusion over hypotension in the setting of advanced acute heart failure (AHF).

Echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular stroke work index in advanced heart failure: a new index?

Background: Right ventricular (RV) function plays a pivotal role in advanced heart failure patients, especially for screening those who may benefit from left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We introduce RV contraction pressure index (RVCPI) as a new echo-Doppler parameter of RV function. The accuracy of RVCPI in detecting RV failure was compared with the criterion standard, the RV stroke work index (RVSWI) obtained through right heart catheterization in advanced heart failure patients referred for heart transplantation or LVAD implantation.