Right ventricular-arterial uncoupling independently predicts survival in COVID-19 ARDS.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of right heart failure and right ventricular-arterial uncoupling in Corona Virus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) complicated by an Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Methods: Ninety-four consecutive patients (mean age 64 years) admitted for acute respiratory failure on COVID-19 were enrolled. Coupling of right ventricular function to the pulmonary circulation was evaluated by a comprehensive trans-thoracic echocardiography with focus on the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP) ratio RESULTS: The majority of patients needed ventilatory support, which was noninvasive in 22 and invasive in 37.

The impairment of the Growth Hormone/Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis in heart failure: A possible target for future therapy.

Hormonal abnormalities are quite common in chronic heart failure (CHF). The most studied hormonal axis in CHF is the impairment of Growth Hormone (GH)/Insulin Growth Factor-1(IGF-1), which in turn is defined either by a blunted response to GH stimulation test or low serum IGF-1 values.  Several independent groups reported that the presence of an abnormal GH/IGF-1 status in CHF is associated with a more severe disease, impaired functional capacity and reduced Survival rates.

Testosterone treatment in chronic heart failure. Review of literature and future perspectives.

Mounting evidence suggests that hormonal deficiencies (HD) have an important role in chronic heart failure (CHF). In particular, androgen depletion is common in men with CHF and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes the current understanding of the complex relationship between CHF and testosterone, focusing on evidence derived from clinical trials that have investigated the role of testosterone in the treatment of CHF.

Pregabalin-induced first degree atrioventricular block in a young patient treated for pain from extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Pregabalin, widely used in the treatment of several pain disorders, is usually well tolerated. Uncommonly, the drug may induce cardiac side effects, rarely prolongation of the PR interval. The latter has never been described in patients with healthy heart or normal renal function.