Natural history of cardiac involvement in myotonic dystrophy type 1 - Emphasis on the need for lifelong follow-up.

Background: Cardiac involvement represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a central part of patient care. We investigated the natural history of cardiac involvement in patients with DM1 to provide an evidence-based foundation for adjustment of follow-up protocols.

Methods: Patients with genetically confirmed DM1 were identified.

Real-world data on the incidence, mortality, and cost of ischaemic stroke and major bleeding events among non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients in England.

Rationale, Aims, And Objectives: Several novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are licensed for atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment in the United Kingdom. We describe the incidence and mortality from ischaemic stroke and major bleeding in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients in England, including treatment patterns before/following introduction of NOACs, healthcare resource utilization (HRU), and costs post-onset of these events.

Method: Data were extracted from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to Hospital Episode Statistics secondary care and Office for National Statistics mortality data.

Congenital myopathies are mainly associated with a mild cardiac phenotype.

Background: To evaluate the prevalence of cardiac involvement in patients with congenital myopathies and the association to specific genotypes.

Methods: We evaluated patients with physical examination, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and 48-h Holter monitoring. Follow-up was performed for major events.

Echocardiographic and clinical findings in patients with Fabry disease during long-term enzyme replacement therapy: a nationwide Danish cohort study.

Objectives: In patients with Fabry disease (FD), left ventricular hypertrophy and arrhythmias are frequently observed and cardiac involvement is the leading cause of death. Long-term efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on cardiac involvement is unclear. We assessed and compared long-term progression of cardiac involvement according to ERT and non-ERT.

[Interaction of opioid analgesics at the level of biotransformation].

Opioids are an important component of the drug treatment of patients with acute and chronic pain. They differ in effectiveness, side effect profile and the risk of interactions. In this article the pharmacokinetic mechanisms of drug-drug interactions at the level of biotransformation are described and the clinical consequences which can arise are discussed.