Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Elderly Patients with Coronary Chronic Total Occlusions: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives.

The proportion of the elderly in the total population of the world is growing, and the number of elderly patients with coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) is huge. The elderly patients often have more extensive coronary artery disease, more severe ischemic burden and higher risk of cardiovascular events, as compared to younger patients, and thereby they might greatly benefit from coronary revascularization, even though they may have higher risk of operative complications. Most interventional cardiologists are more likely to be reluctant to operate complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in elderly patients.

A case report: high dose melphalan as a conditioning regimen for multiple myeloma induces sinus arrest.

High dose melphalan is commonly used as a conditioning regimen for autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma. There are reports of adverse cardiac events with melphalan manifested by supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. Here, we report a rare case of a 58 year old female with multiple myeloma, who developed sinus arrest after autologous stem cell transplantation using high dose melphalan as a conditioning regimen.

Thrombin induced platelet-fibrin clot strength in relation to platelet volume indices and inflammatory markers in patients with coronary artery disease.

Platelet aggregation and inflammation are both implicated in coronary artery disease (CAD). Thrombin induced platelet-fibrin clot strength (MA) measured by thrombelastography (TEG) has been proved to be a novel marker of platelet aggregation. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of MA to platelet volume indices (PVIs) or to inflammatory markers in different types of CAD.

Use of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors in the first trimester and risk of cardiovascular-related malformations: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.

The relationship between selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) use during first trimester and cardiovascular-related malformations of infants is still uncertain. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the aforementioned association. A systematic literature review identified studies for cohort studies about SSRIs use and cardiovascular-related malformations in PubMed and Web of Science.

Sertraline use in the first trimester and risk of congenital anomalies: a systemic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Aim: To perform a meta-analysis of available cohort studies on the association between sertraline use by pregnant women in the first trimester and the findings of congenital anomalies in infants.

Methods: A comprehensive search of articles published from the index date up to 31 December 2015 investigating the aforementioned associations was conducted on PubMed and Web of Science. Mesh headings used included the terms "serotonin reuptake inhibitor," "sertraline," "congenital anomalies" and "obstetrical outcome.

Age at menarche and risk of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

Background: Various observational studies have focused on the relationship between menarcheal age and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the association is still controversial because of inconsistent results. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to assess this issue from epidemiological studies.