Ascertaining the prognostic role of cardiac resynchronisation therapy in cardiac sarcoidosis: A comparison with ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT) has demonstrated short and long-term benefit in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), including ischaemic (ICM) and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding its role in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS).

Methods: Consecutive CS patients with CRT and baseline left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF)≤40 referred to one specialist hospital in London between November 2008-March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed.

Efficacy and safety of aspirin plus clopidogrel versus aspirin alone in ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Antiplatelet therapy plays an important role in reducing the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with mild ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, data regarding the effectiveness and safety of using aspirin plus clopidogrel in dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) compared to aspirin alone in mild ischemic stroke is limited. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.

Evaluation of Reliability and Validity of the RALE and BRIXIA Chest-X Ray Scores in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Introduction: Chest X-rays are commonly used to assess the severity in patients that present in the emergency department with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia, but in clinical practice quantitative scales are rarely employed.

Aims: To evaluate the reliability and validity of two semi-quantitative radiological scales in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia (BRIXIA score and RALE score).

Methods: Patients hospitalized between October 2021 and March 2022 with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis were eligible for inclusion.

A Literature Review of Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestations, Medications and Optimal Dosage, Outpatient, and Post-hospitalization Use of Anticoagulation in COVID-19 Patients.

Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 led to a world pandemic, extensive research has been conducted to identify its characteristics and form an appropriate management plan. One recognized complication of COVID-19 is coagulation defects that can lead to thromboembolic events. We have reviewed the literature to summarize and present the latest research about the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, anticoagulation use and appropriate dose in COVID-19 patients, as well as the effect of anticoagulation in outpatient and post-hospital settings.

Impact of Bacterial Infections on COVID-19 Patients: Is Timing Important?

Background: Along with important factors that worsen the clinical outcome of COVID-19, it has been described that bacterial infections among patients positive for a SARS-CoV-2 infection can play a dramatic role in the disease process. Co-infections or community-acquired infections are recognized within the first 48 h after the admission of patients. Superinfections occur at least 48 h after admission and are considered to contribute to a worse prognosis.

N-acetylcysteine efficacy in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a mucolytic agents with anti-inflammatory properties that has been suggested as an adjunctive therapy in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Objectives: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate available evidence on the possible beneficial effects of NAC on SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods: In September 2022, we conducted a comprehensive search on Pubmed/Medline and Embase on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies on NAC in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

External validation of the 4C Mortality Score and PRIEST COVID-19 Clinical Severity Score in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia in Greece.

Prognostic scores can be used to facilitate better management of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases, provided that they have been tested in the population of interest. To perform external validation of the 4C Mortality Score and PRIEST COVID-19 Clinical Severity Score. Prospective observational Study.