[Prognostic value of discharge hemoglobin level in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure].

Introduction And Objectives: Recent studies show that the prevalence of anemia in patients with heart failure is high and indicate that its presence leads to increased mortality and morbidity. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of anemia in patients hospitalized for heart failure and to study the long-term prognostic significance of anemia by evaluating its relationship with mortality (total and due to heart failure) and readmission for heart failure.

Methods: The study included 242 consecutive patients admitted to our cardiology department and discharged with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

Splenic rupture and haemoperitoneum in a patient with non-compaction of the left ventricular myocardium.

The anaesthetic and critical care management of blunt abdominal trauma in a patient previously diagnosed with non-compaction of the left ventricular myocardium (a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease) is reported. The management was influenced by the presence of an implanted automated internal defibrillator and treatment with anticoagulants because of the high frequency of severe arrhythmias and systemic embolism. The pathophysiology of ventricular non-compaction is reviewed briefly.