Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Hypovitaminosis D in Patients Scheduled for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in Germany.

Objective: Several studies have reported a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in orthopedic patients. The purpose of this prospective observational study was to report on the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients scheduled for elective primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and its associated risk factors.

Methods: In this monocentric cohort study, 25(OH) vitamin D serum levels were measured in 687 consecutive patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) over a period of twelve months.

[Cardiac arrhythmias in adults with congenital heart disease].

In patients with congenital heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias are complex and require a thorough understanding of the anatomy, past surgical and interventional procedures, and the specific electric processes. Supraventricular tachycardias commonly present as emergency situations and should be treated immediately, particularly when there is an underlying complex malformation. Establishing sinus rhythm is usually superior to pure frequency control for hemodynamic reasons.

Total blood loss and early clinical outcomes under different tranexamic acid regimes in total knee arthroplasty.

Background: Many different regimes of intravenous and local tranexamic acid (TXA) reduce total blood loss (TBL) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the most effective TXA regime in reducing blood loss might not be most beneficial for the patient. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of commonly used TXA regimes on blood loss and on early clinical outcomes.