Assessment of sex- and age-dependency of risk factors for intimal hyperplasia in heart transplant patients using the high resolution of optical coherence tomography.

Background: Intimal hyperplasia in cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is limiting survival in pediatric and adult patients after heart transplantation (HTx). Analysis of risk factors for CAV using the high resolution of intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) is scarce, particularly in children, and recommendations for CAV prevention are largely based on data obtained in adults. Whether the predictive value of risk factors is age- or sex-dependent is unknown.

The risk of infective endocarditis following interventional pulmonary valve implantation: A meta-analysis.

Background: Interventional percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) was first reported in 2000. Today, two different valves are certified for this procedure [i.e.

The risk of bacterial endocarditis after percutaneous and surgical biological pulmonary valve implantation.

Objective: This single center study compared the risk of bacterial endocarditis (BE) after surgical and percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation.

Methods: Between Jan 1st 2010 and Dec 31st 2015 all patients who received a biological pulmonary valve (surgical/interventional) were identified. The clinical follow-up was analyzed with regard to BE applying the modified Duke criteria and echocardiographic findings.

Cost-effectiveness of childhood rotavirus vaccination in Germany.

Background: Rotavirus (RV) causes a highly contagious gastroenteritis especially in children under five years of age. Since 2006 two RV-vaccines are available in Europe (Rotarix(®) and RotaTeq(®)). To support informed decision-making within the German Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) the cost-effectiveness of these two vaccines was evaluated for the German healthcare setting.

Prevention of alcohol misuse among children, youths and young adults.

Background: Despite many activities to prevent risky alcohol consumption among adolescents and young adults there is an increase of alcohol intoxications in the group of ten to twenty year old juveniles.

Objectives: This report gives an overview about the recent literature as well as the German federal prevention system regarding activities concerning behavioral and policy prevention of risky alcohol consumption among children, adolescents and young adults. Furthermore, effective components of prevention activities are identified and the efficiency and efficacy of ongoing prevention programs is evaluated.

Over-, under- and misuse of pain treatment in Germany.

Background: The HTA-report (Health Technology Assessment) deals with over- and undertreatment of pain therapy. Especially in Germany chronic pain is a common reason for the loss of working hours and early retirement. In addition to a reduction in quality of life for the affected persons, chronic pain is therefore also an enormous economic burden for society.

Effectiveness of programmes as part of primary prevention demonstrated on the example of cardiovascular diseases and the metabolic syndrome.

Background: The HTA-report (HTA = Health Technology Assessment) deals with the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus type 2. In 2009 approximately 356,000 people died in Germany due to cardiovascular diseases. According to estimations about 6.

Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation - rehabilitation models and shortcomings in outpatient aftercare.

Background: The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the bronchial asthma are widespread diseases. They need long-lasting and sustainable rehabilitation.

Objectives: The goal of this HTA is to describe the present supply and the economic relevance of out-patient pulmonary rehabilitation in conjunction with its social aspects.