Risk Stratification for Lung Cancer Patients.

A comprehensive review of relevant clinical literature on evidence-based recommendations and existing prediction models specific to lung cancer surgery was undertaken. Preoperative risk assessment parameters such as pulmonary function tests (PFT), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), Brunelli models, Thoracoscore and frailty were analyzed for predicting postoperative risk of complications. When assessing fitness for surgery, the primarily used PFT parameters such as predictive postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide(DLCO ) showed conflicting evidence in determining a positive correlation with postoperative mortality.

Translational Sciences in Cardiac Failure Secondary to Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients.

High-output cardiac failure is a rare form of heart failure associated with the formation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in hemodialysis patients. The pathophysiology underlying the HOCF is complex and multifactorial. Presence of AVF can cause long term hemodynamic changes that ultimately lead to increased cardiac output and consequently cardiac failure.