End-stage renal disease patients undergoing angioplasty and bypass for critical limb ischemia have worse outcomes compared to non-ESRD patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality following lower extremity amputation for critical limb ischemia (CLI). Angioplasty and bypass are used in ESRD patients with CLI; however, the treatment of choice remains controversial. We compared the long-term outcomes in patients with CLI undergoing angioplasty or bypass to evaluate the differences between patients with ESRD and those without ESRD.

Non-vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants are as safe and effective as warfarin for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Current guidelines recommend anticoagulation using warfarin with bridging parenteral anticoagulation or one of the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) to prevent thromboembolic events in patients undergoing cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to compare by meta-analytical techniques, the safety and efficacy of NOACs versus warfarin in patients undergoing cardioversion.

Methods: PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL and CINAHL were searched electronically in addition to manual search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NOACs and warfarin in patients undergoing cardioversion for AF.

Correlation of Left Atrial Appendage Ejection Velocities with the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc Scores.

Background: In patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter, a left atrial appendage ejection velocity measured via transesophageal echocardiography equal to or less than 40 cm/sec has been shown to correlate with an increased risk of developing left atrial appendage thrombus while velocities greater than 40 cm/sec are at lower risk. The CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores calculated from clinical variables have been developed to risk stratify patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter in regard to the need for anticoagulation. This study was designed to assess whether a relationship exists between left atrial appendage ejection velocities and the respective CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores, and whether this relationship is affected by the presence of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.