A Cross-Sectional Study on the Quality of Life of Adults With Sickle Cell Disease Followed-Up in Outpatient Clinics: A Single-Center Experience.

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin S, leading to red blood cell deformities, chronic hemolysis, and frequent vaso-occlusive crises (VOC). While advancements in medical care have improved survival rates, adults with SCD continue to face substantial challenges in their quality of life (QoL) due to chronic pain, recurrent VOCs, and various complications. This study aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult patients aged 14 years and above with SCD and identify key factors influencing patient outcomes using the Adult Sickle Cell Quality of Life Measurement Information System (ASCQ-Me).

Variability in Contemporary Heparin Prescription and Activated Clotting Time Monitoring During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Call for Up-To-Date Evidence-Based Guidelines.

Background: Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the preferred anticoagulant agent in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures for minimising the risk of thrombotic complications. Because of the narrow therapeutic range of UFH, some society guidelines have advocated the use of the activated clotting time (ACT) test to monitor anticoagulation intensity during PCI to reduce thrombotic and bleeding complications. We aimed to assess the current practice of UFH prescription and its monitoring in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).

Effect of Concomitant Cardiac Arrest on Outcomes in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome-Related Cardiogenic Shock.

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-related cardiogenic shock (CS) with or without concomitant CA may have disparate prognoses. We compared clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with CS secondary to ACS with and without cardiac arrest (CA). Between 2014 and 2020, 1,573 patients with ACS-related CS with or without CA who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention enrolled in a multicenter Australian registry were analyzed.

Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure for the Prediction of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Who Underwent Primary Percutaneous Intervention (the ELEVATE Study).

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an important complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We investigated whether left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in patients who underwent PCI might be additive to current risk stratification of CIN. Data from consecutive patients who underwent primary PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction between 2013 and 2018 at Western Health in Victoria, Australia were analyzed.

Clinical and Echocardiographic Predictors of Recovery of Moderate-to-severe Sepsis-associated Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. In critically ill patients with sepsis, AKI tends to be more severe, more likely to require kidney replacement therapy (KRT), with less chance of recovery. Consequently, critically ill patients with sepsis-associated AKI (SA-AKI) have extended intensive care unit (ICU) stays and higher mortality rates.