Prolongation of QTc intervals and risk of death among patients with sickle cell disease.

Background: Unexplained sudden death is common among patients with sickle cell diseases (SCD). QTc prolongation is a risk factor for fatal arrhythmias among adults. This study sought to identify the predictors for QTc prolongation and determine whether QTc prolongation is associated with increased mortality in patients with SCD.

Arterial access and door-to-balloon times for primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients presenting with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Objectives: This study compares the transradial versus the transfemoral approach for time to intervention for patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Background: Survival following STEMI is associated with reperfusion times (door-to-balloon; D2B). For patients undergoing primary PCI for acute STEMI, potential effects of transradial approach (r-PCI) as compared with the femoral artery approach (f-PCI) on D2B times have not been extensively studied.

A case of paradoxical embolism "in situ" associated with massive pulmonary embolism: role of echocardiography.

A 49-year-old man was admitted in transfer for further management of a pulmonary embolism (PE) and possible mitral valve vegetation. Transthoracic echocardiography performed at our institution showed evidence of right ventricular (RV) enlargement and dysfunction. Within the right atrium was a serpentine mobile thrombus which traversed the interatrial septum at the level of the fossa ovalis and extended into the left atrium to the level of the anterior mitral valve leaflet.

Development of guidelines for non-indigenous people undertaking research among the indigenous population of north-east Victoria.

The Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, has developed a framework for conducting research in partnership with Indigenous communities. The framework addresses past inappropriate research practices, incorporates cultural understandings, and outlines culturally appropriate protocols. The four parts of the framework are a committee to initiate, direct and oversee all research projects; a Koorie Team to guide research; a set of research guidelines; and a policy for the department.