Comparison of partners-heart failure algorithm vs care alert in remote heart failure management.

Aim: To compare the utility of the partners-heart failure (HF) algorithm with the care alert strategy for remote monitoring, in guiding clinical actions oriented to treat impending HF.

Methods: Consecutive cardiac resynchronization-defibrillator recipients were followed with biweekly automatic transmissions. After every transmission, patients received a phone contact in order to check their health status, eventually followed by clinical actions, classified as "no-action", "non-active" and "active".

Discrepancy between clinical practice and standardized indications for an implantable loop recorder in patients with unexplained syncope.

Aim: An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is indicated in patients with unexplained syncope after complete conventional work-up. Data from the literature imply that, in clinical practice, the ILR is underused. The aim of the study was to verify if there is any discrepancy between the use of ILRs in clinical practice and the potential indications based on the most potentially appropriate guideline indications.

Management of syncope: clinical and economic impact of a Syncope Unit.

Aims: Aim of this observational study is to evaluate the clinical performance of a Syncope Unit, in order to assess whether the implemented organization really improves syncope management.

Methods And Results: The study enrolled patients with unexplained syncope who were consecutively referred to our Syncope Unit, either as outpatients or during hospitalization, in a 2-month period. The design of this observational study consists in three phases: a retrospective analysis of their clinical management in the 9 months prior to the first attendance at the Syncope Unit (phase one), their subsequent clinical management in the Syncope Unit (phase two) and a 9-month follow-up (phase three).