Clinical Prognosis of Right-Sided Infective Endocarditis not Associated with Cardiac Devices or Intravenous Drug use: a Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis.

Right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE), classically associated with intravenous drug use or intracardiac devices, is considered a good-prognosis infective endocarditis (IE) form. However, predisposing factors and prognosis for "NODID" RSIE (NOt associated with cardiac Devices or Intravenous Drug use) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate predisposing factors and prognosis of NODID RSIE compared to other RSIE forms.

Medical management of connector pin thrombosis with the Amplatzer cardiac plug left atrial closure device.

Transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage with the Amplatzer™ cardiac plug device and double antiplatelet treatment for 3 mo has become an alternative treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation at high embolism risk and contraindications for chronic oral anticoagulation. The inadequate implantation of the left atrial appendage closure device and the discontinuation of double antiplatelet therapy are well-known as factors related to device thrombosis. Nevertheless, device thrombosis after adequate implantation requiring surgical treatment or restarting chronic oral anticoagulation has been reported and can reach 15% of patients.

Gut pH as a limiting factor for digestive proteolysis in cultured juveniles of the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata).

After the development of the gastric function in juvenile fish, dietary proteins enter a two-phase digestive process comprising an acidic gastric phase followed by an alkaline intestinal phase. However, the main gastric protease, pepsin, is strictly dependent on the existence of a low-enough environmental pH. In 20-g gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, the mean minimal gastric pH is close to 4.

Prognostic implications of arterial blood gases in acute decompensated heart failure.

Background: The prognostic value of arterial blood gases (ABG) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is not well-established. We therefore conducted the present study to determine the relationship between ABG on admission and long-term mortality in patients with ADHF.

Methods: We studied 588 patients consecutively admitted to our department with ADHF.

Hyperuricemia in acute heart failure. More than a simple spectator?

Background: Hyperuricemia is a prevalent condition in chronic heart failure (CHF), describing increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Although there is evidence that serum uric acid (UA) predicts mortality in CHF, its role as a prognostic biomarker in acute heart failure (AHF) has not yet been well assessed. The aim of this study was to determine if UA levels predict all-cause mortality.

Prognostic value of brain natriuretic peptide in acute heart failure: mortality and hospital readmission.

The prognostic value of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement in patients with acute heart failure is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the BNP level and mortality and readmission for acute heart failure. We studied 569 consecutive patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of acute heart failure.

Limitations of clinical history for evaluation of patients with acute chest pain, non-diagnostic electrocardiogram, and normal troponin.

Decision making and risk stratification for patients with acute chest pain, nondiagnostic electrocardiogram results, and normal troponin levels are challenging. The aim of this study was to optimize the clinical history for the evaluation of these patients. A total of 1,011 patients presenting to an emergency department were included.

Carbohydrate antigen 125: an emerging prognostic risk factor in acute heart failure?

Objective: To assess whether circulating levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) predict subsequent 6-month all-cause mortality in patients after the index hospitalisation for acute heart failure (HF).

Design And Setting: Prospective cohort study at a single teaching centre in Spain.

Methods: 529 consecutive patients with acute HF admitted in a single university centre were analysed.

[Prognostic impact of anemia in acute heart failure].

Background And Aim: Studies performed on selected patients in other countries have shown that anemia is frequently associated with heart failure and results in a worse prognosis. We sought to determine the prognosis significance of hemoglobin/anemia in patients with acute heart failure which required management with hospital admission.

Material And Methods: We analysed 412 patients diagnosed with acute heart failure as outlined in the criteria of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).