Meta-Analysis of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure as a Therapy of Atrial Fibrillation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant health care problem for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as a therapy for OSA is underused, and it is unknown if CPAP might reduce rates of AF. We systematically reviewed the published reports on CPAP use and risk of AF.

Osmotic demyelination syndrome.

Formerly known as central pontine myelinolysis, osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is defined by a symmetrical destruction of myelin sheaths involving mainly the central portion of the basis pontis without evidence of vascular involvement. We report the case of a 60-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of progressive confusion, memory loss, and lower extremity weakness with limited ambulation. A computed tomography scan of the head revealed areas of low attenuation within the pons, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the changes as compatible with ODS.

Outcome of early revascularization surgery in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Objectives: To compare morbidity and mortality of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within 24 hours with those who had surgery delayed >24 hours.

Background: Patients with ST-elevation MI are currently managed by emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). If PCI is unsuccessful, or if there is severe coronary artery disease not amenable to PCI, CABG is considered.

Remote ischemic preconditioning for coronary artery bypass graft operations.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury occurs during coronary artery bypass graft operations. Strategies are needed to lower the extent of damage. Attempts to find these strategies have been occurring for more than 40 years, with remote ischemic preconditioning being one method.