Bovine medicine: Whats´s your diagnosis?

Two Angus calves housed in the Swiss Alps for two months were presented with brisket edema, jugular distension, and diarrhea. Hematological and biochemical examination included elevated concentration of erythrocytes and increased activity of liver enzymes. Ultrasonography revealed small amount of pleural effusion hepatomegaly and congested caudal vena cava.

Silent brain infarcts impact on cognitive function in atrial fibrillation.

Aims: We aimed to investigate the association of clinically overt and silent brain lesions with cognitive function in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.

Methods And Results: We enrolled 1227 AF patients in a prospective, multicentre cohort study (Swiss-AF). Patients underwent standardized brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and after 2 years.

Long-term risk of adverse outcomes according to atrial fibrillation type.

Sustained forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) may be associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, but few if any long-term studies took into account changes of AF type and co-morbidities over time. We prospectively followed 3843 AF patients and collected information on AF type and co-morbidities during yearly follow-ups. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke or systemic embolism (SE).

Novel bleeding risk score for patients with atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulants, including direct oral anticoagulants.

Objective: Balancing bleeding risk and stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common challenge. Though several bleeding risk scores exist, most have not included patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). We aimed at developing a novel bleeding risk score for patients with AF on oral anticoagulants (OAC) including both vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and DOACs.

Clinical factors associated with the intraventricular conduction disturbances in Swiss middle-aged adults: The CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study.

Background: Intraventricular conduction disturbances are associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, data about factors associated with intraventricular conduction disturbances are sparse. We aimed to identify the clinical factors associated with intraventricular conduction disturbances in the general population.

Use of the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator - the Swiss experience.

Introduction: Sudden cardiac death caused by malignant arrhythmia can be prevented by the use of defibrillators. Although the wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) can prevent such an event, its role in clinical practice is ill defined. We investigated the use of the WCD in Switzerland with emphasis on prescription rate, therapy adherence and treatment rate.

[Sinus node dysfunction, Brugada syndrome and long QT syndrome affecting the same patient : when genetics can't make head or tail of it].

The gene SCN5A encodes the cardiac sodium channel which, through the conduction of Na+ current into the cell, generates the fast upstroke of the action potential of cardiomyocytes. Pathogenic variants of SCN5A have been causally associated to several hereditary cardiac diseases including, among others, Brugada syndrome, congenital long QT syndrome and sinus node dysfunction. Recently, overlap syndromes have been described that are characterized by the simultaneous expression of mixed clinical phenotypes among two or more hereditary cardiac diseases associated to the gene SCN5A (HCD-SCN5A).

Clinical determinants of the PR interval duration in Swiss middle-aged adults: The CoLaus/PsyCoLaus study.

Background: Prolonged PR interval (PRi) is associated with adverse outcomes. However, PRi determinants are poorly known. We aimed to identify the clinical determinants of the PRi duration in the general population.

Prevalence of ECG abnormalities and risk factors for QTc interval prolongation in hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Background: Psychiatric patients are at risk of cardiovascular diseases, and many psychotropic drugs can prolong QTc interval. Requirements for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring have been set up in our psychiatric university hospital. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of adult patients who had an ECG during their hospitalization, the prevalence of ECG abnormalities, the evolution of the QTc after admission, and the risk factors for QTc prolongation.

Incidence and Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation Progression.

Background The incidence and predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) progression are currently not well defined, and clinical AF progression partly overlaps with rhythm control interventions (RCIs). Methods and Results We assessed AF type and intercurrent RCIs during yearly follow-ups in 2869 prospectively followed patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF. Clinical AF progression was defined as progression from paroxysmal to nonparoxysmal or from persistent to permanent AF.

Atypical Electrocardiographic Presentations in Need of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Early initiation of reperfusion therapy remains the cornerstone of successful management for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Rapid restoration of coronary blood flow relies on prompt recognition of the typical ST-segment elevation on a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG)-a surrogate for coronary occlusion or critical stenosis-allowing timely activation of the STEMI protocol cascade, with a major positive impact in mortality and clinical outcomes. However, atypical, very high risk ECG patterns-known as "STEMI equivalents"-are present in 10% to 25% of patients with ongoing myocardial ischemia in need of urgent primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Prevalence and predictors of atrial fibrillation type among individuals with recent onset of atrial fibrillation.

Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered to be a progressive disease, starting with intermittent episodes that progress over time to more sustained events. However, little is known about the prevalence of and predictors for AF type among patients with recent-onset AF. We aimed to address these issues among a selected population of patients with AF.

Risk factors for heart failure hospitalizations among patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have an increased risk for the development of heart failure (HF). In this study, we aimed to detect predictors of HF hospitalizations in an unselected AF population.

Methods: The Basel Atrial Fibrillation Cohort Study is an ongoing observational multicenter cohort study in Switzerland.

QTc interval, cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background: A longer QTc interval has been associated with more adverse cardiovascular events and death in the general population. Little evidence is available on these relationships among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: We performed a prospective observational multicenter cohort study of 1413 patients with AF.

Computer-Interpreted Electrocardiograms: Benefits and Limitations.

Computerized interpretation of the electrocardiogram (CIE) was introduced to improve the correct interpretation of the electrocardiogram (ECG), facilitating health care decision making and reducing costs. Worldwide, millions of ECGs are recorded annually, with the majority automatically analyzed, followed by an immediate interpretation. Limitations in the diagnostic accuracy of CIE were soon recognized and still persist, despite ongoing improvement in ECG algorithms.

Prospective Assessment of Sex-Related Differences in Symptom Status and Health Perception Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: We prospectively assessed sex-specific differences in health perception, overall symptom status, and specific symptoms in a large cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods And Results: We performed a prospective multicenter observational cohort study of 1553 patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients completed questionnaires about personal characteristics, comorbidities, and symptoms on a yearly basis.

[Multidisciplinary cardiogenetic counselling].

Multidisciplinary cardiogenetic consulting offers a global clinical approach to patients suffering from channelopathies or hereditary cardiomyopathies. Mutation is discovered in around 50 % of the cases. Several experts are working together to bring probands and their families useful and necessary informations to help them understanding causes, consequences and support of their disease.

Uptake of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anti coagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation - a prospective cohort study.

Aims: We aimed to assess the uptake of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) among patients with atrial fibrillation between 2010 and 2015 in Switzerland.

Methods: We performed a prospective observational cohort study. At the baseline examination and during yearly follow-ups, we used questionnaires to obtain information about clinical characteristics and antithrombotic treatment.

Role of electrophysiological studies in predicting risk of ventricular arrhythmia in early repolarization syndrome.

Background: The early repolarization (ER) pattern is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmogenic sudden death. However, strategies for risk stratification of patients with the ER pattern are not fully defined.

Objectives: This study sought to determine the role of electrophysiology studies (EPS) in risk stratification of patients with ER syndrome.

Sudden cardiac death in the young (5-39 years) in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Background: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) among the young is a rare and devastating event, but its exact incidence in many countries remains unknown. An autopsy is recommended in every case because some of the cardiac pathologies may have a genetic origin, which can have an impact on the living family members. The aims of this retrospective study completed in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland were to determine both the incidence of SCD and the autopsy rate for individuals from 5 to 39 years of age.