Predictors of anticoagulant treatment in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: results from atrial fibrillation in Turkey: epidemiologic registry.

The aim of the study was to assess the factors associated with the anticoagulation treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 2242 consecutive patients who had been admitted with AF on their electrocardiogram were included in the study. After excluding valvular AF, 1745 patients with nonvalvular AF were analyzed.

The atrial fibrillation in Turkey: Epidemiologic Registry (AFTER).

Background: AFTER (Atrial Fibrillation in Turkey: Epidemiologic Registry) is a prospective, multicenter study designed with the aim of describing the prevalence and epidemiology of AF practice in Turkey. This study aims to evaluate stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and anticoagulant drug utilization within conformity to AF guidelines.

Methods: Patients were recruited in 17 referral hospitals reflecting all the population of 7 geographical regions of Turkey.

Epidemiology of atrial fibrillation in Turkey: preliminary results of the multicenter AFTER study.

Objectives: Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common rhythm disorders observed in clinical practice, a multicenter epidemiological study has not been conducted in our country. This study aimed to assess our clinical approach to AF based upon the records of the first multicenter prospective Atrial Fibrillation in Turkey: Epidemiologic Registry (AFTER) study.

Study Design: Taking into consideration the distribution of the population in our country, 2242 consecutive patients with at least one AF attack determined by electrocardiographic examination in 17 different tertiary health care centers were included in the study.

Protective effect of ambroxol on pulmonary function after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background: To evaluate whether ambroxol administered orally during the perioperative period has a protective effect against postoperative pulmonary dysfunction in on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

Methods: Fifty younger patients without known pulmonary disease were randomly assigned into 2 groups. In ambroxol group (n = 25), patients were given ambroxol for a week before and after the elective coronary artery bypass grafting.

Gene polymorphisms in patients below 35 years of age who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery.

Objective: Genetic bases for novel prothrombotic, inflammatory risk factors may play a role in the early onset of coronary artery disease.

Methods: Twenty-one patients below 35 years of age who underwent coronary bypass grafting between 2002 and 2004 constituted the study group and were compared with 50 healthy, age and sex-matched controls. Gene analysis for genetic polymorphisms of angiotensin-converting enzyme, prothrombin G20210A, tumour necrosis factor-alpha G308A, factor V Leiden and interleukin-6 genes was carried out.