Risk of mortality for ventricular arrhythmia in ambulatory LVAD patients.

Background: There are limited data regarding the incidence and prognostic significance of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in ambulatory continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients.

Methods: Sixty-one consecutive patients from November 1, 2006 through December 31, 2010 with an LVAD and implantable cardioverter defibrillator that survived to discharge from the LVAD implantation admission were studied. Follow-up began from date of discharge with both devices in situ and ended with death, transplant, on June 1, 2011.

Outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and myocardial infarction.

Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk for accelerated atherosclerosis. It is unknown, however, whether rheumatoid arthritis also increases in-hospital mortality after a myocardial infarction or influences the therapy patients receive.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 1,112,676 patients with myocardial infarction in the 2003-2005 Nationwide Inpatient Sample was performed.

Mortality after coronary artery revascularization of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk for accelerated atherosclerosis. It is not known, however, whether this disorder is associated with a higher risk of complications after coronary artery revascularization.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients in the 2003-2005 Nationwide Inpatient Sample.