Immune Response to Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Receiving Cladribine.

Cladribine has been approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and its administration results in a long-lasting depletion of lymphocytes. As lymphopenia is known to hamper immune responses to vaccination, we evaluated the immunogenicity of the influenza vaccine in patients undergoing cladribine treatment at different stages vs. controls.

Real-world evidence on siponimod treatment in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Background: Therapeutic options targeting inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS) have evolved rapidly for relapsing-remitting MS, whereas few therapies are available for progressive forms of MS, in particular secondary progressive MS (SPMS). The approval of siponimod for SPMS has allowed for optimism in the otherwise discouraging therapeutic landscape.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter, non-interventional study analyzing the efficacy and safety of siponimod under real-world conditions in 227 SPMS patients.

Rapid deployment technology versus conventional sutured bioprostheses in aortic valve replacement.

Objectives: Despite the benefits of rapid deployment aortic valve prostheses (RDAVR), conventional sutured valves (cAVR) are more commonly used in the treatment for aortic stenosis. Given the paucity of randomized studies, this study aimed to synthesize available data to compare both treatment options.

Methods: A systematic search of Pubmed, OVID, and MEDLINE was conducted to retrieve comparative studies for RDAVR versus cAVR in the treatment of aortic stenosis.

An alternative approach to explantation and exchange of the HeartWare left ventricular assist device.

Objectives: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) explantation and exchange is a relatively infrequent but potentially complex procedure. Patients requiring such procedures have multisystem suboptimal physiological reserve due to end-stage heart failure and are prone to complications. Less-invasive procedures are believed to facilitate postoperative recovery and early mobilization.