Comparative application of multivariate models developed in Italy and Europe to predict early (28 days) and late (1 year) postoperative death after on- or off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the risk of death predictive performances of the OP-RISK, EuroSCORE, and Italian coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) Outcome studies' functions when applied to a southern Italian cardiac surgery center (Sant'Anna hospital in Catanzaro [SAHCZ]), which contributed data to the Italian CABG Outcome study, and to see if this predictive index may be applied to on- and off-pump interventions.

Methods: The OP-RISK study data set was used to derive Weibull and logistic functions to predict early (28 days) and late (1 year) death rates following CABG based on ejection fraction, heart rate, age, and aortic cross-clamping time. Then the data of 385 CABG patients who underwent operations in 2003 in SAHCZ were collected with 1-year follow-up data, which also included data used to obtain EuroSCORE and Italian CABG Outcome study risk indices.

Dobutamine effects on spontaneous variability of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with severe chronic heart failure: the Italian Multicenter Study.

Background: Dobutamina Studio Italiano Multicentrico (Do.S.I.

Comparision of the inotropic effects of levosimendan, rolipram, and dobutamine on human atrial trabeculae.

The aim of this study was to compare the positive inotropic effects of 3 different agents with 3 different mechanisms of actions-levosimendan, rolipram, and dobutamine-on human atrial trabecular muscles. Samples of right atrial appendage (1 cm, 500-1000 mg) were removed and immersed in preoxygenated and modified Tyrode solution. In oxygenated Tyrode solution, preparations were used to investigate the concentration-effect relationship of levosimendan, dobutamine, and rolipram on percentage developed tension (DT), from 10 to 10 M, each concentration for 15 minutes.

Exercise training counteracts the abnormal release of plasma endothelin-1 in normal subjects at risk for hypertension.

Background: The hypothesis that in normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents exercise training could influence the systemic release of endothelin (ET)-1 during a provocative testing protocol was tested.

Methods: The provocative handgrip test was performed in four groups of healthy young age-matched males: offspring of hypertensive parents following a regular swimming exercise regimen (group A, n = 14); offspring of hypertensive parents and leading a sedentary lifestyle (group B, n = 11); normal volunteers with no family history of hypertension: sedentary (group C, n = 10), and following a regular swimming regimen (group D, n = 10). The plasma ET-1 was measured at baseline, after 4 min of handgrip exercise at 50% maximal capacity and following 2 (R2) and 10 (R10) min of recovery from handgrip.

Prediction of early and delayed postoperative deaths after coronary artery bypass surgery alone in Italy. Multivariate predictions based on Cox and logistic models and a chart based on the accelerated failure time model.

Background: The aim of the multicenter OP-RISK (OPerative RISK) study was to investigate the early (28 days) and delayed (365 days) death rates following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) among patients representing a nationwide distribution [Centers in Northern (2), Central (1) and Southern (1) Italy] and further to define the multivariate risk factors for the early and delayed mortality after CABG.

Methods: Data were collected from 1126 patients undergoing CABG alone. Data were analyzed using Cox and logistic regression models, to accurately assess the major factors influencing survival over time after CABG.