Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Factors Among People Living With HIV on Dolutegravir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy in Northern Tanzania.

Purpose: Chronic systemic inflammation from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may cause metabolic abnormalities in lipid metabolism. Additionally, the development of metabolic syndrome has been associated with specific anti-retroviral therapy, particularly dolutegravir. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV on dolutegravir-based anti-retroviral therapy.

Spectrum of cardiovascular diseases in six main referral hospitals of Ethiopia.

Background: The spectrum of cardiovascular diseases varies between and within countries, depending on the stage of epidemiological transition and risk factor profiles. Understanding this spectrum requires regional and national data for each region or country. This study was designed to determine the spectrum of cardiovascular diseases in six university hospitals in Ethiopia.

The effect of postoperative medical treatment on left ventricular mass regression after aortic valve replacement.

Objective: The study objective was to analyze factors associated with left ventricular mass regression in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with a newer bioprosthesis, the Trifecta valve pericardial bioprosthesis (St Jude Medical Inc, St Paul, Minn).

Methods: A total of 444 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with the Trifecta bioprosthesis from 2007 to 2009 at 6 US institutions. The clinical and echocardiographic data of 200 of these patients who had left ventricular hypertrophy and follow-up studies 1 year postoperatively were reviewed and compared to analyze factors affecting left ventricular mass regression.

Current trends in mitral valve repair techniques in North America.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The current trends in the surgical technique of mitral valve repair (MVR) among North American medical centers participating in the Sorin Valve Repair Registry are described.

Methods: A total of 2,314 MVR procedures was performed and documented between 2003 and 2009 at 89 North American medical centers. Surgical procedure characteristics on all mitral valve annuloplasty and valve reconstructions were collected by participating surgeons, and documented in the registry.

Cerebral oximetry during cardiac surgery: the association between cerebral oxygen saturation and perioperative patient variables.

Objective: This "real-world" study was designed to assess the patterns of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) change during adult cardiac surgery. A secondary objective was to determine any relation between perioperative rSO(2) (baseline and during surgery) and patient characteristics or intraoperative variables.

Design: Prospective, observational, multicenter, nonrandomized clinical study.

St Jude Medical Epic porcine bioprosthesis: results of the regulatory evaluation.

Background: The St Jude Medical Epic heart valve (St Jude Medical, Inc, St Paul, Minn) is a tricomposite glutaraldehyde-preserved porcine bioprosthesis. The St Jude Medical Biocor porcine bioprosthesis is the precursor valve to the St Jude Medical Epic valve. The Epic valve is identical to the Biocor valve except that it is treated with Linx AC ethanol-based calcium mitigation therapy.

Feasibility of transcatheter intervention for severe aortic stenosis in patients >or=90 years of age: aortic valvuloplasty revisited.

Objectives: The goals of this study were to determine the feasibility, safety, and early outcomes of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) for severe aortic stenosis in a nonagenarian population.

Background: This very elderly population is expanding rapidly, has a high incidence of aortic stenosis, and uncommonly undergoes surgical aortic valve replacement. These patients may best be treated with a transcatheter approach due to comorbidities, surgical risk, and personal preference.

Complementary alternative medical therapies for heart surgery patients: feasibility, safety, and impact.

Background: Complementary therapies (touch, music) are used as successful adjuncts in treatment of pain in chronic conditions. Little is known about their effectiveness in care of heart surgery patients. Our objective is to evaluate feasibility, safety, and impact of a complementary alternative medical therapies package for heart surgery patients.

Prospective study of mitral valve repair with the CarboMedics AnnuloFlex annuloplasty system: effectiveness and safety after one year.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The CarboMedics AnnuloFlex annuloplasty system includes a flexible ring that may be implanted as a complete or partial ring to correct mitral annular dilatation by reinforcement of the entire annulus, or only the posterior portion of the annulus. The study aim was to evaluate clinical and functional results during the first year in patients receiving this flexible annuloplasty system.

Methods: Between February 2001 and August 2002, 69 patients (mean age 55 years; range: 27-81 years) underwent mitral valve repair that included implant of the AnnuloFlex annuloplasty ring.

Morbidity and mortality of a failed attempt at mitral valve repair converted to replacement at the same operation.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Although mitral valve repair (MVRpr) is the preferred operation for mitral disease worldwide, some surgeons are reluctant to attempt this, believing that excess morbidity and mortality will result if the attempt fails and conversion to mitral valve replacement (MVR) is necessary during surgery.

Methods: Typical preoperative, operative and postoperative parameters were reviewed retrospectively on 2,017 consecutive adults undergoing mitral valve operations (MVO), with and without additional cardiac surgery, between 1986 and 1999. Morbidity and mortality were compared for all MVRpr, MVR and attempted repairs, which failed and were converted to replacement at the same operation (FRpr).

Clinical, angiographic, and interventional follow-up of patients with aortic-saphenous vein graft connectors.

Background: The use of aortic connectors for proximal saphenous vein bypass graft anastomoses eliminates the need for aortic clamping during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and may reduce the incidence of stroke in the elderly and in patients with severe aortic atherosclerosis.

Methods And Results: We studied 74 consecutive patients who received the Symmetry Bypass System aortic connector at the time of CABG. A total of 131 of 144 proximal vein graft anastomoses were performed with this device.

Trends in mitral valve surgery in a large multi-surgeon, multi-hospital practice, 1979-1999.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Trends in mitral valve operations (MVO) may help to predict the future of mitral valve surgery in the context of changing case mix, population demographics, emerging technology and shifting paradigms.

Methods: All adults undergoing single mitral valve operations (MVO) between 1979 and 1999 were reviewed retrospectively according to age, gender and other typical clinical variables, surgical complexity, specific operation and immediate outcome.

Results: A total of 2,055 single MVO was performed.

Trends in aortic valve surgery in a large multi-surgeon, multi-hospital practice, 1979-1999.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Trends in aortic valve operations (AVO) may help to predict the future of aortic valve surgery in the context of changing case mix, population demographics, emerging technology and shifting paradigms.

Methods: All adults undergoing single AVO between 1979 and 1999 were reviewed retrospectively according to age, gender and other typical clinical variables, surgical complexity, specific operation and immediate outcome.

Results: There were 3,917 single AVO.

Surgical steps toward complete revascularization in off-pump coronary bypass.

Surgical techniques aimed at complete myocardial revascularization without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass are described. Between January 1998 and June 2000, coronary artery bypass was performed in 3,003 patients; an off-pump technique was used in 676 and cardiopulmonary bypass was employed in 2,327. Patient characteristics, demography, and preoperative risk factors of the two groups were compared retrospectively, and differences in operative variables and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

Decision-making in the choice of heart valve for replacement in patients aged 60-70 years: twenty-year follow up of the St. Jude Medical aortic valve prosthesis.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The choice of a cardiac valve for patients with aortic valvular pathology remains controversial. Younger patients may be at risk for long-term complications from chronic anticoagulation yet require prosthesis longevity, while older patients may not outlive a bioprosthesis. To gather information to help decision-making, the 20-year experience of aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the St.