The aim of this study was to investigate whether segmental ostial catheter ablation (SOCA) designed to prevent the electrical connections (ECs) between the left atrium and pulmonary veins (PVs) might help increase the efficacy of SOCA in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). PV mapping and successful SOCA were performed with a basket catheter in 108 consecutive patients with PAF. Radiofrequency energy was delivered using a maximum output of 30 W with a 4 mm tip catheter (group I; 47) or 40 W with an 8 mm tip catheter (group II; 61). Only in the group II patients were additional radiofrequency deliveries to the specific sites where the ECs tended to recover performed after successful SOCA. After the first procedure, PAF recurred in 47% of the group I patients and 32% of the group II patients. In all 27 patients who underwent repeat procedures, EC recoveries were observed more frequently in group I than in group II (69% versus 49%; P < 0.05). After multiple procedures, there was more freedom from PAF in group II (84%) than in group I (66%) (P < 0.05). SOCA with a higher RF power, larger tip catheter, and additional RF deliveries could achieve a more effective SOCA.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1536/ihj.47.219 | DOI Listing |
Glob Ment Health (Camb)
November 2024
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
This study investigates the stigma against people with mental illness in Bangladesh through in-depth interviews with 14 patients and 9 healthcare professionals, and 33 focus group discussions with people without mental illness. The research has delved into the understanding of different types of stigma against mental illness in the context of Bangladesh. The findings revealed four types of stigma which were categorized into four themes namely self-stigma, public stigma, professional, and institutional stigma.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGerms
September 2024
Pharm, PhD, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, No. 6 Traian Vuia street, Bucharest, 020956, Romania.
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has promoted an intensive investigation into the pathophysiological mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, risk factors, and its impact on disease severity. Vitamin D has generated significant attention for its potential role in viral prevention and immune defense due to its pleiotropic functions, including immunomodulation and antimicrobial effects. This study aimed to assess serum 25(OH)D3 levels in patients with COVID-19 compared to those with other viral respiratory infections and to evaluate associations of vitamin D levels with symptomatology, clinical characteristics, presence of comorbidities and laboratory investigation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPediatr Qual Saf
January 2025
From the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.
Introduction: Supracondylar fractures are among the most common injuries in the pediatric population. Recently, there has been increased interest in developing opioid-free anesthetic protocols that achieve these same goals without the risks associated with opioid use, such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), delayed discharges, and respiratory depression.
Methods: Seattle Children's Hospital implemented opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) for pediatric supracondylar fracture repairs in January 2021.
Pediatr Qual Saf
January 2025
Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo.
Introduction: Pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rates in the United States remain lower compared with adults. We aimed to (1) implement a quality improvement initiative to increase COVID-19 vaccination 2-fold in hospitalized patients 12-21 years of age from 4.7% during the baseline period (August 10, 2021-November 1, 2021) to 9.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPediatr Qual Saf
January 2025
Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.
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