Immunosuppressive therapy is an established therapeutic option in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). In an open nonrandomized study we serially assessed cardiac function in 30 consecutive patients with MS before, during, and after mitoxantrone therapy. Mitoxantrone (12 mg/m(2)) was administered intravenously at 3-month intervals. Before each infusion, cardiac function was assessed by history taking, resting electrocardiogram, and echocardiography. Whereas no patient experienced clinical signs of heart failure, left ventricular pump function decreased continuously during mitoxantrone therapy and did not recover after cessation. The presented data suggest a dose-dependent and long-lasting toxic cardiac effect of low-dose mitoxantrone therapy in MS.
Background: Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) can face a lifelong risk of premature cardiovascular events. Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness may be some of the key mechanisms involved. Early identification of endothelial damage in ACHD could be crucial to mitigate the adverse events.
Background: Hypertension or elevated blood pressure (BP) is a worldwide clinical challenge and the leading primary risk factor for kidney dysfunctions, heart failure, and cerebrovascular disease. The kidney is a central regulator of BP by maintaining sodium-water balance. Multiple genome-wide association studies revealed that BP is a heritable quantitative trait, modulated by several genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors.
Aim: To establish a simple, safe, and reproducible animal model of tricuspid regurgitation (TR).
Methods: A self-expanding stent made of nickel-titanium shape memory metal alloy was developed. Ten white pigs were randomized into an experimental group (n = 7) and a control group (n = 3).
We recently reviewed the article titled "Outcomes of Bolus Dose Furosemide Versus Continuous Infusion in Patients With Acute Decompensated Left Ventricular Failure and Atrial Fibrillation" published in Clinical Cardiology by [khan et al.] (1) with great interest. This study addresses a crucial area of clinical practice, and we appreciate the authors' efforts in exploring this topic.
Objective: To investigate the long-term impact of cardiac surgery on the quality of life in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHDs).
Methods: Patients who had undergone cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) at the age of 18 years or more were recruited in a single-center, cross-sectional study. The enrolled subjects completed online questionnaires to assess patient-reported outcomes: perceived health status and life satisfaction, psychological functioning, health behaviors, and illness perception.
