Cardiac complications associated with trastuzumab in the setting of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer overexpressing human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 - a prospective study.

Introduction: Trastuzumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, is targeted against the external domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2). It improves efficacy of HER2-positive breast cancer treatment. The authors present their experience with patients (pts) treated with trastuzumab in the aspects of cardiac complications.

Left atrial and left atrial appendage systolic function in patients with post-myocardial distal blocks.

Introduction: The study aimed to evaluate function of the left atrium (LA) and of the left atrial appendage (LAA) after myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by intracardiac conduction disturbances.

Material And Methods: The study comprised 59 patients with persistent post-myocardial distal blocks, who were allocated to one of the three following subgroups: study group I - 20 patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB); study group II - 20 patients with right bundle branch block (RBBB), and study group III -19 pts with left anterior hemiblock (LAHB). The control groups included patients with MI in their history and no BBBs (19 pts - group IV) and clinically healthy people (16 patients - group V).

High sensitivity C-reactive protein, NT-proBNP and hemodynamic left ventricular function in acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation - a preliminary report.

Background: Prognostic factors in acute coronary syndromes have been the subject of interest in cardiology over the last few years. Our study aimed to compare humoral marker concentration shifts (hsCRP, Nt-proBNP) and hemodynamic left ventricular systolic function index changes, determined by means of echocardiography in the first hours of acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Material/methods: The study comprised 33 patients with ACS without ST segment elevation.