25 Sep 10
Posted in Coronary artery disease at 1:12 by Laci
By M Bonaca, P Steg, L Feldman, J Canales, J Ferguson, L Wallentin
JACC 2009;54:969-984
Antithrombotic agents are an integral component of the medical regimens and interventional strategies currently recommended to reduce thrombotic complications in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Despite great advances with these therapies, associated high risks for thrombosis and hemorrhage remain as the result of complex interactions involving patient comorbidities, drug combinations, multifaceted dosing adjustments, and the intricacies of the care environment. As such, the optimal combinations of antithrombotic therapies, their timing, and appropriate targeted subgroups remain the focus of intense research. During the last several years a number of new antithrombotic treatments have been introduced, and new data regarding established therapies have come to light. Although treatment guidelines include the most current available data, subsequent findings can be challenging to integrate. This challenge is compounded by the complexity associated with different efficacy and safety measures and the variability in study populations, presenting syndromes, physician, and patient preferences. In this work we review recent data regarding clinically available antiplatelet and anticoagulation agents used in the treatment of patients with ACS. We address issues including relative efficacy, safety, and timing of therapies with respect to conservative and invasive treatment strategies. In specific cases we will highlight remaining questions and controversies and ongoing trials, which will hopefully shed light in these areas. In addition to reviewing existing agents, we take a look forward at the most promising new antithrombotics currently in late-stage clinical development and their potential role in the context of ACS management.
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19 Sep 10
Posted in Echocardiography, Valvular disease at 1:25 by Laci
By H Baumgartner, C Otto
JACC 2009;54:1012-1013
Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most frequent indication for valve replacement in Europe and North America, and correct diagnosis and timing of surgery are critical. Although it is evident that patients with symptoms attributable to severe AS require prompt valve replacement, there remain some unresolved issues in clinical decision making.
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Posted in Echocardiography, Valvular disease at 0:22 by Laci
By Z Hachicha, J Dumesnil, P Pibarot
JACC 2009;54:1003-1011
This study was designed to examine the prognostic value of valvuloarterial impedance (Zva) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS).
We previously showed that the Zva is superior to standard indexes of AS severity in estimating the global hemodynamic load faced by the left ventricle (LV) and predicting the occurrence of LV dysfunction. This index is calculated by dividing the estimated LV systolic pressure (systolic arterial pressure + mean transvalvular gradient) by the stroke volume indexed for the body surface area.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and echocardiographic data of 544 consecutive patients having at least moderate AS (aortic jet velocity =2.5 m∑s-1) and no symptoms at baseline. The primary end point for this study was the overall mortality regardless of the realization of aortic valve replacement (AVR).
Results
Four-year survival was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the patients with a baseline Zva =4.5 mm Hg∑ml-1∑m2 (65 ± 5%) compared with those with Zva between 3.5 and 4.5 mm Hg∑ml-1∑m2 (78 ± 4%) and those with Zva =3.5 mm Hg∑ml-1∑m2 (88 ± 3%). The risk of mortality was increased by 2.76-fold in patients with Zva =4.5 mm Hg∑ml-1∑m2 and by 2.30-fold in those with a Zva between 3.5 and 4.5 mm Hg∑ml-1∑m2 after adjusting for other risk factors and type of treatment (surgical vs. medical).
Conclusions
Increased Zva is a marker of excessive LV hemodynamic load, and a value >3.5 successfully identifies patients with a poor outcome. These findings suggest that beyond standard indexes of stenosis severity, the consideration of Zva may be useful to improve risk stratification and clinical decision making in patients with AS.
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14 Sep 10
Posted in Anesthesia, COPD, Pre-operatie evaluation at 0:05 by Laci
By T Edrich, N Sadovnikoff
Curr Opin Anaesth. 2010;2:18-24
Patients with chronic obstructive lung disease experience an increased risk of perioperative pulmonary complications. This review presents an evidence-based approach to perioperative care designed to optimize management.
Recent findings: Recent research has provided guidance regarding intraoperative and postoperative administration of oxygen and the selective use of volatile agents. The significance of preoperative malnutrition and postoperative epidural analgesia on outcomes has also been explored further. The opportunity for anesthesiologists to engage in tobacco interventions and the benefits of addressing smoking cessation have been studied.
Summary
Optimization for surgery includes preoperative treatment of reversible airway obstruction and respiratory infections, smoking cessation, and possibly nutritional interventions. Meticulous intraoperative monitoring combined with a sound understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying air trapping will help clinicians strike a balance between permissive hypercapnia and adequate ventilation.
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