Early versus late surgical intervention or medical management for infective endocarditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Infective endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality and optimal timing for surgical intervention is unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare early surgical intervention with conservative therapy in patients with infective endocarditis. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINAHL and Google-scholar databases were searched from January 1960 to April 2015. Randomised controlled trials, retrospective cohorts and prospective observational studies comparing outcomes between early surgery at 20 days or less and conservative management for infective endocarditis were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were included. OR of all-cause mortality for early surgery was 0.61 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.74, p<0.001) in unmatched groups and 0.41 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.54, p<0.001) in the propensity-matched groups (matched for baseline variables). For patients who had surgical intervention at 7 days or less, OR of all-cause mortality was 0.61 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.96, p=0.034) and in those who had surgical intervention within 8-20 days, the OR of mortality was 0.64 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.86, p=0.003) compared with conservative management. In propensity-matched groups, the OR of mortality in patients with surgical intervention at 7 days or less was 0.30 (95% CI 0.16 to 0.54, p<0.001) and in the subgroup of patients who underwent surgery between 8 and 20 days was 0.51 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.72, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality, embolisation, heart failure and recurrence of endocarditis between the overall unmatched cohorts. CONCLUSION: The results of our meta-analysis suggest that early surgical intervention is associated with significantly lower risk of mortality in patients with infective endocarditis.

Comparison of percutaneous device closure versus surgical closure of peri-membranous ventricular septal defects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: While percutaneous device closure (PDC) is a first-line therapy for isolated muscular ventricular septal defects (mVSD), surgery is still the preferred approach for peri-membranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSD). OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the outcomes of percutaneous versus open surgical closure of pmVSDs. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched through October 15, 2014 for English language studies comparing outcomes of PDC with surgical closure of pmVSDs. Study quality, publication bias, and heterogeneity were assessed. A meta-analysis of selected studies was performed using a random effects model. Comparison was done for early (<1 month) safety and efficacy outcomes. RESULTS: Seven studies with a total of 3,134 patients (PDC = 1,312, surgery = 1,822) were identified. Patients in the PDC group were older than those treated surgically (mean age 12.2 vs. 5.5 years, respectively). In six out of seven studies, the mean VSD size was found to be comparable between the treatment arms (PDC 4.9 mm vs. surgery 6.0 mm). Males represented 52% of patients in either group. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 42 months. No significant differences were observed between PDC vs. surgery in terms of procedural success rate [relative risk (RR): 1.00, confidence interval (CI): 0.99-1.00; P = 0.67]. Combined safety end points for major complications (early death/reoperation/permanent pacemaker) were similar in both groups (RR: 0.55, CI: 0.23-1.35; P = 0.19) as were as other outcomes like post-procedure significant residual shunt (RR: 0.69, CI: 0.29-1.68; P = 0.41), significant valvular (aortic/tricuspid) regurgitation (RR: 0.70, CI: 0.26-1.86; P = 0.47), and advanced heart block (RR: 0.99, CI: 0.46-2.14; P = 0.98). The need for blood transfusion (RR: 0.02, CI: 0.00-0.05; P < 0.001) and duration of hospital stay [standard mean difference (SMD) -2.17 days, CI: -3.12 to -1.23; P < 0.001] were significantly reduced in the PDC group. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous closure of pmVSD when performed in a selected subgroup of patients is associated with similar procedural success rate without increased risk of significant valvular regurgitation or heart block when compared with surgical closure.

Probable hydrochlorothiazide-induced myopericarditis: first case reported.

Hydrochlorothiazide has never been reported as a reason for myopericarditis. An African American female, with past history of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and sulfa allergy, presented with indolent onset and retrosternal chest pain which was positional, pleuritic, and unresponsive to sublingual nitroglycerin. Her medications included hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) which was started three months ago for uncontrolled hypertension. Significant laboratory parameters included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 47 mm/hr and peak troponin of 0.26 ng/mL. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed preserved ejection fraction with no segmental wall motion abnormalities; however, it showed moderate pericardial effusion without tamponade physiology. We hypothesize that this myopericarditis could be due to HCTZ allergic reaction after all other common etiologies have been ruled out. There is a scarcity of the literature regarding HCTZ as an etiology for pericardial disease, with only one case reported as presumed hydrochlorothiazide-induced pericardial effusion. Management involves discontinuation of HCTZ and starting anti-inflammatory therapy.

Efficacy and safety of transulnar coronary angiography and interventions--a single center experience.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and long-term safety of transulnar approach in complex coronary interventions. BACKGROUND: The success rate of transulnar approach in complex coronary interventions and its long-term safety remains to be proven. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing transulnar coronary angiography and interventions at our institution from January 2004 through July 2009. Primary endpoint of the study was the success rate of the procedure. Secondary endpoints were major bleeding, local vascular and neurological complications, cerebrovascular accident (CVA)/transient ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) rate that was a composite of MI, CVA/TIA, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Of 81 patients undergoing transulnar approach, 41 (50.6%) patients underwent intervention on 65 lesions. Twelve percent of the interventions were performed on coronary bypass grafts and 9.2% on the left main coronary artery. Success rates for transulnar access, coronary angiography, and coronary/bypass graft interventions were 93.8%, 100%, and 92.6%, respectively. Follow-up data was available on 71 patients at short term (30 days) and 58 patients at long term (1 year). At 30-day follow-up, vascular complication rate was 2.8 %. At 1-year follow-up, there were no residual deficits from vascular or neurological complications associated with the index procedure and the overall MACE rate was 3.4%. CONCLUSION: In this first study evaluating long-term safety and feasibility of transulnar coronary angiography and complex coronary interventions, we conclude that transulnar approach appears to be safe and effective.

Impact of Grapefruit Juice on the Antiplatelet Activity of Loading and Maintenance Doses of Clopidogrel in Healthy Volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Grapefruit juice impacts the metabolism of a number of drugs via inhibition of a variety of metabolic enzymes. This study evaluated the impact of grapefruit juice on the antiplatelet activity of a loading dose and 7 days of maintenance therapy with clopidogrel. METHODS: Healthy volunteers participated in two separate treatment protocols. The first protocol included a single 300 mg loading dose of clopidogrel and the second protocol included maintenance therapy with clopidogrel 75 mg given for 7 consecutive days. In both protocols, subjects were randomized to take clopidogrel with grapefruit juice or with tap water. At 6 h after the loading dose and at 6 h after the last maintenance dose of clopidogrel, a P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) value using the VerifyNow® P2Y12 assay was determined. A PRU value > 235 was defined as high on-treatment platelet reactivity (defined as clopidogrel hyporesponse). RESULTS: Fourteen subjects completed the loading dose protocol while 17 subjects completed the maintenance dose protocol. Following administration of the loading dose, the mean PRUs with grapefruit juice and tap water were 235.2 (95% confidence interval (CI): 210.4-260.0) and 177.4 (95% CI: 141.6-213.2), respectively (P = 0.001). Following administration of the loading dose, the numbers of subjects with a PRU > 235 with grapefruit juice and tap water were 9 (64%) and 3 (21%), respectively (P = 0.05). In the maintenance dose protocol, the mean PRUs with grapefruit juice and tap water were 212.4 (95% CI: 175.8-249.0) and 186.1 (95% CI: 149.6-222.7), respectively (P = 0.059). In the maintenance dose protocol, the proportions of patients with a PRU > 235 with grapefruit juice and tap water were 9 (53%) and 4 (23%), respectively (P = 0.16). DISCUSSION: Compared to tap water, grapefruit juice significantly increased the mean PRU in patients following a 300 mg loading dose of clopidogrel. The increase in mean PRU after 7 days of a 75 mg/day maintenance dose of clopidogrel was also increased by grapefruit juice, but the magnitude of the increase was not statistically significant. The proportion of subjects with high on-treatment platelet reactivity with clopidogrel after ingestion with grapefruit juice was not significant during either the loading or maintenance dose. The results of our study are insufficient to reach a valid conclusion concerning an interaction between clopidogrel and grapefruit juice.

Aliskiren in Patients Failing to Achieve Blood Pressure Targets With Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers.

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy of aliskiren in patients failing to reach blood pressure (BP) goals with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). METHODS: A total of 107 patients who failed to reach BP goals on ACEI or ARB were switched to aliskiren. Changes in BP were determined during maximal ACEI, ARB, or aliskiren therapy. RESULTS: Mean reduction in sBP and dBP with ACEI was 8.5 ± 6.3 mmHg and 6.0 ± 4.7 mmHg, respectively. Mean reduction in sBP and dBP with ARB was 8.3 ± 6.7 mmHg and 5.0 ± 5.2 mmHg, respectively. Mean reduction in sBP and dBP with aliskiren 150 mg/d was 6.7 ± 5.4 mmHg and 5.4 ± 4.8 mmHg, respectively. Mean reduction in sBP and dBP with aliskiren 300 mg/d was 8.6 ± 6.3 mmHg and 6.0 ± 4.9 mmHg, respectively. BP reductions between ACEI, ARB, and aliskiren were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Aliskiren is ineffective in patients failing ACEI or ARB therapy. Given the label changes restricting the use of aliskiren in combination with ACEI and ARB, excess cost compared to ACEI and ARB, and a paucity of outcome data, there is a limited role for aliskiren in practice.

Development and validation of a risk calculator for prediction of cardiac risk after surgery.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The Revised Cardiac Risk Index is currently the most commonly used cardiac risk stratification tool; however, it has several limitations, one of which is its relatively low discriminative ability. The objective of the present study was to develop and validate a predictive cardiac risk calculator. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients who underwent surgery were identified from the American College of Surgeons' 2007 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, a multicenter (>250 hospitals) prospective database. Of the 211 410 patients, 1371 (0.65%) developed perioperative myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, 5 predictors of perioperative myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest were identified: type of surgery, dependent functional status, abnormal creatinine, American Society of Anesthesiologists' class, and increasing age. The risk model based on the 2007 data set was subsequently validated on the 2008 data set (n=257 385). The model performance was very similar between the 2007 and 2008 data sets, with C statistics (also known as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) of 0.884 and 0.874, respectively. Application of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index to the 2008 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set yielded a relatively lower C statistic (0.747). The risk model was used to develop an interactive risk calculator. CONCLUSIONS: The cardiac risk calculator provides a risk estimate of perioperative myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest and is anticipated to simplify the informed consent process. Its predictive performance surpasses that of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index.

Impact of statin use on heart failure mortality.

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting data regarding the mortality benefit of statins in patients with heart failure. The objectives of our study were to determine whether statin therapy is associated with decreased all-cause mortality and to assess the effect of incremental duration of therapy. METHODS: We studied 10,510 consecutive patients from the Veterans Affairs health system with a diagnosis of heart failure from January 2002 through December 2006. Mean follow-up was 2.66 years. Statin use and duration of therapy were identified. Veterans were classified into four groups based on duration of statin use during the study period (none, 1-25%, 26-75% and >75% use of statins). Logistic regression was performed to identify the association between incident statin use and all-cause mortality following a diagnosis of heart failure. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to assess for differences in survival time between the four statin use classifications. RESULTS: Statin use was significantly associated with decreased all-cause mortality following a diagnosis of heart failure after controlling for age, gender, concurrent medications and comorbid diagnoses [χ(3)(2) (N = 10,510) = 1077.82, p < 0.001]. The benefit was seen within a relatively short duration (within 1 year) after starting statins, and in patients with <25% use of statins, there was no mortality benefit. CONCLUSION: Veterans who were not exposed to statin therapy at any time during the study period were 1.56 times more likely to suffer all-cause mortality.

Impact of left atrial volume in prediction of outcome after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

UNLABELLED: Left atrial volume index (LAVI) as a predictor of mortality has not been well investigated in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of LAVI in predicting mortality in CRT patients. METHODS: We studied 100 consecutive patients who received CRT (male 73, age 69.9 ± 9.6 years). The follow-up duration of all echocardiographic measurements was 14.4 ± 10.5 months after CRT. LAVI was measured from apical views on two-dimensional echocardiography by bi-plane rule. A decrease of left ventricular end systolic volume ≥ 15% after CRT was defined as a positive response to CRT. RESULTS: The mean LAVI at baseline was 59.9 ± 22.7 ml/m(2). LAVI in patients who died (78.2 ± 27.5 ml/m(2)) was significantly greater than those who survived (55.9 ± 19.5 ml/m(2), p<0.0001) during follow-up of 17 ± 10.6 months. The area under ROC curve (AUC) for LAVI predicting death was 0.77 (p=0.0001). The cutoff point for LAVI predicting death was LAVI>59.4 ml/m(2). LAVI>59.4 ml/m(2) was related to mortality by Cox proportional univariate regression [hazard ratio (HR)=5.15, 95% CI=1.48-17.93, p=0.01]. After adjustment for the variables with significant difference by univariate regression, LAVI>59.4 ml/m(2) was continuously related to mortality by multivariate regression (HR=4.56, 95% CI, 1.30-15.97, p=0.02). LAVI>59.4 ml/m(2) was associated with a near 5-fold increase in mortality during follow-up of 17 ± 10.6 months. CONCLUSION: Patients who have LAVI>59.4 ml/m(2) continue to have increased mortality despite CRT.

Effectiveness of Thrombolytic Therapy in Acute Embolic Stroke due to Infective Endocarditis.

Objective. To identify the role of thrombolytic therapy in acute embolic stroke due to infective endocarditis. Design. Case report. Setting. University hospital. Patient. A 70-year-old male presented with acute onset aphasia and hemiparesis due to infective endocarditis. His head computerized tomographic scan revealed left parietal sulcal effacement. He was given intravenous tissue plasminogen activator with significant resolution of the neurologic deficits without complications. Main Outcome Measures. Physical examination, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, radiologic examination results. Conclusions. Thrombolytic therapy in selected cases of stroke due to infective endocarditis manifesting as major neurologic deficits can be considered as an option after careful consideration of risks and benefits. The basis for such favorable response rests in the presence of fibrin as a major constituent of the vegetation. The risk of precipitating hemorrhage with thrombolytic therapy especially with large infarcts and mycotic aneurysms should be weighed against the benefits of averting a major neurologic deficit.

Impact of moderate to severe renal impairment on mortality and appropriate shocks in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Background. Due to underrepresentation of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in large Implantable-Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) clinical trials, the impact of ICD remains uncertain in this population. Methods. Consecutive patients who received ICD at Creighton university medical center between years 2000-2004 were included in a retrospective cohort after excluding those on maintenance dialysis. Based on baseline Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), patients were classified as severe CKD: GFR < 30 mL/min; moderate CKD: GFR: 30-59 mL/min; and mild or no CKD: GFR ≥ 60 mL/min. The impact of GFR on appropriate shocks and survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier method and Generalized Linear Models (GLM) with log-link function. Results. There were 509 patients with a mean follow-up of 3.0 + 1.3 years. Mortality risk was inversely proportional to the estimated GFR: 2 fold higher risk with GFR between 30-59 mL/min and 5 fold higher risk with GFR < 30 mL/min. One hundred and seventy-seven patients received appropriate shock(s); appropriate shock-free survival was lower in patients with severe CKD (GFR < 30) compared to mild or no CKD group (2.8 versus 4.2 yrs). Conclusion. Even moderate renal dysfunction increases all cause mortality in CKD patients with ICD. Severe but not moderate CKD is an independent predictor for time to first appropriate shock.

C-Reactive Protein and The Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

There is increasing evidence linking C-reactive protein (CRP) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite the abundance of literature, confusion exists regarding this association because of inconsistent results. MEDLINE and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases were carefully searched through July, 2009 combining the following terms "C-reactive protein" and "atrial fibrillation". Reference lists of selected articles and reviews were also screened to identify additional relevant studies. Of the 129 studies initially identified, 8 studies with 7507 subjects (719 with AF) were included in the meta-analysis. Analysis yielded a relative risk of 1.63 (1.43, 1.86) for occurrence of AF when CRP level was above a cut off of 3-3.5 mg/l. When 3 studies with data on a higher cut off of 4.5-5.0 mg/l were analyzed separately, the relative risk was 4.03 (3.1, 5.25). Our study suggests that elevated CRP is associated with increased risk for AF. The risk appears incremental with higher CRP levels conferring proportionately increased risk. There is an urgent need for further large scale, well designed prospective studies to assess the relationship between CRP and AF.

Circadian, daily, and seasonal distributions of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

This study investigated the circadian, daily, and seasonal distributions of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with new implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement at Creighton University Medical Center from January 2000 to December 2004. The incidence and distribution of ventricular tachyarrhythmias as recorded by implantable cardioverter-defibrillators were analyzed with respect to season, month, day of the week, and average daily temperature. Data from 154 consecutive patients (mean age 67 +/- 14 years; 78% men, 71% with ischemic heart disease [IHD], mean left ventricular ejection fraction 34 +/- 15%) were analyzed. During a mean follow-up of 35 +/- 19 months, a total of 1,055 episodes of spontaneously terminated ventricular tachycardia (VT) and 612 episodes of VT or ventricular fibrillation with appropriate device therapy occurred. Distributions in the incidence of VT and VT or ventricular fibrillation receiving appropriate therapy were similar in patients with IHD and non-IHD. Spontaneously terminated VT and appropriately treated VT or ventricular fibrillation episodes occurred with the greatest incidence in the winter months and the lowest incidence in summer, spring, and fall. A linear regression between the number of episodes and the average daily temperature showed a greater likelihood of the 2 events occurring on cooler days, irrespective of the cause of cardiac disease. A weekly distribution was also observed, with the greatest proportion of episodes occurring on Fridays and the lowest on Saturdays and Sundays. A bimodal circadian distribution was present, with the greatest peak occurring from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a smaller peak occurring from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. In conclusion, the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias appears to follow circadian, daily, and seasonal distributions that are similar in patients with IHD and non-IHD. The incidence inversely correlates with average daily temperatures.

Effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the arachidonic acid:eicosapentaenoic acid ratio.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the baseline arachidonic acid:eicosapentaenoic acid (AA:EPA) ratio in patients with coronary artery disease and healthy subjects, and whether supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, administered as fish oil capsules, affects this ratio. DESIGN: Prospective, open-label trial. SETTING: University-affiliated cardiology clinic. SUBJECTS: Thirty patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and 30 healthy subjects. INTERVENTION: All participants received omega-3 fatty acids 1.5 g/day for 4 weeks, followed by 3 g/day for an additional 4 weeks. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: For each participant, a lipid profile was determined at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment with each dose. Other laboratory results analyzed were serum AA:EPA ratios, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, and blood glucose levels. Mean +/- SD baseline AA:EPA ratios were 39.6 +/- 19.0 in healthy subjects and 23.7 +/- 12.5 in patients with CAD. These ratios decreased significantly in both groups after treatment with 1.5 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids: 9.0 +/- 4.2 in healthy subjects and 10.3 +/- 8.8 in patients with CAD. After treatment with 3 g/day, the ratios were further reduced: 5.1 +/- 3.2 in healthy subjects and 4.9 +/- 2.6 in patients with CAD. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids did not significantly affect hs-CRP, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or blood glucose levels. Triglyceride levels were not reduced in patients with CAD but were significantly decreased in healthy subjects (by 20% decrease with omega-3 fatty acids 1.5 g/day and by 32% decrease with 3 g/day). CONCLUSION: Treatment with omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduced AA:EPA ratios in both healthy subjects and in patients with stable CAD. The treatment had no effect on hs-CRP levels in either group, and it reduced triglyceride levels in healthy subjects but not in patients with CAD.

Intensive smoking cessation intervention reduces mortality in high-risk smokers with cardiovascular disease.

PURPOSES: To compare an intensive smoking cessation intervention against usual care in hospitalized high-risk smokers with acute cardiovascular disease. METHODS: A total of 209 hospitalized smokers were randomized to the intensive intervention (n = 109) or to usual care (n = 100). Usual care consisted only of counseling and printed educational material provided prior to hospital discharge. Intensive treatment consisted of a minimum of 12 weeks of behavior modification counseling and individualized pharmacotherapy provided at no cost to the participant. Smoking status in all subjects was confirmed biochemically (ie, by measuring expired carbon monoxide) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after randomization. Outcomes included point prevalence and continuous abstinence smoking cessation rates, hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: At each follow-up interval, point prevalence and continuous abstinence smoking cessation rates were significantly greater in the intensive-treatment group compared to the usual-care group. At 24 months, continuous abstinence smoking cessation rates were 33% in the intensive-treatment group and 9% in the usual-care group (p < 0.0001). Over the 2-year follow-up period, 41 patients in the usual-care group were hospitalized compared to 25 patients in the intensive-treatment group (relative risk reduction [RRR], 44%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 16 to 63%; p = 0.007). The all-cause mortality rate was 2.8% in the intensive-treatment group and 12.0% in the usual-care group (RRR, 77%; 95% CI, 27 to 93%; p = 0.014). The absolute risk reduction in mortality was 9.2% with a number needed to treat of 11. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized smokers, especially those with cardiovascular disease, should undergo treatment with a structured intensive cessation intervention. The duration of the initial treatment should be 3 months.

Warfarin therapy initiated before is more beneficial than after transesophageal echocardiography detected left atrial thrombus.

OBJECTIVE: Warfarin anticoagulation significantly reduces the risk of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there are many patients with AF who begin anticoagulation only after left atrial thrombus (LAT) is detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The impact of anticoagulation in these patients has not been clearly described. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) among AF patients who began warfarin before LAT was detected by TEE compared to those who began warfarin only after TEE demonstrated LAT and those did not receive warfarin at any point. METHOD: Of the 90 consecutive AF patients with LAT (male 48, female 42, age 71.5 +/- 10.1 years), 49 began warfarin more than 3 weeks before TEE (Group I); 29 began warfarin after TEE (Group II); and 12 did not receive warfarin at all (Group III). RESULTS: The incidence of CVA in Group I (14%, 7/49, prior CVA 5, new CVA after TEE 2) was significantly lower than Group II (45%, 13/29, prior CVA 10, new CVA after TEE 3, P = 0.006) and III (42%, 5/12, prior CVA 3, new CVA after TEE 2, P = 0.047). Patients with persistent LAT had significantly higher incidence (64% vs 23%, P = 0.024) of CVA and lower CVA free survival than those with resolved LAT. CONCLUSION: The incidence of CVA among AF patients, who began warfarin before LAT detection, is significantly lower than those who began warfarin after LAT detection as well as those who did not receive warfarin at all.

Aldosterone inhibition reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for over 450,000 deaths annually in the USA. Sudden death is estimated to account for approximately 50% of all deaths from cardiovascular causes. Total cardiac mortality has decreased from 728,115 in 1989 to 719,456 in 1999 but the percentage of deaths that are sudden has actually increased from 38% to 47%. Prevention of SCD in patients with risk factors is a high priority for public health professionals. Aldosterone has been shown to be associated with myocardial inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and fibrosis. There is evidence from clinical trials suggesting the role of aldosterone inhibition in prevention of SCD. We reviewed the potential mechanisms and discuss the clinical implications of Randomised ALdactone Evaluation Study (RALES) and Eplerenone Neurohormonal Efficacy and Survival Study (EPHESUS). The use of aldosterone receptor blockers had an overall effect of 21% risk reduction in SCD. Appropriate monitoring and counselling is essential while using either of the aldosterone inhibitors.