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J Cardiovasc Echogr 2019 Jan-Mar;29(1):1-6

Cardiomyopathies and Heart Failure Department, Monaldi Hospital, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Nocera Inferiore, Italy.

Introduction: In patients affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), left atrial volume index (LAVi) is associated with an increased risk of tachyarrhythmias and major clinical events. To date, the clinical meaning of LAVi measured during exercise (stress LAVi [sLAVi]) has not yet been investigated in HCM. This study sought to evaluate the correlation between LAVi/sLAVi and clinical outcome (risk of arrhythmias and heart failure [HF]) in patients with HCM. Read More

Clin Microbiol Infect 2019 Apr 17. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Internal Medicine, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli' & Unit of Infectious and Transplant Medicine, AORN Ospedali dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy.

Background: Carbapenem resistance is defined as in vitro nonsusceptibility to any carbapenem and/or documented production of a carbapenemase. This feature has rapidly spread worldwide among clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, mostly Klebsiella spp, and is associated with diverse molecular mechanisms. Carbapenem resistance is often associated with resistance to all traditional beta-lactams and other classes of antibiotics, denoting a typical example of extensively drug-resistant phenotype. Read More

Am Heart J 2019 Apr 16. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2019 Apr 19. Epub 2019 Apr 19.

Department of Thoracic Surgery, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy.

Background:  Variations in pulmonary venous anatomy should not be undermined by thoracic surgeons during procedures which involve the pulmonary veins.

Methods:  We have identified vascular anomalies in 25 of 346 patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy at our Thoracic Surgery Unit, between December 2016 and November 2018.

Results:  Some vascular anomalies described have not been reported in recent literature and include right V draining into the middle lobe pulmonary vein, accessory right V behind the bronchus intermedius, two V from the apical segment of left lower lobe, two V from the apical segment of right lower lobe, and one of them draining into the superior pulmonary vein. Read More

Cancer Med 2019 Apr 17. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Department of Medicine and Surgery, Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Center, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Ruxolitinib, an orally bioavailable and selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and JAK2, significantly reduces splenomegaly and disease-related symptoms in patients with myelofibrosis (MF). However, no clear survival benefit has been demonstrated, which may in part reflect suboptimal drug exposure related to lower dosages needed to minimize hematological toxicity, specifically cytopenias. Furthermore, the optimal management of specific conditions such as leukocytosis or thrombocytosis in patients under ruxolitinib therapy is still undefined. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Apr 17;89(1). Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Pulmonary Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Hospital of Vittorio Veneto.

The conventional-trans bronchial needle aspiration (c-TBNA) has been the first procedure for sampling hilar/mediastinal lymph node for the diagnosis/staging of lung cancer. In the last decade the endobronchial ultrasound trans bronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) was introduced in clinical practice and became the first-choice exam in diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy (DA), sensitivity and adequacy of c-TBNA and EBUS-TBNA. Read More

Oncologist 2019 Apr 17. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Medical Thoracic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy.

Background: Nivolumab has shown a survival benefit compared with docetaxel as second-line treatment for patients with previously treated advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a randomized phase III trial. The experiences of patients and physicians in routine clinical practice are often different from those in a controlled clinical trial setting. We present data from the entire Italian cohort of patients with squamous NSCLC enrolled in a worldwide nivolumab NSCLC expanded access program. Read More

Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2019 Apr 17:1089253219842650. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

1 AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy.

Percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system recently emerged as a viable and less invasive therapeutic option in patients with severe mitral regurgitation deemed to be high-risk surgical candidates. Mitral valve morphology and geometry features are key elements for MitraClip eligibility. In the setting of functional mitral regurgitation, the presence of a leaflet coaptation gap due to advanced left ventricle remodeling can be a potential exclusion criterion for MitraClip therapy. Read More

Eur J Heart Fail 2019 Apr 16. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) Berlin, Department of Cardiology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charite - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of heart muscle diseases and an important cause of heart failure (HF). Current knowledge on incidence, pathophysiology and natural history of HF in cardiomyopathies is limited, and distinct features of their therapeutic responses have not been systematically addressed. Therefore, this position paper focuses on epidemiology, pathophysiology, natural history and latest developments in treatment of HF in patients with dilated (DCM), hypertrophic (HCM) and restrictive (RCM) cardiomyopathies. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Apr 12;89(1). Epub 2019 Apr 12.

Department of Cardiology, ICS Maugeri, IRCCS Montescano.

Despite improvements in treatments, the prognosis of heart failure remains poor. Elderly patients with heart failure are burdened with multiple co-morbidities and polypharmacy. Multidisciplinary disease-management programs are recommended as standard care for patients at high risk of hospitalization. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Apr 12;89(1). Epub 2019 Apr 12.

University of Udine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Sciences.

Among the older patients' cohort, the aetiology of heart failure is peculiar and differs in many ways from the younger one, both in its epidemiology, diagnostic work-up and clinical presentation. Focusing on this population, we could assume that heart failure is a real geriatric syndrome, characterized by several features, which coexist with other comorbidities and require specific and targeted cares. It is therefore necessary to examine the global burden of heart failure and the patient's history rather than the causal cardiomyopathy - frequently more than one in the elderly - facing with the condition, bearing in mind the quality of life even before its duration. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Apr 15;89(1). Epub 2019 Apr 15.

University of Padua, Department of Molecular Medicine.

It is important, in our opinion, to provide physicians with a brief update of scientifically-sound evidence in preventive nutrition, to be employed in their everyday practice, since the latest scientific and clinical advances in this area are generally not well known. Here, we review the most recent evidence in support of an optimal cardio-protective diet, and we identify the need to focus mainly on protective food which should be part of such diet, rather than on nutrients with negative effects to be limited (salt, saturated fats, simple sugars). We conclude that, to favor patient compliance, it is also necessary to underscore indications on the topics for which there is convincing and coherent literature, leaving other less-explored aspects to individual preferences. Read More

Heart Fail Rev 2019 Apr 13. Epub 2019 Apr 13.

Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.

Cardiac surgical techniques and circulatory supports have strongly evolved in the last years. Right ventricular (RV) function during the post-operatory period is still subject of study, although its relevant prognostic impact has been variably described in different papers. RV post-surgical dysfunction's underlying mechanisms are still not clear and include a different hypothesis. Read More

Eur Heart J 2019 Apr 12. Epub 2019 Apr 12.

Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.

Aims: In left-sided infective endocarditis (IE), a large vegetation >10 mm is associated with higher mortality, yet it is unknown whether surgery during the acute phase opposed to medical therapy is associated with improved survival. We assessed the association between surgery and 6-month mortality as related to vegetation size.

Methods And Results: Patients with definite, left-sided IE (2008-2012) from The International Collaboration on Endocarditis prospective, multinational registry were included. Read More

Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019 Mar 27;7(6):973-977. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

Section of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.

Background: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been introduced for the treatment of lung cancer, improving progression-free survival, objective response rate, and quality of life. However, TKIs can lead to cutaneous toxicities, including papulopustular rash, xerosis, paronychia with/without pyogenic granulomas, scalp disorders, facial hair and/or eyelash growth.

Aim: In this study, we describe retrospectively all cases of mucocutaneous side effects in patients with lung cancer under TKIs referring to our outpatient for the skin care of oncological patients. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 20;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 20.

University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland.

The spectrum of eosinophilic lung diseases comprises a diverse group of pulmonary disorders associated with tissue or peripheral eosinophilia. [Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP)] is an uncommon eosinophilic lung disease that can be idiopathic, but identifiable causes include medications, inhalational exposures and infections. Most cases in the literature are associated with first-time cigarette smoking or resuming smoking. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Apr 5;89(1). Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Monaldi Hospital, Naples.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and majority of patients are diagnosed in advanced/metastatic disease stage. Sites of distant metastases mainly include contralateral lung, lymph nodes, brain, bones, adrenal glands and liver; skeletal muscles metastases (SMMs) are less common. Psoas muscle and diaphragm metastases are mainly found during autopsy, as their involvement commonly is asymptomatic. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Jan 29;89(1). Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Emergency Department, Local Health Unit "Umbria 1".

A sailor for forty-two years, in military service on the Italian aircraft carrier, while on a mission in sub-Saharan Africa, came to a physician due to fatigue with a fever, flu-like illness and headache for 6 days. The temperature was 38.8°C, BP 80/145 mmHg and RR 30/min. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 27;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 27.

San Giovanni Addolorata Community Hospital, Cardiology and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Medicine, Rome.

We reported a case of a young adult male aged 18 years admitted in our institution for syncope during a basketball match. No previous symptoms were reported. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed T-wave inversion in the anterior leads and an incomplete right bundle branch block. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Apr 5;89(1). Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Department of Cardiology, Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur.

Superior vena cava [SVC] syndrome due to pacemaker leads is a distinct diagnostic rarity. It is diagnosed clinically based on constellation of signs and symptoms supported by imaging evidence of SVC obstruction. A 70-year-old male, an ex-smoker, presented with facial and upper limb swelling along with exertional dyspnea. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Jan 29;89(1). Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Cardiology Department, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Centre.

Exercise stress testing can have a central role in the assessment of cardiovascular disease. Contemporary data, however, has highlighted the added value of imaging modalities over the exercise electrocardiogram in the investigation of coronary artery disease. Given the physiological changes associated with exercise and the possibility to address other parameters such as rhythm changes and the chronotropic response, exercise stress testing with continuous electrocardiographic monitoring can still have an important place in contemporary clinical practice. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 20;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Dentistry.

Both periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the most common diseases associated with smoking. These conditions frequently present alongside comorbidities including diabetes, coronary heart disease, duodenal ulcer, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, osteoporosis and muscle atrophy. Chronic inflammation contributes to the pathology of both periodontitis and COPD, and in patients suffering from both conditions treatment of periodontitis may lead to relief from COPD symptoms as well. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Apr 8;89(1). Epub 2019 Apr 8.

Careggi University Hospital, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department.

Heart failure (HF) with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) has been conceptualized by the European Society of Cardiology guidelines with the aim of stimulating research to fill a gap in knowledge: whether such a condition exists as a distinct pathophysiological and clinical entity, or it is just a residual category of ejection fraction indeed is still a matter of debate. Current evidence suggests that HFmrEF represents up to one fifth of patients with HF, who may ultimately result in an intermediate clinical phenotype, as for age and gender, with an intermediate prevalence of comorbidities. Nevertheless, a strong connection exists with HF with reduced ejection fraction, since ischemic aetiology is common in both categories, conveying relevant implications for prognosis and therapeutic response. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Apr 8;89(1). Epub 2019 Apr 8.

San Giovanni-Addolorata Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention Unit.

The echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular (LV) systolic function, and especially of ejection fraction (EF) plays a central role in the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) due to its undisputed prognostic value. Limitations of EF are substantially: i) the variability and reproducibility of measurements, and ii) the load-dependence. Measurement of stroke volume, longitudinal function and myocardial strain can overcome the limitations of EF in assessing the contractile reserve of patients with HF and may help to define both the phenotype and prognosis of the disease. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Apr 5;89(1). Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Poliambulanza Foundation, Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia - Società Italiana Cardiologia Geriatrica, Florence.

Over the years Geriatrics and gerontology have developed a language shared by most clinicians and researchers who unequivocally defines the health conditions of aging people: one could speak of "geriatric canon", i.e. the set of fundamentals (paradigms, principles, standard reference vocabulary) of geriatric knowledge, the heritage from which they draw inspiration and from which the actions for the care of the elderly can be driven, the scientific works for the study of their health. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 29;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 29.

University of Cagliari, School of Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

In medical terminology, it has become more and more common the use of the expression "Quality of Life" (QoL) to define a series of aspects that go beyond the traditional, clinical and "objective" evaluation of the medical intervention. The attention to QoL comes from the need to find tools that are able to reveal important aspects of the life of the patient that cannot be measured by a laboratory exam and/or a radiological procedure. The QoL is measured through multidimensional questionnaires on, at the very least, the domains of physical, psychological and social health. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 27;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 27.

Highly Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital in Motta Di Livenza, Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation Unit.

Serum uric acid (UA) has been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, and it may play a role in the pathogenesis of CV disease affecting vascular structure and function. However, there is limited evidence of its specific association with carotid artery stiffness and structure. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether UA is associated with early signs of atherosclerosis, namely local carotid arterial stiffness and intima-media thickening. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 20;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 20.

ABL, Swiss Prestige International Medical Center, Guangzhou.

Heart failure (HF) is a life-limiting condition, associated with high morbidity. End-stage, known as advanced heart failure (AHF), is more common among the elderly. HF patients' disease trajectory is more variable and unpredictable than the trajectory for most oncologic illnesses. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 20;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Israelitico Hospital, Cardiology Department.

Heart failure is a widespread disease in the western world whose incidence and prevalence are constantly increasing, mainly involving the more advanced age groups. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been shown able to reduce sudden cardiac death and all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Elderly patients are generally under-represented in the clinical trials aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CRT and, chiefly, of implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 20;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Medical Department of Continuity of Care and Disability, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital St. Orsola-Malpighi.

Patients with advanced heart failure refractory to medical therapy can be treated with left ventricular assist devices, implanted to augment or replace left ventricular function. The most common postoperative complications are infection; bleeding; thromboembolic events; device malfunction; depression, and neurological dysfunction (stroke, transient ischemic attacks, encephalopathy). Their onset contributes to the interruption and delay in commencing a physiotherapy program. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 20;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 20.

San Giovanni-Addolorata Hospital, Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Rome.

A key factor in cardiovascular prevention is the detection and appropriate management of preclinical heart failure (HF), but information on the subject is scarce. We designed VASTISSIMO as a prospective, observational study to investigate Outpatient Clinic Cardiologists' skills in detecting and managing preclinical HF in Italy. Quality scores were used to assess the appropriateness of clinical management according to guideline recommendations. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 29;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 29.

ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery.

Associazione Riabilitatori dell'Insufficienza Respiratoria (ARIR) is pleased to announce a new editorial project by joining the Monaldi Archives of Chest Disease journal. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Apr 5;89(1). Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Umea University, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Medicine; Brunel University, Middlesex and St George's University London.

Accurate assessment of cardiovascular (CV) risk is essential for clinical decision making. Serum uric acid  has been proposed as a novel additional CV risk. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 27;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 27.

ICS Maugeri, Exercise Pathophysiology Laboratory, Veruno (NO).

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a devastating clinical syndrome. Therapeutic schemes have developed rapidly from conventional medical therapy to biomedical strategies, interventional, mechanical, that incorporates left ventricular assistant device (LVAD), surgical, regenerate, and rehabilitating policies. These therapies have improved the symptoms and life expectancy. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 27;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 27.

Highly Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital Motta di Livenza, Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation Unit.

The incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes varies among studies, due to the disagreement in the definitions and the lack of information in this field. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2019 Mar 29;89(1). Epub 2019 Mar 29.

ICS Maugeri.

The Editors: Antonio Spanevello, Bruno Balbi Another year has passed, and we would like to thank and recognize all of the many members who have contributed to the editorial process and content of Monaldi during 2018. Our submissions are increasing, citations for our papers are rising, and recognition of the journal is broadening. Not settled for focusing on past goings-on only, we now direct our efforts toward building an even greater impact. Read More

Respir Res 2019 Apr 5;20(1):68. Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Respiratory Disease, University of Foggia, Viale degli Aviatori, 2, 71122, Foggia, FG, Italy.

The study by Kiranantawat et al. "Clinical role, safety and diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy in the evaluation of pulmonary consolidation" highlights how "pulmonary consolidation can be safely evaluated with CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy". Even if we agree about the role of CT guidance, we would like to point out how Thoracic Ultrasound could be better than CT for biopsy of subpleural lesions that could easily be detected and reached with this "real-time" and quicker technique. Read More

Acta Myol 2018 Dec 1;37(4):267-271. Epub 2018 Dec 1.

Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) or Steinert's disease is the most common muscular dystrophy in adult life with an estimated prevalence of 1:8000. Cardiac involvement, including arrhythmias and conduction disorders, contributes significantly to the morbidity and mortality of the disease. Mild ventricular dysfunction has also been reported associated with conduction disorders, but severe ventricular systolic dysfunction is not a frequent feature and usually occurs late in the course of the disease. Read More

Minerva Anestesiol 2019 Mar 29. Epub 2019 Mar 29.

Department of Critical Care Area Monaldi Hospital, Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy.

Introduction: Proper management of patients undergoing robotic-assisted urologic and gynecologic surgery must consider a series of peculiarities in the procedures for anesthesiology, critical care medicine, respiratory care, and pain management. Although the indications for robotic-assisted urogynecologic surgeries have increased in recent years, specific guidance documents are still lacking.

Evidence Acquisition: Multidisciplinary group including anesthesiologists, gynecologists, urologists, and a clinical epidemiologist systematically reviewed the relevant literature and provided a set of recommendations and unmet needs on peculiar aspects of anesthesia in this field. Read More

Minerva Anestesiol 2019 Mar 29. Epub 2019 Mar 29.

Anaestesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Ospedale Vincenzo Monaldi, Napoli, Italy.

Background: The aim was to evaluate the use of LMA Protector by comparison with tradition LMA for performing EBUS-TBNA.

Methods: It was a retrospective observational unicenter study including 143 patients who under- went EBUS-TBNA for mediastinal staging of lung cancer. Patients were retrospectively divided into two groups based on whether a standard LMA (LMA standard Group) or LMA protector was used. Read More

Front Pharmacol 2019 15;10:257. Epub 2019 Mar 15.

Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is now the fourth-leading cause of death worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. The progressive decline of lung function and airway remodelling are a consequence of chronic inflammatory responses. It was recently postulated the involvement of the inflammasome in COPD, although the underlying mechanism/s still need to be elucidated. Read More

Expert Rev Respir Med 2019 Mar 28:1-7. Epub 2019 Mar 28.

c Division of Medical Oncology , 'S.G. Moscati' Hospital , Avellino , Italy.

Introduction: Approximately 5% of all diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbor a genetic rearrangement between the ALK and EML4 genes, representing a specific molecular, histological and clinical subgroup (ALK+ NSCLC). To date, upfront treatment with ALK-tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs) has replaced chemotherapy in the first line setting for this subset of patients with excellent results. However, all treated patients eventually develop acquired resistance mechanisms to these agents (mainly resistance mutations) and experience progression of the disease. Read More

Int J Cardiol 2019 Mar 17. Epub 2019 Mar 17.

Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, Dept. of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Science, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.

Pain Pract 2019 Mar 27. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

Pain and Palliative Care Research Unit, Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.

Background: Oxycodone-Naloxone (OXN) aims to reduce opioid-related constipation while being successfully analgesic.

Methods: We evaluated the analgesic response, prevalence, and severity of side effects in 176 cancer patients with moderate to severe pain and treated with OXN. Patients were followed for 28 days and evaluated every seven. Read More

Pharmacol Res 2019 May 23;143:133-142. Epub 2019 Mar 23.

Division of Cardiology, McGill University Health Center, Quebec, Canada; Hôpital Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have revolutionized the primary and secondary prevention of patients with ventricular arrhythmias. However, the adverse effects of appropriate or inappropriate shocks may require the adjunctive use of anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs). Beta blockers are the cornerstone of pharmacological primary and secondary prevention of ventricular arrhythmias. Read More

Eur J Prev Cardiol 2019 Mar 26:2047487319839179. Epub 2019 Mar 26.

1 Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. 'Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano', Caserta, Italy.

Biomed Res Int 2019 13;2019:5473240. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Chair of Cardiology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.

Background: Combination of dual antiplatelet (DAPT) and oral anticoagulation therapy is required to decrease cardioembolic stroke and stent thrombosis risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We compared the safety and efficacy of dabigatran etexilate with vitamin K antagonist (VKA), in combination with DAPT (aspirin plus clopidogrel) treatment in AF patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting for ACS.

Methods: Consecutive nonvalvular AF patients who received twice-daily dabigatran 110 mg (n = 389) or VKA (n = 510) and DAPT were included. Read More

Biomark Med 2019 Mar 18;13(4):235-238. Epub 2019 Mar 18.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit, Maugeri Clinical & Scientific Institutes ICSR, Telese (BN), Italy.

Endocrine 2019 Mar 14. Epub 2019 Mar 14.

Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.

Purpose: Many different treatments are suggested by guidelines to treat grade 1-2 (G1-G2) neuroendocrine tumors (NET). However, a precise therapeutic algorithm has not yet been established. This study aims at identifying and comparing the main therapeutic sequences in G1-G2 NET. Read More

Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019 Mar 12. Epub 2019 Mar 12.

Department of Cardiology, AORN Ospedali dei Colli-Monaldi, Naples, Italy.

Aims: Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a well-known pathophysiological factor in heart failure (HF) patients, and left atrial function (LAF) is a novel determinant of clinical status and outcome in this setting. However, little is known about the pathophysiological role of FMR on LAF in HFrEF patients. Aim of this study is to explore the possible interplay between the severity of FMR and LAF in heart failure with reduce ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients and their possible consequences. Read More