Cardiology
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Long COVID and the Clinical Reality of Chronic Infections
Long COVID is the latest entry into a long list of potentially chronic, pandemic-associated infections. For many long COVID patients, some symptoms may be the result of a reactivation of an Epstein-Barr infection. -
The Safety and Efficacy of Common Herbal and Dietary Supplements in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Part 2
In Part 1 of this literature review, Aloe vera and alpha-lipoic acid were discussed in detail. In this part, in-depth discussions on chromium, cinnamon, fenugreek, garlic, and Gymnema sylvestre are presented. These complementary and alternative medicine supplements include botanical and nonbotanical products for managing type 2 diabetes.
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Vitamin and Mineral Supplements for Cardiovascular Disease
A meta-analysis of systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials to analyze the role of commonly used dietary supplements for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease suggests no significant effect on cardiovascular outcomes or all-cause mortality, although some B vitamins appear to reduce stroke incidence, and B3 appears to increase all-cause mortality.
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Dexmedetomidine Compared to Propofol for Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with Sepsis
The MENDS2 trial found that dexmedetomidine, when used for light sedation, had outcomes similar to those for propofol. -
Interleukin-6 Antagonists in the Treatment of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia
These two trials had disparate findings with respect to interleukin-6 inhibition, with REMAP-CAP showing a benefit and COVACTA showing none. -
Is There a Role for Immunomodulatory Therapy in COVID-19 Cytokine Storm?
In this retrospective analysis of COVID-19 patients hospitalized with cytokine storm, the use of corticosteroids combined with tocilizumab was associated with superior survival when compared to no immunomodulatory treatment; a combination of corticosteroids and anakinra; or corticosteroids, tocilizumab, or anakinra alone. Patients who received corticosteroids, either alone or in combination with anakinra, also experienced lower hospital mortality compared to no treatment. -
When in Doubt, Take It Out: Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
In a randomized trial of patients with atrial fibrillation, left atrial appendage occlusion during elective cardiac surgery was associated with lower rates of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism after 30 days. -
Iron Therapy for Acute Heart Failure
Giving intravenous ferric carboxymaltose to stabilized post-acute heart failure patients with iron deficiency improved quality of life vs. placebo-treated patients within four weeks, which persisted during subsequent therapy for up to 24 weeks. -
Anticoagulation Plus Antiplatelet Therapy in Chronic Atherosclerosis
An analysis of the COMPASS trial for the secondary endpoint of mortality showed the combination of low-dose rivaroxaban and aspirin significantly lowered the all-cause mortality rate vs. low-dose aspirin alone. -
Important Lessons About Edge-to-Edge Repair
This analysis of mitral surgery after failed transcatheter edge-to-edge repair demonstrates high rates of valve replacement as opposed to repair. Surgical mortality was higher than predicted but was significantly lower in high-volume centers.