Clinical
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Using Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Aortic Stenosis Echocardiographic Surveillance
A machine learning model to predict the frequency of echocardiographic exams in patients with mild-to-moderate aortic stenosis necessary to accurately detect the onset of severe stenosis performed with a high degree of accuracy would reduce the number of unnecessary echocardiograms specified by current guidelines.
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The Safety of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled studies of first catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation showed complication rates are low and have declined over time. Mortality rates are very low and have remain unchanged over the same period.
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Absorb Stent Disappoints Again in 5-Year Data
In this long-term follow up of the ABSORB IV trial, the five-year rate of target lesion failure was significantly higher with the everolimus-eluting bioabsorbable scaffold compared with its metallic counterpart, despite strict adherence to recommended implantation techniques.
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Timing of Anticoagulation Administration Following Atrial Fibrillation-Associated Stroke
A prospective, blinded, randomized study of early vs. later administration of oral anticoagulation after ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation calibrated by cerebral imaging showed no significant difference in 30-day outcomes.
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Is Screening First-Degree Relatives of Cardiomyopathy Patients Worthwhile?
An observational study of screening first-degree relatives of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy revealed 14% will show either dilated left ventricles, low left ventricular function, or both. These findings are more common if the relatives have been diagnosed with hypertension or are obese, but their frequency is not altered by sex or race.
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Identifying and Treating Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Skin and soft tissue infections refer to infections that affect the skin and its underlying soft tissues. These infections are classified by the level of skin involvement. The costs associated with Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections are estimated at an average of $8,865 for both inpatient and outpatient treatment, and a median charge of $19,984 for hospitalizations. These costs can place a significant burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce this burden, both financially and by decreasing the risk of complications.
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Quality Improvement Project Aims to Decelerate Aggressive Hypertension Treatment
Although there might be good intentions behind administering intravenous antihypertensive medication, staff should remain mindful of possible consequences.
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A Promising Frontier in Alzheimer’s Treatment
In a multicenter, head-to-head trial, donanemab demonstrated superiority over aducanumab for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease patients.
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The Best Use of Statins in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
A randomized, multicenter study of high-intensity statin therapy to a treat-to-target approach in coronary artery disease patients showed no difference in three-year outcomes. These results suggest treating to a target may be more suitable to individual patients compared to blanket high-intensity statin use.
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Direct Oral Anticoagulants vs. Warfarin When Treating Renal Dysfunction
A patient-level meta-analysis of five pivotal trials of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) vs. warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation and creatinine clearance levels ranging from normal to 25 mL/min revealed standard-dose DOACs exhibit superior safety and efficacy compared to adjusted-dose warfarin and lower-dose DOACs.