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Conventional lateral spine and hand radiographs are the standard tools to evaluate vertebral morphometry and bone age in children. Beside bone mineral density analyses, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements with lower radiation exposure provide high-resolution scans which are not approved for diagnostic purposes. Data about the comparability of conventional radiographs and DXA in children are missing yet. The purpose of the trial was to evaluate whether conventional hand and spine radiographs can be replaced by DXA scans to diminish radiation exposure. Thirty-eight children with osteogenesis imperfecta or secondary osteoporosis or short stature (male, n = 20; age, 5.0–17.0 yr) were included and assessed once by additional DXA (GE iDXA) of the spine or the left hand. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to express agreement between X-ray and iDXA assessment. Evaluation of the spine morphometry showed reasonable agreement between iDXA and radiography (ICC for fish-shape, 0.75; for wedge-shape, 0.65; and for compression fractures, 0.70). Bone age determination showed excellent agreement between iDXA and radiography (ICC, 0.97). IDXA-scans of the spine in a pediatric population should be used not only to assess bone mineral density but also to evaluate anatomic structures and vertebral morphometry. Therefore, iDXA can replace some radiographs in children with skeletal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the role of esmolol-induced tight sympathetic control in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background Elevated sympathetic drive has a detrimental effect on patients with acute STEMI. The effect of beta-blocker-induced heart rate mediated sympathetic control on myocardial damage is unknown. Methods The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, single-blind trial involving patients with STEMI and successful percutaneous intervention (Killip class I and II). Patients were randomly allocated to heart rate control with intravenous esmolol for 24 h or placebo. The primary outcome was the maximum change in troponin T release as a prognostic surrogate marker for myocardial damage. A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study. Results There was a significant difference between patients allocated to placebo and those who received sympathetic control with esmolol in terms of maximum change in troponin T release: the median serum troponin T concentration increased from 0.2 ng/ml (interquartile range [IQR] 0.1 to 0.7 ng/ml) to 1.3 ng/ml (IQR: 0.6 to 4.7 ng/ml) in the esmolol group and from 0.3 ng/ml (IQR: 0.1 to 1.2 ng/ml) to 3.2 ng/ml (IQR: 1.5 to 5.3 ng/ml) in the placebo group (p = 0.010). The levels of peak creatine kinase (CK), CK subunit MB (CK-MB), and n-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were lower in the esmolol group compared with placebo (CK 619 U/l [IQR: 250–1,701 U/l] vs. 1,308 U/l [IQR: 610 to 2,324 U/l]; p = 0.013; CKMB: 73.5 U/l [IQR: 30 to 192 U/l] vs. 158.5 U/l [IQR: 74 to 281 U/l]; p = 0.005; NT-proBNP: 1,048 pg/ml (IQR: 623 to 2,062 pg/ml] vs. 1,497 pg/ml [IQR: 739 to 3,318 pg/ml]; p = 0.059). Cardiogenic shock occurred in three patients in the placebo group and in none in the esmolol group. Conclusions Esmolol treatment statistically significantly decreased troponin T, CK, CK-MB and NT-proBNP release as surrogate markers for myocardial injury in patients with STEMI. (Heart Rate Control After Acute Myocardial Infarction; DRKS00000766 ) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Perioperative complications in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation remain a major issue affecting outcome. Because preoperative risk adjustment remains challenging and a valid scoring system is missing, we sought to determine the incidence of peri- and postprocedural complications of transapical (TA) or transaortic (TAO) access to define the influence of specific complications on early safety, 30-day mortality, and 1-year survival. Furthermore, we aimed to develop a risk-stratification model to allow an estimation of the perioperative risk and the 1-year survival rate, based on the individual preoperative condition of each patient. Methods We performed an outcome analysis of 230 consecutive patients who underwent aortic valve implantation via transapical or transaortic access between 2008 and 2012, with regard to Valve Academic Research Consortium II criteria, including univariate and multivariable regression analysis, to develop a risk-stratification model. Results Thirty-day mortality was 12.7%. Estimated 1-year survival was 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.631-0.757), and 3-year survival was 0.554 (95% CI, 0.474-0.634). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant influence on 30-day mortality in case of life-threatening bleeding (16.1-fold), abdominal complications (8.5-fold), and acute kidney injury (3.2-fold). Pacemaker implantation (odds ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.42-5.81; P = .512) was not a significant predictor. Concerning use of intraprocedural hemodynamic bridging therapy via cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), Cox regression analysis revealed no significant survival difference after 1 year. A preoperative risk-stratification model for 1-year survival revealed that a logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score >20%, preoperative existing coronary artery disease, and prior myocardial infarction appeared to be significant predictors for diminished survival. Conclusions Concerning intraprocedural complications, CPB support for hemodynamic stabilization is a safe treatment option. Therefore, the heart team approach with CPB standby represents a life-saving option. Attention should also be drawn to specialized and individual postoperative care, because nonprocedure-specific complications clearly affect postoperative short- and long-term outcome. In addition, the risk-stratification model might facilitate preoperative decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shared decision making (SDM) is considered a gold standard for the cooperation of doctor and patient. SDM improves patients' overall satisfaction and their confidence in decisions that have been taken. The extent to which it might also positively affect patient-relevant, disease-related endpoints is a matter of debate. Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed database and the Cochrane Library for publications on controlled intervention studies of SDM. The quality of the intervention and the risk of bias in each publication were assessed on the basis of pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The effects of SDM on patient-relevant, disease-related endpoints were compared, and effect sizes were calculated. Results: We identified 22 trials that differed widely regarding the patient populations studied, the types of intervention performed, and the mode of implementation of SDM. In ten articles, 57% of the endpoints that were considered relevant were significantly improved by the SDM intervention compared to the control group. The median effect size (Cohen's d) was 0.53 (0.14-1.49). In 12 trials, outcomes did not differ between the two groups. In all 22 studies identified, 39% of the relevant outcomes were significantly improved compared with the control groups. Conclusion: The trials performed to date to addressing the effect of SDM on patient-relevant, disease-related endpoints are insufficient in both quantity and quality. Although just under half of the trials reviewed here indicated a positive effect, no final conclusion can be drawn. A consensus-based standardization of both SDM-promoting measures and appropriate clinical studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cardiac reoperations have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared with first-time surgery. We analyzed our experience with reoperative aortic valve replacement (redo-AVR) and compared these results with those from patients who had undergone transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) as a second heart operation. Methods: In the present retrospective observational comparative study, we analyzed the outcome of 136 patients with previous cardiac surgery who had undergone conventional redo-AVR (n = 59; since 2006) or TA-AVI (n = 77; since 2008) with respect to the 30-day outcomes (Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria), 1- and 3-year survival, and the risk factors for both approaches after previous heart surgery. Results: Neither group differed significantly in their risk profile, leading to similar Society of Thoracic Surgeon score and EuroSCORE. The 30-day mortality was 3.39% (n = 2) in the redo-AVR group and 7.8% (n = 6) in the redo TA-AVI group (P = .465). The overall combined safety endpoint at 30 days was significantly lower for the TA-AVI patients (18.1% vs 33.9% in redo-AVR; P = .036). The unadjusted and adjusted 1-year survival showed no difference between the 2 groups. The unadjusted 3-year survival revealed a 2.1-fold greater mortality risk after TA-AVI (P = .055). Adjustment by multivariate Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio, 1.427; 95% confidence interval, 0.635-3.209; P = .389) and propensity score (hazard ratio, 1.571; 95% confidence interval, 0.575-4.291; P = .378) led to a >50% risk reduction, resulting in similar 3-year survival in the 2 groups. Conclusions: Redo-AVR can be performed with acceptable results in high-risk patients and still serves as the reference standard. Reoperative valve surgery by TA-AVI is feasible and results in comparable short- and mid-term survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study that determines the functional and morphological effects of percutanous mitral valve repair (PMVR) using three dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). It shows that patients in whom vena contrata area could be reduced >50% had a smaller preprocedural mitral annulus area. It indicates that TEE demonstrates significant reduction of regurgitant volume after PMVR.

Introduction Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are still at significant risk for postoperative major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). Recent clinical evidence shows that cardioprotection in patients receiving a chronic statin treatment can be “recaptured” by a high-dose statin therapy given shortly before an ischemia-reperfusion sequence. Evaluation of this novel therapeutic approach in the setting of CABG seems promising because myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury plays a pivotal role in poor clinical outcomes that may be improved by a simple preoperative statin recapture treatment. Methods The investigator-initiated StaRT-CABG trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, 2-parallel group controlled clinical study in 2,630 patients. The trial aims to evaluate whether a high-dose statin recapture therapy given shortly before CABG reduces the incidence of MACCE at 30 days after surgery (primary composite outcome: all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular events). Consenting patients who are on chronic statin therapy before surgery will be randomized to receive either oral statin reloading therapy or matching placebo 12 and 2 hours before CABG. Key secondary end points include enzymatic myocardial injury; new-onset atrial fibrillation; length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital; need for repeat coronary revascularization at 30 days; and, finally, all-cause mortality at 12 months after surgery. Implications The StaRT-CABG trial is expected to provide highly relevant clinical data on the efficacy of this novel therapeutic approach to optimize the care for patients with coronary artery disease undergoing CABG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the number of people with Internet access rises, so does the use of the Internet as a potentially valuable source for health information. Insight into patient use of this information and its correlates over time may reveal changes in the digital divide based on patient age and education. Existing research has focused on patient characteristics that predict Internet information use and research on treatment context is rare. Objective: This study aims to (1) present data on the proportion of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients treated in German breast centers from 2007 to 2013 who used the Internet for information on their disease, (2) look into correlations between Internet utilization and sociodemographic characteristics and if these change over time, and (3) determine if use of Internet information varies with the hospitals in which the patients were initially treated. Methods: Data about utilization of the Internet for breast cancer-specific health information was obtained in a postal survey of breast cancer patients that is conducted annually in Germany with a steady response rate of 87% of consenting patients. Data from the survey were combined with data obtained by hospital personnel (eg, cancer stage and type of surgery). Data from 27,491 patients from 7 consecutive annual surveys were analyzed for this paper using multilevel regression modeling to account for clustering of patients in specific hospitals. Results: Breast cancer patients seeking disease-specific information on the Internet increased significantly from 26.96% (853/3164) in 2007 to 37.21% (1485/3991) in 2013. Similar patterns of demographic correlates were found for all 7 cohorts. Older patients (≥70 years) and patients with <10 years of formal education were less likely to use the Internet for information on topics related to their disease. Internet use was significantly higher among privately insured patients and patients living with a partner. Higher cancer stage and a foreign native language were associated with decreased use in the overall model. Type of surgery was not found to be associated with Internet use in the multivariable models. Intraclass correlation coefficients were small (0.00-0.03) suggesting only a small contribution of the hospital to the patients' decision to use Internet information. There was no clear indication of a decreased digital divide based on age and education. Conclusions: Use of the Internet for health information is on the rise among breast cancer patients. The strong age- and education-related differences raise the question of how relevant information can be adequately provided to all patients, especially to those with limited education, older age, and living without a partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]