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Aims: The PREPARE-MVR study (PRediction of Early PostoperAtive Right vEntricular failure in Mitral Valve Replacement/Repair patients) sought to investigate the alterations of right ventricular (RV) contraction pattern in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement/repair (MVR) and to explore the associations between pre-operative RV mechanics and early post-operative RV dysfunction (RVD)., Methods and Results: We prospectively enrolled 42 patients (63 ± 11 years, 69% men) undergoing open-heart MVR. Transthoracic three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography was performed pre-operatively, at intensive care unit discharge, and 6 months after surgery. The 3D model of the RV was reconstructed, and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was calculated. We decomposed the motion of the ventricle to compute longitudinal ejection fraction (LEF) and radial ejection fraction (REF). Pulmonary artery catheterization was performed to monitor RV stroke work index (RVSWi). RVEF was slightly decreased after MVR [52 (50-55) vs. 51 (46-54)%; P = 0.001], whereas RV contraction pattern changed notably. Before MVR, the longitudinal shortening was the main contributor to global systolic RV function [LEF/RVEF vs. REF/RVEF; 0.53 (0.47-0.58) vs. 0.33 (0.22-0.42); P < 0.001]. Post-operatively, the radial motion became dominant [0.33 (0.28-0.43) vs. 0.46 (0.37-0.51); P = 0.004]. However, this shift was temporary as 6 months later the two components contributed equally to global RV function [0.44 (0.38-0.50) vs. 0.41 (0.36-0.49); P = 0.775]. Pre-operative LEF was an independent predictor of post-operative RVD defined as RVSWi < 300 mmHg⋅mL/m 2 [OR = 1.33 (95% CI: 1.08-1.77), P < 0.05]., Conclusions: MVR induces a significant shift in the RV mechanical pattern. Advanced indices of RV mechanics are associated with invasively measured parameters of RV contractility and may predict post-operative RVD., (© 2020 The Authors. ESC Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.)

Health financing is a complex health system function, which cannot be analysed accurately without tracking each step of the flow of funds separately. We analysed the revenue mix of the Hungarian health insurance fund from 1994 to 2015 and discuss the policy implications of our findings. We used the System of Health Accounts published in 2000 and the revised version of 2011, which introduced separate classifications for the sources of health expenditure. Based on the 2000 version, health insurance contributions were the main source of public funding in Hungary. According to the 2011 version, nearly 70% of health insurance fund revenues came from government tax transfers in 2015, illustrating the striking difference in how revenues and expenditures are reported using this version. Use of the 2011 version will better inform national policy-making and international comparisons and facilitate documentation and analysis of how countries have adapted their revenue mix to changing macroeconomic circumstances. The finding that Hungary has a predominantly tax-funded social health insurance system suggests that traditional understanding and description of health-financing models are no longer adequate and may limit consideration of potential resource-generation options. Hungary is also a good example of how separating revenue generation and pooling broadens policy options to tackle gaps in social health insurance coverage, although the government did not act on these due to the lack of a consistent health-financing strategy. The findings may be particularly relevant for low- and middle-income countries that are trying to expand social health insurance coverage despite limited formal employment.

Introduction: The acute surgical treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) carries a high risk of postoperative mortality. Most complications are linked to uncontrolled sepsis and inflammatory processes. Cytokine haemoadsorption is an extracorporeal technique which has benefits reported in haemodynamic stability and inflammatory response., Case Report: A 46-year-old male patient underwent emergency cardiac surgery due to progressive IE. Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock associated with cardiac surgery required the implantation of venoarterial (VA)-ECMO. Three days later, the patient developed secondary septic shock. The novel application of continuous CytoSorb TM treatment installed in the VA-ECMO circuit is demonstrated in this case during the management of simultaneous shocks. Advanced intensive care led to an improvement in the patient's condition, which facilitated successful weaning from mechanical ventilation. However, the patient died from a new onset fulminant septic shock two months after his initial cardiac surgery., Discussion: VA-ECMO is suitable for installation of the CytoSorb TM cartridge. This modality could be an option for high-volume, continuous cytokine haemoadsorption when VA-ECMO is employed without renal replacement therapy., Conclusion: This specific application of CytoSorb TM was safe, feasible and contributed to the optimal management of simultaneous shocks.

Background: In evidence-informed policy-making (EIP), major knowledge gaps remain in understanding the context and possibilities for institutionalisation of knowledge translation. In 2014, the WHO Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe initiated a number of pilot countries, with Hungary among them, to engage in a 'situation analysis' (SA) in order to fill some of those gaps. This contribution discusses the results of the SA in Hungary on research-policy interactions, facilitating factors and potential barriers to establish a knowledge translation platform (KTP)., Methods: In line with the EVIPNet Europe SA Manual, a document analysis, 13 interviews, 3 focus group discussions with 21 participants, and an online survey with 31 respondents were carried out from April to October, 2015. A SA aims to assess the context in which EIP takes form and seeks opportunities to establish a KTP, so information was gathered on the current practice of EIP and knowledge translation, its relevant actors, enablers and barriers for EIP, and opinions on a future KTP. Methodological and researcher triangulation resulted in a narrative synthesis of data, including a comparison with literature. A stakeholder consultation was organised to validate findings., Results: This study reveals that stakeholders show commitment to produce and use research evidence in Hungarian health policy-making. All stakeholders endorsed the idea of strengthening the systematic use of evidence in decision-making and favoured the idea of establishing a KTP. In line with literature on other countries, some good practices exist on the uptake of evidence in policy-making; however, a systematic approach of developing, translating and using research evidence in health policy processes is lacking. EIP is currently hampered by scattered capacity, coordination problems, high fluctuation in government, an often legalistic and a more 'symbolic' rather than practical support for knowledge translation and EIP. The article summarises recommendations on a Hungarian KTP., Conclusions: Pragmatic adaptation of the SA Manual to local needs proved to be a useful mechanism to provide insight into the Hungarian EIP field and the establishment of a potential KTP. Despite the success of a KTP pilot, it remains unclear how a KTP in Hungary will be institutionalised in a sustainable way.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of intraoperative cytokine adsorption on the perioperative vasoplegia, inflammatory response and outcome during orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT)., Methods: Eighty-four OHT patients were separated into the cytokine adsorption (CA)-treated group or controls. Vasopressor demand, inflammatory response described by procalcitonin and C-reactive protein, and postoperative outcome were assessed performing propensity score matching., Results: In the 16 matched pairs, the median noradrenaline requirement was significantly less in the CA-treated patients than in the controls on the first and second postoperative days (0.14 vs 0.3 μg*kg -1 *min -1 , P = .039 and 0.06 vs 0.32 μg*kg -1 *min -1 , P = .047). The inflammatory responses were similar in the two groups. There was a trend toward shorter length of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) stay in the CA-treated group compared to the controls. No difference in adverse events was observed between the two groups. The frequency of renal replacement therapy was less in the CA‐treated patients than in the controls., Conclusions: Intraoperative CA treatment was associated with reduced vasopressor demand with a favorable tendency in length of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and renal replacement therapy. CA treatment was not linked to higher rates of adverse events., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Tracking of the within-breath changes of respiratory mechanics using the forced oscillation technique may provide outcomes that characterise the dynamic behaviour of the airways during normal breathing.We measured respiratory resistance ( R rs ) and reactance ( X rs ) at 8 Hz in 55 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and 20 healthy controls, and evaluated R rs and X rs as functions of gas flow ( V ') and volume ( V ) during normal breathing cycles. In 12 COPD patients, additional measurements were made at continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) levels of 4, 8, 14 and 20 hPa.The R rs and X rs versus V ' and V relationships displayed a variety of loop patterns, allowing characterisation of physiological and pathological processes. The main outcomes emerging from the within-breath analysis were the X rs versus V loop area (AXV) quantifying expiratory flow limitation, and the tidal change in X rs during inspiration (Δ X I ) reflecting alteration in lung inhomogeneity in COPD. With increasing CPAP, AXV and Δ X I approached the normal ranges, although with a large variability between individuals, whereas mean R rs remained unchanged.Within-breath tracking of R rs and X rs allows an improved assessment of expiratory flow limitation and functional inhomogeneity in COPD; thereby it may help identify the physiological phenotypes of COPD and determine the optimal level of respiratory support., (Copyright ©ERS 2017.)

Hungary has achieved a successful transition from an overly centralized, integrated Semashko-style health care system to a purchaser provider split model with output-based payment methods. Although there have been substantial increases in life expectancy in recent years among both men and women, many health outcomes remain poor, placing Hungary among the countries with the worst health status and highest rate of avoidable mortality in the EU (life expectancy at birth trailed the EU27 average by 5.1 years in 2009). Lifestyle factors especially the traditionally unhealthy Hungarian diet, alcohol consumption and smoking play a very important role in shaping the overall health of the population.In the single-payer system, the recurrent expenditure on health services is funded primarily through compulsory, non-risk-related contributions made by eligible individuals or from the state budget. The central government has almost exclusive power to formulate strategic direction and to issue and enforce regulations regarding health care. In 2009 Hungary spent 7.4% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on health, with public expenditure accounting for 69.7% of total health spending, and with health expenditure per capita ranking slightly above the average for the new EU Member States, but considerably below the average for the EU27 in 2008. Health spending has been unstable over the years, with several waves of increases followed by longer periods of cost-containment and budget cuts. The share of total health expenditure attributable to private sources has been increasing, most of it accounted for by out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses. A substantial share of the latter can be attributed to informal payments, which are a deeply rooted characteristic of the Hungarian health system and a source of inefficiency and inequity. Voluntary health insurance, on the other hand, amounted to only 7.4% of private and 2.7% of total health expenditure in 2009. Revenue sources for health have been diversified over the past 15 years, but the current mix has yet to be tested for sustainability. The fit between existing capacities and the health care needs of the population remains less than ideal, but improvements have been made over the past 15 years. In general, the average length of stay and hospital admission rates have decreased since 1990, as have bed occupancy rates. However, capacity for long-term nursing care in both the inpatient and outpatient setting is still considered insufficient. Hungary is currently also facing a health workforce crisis, explained by the fact that it is a net donor country with regard to health care worker migration, and health care professionals on the whole are ageing. Although the overall technical efficiency of the system has increased considerably, mainly due to the introduction of output-based payment systems, allocative efficiency remains a problem. Considerable variations exist in service delivery both geographically and by specialization, and equity of access is far from being realized, a fact which is mirrored in differing health outcomes for different population groups. A key problem is the continuing lack of an overarching, evidence-based strategy for mobilizing resources for health, which leaves the health system vulnerable to broader economic policy objectives and makes good governance hard to achieve. On the other hand, Hungary is a target country for cross-border health care, mainly for dental care but also for rehabilitative services, such as medical spa treatment. The health industry can thus be a potential strategic area for economic development and growth., (World Health Organization 2011, on behalf of the European Observatory on health systems and Policies.)