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Attila Kardos

Publications and source records attributed to Attila Kardos.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the occurrence and clinical significance of a cardiovascular autonomic nervous system dysfunction in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS: Fifty-one pSS patients participated in this case-control study. Heart rate and blood pressure variability measurements, spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity examinations and cardiovascular reflex tests were performed. RESULTS: The results of the heart rate and blood pressure variability measurements and also the baroreflex sensitivity parameters of the pSS patients peaked in the lowest percentile ranges of a database on 559 healthy control subjects (P < 0.05). In three of the five cardiovascular reflex tests, the frequencies of abnormal results were significantly higher among the patients than among the controls (P < 0.05), and the median autonomic neuropathy score was also elevated (3 vs 0 in the controls; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Signs of an autonomic nervous system dysfunction involving the cardiovascular system can be discerned in the majority of pSS patients.

Adult↗

Circulatory support for long-term treatment of heart failure: experience with an intraventricular continuous flow pump.

BACKGROUND: A lifetime mechanical solution for advanced heart failure must be reliable, with a low risk of life-threatening complications. After extensive laboratory testing, we began clinical trials with an axial flow pump for long-term treatment of New York Heart Association class IV, transplant-ineligible patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Jarvik 2000 is a continuous flow device that is implanted in the apex of the left ventricle with offloading to the descending thoracic aorta. Skull-based percutaneous power delivery was derived from cochlear implant technology. We used this system in 4 patients with end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy. Exercise capacity, quality of life, device parameters, and native heart function were monitored serially. One patient died from right heart failure at 3 months. The other patients were discharged from hospital between 3 and 8 weeks postoperatively and are currently New York Heart Association I or II. Follow-up lasted between 9 and 20 months. There has been no device failure or hemolysis. Native heart function and quality of life were markedly improved. CONCLUSIONS: The Jarvik 2000 is a true assist (rather than replacement) device that functions synergistically with the native left ventricle and provides excellent quality of life. Adverse events are infrequent. This blood pump may provide a mechanical solution for end-stage heart failure in the community.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗