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O-A Breithardt

Publications and source records attributed to O-A Breithardt.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Are neurohumoral parameters predictive for the efficacy of cardiac resynchronization therapy? The role of natriuretic peptides].

During recent years, heart failure has been recognized as a complex disease involving both hemodynamic abnormalities caused by reduced contractile forces and neurohormonal changes characterized by an increase in sympathetic tone and an activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system as well as the endothelial pathways. Neurohumoral factors represent the natural response of the individual to heart failure. Among them natriuretic peptides, i. e., brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino-terminal pro BNP (Nt-proBNP) release have recently been shown to be a reliable and rapid marker for diagnosis, optimization of pharmacological treatment and risk stratification in heart failure patients. This article summarizes important aspects of the release of natriuretic peptides as a guide for diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of patients with heart failure and cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗
PubMed2005

[Improved identification of suitable patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy by transthoracic echocardiography].

Transthoracic echocardiography provides numerous options for the evaluation and quantification of contractile cardiac asynchrony in patients with advanced heart failure. Important information on the presence of asynchrony can be obtained already during a standard routine examination with conventional techniques (2D, M-mode and Doppler). Newer techniques such as tissue Doppler imaging and real-time 3D-echocardiography enable us to better quantify the degree of asynchrony. The following article describes the echocardiographic features of asynchrony and algorithms for the improved identification of suitable patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

Brain natriuretic peptide release in cardiac surgery patients.

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) release is a marker of increased myocardial wall tension, which is elevated in patients with disturbed left ventricular function. As it is increasingly being used as a reliable marker for diagnosis, optimization of pharmacological treatment, and risk stratification, BNP measurement might be also relevant for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Measured BNP levels can be used to predict postoperative complications and the risk of further cardiac events. Preoperative BNP levels support the decision for the timing of aortic valve replacement in asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. An increase in BNP levels early predicts allograft rejection after cardiac transplantation or ineffective cardiac resynchronization therapy. Moreover, BNP levels can be used to differentiate between cardiac and non-cardiac reasons for acute dyspnea in the management of surgical patients. Finally, the application of recombinant human BNP seems to improve recovery after cardiac surgical procedures. Thus, BNP can be a helpful tool for monitoring and treating patients before, during, and after cardiac surgery to predict and improve the effectiveness of therapy and reduce hospitalization and costs.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗
PubMed2004

Established and evolving indications for cardiac resynchronisation.

Randomised trials involving large number of patients have demonstrated the benefits of cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) in patients with heart failure who have failed optimal medical treatment. Echocardiography plays an important role in defining dyssynchrony which is key to optimal patient selection. The electrocardiographic criteria for patient selection is supplemented by the finding of dyssynchrony on Doppler myocardial imaging, and echocardiography with Doppler myocardial imaging may eventually replace the electrocardiographic criteria for selection of patients who derive benefit from CRT.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗