In the original DECS study [3], dexamethasone did not reduce the incidence of postoperative AF, suggesting that a single dose of dexamethasone cannot effectively ameliorate atrial inflammation, which is one of the presumed arrhythmogenic mechanisms. In line with that previous observation in the main DECS study, the present substudy shows that dexamethasone is not associated with preservation of...

Objective(s): To study the effect of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-кB) and cytokine expression and pulmonary function in dogs. Materials and Methods: Twelve male mongrel dogs were divided into a methylprednisolone group (group M) and a control group (group C). All animals underwent aortic and right atrial catheterization under general anesthesia. Changes in pulmonar...

Atrial remodeling is a term introduced in 1995 to describe alterations in atrial structure or function. Atrial electrical remodeling is characterized by a reduction of refractory period and action potential duration, dispersion in refractoriness, and a reduction in conduction velocity of impulse propagation. Numerous animal and human studies have demonstrated that atrial electrical remodeling i...

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of direct current cardioversion therapy on the plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide and to determine the main factors that influence the change in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels in patients with atrial fibrillation. BACKGROUND In atrial arrythmias, whether the fast atrial rate itself or the associated elev...

Background: Beta-thalassemia major is a severe and lethal hemolytic anemia. Regular transfusion is necessary for avoidance of its complications but it may end to cardiac involvement secondary to iron overload. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are useful medications even in early stages of heart failure. We studied the effects of two common ACEIs on improvement of heart function ...

AIM This study was conducted to evaluate whether left atrial strain and strain rate correlate well with transesophageal parameters of stunning after atrial fibrillation. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-two consecutive patients with chronic atrial fibrillation >/=3 months and <1 year were enrolled in the study. Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography with color Doppler myocar...