Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia

About: Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia is a healthcare organization based out in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Vitamin D and neurology & Heart failure. The organization has 288 authors who have published 357 publications receiving 9276 citations.

Look-back study on recipients of Parvovirus B19 (B19V) DNA-positive blood components.

Abstract: Background and Objectives To assess the relevance of Parvovirus B19 (B19V) DNA at low to intermediate concentrations in blood donors for the recipients of their blood components. Material and Methods We studied recipients of B19V DNA-positive blood components [red blood cell concentrates (RBCs), pooled platelet concentrates and fresh frozen plasma]. This included archived pretransfusion samples as well as follow-up samples investigated by ELISA or NAT and genome sequence analysis. Results In 132 out of 424 recipients, we could detect no anti-B19V IgG before transfusion. In 67 out of 132 sero-negative recipients, a follow-up sample was available. Sixty-five of these received blood components from donors with <104 IU B19V DNA/ml plasma and had no evidence of transfusion-transmitted (TT)-B19V infection. Homology in genome sequences in donor and recipient provided evidence for a TT-B19V infection in two recipients. Both patients received RBC containing 3·4 × 106 and 1·8 × 104 IU B19V DNA/ml plasma, respectively. The anti-B19V IgG titres in the donors were 2 and 76 IU/ml plasma, respectively. The antibodies in the second donor were directed against capsid proteins and are thus considered as potential neutralizing antibodies. Conclusions TT-B19V infections through blood components with low (<104 IU/ml plasma) B19V DNA concentrations did not occur in our study. One of the TT-B19V infections occurred from RBC with intermediate B19V DNA concentration despite the presence of potential neutralizing antibodies in the donor, but its clinical significance was low.

Usability of Ventricular Assist Devices in Daily Experience: A Multicenter Study

Abstract: In daily life, the safe, intuitive use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) and especially their peripheral components is not only a question of life quality, but also sometimes crucial for survival. To investigate the advantages and disadvantages of different systems and to get patient feedback on preferred features, a multicenter study was initiated. Based on previous single-center studies, a questionnaire was developed to ascertain patients' experiences, difficulties with, and desires concerning use of the system. This questionnaire was provided both to ongoing patients and to new VAD patients after a minimum hospital discharge time of 6 weeks, at a regular checkup. Additionally, the patients completed a standardized questionnaire on life quality (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire). The centers that contributed to this study were Bad Oeynhausen, Berlin, Hannover, and Vienna. Three hundred fifty-two completed questionnaires on eight different pump types were obtained. An important result is that 42% of those questioned dropped their controller bag at least once. Depending on the device, between 2 and 55% disconnected it unintentionally. Confidence in safe use of the system decreased significantly with age, from 80% at age 20-30 years to 33% at 70-80 years. In devices with an LCD display, 94% considered the readability sufficient. Ninety-four percent considered the training adequate. Between 22 and 88% of the patients called the emergency telephone hotline, depending on the device, and 23-46% depending on the center. This first multicenter study on VAD usability reveals considerable differences among devices and centers. The comparative assessment aims to help optimize device design, patient management, and training.

Electrical Myostimulation (EMS) Improves Glucose Metabolism and Oxygen Uptake in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients—Results from the EMS Study

Abstract: Aims: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exercise training is recommended to improve glycemic control. Electrical myostimulation (EMS) of skeletal muscles is a new method to increase exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EMS in T2DM on glucose metabolism, body composition, and exercise performance using a newly designed stimulation suit that involves trunk, leg, and arm muscles. Subjects and Methods: Fifteen individuals (nine males; 61.7±14.8 years old) were trained for 10 weeks twice weekly for 20 min with EMS. Effects on glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), oxygen consumption, and body composition were evaluated. Results: There was a significant increase of oxygen uptake at the aerobic threshold from 12.3±0.8 to 13.3±0.7 mL/kg/min (P=0.003) and of maximal work capacity from 96.9±6.4 to 101.4±7.9 W (P=0.046), with a concomitant trend for improved maximal oxygen uptake (from 14.5±0.9 to 14.7±0.9 mL/kg/m...

Thrombosis of the ascending aorta during mechanical circulatory support in a patient with cardiogenic shock.

Abstract: Cardiogenic shock after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a life-threatening complication and is most often related to abrupt vessel closure. We present the case of a patient who developed cardiogenic shock after PCI and was supported with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation and the Levitronix CentriMag short-term mechanical circulatory support. He was evaluated for implantation of a ventricular assist device as bridge-to-transplantation. Preoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed a massive thrombus of the aortic root and ascending aorta despite optimal anticoagulation regimen. The patient succumbed due to multiorgan failure.

Homozygous XYLT2 variants as a cause of spondyloocular syndrome.

Abstract: Spondyloocular syndrome (SOS) is a rare autosomal recessive skeletal disorder. Two recent studies have shown that it is the result of biallelic sequence variants in the XYLT2 gene with pleiotropic effects in multiple organs including retina, heart muscle, inner ear, cartilage, and bone. The XYLT2 gene encodes xylosyltransferase 2, which catalyzes the transfer of xylose (monosaccharide) to the core protein of proteoglycans (PG) leading to initiating the process of proteoglycan assembly. SOS was originally characterized in two families A and B of Iraqi and Turkish origin, respectively. Using DNA from affected members of the same two families we performed whole exome sequencing, which revealed two novel homozygous missense variants (c.1159C>T, p.Arg387Trp) and (c.2548G>C, p.Asp850His). Our findings extend the body of evidence that SOS is caused by homozygous variants in the XYLT2 gene. In addition, this report has extended the phenotypic description of SOS by adding follow-up data from five affected individuals in one of the two families, presented here.