Background: Readmission after heart failure (HF) hospitalization is an increasing focus for physicians and policy makers, but statistical models are needed to assess patient risk and to compare hospital performance. We performed a systematic review to describe models designed to compare hospital rates of readmission or to predict patients' risk of readmission, as well as to identify studies evaluating patient characteristics associated with hospital readmission, all among patients admitted for HF.

The relative efficacy of anti-IL-2 receptor antibodies (IL2R Abs) and antilymphocyte antibodies in preventing acute rejection and improving graft survival after renal transplantation is poorly defined. In particular, the benefits of these agents in specific subgroups, such as recipients with different degrees of HLA mismatch, are unknown. Using the SRTR database, we compared

Extracorporeal VADs are associated with higher mortality within 6 months and again beyond 5 years after transplantation. Intracorporeal VADs are associated with a small increase in mortality in the first 6 months and a clinically significant increase in mortality beyond 5 years. These data do not provide evidence supporting VAD implantation in stable United Network for Organ Sharing status I patients awaiting heart transplantation.

There is growing evidence to suggest a role for the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Experimental animal data suggest RAS-dependent mechanisms for the development of a structural and electrophysiologic substrate for AF. This is consistent with clinical data demonstrating the effectiveness of RAS blockade in preventing new-onset or recurrent AF in a variety of patient populations including patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, congestive heart failure, and those undergoing electrical cardioversion for AF. This review summarizes experimental and clinical evidence to date relating to the role of RAS in the pathogenesis of AF, and the efficacy of its inhibition in managing this common arrhythmia.

Patients with sCVD are at an increased risk of stroke and functional decline after transplantation independent of other variables, but not death, during long-term follow-up. These results should assist programs in making informed decisions in patients with sCVD who are undergoing evaluation for heart transplantation.