The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of QCTA in comparison with quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and visual score using the QCA.\n\nMaterials and Methods: Two operators visually scored 30 consecutive patients referred for multidetector computed tomography-coronary angiography to assess stenotic segments according to a modified 17-segment American Heart Association classification model. Coronary angiography was performed within 1 week. The degree of stenosis was
classified as 0%, lower than 20% (wall irregularities), lower than 50% (without significant disease), and higher than 50% (significant disease). Each segment was then analyzed using electronic Vorinostat cost calipers of the QCTA system. Data were compared with QCA results. Each segment was finally classified as fibrofatty, find protocol mixed, and calcified. Comparisons between QCTA results, visual score, and QCA were performed by means of
Spearman rank correlation. Interobserver variability is calculated using kappa statistics.\n\nResults: From a total of 870 segments, 69 were diseased. Interobserver agreement between the 2 operators resulted very high (kappa = 0.97). A good correlation was found between visual score and QCA (rho = 0.932, P < 0.0001) and between visual score and QCTA (rho = 0.845, P < 0.0001). A moderate correlation was found between QCTA and QCA (rho = 0.810, P < 0.0001).\n\nConclusions: The accuracy of QCTA is comparable with that of QCA and Selleckchem EVP4593 visual score especially in noncalcified vessels. Editing of the vessel contours in case of calcified vessels is helpful in correctly estimating the right percentage of stenosis.”
“Introduction: The main objective was to determine the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing hospitalization due to exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One secondary objective was to estimate the prevalence of vaccination, and to describe the factors that were associated with being vaccinated.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted that included 1,323 patients diagnosed with COPD in the Health Centre of the Pla d’Urgell (Lleida, Spain). They were classified into two cohorts: cohort 1, patients vaccinated against seasonal influenza (campaign 2011/12), and cohort 2, non-vaccinated. The number of patients in both cohorts requiring hospital admission for exacerbation of the disease between the 12/01/2011 and the 03/15/2012 was quantified. Information about the variables of interest was recorded for each patient. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. The effectiveness of vaccination was calculated with the formula: E= (1 – OR) x 100. The ORs and their 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were determined by multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Just over half (55.3%) of the patients had been vaccinated. Vaccinated patients were older and had more associated comorbidity.