Cardiac resynchronisation therapy in Europe: are Swiss CRT recipients different?

The study of Zeljkovic et al. showed that Swiss CRT recipients are older, less symptomatic and suffer more often from co-morbidities. What features of the Swiss healthcare system would explain the differences?

Video analysis for the evaluation of vaginal births

Genetics and epigenetics of inflammatory bowel disease

Current knowledge about genetic and epigenetic involvement in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease is poor. In addition to genetic alterations, the intestinal microbiota and environmental factors also play a critical role.

Reality check: primary vascular access creation today

In Switzerland, the outcome of vascular access creation in the 4500 patients on dialysis is unknown, mainly because there is no prospective registry for patients undergoing vascular access surgery for renal replacement therapy.

Prevalence and predictors of atrial fibrillation type among individuals with recent onset of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is classified as paroxysmal, persistent or permanent. Patients with more sustained AF episodes have worse clinical outcomes, and implementation of rhythm control strategies is much more difficult among them.

Suicide by firearm in Switzerland: who uses the army weapon? Results from the national survey between 2000 and 2010

Suicide prevention by restriction of means is particularly promising in the case firearms. Numerous studies have shown that the occurrence of households with firearms correlates with the frequency of suicides by this method.

Paediatric musculoskeletal infections with Panton-Valentine leucocidin

Paediatric musculoskeletal infections by Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL)-producing Staphylococcus aureus are characterised by a rapid course of marked inflammation, worsening under conservative therapy, and a high rate of recurrence.

Quality and cost considerations in hyponatraemic patients needing hospitalisation

Hyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in hospitalised patients and has an impact on outcome and survival. However, the risk factors are not yet sufficiently known.

Adult onset haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis prognosis is affected by underlying disease: analysis of a single-institution series of 174 patients

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare clinical syndrome characterised by activation of the mononuclear phagocytic system, and often leads to progressive multiple organ failure. Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is diagnosed late by most physicians.