R.S.) at the University of Calgary from July 1st, 2007 to April 1st, 2011 was performed. Results: Twelve cases of EBUS-TBNA procedures performed on patients taking clopidogrel were identified. Mean age was 74 years (range 61-85). Seven patients (66.7%) were taking aspirin in addition to clopidogrel. There was no significant bleeding seen in any cases at the GDC-0068 chemical structure time of bronchoscopy and no additional complications were identified during follow-up (at least

4 weeks; median follow-up 3 months). Conclusions: This series of 12 cases suggests that EBUS-TBNA can be performed safely by experienced operators in patients taking clopidogrel. Nevertheless, until larger prospective studies confirm this hypothesis, proceeding to EBUS-TBNA without first withdrawing clopidogrel should only be performed in situations where the risk of short-term thrombosis is believed to outweigh the (theoretical) risk of bleeding. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Background: Partners of heart failure (HF) patients are important in the course and management of the disease. It is unclear whether HF affects the quality of life (QoL) of partners as much as it affects the QoL of

patients.

Methods and Results: The study aims to determine the influence of role (patient or partner) and gender on quality of life (QoL) and depressive symptoms in HF patients and their partners. Using a cross-sectional design, data on demographics, QoL. and depressive symptoms were collected from 393 HF patients (age, 68 +/- 11; 76% male) AZD9291 purchase and their partners (age, 67 +/- 12; 24% male) using questionnaires (Medical Outcome Study 36-item General Bafilomycin A1 purchase Health Survey [RAND-36]. Cantril Ladder of Life, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) that were send at home. At a group level HF, patients reported a significantly worse QoL and more depressive symptoms compared with their partners. When examining the influence of role and gender a significant interaction between role and gender was

found. QoL in terms of general wellbeing of female HF partners and female HF patients did not differ (7.0 vs. 6.9), whereas male partners had a significantly higher well-being compared to male HF patients (7.6 vs. 6.8). Most of the RAND-36 domains were explained by role (either being a patient or a partner) with patients having lower scores compared with their partners. However, the RAND-36 domain mental health was mainly explained by gender, with women reporting worse mental health compared with men, independent of their role as a patient or a partner. The same trend was found for the presence of depressive symptoms.

Conclusions: Females, either as patients or as partners are vulnerable in their response to HF in terms of their QoL. The QoL of male partners does not seem to be negatively affected. Supporting couples who are dealing with HF requires different interventions for male and female patients and their partners.