MAY 2024
Focus on studies and experiences of research laboratories
Cardiac surgery experiences in the last twenty years in Florence; a column on research into innovative drugs at institutions and pharmaceutical companies; the development of the first gene therapy for an inherited heart disease at the University of San Diego; everything you need to know about smoking. These are the themes of the May newsletter presented in the editorial of the President of Aicarm.
Myectomy and mitral plastic surgery, the most effective therapy for young patients
The Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy Treatment course is designed to present the impact of obstruction on the quality of life and prognosis of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The experiences gained so far with "classic" drugs, such as beta-blockers capable of effectively and safely reducing outflow obstruction and, in some cases, postponing or avoiding surgery, will be discussed. Over the last 2 decades, cardiac surgical experience with myectomy and mitral plasty have significantly improved patients' symptoms and their prognosis. With the introduction of Mavacamten, already available for "compassionate use" for patients over 18 years of age, and perhaps in the future of Aficamten, there are prospects for long-term treatment, which currently makes it more suitable for elderly patients and in the future, perhaps, also in young patients, in whom cardiac surgery currently remains a fundamental solution.
My experience in San Diego where new therapies are explored
At the University of California San Diego (UCSD), the first gene therapy for a hereditary heart disease was developed: Danon disease, characterized by the accumulation of glycogen, due to variants in the gene that codes for a protein necessary for the elimination of cell phone waste.
The type of gene therapy developed by the researchers consists of the LAMP2B gene contained in a virus capable of entering heart cells.
The encouraging results of the research have allowed the experimentation to continue and a further study on male patients with Danon disease will soon begin in Europe. The only center in Italy invited to participate will be the AOU Meyer.
Gene therapy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, what's new
Cardiomyopathies are a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, causing impaired function of the heart muscle and even dangerous complications. Despite the efforts of medical research, to date there is no definitive cure. Research is also focusing on gene therapies that aim to correct the genetic mutations underlying some forms of cardiomyopathy. Informing correctly on the one hand avoids generating false expectations in patients, while on the other it supports funding and efforts of the scientific community. For these reasons AICARM inaugurates a new column which will present the news and developments for the treatment of cardiomyopathies. We will present works that come from institutions and pharmaceutical companies, both Italian and foreign, always with authority and independence from the market, and in favor of patients with cardiomyopathy and their doctors.
Dialogue between a smoker and his family doctor
Adolescents and smoking, the uncomfortable conditions when smoking is often talked about as a vice, but in reality it is an addiction. The tobacco industry exerting a strong influence on politicians, WHO data says that smoking causes around 8 million premature deaths every year.
Anti-smoking centers and strategies to stop smoking and electronic cigarettes which are less harmful than traditional ones, but remain dangerous. These are the main topics of the thematic sheet on smoking created by Dr. Mauro Pecchioli, built according to the “Questions & Answers” format.
We support AICARM APS with a donation
In this tax return period, we would like to draw attention to an important opportunity: the destination of the 5x1000 to Aicarm, the Italian Cardiomyopathies Association. The 5×1000 donation allows all taxpayers to donate a portion of their taxes to a non-profit organization of their choice, without additional costs as it is already included in the amount paid.
AICARM Onlus periodically publishes AICARM NEWS, the AICARM newsletter. You can receive the next releases directly in your e-mail box by filling out the form below. To consult the issues released, consult the page: AICARM NEWS, the AICARM newsletter.
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