Objective: The clinical profile and surgical outcomes of patients with constrictive pericarditis were compared in HIV-positive and-negative individuals. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, over a 10-year period (2004-2014). Results: Of 83 patients with constrictive pericarditis, 32 (38.1%) were HIV positive. Except for pericardial calcification, which was more common in HIV-negative subjects (n = 15, 29.4% vs n = 2, 6.3%; p = 0.011), the clinical profile was similar in the two groups. Fourteen patients died preoperatively (16.9%) and three died peri-operatively (5.8%). On multivariable analysis, age (OR 1.17; 95% CI: 1.03-1.34; p = 0.02), serum albumin level (OR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.43-0.92; p = 0.016), gamma glutamyl transferase level (OR 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94-0.1.0; p = 0.034) and pulmonary artery pressure (OR 1.49; 95% CI: 1.07-2.08; p = 0.018) emerged as independent predictors of pre-operative mortality rate. Peri-operative complications occurred more frequently in HIV-positive patients [9 (45%) vs 6 (17.6%); p = 0.030]. Conclusions: Without surgery, tuberculous constrictive pericarditis was associated with a high mortality rate. Although peri-operative complications occurred more frequently, surgery was not associated with increased mortality rates in HIV-positive subjects.

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Outcomes following aortic valve replacement for isolated aortic stenosis with left ventricular dysfunction study was to determine the effects of AVR on left ventricular function and to describe the clinical outcomes in patients with isolated severe AS and LVD. The hypothesis was that AVR in patients with isolated AS and LVD improves LV function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study populationBetween 2004 and 2013, 1 573 chart records were analysed from the medical database of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, utilising the ICD-9 coding of AVR and AS. These ABSTRACT OUTCOMES FOLLOWING AVR INTRODUCTIONSevere aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Survival is estimated at less than 2 years in patients without aortic valve replacement (AVR).(1,2) A reduced ejection fraction may be related to the severity of the AS and chronic pressure overload of the left ventricle, rather than depressed myocardial contractility (afterload mismatch). Relief of the valvular obstruction, by valve replacement, should allow recovery of left ventricular size and function.(3,4) However, there is a greater surgical risk and morbidity in patients with AS and LVD, which need to be considered. (5,6) Most studies that have described the effects of AVR on ventricular function included patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), which may contribute independently to LVD. Since the presence of CAD is associated with a reduced survival rate following AVR, (2) we aimed to eliminate this variable and evaluate the isolated effect of AVR in those without concomitant CAD. There is no known published data available on survival, changes in ventricular function and long-term follow up from any South African institute to date. The purpose of this