Clinical therapeutics
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Clinical therapeutics · Aug 2013
ReviewManagement of acute coronary syndromes in patients with diabetes: implications of the FREEDOM trial.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a powerful independent risk factor for multivessel, diffuse coronary artery disease (CAD). The optimal coronary revascularization strategy in DM is not clearly defined, but past trials have suggested an advantage for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Recently, the Future Revascularization Evaluation in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Optimal Management of Multivessel Disease (FREEDOM) trial found patients randomized to CABG had lower rates of death and myocardial infarction (MI) compared with those randomized to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ⋯ The optimal revascularization strategy in patients with acute coronary syndrome, diabetes, and multivessel disease, in particular those with ST elevation, is unclear, and not guided by level A (or B) evidence. Currently CABG is favored over PCI, and an individually tailored, collaborative approach, guided by a multidisciplinary heart team, should be employed.
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Clinical therapeutics · Aug 2013
Comparative StudyCost-effectiveness of 12-month treatment with ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel in the management of acute coronary syndromes.
The PLATO (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes) randomized trial (NCT00391872) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) reported that ticagrelor (in addition to aspirin) reduced the rate of the composite end point of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or cardiovascular death compared with clopidogrel (in addition to aspirin) by 16% over 12 months (P < 0.001). No significant difference in the incidence of major bleeding was noted, but ticagrelor was associated with a higher rate of major bleeding not related to coronary artery bypass grafting. ⋯ When assessed from the perspective of the Australian health care system, ticagrelor is likely to be cost-effective compared with clopidogrel in preventing downstream morbidity and mortality associated with ACS.
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Clinical therapeutics · Aug 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyA randomized, double-blind study of fenofibric acid plus rosuvastatin compared with rosuvastatin alone in stage 3 chronic kidney disease.
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have mixed dyslipidemia and high cardiovascular disease risk. Although statins reduce LDL-C, adding a fibrate may further improve lipid parameters. ⋯ The data suggest that, after 16 weeks of therapy, FA + R has an acceptable safety profile and improved TG and HDL-C efficacy versus R. FA + R combination therapy may thus further improve lipid parameters in patients with stage 3 CKD and mixed dyslipidemia. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00680017.
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Clinical therapeutics · Aug 2013
Review Meta AnalysisEffects of aggressive statin therapy on patients with coronary saphenous vein bypass grafts: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of aggressive statin versus moderate statin therapy on patients with saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) in randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). ⋯ Compared with moderate statin therapy, long-term aggressive statin lowered the LDL-C level significantly, further decreased the atherosclerotic progression of SVG, reduced the risks of repeated myocardial infarction and coronary revascularization after CABG, and revealed similar patient compliance and statin-related adverse effects but slightly increased myopathy events and aminotransferase levels.
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Clinical therapeutics · Aug 2013
Comparative StudyA cost-effectiveness analysis of parecoxib in the management of postoperative pain in the Greek health care setting.
Postoperative pain management represents a significant factor of morbidity and reduced quality of life for patients, as well as a situation that substantially increases perioperative costs. Available analgesia treatments improve patient outcomes and reduce resource use associated with pain management, although with varying costs and adverse effects. ⋯ Parecoxib may be a useful addition to opioid treatment by improving postoperative analgesic management, reducing opioid-related adverse events, and lowering per-patient treatment costs.