Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Dec 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyNew ischemic stroke and outcomes with vorapaxar versus placebo: results from the TRA 2 °P-TIMI 50 trial.
Vorapaxar, a novel antiplatelet therapy, reduces thrombotic events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) or peripheral artery disease (PAD); however, because of an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage, it is contraindicated in patients with a history of stroke. ⋯ Vorapaxar reduces ischemic stroke in patients with MI or PAD and no known CVD. There does not appear to be a significant increase in the risk of hemorrhagic conversion or death in patients who experienced a first ischemic stroke on vorapaxar. Although primary hemorrhagic stroke is increased, vorapaxar reduces the total incidence of stroke. (Trial to Assess the Effects of Vorapaxar (SCH 530348; MK-5348) in Preventing Heart Attack and Stroke in Patients With Atherosclerosis [TRA 2 °P-TIMI 50]; NCT00526474).
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Dec 2014
ReviewPerioperative beta blockade in noncardiac surgery: a systematic review for the 2014 ACC/AHA guideline on perioperative cardiovascular evaluation and management of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on practice guidelines.
To review the literature systematically to determine whether initiation of beta blockade within 45 days prior to noncardiac surgery reduces 30-day cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates. ⋯ Perioperative beta blockade started within 1 day or less before noncardiac surgery prevents nonfatal MI but increases risks of stroke, death, hypotension, and bradycardia. Without the controversial DECREASE studies, there are insufficient data on beta blockade started 2 or more days prior to surgery. Multicenter RCTs are needed to address this knowledge gap.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Dec 2014
Observational StudyIs epinephrine during cardiac arrest associated with worse outcomes in resuscitated patients?
Although epinephrine is essential for successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), the influence of this drug on recovery during the post-cardiac arrest phase is debatable. ⋯ In this large cohort of patients who achieved ROSC, pre-hospital use of epinephrine was consistently associated with a lower chance of survival, an association that showed a dose effect and persisted despite post-resuscitation interventions. These findings suggest that additional studies to determine if and how epinephrine may provide long-term functional survival benefit are needed.