Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2007
Review Meta AnalysisAssociation between C-reactive protein and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after successful electrical cardioversion: a meta-analysis.
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to examine the association between baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after successful electrical cardioversion (EC). ⋯ Our meta-analysis suggests that increased CRP levels are associated with greater risk of AF recurrence, although there was significant heterogeneity across the studies. The use of CRP levels in predicting sinus rhythm maintenance appears promising but requires further study.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2005
Meta AnalysisPrevention of atrial fibrillation with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers: a meta-analysis.
This study was designed to identify all randomized clinical trial data evaluating angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers for the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF), to estimate the magnitude of this effect and to identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit. ⋯ Both ACEIs and ARBs appear to be effective in the prevention of AF. This benefit appears to be limited to patients with systolic left ventricular dysfunction or LV hypertrophy. The use of these drugs following cardioversion appears promising but requires further study.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2003
Meta AnalysisA meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing coronary artery bypass graft with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: one- to eight-year outcomes.
We performed a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for the treatment of coronary artery disease, incorporating new trials and examining long-term outcomes. ⋯ Our results suggest that, when compared with PTCA, CABG is associated with a lower five-year mortality, less angina, and fewer revascularization procedures. For patients with multivessel disease, CABG provided a survival advantage at five to eight years, and for diabetics, a survival advantage at four years. The addition of stents reduced the need for repeat revascularization by about half.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Nov 2002
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyThrombolytic therapy of pulmonary embolism: a meta-analysis.
We sought to assess the efficacy and safety of thrombolytic therapy in patients with an acute pulmonary embolism (PE). ⋯ Compared with intravenous heparin, thrombolytic therapy does not appear to have therapeutic benefit in unselected patients with acute PE, but it is associated with an increased risk of major hemorrhage. Given the small number of patients included in the randomized trials thus far, the negative results in terms of the efficacy outcomes should be interpreted with caution. Definitive evidence of the utility of thrombolytic therapy in this setting requires a large, randomized, controlled trial.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jan 2002
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyEvidence-based evaluation of calcium channel blockers for hypertension: equality of mortality and cardiovascular risk relative to conventional therapy.
OBJECTIVES; We present a meta-analysis based on three recent, substantial, randomized outcome trials and several smaller trials that compared calcium channel blockers (CCBs) with conventional therapy (diuretics or beta-blockers) or with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ⋯ Mortality (total and cardiovascular) and major cardiovascular events with CCBs were apparently similar to those events seen with conventional first-line therapy (diuretics or beta-blockers). Stroke reduction more than balanced increased MI. In diabetics, CCBs may be less safe than ACE inhibitors.