Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialSafety and efficacy of a monoclonal antibody to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 serine protease, SAR236553/REGN727, in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia receiving ongoing stable atorvastatin therapy.
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering efficacy of 5 SAR236553/REGN727 (SAR236553) dosing regimens versus placebo at week 12 in patients with LDL-C ≥100 mg/dl on stable atorvastatin therapy. Secondary objectives included evaluation of effects on other lipid parameters and the attainment of LDL-C treatment goals of <100 mg/dl (2.59 mmol/l) and <70 mg/dl (1.81 mmol/l). ⋯ When added to atorvastatin, PCSK9 inhibition with SAR236553 further reduces LDL-C by 40% to 72%. These additional reductions are both dose- and dosing frequency-dependent. (Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of SAR236553 [REGN727] in Patients With Primary Hypercholesterolemia and LDL-cholesterol on Stable Atorvastatin Therapy; NCT01288443).
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2012
ReviewDiuretics and ultrafiltration in acute decompensated heart failure.
Congestion and volume overload are the hallmarks of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), and loop diuretics have historically been the cornerstone of treatment. The demonstrated efficacy of loop diuretics in managing congestion is balanced by the recognized limitations of diuretic resistance, neurohormonal activation, and worsening renal function. However, the recently published DOSE (Diuretic Optimization Strategies Evaluation) trial suggests that previous concerns about the safety of high-dose diuretics may not be valid. ⋯ Small studies suggest that UF may allow for more effective fluid removal compared with diuretics, with improved quality of life and reduced rehospitalization rates. However, further investigation is needed to completely define the role of UF in patients with ADHF. This review summarizes available data on the use of both diuretics and UF in ADHF patients and identifies challenges and unresolved questions for each approach.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA randomized trial of prasugrel versus clopidogrel in patients with high platelet reactivity on clopidogrel after elective percutaneous coronary intervention with implantation of drug-eluting stents: results of the TRIGGER-PCI (Testing Platelet Reactivity In Patients Undergoing Elective Stent Placement on Clopidogrel to Guide Alternative Therapy With Prasugrel) study.
This study sought to investigate the efficacy, safety, and antiplatelet effect of prasugrel as compared with clopidogrel in patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ⋯ Switching from clopidogrel to prasugrel in patients with HTPR afforded effective platelet inhibition. However, given the low rate of adverse ischemic events after PCI with contemporary DES in stable CAD, the clinical utility of this strategy could not be demonstrated.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2012
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial2-Hour accelerated diagnostic protocol to assess patients with chest pain symptoms using contemporary troponins as the only biomarker: the ADAPT trial.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a new accelerated diagnostic protocol (ADP) for possible cardiac chest pain could identify low-risk patients suitable for early discharge (with follow-up shortly after discharge). ⋯ Using the ADP, a large group of patients was successfully identified as at low short-term risk of a MACE and therefore suitable for rapid discharge from the emergency department with early follow-up. This approach could decrease the observation period required for some patients with chest pain. (An observational study of the diagnostic utility of an accelerated diagnostic protocol using contemporary central laboratory cardiac troponin in the assessment of patients presenting to two Australasian hospitals with chest pain of possible cardiac origin; ACTRN12611001069943).