American heart journal
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American heart journal · Sep 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudySodium bicarbonate, N-acetylcysteine, and saline for prevention of radiocontrast-induced nephropathy. A comparison of 3 regimens for protecting contrast-induced nephropathy in patients undergoing coronary procedures. A single-center prospective controlled trial.
Several protective therapies have been developed to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). We aimed to investigate the efficacy of sodium bicarbonate by comparing 2 other regimens, including combination of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) plus sodium chloride and sodium chloride alone, to prevent CIN in patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures. ⋯ Hydration with sodium bicarbonate provides better protection against CIN than the sodium chloride infusion does alone. Combination therapy of NAC plus sodium chloride did not offer additional benefit over hydration with sodium chloride alone.
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American heart journal · Aug 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialTesting the hypothesis of atherosclerotic plaque lipid depletion during lipid therapy by magnetic resonance imaging: study design of Carotid Plaque Composition Study.
In vivo testing of the lipid depletion hypothesis in human beings during lipid-modifying therapy has not been possible until recent developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
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American heart journal · Jul 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyGlobal outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction: comparisons of the Enoxaparin and Thrombolysis Reperfusion for Acute Myocardial Infarction Treatment-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction study 25 (ExTRACT-TIMI 25) registry and trial.
Outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) differ between those in clinical trials and those in routine practice, as well as across different regions. We hypothesized that adjustment for baseline risk would minimize such variations. ⋯ Patients in the registry had higher mortality than those in the trial. This difference could be explained by the higher baseline risk of patients in the registry. After adjusting for baseline risk, the GNI of the country in which the patient presented did not contribute to predicting in-hospital mortality.
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American heart journal · Jul 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudySexual function, satisfaction, and association of erectile dysfunction with cardiovascular disease and risk factors in cardiovascular high-risk patients: substudy of the ONgoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial/Telmisartan Randomized AssessmeNT Study in ACE-INtolerant Subjects with Cardiovascular Disease (ONTARGET/TRANSCEND).
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder in middle-aged men and is significantly influenced by cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and cardiovascular disease. The substudy of the ONTARGET/TRANSCEND trials evaluates the relationship of erectile function to baseline characteristics and current treatment in cardiovascular high-risk patients who have been enrolled in these trials. The effects of treatment with telmisartan and ramipril, alone or in combination, including a telmisartan versus placebo arm will be determined prospectively during a follow-up of 4 years. ⋯ The ONTARGET/TRANSCEND-ED substudy shows a significant influence of cardiovascular disease on erectile function. In contrast to prior smaller studies, drug therapy and CVRF seem to play a minor role in cardiovascular high-risk patients. Follow-up data will provide information whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin I antagonists, or a combination thereof are able to improve erectile function.
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American heart journal · Jun 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialHypertension Intervention Nurse Telemedicine Study (HINTS): testing a multifactorial tailored behavioral/educational and a medication management intervention for blood pressure control.
Only 31% of Americans with hypertension have their blood pressure (BP) under effective control. We describe a study that tests 3 different interventions in a randomized controlled trial using home BP telemedicine monitoring. ⋯ Given the increasing prevalence of hypertension and our inability to achieve adequate BP control using traditional models of care, testing novel interventions in patients' homes may improve access, quality, and outcomes.