Cardiology in review
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Cardiology in review · Nov 2016
ReviewReversal Agents for Direct Oral Anticoagulants: Understanding New and Upcoming Options.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), originally developed as an alternative for vitamin K antagonists, are shifting the landscape of antithrombotic therapy. DOACs such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban offer enhancements in safety, convenience, and efficacy compared with warfarin. ⋯ To date, one antidote has been FDA approved in the United States for the reversal of dabigatran, and two antidotes are undergoing phase 2and 3clinical trials. This review will summarize currently available and developing data for DOAC antidotes: idarucizumab, exanet alfa, and ciraparantag.
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The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) is a subcutaneous alternative to conventional transvenous ICD (TV-ICD) systems, which have previously been shown to treat life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias in cardiac disease patients. A review of the literature reveals that S-ICDs have similar shock efficacy rates for both induced and spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmias when compared with TV-ICDs. Furthermore, S-ICDs seem to have a higher specificity for withholding therapy when supraventricular tachycardia is present compared with TV-ICDs. ⋯ However, S-ICDs are not without their complications and are associated with a higher incidence of inappropriate shocks secondary to T wave oversensing. S-ICDs also lack antitachycardia pacing, making them a suboptimal device in patients with recurrent monomorphic ventricular tachycardia who would otherwise benefit from the antitachycardia pacing offered in TV-ICDs. Lastly, the limited number of long-term randomized, head-to-head studies involving direct comparison with TV-ICDs poses a challenge in the implementation of the S-ICD.
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Cardiology in review · Jul 2016
Comparative StudyAntiplatelet and Anticoagulation Treatment in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: Comparison of the Updated North American and European Guidelines.
In 2014, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) published their guideline for the management of patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS), whereas the European Society of Cardiology published their latest guideline for the management of patients with NSTE-ACS in 2011. In this article, we review the main updates in antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy in the 2014 AHA/ACC guideline and compare them with the 2011 European guidelines. Key recommendations in the AHA/ACC guidelines include the addition of ticagrelor to a broad spectrum of patients with NSTE-ACS, narrowing of the role of prasugrel to patients who undergo coronary stenting, and limiting the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors mainly to high-risk patients during percutaneous coronary intervention. ⋯ The recommendations regarding anticoagulants still differ between the 2 guidelines, although all 4 parenteral agents (unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, bivalirudin, and fondaparinux) are now considered acceptable by both guidelines. We also review new data from clinical trials that became available after the 2014 guidelines were finalized, including studies with cangrelor, rivaroxaban, vorapaxar, ticagrelor, and long-term use of dual antiplatelets that will be considered in future guidelines. As the 2014 guidelines represent the most comprehensive and authoritative document for the management of patients with NSTE-ACS, clinicians who manage these patients should be familiar with their recommendations to ensure optimal patient care.
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Cardiology in review · Jan 2016
ReviewSacubitril/Valsartan: A Novel Cardiovascular Combination Agent.
Sacubitril/valsartan [LCZ696 (Entresto), Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.] is the first in a new class of drugs that combines neprilysin inhibition with angiotensin II receptor antagonism, the combination of which acts to increase endogenous natriuretic peptides while inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Sacubitril/valsartan has been studied in the treatment of hypertension, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and has demonstrated clinical efficacy in blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients with and without HFpEF and a reduction in hospitalizations and mortality for patients with HFrEF. Research to evaluate clinical outcomes in HFpEF is ongoing. ⋯ Expectedly, it is much more costly than generic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists, which will be a factor in determining how widespread the use of this agent will be. In summary, although the number of published studies evaluating its use is limited, sacubitril/valsartan represents a promising new treatment option for patients with HFrEF. Ongoing studies will continue to refine the role of this agent in clinical practice.
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Cardiology in review · Jan 2016
ReviewTreatment Options in Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cardiovascular condition that represents a spectrum of disorders with a gradient of increased risk of adverse outcomes. The U. ⋯ Risk stratification is critical to identify the patients who may benefit from advanced therapy. This review will provide an overview of PE pathophysiology, evidence-based risk stratification strategies for patients with acute PE, a summary of traditional and novel oral anticoagulant options, and an in-depth discussion on the utilization of advanced therapeutic options, including systemic fibrinolysis, catheter-based pharmacomechanical therapy, and surgical embolectomy.