American heart journal
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American heart journal · Jan 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyEffects of clopidogrel and aspirin in combination versus aspirin alone on platelet activation and major receptor expression in diabetic patients: the PLavix Use for Treatment Of Diabetes (PLUTO-Diabetes) trial.
Clopidogrel is widely used in diabetic patients after vascular events; however, the ability of this thienopyridine to yield additional antiplatelet protection on top of aspirin has never been explored in a controlled study with comprehensive assessment of platelet activity. The objective of this study was to compare the antiplatelet profiles of clopidogrel + aspirin in combination (C + ASA) versus aspirin alone (ASA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ⋯ Treatment with C + ASA for 1 month provides significantly greater inhibition of platelet activity than ASA alone in diabetic patients in this small randomized trial. However, despite dual antiplatelet regimen, diabetic patients exhibit high residual activity of some platelet biomarkers, including unaffected protease-activated receptor 1 receptor expression.
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American heart journal · Dec 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyC-reactive protein, bezafibrate, and recurrent coronary events in patients with chronic coronary heart disease.
Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are related to increased coronary risk in healthy subjects and in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The aims of the present study were to assess the following: (1) the association between CRP and subsequent coronary risk in patients with chronic coronary heart disease (CHD), (2) the effect of long-term bezafibrate treatment on CRP levels, and (3) to evaluate the consequences of change in CRP level over time on subsequent risk. ⋯ Baseline CRP and 2-year CRP levels were associated with subsequent risk of myocardial infarction and death in patients with chronic CHD. Bezafibrate did not reduce CRP levels as compared with placebo.
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American heart journal · Oct 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEffects of carvedilol early after myocardial infarction: analysis of the first 30 days in Carvedilol Post-Infarct Survival Control in Left Ventricular Dysfunction (CAPRICORN).
In the CAPRICORN trial, carvedilol reduced all-cause mortality by 23% over a mean follow-up of 1.3 years in clinically stabilized post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) with or without signs of heart failure. This analysis sought to assess the impact of carvedilol within the first 30 days of randomization. ⋯ In clinically stabilized post-MI patients with LVD, there is an early benefit with carvedilol treatment that is similar to that seen during long-term therapy.
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American heart journal · Oct 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyRationale and design of a randomized clinical trial of beta-blocker therapy (atenolol) versus angiotensin II receptor blocker therapy (losartan) in individuals with Marfan syndrome.
Cardiovascular disease, including aortic root dilation, dissection, and rupture, is the leading cause of mortality in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). The maximal aortic root diameter at the sinuses of Valsalva is considered the best predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcome. Although advances in therapy have improved life expectancy, affected individuals continue to suffer cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies in an FBN1-targeted mouse model of MFS with aortic disease similar to that seen in humans showed that treatment with losartan normalized aortic root growth and aortic wall architecture. ⋯ This randomized trial should make a substantial contribution to the management of individuals with MFS and expand our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the aortic manifestations of this disorder.
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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.