September 21st, 2012
Apixaban (Eliquis) For Atrial Fibrillation Gets Positive European Recommendation
Larry Husten, PHD
The European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended approval for apixaban (Eliquis, Pfizer and BristolMyers Squibb) for atrial fibrillation. The drug is already approved in Europe for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events following hip or knee replacement surgery. The drug has not yet been approved in the United States. Here is the CHMP-proposed indication […]
September 21st, 2012
News Flash! Company Issues Incredibly Boring Press Release
Larry Husten, PHD
A dull press release and dull scientific paper may, in this case, signify genuine progress.
September 20th, 2012
FDA Warns of Possible Heart Failure Risk with Pramipexole
The FDA is investigating the possibility that pramipexole (Mirapex) increases the risk for heart failure. In a pooled analysis of randomized trials, the drug — used to treat Parkinson disease and restless legs syndrome — showed an increased incidence of heart failure relative to placebo, but the results weren’t statistically significant. Further review of two […]
September 20th, 2012
Why I Applaud the Skeptical Physicians
Joseph S. Ross, MD, MHS
Is skepticism of industry-funded trials warranted even when they are designed, conducted, and reported with the utmost rigor?
September 19th, 2012
Certification Exam Prep: An FAQ
Benjamin Howard Freed, MD
Your questions about board exam prep entertained and answered.
September 19th, 2012
Studies Examine Less Burdensome Dual Antiplatelet Regimens
Larry Husten, PHD
Two new studies published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology offer hope but not, yet, compelling evidence to support less burdensome requirements for dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. In the first study, Spanish investigators followed 1622 consecutive patients who received a DES for 1 year. They found that 10.6% of the patients […]
September 19th, 2012
Stopping DAPT for DES Before 12 Months: Cutting-Edge or Dangerous?
Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, Richard A. Lange, MD, MBA and L. David Hillis, MD
Dr. Deepak Bhatt ponders the clinical implications of two studies suggesting that early discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy is safe — and concludes that the findings will probably not change his practice.
September 19th, 2012
An Ad That Doesn’t Tell the Entire Story — Part 2: Niaspan
Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM
A print ad for Niaspan focuses only on how it raises HDL-cholesterol levels, with no mention of the lack of benefit in improving outcomes.
September 18th, 2012
Screening for AAA Comes Under Renewed Scrutiny and Criticism
Larry Husten, PHD
A 2007 Medicare initiative to increase AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) screening in appropriate patients failed to prevent AAA rupture or reduce all-cause mortality, according to a new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The larger implications of the study are unclear, but two accompanying papers, an invited commentary and a perspective, emphasize the darker side […]
September 18th, 2012
International Cardiology Groups Push for Aggressive Public Health Goals
Larry Husten, PHD
Cardiovascular disease is the largest cause of death in the world and accounts for almost half of all deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Earlier this year, in response to a high-level UN meeting on NCDs in 2011, the World Health Assembly set a global target to reduce premature NCD mortality by 25% by the year 2025. Now, the […]