April 30th, 2015
More Evidence Linking Sugared Drinks to Diabetes
Larry Husten, PHD
A new study uncovers some potentially important new details about the association between sugared drinks and diabetes. In a paper published in Diabetologia, researchers in the U.K. report on more than 10 years of followup of more than 25,000 adults. During the course of the study 847 participants went on to develop diabetes. Instead of relying on […]
April 29th, 2015
Fallout from the Baltimore Protests: QCOR 2015 Canceled
Brahmajee Kartik Nallamothu, MD, MPH
Brahmajee Nallamothu, the chair of the 2015 Quality of Care and Outcomes Research meeting, reflects on its cancelation.
April 28th, 2015
Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin: No Better or Worse Than Conventional Care
Larry Husten, PHD
Late Monday afternoon, Merck released the top line results of TECOS, the cardiovascular outcomes trial with its diabetes drug sitagliptin (Januvia). The company said that the trial “achieved its primary endpoint of non-inferiority for the composite cardiovascular (CV) endpoint.” Merck announced only one additional detail: “Among secondary endpoints,” they reported, “there was no increase in hospitalization for heart […]
April 28th, 2015
No Advantage to Adding Inferior Vena Cava Filters to Anticoagulation
Larry Husten, PHD
Despite a lack of supporting evidence many patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) receive inferior vena cava filters to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE). Now a new study published in JAMA offers no evidence of benefit for the use of these devices in a high-risk population already receiving anticoagulant drugs. A group of French physicians randomized nearly […]
April 27th, 2015
More Preliminary Signs That PCSK9 Inhibitors May Improve Outcomes
Larry Husten, PHD
A new analysis of available data from early trials with PCSK9 inhibitors adds to the growing evidence showing that this much-anticipated new class of drugs dramatically lowers LDL cholesterol and offers additional preliminary evidence showing that they are safe and may confer a mortality benefit. But, the authors and other outside experts warn, the outcome […]
April 27th, 2015
Selections from Richard Lehman’s Literature Review: April 27th
Richard Lehman, BM, BCh, MRCGP
This week’s topics include a contemporary appraisal of the heart-failure epidemic in Olmstead County, Minnesota, and a study of ex-vivo perfusion of donor hearts for human heart transplantation.
April 27th, 2015
Through the Fog of Data on Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Rory J Spiegel, MD
Perspective on an array of trials of endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke — and on the potential consequences of early trial cessation.
April 20th, 2015
Remembering Kanu Chatterjee
Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM
Harlan Krumholz shares memories of his mentor, legendary cardiologist and teacher Kanu Chatterjee.
April 20th, 2015
Selections from Richard Lehman’s Literature Review: April 20th
Richard Lehman, BM, BCh, MRCGP
This week’s topics include the efficacy and safety of both alirocumab and evolocumab in reducing lipids and CV events, survival and outcomes following bioprosthetic vs. mechanical mitral valve replacement, and more.
April 16th, 2015
Cangrelor Finally Gets Nod From FDA Advisory Panel
Larry Husten, PHD
On Wednesday the FDA’s Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee voted 9-2-1 to recommend approval of cangrelor during PCI to reduce the risk of periprocedural thrombotic events such as MI, stent thrombosis, and ischemia driven revascularization. The news follows a decade of efforts to develop the drug — a potent, fast-acting, and reversible antiplatelet agent. After the failure of […]