CardioExchange Archive

July 16th, 2012

Selections from Richard Lehman’s Literature Review: July 16th

Richard Lehman, BM, BCh, MRCGP

This week’s topics include studies on rhythm vs. rate control in AF, thiazolidinediones and the risk for macular edema, and the effect of acadesine on morbidity and mortality associated with CABG.

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June 7th, 2012

Growing Popularity of Dabigatran Leads to Increased Complications

Larry Husten, PHD

Since its approval in the United States in October 2010, dabigatran (Pradaxa) has been prescribed 3.2 million times to more than 600,000 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), according to its manufacturer, Boehringer Ingelheim. The company also announced that, based on the pivotal RE-LY trial, the “Clinical Studies” section of the drug’s prescribing information now includes the statement […]

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May 31st, 2012

Women at Increased Risk for Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation

Larry Husten, PHD

Among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), women have a higher risk than men of having a stroke, according to a new study published in BMJ. The increased risk was mostly found in women over 65 years of age and in women with multiple risk factors. Leif Friberg and colleagues analyzed data from more than 100,000 Swedish patients with […]

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May 8th, 2012

In AF, Women Have a Higher Stroke Risk Than Men

Larry Husten, PHD

In an elderly population, when compared to men with atrial fibrillation, women with AF have a significantly elevated risk for stroke. This increased risk occurs regardless of warfarin use.

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April 16th, 2012

The Audible

Shengshou Hu, M.D.

Every electrophysiologist knows there are a million things that can be done for patients with atrial fibrillation. But sometimes not doing an invasive procedure is the best choice.

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April 11th, 2012

Anticoagulation Conundrum

Tariq Ahmad, MD, MPH and James Fang, MD

A 75-year-old woman presents to a general cardiology clinic for the first time. She has a history of atrial fibrillation, sick-sinus syndrome requiring a permanent pacemaker, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. She has no specific complaints other than shortness of breath on exertion. Her medications include aspirin (81 mg daily), carvedilol (25 mg twice daily), lisinopril (5 […]

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March 19th, 2012

Merck Drops Development of Oral Vernakalant for Atrial Fibrillation

Larry Husten, PHD

Merck has discontinued its development of oral vernakalant for the long-term prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. Cardiome Pharma, Merck’s partner in the drug, said today that the “decision was based on Merck’s assessment of the regulatory environment and projected development timeline.” Merck and Cardiome will continue their partnership with the intravenous formulation of vernakalant, Brinavess, […]

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January 11th, 2012

ASSERT Sheds Light on the Role of Subclinical AF in Stroke

Larry Husten, PHD

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine sheds some much-needed light on the precise role of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) in the prognosis and development of ischemic stroke. ASSERT (Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Evaluation in Pacemaker Patients and the Atrial Fibrillation Reduction Atrial Pacing Trial) followed 2580 patients with a newly implanted pacemaker or ICD […]

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November 14th, 2011

PALLAS Intrigue: What Role Remains for Dronedarone?

CardioExchange Editors, Staff

John Mandrola, Eric Prystowsky, and Sanjay Kaul weigh in on PALLAS and the present and future of Multaq.

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October 10th, 2011

TTOP-AF Trial Proves Efficacy of RF Ablation System, But Not Safety

Larry Husten, PHD

A new trial demonstrates that an investigational RF ablation system is more effective than medical management in treating persistent AF, but the trial failed to meet a key predefined safety goal. At the Venice Arrhythmias 2011 conference, Lucas Boersma presented the results of the TTOP-AF (Tailored Treatment of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation) trial, in which 210 patients […]

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