CardioExchange Archive

February 20th, 2013

New Studies Examine Prolonged Anticoagulation for VTE Recurrence

Larry Husten, PHD

Three studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine provide important new information about the risks and benefits of extended prophylaxis using two of the new oral anticoagulants in patients who have had venous thromboembolism (VTE). In the RE-MEDY and the RE-SONATE trials, the role of dabigatran was examined in patients who had completed at least 3 months […]

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February 11th, 2013

Selections from Richard Lehman’s Literature Review: February 11th

Richard Lehman, BM, BCh, MRCGP

This week’s topics include the effect of ramipril on walking times and quality of life among those with PAD and intermittent claudication, genetic associations with valvular calcification and aortic stenosis, and more.

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February 8th, 2013

Xarelto Effective in Medically Ill Patients, But at High Bleeding Cost

Larry Husten, PHD

The recent arrival of novel oral anticoagulants has provided important new options for treating and preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE). New indications for these drugs have been granted for patients with atrial fibrillation and for patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery. But an additional indication, for acutely ill medical patients at risk for VTE, does not […]

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January 17th, 2013

Revisiting Novel Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation

John Ryan, MD and Christian Thomas Ruff, MD, MPH

Two experts discuss the evolving landscape of novel anticoagulants for patients with AF. Do you agree with their perspectives? What questions do you have? What has your experience taught you?

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October 23rd, 2012

Setback for Trial Studying Dabigatran After Mechanical Valve Surgery

Larry Husten, PHD

Despite the recent advent of novel oral anticoagulants, the much-maligned warfarin remains the only current option available for patients who have received a mechanical valve. Now the first trial to explore this indication for a newer oral anticoagulant has suffered a setback. Last year, Boehringer Ingelheim announced the launch of the RE-ALIGN trial, a phase 2, […]

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October 23rd, 2012

High Rate of Warfarin Discontinuation Observed in Study

Larry Husten, PHD

One of the many potential problems with warfarin-based anticoagulant therapy is the poor rate of adherence and persistence among patients who are prescribed the drug. Now an observational study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine raises the possibility that the problem may be even worse than many have suspected, as discontinuation rates in clinical trials appear […]

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September 7th, 2012

News Briefs: Cholesterol Trends, AHA Late-Breakers, FDA Updates On Rivaroxaban And Heartware HVAD

Larry Husten, PHD

Cholesterol Trends The Centers for Disease Control issued a new report with the latest details about the prevalence of cholesterol screening and high blood cholesterol in U.S. adults. Here is their summary of the key findings: …cholesterol screening increased from 72.7% in 2005 to 76.0% in 2009, whereas the percentage of those screened who reported being told […]

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May 23rd, 2012

FDA Advisory Committee Recommends Against ACS Indication for Rivaroxaban

Larry Husten, PHD

The FDA’s Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee voted today against adding an indication for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) to the label of the anticoagulant rivaroxaban (Xarelto). The vote was 6 to 4 against approval, with 1 abstention. The advisory panel spent most of the day trying to reconcile diametrically opposed views of the pivotal ATLAS ACS 2-TIMI […]

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May 21st, 2012

Rivaroxaban for ACS Gets Positive FDA Review, but Questions About ATLAS Trial Conduct Persist

Larry Husten, PHD

The FDA will offer generally positive – but also highly mixed – advice to the FDA’s Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee when it meets on Wednesday to consider the supplemental new drug application for rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Johnson & Johnson) for use in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) already taking dual antiplatelet therapy. The FDA posted the briefing […]

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April 10th, 2012

Selections from Richard Lehman’s Literature Review: Week of April 10th

Richard Lehman, BM, BCh, MRCGP

This week’s topics include the EINSTEIN-PE trial of rivaroxaban, the risk for suicide or cardiovascular death after cancer diagnosis, and a comparison of computer reminders vs. pharmacist outreach about medication dangers.

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