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Clinical cardiology
Cardiologists shocked by new FDA alert on clopidogrel-PPI interaction
Nov 17, 2009 15:45 EST
The FDA has issued a new warning on an interaction between clopidogrel and the PPI omeprazole and other drugs that inhibit the CYP2C19 enzyme, just weeks after the only randomized trial on this issue reported no such interaction.

Orlando, FL - The FDA has today issued a new public-health warning on the possible interaction between clopidogrel (Plavix, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi-Aventis) and the proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) omeprazole (Prilosec, Procter & Gamble) [1,2]. The alert states: "New data show that when clopidogrel and omeprazole are taken together, the effectiveness of clopidogrel is reduced. Patients at risk for heart attacks or strokes who use clopidogrel to prevent blood clots will not get the full effect of this medicine if they are also taking omeprazole."

But the timing of the this alert appears peculiar, given that just a few weeks ago, what was said to be the definitive answer to this issue—the only randomized clinical trial on the interaction—was reported, showing absolutely no hint of any reduction in effect of clopidogrel in patients taking omeprazole.Read full article »

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Clinical cardiology
Safety of Implantable Defibrillators: Lead Fractures
Apr 17, 2009 11:41 EDT
Recent data among heart patients have suggested that approximately 2.3% of patients with a defected implant lead attached to their defibrillator will experience lead fracture within 30 months of having the device implanted. What are your thoughts and is this happening in your clinical practice?
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Clinical cardiology
Heart Rate-Lowering Therapy in Canada: Reviewing Target Populations and Clinical Outcomes
Nov 12, 2009 09:52 EST
Join Dr. Tardif as he discusses the latest clinical data addressing heart rate-lowering therapy in patients with stable coronary heart disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The role of heart rate-lowering therapy and target populations are reviewed, as well as the next steps required for application to Canadian medical practice.
 
heartbriefs
Sen Grassley questions top medical schools about ghostwriting
Nov 20, 2009 13:15 EST
As part of his mission to see more financial transparency in medicine, Sen Grassley has asked eight top US medical schools about their policies on ghostwriting.
News
EFFECT: Public reporting of hospital performance improves quality of care?
Nov 19, 2009 10:00 EST
Publicly released report cards based on hospital performance did not result in a measurably greater systemwide improvement in two composite AMI or CHF process-of-care indicators in a Canadian study. But they did appear to stimulate some important changes in delivery of care that could have led to some better outcomes.
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Ticagrelor effects unraveled in new phase 2 trials
Nov 18, 2009 15:00 EST
New and unique phase 2 data add to the growing body of evidence explaining the pharmacologic effects of the new antiplatelet agent ticagrelor.
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ACC/AHA focused update of guidelines for STEMI, PCI
8 COMMENTS - Nov 18, 2009 09:00 EST
The latest evidence for the treatment of STEMI and PCI has been incorporated into a fast-track update of US guidelines. But questions remain about the quality of some of the evidence informing the guidelines and about the composition of the writing committees.
Medscape Medical News
RE-LY: Post hoc analysis confirms benefit of dabigatran relative to warfarin at all INR levels
Nov 17, 2009 16:30 EST
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Medscape Medical News
Anthracycline cardiotoxicity appears limited in breast cancer in the short term
Nov 17, 2009 11:15 EST
No significant incidence of short-term cardiac toxicity was observed in breast-cancer patients on dose-dense anthracycline regimens, but longer-term follow-up is needed.
Interventional/Surgery
POPE: No benefit of diclofenac on pericardial effusion
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Nov 16, 2009 18:45 EST
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Clinical cardiology
Plasma renin activity associated with cardiovascular events and mortality in HOPE
1 COMMENT - Nov 16, 2009 14:45 EST
Patients with elevated baseline plasma renin activity levels had a twofold increased risk of total or cardiovascular mortality compared with those with low levels, and the strength of the association persisted after multiple adjustments, including the HOPE score, CRP, and BNP.
Thrombosis Risk
POPULARity contest: For platelet function assays, what works, what doesn't
Nov 15, 2009 14:15 EST
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Drs. Hayes and Foody and a committee of experts address the gaps and correct the misconception that CVD is more common in men than women.
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Editorial Programs
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The AHA 2009 Roundup: ARBITER 6-HALTS, PLATO, the two CHAMPIONs, and CASCADE
1 COMMENT - Nov 18, 2009 16:30 EST
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New directions for management of patients with atrial fibrillation
Nov 11, 2009 09:50 EST
New agents and interventions are paving the way for revised modalities in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. Join Drs Alpert and Delascio Lopes for a review of the latest findings and options.
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Life and times of leading cardiologists with Rob Califf. Guest: Bob Harrington
2 COMMENTS - Nov 6, 2009 09:50 EST
Raised in a blue-collar neighborhood of Somerville, MA, Dr Bob Harrington was blessed to have a strong family and the Jesuits on his side as he traveled from "Yankee" Boston to Duke University. Join him as he tells his story to Dr Rob Califf.
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