Lipid/Metabolic
FDA finds no link between statin use and ALS
1 COMMENT - Oct 1, 2008 16:00 EDT
The meta-analysis, which included 41 clinical trials, revealed similar rates of ALS in the statin-treated and placebo-treated patients. The agency said further monitoring is still needed, however, because of the expansive use of the drugs and the dire consequences of this neurodegenerative disorder. (Colman E et al. Pharmacolepidemiol Drug Saf; published online September 29, 2008.)

Silver Springs, MD - A new Food and Drug Administration analysis has shown that statins do not increase the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease [1].

The meta-analysis, which included 41 clinical trials and was published online September 29, 2008 in the journal of Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, revealed similar rates of ALS in the statin-treated and placebo-treated patients, but the agency says that caution is still needed because of the expansive use of the drugs and the dire consequences of this neurodegenerative disorder.Read full article »

(Colman E et al. Pharmacolepidemiol Drug Saf 2008; published online September 29, 2008.)
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Lipid/Metabolic
A Canadian Perspective on the SEAS Trial
Sep 8, 2008 10:00 EDT
Navigating the SEAS: Join Drs Fitchett and Chan as they present their views on the latest controversial findings from clinical on treating aortic stenosis with statins alone or in combination with ezetimibe.
 
Clinical cardiology
Pfizer to drop development of drugs for hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and heart failure
14 COMMENTS - Oct 2, 2008 17:00 EDT
UPDATED // Forbes reported the news online after obtaining an internal Pfizer memo.
Lipid/Metabolic
Merck stops taranabant development: Will not seek FDA approval
Oct 2, 2008 13:30 EDT
Prospects for the drug were dim, with late-stage studies showing a significant increase in psychiatric and gastrointestinal side effects with the cannabinoid-receptor blocker.
Prevention
Eating dark chocolate reduces CRP
1 COMMENT - Sep 29, 2008 13:30 EDT
A new Italian study has shown, for the first time, that consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate can significantly reduce CRP levels. (di Giuseppe R et al. J Nutr 2008; 138:1939-1945.)
Brain/Kidney/Peripheral
"Consider" candesartan for diabetic retinopathy
Sep 26, 2008 10:45 EDT
Despite meeting none of the primary end points in the three DIRECT studies in diabetic retinopathy, the angiotensin receptor blocker candesartan could still be considered a treatment option in certain patients with this condition, say the trial authors and accompanying editorialists. (Chaturvedi N et al. Sjølie AK et al. Lancet; published online before print September 25, 2008.)
Heart failure
Severe subclinical hypothyroidism ups risk of HF
Sep 22, 2008 17:00 EDT
A new study has found that older adults with severe subclinical hypothyroidism had almost double the risk of developing heart failure compared with those with normal thyroid function. The findings are important to inform the debate on whether to screen and treat subclinical hypothyroidism, say the researchers. (Rodondi N et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2008; 52:1152-1159.)
Lipid/Metabolic
Sir Richard Peto responds to government questions about Vytorin cancer analysis
Sep 18, 2008 18:00 EDT
In addition to laying out the sequence of events that led to the analysis of available cancer data, Peto's tersely worded response to the committee makes clear he is paid by Oxford University and not by the pharmaceutical companies that fund his research.
Clinical cardiology
Early enzyme treatment best in Fabry's disease
Sep 17, 2008 09:45 EDT
A new study has found that in patients with Fabry's disease, the extent of myocardial fibrosis at baseline is crucial in determining how well they will respond to enzyme-replacement therapy. (European Society of Cardiology Congress 2008.)
Prevention
Plastic-additive bisphenol A linked to diabetes and cardiovascular events in NHANES analysis
Sep 16, 2008 10:00 EDT
The chemical, found in innumerable consumer products, including baby bottles and CDs, has long been the focus of controversy regarding possible health effects. The current study is among the largest of its kind and may be the first to associate bisphenol A with chronic disease in humans (Lang IA et al. JAMA; published online before print September 16, 2008.)
Prevention
Small, rich countries provide top cardiac care in Europe
Sep 12, 2008 10:15 EDT
Three small countries—Luxembourg, Norway, and Switzerland—have emerged as the top nations for cardiac care in Europe in a new report. France comes a close fourth, scoring high on prevention. (European Society of Cardiology Congress 2008.)
Prevention
Adherence to Mediterranean diet reduces risk of major chronic diseases
11 COMMENTS - Sep 12, 2008 00:01 EDT
Strictly following the diet reduces all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality and reduces the risk of developing Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. (Sofi F et al. BMJ 2008; 337:a1344.)
Prevention
Lifestyle, not drugs, for preventing type 2 diabetes: "Gladiatorial" debate concludes
15 COMMENTS - Sep 11, 2008 09:30 EDT
Diabetes experts witnessing the contest, held just miles from the ancient Roman Coliseum, declared lifestyle interventions the clear winner, on the grounds that they tackle the root cause, rather than the consequences, of glucose abnormalities. (European Association for the Study of Diabetes 2008 Meeting.)
Lipid/Metabolic
NCEP definition of metabolic syndrome better predictor than IDF of diabetes in women
5 COMMENTS - Sep 11, 2008 08:15 EDT
Researchers say the launch of a new definition of metabolic syndrome may have been "premature." (European Association for the Study of Diabetes 2008 Meeting.)
Lipid/Metabolic
Ten years later, UKPDS shows intensive glucose lowering, but not tight BP control, reduces MI, all-cause mortality
5 COMMENTS - Sep 10, 2008 09:15 EDT
Posttrial monitoring of patients who participated in the original UKPDS study indicates that early, aggressive lowering of glucose had protective effects, even 10 years after randomization ended. Early blood-pressure control, however, did not translate into reductions in macrovascular events and death over time. (European Association for the Study of Diabetes 2008 Meeting. Holman RR et al. N Engl J Med; published online before print September 10, 2008.)
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