Thrombosis Risk

Ultrasound-based strategies comparable for DVT diagnosis, treatment guidance

Oct 7, 2008 17:30 EDT

A randomized trial found that two ultrasound-based strategies were similarly effective at determining the need for anticoagulation in symptomatic patients with suspected deep-vein thrombosis; both have strengths and weaknesses. (Bernardi E et al. JAMA 2008; 300:1653-1659.)

Chicago, IL - Two ultrasound-based evaluations, both with their advantages and disadvantages, are about equally effective at guiding the management of patients with suspected lower-extremity deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), conclude the authors of a randomized trial reported in the October 8, 2008 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association [1]. But the writer of an accompanying editorial [2] gives the edge to one of the techniques, the one that's been around longer and is simpler and probably more widely available, and notes that a clinical prediction rule not evaluated in the study can also play a role in the initial evaluation of DVT. Read full article »

(Bernardi E et al. JAMA 2008;300:1653-1659.)

Inside: Thrombosis Risk

Accredited educational programs, supported by industry, developed by theheart.org

Thrombosis Risk

The Prevention and Treatment of Thromboembolic Disease: A Cardiologist's Perspective

3 COMMENTS - Aug 19, 2008 16:46 EDT

Join Drs Harrington, Bode, Verheugt and Halperin as they discuss the spectrum of patients at risk for thrombotic events, strategies to prevent thrombosis on both sides of the circulation and recent clinical trial data which will impact patient care in the near future.

Thrombosis Risk

The search for the "ideal" anticoagulant: Where are we now?

6 COMMENTS - Jun 12, 2008 11:00 EDT

Join Drs Turpie, Kakkar, Eriksson and Lassen as they discuss the optimal targets for inhibition in the coagulation cascade and create a "wish list" of characteristics for the ideal oral anticoagulant: Is new clinical trial data realizing that wish?

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Prevention of Arterial Thrombosis, a Review of Agents in Development

Sep 15, 2008 09:33 EDT

Join Drs Mahaffey, Hylek, Wallentin, and Weitz as they discuss the mechanisms by which various antithrombotic therapies target the coagulation cascade, the efficacy and safety of the currently available agents, and promising results from clinical trials of novel agents.

Arrhythmia/EP

Warfarin warning: Shortfalls in anticoagulation for AF up risks of ICH and embolic stroke

Oct 10, 2008 12:45 EDT

Documentation of the care of patients in a nationwide health plan suggests that less than half of patients with atrial fibrillation are prescribed an anticoagulant. (Walker AM, Bennett D. Heart Rhythm 2008;5:1365-1372.)

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Stem cells for AMI: New review finds same old story

Oct 7, 2008 19:00 EDT

A familiar message has emerged from a new review of stem-cell therapy for acute MI—a moderate improvement was seen, but much more research is needed. (Martin-Rendon E et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008; 4: CD006536. Eur Heart J 2008; 29:1807-1818.)

Prevention

Societies confront GI risks of antiplatelets, NSAIDs in consensus document

1 COMMENT - Oct 7, 2008 10:00 EDT

It addresses a common clinical problem for which there is little clinical-trial-quality data for guidance and gives a starring role to proton-pump inhibitors in treating GI ulcers and bleeding and, in high-risk groups, in their prevention. (Bhatt DL et al. J Am Coll Cardiol; Circulation; published online before print October 3, 2008.)

Interventional/Surgery

Elective PCI possible without "safety net" of anticoagulation

4 COMMENTS - Oct 6, 2008 17:00 EDT

Low-risk patients with uncomplicated lesions can have elective PCI safely performed using dual antiplatelet therapy without systemic anticoagulation, according to a new randomized study. An accompanying editorial begs to differ, however. (Stabile E et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2008; 1293-1298.)

Prevention

India attempts to impose world's biggest smoking ban

1 COMMENT - Oct 3, 2008 11:30 EDT

The Indian government appears to have heeded the warnings of medical experts highlighting the immense problem of smoking in the country, with the introduction this week of a nationwide ban on smoking in public places.

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.

Acute Coronary Syndrome

New study finds type of HRT is key with regard to MI risk

Oct 1, 2008 13:45 EDT

Important new information on HRT and the risk of MI has emerged from a Danish observational study, which finds that the type of HRT used could be key when it comes to the likelihood of a heart attack. (Lokkegaard E et al. Eur Heart J; published online before print September 30, 2008.)

Interventional/Surgery

Miniaturized heart pumps: Difference between life and death in small children

Sep 30, 2008 15:45 EDT

Reporting on his own initial experience with a miniaturized ventricular assist device used as a bridge to transplant in small children, a leading pediatric heart surgeon is hoping that the pump—widely available in Europe—will soon be approved for use in the US. (Gandhi SK et al. Circulation 2008; 118:S89-S93.)

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.)

Interventional/Surgery

FDA once again postpones decision on prasugrel

Sep 29, 2008 09:00 EDT

Interventional/Surgery

Two-year Massachusetts registry results support mortality benefit of DES in AMI

Sep 24, 2008 17:00 EDT

Whether the benefits are due to restenosis reduction, the additional months of dual antiplatelet therapy, or other effects of the DES itself are unclear, authors note. (Mauri L et al. N Engl J Med 2008; 359:1330-1342.)

Brain/Kidney/Peripheral

Passive smoking ups risk of PAD by 50%

Sep 22, 2008 16:00 EDT

Chinese researchers have reported, for the first time, a link between exposure to passive smoke and peripheral arterial disease in a cohort of women who have never smoked. They call for urgent public-health measures to protect individuals from secondhand smoke. (He Y et al. Circulation: published online before print September 22, 2008.)

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Groundwork laid for assays that point to MI within minutes of infarct onset

2 COMMENTS - Sep 19, 2008 15:30 EDT

Serial blood samples in patients with deliberately induced MIs (actually, they were the normal result of alcohol septal ablation therapy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy) showed elevations in several molecules that could, in theory, help identify ongoing infarction as soon as 10 minutes after onset. (Lewis GD et al. J Clin Invest; published online before print September 2, 2008.)

	GP IIb/IIIa
	heparin
	continue aspirin only
	I do not suspend dual antiplatelet therapy