| 1. |
- Komajda, Michel, et al.
(författare)
-
Relations between professional medical associations and the health-care industry, concerning scientific communication and continuing medical education: a Policy Statement from the European Society of Cardiology.
- 2012
-
Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press. - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 33:5, s. 666-674
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Physicians have an ethical duty to keep up-to-date with current knowledge. Professional medical associations such as the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) support these obligations. In Europe, the costs of continuing medical education (CME) are insufficiently supported from governments and employers; however, medical associations have been criticized for accepting alternative financial support from industry. Medical education and training in research include learning how to assess the quality and reliability of any information. There is some risk of bias in any form of scientific communication including intellectual, professional, and financial and it is essential that in particular, the latter must be acknowledged by full disclosure. It is essential that there is strong collaboration between basic and clinical researchers from academic institutions on the one hand, with engineers and scientists from the research divisions of device and pharmaceutical companies on the other. This is vital so that new diagnostic methods and treatments are developed. Promotion of advances by industry may accelerate their implementation into clinical practice. Universities now frequently exhort their academic staff to protect their intellectual property or commercialize their research. Thus, it is not commercial activity or links per se that have become the target for criticism but the perceived influence of commercial enterprises on clinical decision-making or on messages conveyed by professional medical organizations. This document offers the perspective of the ESC on the current debate, and it recommends how to minimize bias in scientific communications and CME and how to ensure proper ethical standards and transparency in relations between the medical profession and industry.
|
|
| 2. |
- Böhm, Michael, et al.
(författare)
-
Heart rate at baseline influences the effect of ivabradine on cardiovascular outcomes in chronic heart failure: analysis from the SHIFT study
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1861-0692. ; 102:1, s. 11-22
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: We analysed the effect of ivabradine on outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients on recommended background therapies with heart rates >/=75 bpm and <75 bpm in the SHIFT trial. A cut-off value of >/=75 bpm was chosen by the EMEA for approval for the use of ivabradine in chronic heart failure. METHODS: The SHIFT population was divided by baseline heart rate >/=75 or <75 bpm. The effect of ivabradine was analysed for primary composite endpoint (cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization) and other endpoints. RESULTS: In the >/=75 bpm group, ivabradine reduced primary endpoint (HR 0.76, 95 % CI 0.68-0.85, P < 0.0001), all-cause mortality (HR 0.83, 95 % CI, 0.72-0.96, P = 0.0109), cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.83, 95 % CI, (0.71-0.97, P = 0.0166), HF death (HR 0.61, 95 % CI, 0.46-0.81, P < 0.0006), and HF hospitalization (HR 0.70, 95 % CI, 0.61-0.80, P < 0.0001). Risk reduction depended on heart rate after 28 days, with the best protection for heart rates <60 bpm or reductions >10 bpm. None of the endpoints was significantly reduced in the <75 bpm group, though there were trends for risk reductions in HF death and hospitalization for heart rate <60 bpm and reductions >10 bpm. Ivabradine was tolerated similarly in both groups. CONCLUSION: The effect of ivabradine on outcomes is greater in patients with heart rate >/=75 bpm with heart rates achieved <60 bpm or heart rate reductions >10 bpm predicting best risk reduction. Our findings emphasize the importance of identification of high-risk HF patients by high heart rates and their treatment with heart rate-lowering drugs such as ivabradine.
|
|
| 3. |
- Dahlström, Ulf, et al.
(författare)
-
Heart Failure Pilot protocol
- 2010
-
Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press. - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 31:18, s. 2184-2186
-
Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
|
|
| 4. |
- Kirchhof, Paulus, et al.
(författare)
-
Personalized management of atrial fibrillation : Proceedings from the fourth Atrial Fibrillation competence NETwork/European Heart Rhythm Association consensus conference
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 15:11, s. 1540-1556
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The management of atrial fibrillation (AF) has seen marked changes in past years, with the introduction of new oral anticoagulants, new antiarrhythmic drugs, and the emergence of catheter ablation as a common intervention for rhythm control. Furthermore, new technologies enhance our ability to detect AF. Most clinical management decisions in AF patients can be based on validated parameters that encompass type of presentation, clinical factors, electrocardiogram analysis, and cardiac imaging. Despite these advances, patients with AF are still at increased risk for death, stroke, heart failure, and hospitalizations. During the fourth Atrial Fibrillation competence NETwork/European Heart Rhythm Association (AFNET/EHRA) consensus conference, we identified the following opportunities to personalize management of AF in a better manner with a view to improve outcomes by integrating atrial morphology and damage, brain imaging, information on genetic predisposition, systemic or local inflammation, and markers for cardiac strain. Each of these promising avenues requires validation in the context of existing risk factors in patients. More importantly, a new taxonomy of AF may be needed based on the pathophysiological type of AF to allow personalized management of AF to come to full fruition. Continued translational research efforts are needed to personalize management of this prevalent disease in a better manner. All the efforts are expected to improve the management of patients with AF based on personalized therapy.
|
|
| 5. |
- Maggioni, Aldo P., et al.
(författare)
-
Are hospitalized or ambulatory patients with heart failure treated in accordance with European Society of Cardiology guidelines? Evidence from 12 440 patients of the ESC Heart Failure Long-Term Registry
- 2013
-
Ingår i: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy B. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 15:10, s. 1173-1184
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To evaluate how recommendations of European guidelines regarding pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for heart failure (HF) are adopted in clinical practice. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanThe ESC-HF Long-Term Registry is a prospective, observational study conducted in 211 Cardiology Centres of 21 European and Mediterranean countries, members of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). From May 2011 to April 2013, a total of 12 440 patients were enrolled, 40.5 with acute HF and 59.5 with chronic HF. Intravenous treatments for acute HF were heterogeneously administered, irrespective of guideline recommendations. In chronic HF, with reduced EF, reninangiotensin system (RAS) blockers, beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid antagonists (MRAs) were used in 92.2, 92.7, and 67.0 of patients, respectively. When reasons for non-adherence were considered, the real rate of undertreatment accounted for 3.2, 2.3, and 5.4 of the cases, respectively. About 30 of patients received the target dosage of these drugs, but a documented reason for not achieving the target dosage was reported in almost two-thirds of them. The more relevant reasons for non-implantation of a device, when clinically indicated, were related to doctor uncertainties on the indication, patient refusal, or logistical/cost issues. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanThis pan-European registry shows that, while in patients with acute HF, a large heterogeneity of treatments exists, drug treatment of chronic HF can be considered largely adherent to recommendations of current guidelines, when the reasons for non-adherence are taken into account. Observations regarding the real possibility to adhere fully to current guidelines in daily clinical practice should be seriously considered when clinical practice guidelines have to be written.
|
|
| 6. |
- Maggioni, Aldo P., et al.
(författare)
-
EURObservational Research Programme: regional differences and 1-year follow-up results of the Heart Failure Pilot Survey (ESC-HF Pilot)
- 2013
-
Ingår i: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy B. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 15:7, s. 808-817
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The ESC-HF Pilot survey was aimed to describe clinical epidemiology and 1-year outcomes of outpatients and inpatients with heart failure (HF). The pilot phase was also specifically aimed at validating structure, performance, and quality of the data set for continuing the survey into a permanent Registry. The ESC-HF Pilot study is a prospective, multicentre, observational survey conducted in 136 Cardiology Centres in 12 European countries selected to represent the different health systems across Europe. All outpatients with HF and patients admitted for acute HF on 1 day per week for eight consecutive months were included. From October 2009 to May 2010, 5118 patients were included: 1892 (37) admitted for acute HF and 3226 (63) patients with chronic HF. The all-cause mortality rate at 1 year was 17.4 in acute HF and 7.2 in chronic stable HF. One-year hospitalization rates were 43.9 and 31.9, respectively, in hospitalized acute and chronic HF patients. Major regional differences in 1-year mortality were observed that could be explained by differences in characteristics and treatment of the patients. The ESC-HF Pilot survey confirmed that acute HF is still associated with a very poor medium-term prognosis, while the widespread adoption of evidence-based treatments in patients with chronic HF seems to have improved their outcome profile. Differences across countries may be due to different local medical practice as well to differences in healthcare systems. This pilot study also offered the opportunity to refine the organizational structure for a long-term extended European network.
|
|
| 7. |
- Maggioni, Aldo P, et al.
(författare)
-
EURObservational Research Programme: The Heart Failure Pilot Survey (ESC-HF Pilot)
- 2010
-
Ingår i: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEART FAILURE. - : Oxford University Press. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 12:10, s. 1076-1084
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The primary objective of the new ESC-HF Pilot Survey was to describe the clinical epidemiology of outpatients and inpatients with heart failure (HF) and the diagnostic/therapeutic processes applied across 12 participating European countries. This pilot study was specifically aimed at validating the structure, performance, and quality of the data set, for continuing the survey into a permanent registry. The ESC-HF Pilot study is a prospective, multicentre, observational survey conducted in 136 cardiology centres from 12 European countries selected to represent the different health systems and care attitudes across Europe. All outpatients with HF and patients admitted for acute HF were included during the enrolment period (1 day per week for 8 consecutive months). From October 2009 to May 2010, 5118 patients were included in this pilot survey, of which 1892 (37%) were admitted for acute HF and 3226 (63%) for chronic HF. Ischaemic aetiology was reported in about half of the patients. In patients admitted for acute HF, the most frequent clinical profile was decompensated HF (75% of cases), whereas pulmonary oedema and cardiogenic shock were reported, respectively, in 13.3 and 2.3% of the cases. The total in-hospital mortality rate was 3.8% and was cardiovascular in 90.1% of the cases. Lowest and highest mortality rates were observed in hypertensive HF and in cardiogenic shock, respectively. More than 80% of patients with chronic HF were treated with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers and beta-adrenergic blockers. However, target doses of such drugs were reached in one-third to one-fourth of the patients only. The ESC-HF Pilot Survey is an example of the possibility of utilizing an observational methodology to get insights into the current clinical practice in Europe, whose picture will be completed by the 1-year follow-up. Moreover, this study offered the opportunity to refine the organizational structure of a long-term, extended European network.
|
|
| 8. |
- Pocock, Stuart, et al.
(författare)
-
International differences in treatment effect : do they really exist and why?
- 2013
-
Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 34:24, s. 1846-1852
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- With the increasing globalization of clinical trials, the opportunity exists to explore potential geographic differences in treatment effect within any major trial. Such geographic differences may arise because of international differences in patient selection, medical practice, or evaluation of outcomes, and such international variations need better documentation in trial reports. Appropriate pre-defined statistical analyses, including statistical tests of interaction regarding geographic heterogeneity in treatment effect, are important. Geographic variations are a particularly tricky form of subgroup analysis: they lack statistical power, are at best hypothesis-generating and can generate more confusion than insight. Referring to key examples, e.g. the PLATO and MERIT-HF, we emphasize the need for caution in interpreting evidence of potential geographic inconsistencies in treatment effect. Although it is appropriate to explore any biological or practical reasons for apparent geographic anomalies in treatment effect, the play of chance is often the most plausible and wise interpretation.
|
|
| 9. |
- Roos-Hesselink, Jolien W., et al.
(författare)
-
Outcome of pregnancy in patients with structural or ischaemic heart disease: results of a registry of the European Society of Cardiology
- 2013
-
Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1522-9645 .- 0195-668X. ; 34:9, s. 657-665
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims To describe the outcome of pregnancy in patients with structural or ischaemic heart disease. Methods and results In 2007, the European Registry on Pregnancy and Heart disease was initiated by the European Society of Cardiology. Consecutive patients with valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), or cardiomyopathy (CMP) presenting with pregnancy were enrolled. Data for the normal population were derived from the literature. Sixty hospitals in 28 countries enrolled 1321 pregnant women between 2007 and 2011. Median maternal age was 30 years (range 16-53). Most patients were in NYHA class I (72%). Congenital heart disease (66%) was most prevalent, followed by valvular heart disease 25%, CMP 7%, and IHD in 2%. Maternal death occurred in 1%, compared with 0.007% in the normal population. Highest maternal mortality was found in patients with CMP. During pregnancy, 338 patients (26%) were hospitalized, 133 for heart failure. Caesarean section was performed in 41%. Foetal mortality occurred in 1.7% and neonatal mortality in 0.6%, both higher than in the normal population. Median duration of pregnancy was 38 weeks (range 24-42) and median birth weight 3010 g (range 300-4850). In centres of developing countries, maternal and foetal mortality was higher than in centres of developed countries (3.9 vs. 0.6%, P < 0.001 and 6.5 vs. 0.9% P < 0.001) Conclusion The vast majority of patients can go safely through pregnancy and delivery as long as adequate pre-pregnancy evaluation and specialized high-quality care during pregnancy and delivery are available. Pregnancy outcomes were markedly worse in patients with CMP and in developing countries.
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
