| 1. |
- Grip, Lars, 1952, et al.
(author)
-
From European to National guidelines on heart disease
- 2011
-
In: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1401-7431 .- 1651-2006. ; 45:1, s. 3-13
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background/aims. Guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology are important tools for defining and establishing current standards of care for various heart diseases. The aim of the present paper is to describe the process of how these international guidelines may be transformed and implemented at a national level in Sweden. Methods/results. The structure and process behind the national guidelines for heart diseases in Sweden and their relationship to the underlying European guidelines are described and differences between the national and European levels highlighted. We also give examples of how the scientific values of health care measures are weighted against health economic perspectives and integrated in a prioritization process. Compared to the European guidelines, the Swedish national guidelines have a broader economic perspective and aim to ensure that health care is cost effective and provided to all Swedish citizens on equal terms. Discussion. When certain health care measures are implemented, the national process can result in other priorities than could be expected from the European guidelines alone. On the other hand, a forceful implementation may be facilitated by the societal context in which these national guidelines are produced.
|
|
| 2. |
- De Caterina, Raffaele, et al.
(author)
-
New Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Coronary Syndromes : ESC Working Group on Thrombosis - Task Force on Anticoagulants in Heart Disease Position Paper
- 2012
-
In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0735-1097 .- 1558-3597. ; 59:16, s. 1413-1425
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Until recently, vitamin K antagonists were the only available oral anticoagulants, but with numerous limitations that prompted the introduction of new oral anticoagulants targeting the single coagulation enzymes thrombin (dabigatran) or factor Xa (apixaban, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban) and given in fixed doses without coagulation monitoring. Here we review the pharmacology and the results of clinical trials with these new agents in stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and secondary prevention after acute coronary syndromes, providing perspectives on their future incorporation into clinical practice. In phase III trials in atrial fibrillation, compared with warfarin, dabigatran etexilate 150 mg B.I.D. reduced the rates of stroke/systemic embolism without any difference in major bleeding; dabigatran etexilate 110 mg B.I.D. had similar efficacy with decreased bleeding; apixaban 5 mg B.I.D. reduced stroke, systemic embolism, and mortality as well as major bleeding; and rivaroxaban 20 mg Q.D. was noninferior to warfarin for stroke and systemic embolism without a difference in major bleeding. All these agents reduced intracranial hemorrhage. Edoxaban is currently being evaluated in a further large phase III trial. Apixaban and rivaroxaban were evaluated in phase III trials for prevention of recurrent ischemia in patients with acute coronary syndromes who were mostly receiving dual antiplatelet therapy, with conflicting results on efficacy but consistent results for increased major bleeding. Overall, the new oral anticoagulants are poised to replace vitamin K antagonists for many patients with atrial fibrillation and may have a role after acute coronary syndromes. Although convenient to administer and manage, they present challenges that need to be addressed.
|
|
| 3. |
- Aktaa, Suleman, et al.
(author)
-
European Society of Cardiology methodology for the development of quality indicators for the quantification of cardiovascular care and outcomes
- 2022
-
In: European Heart Journal - Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes. - : Oxford University Press. - 2058-5225 .- 2058-1742. ; 8:1, s. 4-13
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS: It is increasingly recognised that tools are required for assessing and benchmarking quality of care in order to improve it. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is developing a suite of quality indicators (QIs) to evaluate cardiovascular care and support the delivery of evidence-based care. This paper describes the methodology used for their development.METHODS AND RESULTS: We propose a four-step process for the development of the ESC QIs. For a specific clinical area with a gap in care delivery, the QI development process includes: 1) the identification of key domains of care by constructing a conceptual framework of care; 2) the construction of candidate QIs by conducting a systematic review of the literature; 3) the selection of a final set of QIs by obtaining expert opinions using the modified Delphi method; and 4) the undertaking of a feasibility assessment by evaluating different ways of defining the QI specifications for the proposed data collection source. For each of the four steps, key methodological areas need to be addressed to inform the implementation process and avoid misinterpretation of the measurement results.CONCLUSION: Detailing the methodology for the ESC QIs construction enables healthcare providers to develop valid and feasible metrics to measure and improve the quality of cardiovascular care. As such, high-quality evidence may be translated into clinical practice and the 'evidence-practice' gap closed.
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| 5. |
- Hijazi, Ziad, et al.
(author)
-
Application of Biomarkers for Risk Stratification in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
- 2017
-
In: Clinical Chemistry. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0009-9147 .- 1530-8561. ; 63:11, s. 152-164
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia and an important contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Several strategies have been proposed for prediction of outcomes and individualization of treatments to better balance the benefits of stroke prevention and risks of bleeding during anticoagulation. CONTENT: The availability of analytically more specific and sensitive methods to measure circulating biomarkers of cellular and organ stress and dysfunction has led to testing of their utility in several cardiovascular conditions. In patients with atrial fibrillation, biomarkers of myocardial injury (troponin) and cardiovascular stress and dysfunction (natriuretic peptides, growth differentiation factor 15), myocardial fibrosis (galectin-3), renal dysfunction (creatinine, cystatin C), inflammation (C reactive protein, cytokines) and coagulation activity (D-dimer) have been found associated with underlying pathophysiology, clinical outcomes and effects of treatment. Measurements of these markers might therefore expand the understanding of the pathophysiology, improve risk assessment and optimize treatment in individual patients with atrial fibrillation. SUMMARY: Biomarkers for risk stratification have potential roles as tools for evaluation of patients with atrial fibrillation and for selection of the best treatment strategies to prevent stroke, major bleeding, and mortality.
|
|
| 6. |
- O'Donoghue, Michelle, et al.
(author)
-
Early invasive vs conservative treatment strategies in women and men with unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction : a meta-analysis
- 2008
-
In: Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). - : American Medical Association (AMA). - 0098-7484 .- 1538-3598. ; 300:1, s. 71-80
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- CONTEXT: Although an invasive strategy is frequently used in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS), data from some trials suggest that this strategy may not benefit women. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized trials to compare the effects of an invasive vs conservative strategy in women and men with NSTE ACS. DATA SOURCES: Trials were identified through a computerized literature search of the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases (1970-April 2008) using the search terms invasive strategy, conservative strategy, selective invasive strategy, acute coronary syndromes, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and unstable angina. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized clinical trials comparing an invasive vs conservative treatment strategy in patients with NSTE ACS. DATA EXTRACTION: The principal investigators for each trial provided the sex-specific incidences of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and rehospitalization with ACS through 12 months of follow-up. DATA SYNTHESIS: Data were combined across 8 trials (3075 women and 7075 men). The odds ratio (OR) for the composite of death, MI, or ACS for invasive vs conservative strategy in women was 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-1.01; 21.1% vs 25.0%) and in men was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.55-0.98; 21.2% vs 26.3%) without significant heterogeneity between sexes (P for interaction = .26). Among biomarker-positive women, an invasive strategy was associated with a 33% lower odds of death, MI, or ACS (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50-0.88) and a nonsignificant 23% lower odds of death or MI (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.47-1.25). In contrast, an invasive strategy was not associated with a significant reduction in the triple composite end point in biomarker-negative women (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.61-1.44; P for interaction = .36) and was associated with a nonsignificant 35% higher odds of death or MI (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.78-2.35; P for interaction = .08). Among men, the OR for death, MI, or ACS was 0.56 (95% CI, 0.46-0.67) if biomarker-positive and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.51-1.01) if biomarker-negative (P for interaction = .09). CONCLUSIONS: In NSTE ACS, an invasive strategy has a comparable benefit in men and high-risk women for reducing the composite end point of death, MI, or rehospitalization with ACS. In contrast, our data provide evidence supporting the new guideline recommendation for a conservative strategy in low-risk women.
|
|
| 7. |
- Sun, Michelle T., et al.
(author)
-
Meta-Analysis of Intraocular Bleeding With Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Using P2Y12 Inhibitors Prasugrel or Ticagrelor
- 2020
-
In: American Journal of Cardiology. - : EXCERPTA MEDICA INC-ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0002-9149 .- 1879-1913. ; 125:8, s. 1280-1283
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Intraocular bleeding is a devastating clinical event due to its potentially blinding nature. It is not known if determine if dual antiplatelet therapy using aspirin and potent P2Y12 inhibitors increases this risk. We searched MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials that were phase III, randomly assigned patients to dual antiplatelet therapy with either aspirin and a potent P2Y12 inhibitor or aspirin and clopidogrel, had follow-up of 6 months, and at least 200 patients. Corresponding authors were contacted for intraocular bleeding data. Inverse-variance, weighted, fixed-effects meta-analysis was undertaken, with random-effects meta-analysis performed as a sensitivity analysis. Four trials enrolling 42,850 patients were included. The median follow-up ranged from 12 to 14 months. There was overall low risk of bias. Pooled analysis demonstrated no statistically significant increase in the risk of intraocular bleeding with dual antiplatelet therapy using potent P2Y12 inhibitors compared with clopidogrel (risk ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.58 to 136). There was no significant heterogeneity observed across trials (I-2 statistic 0%, p = 0.98). The use of random-effects meta-analysis did not change the effect estimate or confidence intervals, and the results appeared similar when stratified by potent P2Y12 inhibitor (p = 0.97). In conclusion, this collaborative meta-analysis of dual antiplatelet trials does not suggest that the risk of intraocular bleeding is increased with the use of potent P2Y12 inhibitors compared with clopidogrel. Our results suggest that these potent P2Y12 inhibitors may continue to be used cautiously where indicated as part of dual antiplatelet therapy, even in those at high risk of spontaneous intraocular bleeding. Crown Copyright (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 8. |
- Szummer, Karolina, et al.
(author)
-
From Early Pharmacology to Recent Pharmacology Interventions in Acute Coronary Syndromes : JACC State-of-the-Art Review
- 2019
-
In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0735-1097 .- 1558-3597. ; 74:12, s. 1618-1636
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This focus seminar will take the reader through the history and pivotal trials that have formed the current state-of-the-art management for acute coronary syndromes. The identification of a ruptured plaque with thrombus formation and subsequent occlusion or downstream embolization in the coronary artery was the key to developing new and effective treatment strategies. The traditional wait-and-see approach with prolonged bedrest was replaced in the 1980s by immediate pharmacological reperfusion of the occluded coronary artery and long-term aspirin to prevent reinfarction. Mechanical reperfusion with percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting and more intense platelet inhibition with P2Y(12) inhibitors further improved outcomes from early 2000s. Adjunctive treatment regimens, including anticoagulants, statins, and neurohormonal inhibition, were found to further reduce mortality and prevent new infarctions. Taken together, the use of new combined pharmacological and interventional treatment strategies has led to a remarkable decrease in 1-year mortality from around 22% in 1995 to around 11% by 2014.
|
|
| 9. |
- Wallentin, Lars, 1943-
(author)
-
P2Y(12) inhibitors : differences in properties and mechanisms of action and potential consequences for clinical use
- 2009
-
In: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 30:16, s. 1964-1977
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Currently, clopidogrel is recommended for treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome and/or percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the delayed onset of the effect and the occurrence of poor platelet inhibition responders with clopidogrel as well as non-compliance to dual antiplatelet treatment are associated with a raised risk of stent thrombosis. The molecular target of the active metabolite of clopidogrel and several emerging antiplatelet treatments is the P2Y(12) receptor, which is the main platelet receptor responsible for ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Active metabolites of the thienopyridine prodrugs (ticlopidine, clopidogrel, and prasugrel) covalently bind to the P2Y(12) receptor and are irreversible, indirect platelet inhibitors. The newer, direct-acting P2Y(12) inhibitors (cangrelor and ticagrelor) change the conformation of the P2Y(12) receptor, resulting in reversible, concentration dependent inhibition of the receptor. An understanding of the similarities and differences in the properties and mechanisms of action of these new inhibitors compared with clopidogrel is needed in order to optimize the development and use of these agents in clinical practice. The objectives of this systematic review are to summarize the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics of the different P2Y(12) inhibitors and to discuss the clinical implications for treatment of patients.
|
|
| 10. |
- Wollert, Kai C., et al.
(author)
-
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 as a Biomarker in Cardiovascular Disease
- 2017
-
In: Clinical Chemistry. - : AMER ASSOC CLINICAL CHEMISTRY. - 0009-9147 .- 1530-8561. ; 63:1, s. 140-151
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is expressed and secreted in response to inflammation, oxidative stress, hypoxia, telomere erosion, and oncogene activation. Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a major. driver of GDF-15 production. GDF-15 has favorable preanalytic characteristics and can be measured in serum and plasma by immunoassay. CONTENT: In community-dwelling individuals higher concentrations of GDF-15 are associated with increased risks of developing CV disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer, independent of traditional CV risk factors, renal function, and other biomarkers (C-reactive protein, B-type natriuretic peptide, cardiac troponin). Low concentrations of GDF-15 are closely associated with longevity. GDF-15 is as an independent marker of all-cause mortality and CV events in patients with coronary artery disease, and may help select patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome for early revascularization and more intensive medical therapies. GDF-15 is, independently associated with mortality and nonfatal events in atrial fibrillation and heart failure (HF) with preserved or reduced ejection fraction. GDF-15 reflects chronic disease burden and acute perturbations in HF and responds to improvements in hemodynamic status. GDF-15 is independently associated with major bleeding in patients receiving antithrombotic therapies and has been included in a new bleeding risk score, which may become useful for decision support. SUMMARY: GDF-15 captures distinct aspects of CV disease development, progression, and prognosis, which are not represented by clinical risk predictors and other biomarkers. The usefulness of GDF-15 to guide management decisions and discover new treatment targets should be further explored.
|
|
