Gout Pharmacotherapy in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review of Utility and Outcomes
AbstractHyperuricemia and gout have been linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease, stroke, hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, possibly through a proinflammatory milieu. However, not all the drugs used in gout treatment improve CV outcomes; colchicine has shown improved CV outcomes in patients with recent myocardial infarction and stable coronary artery disease independent of lipid-lowering effects. There is resurging interest in colchicine following publication of the COLCOT, LoDoCo, LoDoCo2, LoDoCo-MI trials,  and COLCORONA trial which will shed light on its utility in COVID-19. ...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - December 28, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury After Coronary Angiography and Intervention
AbstractContrast-associated acute kidney injury has multiple definitions, but is generally described as worsening renal function after administration of iodinated contrast media. It is associated with high in-hospital mortality and poor long-term survival. Furthermore, patients undergoing coronary angiography commonly have comorbidities such as hypertension or congestive heart failure, which are often treated with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system-blocking agents such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. Trials assessing the effects of these renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system-...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - December 28, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Non-adherence to Thromboprophylaxis Guidelines in Atrial Fibrillation: A Narrative Review of the Extent of and Factors in Guideline Non-adherence
AbstractAtrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia. It increases the risk of thromboembolism by up to fivefold. Guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to effectively mitigate thromboembolic events using oral anticoagulants while minimizing the risk of bleeding. This review focuses on non-adherence to contemporary guidelines and the factors associated with guideline non-adherence. The extent of guideline non-adherence differs according to geographic region, healthcare setting, and risk stratification tools used. Guideline adherence has gradually improved over recent years, but a significant proportion of p...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - December 28, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

The Role of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists in the Treatment of Left Ventricular Thrombi: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
ConclusionIn patients with left ventricular thrombi, DOACs and VKAs are associated with similar rates of thrombus resolution, major bleeding, and SSE. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - December 23, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Comparison of Warfarin to Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
ConclusionsIn this study, warfarin had similar effectiveness and safety, compared with DAPT, for antithrombotic management post-TAVR. For patients whom the provider deemed anticoagulation is indicated, our data suggest warfarin is a well-tolerated option following TAVR in intermediate- and high-risk STS score patients. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - December 23, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Real-World Comparative Effectiveness and Cost Comparison of Thromboprophylactic Use of Enoxaparin versus Unfractionated Heparin in 376,858 Medically Ill Hospitalized US Patients
ConclusionsThromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin was associated with significantly reduced in-hospital VTE events, death, and major bleeding and lower hospital costs compared with UFH in hospitalized medically ill patients. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - December 14, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Aspirin Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, Safe or Not?
AbstractGlucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common human enzyme defect, which may present as acute hemolysis, neonatal jaundice, or chronic hemolysis. Ingestion of fava beans, as well as infection and certain drugs, are the most typical causes of acute hemolysis in people with G6PD deficiency. Aspirin, the cornerstone in current therapies for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), is occasionally reported to induce acute hemolysis in G6PD-deficient individuals. G6PD deficiency is typically asymptomatic and many CVD patients with this enzyme defect start to take long-term aspirin therapy...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - December 14, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Efficiency of Hypertonic Saline in the Management of Decompensated Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies
ConclusionDespite the heterogeneity and possible risk of bias among the studies, results appear promising on multiple aspects. A clear need exists for future randomized controlled trials investigating the role of combination HSS plus furosemide therapy to clarify these effects and their possible mechanisms. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - November 19, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Acknowledgement to Referees
(Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - November 18, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with HIV Infection: An Update
AbstractPremature cardiovascular disease among the HIV-infected population is of great concern among clinicians. The increased life expectancy of HIV-infected individuals is mainly due to the early detection of infection and the advent of antiretroviral therapy. Once known as a deadly disease, HIV infection has transitioned into a chronic condition. Cardiovascular disease in this population is thought to progress early due to traditional and non-traditional risk factors. Early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis has become a center of focus in research as our complete understanding of this process it not yet well know...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - November 13, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

A Review of Bivalirudin for Pediatric and Adult Mechanical Circulatory Support
AbstractAs the use of mechanical circulatory support has increased in volume and complexity, anticoagulation remains an intricate component of a patient ’s pharmacotherapy plan. Traditionally, heparin has been the primary anticoagulant utilized because of its ease of titration and  familiarity of use. More recently, bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor, has attracted attention as a potential alternative to traditional therapy. While labeled f or use in percutaneous coronary interventions, it is utilized off-label for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and mechanical circulatory support. A literature search identified ...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - November 10, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Weight-Based Dosing Versus a Fixed-Dose Regimen of 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Obese Patients Requiring Vitamin K Antagonist Reversal
ConclusionOur findings suggest that a fixed-dose regimen of 2000 units in obese patients weighing  ≥ 100 kg is adequate to achieve these INR goals. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - November 5, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Rivaroxaban Versus Warfarin in Patients with Mechanical Heart Valves: Open-Label, Proof-of-Concept trial —The RIWA study
ConclusionsIn this pilot study, rivaroxaban 15  mg twice daily had thromboembolic and bleeding events similar to warfarin in patients with mechanical heart valves. These data confirm the authors’ proof-of-concept and suggest that a larger trial with a similar design is not unreasonable.ClinicalTrial.gov identifierNCT03566303. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - November 5, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Questions and Answers on Practical Thrombotic Issues in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Guidance Document from the Italian Working Group on Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology
AbstractIn patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the prevalence of pre-existing cardiovascular diseases is elevated. Moreover, various features, also including pro-thrombotic status, further predispose these patients to increased risk of ischemic cardiovascular events. Thus, the identification of optimal antithrombotic strategies in terms of the risk –benefit ratio and outcome improvement in this setting is crucial. However, debated issues on antithrombotic therapies in patients with COVID-19 are multiple and relevant. In this article, we provide ten questions and answers on risk stratification and antiplate...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - November 3, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Sacubitril/Valsartan in the Management of Heart Failure Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices
AbstractFor heart failure patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), especially those who remain symptomatic after implantation, the best management strategy is still unclear. Although there are several concerns regarding the clinical utilization of sacubitril/valsartan, it has improved the prognosis of patients with heart failure compared with the use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in recent years. Recent real-world observational studies and post hoc analyses demonstrated that sacubitril/valsartan might have effects in patients with CIEDs. Given its potential underlying mechanisms, sacubitril/va...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - October 28, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research