News from AHA 2009
LETTER TO READERS
November 18, 2009
The Editors
This week, Journal Watch Cardiology brings you breaking news from the American Heart Association meeting in Orlando, Florida. Please have a look at our coverage . . .
Hospital Report Cards: What's the EFFECT?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In a Canadian study, public reporting of performance data did not significantly improve quality measures but might have improved patient outcomes.
Reviewing:
Tu JV et al., JAMA 2009 Nov 18
Iron Status and Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In patients with altitude-induced hypoxia, iron availability had a significant effect on pulmonary artery pressure.
Reviewing:
Smith TG et al., JAMA 2009 Oct 7; 302:1444
Should Patients with Heart Failure "Pump" Iron?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In a randomized trial, intravenous iron improved symptoms, even in patients without anemia.
Reviewing:
Anker SD et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Nov 17
Dec GW., N Engl J Med 2009 Nov 17
LV Assistance for End-Stage Heart Failure: Have We Reached Our Destination?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
A continuous-flow device achieves impressive results in a randomized trial.
Reviewing:
Slaughter MS et al. for the HeartMate II Investigators., N Engl J Med 2009 Nov 17
Fang JC., N Engl J Med 2009 Nov 17
Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers in Heart Failure: What Difference Does a Dose Make?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
November 17, 2009
Joel M. Gore, MD
In a randomized trial, high-dose losartan was associated with small but significant improvements in clinical outcomes, compared with a lower dose.
Reviewing:
Konstam MA et al., Lancet 2009 Nov 17
Krum H., Lancet 2009 Nov 17
Again I Say, Again: Avoid Pacing the Right Ventricle!
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
November 15, 2009
Mark S. Link, MD
Findings from yet another study show the detriment of RV pacing; however, the benefits of CRT in patients with preserved LV function remain unclear.
Reviewing:
Yu C-M et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Nov 15
Cangrelor Is Not the New Champion
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Unexpected setbacks for a promising new antiplatelet agent illustrate the gap between laboratory results and clinical efficacy.
Reviewing:
Bhatt DL et al for the CHAMPION PLATFORM Investigators., N Engl J Med 2009 Nov 15
Harrington RA et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Nov 15
Kastrati A and Ndrepepa G., N Engl J Med 2009 Nov 15
ARBITER 6-HALTS: A Surprise Knockout
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Niacin's clear win over ezetimibe as an adjunct to statin therapy challenges assumptions about lipid management.
Reviewing:
Taylor AJ et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Nov 16
What Can the Antiphospholipid Syndrome Teach Us About HDL?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Low paraoxonase activity in women with APS correlated with dysfunctional HDL and arterial abnormalities.
Reviewing:
Charakida M et al., JAMA 2009 Sep 16; 302:1210