1. Guidelines for the Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

K. L. Furie, S. E. Kasner, R. J. Adams, G. W. Albers, R. L. Bush, S. C. Fagan, J. L. Halperin, S. C. Johnston, I. Katzan, W. N. Kernan, P. H. Mitchell, B. Ovbiagele, Y. Y. Palesch, R. L. Sacco, L. H. Schwamm, S. Wassertheil-Smoller, T. N. Turan, D. Wentworth, C. Amer Heart Assoc Stroke, N. Council Cardiovasc, C. Council Clin and Q. Interdisciplinary Council

Stroke.2011 Jan;42(1):227-276.

Abstract: The aim of this updated statement is to provide comprehensive and timely evidence-based recommendations on the prevention of ischemic stroke among survivors of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Evidence-based recommendations are included for the control of risk factors, interventional approaches for atherosclerotic disease, antithrombotic treatments for cardioembolism, and the use of antiplatelet agents for noncardioembolic stroke. Further recommendations are provided for the prevention of recurrent stroke in a variety of other specific circumstances, including arterial dissections; patent foramen ovale; hyperhomocysteinemia; hypercoagulable states; sickle cell disease; cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; stroke among women, particularly with regard to pregnancy and the use of postmenopausal hormones; the use of anticoagulation after cerebral hemorrhage; and special approaches to the implementation of guidelines and their use in high-risk populations. (Stroke. 2011;42:227-276.)

Keywords: AHA Scientific Statements, ischemia, transient ischemic attack, stroke, stroke prevention, patent foramen ovale, sickle-cell-disease, high-risk patients, randomized controlled-trial, carotid-artery dissection, activated, protein-c, factor-v-leiden, densit

*Times Cited: 228

PMID: 20966421

2. Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration The CATT Research Group

D. F. Martin, M. G. Maguire, G. S. Ying, J. E. Grunwald, S. L. Fine, G. J. Jaffe and C. R. Grp

N Engl J Med.2011 May;364(20):1897-1908.

Abstract: Background Clinical trials have established the efficacy of ranibizumab for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In addition, bevacizumab is used off-label to treat AMD, despite the absence of similar supporting data. Methods In a multicenter, single-blind, noninferiority trial, we randomly assigned 1208 patients with neovascular AMD to receive intravitreal injections of ranibizumab or bevacizumab on either a monthly schedule or as needed with monthly evaluation. The primary outcome was the mean change in visual acuity at 1 year, with a noninferiority limit of 5 letters on the eye chart. Results Bevacizumab administered monthly was equivalent to ranibizumab administered monthly, with 8.0 and 8.5 letters gained, respectively. Bevacizumab administered as needed was equivalent to ranibizumab as needed, with 5.9 and 6.8 letters gained, respectively. Ranibizumab as needed was equivalent to monthly ranibizumab, although the comparison between bevacizumab as needed and monthly bevacizumab was inconclusive. The mean decrease in central retinal thickness was greater in the ranibizumab-monthly group (196 mu m) than in the other groups (152 to 168 mu m, P = 0.03 by analysis of variance). Rates of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke were similar for patients receiving either bevacizumab or ranibizumab (P>0.20). The proportion of patients with serious systemic adverse events (primarily hospitalizations) was higher with bevacizumab than with ranibizumab (24.1% vs. 19.0%; risk ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.66), with excess events broadly distributed in disease categories not identified in previous studies as areas of concern. Conclusions At 1 year, bevacizumab and ranibizumab had equivalent effects on visual acuity when administered according to the same schedule. Ranibizumab given as needed with monthly evaluation had effects on vision that were equivalent to those of ranibizumab administered monthly. Differences in rates of serious adverse events require further study. (Funded by the National Eye Institute; ClinicalTrials. gov number, NCT00593450.)

Keywords: myocardial-infarction, stroke

*Times Cited: 239

PMID: 21526923

3. A Hexanucleotide Repeat Expansion in C9ORF72 Is the Cause of Chromosome 9p21-Linked ALS-FTD

A. E. Renton, E. Majounie, A. Waite, J. Simon-Sanchez, S. Rollinson, J. R. Gibbs, J. C. Schymick, H. Laaksovirta, J. C. van Swieten, L. Myllykangas, H. Kalimo, A. Paetau, Y. Abramzon, A. M. Remes, A. Kaganovich, S. W. Scholz, J. Duckworth, J. H. Ding, D. W. Harmer, D. G. Hernandez, J. O. Johnson, K. Mok, M. Ryten, D. Trabzuni, R. J. Guerreiro, R. W. Orrell, J. Neal, A. Murray, J. Pearson, I. E. Jansen, D. Sondervan, H. Seelaar, D. Blake, K. Young, N. Halliwell, J. B. Callister, G. Toulson, A. Richardson, A. Gerhard, J. Snowden, D. Mann, D. Neary, M. A. Nalls, T. Peuralinna, L. Jansson, V. M. Isoviita, A. L. Kaivorinne, M. Holtta-Vuori, E. Ikonen, R. Sulkava, M. Benatar, J. Wuu, A. Chio, G. Restagno, G. Borghero, M. Sabatelli, D. Heckerman, E. Rogaeva, L. Zinman, J. D. Rothstein, M. Sendtner, C. Drepper, E. E. Eichler, C. Alkan, Z. Abdullaev, S. D. Pack, A. Dutra, E. Pak, J. Hardy, A. Singleton, N. M. Williams, P. Heutink, S. Pickering-Brown, H. R. Morris, P. J. Tienari, B. J. Traynor and I. Consortium

Neuron.2011 Oct;72(2):257-268.

Abstract: The chromosome 9p21 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD) locus contains one of the last major unidentified autosomal-dominant genes underlying these common neurodegenerative diseases. We have previously shown that a founder haplotype, covering the MOBKL2b, IFNK, and C9ORF72 genes, is present in the majority of cases linked to this region. Here we show that there is a large hexanucleotide (GGGGCC) repeat expansion in the first intron of C9ORF72 on the affected haplotype. This repeat expansion segregates perfectly with disease in the Finnish population, underlying 46.0% of familial ALS and 21.1% of sporadic ALS in that population. Taken together with the D90A SOD1 mutation, 87% of familial ALS in Finland is now explained by a simple monogenic cause. The repeat expansion is also present in one-third of familial ALS cases of outbred European descent, making it the most common genetic cause of these fatal neurodegenerative diseases identified to date.

Keywords: amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, human, genome, mutations, tdp-43, dementia, susceptibility, association, population, common

*Times Cited: 270

PMID: 21944779

4. A Prospective Natural-History Study of Coronary Atherosclerosis

G. W. Stone, A. Maehara, A. J. Lansky, B. de Bruyne, E. Cristea, G. S. Mintz, R. Mehran, J. McPherson, N. Farhat, S. P. Marso, H. Parise, B. Templin, R. White, Z. Zhang, P. W. Serruys and P. Investigators

N Engl J Med.2011 Jan;364(3):226-235.

Abstract: Background: Atherosclerotic plaques that lead to acute coronary syndromes often occur at sites of angiographically mild coronary-artery stenosis. Lesion-related risk factors for such events are poorly understood. Methods: In a prospective study, 697 patients with acute coronary syndromes underwent three-vessel coronary angiography and gray-scale and radiofrequency intravascular ultrasonographic imaging after percutaneous coronary intervention. Subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events (death from cardiac causes, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, or rehospitalization due to unstable or progressive angina) were adjudicated to be related to either originally treated (culprit) lesions or untreated (nonculprit) lesions. The median follow-up period was 3.4 years. Results: The 3-year cumulative rate of major adverse cardiovascular events was 20.4%. Events were adjudicated to be related to culprit lesions in 12.9% of patients and to nonculprit lesions in 11.6%. Most nonculprit lesions responsible for follow-up events were angiographically mild at baseline (mean [+/-SD] diameter stenosis, 32.3+/-20.6%). However, on multivariate analysis, nonculprit lesions associated with recurrent events were more likely than those not associated with recurrent events to be characterized by a plaque burden of 70% or greater (hazard ratio, 5.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.51 to 10.11; P<0.001) or a minimal luminal area of 4.0 mm(sup 2) or less (hazard ratio, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.61 to 6.42; P=0.001) or to be classified on the basis of radiofrequency intravascular ultrasonography as thin-cap fibroatheromas (hazard ratio, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.77 to 6.36; P<0.001). Conclusions: In patients who presented with an acute coronary syndrome and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, major adverse cardiovascular events occurring during follow-up were equally attributable to recurrence at the site of culprit lesions and to nonculprit lesions. Although nonculprit lesions that were responsible for unanticipated events were frequently angiographically mild, most were thin-cap fibroatheromas or were characterized by a large plaque burden, a small luminal area, or some combination of these characteristics, as determined by gray-scale and radiofrequency intravascular ultrasonography. (Funded by Abbott Vascular and Volcano; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00180466.) N Engl J Med 2011;364:226-35.

Keywords: intravascular ultrasound assessment, risk-assessment strategies, vulnerable plaque, artery-disease, regression-analysis, definitions, progression, patient, lesions, call

*Times Cited: 215

PMID: 21247313

5. Abiraterone and Increased Survival in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

J. S. De Bono, C. J. Logothetis, A. Molina, K. Fizazi, S. North, L. Chu, K. N. Chi, R. J. Jones, O. B. Goodman, F. Saad, J. N. Staffurth, P. Mainwaring, S. Harland, T. W. Flaig, T. E. Hutson, T. Cheng, H. Patterson, J. D. Hainsworth, C. J. Ryan, C. N. Sternberg, S. L. Ellard, A. Flechon, M. Saleh, M. Scholz, E. Efstathiou, A. Zivi, D. Bianchini, Y. Loriot, N. Chieffo, T. Kheoh, C. M. Haqq, H. I. Scher and C.-A.-. Investigators

N Engl J Med.2011 May;364(21):1995-2005.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Biosynthesis of extragonadal androgen may contribute to the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer. We evaluated whether abiraterone acetate, an inhibitor of androgen biosynthesis, prolongs overall survival among patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have received chemotherapy. METHODS We randomly assigned, in a 2: 1 ratio, 1195 patients who had previously received docetaxel to receive 5 mg of prednisone twice daily with either 1000 mg of abiraterone acetate (797 patients) or placebo (398 patients). The primary end point was overall survival. The secondary end points included time to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression (elevation in the PSA level according to prespecified criteria), progression-free survival according to radiologic findings based on prespecified criteria, and the PSA response rate. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 12.8 months, overall survival was longer in the abiraterone acetate-prednisone group than in the placebo-prednisone group (14.8 months vs. 10.9 months; hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.54 to 0.77; P<0.001). Data were unblinded at the interim analysis, since these results exceeded the pre-planned criteria for study termination. All secondary end points, including time to PSA progression (10.2 vs. 6.6 months; P<0.001), progression-free survival (5.6 months vs. 3.6 months; P<0.001), and PSA response rate (29% vs. 6%, P<0.001), favored the treatment group. Mineralocorticoid-related adverse events, including fluid retention, hypertension, and hypokalemia, were more frequently reported in the abiraterone acetate-prednisone group than in the placebo-prednisone group. CONCLUSIONS The inhibition of androgen biosynthesis by abiraterone acetate prolonged overall survival among patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who previously received chemotherapy. (Funded by Cougar Biotechnology; COU-AA-301 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00638690.)

Keywords: androgen-deprivation therapy, human cytochrome p450(17-alpha), i, clinical-trial, hormonal-therapy, steroidal inhibitors, plus prednisone, working group, castration, acetate, cyp17

*Times Cited: 346

PMID: 21612468

6. Apixaban in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

S. J. Connolly, J. Eikelboom, C. Joyner, H. C. Diener, R. Hart, S. Golitsyn, G. Flaker, A. Avezum, S. H. Hohnloser, R. Diaz, M. Talajic, J. Zhu, P. Pais, A. Budaj, A. Parkhomenko, P. Jansky, P. Commerford, R. S. Tan, K. H. Sim, B. S. Lewis, W. Van Mieghem, G. Y. H. Lip, J. H. Kim, F. Lanas-Zanetti, A. Gonzalez-Hermosillo, A. L. Dans, M. Munawar, M. O’Donnell, J. Lawrence, G. Lewis, R. Afzal and S. Yusuf

N Engl J Med.2011 Mar;364(9):806-817.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Vitamin K antagonists have been shown to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, many patients are not suitable candidates for or are unwilling to receive vitamin K antagonist therapy, and these patients have a high risk of stroke. Apixaban, a novel factor Xa inhibitor, may be an alternative treatment for such patients. METHODS In a double-blind study, we randomly assigned 5599 patients with atrial fibrillation who were at increased risk for stroke and for whom vitamin K antagonist therapy was unsuitable to receive apixaban (at a dose of 5 mg twice daily) or aspirin (81 to 324 mg per day), to determine whether apixaban was superior. The mean follow up period was 1.1 years. The primary outcome was the occurrence of stroke or systemic embolism. RESULTS Before enrollment, 40% of the patients had used a vitamin K antagonist. The data and safety monitoring board recommended early termination of the study because of a clear benefit in favor of apixaban. There were 51 primary outcome events (1.6% per year) among patients assigned to apixaban and 113 (3.7% per year) among those assigned to aspirin (hazard ratio with apixaban, 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.62; P<0.001). The rates of death were 3.5% per year in the apixaban group and 4.4% per year in the aspirin group (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62 to 1.02; P = 0.07). There were 44 cases of major bleeding (1.4% per year) in the apixaban group and 39 (1.2% per year) in the aspirin group (hazard ratio with apixaban, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.75; P = 0.57); there were 11 cases of intracranial bleeding with apixaban and 13 with aspirin. The risk of a first hospitalization for cardiovascular causes was reduced with apixaban as compared with aspirin (12.6% per year vs. 15.9% per year, P<0.001). The treatment effects were consistent among important subgroups. CONCLUSIONS In patients with atrial fibrillation for whom vitamin K antagonist therapy was unsuitable, apixaban reduced the risk of stroke or systemic embolism without significantly increasing the risk of major bleeding or intracranial hemorrhage.

Keywords: antithrombotic therapy, knee replacement, prevent stroke, warfarin, aspirin, trial, thromboprophylaxis, anticoagulation, metaanalysis, clopidogrel

*Times Cited: 277

PMID: 21309657

7. Boceprevir for Previously Treated Chronic HCV Genotype 1 Infection

B. R. Bacon, S. C. Gordon, E. Lawitz, P. Marcellin, J. M. Vierling, S. Zeuzem, F. Poordad, Z. D. Goodman, H. L. Sings, F. Poordad, Z. D. Goodman, H. L. Sings, N. Boparai, M. Burroughs, C. A. Brass, J. K. Albrecht, R. Esteban and H. R. Investigators

N Engl J Med.2011 Mar;364(13):1207-1217.

Abstract: BACKGROUND In patients with chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 who do not have a sustained response to therapy with peginterferon-ribavirin, outcomes after retreatment are suboptimal. Boceprevir, a protease inhibitor that binds to the HCV nonstructural 3 (NS3) active site, has been suggested as an additional treatment. METHODS To assess the effect of the combination of boceprevir and peginterferon-ribavirin for retreatment of patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection, we randomly assigned patients (in a 1: 2: 2 ratio) to one of three groups. In all three groups, peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin were administered for 4 weeks (the lead-in period). Subsequently, group 1 (control group) received placebo plus peginterferon-ribavirin for 44 weeks; group 2 received boceprevir plus peginterferon-ribavirin for 32 weeks, and patients with a detectable HCV RNA level at week 8 received placebo plus peginterferon-ribavirin for an additional 12 weeks; and group 3 received boceprevir plus peginterferon-ribavirin for 44 weeks. RESULTS A total of 403 patients were treated. The rate of sustained virologic response was significantly higher in the two boceprevir groups (group 2, 59%; group 3, 66%) than in the control group (21%, P<0.001). Among patients with an undetectable HCV RNA level at week 8, the rate of sustained virologic response was 86% after 32 weeks of triple therapy and 88% after 44 weeks of triple therapy. Among the 102 patients with a decrease in the HCV RNA level of less than 1 log(10) IU per milliliter at treatment week 4, the rates of sustained virologic response were 0%, 33%, and 34% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Anemia was significantly more common in the boceprevir groups than in the control group, and erythropoietin was administered in 41 to 46% of boceprevir-treated patients and 21% of controls. CONCLUSIONS The addition of boceprevir to peginterferon-ribavirin resulted in significantly higher rates of sustained virologic response in previously treated patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection, as compared with peginterferon-ribavirin alone.

Keywords: chronic hepatitis-c, peginterferon alpha-2b, protease inhibitor, ribavirin, interferon, therapy

*Times Cited: 329

PMID: 21449784

8. Boceprevir for Untreated Chronic HCV Genotype 1 Infection

F. Poordad, J. McCone, B. R. Bacon, S. Bruno, M. P. Manns, M. S. Sulkowski, I. M. Jacobson, K. R. Reddy, Z. D. Goodman, N. Boparai, M. J. DiNubile, V. Sniukiene, C. A. Brass, J. K. Albrecht, J. P. Bronowicki and S. Investigators

N Engl J Med.2011 Mar;364(13):1195-1206.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Peginterferon-ribavirin therapy is the current standard of care for chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The rate of sustained virologic response has been below 50% in cases of HCV genotype 1 infection. Boceprevir, a potent oral HCV-protease inhibitor, has been evaluated as an additional treatment in phase 1 and phase 2 studies. METHODS We conducted a double-blind study in which previously untreated adults with HCV genotype 1 infection were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In all three groups, peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin were administered for 4 weeks (the lead-in period). Subsequently, group 1 (the control group) received placebo plus peginterferon-ribavirin for 44 weeks; group 2 received boceprevir plus peginterferon-ribavirin for 24 weeks, and those with a detectable HCV RNA level between weeks 8 and 24 received placebo plus peginterferon-ribavirin for an additional 20 weeks; and group 3 received boceprevir plus peginterferon-ribavirin for 44 weeks. Nonblack patients and black patients were enrolled and analyzed separately. RESULTS A total of 938 nonblack and 159 black patients were treated. In the nonblack cohort, a sustained virologic response was achieved in 125 of the 311 patients (40%) in group 1, in 211 of the 316 patients (67%) in group 2 (P<0.001), and in 213 of the 311 patients (68%) in group 3 (P<0.001). In the black cohort, a sustained virologic response was achieved in 12 of the 52 patients (23%) in group 1, in 22 of the 52 patients (42%) in group 2 (P = 0.04), and in 29 of the 55 patients (53%) in group 3 (P = 0.004). In group 2, a total of 44% of patients received peginterferon-ribavirin for 28 weeks. Anemia led to dose reductions in 13% of controls and 21% of boceprevir recipients, with discontinuations in 1% and 2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The addition of boceprevir to standard therapy with peginterferon-ribavirin, as compared with standard therapy alone, significantly increased the rates of sustained virologic response in previously untreated adults with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. The rates were similar with 24 weeks and 44 weeks of boceprevir.

Keywords: chronic hepatitis-c, alpha-2a plus ribavirin, peginterferon alpha-2a, randomized-trial, virus-infection, telaprevir, interferon-alpha-2b, sch-503034, inhibitor

*Times Cited: 471

PMID: 21449783

9. Denosumab versus zoledronic acid for treatment of bone metastases in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer: a randomised, double-blind study

K. Fizazi, M. Carducci, M. Smith, R. Damiao, J. Brown, L. Karsh, P. Milecki, N. Shore, M. Rader, H. I. Wang, Q. Jiang, S. Tadros, R. Dansey and C. Goessl

Lancet.2011 Mar;377(9768):813-822.

Abstract: Background Bone metastases are a major burden in men with advanced prostate cancer. We compared denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody against RANKL, with zoledronic acid for prevention of skeletal-related events in men with bone metastases from castration-resistant prostate cancer. Methods In this phase 3 study, men with castration-resistant prostate cancer and no previous exposure to intravenous bisphosphonate were enrolled from 342 centres in 39 countries. An interactive voice response system was used to assign patients (1:1 ratio), according to a computer-generated randomisation sequence, to receive 120 mg subcutaneous denosumab plus intravenous placebo, or 4 mg intravenous zoledronic acid plus subcutaneous placebo, every 4 weeks until the primary analysis cutoff date. Randomisation was stratified by previous skeletal-related event, prostate-specific antigen concentration, and chemotherapy for prostate cancer within 6 weeks before randomisation. Supplemental calcium and vitamin D were strongly recommended. Patients, study staff, and investigators were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was time to first on-study skeletal. related event (pathological fracture, radiation therapy, surgery to bone, or spinal cord compression), and was assessed for non-inferiority. The same outcome was further assessed for superiority as a secondary endpoint. Efficacy analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00321620, and has been completed. Findings 1904 patients were randomised, of whom 950 assigned to denosumab and 951 assigned to receive zoledronic acid were eligible for the efficacy analysis. Median duration on study at primary analysis cutoff date was 12.2 months (IQR 5.9-18.5) for patients on denosumab and 11.2 months (IQR 5.6-17.4) for those on zoledronic acid. Median time to first on-study skeletal-related event was 20.7 months (95% CI 18.8-24.9) with denosumab compared with 17.1 months (15-0-19.4) with zoledronic acid (hazard ratio 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.95; p=0.0002 for non-inferiority; p=0.008 for superiority). Adverse events were recorded in 916 patients (97%) on denosumab and 918 patients (97%) on zoledronic acid, and serious adverse events were recorded in 594 patients (63%) on denosumab and 568 patients (60%) on zoledronic acid. More events of hypocalcaemia occurred in the denosumab group (121 [13%]) than in the zoledronic acid group (55 [6%]; p<0.0001). Osteonecrosis of the jaw occurred infrequently (22 [2%] vs 12 [1%]; p=0.09). Interpretation Denosumab was better than zoledronic acid for prevention of skeletal-related events, and potentially represents a novel treatment option in men with bone metastases from castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Keywords: controlled phase-ii, breast-cancer, skeletal complications, controlled-trials, long-term, therapy, multicenter, prevention, carcinoma, survival

*Times Cited: 218

PMID: 21353695

10. Eplerenone in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure and Mild Symptoms

F. Zannad, J. J. V. McMurray, H. Krum, D. J. van Veldhuisen, K. Swedberg, H. Shi, J. Vincent, S. J. Pocock, B. Pitt and E.-H. S. Grp

N Engl J Med.2011 Jan;364(1):11-21.

Abstract: Background: Mineralocorticoid antagonists improve survival among patients with chronic, severe systolic heart failure and heart failure after myocardial infarction. We evaluated the effects of eplerenone in patients with chronic systolic heart failure and mild symptoms. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned 2737 patients with New York Heart Association class II heart failure and an ejection fraction of no more than 35% to receive eplerenone (up to 50 mg daily) or placebo, in addition to recommended therapy. The primary outcome was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes or hospitalization for heart failure. Results: The trial was stopped prematurely, according to prespecified rules, after a median follow-up period of 21 months. The primary outcome occurred in 18.3% of patients in the eplerenone group as compared with 25.9% in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54 to 0.74; P<0.001). A total of 12.5% of patients receiving eplerenone and 15.5% of those receiving placebo died (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.93; P=0.008); 10.8% and 13.5%, respectively, died of cardiovascular causes (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.94; P=0.01). Hospitalizations for heart failure and for any cause were also reduced with eplerenone. A serum potassium level exceeding 5.5 mmol per liter occurred in 11.8% of patients in the eplerenone group and 7.2% of those in the placebo group (P<0.001). Conclusions: Eplerenone, as compared with placebo, reduced both the risk of death and the risk of hospitalization among patients with systolic heart failure and mild symptoms. (Funded by Pfizer; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00232180.) N Engl J Med 2011;364:11-21.

Keywords: left-ventricular dysfunction, acute myocardial-infarction, mineralocorticoid receptor, cardiac fibrosis, task-force, aldosterone, spironolactone, association, survival, trial

*Times Cited: 244

PMID: 21073363

11. Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

M. F. Holick, N. C. Binkley, H. A. Bischoff-Ferrari, C. M. Gordon, D. A. Hanley, R. P. Heaney, M. H. Murad and C. M. Weaver

J Clin Endocrinol Metab.2011 Jul;96(7):1911-1930.

Abstract: Objective: The objective was to provide guidelines to clinicians for the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency with an emphasis on the care of patients who are at risk for deficiency. Participants: The Task Force was composed of a Chair, six additional experts, and a methodologist. The Task Force received no corporate funding or remuneration. Consensus Process: Consensus was guided by systematic reviews of evidence and discussions during several conference calls and e-mail communications. The draft prepared by the Task Force was reviewed successively by The Endocrine Society’s Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee, Clinical Affairs Core Committee, and cosponsoring associations, and it was posted on The Endocrine Society website for member review. At each stage of review, the Task Force received written comments and incorporated needed changes. Conclusions: Considering that vitamin D deficiency is very common in all age groups and that few foods contain vitamin D, the Task Force recommended supplementation at suggested daily intake and tolerable upper limit levels, depending on age and clinical circumstances. The Task Force also suggested the measurement of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level by a reliable assay as the initial diagnostic test in patients at risk for deficiency. Treatment with either vitamin D(2) or vitamin D(3) was recommended for deficient patients. At the present time, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend screening individuals who are not at risk for deficiency or to prescribe vitamin D to attain the noncalcemic benefit for cardiovascular protection. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 96: 1911-1930, 2011)

Keywords: serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d, breast-fed infants, randomized-controlled-trials, healthy postmenopausal women, nursing-home, residents, bone-mineral density, d supplementation, hypovitaminosis-d, d, insufficiency, calcium supplementation

*Times Cited: 291

PMID: 21646368