The New York Times 
(2/28, D7, Bakalar, Subscription Publication) reports, "The common
practice of inserting a stent to repair a narrowed artery has no benefit
over standard medical care in treating stable coronary artery disease
[CAD], according to a new review
of randomized controlled trials published" in the Archives of Internal
Medicine. Regardless of "the widespread popularity of the procedure,
previous studies have reached mixed conclusions as to whether stents are
effective for
treatment of stable coronary artery disease." Investigators "reviewed
eight randomized trials comparing P.C.I. with standard medical care."
(2/28, D7, Bakalar, Subscription Publication) reports, "The common
practice of inserting a stent to repair a narrowed artery has no benefit
over standard medical care in treating stable coronary artery disease
[CAD], according to a new review
of randomized controlled trials published" in the Archives of Internal
Medicine. Regardless of "the widespread popularity of the procedure,
previous studies have reached mixed conclusions as to whether stents are
effective for
treatment of stable coronary artery disease." Investigators "reviewed
eight randomized trials comparing P.C.I. with standard medical care."
HealthDay
(2/28, Reinberg) reports, "During an average follow-up of more than
four years, no significant differences were seen in longevity or quality
of life." Altogether, "649 patients died, 322 who received stents and
327 who received medication alone, the study found." Additionally,
"nonfatal heart attacks were suffered by 323 patients with stents and
291 taking only medication."
(2/28, Reinberg) reports, "During an average follow-up of more than
four years, no significant differences were seen in longevity or quality
of life." Altogether, "649 patients died, 322 who received stents and
327 who received medication alone, the study found." Additionally,
"nonfatal heart attacks were suffered by 323 patients with stents and
291 taking only medication."
WebMD
(2/28, Boyles) points out that the American Heart Association "and the
American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommend aggressive treatment with
medications as the initial therapy for patients with stable angina
(heart-related chest pain with exertion) or narrowed arteries with no
symptoms." However, "a recent study found that more than half of
patients with these conditions underwent angioplasty and stent
procedures before drug treatment."
(2/28, Boyles) points out that the American Heart Association "and the
American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommend aggressive treatment with
medications as the initial therapy for patients with stable angina
(heart-related chest pain with exertion) or narrowed arteries with no
symptoms." However, "a recent study found that more than half of
patients with these conditions underwent angioplasty and stent
procedures before drug treatment."
Reuters
(2/28, Steenhuysen) reports that Dr. David Brown, one of the authors of
the analysis, argued that financial incentives encourage the use of
stents over drug therapy.
(2/28, Steenhuysen) reports that Dr. David Brown, one of the authors of
the analysis, argued that financial incentives encourage the use of
stents over drug therapy.
Meanwhile, HeartWire
(2/28, O'Riordan) reports that in an accompanying editorial, Dr William
Boden, "who was the lead researcher for the COURAGE trial, is critical
of physicians who 'practice selective evidence-based medicine' by
choosing trials to adopt that fit their clinical-practice preferences
and ignoring those that don't. At this stage, there is abundant
evidence to support a more measured, selective approach for treating
stable CAD -- that being optimal medical therapy
for the majority of patients."
(2/28, O'Riordan) reports that in an accompanying editorial, Dr William
Boden, "who was the lead researcher for the COURAGE trial, is critical
of physicians who 'practice selective evidence-based medicine' by
choosing trials to adopt that fit their clinical-practice preferences
and ignoring those that don't. At this stage, there is abundant
evidence to support a more measured, selective approach for treating
stable CAD -- that being optimal medical therapy
for the majority of patients."
No comments:
Post a Comment