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Endocrinology (all articles)

RCT: No benefit of Apolipoprotein A1 infusions in preventing cardiovascular events post-myocardial infarction

29 Apr, 2024 | 12:42h | UTC

This international, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of apolipoprotein A1 (CSL112) infusions on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with recent acute myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary disease. A total of 18,219 patients were randomized to receive either four weekly 6 g infusions of CSL112 or a placebo within five days of initial medical contact. Over 90, 180, and 365 days, the trial found no significant difference in the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death between the two groups. Additionally, adverse events were similar across groups, though hypersensitivity was more common in the CSL112 group.

 

Reference (link to abstract – $ for full-text):

Michael Gibson et al. (2024). Apolipoprotein A1 Infusions and Cardiovascular Outcomes after Acute Myocardial Infarction. New England Journal of Medicine. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2400969.

 


RCT: Empagliflozin does not reduce heart failure hospitalization or death post-myocardial infarction

29 Apr, 2024 | 12:39h | UTC

This randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessed empagliflozin in preventing heart failure or death in patients recently hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction. Among 6,522 patients divided evenly into empagliflozin and placebo groups, there was no significant difference in the primary outcome—a composite of heart failure hospitalization or death—after 17.9 months. The empagliflozin group saw 8.2% experiencing the primary outcome versus 9.1% in the placebo group, yielding a non-significant hazard ratio of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.76 to 1.06; P=0.21). The results indicate that empagliflozin does not effectively reduce the risk of heart failure or mortality compared to placebo in this setting.

 

Reference (link to abstract – $ for full-text):

Butler, J. et al. (2024). Empagliflozin after Acute Myocardial Infarction. N Engl J Med, 390(16), 1455-1466. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2314051

 


RCT: Semaglutide significantly improves symptoms and weight loss in HFpEF and type 2 diabetes patients

29 Apr, 2024 | 12:36h | UTC

This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effects of semaglutide on 616 patients with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and type 2 diabetes. Patients received weekly doses of 2.4 mg semaglutide or a placebo for 52 weeks. The study’s primary findings included a significant improvement in heart failure–related symptoms, as measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score (average increase of 13.7 points in the semaglutide group versus 6.4 points in the placebo group). Additionally, semaglutide treatment resulted in a mean 9.8% reduction in body weight compared to 3.4% with placebo. Secondary outcomes also favored semaglutide, showing enhancements in 6-minute walk distance and reductions in C-reactive protein levels. Notably, semaglutide was associated with fewer serious adverse events compared to placebo.

 

Reference (link to abstract – $ for full-text):

Mikhail N. Kosiborod et al. (2024). Semaglutide in Patients with Obesity-Related Heart Failure and Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med, 390(15), 1394-1407. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2313917

 


Pooled Analysis: Semaglutide improves symptoms and reduces weight in obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

28 Apr, 2024 | 16:33h | UTC

This pooled analysis of the STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM randomized trials assessed the efficacy of semaglutide in 1,145 participants with obesity-related heart failure and preserved ejection fraction, across 129 research sites globally. Participants, who had a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 and varied cardiovascular conditions, were administered 2.4 mg of semaglutide weekly for 52 weeks. Semaglutide significantly improved heart failure-related symptoms (7.5 points increase in KCCQ-CSS), reduced body weight by 8.4%, and increased the 6-min walk distance by 17.1 meters, compared to placebo. The treatment also demonstrated safety, with fewer serious adverse events than the placebo group. These benefits were consistent across various subgroups, confirming semaglutide’s potential as a treatment in this patient population.

 

Reference (link to abstract – $ for full-text):

Reference: Prof Javed Butler et al. (2024). Semaglutide versus placebo in people with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a pooled analysis of the STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM randomised trials. The Lancet, (Volume and Issue Pending), Pages. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00469-0.

 


Cohort Study: Metabolic biomarkers and long-term risk of psychiatric disorders in over 200,000 individuals

27 Apr, 2024 | 18:29h | UTC

Study Design and Population:

This population-based cohort study assessed 211,200 participants from the Apolipoprotein-Related Mortality Risk (AMORIS) cohort, who underwent occupational health screening primarily in the Stockholm region of Sweden from 1985 to 1996. Participants were followed longitudinally, with statistical analysis performed between 2022 and 2023. The study included extensive biomarker measurements such as glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein.

 

Main Findings:

The study found significant associations between certain metabolic biomarkers and the risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Specifically, high levels of glucose (HR, 1.30) and triglycerides (HR, 1.15) were linked to an increased risk of these disorders, while high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HR, 0.88) were associated with a reduced risk. These findings held true across both genders and all disorders tested, with nested case-control analyses confirming these trends.

 

Implications for Practice:

The study suggests that metabolic dysregulation, as indicated by specific biomarkers, may either increase the risk or be a marker of increased risk for the development of common psychiatric disorders. These findings support the potential for closer monitoring and follow-up of individuals with abnormal metabolic profiles to aid in the prevention and early diagnosis of psychiatric conditions.

 

Reference (free full-text):

Chourpiliadis, C. et al. (2024). Metabolic Profile and Long-Term Risk of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-Related Disorders. JAMA Network Open, 7(4), e244525. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.4525


Observational Study: Synergistic effects of early menopause and vascular risk on cognitive decline in postmenopausal women

27 Apr, 2024 | 18:20h | UTC

Study Design and Population:
This study analyzed data from 8,360 postmenopausal women and an equal number of age-matched male participants from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Researchers assessed the independent and combined effects of age at menopause, vascular risk factors, and history of hormone therapy on cognitive outcomes. Participants’ cognitive function was measured using a global cognitive composite at baseline and again at a 3-year follow-up.

 

Main Findings:
The study found a synergistic interaction between early menopause (ages 35-48) and high vascular risk, significantly associated with lower cognitive scores at follow-up. Specifically, earlier menopause combined with higher vascular risk resulted in greater cognitive decline, compared to their individual effects. Notably, hormone therapy did not modify this association. This pattern was not observed in female participants with average or later menopause ages, nor in the age-matched male cohort.

 

Implications for Practice:
The findings underscore the importance of considering both endocrine and vascular health as predictive markers in dementia prevention strategies, particularly for women. These results suggest that women with early menopause and vascular risk factors should be closely monitored to mitigate their higher risk of cognitive impairment.

 

Reference (link to abstract – $ for full-text):

Alexander, M.W. et al. (2024). Associations Between Age at Menopause, Vascular Risk, and 3-Year Cognitive Change in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Neurology, 102(9), 1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000209298.


Pooled Analysis: Changes in prevalence of underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022 in 200 countries

27 Apr, 2024 | 16:02h | UTC

Study Design and Population:
This pooled analysis utilized data from 3,663 population-representative studies involving 222 million participants to assess trends in underweight, thinness, and obesity. The study separated its analysis between adults (aged ≥20 years) and school-aged children and adolescents (aged 5–19 years) across 200 countries from 1990 to 2022. Bayesian hierarchical models were employed to estimate trends in different BMI categories.

 

Main Findings:
The findings indicate significant geographical and demographic variations in the prevalence of underweight and obesity. While the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity decreased in a minority of countries, it increased significantly in the majority, particularly in island nations, the Middle East, and North Africa. The study also found that obesity rates have surpassed underweight rates in the vast majority of countries by 2022.

 

Implications for Practice:
The increasing prevalence of obesity alongside persistent underweight and thinness issues underscores the need for a dual-focused public health approach. Strategies should prioritize not only the reduction of obesity through healthy eating and physical activity but also address undernutrition by improving access to nutritious foods, especially in regions like south Asia and parts of Africa where underweight remains prevalent.

 

Reference (free full-text):
NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) (2024). Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population-representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults. The Lancet, 403(10387), e14-e26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02750-2


M-A Proportional increase in new-onset diabetes with different intensities of statin therapy

27 Apr, 2024 | 15:41h | UTC

Study Design and Population:

This research is a meta-analysis of individual participant data from large, long-term, randomized, double-blind controlled trials involving statins. The study encompasses 19 trials comparing statin use to placebo and four trials comparing varying intensities of statin therapy, involving a total of 154,664 participants over periods ranging from 4.3 to 4.9 years. Participants were adults enrolled in statin trials with a scheduled duration of at least two years and a participant count of at least 1000.

 

Main Findings:

The study revealed a dose-dependent increase in the incidence of new-onset diabetes when using statins. Participants receiving low to moderate-intensity statin therapy showed a 10% increase in new-onset diabetes annually compared to placebo, while those on high-intensity statin therapy exhibited a 36% increase. The absolute increases in new-onset diabetes were significantly influenced by the extent of HbA1c measurement. Notably, a large portion of new-onset diabetes cases occurred among participants with baseline glycaemic levels nearing the diabetes diagnostic threshold. Furthermore, the study found a moderate rise in mean glucose levels and HbA1c among those without baseline diabetes, and a significant worsening of glycemia among those with existing diabetes.

 

Implications for Practice:

The findings highlight a moderate, dose-dependent risk of new-onset diabetes associated with statin therapy, especially in individuals close to the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. These results should be considered in the clinical management of statin therapy, balancing the small increases in glycemia against the substantial benefits of statins in reducing cardiovascular risk. Healthcare providers should monitor glycaemic control in patients on statin therapy, particularly those prescribed high-intensity doses.

 

Reference (free full-text):

Cholesterol Treatment Trialists’ (CTT) Collaboration. (2024). Effects of statin therapy on diagnoses of new-onset diabetes and worsening glycaemia in large-scale randomised blinded statin trials: an individual participant data meta-analysis. Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, (Online First), 1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00040-8


Pragmatic Cluster-Randomised Trial: Efficacy of a Fixed-Dose Polypill in Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Rural Iran

21 Apr, 2024 | 21:05h | UTC

Study Design and Population: The PolyPars Study was structured as a two-arm pragmatic cluster-randomised trial within the larger PARS cohort study. It targeted residents aged over 50 in a district in southern Iran, dividing 91 villages into two groups: one receiving a once-daily polypill (containing two antihypertensives, a statin, and aspirin) alongside non-pharmacological interventions, and the other receiving only the non-pharmacological interventions. The trial included 4,415 participants aged 50-75 years, with the primary endpoint being the first occurrence of major cardiovascular events.

Main Findings: Over a median follow-up of 4.6 years, adherence to the polypill was high at 86%. The intervention arm showed a significant reduction in the incidence of the primary outcome, with only 4.0% (88 participants) experiencing major cardiovascular events compared to 8.0% (176 participants) in the control arm. This translates to a hazard ratio of 0.50, indicating a 50% reduction in risk, and an absolute risk reduction of 4.0%.

Implications for Practice: The study demonstrates the significant potential of fixed-dose combination therapy with the polypill to halve the risk of major cardiovascular diseases in a population-level intervention. This finding supports the polypill as a safe and effective strategy for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in settings where access to individual medications and consistent medical supervision might be limited.

Reference: Fatemeh Malekzadeh et al. (2024). Effectiveness of polypill for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a pragmatic cluster-randomised controlled trial (PolyPars). Heart, heartjnl-2023-323614. DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2023-323614.


PCI vs. CABG in left main coronary disease patients with and without diabetes—a pooled analysis of 4 trials

22 Mar, 2024 | 11:41h | UTC

Study Design and Population: This research pooled individual patient data from four randomized clinical trials (SYNTAX, PRECOMBAT, NOBLE, and EXCEL), comparing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 4393 patients with left main coronary artery disease. The trials included both patients with and without diabetes, allowing for a comparative analysis of outcomes based on the revascularization method and the presence of diabetes.

Main Findings: Patients with diabetes exhibited higher rates of 5-year mortality, spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat revascularization compared to those without diabetes. However, mortality rates following PCI vs. CABG were similar in diabetic (15.3% vs. 14.1%, respectively) and non-diabetic patients (9.7% vs. 8.9%, respectively). PCI was associated with a lower risk of stroke within the first year post-operation across all patients. Notably, diabetic patients underwent higher rates of spontaneous MI and repeat revascularization after PCI compared to CABG, with a more significant absolute excess risk observed beyond the first year compared to non-diabetic patients.

Implications for Practice: For patients with left main disease deemed suitable for either PCI or CABG, diabetes status significantly influences long-term outcomes, including death and cardiovascular events. While PCI offers a lower early risk of stroke, it is associated with increased risks of spontaneous MI and repeat revascularization, particularly in diabetic patients. These findings underscore the importance of considering patient-specific factors, such as diabetes status, in choosing between PCI and CABG for left main coronary artery disease revascularization.

Reference

Prakriti Gaba et al. (2024). Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With Left Main Disease With or Without Diabetes: Findings From a Pooled Analysis of 4 Randomized Clinical Trials. Circulation, 0. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.065571. Access the study here: Link


M-A: Cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients without diabetes

22 Mar, 2024 | 11:07h | UTC

Study Design and Population: This meta-analysis investigated the cardiovascular (CV) outcomes associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients without diabetes mellitus (DM). By systematically reviewing online databases, the authors identified and included six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in their analysis. These trials compared SGLT2i with placebo/control in a total of 12,984 participants, who were followed for an average duration of 17.7 months. The study population comprised mainly patients with heart failure (HF), chronic kidney disease, or myocardial infarction, with a mean age of 64 years, where 72% were men and the mean hemoglobin A1C level was 5.7%.

Main Findings: The use of SGLT2i was associated with a significant reduction in composite CV death or hospitalization for HF, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68 to 0.87, p < 0.0001), primarily due to a decrease in hospitalization for HF (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.81, p < 0.00001). No significant differences were observed in CV death, all-cause death, or major adverse CV events when comparing SGLT2i to placebo. Notably, serious adverse events were lower with the use of empagliflozin compared to placebo.

Implications for Practice: This meta-analysis highlights the significant CV benefits of SGLT2i treatment in reducing CV death or hospitalization for HF in patients without DM, compared with placebo. These findings suggest the potential for broader use of SGLT2i in populations without diabetes to improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Reference: Sahib Singh et al. (2024). Cardiovascular Outcomes With Empagliflozin and Dapagliflozin in Patients Without Diabetes. The American Journal of Cardiology, Published: February 29, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2024.02.039. Access the study here: [Link]


Genetic analysis reveals Lipoprotein(a) is significantly more atherogenic than LDL on a per-particle basis

20 Mar, 2024 | 19:24h | UTC

Study Design and Population: This study utilized genome-wide association studies (GWAS) within the UK Biobank population to examine the atherogenicity of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) compared to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), focusing on their apolipoprotein B (apoB) content. The researchers identified two clusters of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with mass concentrations of Lp(a) and LDL, comprising 107 and 143 variants, respectively. The sample included subjects from the UK Biobank, allowing for a broad and genetically diverse analysis.

Main Findings: The study’s Mendelian randomization approach found that a 50 nmol/L increase in Lp(a)-apoB was associated with a 1.28 times higher odds ratio (OR) for coronary heart disease (CHD) compared to a 1.04 times increase for the same increment in LDL-apoB. Furthermore, a comparison using polygenic scores demonstrated that the hazard ratio (HR) for CHD per 50 nmol/L increase in apoB was significantly higher for the Lp(a) cluster (1.47) than for the LDL cluster (1.04), suggesting that Lp(a) is approximately 6.6 times more atherogenic than LDL on a per-particle basis.

Implications for Practice: These findings highlight the substantial atherogenic potential of Lp(a) compared to LDL, indicating that Lp(a) should be a key focus for drug intervention strategies in populations at risk for CHD. The marked difference in atherogenicity underscores the importance of targeted treatments and monitoring for individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels.

Reference: Björnson, E., Adiels, M., Taskinen, M.-R., Burgess, S., Chapman, M. J., Packard, C. J., & Borén, J. (2024). Lipoprotein(a) Is Markedly More Atherogenic Than LDL: An Apolipoprotein B-Based Genetic Analysis. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 83(3), 385-395. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.10.039. Access the study here: Link


RCT: Quadruple quarter-dose hypertension medication versus monotherapy for ambulatory blood pressure control

20 Mar, 2024 | 18:00h | UTC

Study Design and Population: This randomized clinical trial investigated the efficacy of a combination of four ultra-low-dose blood pressure medications (quadpill) compared to standard monotherapy in adults with hypertension. A total of 591 participants, either untreated or currently on monotherapy for hypertension, were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either the quadpill (irbesartan 37.5 mg, amlodipine 1.25 mg, indapamide 0.625 mg, and bisoprolol 2.5 mg) or a monotherapy control (irbesartan 150 mg).

Main Findings: At 12 weeks, the quadpill group demonstrated significantly lower mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) by 7.7 mmHg and 5.3 mmHg, respectively, compared to the monotherapy group, with similar reductions observed during daytime and night-time. Additionally, the rate of blood pressure control (24-hour average BP < 130/80 mmHg) was significantly higher in the quadpill group (77% vs. 50%). The study highlighted the quadpill’s effectiveness in reducing blood pressure variability and enhancing control rates across a 24-hour period.

Implications for Practice: The findings from this study support the superior efficacy of an ultra-low-dose quadruple medication strategy over monotherapy in managing ambulatory blood pressure among hypertensive patients. These results suggest that a quadpill approach could offer a more effective means for clinicians to achieve and maintain blood pressure control in hypertensive patients, potentially improving cardiovascular outcomes.

Reference: Janis M Nolde et al. (2024). Ambulatory blood pressure after 12 weeks of quadruple combination of quarter doses of blood pressure medication vs. standard medication. J Hypertens, 2024 Feb 29. DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003683. Access the study here: [Link]


Meta-Analysis: Efficacy of exercise modalities in major depressive disorder treatment

20 Mar, 2024 | 17:54h | UTC

Study Design and Population: This article presents a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the optimal dose and modality of exercise for treating major depressive disorder, comparing its effects to psychotherapy, antidepressants, and control conditions such as usual care or placebo. The review included 218 unique studies encompassing 495 arms with a total of 14,170 participants who met the clinical cutoffs for major depression.

Main Findings: The findings revealed moderate reductions in depression symptoms for several exercise modalities when compared to active controls. Notably, walking or jogging, yoga, and strength training demonstrated the most significant effects. The effectiveness of exercise was found to be proportional to the intensity of the activity prescribed. Among these, yoga and strength training were identified as the most acceptable modalities for participants. However, the overall confidence in these results is low due to the high risk of bias in the included studies, with only one study meeting the criteria for a low risk of bias.

Implications for Practice: The study concludes that exercise, particularly walking or jogging, yoga, and strength training at sufficient intensities, can be an effective treatment for major depressive disorder. These modalities could be recommended alongside traditional treatments such as psychotherapy and antidepressants. Future research should focus on blinding participants and staff to mitigate expectancy effects and improve the reliability of findings. The inclusivity of exercise as a core treatment for depression could significantly impact treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

Reference: Noetel, M., et al. (2024). Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ, 384, e075847. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-075847. Access the study here: [Link]


Phase 2 RCT: Low-dose aspirin significantly reduces hepatic fat in MASLD patients without cirrhosis

20 Mar, 2024 | 17:48h | UTC

Study Design and Population: This phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out over six months at a single hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. The study included 80 participants aged 18 to 70 years diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) but without cirrhosis. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 81 mg of daily aspirin (n=40) or placebo (n=40).

Main Findings: The trial revealed that aspirin significantly reduced the mean absolute change in hepatic fat content by -10.2% compared with placebo, as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), with a statistically significant difference (P=0.009). Furthermore, aspirin treatment notably decreased relative hepatic fat content, increased the proportion of patients achieving a 30% or greater reduction in hepatic fat, and reduced both absolute and relative hepatic fat content as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). Adverse events were mostly minor, with upper respiratory infections and arthralgias being the most common.

Implications for Practice: These findings suggest that low-dose aspirin may be an effective intervention for reducing liver fat in adults with MASLD without cirrhosis, potentially offering a simple, accessible treatment option. However, the results are preliminary and call for further confirmation in larger, more diverse populations. The study underscores the importance of considering low-dose aspirin as part of management strategies for MASLD, pending further research.

Reference

Simon TG et al. (2024). Randomized Clinical Trial: Low-Dose Aspirin Significantly Reduces Hepatic Fat in MASLD Patients Without Cirrhosis. JAMA, 331(11), 920-929. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.1215. Access the study here: [Link]


RCT: No difference in ICU length of stay or 90-day mortality between tight and liberal glucose control

2 Oct, 2023 | 11:25h | UTC

Study Design and Population: This randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of tight versus liberal glucose control on the length of ICU stay in critically ill patients. A total of 9,230 patients were included, with 4,622 in the liberal-control group (insulin initiation when blood glucose levels exceeded 215 mg/dL) and 4,608 in the tight-control group (blood glucose targeted between 80 and 110 mg/dL). In both groups, parenteral nutrition was withheld during the first week of ICU admission. The primary endpoint was the duration of ICU stay, and 90-day mortality served as a key safety outcome.

Main Findings: No significant differences were observed in the primary endpoint, the length of ICU stay, between the two groups (hazard ratio 1.00; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.04; P=0.94). The 90-day mortality rates were also similar (10.1% in the liberal-control group vs. 10.5% in the tight-control group, P=0.51). Incidences of severe hypoglycemia were low and statistically similar in both groups (1.0% in the tight-control group vs. 0.7% in the liberal-control group). Secondary outcomes, including new infections and the duration of respiratory and hemodynamic support, showed no significant differences. However, lower incidences of severe acute kidney injury and cholestatic liver dysfunction were observed in the tight-control group.

Implications & Limitations: The study supports existing evidence that tight glucose control doesn’t provide substantial benefits in reducing ICU stay duration or mortality. This suggests that a more liberal approach to glucose control may be preferable in most ICU settings, especially to minimize hypoglycemia risk. Key limitations of the study include its narrow focus on the absence of early parenteral nutrition, which could limit generalizability, and the inability to blind caregivers to treatment assignments. Future research should investigate the impact of tight glucose control in various patient subgroups and under different nutritional conditions.

Article: Tight Blood-Glucose Control without Early Parenteral Nutrition in the ICU – New England Journal of Medicine

 


Pragmatic Cluster-Randomised Trial: Efficacy of a Fixed-Dose Polypill in Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Rural Iran

25 Mar, 2024 | 11:40h | UTC

Study Design and Population: The PolyPars Study was structured as a two-arm pragmatic cluster-randomised trial within the larger PARS cohort study. It targeted residents aged over 50 in a district in southern Iran, dividing 91 villages into two groups: one receiving a once-daily polypill (containing two antihypertensives, a statin, and aspirin) alongside non-pharmacological interventions, and the other receiving only the non-pharmacological interventions. The trial included 4,415 participants aged 50-75 years, with the primary endpoint being the first occurrence of major cardiovascular events.

Main Findings: Over a median follow-up of 4.6 years, adherence to the polypill was high at 86%. The intervention arm showed a significant reduction in the incidence of the primary outcome, with only 4.0% (88 participants) experiencing major cardiovascular events compared to 8.0% (176 participants) in the control arm. This translates to a hazard ratio of 0.50, indicating a 50% reduction in risk, and an absolute risk reduction of 4.0%.

Implications for Practice: The study demonstrates the significant potential of fixed-dose combination therapy with the polypill to halve the risk of major cardiovascular diseases in a population-level intervention. This finding supports the polypill as a safe and effective strategy for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in settings where access to individual medications and consistent medical supervision might be limited.

Reference: Fatemeh Malekzadeh et al. (2024). Effectiveness of polypill for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a pragmatic cluster-randomised controlled trial (PolyPars). Heart, heartjnl-2023-323614. DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2023-323614.

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Crossover RCT | Using one-size cuff results in major inaccuracy in BP readings across varying arm sizes

11 Aug, 2023 | 15:41h | UTC

Effects of Cuff Size on the Accuracy of Blood Pressure Readings: The Cuff(SZ) Randomized Crossover Trial – JAMA Internal Medicine (free for a limited period)

Commentaries:

When it comes to blood pressure cuffs, size matters – MedicalResearch.com

One-size-fits-all blood pressure cuffs ‘strikingly inaccurate,’ study says – CNN

Related:

Brief Review | Why is cuff size so important and other factors that affect accurate blood pressure measurement

[News release – not published yet] Study finds blood pressure cuff size matters, affects blood pressure readings

 

Commentary on Twitter

 


Perspective | Clinicians debate the usefulness of NAFLD name change

11 Aug, 2023 | 15:39h | UTC

Clinicians debate the usefulness of NAFLD name change – MDedge

Original article: From NAFLD to MASLD | New consensus changes fatty liver disease terminology to avoid stigmatization

 


Presented at ASRS Meeting | Studies link GLP-1 agonists to progression of diabetic retinopathy

11 Aug, 2023 | 15:38h | UTC

Studies link GLP-1 agonists to progression of diabetic retinopathy – MDedge

 


[News Release] RCT | Semaglutide 2.4 mg reduces cardiovascular risk by 20% in adults with CVD & obesity

9 Aug, 2023 | 15:40h | UTC

Novo Nordisk A/S: Semaglutide 2.4 mg reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in adults with overweight or obesity in the SELECT trial – Novo Nordisk

Commentaries:

SELECT: Semaglutide Cuts CV Events in Adults With Overweight or Obesity – TCTMD

Expert reaction to Novo Nordisk press release announcing the headline results from their SELECT cardiovascular outcomes semaglutide trial – Science Media Centre

Related: Role of Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Receptor Agonists in Achieving Weight Loss and Improving Cardiovascular Outcomes in People With Overweight and Obesity – Journal of the American Heart Association

 


Cohort Study | Vegetarian diet linked to elevated hip fracture risk; BMI plays a partial role

9 Aug, 2023 | 15:16h | UTC

Risk of hip fracture in meat-eaters, pescatarians, and vegetarians: a prospective cohort study of 413,914 UK Biobank participants – BMC Medicine

 


Multinational Study | No correlation between Covid-19 and onset of type 1 diabetes in children

8 Aug, 2023 | 13:32h | UTC

SARS-CoV-2 — No Increased Islet Autoimmunity or Type 1 Diabetes in Teens – New England Journal of Medicine

 


Cohort Study | Habitual calcium supplementation linked to higher CVD incidence and mortality in diabetics

8 Aug, 2023 | 13:24h | UTC

Associations of Habitual Calcium Supplementation With Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Individuals With and Without Diabetes – Diabetes Care (link to abstract – $ for full-text)

Related: The Evidence and Controversy Between Dietary Calcium Intake and Calcium Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials – Journal of the American College of Nutrition

 

Commentary on Twitter

 


Do-it-yourself automated insulin delivery: a health-care practitioner user’s guide

7 Aug, 2023 | 14:44h | UTC

Do-It-Yourself Automated Insulin Delivery: A Health-care Practitioner User’s Guide – Canadian Journal of Diabetes

 


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