The latest research you need to know
In This Edition
- Aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole and clopidogrel provide similar outcomes in stroke.
- Traditional readings of bedside chest radiographs are insensitive in detecting intraatrial central venous catheter placement.
- Improved outcomes with bortezomib in myeloma treatment.
- ICD firings in cardiomyopathy patients are associated with worse outcomes.
- The clinical dehydration scale rapidly assesses the severity of dehydration in children.
- Liberal red blood cell transfusions may be harming patients.
- Five-year risk of colorectal neoplasia is low in patients with negative screening colonoscopy.
- Vital sign instability and oxygenation predict prognosis following hospitalization for community acquired pneumonia.
Is aspirin plus extended release dipyridamole more efficacious and safer than clopidogrel in preventing recurrent stroke?
Background: Recurrent stroke is a frequent (7% to 8% thrombotic stroke recurrence in first year) and disabling event after ischemic stroke. Multiple randomized trials demonstrate efficacy of anti-platelet agents for the prevention of recurrent stroke after non-cardioembolic stroke. However, direct comparisons and relative benefits of various antiplatelet agents are not well defined.
Study design: Randomized, double-blinded, two-by-two factorial design with intention-to-treat analysis.
Setting: A total of 20,333 patients from 695 centers in 35 countries, including the U.S.
Synopsis: This study directly compared aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole to clopidogrel within the PRoFESS trial. A total of 20,333 patients were enrolled and followed up for a mean duration of 2.5 years. Eligible patients randomly were assigned to receive either 25 mg aspirin plus 200 mg extended-release twice a day, or clopidogrel 75 mg a day; and either telmisartan 80 mg once a day or placebo. Groups were similar at baseline.
The primary outcome of recurrent stroke was similar in both the aspirin plus extended-release dipyrimadole group and the clopidogrel group (9.0% vs. 8.8%). The composite secondary outcome of stroke, myocardial infarction or vascular death, and tertiary outcomes were similar in both groups. The trial showed statistical equivalence in the rates of recurrent stroke in the two groups.
Despite more frequent hemorrhagic strokes in the group receiving aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole (4.1% vs. 3.6%), there was no significant difference in the risk of fatal or disabling stroke between both the groups.
Bottom line: Aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole is equivalent to clopidogrel in the prevention of recurrent stroke, in terms of relevant efficacy and safety parameters.
Citation: Sacco RL, Diener H, Yusuf S, et.al. Aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole versus clopidogrel for recurrent stroke. N Engl J Med. 2008:359:1238-1251.
Is there a better method to judge the placement of central venous catheters?
Background: Placement of central venous catheters is common, particularly in critical care settings. Correct placement is usually confirmed by bedside chest radiography. The recommended location of the distal catheter tip is superior to the superior vena cava and right atria junction. However, determining this landmark on traditional bedside chest radiographs is frequently inaccurate.
Study design: Prospective, blinded study.
Setting: University hospital in Germany.
Synopsis: The researchers enrolled 212 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery. Either left or right internal jugular vein central lines were placed via EKG guidance, and more precisely evaluated by transesophageal echocardiography. Bedside chest radiographs were performed within three hours of admission to the ICU.
The radiologists were able to detect between 40% and 60% of incorrect central venous catheter placements when compared to transesophageal echocardiography. The researchers concluded TC-distance (tip of catheter to carina) of greater than 55 mm on chest X-ray performed better (98% accurate) in the detection of intra-atrial catheter placement, compared to conventional judgment by attending (93% accurate) or resident (53% accurate) radiologists. Limitations of the study include the use of only one attending radiologist. Secondly, the chest radiographs and echocardiograms were not done simultaneously, allowing for possible movement of the catheters between studies.