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The risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) during extended anticoagulant therapy for thrombophilia remains poorly defined. Investigators analyzed 661 patients with idiopathic VTE who had been randomized to extended prophylaxis after three months of initial anticoagulation using either low-intensity (INR 1.5-1.9) or standard-intensity (INR 2.0-3.0) anticoagulation. Thrombophilic defects were identified in 42% of patients. The rate of recurrent VTE of only 0.9% per patient year was not influenced by thrombophilic abnormalities. Antiphospholipid antibodies trended toward increased recurrence (HR, 2.9; 95% CI: 0.9-10.5). The presence of thrombophilic defects did not increase the risk of recurrent VTE during extended anticoagulation relative to patients with idiopathic VTE without thrombophilic defects.
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The hope trial convinced many experts that midlife adults (age ≥ 55 years) with existing vasculopathy (history of CAD, CVD, diabetes and CV risk factors) will have improved outcomes on an ACE inhibitor (ramipril, to be specific).
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A second human papillomavirus (HPV) recombi-nant vaccine has been approved by the FDA.
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It has been known for decades that influenza viruses have a propensity to affect muscle. Muscle aches from mild to severe occur regularly with the acute attack of the virus.
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Patients who adhered to prescribed anti-hypertensive medication experienced a significantly decreased risk of acute cardiovascular events, yet only 6 months after diagnosis, only 8.1% of patients were classified as having high adherence, 40.5% demonstrated intermediate adherence, and 51.4% demonstrated low adherence to prescribed medication regimens.
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Data from Australia and New Zealand show that the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic may pose a substantial burden on our health care systems, one we may have never endured in recent history.
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A very low-carbohydrate diet results in similar weight loss as a low-fat diet, but participants on a low-fat diet have improved psychological mood and well-being compared with those on a low-carbohydrate diet.
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Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can be treated effectively with soluble fiber such as Metamucil.
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Middle-age female health professionals at risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes derived no benefit from more than 7 years of daily supplementation with a combination pill composed of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 designed to decrease serum levels of homocysteine.
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A meta-analysis was conducted of the incidence of side effects reported in randomized controlled trials of women taking phytoestrogens for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Except for gastrointestinal side effects, women taking phytoestrogens were not at higher risk of side effects.
