(Press-News.org) The Lancet is pleased to announce that the following papers will be published to coincide with presentation at the ESC Congress 2014, taking place in Barcelona, Spain, 30 August – 3 September 2014:
Ultrathin strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent versus durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent for percutaneous coronary revascularisation (BIOSCIENCE): a randomised, single-blind, non-inferiority trial, Windecker et al
Refinements in stent design affecting strut thickness, surface polymer, and drug release have improved clinical outcomes of drug-eluting stents. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of a novel, ultrathin strut cobalt-chromium stent releasing sirolimus from a biodegradable polymer with a thin strut durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent. The results show that ultrathin-strut, biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents are associated with a similar risk of target lesion failure to thin strut durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents. The finding of the meta-analysis is in accordance with the findings of the authors' trial, which contributed most of the available evidence.
Efficacy of β blockers in patients with heart failure plus atrial fibrillation: an individual-patient data meta-analysis, Kotecha et al
Atrial fibrillation and heart failure often coexist, causing substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. β blockers are indicated in patients with symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; however, the efficacy of these drugs in patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation is uncertain. The authors therefore meta-analysed individual-patient data to assess the efficacy of β blockers in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm compared with atrial fibrillation. In contrast to the significant beneficial effects observed for those with sinus rhythm, beta-blocker therapy had no or minimal effect on mortality and cardiovascular hospitalisation in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation. Based on the findings of this study, β blockers should not be used preferentially over other rate-control medications and not regarded as standard therapy to improve prognosis in patients with heart failure and concomitant atrial fibrillation.
INFORMATION:
The Lancet: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2014 media alert
2014-09-02
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