Thigh-High vs. Below-Knee Compression Stockings for DVT Prophylaxis After Stroke
General Medicine Summary and Comment
No clear efficacy for preventing deep venous thrombosis with either type of stocking
Brain and Vascular Imaging Improve Prediction of Early Stroke After TIA
Neurology Summary and Comment
Free
A risk score incorporating imaging with ABCD2 variables refines stroke risk prediction.
Gene Expression Profiles Predict Stroke Subtypes
Neurology Summary and Comment
Serum biomarkers may one day be useful in distinguishing cardioembolic from large-vessel ischemic stroke.
By Amy K. Guzik, MD, and Bradford B. Worrall, MD, MSc
December 7, 2010
Covering:
Jickling GC et al., Ann Neurol 2010 Nov; 68:681
Cost-Effectiveness of Dabigatran for Stroke Prevention
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
Dabigatran, at the right price, is an attractive option for many atrial fibrillation patients.
Invasive Dental Treatment and Risk for Stroke or MI
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
Risk for ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction was transiently increased during the first 4 weeks after treatment.
Cilostazol for Secondary Prevention of Stroke?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
Cilostazol was associated with fewer recurrent strokes and bleeding events, but more adverse effects, than aspirin.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
November 23, 2010
Covering:
Shinohara Y et al., Lancet Neurol 2010 Oct; 9:959
Thrombolysis 3 to 4.5 Hours After Ischemic Stroke: An Update
Neurology Summary and Comment
An analysis of SITS-ISTR registry data provides reassurance on the safety of thrombolysis soon after 3 hours in a select stroke population, but reemphasizes the importance of earliest possible treatment.
By Gregory J. del Zoppo, MD
November 23, 2010
Covering:
Ahmed N et al., Lancet Neurol 2010 Sep; 9:866
With Vitamin E Supplements, Risk Is Lower for Ischemic Stroke but Higher for Hemorrhagic Stroke
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Widespread use of vitamin E supplements is not recommended.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Atrial Fibrillation
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
In a short-term, randomized, controlled trial, a prescription-strength fish oil supplement failed to prevent AF recurrence.
By Mark S. Link, MD
November 15, 2010
Covering:
Kowey PR et al., JAMA 2010 Nov 15
Vascular Events After Invasive Dental Procedures
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A case-series analysis raises questions about inflammation and risk, bolstering recommendations to continue aspirin therapy during minor surgery.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
November 10, 2010
Covering:
Minassian C et al., Ann Intern Med 2010 Oct 19; 153:499
Weitz H and Merli G., Ann Intern Med 2010 Oct 19; 153:542
Dabigatran Is Approved for Atrial Fibrillation
Neurology News in Context
Will dabigatran replace warfarin?
Yield of Systematic Transcranial Doppler in Patients with TIA
Neurology Summary and Comment
TCD shows promise as an additional prognostic tool in the early evaluation of transient ischemic attack.
By Farzaneh A. Sorond, MD, PhD
November 9, 2010
Covering:
Meseguer E et al., Ann Neurol 2010 Jul; 68:9
Easton JD and Feldmann E., Ann Neurol 2010 Jul; 68:1
Low Glomerular Filtration Rate Is Associated with Future Stroke
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Risk for stroke was 43% higher among people with renal insufficiency.
Cilostazol vs. Aspirin for Recurrent-Stroke Prevention
Neurology Summary and Comment
Free
In a large, long-term trial, cilostazol was as effective as aspirin at preventing recurrent stroke and was associated with fewer hemorrhages.
Low Glomerular Filtration Rate and Stroke Risk
Neurology Summary and Comment
A meta-analysis finds that low GFR can be considered a marker for increased stroke risk.
By Jaime Toro, MD
October 26, 2010
Covering:
Lee M et al., BMJ 2010 Sep 30; 341:c4249
Preventing Deep Venous Thrombosis After Stroke: Thigh-High vs. Below-Knee Stockings
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Thigh-high stockings were more effective than below-knee stockings, but neither provided more than a modest benefit.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
October 20, 2010
Covering:
The CLOTS. (Clots in Legs Or sTockings after Stroke) Trial Collaboration., Ann Intern Med 2010 Sep 20
Kearon C and O'Donnell M., Ann Intern Med 2010 Sep 20
Evidence Catching Up to Evolving Practice in Stroke Imaging
Neurology Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
Free
New evidence-based guidelines support the superiority of diffusion-weighted imaging over computed tomography for diagnosing acute stroke, among other findings.
By Geoffrey S. Young, MD
October 19, 2010
Covering:
Schellinger PD et al., Neurology 2010 Jul 13; 75:177
Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Moyamoya Disease
Neurology Summary and Comment
This review of pediatric moyamoya treatment at one institution supports aggressive surgical management of this disorder.
By Edward Smith, MD, and R. Michael Scott, MD
October 19, 2010
Covering:
Kim S-K et al., Ann Neurol 2010 Jul; 68:92
Endarterectomy Is Still Safer Than Stenting in Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
But stenting might be an acceptable alternative in patients younger than 70.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
October 14, 2010
Covering:
Carotid Stenting Trialists' Collaboration., Lancet 2010 Sep 25; 376:1062
In Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis, Endarterectomy Prevents Strokes for at Least 10 Years
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Benefits seen at 5 years persisted at 10 years.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
October 14, 2010
Covering:
Halliday A et al., Lancet 2010 Sep 25; 376:1074
Recurrence of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Free
The risk for recurrence was 2.5 times higher in patients with IBD than in those without.
By Douglas K. Rex, MD
October 8, 2010
Covering:
Novacek G et al., Gastroenterology 2010 Sep; 139:779
Warfarin, Aspirin, and Clopidogrel in Atrial Fibrillation
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Any combination raises risk for bleeding without lowering risk for ischemic stroke.
Migraine with Aura Might Raise Risk for Hemorrhagic Stroke
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Women who had migraine with aura had significantly higher risk than did women without migraine.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Promising Development for Patients with Few Options
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
In the PARTNER trial, TAVI significantly improved 12-month outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis deemed unsuitable for valve replacement surgery.
By Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM
September 22, 2010
Covering:
Leon MB et al. for the PARTNER Trial Investigators., N Engl J Med 2010 Sep 22
Can BP Reduction Treat the Hypertensive Response?
Neurology Summary and Comment
An analysis of the effects of systolic blood pressure reduction on hematoma expansion, perihematomal edema, and 3-month outcome among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage
By Kevin Sheth, MD
September 21, 2010
Covering:
Qureshi AI et al., Arch Neurol 2010 May; 67:570
