Clinical trials update from the American Heart Association meeting: Omega-3 fatty acids and arrhythmia risk in patients with an implantable defibrillator, ACTIV in CHF, VALIANT, the Hanover autologous bone marrow transplantation study, SPORTIF V, ORBIT and PAD and DEFINITE

Abstract

The American Heart Association meeting reported the results of several clinical trials of particular interest to those who care for patients with heart failure. Omega-3 fatty acids were associated with a trend to increased recurrence of ventricular arrhythmias but not mortality in patients with an implantable debrillator. The ACTIV in CHF study provides more evidence of a therapeutic role for arginine vasopressin antagonists in the treatment of heart failure. The VALIANT study provides further evidence to suggest that a combination of angiotensin receptor antagonist and ACE inhibitor does not reduce mortality but may reduce morbidity in post-MI patients with heart failure or major LV systolic dysfunction. A study of autologous bone marrow cell transplantation into myocardial scar give gave encouraging results. SPORTIF V showed ximelagation to be as effective as warfarin but with improved safety. ORBIT and PAD showed public access defibrillators saved lives but questioned their cost effectiveness. DEFINITE supported a role for ICDs in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, although cost-effectiveness remains in doubt.