title: Clinical trials update from the European Society of Cardiology: SENIORS, ACES, PROVE-IT, ACTION, and the HF-ACTION trial.
abstract: This article provides information and a commentary on landmark trials presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in August 2004, relevant to the pathophysiology, prevention or treatment of heart failure. The SENIORS trial suggests that nebivolol is well tolerated and effective in older patients with heart failure, even if left ventricular systolic function is not markedly depressed. However, patients aged >75 years appeared to gain less benefit. Further data on the effects of nebivolol on symptoms and quality of life are awaited. Two new trials of long-term antibiotic prophylaxis after myocardial infarction (ACES and PROVE-IT) showed no benefit. The ACTION trial showed no reduction in serious cardiovascular events with nifedipine GITS in patients with chronic stable angina, despite a substantial reduction in blood pressure. The HF-ACTION trial announced that the first 700 patients of a projected 3000 had been randomised to either an exercise program or encouragement to exercise but without a formal program. The primary outcome measure is death or hospitalisation for any reason.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, University of Hull, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU16 5JQ, UK.
authors.forename: John G F
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Cleland
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Huan Loh
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Freemantle
authors.forename: Andrew L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Alison P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Coletta
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D001578:Benzopyrans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy; D000068577:Nebivolol; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010359:Patient Readmission; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013318:Stroke Volume; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001578:Benzopyrans; D004983:Ethanolamines; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000068577:Nebivolol; D009543:Nifedipine