Clinical trials update from the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure meeting and the American College of Cardiology: darbepoetin alfa study, ECHOS, and ASCOT-BPLA.
This article provides information and a commentary on landmark trials presented at the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure meeting held in June 2005, relevant to the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of heart failure. All reports should be considered as preliminary data, as analyses may change in the final publication. The erythropoiesis stimulating protein, darbepoetin alfa, increased haemoglobin levels, improved quality of life and showed a trend for improved exercise duration in anaemic patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure. In the ECHOS study, the selective dopamine agonist nolomirole (CHF1035) showed no benefit in heart failure patients. Preliminary results of the ASCOT-BPLA study, which were reported at the American College of Cardiology meeting in March 2005, showed that in hypertensive patients, treatment with a calcium antagonist plus an ACE inhibitor was more effective at reducing cardiovascular outcomes than atenolol plus a diuretic.
Cleland
John G F
JG
Department of Cardiology, University of Hull, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU15 5JQ, UK.
Coletta
Alison P
AP
Clark
Andrew L
AL
Velavan
Periaswamy
P
Ingle
Lee
L
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004952:Esters / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004952:Esters; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa; C457559:nolomirole