The Role of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.

Despite contemporary management, patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remain at high risk for thrombotic events. Several randomized controlled trials have evaluated the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with CAD, including in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable CAD, and in patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation. Trials of apixaban and dabigatran in patients with ACS demonstrate no benefit with an increased risk of bleeding.

Pharmacists as Care Providers for Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review.

Background: Pharmacists have become an integral member of the multidisciplinary team providing clinical patient care in various healthcare settings. Although evidence supporting their role in the care of patients with other disease states is well-established, minimal literature has been published evaluating pharmacist interventions in stroke patients. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the evidence evaluating the impact of pharmacist interventions on stroke patient outcomes.

Short- versus standard-term dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent implantation: A meta-analysis.

Background: Twelve months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is recommended after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. However, certain clinical scenarios may require premature discontinuation of therapy (e.g.

What is the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent implantation?

Purpose: Published evidence on varying durations of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with implantation of a drug-eluting stent (DES) is reviewed.

Summary: A systematic literature search identified 13 randomized controlled trials and eight meta-analyses evaluating patient outcomes of standard (12-month) versus shorter or longer courses of DAPT (aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor, usually clopidogrel) after PCI with DES implantation. Evaluated outcomes included cardiovascular (CV) events, stent thrombosis, bleeding events, and mortality.

Pharmacotherapy of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) constitutes ~50% of all heart failure diagnoses and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The treatment of HFpEF can be challenging due to a lack of evidence supporting the benefit of various drug therapies. In practice, treatment can be divided into acute and chronic management.