Diaspirin-crosslinked hemoglobin reduces blood transfusion in noncardiac surgery: a multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial.

Unlabelled: In this randomized, prospective, double-blinded clinical trial, we sought to investigate whether diaspirin-crosslinked hemoglobin (DCLHb) can reduce the perioperative use of allogeneic blood transfusion. One-hundred-eighty-one elective surgical patients were enrolled at 19 clinical sites from 1996 to 1998. Selection criteria included anticipated transfusion of 2-4 blood units, aortic repair, and major joint or abdomino-pelvic surgery.

Design features of the Avasimibe and Progression of coronary Lesions assessed by intravascular UltraSound (A-PLUS) clinical trial.

Background: Although statins have been shown to be beneficial in the management of hyperlipidemia and the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, rates of major cardiovascular events remain high despite their use. Inhibition of the acyl coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) enzyme in the arterial wall may prevent excess accumulation of cholesteryl esters in macrophages. In addition to ACAT inhibitor monotherapy, combination of a statin with an ACAT inhibitor may be a promising approach to further prevent the progression of atherosclerosis.