Zotarolimus-eluting stent versus sirolimus-eluting and paclitaxel-eluting stents for percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Background: The zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZES) is a new drug-eluting stent that delivers zotarolimus, a synthetic analogue of sirolimus, through a biocompatible phosphorylcholine polymer coating. ZES has shown promising results compared with bare-metal stents, but its safety and efficacy against sirolimus-eluting (SES) and paclitaxel-eluting (PES) stents is yet to be established.

Aims: We aimed to summarize current evidence from randomized trials comparing ZES with SES and PES.

Prevention of recurrent atrial fibrillation with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Background: Controversy persists regarding the efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in the prevention of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), not designed a priori to test this hypothesis, to explore whether ACEs and ARBs reduce recurrent AF.

Methods: We performed a systematic literature search for RCTs using ACEIs or ARBs and providing data on the outcome of recurrent AF.

A case of palpable purpura and nephropathy: Occam's Razor or Hickam's Dictum.

Vasculitis causing palpable purpura, nephropathy, and hematologic abnormalities is a well-known entity. However, sometimes, vasculitis may not be the primary cause but is part of a systemic disease. Literature suggests that infections like HIV can induce nephropathy and antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis, which is different from the well-known entity of "antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

Safety and efficacy of triple antithrombotic therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients needing long-term anticoagulation.

Background: Optimal antithrombotic therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is currently undefined in patients requiring long-term anticoagulation. Previous studies comparing triple therapy (TT) of warfarin, aspirin and clopidogrel with standard dual therapy (DT) of aspirin and clopidogrel have yielded conflicting results. Meta-analysis of these studies was performed to evaluate safety and efficacy of TT.

Effects of statins on progression of carotid atherosclerosis as measured by carotid intimal--medial thickness: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Carotid intimal-medial thickness (CIMT) as measured by B-mode ultrasonography is a surrogate marker for carotid atherosclerosis. Studies have found conflicting results for the effect of statins on carotid atherosclerosis progression by measuring CIMT. Hence, this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of statin therapy on CIMT progression.

Outcomes of nonemergent percutaneous coronary intervention with and without on-site surgical backup: a meta-analysis.

Despite major advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) techniques, the current guidelines recommend against elective PCI at hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery backup. Nonetheless, an increasing number of hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery in the United States have developed programs for elective PCI. Studies evaluating outcome in this setting have yielded mixed results, leaving the question unanswered.

Safety and efficacy of prolonged use of unfractionated heparin after percutaneous coronary intervention.

The current guidelines for percutaneous coronary intervention do not address the prolonged postprocedural use of unfractionated heparin (UFH) to prevent acute occlusion. However, recently published small studies have yielded mixed results, leaving the question unanswered. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis of the existing evidence to assess the safety and efficacy of prolonged infusion of UFH after percutaneous coronary intervention.