Switching statin-treated patients from fenofibrate to the prescription omega-3 therapy icosapent ethyl: a retrospective case series.

Introduction: Patients receiving statin therapy for dyslipidaemia often require treatment with an additional agent to control triglyceride levels. Options for add-on therapy include fibrates and omega-3 fatty acids. This case series describes the effects of switching add-on therapy from fenofibrate to icosapent ethyl (the ethyl ester of the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid) on patient lipid profiles.

A retrospective case series of the lipid effects of switching from omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters to icosapent ethyl in hyperlipidemic patients.

Background: Western New York is among the regions with the highest rate of heart disease and stroke in the United States. Multifactorial causes include hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia, and additional therapies may be needed to reduce residual risk that remains even after treatment with statins or other lipid-lowering medications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a switch from omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters (OM3EE) to icosapent ethyl (IPE) on lipid profiles in patients with hyperlipidemia.

How much effect of different antihypertensive medications on cardiovascular outcomes is attributable to their effects on blood pressure?

The debate over whether certain antihypertensive medications have benefits beyond what would be expected from their blood pressure lowering spurred the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial, which randomized 42,418 participants to chlorthalidone (15,255), amlodipine (9048), lisinopril (9054), or doxazosin (9061). We compared chlorthalidone, the active control, with each of the other three agents with respect to the primary outcome, fatal coronary heart disease or nonfatal myocardial infarction, and several other clinical endpoints. The arms were similar with respect to the primary endpoint, although some differences were found for other endpoints, most notably heart failure.

Prospective observational study of patient-reported outcomes for azithromycin versus usual care in the treatment of bacterial acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.

Background: The 3-day course of azithromycin (AZM) 500 mg/d was introduced to the US market in June 2002.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as measured by the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) over a 1-month period in patients receiving a 3-day course of AZM for bacterial acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB).

A comparison of 5-day courses of dirithromycin and azithromycin in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Short-term use of antibiotics has become a common component of the management of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB), particularly in complex cases with productive cough or purulent phlegm. The macrolide antibiotics, particularly second-generation agents such as dirithromycin and azithromycin, are among the antibiotic classes frequently recommended and used to treat upper and lower respiratory infections, including AECB.

Objective: This study compared the clinical efficacy and tolerability of 5-day courses of dirithromycin and azithromycin given once daily for the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).