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Zhuo J, Wang L, Li R, Li Z, Zhang J, Xu Y. Identification of symptomatic carotid artery plaque: a predictive model combining angiography with optical coherence tomography. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1445227. [PMID: 39281411 PMCID: PMC11392725 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1445227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Symptomatic carotid artery disease is indicative of an elevated likelihood of experiencing a subsequent stroke, with the morphology of plaque and its specific features being closely linked to the risk of stroke occurrence. Our study based on the characteristics of carotid plaque assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT), the plaque morphology evaluated by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and clinical laboratory indicators were combined, develop a combined predictive model to identify symptomatic carotid plaque. Methods Patients diagnosed with carotid atherosclerotic stenosis who underwent whole-brain DSA and OCT examination at the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from January 2021 to November 2023 were evaluated. Clinical features, as well as DSA and OCT plaque characteristics, were analyzed for differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic cohorts. An analysis of logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with the presence of symptomatic carotid plaque. A multivariate binary logistic regression equation was established with the odds ratio (OR) serving as the risk assessment parameter. The receiver operating characteristic curve was utilized to assess the combined predictive model and independent influencing factors. Results A total of 52 patients were included in the study (symptomatic: 44.2%, asymptomatic: 55.8%). Symptomatic carotid stenosis was significantly linked to four main factors: low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol >3.36 mmol/L [OR, 6.400; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.067-38.402; p = 0.042], irregular plaque (OR, 6.054; 95% CI, 1.016-36.083; p = 0.048), ruptured plaque (OR, 6.077; 95% CI, 1.046-35.298; p = 0.048), and thrombus (OR, 6.773; 95% CI, 1.194-38.433; p = 0.044). The combined predictive model generated using four indicators showed good discrimination (Area Under Curve, 0.924; 95% CI, 0.815-0. 979). The p value was <0.05 with 78.26% sensitivity and 93.10% specificity. Conclusion OCT is valuable in evaluating the plaque characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. The combined predictive model comprising low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol >3.36 mmol/L, irregular plaque, ruptured plaque, and thrombus could help in the detection of symptomatic carotid plaque. Further research conducted on additional independent cohorts is necessary to confirm the clinical significance of the predictive model for symptomatic carotid plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhuo
- Medical Engineering and Technology Research Center, School of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Institute of Medical Engineering and Interdisciplinary Research, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Ruolin Li
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Junhu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yunjian Xu
- Medical Engineering and Technology Research Center, School of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Institute of Medical Engineering and Interdisciplinary Research, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
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Clemente Gouveia de Gramilho GM, Pereira-Macedo J, Dias LRP, Dias Ferreira AR, Myrcha P, Alves Vieira Andrade JP, Rocha-Neves JMPD. Brain natriuretic peptide is a long-term cardiovascular predictor in carotid endarterectomy. Acta Chir Belg 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38975870 DOI: 10.1080/00015458.2024.2377889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In noncardiac surgery, several biomarkers are known to play a role in predicting long-term complications, such as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction, or death. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is considered a low to medium-risk surgery for carotid stenosis aimed at preventing stroke events. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker with potential prognostic value regarding MACE. Since its role in patients undergoing CEA is unknown, this study aims to assess the potential role of BNP as a short and long-term predictor of all-cause mortality and MACE in patients undergoing CEA. METHODS From a prospective database, patients who underwent CEA under regional anesthesia (RA) at a tertiary hospital center were enrolled, and a post hoc analysis was conducted. Patients on which BNP levels were measured up to fifteen days before surgery, and two groups based on the BNP threshold (200 pg/mL) were defined and compared. Kaplan Meier survival curves and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were assessed by multivariable Cox regression. The primary outcome was the incidence of long-term MACE and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of AMI and AHF. RESULTS A total of 89 patients were evaluated. The mean age of the cohort was 71.2 ± 8.7 years, with 71 (79.8%) males, and presented a median follow-up of 30 [13.5-46.4] months. BNP > 200 pg/mL has demonstrated positive predictive value for MACE (aHR: 5.569, confidence interval (CI): 2.441-12.7, p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (aHR: 3.469, CI: 1.315-9.150, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION BNP has been demonstrated to independently predict long-term all-cause mortality, MACE and AMI following CEA. It serves as a low-cost, ready-to-use biomarker, although further studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana Pereira-Macedo
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Surgery, Unidade Local de Saúde do Médio Ave, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- RISE@Heath, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lara Romana Pereira Dias
- Department of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, Unidade Local de Saúde de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Dias Ferreira
- Intensive Care Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Piotr Myrcha
- Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of General, Vascular and Oncological Surgery, Brodnowski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
| | - José Paulo Alves Vieira Andrade
- RISE@Heath, Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Manuel Palmeira da Rocha-Neves
- RISE@Heath, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, Unidade Local de Saúde de São João, Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Wu S, Wang H, Guo J, Zhang F, Pan D, Ning Y, Gu Y, Guo L. Comparison Between Conventional and Patch Carotid Endarterectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study. World Neurosurg 2024; 184:e340-e345. [PMID: 38307201 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare perioperative and long-term safety and effectiveness between conventional carotid endarterectomy (cCEA) and patch carotid endarterectomy (pCEA) under current medical conditions. METHODS Data on baseline characteristics as well as perioperative and long-term postoperative complications from patients who underwent cCEA or pCEA at the Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, from 2013 to 2022, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 248 CEA patients were included in our study. The majority of patients (87.3%) were male, and mean age was 63.6 ± 7.6 (range, 40-81) years; 104 patients (41.9%) underwent cCEA, while 144 (58.1%) underwent pCEA. Between the cCEA and pCEA groups, there were no significant differences in clinical baseline characteristics, occurrence of perioperative or long-term (median, 42.5 [range, 7 to 120] months) complications, and survival whether restenosis-free, asymptomatic or overall. CONCLUSIONS In a single-center experience, conventional and patch CEA approaches appear similarly safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sensen Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Julong Guo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dikang Pan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yachan Ning
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongquan Gu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Lianrui Guo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Paraskevas KI, Brown MM, Lal BK, Myrcha P, Lyden SP, Schneider PA, Poredos P, Mikhailidis DP, Secemsky EA, Musialek P, Mansilha A, Parikh SA, Silvestrini M, Lavie CJ, Dardik A, Blecha M, Liapis CD, Zeebregts CJ, Nederkoorn PJ, Poredos P, Gurevich V, Jawien A, Lanza G, Gray WA, Gupta A, Svetlikov AV, Fernandes E Fernandes J, Nicolaides AN, White CJ, Meschia JF, Cronenwett JL, Schermerhorn ML, AbuRahma AF. Recent advances and controversial issues in the optimal management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis. J Vasc Surg 2024; 79:695-703. [PMID: 37939746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The optimal management of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (AsxCS) is enduringly controversial. We updated our 2021 Expert Review and Position Statement, focusing on recent advances in the diagnosis and management of patients with AsxCS. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed up to August 1, 2023, using PubMed/PubMed Central, EMBASE and Scopus. The following keywords were used in various combinations: "asymptomatic carotid stenosis," "carotid endarterectomy" (CEA), "carotid artery stenting" (CAS), and "transcarotid artery revascularization" (TCAR). Areas covered included (i) improvements in best medical treatment (BMT) for patients with AsxCS and declining stroke risk, (ii) technological advances in surgical/endovascular skills/techniques and outcomes, (iii) risk factors, clinical/imaging characteristics and risk prediction models for the identification of high-risk AsxCS patient subgroups, and (iv) the association between cognitive dysfunction and AsxCS. RESULTS BMT is essential for all patients with AsxCS, regardless of whether they will eventually be offered CEA, CAS, or TCAR. Specific patient subgroups at high risk for stroke despite BMT should be considered for a carotid revascularization procedure. These patients include those with severe (≥80%) AsxCS, transcranial Doppler-detected microemboli, plaque echolucency on Duplex ultrasound examination, silent infarcts on brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography scans, decreased cerebrovascular reserve, increased size of juxtaluminal hypoechoic area, AsxCS progression, carotid plaque ulceration, and intraplaque hemorrhage. Treatment of patients with AsxCS should be individualized, taking into consideration individual patient preferences and needs, clinical and imaging characteristics, and cultural, ethnic, and social factors. Solid evidence supporting or refuting an association between AsxCS and cognitive dysfunction is lacking. CONCLUSIONS The optimal management of patients with AsxCS should include BMT for all individuals and a prophylactic carotid revascularization procedure (CEA, CAS, or TCAR) for some asymptomatic patient subgroups, additionally taking into consideration individual patient needs and preference, clinical and imaging characteristics, social and cultural factors, and the available stroke risk prediction models. Future studies should investigate the association between AsxCS with cognitive function and the role of carotid revascularization procedures in the progression or reversal of cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin M Brown
- Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Brajesh K Lal
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Vascular Surgery, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Piotr Myrcha
- Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sean P Lyden
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Peter A Schneider
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Pavel Poredos
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dimitri P Mikhailidis
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Eric A Secemsky
- Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Piotr Musialek
- Jagiellonian University Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Armando Mansilha
- Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, Hospital de S. Joao, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sahil A Parikh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Center for Interventional Cardiovascular Care and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Mauro Silvestrini
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carl J Lavie
- John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinical School, The University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Alan Dardik
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Matthew Blecha
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Health System, Chicago, IL
| | - Christos D Liapis
- Department of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Clark J Zeebregts
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul J Nederkoorn
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Poredos
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Victor Gurevich
- Center of Atherosclerosis, Lab of Microangiopathic Mechanisms of Atherogenesis, Saint-Petersburg State University, North-Western State Medical University n.a. I.I. Mechnikov, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Arkadiusz Jawien
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Gaetano Lanza
- Department of Surgery, IRCCS Multimedica Hospital, Castellanza, Italy
| | | | - Ajay Gupta
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Alexei V Svetlikov
- Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, North-Western Scientific Clinical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Department of Hospital Surgery, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Andrew N Nicolaides
- Vascular Screening and Diagnostic Center, Nicosia, Cyprus; University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus; Department of Vascular Surgery, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Christopher J White
- Department of Cardiology, Ochsner Clinical School, University of Queensland and Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA
| | | | - Jack L Cronenwett
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Marc L Schermerhorn
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ali F AbuRahma
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Charleston Area Medical Center/West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Charleston, WV
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Walsh SR, Kwan YH. Vascular surgeons and best medical therapy: Missed opportunities? ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2023; 52:645-646. [PMID: 38920155 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2023392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Multiple guidelines recommend the use of best medical therapy (BMT) as secondary prevention for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) but prescription and adherence are generally sub-optimal.1 The issue is not specific to vascular surgeons. Patients referred with suspected peripheral arterial disease are only started on antiplatelet agents and statins by their primary care physician in about half of cases.2 Following coronary artery bypass grafting, 1 in 5 patients are discharged without a statin prescription.3 Using a series of structured interviews through an implementation science lens, Xu et al. have identified a number of potential obstacles to improve BMT prescription patterns.4
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Affiliation(s)
- Stewart R Walsh
- Discipline of Surgery, University of Galway, Ireland
- National Surgical research Support Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Ireland
| | - Yu Heng Kwan
- Programme in Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Centre of Population Health and Implementation Research, SingHealth Regional Health System, Singapore
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Clezar CN, Flumignan CD, Cassola N, Nakano LC, Trevisani VF, Flumignan RL. Pharmacological interventions for asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 8:CD013573. [PMID: 37565307 PMCID: PMC10401652 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013573.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotid artery stenosis is narrowing of the carotid arteries. Asymptomatic carotid stenosis is when this narrowing occurs in people without a history or symptoms of this disease. It is caused by atherosclerosis; that is, the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. Atherosclerosis is more likely to occur in people with several risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and smoking. As this damage can develop without symptoms, the first symptom can be a fatal or disabling stroke, known as ischaemic stroke. Carotid stenosis leading to ischaemic stroke is most common in men older than 70 years. Ischaemic stroke is a worldwide public health problem. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of pharmacological interventions for the treatment of asymptomatic carotid stenosis in preventing neurological impairment, ipsilateral major or disabling stroke, death, major bleeding, and other outcomes. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, two other databases, and three trials registers from their inception to 9 August 2022. We also checked the reference lists of any relevant systematic reviews identified and contacted specialists in the field for additional references to trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs), irrespective of publication status and language, comparing a pharmacological intervention to placebo, no treatment, or another pharmacological intervention for asymptomatic carotid stenosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Two review authors independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias of the trials. A third author resolved disagreements when necessary. We assessed the evidence certainty for key outcomes using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We included 34 RCTs with 11,571 participants. Data for meta-analysis were available from only 22 studies with 6887 participants. The mean follow-up period was 2.5 years. None of the 34 included studies assessed neurological impairment and quality of life. Antiplatelet agent (acetylsalicylic acid) versus placebo Acetylsalicylic acid (1 study, 372 participants) may result in little to no difference in ipsilateral major or disabling stroke (risk ratio (RR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 2.47), stroke-related mortality (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.54 to 3.59), progression of carotid stenosis (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.71), and adverse events (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.59), compared to placebo (all low-certainty evidence). The effect of acetylsalicylic acid on major bleeding is very uncertain (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.53; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not measure neurological impairment or quality of life. Antihypertensive agents (metoprolol and chlorthalidone) versus placebo The antihypertensive agent, metoprolol, may result in no difference in ipsilateral major or disabling stroke (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02 to1.16; 1 study, 793 participants) and stroke-related mortality (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.94; 1 study, 793 participants) compared to placebo (both low-certainty evidence). However, chlorthalidone may slow the progression of carotid stenosis (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.91; 1 study, 129 participants; low-certainty evidence) compared to placebo. Neither study measured neurological impairment, major bleeding, adverse events, or quality of life. Anticoagulant agent (warfarin) versus placebo The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of warfarin (1 study, 919 participants) on major bleeding (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.46; very low-certainty evidence), but it may reduce adverse events (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.99; low-certainty evidence) compared to placebo. The study did not measure neurological impairment, ipsilateral major or disabling stroke, stroke-related mortality, progression of carotid stenosis, or quality of life. Lipid-lowering agents (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, probucol, and rosuvastatin) versus placebo or no treatment Lipid-lowering agents may result in little to no difference in ipsilateral major or disabling stroke (atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin; RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.53; 5 studies, 2235 participants) stroke-related mortality (lovastatin and pravastatin; RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.29; 2 studies, 1366 participants), and adverse events (fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, probucol, and rosuvastatin; RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.53 to1.10; 7 studies, 3726 participants) compared to placebo or no treatment (all low-certainty evidence). The studies did not measure neurological impairment, major bleeding, progression of carotid stenosis, or quality of life. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Although there is no high-certainty evidence to support pharmacological intervention, this does not mean that pharmacological treatments are ineffective in preventing ischaemic cerebral events, morbidity, and mortality. High-quality RCTs are needed to better inform the best medical treatment that may reduce the burden of carotid stenosis. In the interim, clinicians will have to use other sources of information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Nb Clezar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Dq Flumignan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicolle Cassola
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Cu Nakano
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Virginia Fm Trevisani
- Medicina de Urgência and Rheumatology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo and Universidade de Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronald Lg Flumignan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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