Chicago, Illinois– Could microbes in the gut impact human arteries? Surprising early research suggests they might play a role.
CHICAGO, Illinois - Previous studies have shown that women are more likely than men to die after vascular surgery, but a new study shows that they are far more likely to be readmitted to the hospital after aortic aneurysm surgery as well.
A recent review of patients who had undergone carotid, lower extremity bypass, or abdominal aortic aneurysm surgeries found that patients who received both statins and antiplatelet medications were far more likely to be alive five years later. Patients placed on both an antiplatelet agent and cholesterol medication had an adjusted 40 percent reduced risk of death at five years compared to those who received neither drug. Being on either one of these medications was also important, and was associated with an adjusted 30 percent reduced risk of death compared to those on neither medication. When considered differently, an extra 14 of every 100 patients were alive at five years if on both medications.
A recent pilot study funded by a grant from the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation has found that patients succeed in quitting smoking before surgery if they are offered the right kind of assistance.
As of mid-December, researchers have activated the first 10 medical sites and enrolled the first nine patients in a study that will determine the safety and effectiveness of inferior vena cava filters, small, cage-like devices implanted to prevent life-threatening blood clots from reaching the heart or lungs. While vein filters have been in use for years, PRESERVE (Predicting the Safety and Effectiveness of Inferior Vena Cava Filters), is the first large-scale, multispecialty, prospective clinical research trial that will evaluate their real world safety and effectiveness. The inferior vena cava is the main vessel returning blood from the lower half of the body to the heart.
The K08 Award is unlike other NIH research award programs (i.e., R-series awards), in that it is specifically intended to promote mentored research training for early career stage clinician-scientists.