Stroke Subtypes; Statin Flop for Cancer; A Better Aneurysm Coil
By medpagetoday.com
Head-to-head evaluation of three stroke classification systems showed that all did fairly well, with the major stroke subtypes distinct irrespective of the system used, researchers reported in a study appearing in JAMA Neurology.
The Causative Classification of Stroke (CCS), Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST), and ASCO (A for atherosclerosis, S for small-vessel disease, C for cardiac source, and O for other cause) classification systems had area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for 90-day recurrence of 0.71, 0.61, and 0.66, respectively.
While all had similar discrimination for 90-day mortality, CCS "generates discrete etiologic categories with more diverse clinical, imaging, and prognostic characteristics than either TOAST or ASCO," the researchers noted.
Nevertheless, this validation study says the scales perform "fairly well" overall, so it's reasonable to stick with any of the three, commented Philip Gorelick, MD, MPH, of Michigan State University in Grand Rapids.
Statins Flop As Cancer Tx
Statins' pleiotropic benefits don't extend to cancer, according to the phase III LUNGSTAR trial showing that adding pravastatin to standard chemotherapy didn't improve survival or secondary outcomes in small cell lung cancer.
Despite promising preclinical and observational findings, this is the fifth placebo-controlled trial of statin use in patients with cancer to show no benefit.
"Given the findings from our trial and the other published, double-blind, randomized controlled trials, independent monitoring committees of studies that are still recruiting or in follow-up should examine interim analyses of clinical endpoints and stop early if there is sufficient evidence for futility, thus saving resources," the authors concluded in their paper online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
See MedPage Today's coverage here.
A Better Aneurysm Coil
Novel next-generation endovascular coils for treating medium-sized intracranial aneurysms reduced adverse outcomes among patients, according to the randomized GREAT trial reported at the International Stroke Conference.
MicroVention's HydroSoft or HydroFrame coils, filled with a hydrogel that expands upon contact with liquid to increase packing density, reduced the composite rate of major aneurysm recurrence at 18 months, retreatment for major recurrences within 18 months, morbidity that prevented angiographic follow-up, or death by an absolute 8.4% compared with standard platinum coils.
"In the U.S., most patients get the classic coil or the clip," commented Mark Alberts, MD, of Hartford Healthcare in Connecticut. "But this could potentially be an advance."
See the full MedPage Today story here.
Arthritic Heart Woes
Heart attack and rheumatoid arthritis are well known partners in crime, but other types of arthritis are culprits as well, a 25-study meta-analysis reported in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
MI risk was elevated most with rheumatoid arthritis but also significant for gout (HR 1.47), psoriatic arthritis (HR 1.41), and osteoarthritis (HR 1.31), with a trend seen for ankylosing spondylitis (HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.93-1.65) as well.
"The study findings support more integrated cardiovascular prevention strategies for arthritis populations that target both reducing inflammation and enhancing management of traditional cardiovascular risk factors," the researchers concluded, suggesting that gout and osteoarthritis patients should be monitored and risk factors targeted as is already recommended in the other types of arthritis.
Source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/cardiology/prevention/63560
Saturday, June 6, 2026
How Haldol Helps With Schizophrenia
Dealing with schizophrenia can take a real toll on daily life, affecting sleep, work performance, and overall well-being. While many people try to manage symptoms with lifestyle adjustments alone, medication often plays a central role in achieving meaningful relief, particularly when symptoms are moderate to severe or recurring. Treatment with antipsychotic medications requires careful monitoring and ongoing evaluation. Metabolic parameters including weight, blood glucose, and lipid levels should be tracked regularly, particularly for patients on atypical antipsychotics. Patients and caregivers should be educated about the importance of adherence, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to rapid symptom relapse. Treatment is often long-term for chronic psychotic conditions, and medication switches may be needed if the initial choice does not provide adequate symptom control or causes intolerable side effects. Healthcare professionals frequently discuss Haldol as a potential treatment for patients presenting with schizophrenia. The data supporting haldol for schizophrenia provides a useful resource for patients who want a thorough understanding of how this medication has been studied and what clinical experience suggests about its effectiveness. One of the practical considerations with Haldol is timing. Some patients find that taking the medication at a consistent time each day helps maintain stable effects. Food interactions, if any, should be noted since they can affect how well the active ingredient haloperidol is absorbed. Patients are encouraged to review the full prescribing information or consult a pharmacist for personalized guidance. Treatment of schizophrenia does not always follow a one-size-fits-all approach. The https://mednewwsstoday.com/antipsychotics/ section on antipsychotic medications covers the range of treatments that might complement or serve as alternatives to Haldol, helping patients and providers find the combination most suited to individual needs.
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