Vulnerable Plaque: Pathobiology and Clinical Implications
Article Abstract:
Doctors may need to focus on stabilizing the fatty plaque that causes atherosclerosis rather than eliminating the plaque altogether. Research has shown that many heart attacks occur because the plaque ruptures, which leads to the formation of a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood to the heart. The plaque itself may not block blood flow very much. Therefore, drugs that stabilize the plaque and prevent it from rupturing may be more beneficial than techniques to remove the plaque such as angioplasty and atherectomy. There is no method yet to identify which plaques are likely to rupture.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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A registry for clinical trials
Article Abstract:
Patient advocacy groups are celebrating a section of the FDA Modernization Act of 1997 that will establish a national database of clinical trials. The registry will include trials funded by private industry as well as the federal government. This will make it much easier for patients and physicians to locate clinical trials of experimental treatments. The pharmaceutical industry was initially concerned about releasing proprietary information, but full disclosure may not be required. Most of the studies will be phase II and III trials, where patient confidentiality is less important.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
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