Studies led by Mount Sinai researchers reinforces potential benefits of new stroke-preve...( t option for men and women with AF sa...),Health

t option for men and women with AF," said Jonathan L. Halperin, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Director of Cardiology Clinical Services at the Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute and the Marie-Jose and Henry R. Kravis Center for Cardiovascular Health at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. "As only about half of all eligible patients receive optimal treatment due to complications associated with existing therapies, it is encouraging that ximelagatran may help protect patients at risk of thromboembolic events regardless of their gender."

As previously reported with results from SPORTIF III and V, an increase of liver enzymes (ALAT) was greater than three times the upper limit of normal in 6.1 percent of those treated with EXANTA vs. 0.8 percent treated with warfarin. However, nearly all enzyme changes occurred within the first six months of treatment with ximelagatran and decreased whether or not the drug was stopped.

About SPORTIF

The SPORTIF III and V studies, directed by investigators at Mount Sinai School of Medicine last year, represent the largest study program to date for stroke prevention in patients with AF. SPORTIF III (open-label) and V (double-blind) demonstrated that fixed oral-dose ximelagatran (36 mg twice daily) with no coagulation monitoring is as effective as well-controlled warfarin (dose-adjusted to a standard level of anticoagulation intensity, INR 2-3) in preventing strokes (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and systemic embolic events in patients with AF. AstraZeneca PLC, which is developing ximelagatran under the trade name EXANTA, sponsored the research.

About Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common irregular heartbeat that occurs when the two small upper chambers of the heart (known as the atria) beat rapidly and unpredictably, which sometimes allows blood to pool and clot. If a section of the blood clot travels to an artery in the brain, a stroke may result. AF a
'"/>

Contact: Mount Sinai Press Office
NewsMedia@mssm.edu
212-241-9200
The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine
8-Mar-2004

Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine news :

1. Studies underscore genetic involvement in nicotine addiction & aggressive hostility
2. Studies address issues of risk and survival in rapidly increasing GI cancers
3. Studies examine coffee drinking and risk of liver and colorectal cancers
4. Studies reveal physicians attitudes on end-of-life care
5. Studies from the November issue of The Archives of Dermatology, a theme issue on facial rejuvenation
6. Studies link obesity to increased frequency of heartburn symptoms; greater risk of esophageal cancer
7. Studies demonstrate positive data in treatment of hepatitis C
8. Studies examine risk factors and potential consequences associated with prehypertension
9. Studies show ACTOS(R) (pioglitazone HCl) has positive effects on various components of dyslipidemia
10. Studies identify risk factors for colon cancer
11. Studies indicate healthy eating may affect cancer development, improve digestive system