Is it possible to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in subjects suffering from intermittent claudication of the lower limbs?

Abstract

This study meta-analysed randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trials in patients with intermittent claudication of the lower limbs comparing ticlopidine to placebo in order to test the hypothesis that the drug, a pure antiplatelet agent, is able to reduce the incidence of thrombotic cardio-vascular events on atherosclerotic arteries in these patients. A highly significant reduction, from 9% to 3% (p ranging from 0.006 to 0.002), was observed for fatal or non-fatal cardio-vascular events in a total of 611 patients (301 with ticlopidine, 310 with placebo). The duration of follow-up ranged from 6 to 12 months. Side-effects, defined as withdrawal from study medication for any reason but death, cardio-vascular events or cancer, were 2.4 times more frequent in the ticlopidine treated patients as compared to placebo. We concluded that in this high risk population, prevention of cardio-vascular events is likely to be effective.

• Authors: J P Boissel, J C Peyrieux, J M Destors
• Journal: Thrombosis and haemostasis (Thromb Haemost) Vol. 62 Issue 2 Pg. 681-5 (Sep 29 1989) ISSN: 0340-6245 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 2683189 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Ticlopidine

Topics

• Cardiovascular Diseases (mortality, prevention & control)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Intermittent Claudication (complications)
• Leg
• Male
• Meta-Analysis as Topic
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Risk Factors
• Ticlopidine (adverse effects, therapeutic use)