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Updated: May 25, 2026

In Silico Clinical Trials for Cardiovascular Disease
09:09

In Silico Clinical Trials for Cardiovascular Disease

Published on: May 27, 2022

Inadequate reporting of concomitant drug treatment in cardiovascular interventional head-to-head trials

Felix Mahfoud1, Michael Böhm, Magnus Baumhäkel

  • 1University Hospital of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany.

Clinical Cardiology
|January 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Optimal medical treatment is often underreported in trials comparing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This highlights potential undertreatment of secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • The optimal revascularization strategy for coronary artery disease (CAD) remains debated, influenced by trials like SYNTAX.
  • Evidence-based medical prevention is crucial for CAD, yet patients may be undertreated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the reporting of concomitant medical treatment in head-to-head trials comparing CABG and PCI.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of cardiovascular interventional trials comparing CABG and PCI.
  • Included trials with over 500 patients.

Main Results:

  • 2106 articles were identified; only 3 trials reported on medical treatment.
  • Baseline medication data were available from RITA, CABRI, and SYNTAX trials.
  • Follow-up medication data were limited to CABRI and SYNTAX (3-year).

Conclusions:

  • Poor reporting of medical treatment at discharge suggests potential underestimation of secondary prevention.
  • The debate on optimal revascularization must consider concomitant medical treatment strategies.
Abstract

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