Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery)
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Enpatoran, a Toll-like receptor 7/8 inhibitor, in moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus: findings from Cohort B of a multicentre, international, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-finding phase 2 trial

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enpatoran, a TLR7/8 inhibitor, in improving disease activity in patients with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to placebo. Although enpatoran showed improved British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) response rates at various doses, the primary objective of demonstrating a statistically significant dose-response relationship was not achieved. Overall, enpatoran was well tolerated among participants.

Digoxin in Patients With Symptomatic Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The study aimed to determine whether digoxin improves outcomes related to death or worsening heart failure in patients with symptomatic rheumatic heart disease compared to a placebo. The results indicated that digoxin significantly reduced the risk of the composite outcome of all-cause death or new-onset/worsening heart failure, with a low incidence of toxicity. Overall, digoxin appears to be a beneficial treatment option for this patient population.

Efficacy and Safety of Digitalis Glycosides in Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis

The authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of digitalis glycosides in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) or reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Their meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials involving 9,013 patients found that digitalis glycosides significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or first worsening heart failure event, primarily by lowering the incidence of worsening heart failure. These findings suggest that digitalis glycosides may be a beneficial adjunct therapy for managing these heart failure conditions.

Endovascular thrombectomy for patients with large-core ischaemic stroke presenting up to 24 h after onset (ATLAS): a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis with central imaging adjudication

The authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large-core ischaemic stroke presenting within 24 hours of onset, a group often excluded from such treatments. Their systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data from six trials found that endovascular thrombectomy significantly improved functional outcomes and reduced mortality compared to medical management, although the benefits were less clear for patients with very large ischaemic core volumes (≥150 mL). Overall, the findings suggest that endovascular thrombectomy is beneficial for most patients with large-core ischaemic strokes, except in cases of extensive ischaemic changes presenting beyond 6 hours.

Impact of introducing RTS,S/AS01_E malaria vaccine on mortality in young children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi: an observational evaluation of a cluster-randomised implementation programme

This study evaluates the impact of the RTS,S/AS01_E malaria vaccine on mortality rates in young children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi over a 46-month period following its introduction in 2019. The authors aimed to determine whether the vaccine significantly reduced overall mortality in children eligible for three doses compared to non-eligible children, finding a notable reduction in mortality, with approximately one in eight deaths averted in areas with moderate vaccine coverage. The results underscore the importance of accelerating malaria vaccine deployment in regions where malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality.

The role of community-based blood pressure screening in improving hypertension care

The authors argue against the viewpoint that mass blood pressure screening detracts from hypertension care, positing instead that community-based screening can enhance hypertension detection, especially in underserved populations. They emphasize that such screening, when conducted with validated methods, can effectively identify individuals with elevated blood pressure and raise awareness about hypertension, ultimately supporting better management and control of the condition. The paper advocates for integrating community screening with primary care to address the global challenge of hypertension.

Long-term effects of colonoscopy screening on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality: a multicountry, population-based randomised controlled trial

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of colonoscopy screening on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality over a 13-year follow-up period. The results indicated that screening significantly reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer but did not show a corresponding reduction in mortality, with both groups experiencing lower-than-expected mortality rates. The findings suggest that while colonoscopy screening is effective in lowering cancer incidence, its impact on mortality may be less pronounced than anticipated.

Intravenous Tirofiban After Tenecteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke: The INSTANT Randomized Clinical Trial

The INSTANT trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous tirofiban in patients with acute ischemic stroke who did not respond adequately to intravenous tenecteplase and lacked large or medium vessel occlusions or cardioembolic sources. The results indicated that adjunctive tirofiban significantly improved the likelihood of achieving an excellent outcome at 90 days compared to placebo, with a low incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality.

Intravenous Tenecteplase Prior to Endovascular Treatment for Ischemic Stroke at 4.5 to 24 Hours: The TNK-PLUS Randomized Clinical Trial

The TNK-PLUS randomized clinical trial aimed to determine whether administering intravenous tenecteplase prior to endovascular treatment (EVT) improves functional outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke due to proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion, occurring 4.5 to 24 hours after symptom onset. The study found no significant difference in functional independence at 90 days between patients receiving tenecteplase before EVT and those receiving EVT alone, suggesting that tenecteplase does not enhance clinical outcomes in this late treatment window. Additionally, the rates of mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were comparable between the two groups.

Adjunctive Intra-Arterial Alteplase After Successful Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: The CHOICE-2 Randomized Clinical Trial

The CHOICE-2 randomized clinical trial aimed to determine whether adjunctive intra-arterial alteplase after successful thrombectomy improves functional outcomes and cerebral reperfusion in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. The results indicated that the combination treatment significantly increased the proportion of patients achieving an excellent functional outcome at 90 days compared to thrombectomy alone, although it was associated with higher mortality rates, necessitating further investigation.