What should we be fine tuning in acute coronary syndromes--dosing of antiplatelet therapy or data presentation?

Ann Pharmacother. 2011 Jan;45(1):120-2. doi: 10.1345/aph.1P620. Epub 2010 Dec 21.

Abstract

The CURRENT OASIS 7 (The Clopidogrel and Aspirin Optimal Dose Usage to Reduce Recurrent Events-Seventh Organization to Assess Strategies in Ischemic Syndromes) trial recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine and a subgroup of this trial published in The Lancet evaluated alternative dosing strategies for clopidogrel and aspirin in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. Critiques of these clinical trial data have been previously published and debated, but this study brings to light another area of scientific discussion. Using this trial as an example, this commentary emphasizes several key aspects of the clinical trial data presentation and publication process that need to improve and reminds clinicians of the many limitations to subgroup analyses.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Information Dissemination
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Publishing

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors