News Tips for Monday, Nov. 10
>From the American Heart Association's 70th Scientific Sessions Nov. 9-12, 1997, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
1:30-5 p.m. -- #1287 -- An excess of clotting fibrin was linked to higher risk of thrombosis and a stroke. Fibrin is a white protein in the blood that forms the intricate web that builds a clot. In a study involving 71 patients, those with high levels of fibrin had higher risk of thrombosis compared patients with normal fibrinogen level. Researchers suggest that the fibrin interacts with cells of the plaque, causing them to inflame or rupture, sending clotted blood coursing through the arteries, which can trigger a stroke. Alessandro Mauriello, Il University tor Vergata, Rome: 39-6-725-94230 and Giuseppe Sangiorgi, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic: 507-255-5891.
2:45 p.m. -- #1059 -- Older men and women who don't have spouses or life partners are especially vulnerable to health problems after heart attacks and should get earlier follow-up and more in-home assistance, a Boston survey confirms. Sixty-nine male and female patients, average age 76, were studied. Researchers used various indices to calculate individual scores for such factors as overall vitality, physical functioning, heart health and quality of life. Results showed "very low" scores for both unpartnered women and men three weeks after hospital discharge. Nurses telephoning patients found more health problems in this group of elders who had little social support or resources. Sally H. Rankin, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass.: 617-552-0867.
2:45 p.m. -- #1139 -- A new clot-busting medicine called TNK-tissue plasminogen activator (TNK-TPA) is a longer-lasting, possibly more effective form of the popular drug for breaking up artery blockages. In a trial involving 886 patients, various dosages were tested and researchers found that a single 40-milligram dose of TNK-TPA achieved improved blood flow through a diseased artery after 90 minutes. This is comparable to that obtained by conventional TPA treatment involving one dose. Christopher P. Cannon, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston: 617-278-0146.
3:15-5 p.m. -- #1382 (poster) -- Electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) has been touted for its ability to detect early calcification in coronary arteries, a harbinger of problems ahead. Just how accurate is it? More than 1,000 men and nearly 400 women responded to researchers' follow-up question screening. Higher coronary artery calcium "scores" meant greater likelihood of a heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty or death from heart disease. The majority of those who experienced such occurrences were males who had calcium scores in the highest 80 percent of those tested. Julie A. Hoff, University of Illinois, Chicago: 312-996-6730. See #1510 (poster, 3:15-5 p.m. Tuesday) for report by California researchers who compared EBCT with two other diagnostic tests: exercise treadmill-plus-electrocardiogram and imaging with a substance called technetium. All patients later had angiography, the standard diagnostic technique involving dye injection and X-rays. EBCT diagnose! d obstructive artery disease with 80 percent accuracy, vs. 77 percent for technetium and 66 percent for treadmill-ECG. David M. Shavelle, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, Calif.: 310-222-2515. ###
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