Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With Left Main Disease With and Without Diabetes: Findings From a Pooled Analysis of 4 Randomized Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes may be associated with differential outcomes in patients undergoing left main coronary revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes in patients with left main disease with and without diabetes randomized to PCI versus CABG. METHODS: Individual patient data were pooled from 4 trials (SYNTAX [Synergy Between PCI With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery], PRECOMBAT [Premier of Randomized Comparison of Bypass Surgery Versus Angioplasty Using Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients With Left Main Coronary Artery Disease], NOBLE [Nordic-Baltic-British Left Main Revascularisation Study], and EXCEL [Evaluation of XIENCE Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization]) that randomized patients with left main disease to PCI or CABG. Patients were considered suitable for either approach. Patients were categorized by diabetes status. Kaplan-Meier event rates, Cox model hazard ratios, and interactions were assessed. RESULTS: Among 4393 patients, 1104 (25.1%) had diabetes. Patients with diabetes experienced higher rates of 5-year death (158/1104 [Kaplan-Meier rate, 14.7%] versus 297/3289 [9.3%]; P<0.001), spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI; 67/1104 [6.7%] versus 114/3289 [3.7%]; P<0.001), and repeat revascularization (189/1104 [18.5%] versus 410/3289 [13.2%]; P<0.001). Rates of all-cause mortality did not differ after PCI versus CABG in those with (84/563 [15.3%] versus 74/541 [14.1%]; hazard ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.82-1.52]) or without (155/1634 [9.7%] versus 142/1655 [8.9%]; hazard ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.86-1.36; PintHR=0.87) diabetes. Rates of stroke within 1 year were lower with PCI versus CABG in the entire population, with no heterogeneity based on diabetes status (PintHR=0.51). The 5-year rates of spontaneous MI and repeat coronary revascularization were higher after PCI regardless of diabetes status (spontaneous MI: 45/563 [8.9%] versus 22/541 [4.4%] in diabetes and 82/1634 [5.3%] versus 32/1655 [2.1%] in no diabetes, PintHR=0.47; repeat revascularization: 127/563 [24.5%] versus 62/541 [12.4%] in diabetes and 254/1634 [16.3%] versus 156/1655 [10.1%] in no diabetes, PintHR=0.18). For spontaneous MI and repeat revascularization, there were greater absolute risk differences beyond 1 year in patients with diabetes (4.9% and 9.9%) compared with those without (2.1% and 4.3%; PintARD=0.047 and 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with left main disease considered equally suitable for PCI or CABG and with largely low to intermediate SYNTAX scores, diabetes was associated with higher rates of death and cardiovascular events through 5 years. Compared with CABG, PCI resulted in no difference in the risk of death and a lower risk of early stroke regardless of diabetes status, and a higher risk of spontaneous MI and repeat coronary revascularization, with larger late absolute excess risks in patients with diabetes. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifiers: NCT01205776, NCT0146651, NCT00422968, and NCT00114972.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention vs Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery for Left Main Disease in Patients With and Without Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Pooled Analysis of 4 Randomized Clinical Trials.

Importance: Patients with left main coronary artery disease presenting with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) represent a high-risk and understudied subgroup of patients with atherosclerosis. Objective: To assess clinical outcomes after PCI vs CABG in patients with left main disease with vs without ACS. Design, Setting, and Participants: Data were pooled from 4 trials comparing PCI with drug-eluting stents vs CABG in patients with left main disease who were considered equally suitable candidates for either strategy (SYNTAX, PRECOMBAT, NOBLE, and EXCEL). Patients were categorized as presenting with or without ACS. Kaplan-Meier event rates through 5 years and Cox model hazard ratios were generated, and interactions were tested. Patients were enrolled in the individual trials from 2004 through 2015. Individual patient data from the trials were pooled and reconciled from 2020 to 2021, and the analyses pertaining to the ACS subgroup were performed from March 2022 through February 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was death through 5 years. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular death, spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI), procedural MI, stroke, and repeat revascularization. Results: Among 4394 patients (median [IQR] age, 66 [59-73] years; 3371 [76.7%] male and 1022 [23.3%] female) randomized to receive PCI or CABG, 1466 (33%) had ACS. Patients with ACS were more likely to have diabetes, prior MI, left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50%, and higher SYNTAX scores. At 30 days, patients with ACS had higher all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 3.40; 95% CI, 1.81-6.37; P < .001) and cardiovascular death (HR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.69-6.08; P < .001) compared with those without ACS. Patients with ACS also had higher rates of spontaneous MI (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.25-2.31; P < .001) through 5 years. The rates of all-cause mortality through 5 years with PCI vs CABG were 10.9% vs 11.5% (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.68-1.27) in patients with ACS and 11.3% vs 9.6% (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.95-1.50) in patients without ACS (P = .22 for interaction). The risk of early stroke was lower with PCI vs CABG (ACS: HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.12-1.25; no ACS: HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-0.75), whereas the 5-year risks of spontaneous MI and repeat revascularization were higher with PCI vs CABG (spontaneous MI: ACS: HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.09-2.77; no ACS: HR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.94-4.72; repeat revascularization: ACS: HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.19-2.09; no ACS: HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.54-2.33), regardless of ACS status. Conclusion and Relevance: Among largely stable patients undergoing left main revascularization and with predominantly low to intermediate coronary anatomical complexity, those with ACS had higher rates of early death. Nonetheless, rates of all-cause mortality through 5 years were similar with PCI vs CABG in this high-risk subgroup. The relative advantages and disadvantages of PCI vs CABG in terms of early stroke and long-term spontaneous MI and repeat revascularization were consistent regardless of ACS status. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT00114972, NCT00422968, NCT01496651, NCT01205776.

Association Between Achieved Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels and Long-Term Cardiovascular and Safety Outcomes: An Analysis of FOURIER-OLE.

BACKGROUND: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a well-established risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, the optimal achieved LDL-C level with regard to efficacy and safety in the long term remains unknown. METHODS: In FOURIER (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research With PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Elevated Risk), 27 564 patients with stable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were randomized to evolocumab versus placebo, with a median follow-up of 2.2 years. In the open-label extension (FOURIER-OLE), 6635 of these patients were transitioned to open-label evolocumab regardless of initial treatment allocation in the parent trial and were followed for an additional median of 5 years. In this prespecified analysis, we examined the relationship between achieved LDL-C levels (an average of the first 2 LDL-C levels measured) in FOURIER-OLE (available in 6559 patients) and the incidence of subsequent cardiovascular and safety outcomes. We also performed sensitivity analyses evaluating cardiovascular and safety outcomes in the entire FOURIER and FOURIER-OLE patient population. Multivariable modeling was used to adjust for baseline factors associated with achieved LDL-C levels. RESULTS: In FOURIER-OLE, 1604 (24%), 2627 (40%), 1031 (16%), 486 (7%), and 811 (12%) patients achieved LDL-C levels of <20, 20 to <40, 40 to <55, 55 to <70, and ≥70 mg/dL, respectively. There was a monotonic relationship between lower achieved LDL-C levels-down to very low levels <20 mg/dL-and a lower risk of the primary efficacy end point (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospital admission for unstable angina or coronary revascularization) and the key secondary efficacy end point (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) that persisted after multivariable adjustment (adjusted Ptrend<0.0001 for each end points). No statistically significant associations existed in the primary analyses between lower achieved LDL-C levels and increased risk of the safety outcomes (serious adverse events, new or recurrent cancer, cataract-related adverse events, hemorrhagic stroke, new-onset diabetes, neurocognitive adverse events, muscle-related events, or noncardiovascular death). Similar findings were noted in the entire FOURIER and FOURIER-OLE cohort up to a maximum follow-up of 8.6 years. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, long-term achievement of lower LDL-C levels, down to <20 mg/dL (<0.5 mmol/L), was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular outcomes with no significant safety concerns. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT01764633.

Biomarker Prediction of Complex Coronary Revascularization Procedures in the FOURIER Trial.

BACKGROUND: Biomarkers are known to predict major adverse cardiovascular events. However, the association of biomarkers with complex coronary revascularization procedures or high-risk coronary anatomy at the time of revascularization is not understood. OBJECTIVES: We examined the associations between baseline biomarkers and major coronary events (MCE) and complex revascularization procedures. METHODS: FOURIER was a randomized trial of the proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitor evolocumab vs placebo in 27,564 patients with stable atherosclerosis. We analyzed adjusted associations among the biomarkers, MCE (coronary death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization), and complex revascularization (coronary artery bypass graft or complex percutaneous coronary intervention) using a multimarker score with 1 point assigned for each elevated biomarker (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥2 mg/L; N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide ≥450 pg/mL; high-sensitivity troponin I ≥6 ng/L; growth-differentiation factor-15 ≥1,800 pg/mL). RESULTS: When patients were grouped by the number of elevated biomarkers (0 biomarkers, n = 6,444; 1-2 biomarkers, n = 12,439; ≥3 biomarkers, n = 2,761), there was a significant graded association between biomarker score and the risk of MCE (intermediate score: HRadj: 1.57 [95% CI: 1.38-1.78]; high score: HRadj: 2.90 [95% CI: 2.47-3.40]), and for complex revascularization (intermediate: HRadj: 1.33 [95% CI: 1.06-1.67]; high score: HRadj: 2.07 [95% CI: 1.52-2.83]) and its components (Ptrend <0.05 for each). The number of elevated biomarkers also correlated with the presence of left main disease, multivessel disease, or chronic total occlusion at the time of revascularization (P < 0.05 for each). CONCLUSIONS: A biomarker-based strategy identifies stable patients at risk for coronary events, including coronary artery bypass graft surgery and complex percutaneous coronary intervention, and predicts high-risk coronary anatomy at the time of revascularization. These findings provide insight into the relationships between cardiovascular biomarkers, coronary anatomical complexity, and incident clinical events. (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research With PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Elevated Risk [FOURIER]; NCT01764633).

Re-adjudication of the Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin (TECOS) with study-level meta-analysis of hospitalization for heart failure from cardiovascular outcomes trials with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin (TECOS) assessed the cardiovascular (CV) safety of sitagliptin versus placebo on CV outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and CV disease and found sitagliptin noninferior to placebo. Subsequently, based on feedback from FDA, the Sponsor of the trial, Merck & Co., Inc., engaged a separate academic research organization, the TIMI Study Group, to re-adjudicate a prespecified set of originally adjudicated events. METHODS: TIMI adjudicated in a blinded fashion all potential hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) events, all potential MACE+ events previously adjudicated as not an endpoint event, and a random subset (~10%) of MACE+ events previously adjudicated as an endpoint event. An updated study-level meta-analysis of four randomized, placebo-controlled, CV outcomes trials with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors was then performed. RESULTS: After re-adjudication of potential HHF events in the intent-to-treat population, there were 224 patients with a confirmed event in the sitagliptin arm (1.05/100 person-years) and 239 patients in the placebo arm (1.13/100 person-years), corresponding to a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.94 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.78-1.13, p = .49). Concordance between the outcome of the original adjudication and the re-adjudication for HHF events was 82.7%. The meta-analysis of CV outcomes trials with DPP-4 inhibitors with placebo and involving 43 522 patients yielded an HR of 1.07 (95% CI: 0.83-1.39), with moderate heterogeneity (p = .45, I2 = 62.07%). CONCLUSION: The results of this independent re-adjudication process and analyses of CV outcomes from TECOS were consistent with the original adjudication results and overall study findings. An updated study-level meta-analysis showed no overall significant risk for HHF with DPP-4 inhibitors, but with statistical heterogeneity.

Edoxaban versus Warfarin in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation: A comprehensive analysis of high-risk subgroups.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy and safety of edoxaban vs warfarin in high-risk subgroups. METHODS: ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 was a multicenter randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in 21,105 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) within 12 months and CHADS2 score >2 randomized to higher-dose edoxaban regimen (HDER) 60 mg/reduced 30 mg, lower-dose edoxaban regimen (LDER) 30 mg/reduced 15 mg, or warfarin, and followed for 2.8 years (median). The primary outcome for this analysis was the net clinical outcome (NCO), a composite of stroke/systemic embolism events, major bleeding, or death. Multivariable risk-stratification analysis was used to categorize patients by the number of high-risk features. RESULTS: The annualized NCO rates in the warfarin arm were highest in patients with malignancy (19.2%), increased fall risk (14.0%), and very-low body weight (13.5%). The NCO rates increased with the numbers of high-risk factors in the warfarin arm: 4.5%, 7.2%, 9.9% and 14.6% in patients with 0 to 1, 2, 3, and >4 risk factors, respectively (Ptrend <0.001). Versus warfarin, HDER was associated with significant reductions of NCO in most of the subgroups: elderly, patients with moderate renal dysfunction, prior stroke/TIA, of Asian race, very-low body weight, concomitant single antiplatelet therapy, and VKA-naïve. With more high-risk features (0->4+), the absolute risk reductions favoring edoxaban over warfarin increased: 0.3%->2.0% for HDER; 0.4%->3.4% for LDER vs warfarin (P = .065 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: While underuse of anticoagulation in high-risk patients with AF remains common, substitution of effective and safer alternatives to warfarin, such as edoxaban, represents an opportunity to improve clinical outcomes.

Percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents versus coronary artery bypass grafting in left main coronary artery disease: an individual patient data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal revascularisation strategy for patients with left main coronary artery disease is uncertain. We therefore aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes for patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: In this individual patient data meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane database using the search terms "left main", "percutaneous coronary intervention" or "stent", and "coronary artery bypass graft*" to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between database inception and Aug 31, 2021, comparing PCI with drug-eluting stents with CABG in patients with left main coronary artery disease that had at least 5 years of patient follow-up for all-cause mortality. Two authors (MSS and BAB) identified studies meeting the criteria. The primary endpoint was 5-year all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were cardiovascular death, spontaneous myocardial infarction, procedural myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat revascularisation. We used a one-stage approach; event rates were calculated by use of the Kaplan-Meier method and treatment group comparisons were made by use of a Cox frailty model, with trial as a random effect. In Bayesian analyses, the probabilities of absolute risk differences in the primary endpoint between PCI and CABG being more than 0·0%, and at least 1·0%, 2·5%, or 5·0%, were calculated. FINDINGS: Our literature search yielded 1599 results, of which four RCTs-SYNTAX, PRECOMBAT, NOBLE, and EXCEL-meeting our inclusion criteria were included in our meta-analysis. 4394 patients, with a median SYNTAX score of 25·0 (IQR 18·0-31·0), were randomly assigned to PCI (n=2197) or CABG (n=2197). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of 5-year all-cause death was 11·2% (95% CI 9·9-12·6) with PCI and 10·2% (9·0-11·6) with CABG (hazard ratio 1·10, 95% CI 0·91-1·32; p=0·33), resulting in a non-statistically significant absolute risk difference of 0·9% (95% CI -0·9 to 2·8). In Bayesian analyses, there was an 85·7% probability that death at 5 years was greater with PCI than with CABG; this difference was more likely than not less than 1·0% (<0·2% per year). The numerical difference in mortality was comprised more of non-cardiovascular than cardiovascular death. Spontaneous myocardial infarction (6·2%, 95% CI 5·2-7·3 vs 2·6%, 2·0-3·4; hazard ratio [HR] 2·35, 95% CI 1·71-3·23; p<0·0001) and repeat revascularisation (18·3%, 16·7-20·0 vs 10·7%, 9·4-12·1; HR 1·78, 1·51-2·10; p<0·0001) were more common with PCI than with CABG. Differences in procedural myocardial infarction between strategies depended on the definition used. Overall, there was no difference in the risk of stroke between PCI (2·7%, 2·0-3·5) and CABG (3·1%, 2·4-3·9; HR 0·84, 0·59-1·21; p=0·36), but the risk was lower with PCI in the first year after randomisation (HR 0·37, 0·19-0·69). INTERPRETATION: Among patients with left main coronary artery disease and, largely, low or intermediate coronary anatomical complexity, there was no statistically significant difference in 5-year all-cause death between PCI and CABG, although a Bayesian approach suggested a difference probably exists (more likely than not <0·2% per year) favouring CABG. There were trade-offs in terms of the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularisation. A heart team approach to communicate expected outcome differences might be useful to assist patients in reaching a treatment decision. FUNDING: No external funding.

Effect of Evolocumab on Complex Coronary Disease Requiring Revascularization.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the ability of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor evolocumab to reduce the risk of complex coronary atherosclerosis requiring revascularization. BACKGROUND: PCSK9 inhibitors induce plaque regression and reduce the risk of coronary revascularization overall. METHODS: FOURIER (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects with Elevated Risk) was a randomized trial of the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab versus placebo in 27,564 patients with stable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on statin therapy followed for a median of 2.2 years. Clinical documentation of revascularization events was blindly reviewed to assess coronary anatomy and procedural characteristics. Complex revascularization was the composite of complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (as per previous analyses, ≥1 of: multivessel PCI, ≥3 stents, ≥3 lesions treated, bifurcation PCI, or total stent length >60 mm) or coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). RESULTS: In this study, 1,724 patients underwent coronary revascularization, including 1,482 who underwent PCI, 296 who underwent CABG, and 54 who underwent both. Complex revascularization was performed in 632 (37%) patients. Evolocumab reduced the risk of any coronary revascularization by 22% (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.86; p < 0.001), simple PCI by 22% (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.70 to 0.88; p < 0.001), complex PCI by 33% (HR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.84; p < 0.001), CABG by 24% (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.96; p = 0.019), and complex revascularization by 29% (HR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.84; p < 0.001). The magnitude of the risk reduction with evolocumab in complex revascularization tended to increase over time (20%, 36%, and 41% risk reductions in the first, second, and beyond second years). CONCLUSIONS: Adding evolocumab to statin therapy significantly reduced the risk of developing complex coronary disease requiring revascularization, including complex PCI and CABG individually. (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects with Elevated Risk (FOURIER); NCT01764633.).

The Safety and Efficacy of Aspirin Discontinuation on a Background of a P2Y12 Inhibitor in Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor has been shown to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared with aspirin alone after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or acute coronary syndrome but with increased risk of bleeding. The safety of discontinuing aspirin in favor of P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy remains disputed. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted from randomized trials (2001-2020) that studied discontinuation of aspirin 1 to 3 months after PCI with continued P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy compared with traditional dual antiplatelet therapy. Five trials were included; follow-up duration ranged from 12 to 15 months after PCI. Primary bleeding and MACE outcomes were the prespecified definitions in each trial. RESULTS: The study population included 32 145 patients: 14 095 (43.8%) with stable coronary artery disease and 18 046 (56.1%) with acute coronary syndrome. In the experimental arm, background use of a P2Y12 inhibitor included clopidogrel in 2649 (16.5%) and prasugrel or ticagrelor in 13 408 (83.5%) patients. In total, 820 patients experienced a primary bleeding outcome and 937 experienced MACE. Discontinuation of aspirin therapy 1 to 3 months after PCI significantly reduced the risk of major bleeding by 40% compared with dual antiplatelet therapy (1.97% versus 3.13%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.60 [95% CI, 0.45-0.79]), with no increase observed in the risk of MACE (2.73% versus 3.11%; HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.77-1.02]), myocardial infarction (1.08% versus 1.27%; HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.69-1.06]), or death (1.25% versus 1.47%; HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.70-1.03]). Findings were consistent among patients who underwent PCI for an acute coronary syndrome, in whom discontinuation of aspirin after 1 to 3 months reduced bleeding by 50% (1.78% versus 3.58%; HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.41-0.61]) and did not appear to increase the risk of MACE (2.51% versus 2.98%; HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.70-1.03]). CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuation of aspirin with continued P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy reduces risk of bleeding when stopped 1 to 3 months after PCI. An increased risk of MACE was not observed after discontinuation of aspirin, including in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Safety of dapagliflozin in a broad population of patients with type 2 diabetes: Analyses from the DECLARE-TIMI 58 study.

AIMS: To evaluate comprehensively the safety of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), with emphasis placed on potential safety concerns related to the sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor class. METHODS: In the Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events - Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58 (DECLARE-TIMI 58) study, 17 160 patients with T2DM were randomized to dapagliflozin or placebo and followed for a median of 4.2 years. Safety was evaluated in 17 143 patients receiving at least one dose of study drug. RESULTS: Acute kidney injury occurred less frequently with dapagliflozin, and adverse events suggestive of volume depletion were balanced between treatment groups, both irrespective of baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, diuretic or loop diuretic use (interaction P values >0.05). Fractures and malignancies were balanced between the groups, irrespective of sex, diabetes duration or smoking (interaction P values >0.05) and fewer cases of bladder cancer occurred in the dapagliflozin versus the placebo group. Diabetic ketoacidosis was very rare, but more frequent with dapagliflozin versus placebo (27 vs. 12 patients with events; P = 0.02), yet signs, symptoms and contributing factors were similar in the two groups. Major hypoglycaemia occurred less frequently with dapagliflozin versus placebo, regardless of baseline use of either insulin or sulphonylureas (interaction P values >0.05). There were more adverse events of genital infections leading to discontinuation of study drug in the dapagliflozin versus the placebo group, but serious genital infections were few and balanced between treatment groups. Urinary tract infections, acute pyelonephritis and urosepsis were also balanced between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dapagliflozin was well tolerated. The long duration and large number of patient-years in DECLARE-TIMI 58 comprehensively addressed previous safety questions, confirming the robust safety profile of dapagliflozin.

An Exploratory Analysis of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibition and Aortic Stenosis in the FOURIER Trial.

Importance: Despite recent advances in treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis (AS), AS remains a life-threatening condition with no proven disease-modifying therapy. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) have been implicated in the pathobiology of AS. The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor evolocumab reduces circulating LDL-C concentrations by 50% to 60% and Lp(a) by 20% to 30%. Objective: To determine whether evolocumab reduces the risk of AS events in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Interventions: Patients were randomized 1:1 to evolocumab or placebo. Design, Setting, and Participants: Exploratory analysis of the FOURIER trial, which enrolled 27 564 patients with stable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who were taking statin therapy at 1242 sites in 49 countries from February 2013 to November 2016. Patients were randomized to evolocumab or placebo and followed up for a median (interquartile range) of 2.2 (1.8-2.5) years. This post hoc analysis was performed from September 2019 to February 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures: Site-reported adverse events of new or worsening AS or aortic valve replacement (termed AS events). The adjusted risk of AS events was calculated with a multivariable model including concentrations of Lp(a) and LDL-C corrected for Lp(a) content, plus age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, current smoking, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Evolocumab efficacy was tested using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Aortic stenosis events occurred in 63 patients (48 men [76%]; mean [SD] age, 69 [9] years) over a median of 2.2 years. Elevated Lp(a) concentration was associated with higher rates of AS events (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.55 [95% CI, 1.17-2.05] per SD; P = .002), including aortic valve replacement (aHR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.38-3.58] per SD; P = .001), after multivariable adjustment. The corrected LDL-C concentration was not significantly associated with AS events (aHR, 1.23 [95% CI, 0.93-1.61] per SD; P = .14). The overall HR for AS events with evolocumab was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.40-1.09), with no apparent association in the first year (HR, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.48-2.47]) but an HR of 0.48 (95% CI, 0.25-0.93) after the first year of treatment. Conclusions and Relevance: In this exploratory analysis of the FOURIER trial, higher Lp(a) levels, but not Lp(a)-corrected LDL-C levels, were associated with a higher risk of subsequent AS events, including aortic valve replacement. Long-term therapy with evolocumab may reduce AS events, and this raises the possibility that specific pharmacologic lipid-lowering therapy could offer a means to prevent or slow the progression of AS. These exploratory findings merit further investigation with a dedicated randomized clinical trial. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01764633.

Effect of vorapaxar on cardiovascular and limb outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease with and without coronary artery disease: Analysis from the TRA 2°P-TIMI 50 trial.

Intensive antithrombotic therapy reduces major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Recent studies have suggested heterogeneity in risk and benefit in those with and without concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral revascularization. We evaluated the risk of MACE and MALE in patients with PAD stratified by history of concomitant CAD and prior peripheral revascularization and whether the efficacy and safety of vorapaxar were similar in these subgroups. The TRA 2°P-TIMI 50 trial randomized 26,449 patients with prior MI, ischemic stroke, or PAD to vorapaxar or placebo. This analysis examined the effect of vorapaxar in a broad population of 6136 patients with PAD. Overall, vorapaxar significantly reduced MACE (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73, 0.99; p = 0.034) and MALE (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53, 0.92; p = 0.011) in patients with PAD. The absolute risk reduction (ARR) for MACE was greater in patients with PAD and CAD versus those with PAD alone (-2.2% vs 0.1%: number needed to treat (NNT) 45 vs 1000). Conversely, the ARR for MALE was higher in those with prior lower extremity revascularization (2.5% vs 0.2%: NNT 40 vs 500). Vorapaxar increased major bleeding (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.12, 1.71; p = 0.003). The net clinical outcome in all patients with PAD was reduced with vorapaxar (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72, 0.94; p = 0.004), with benefits driven by reductions in MACE for those with CAD and by reductions in MALE for those with prior peripheral revascularization. Among patients with PAD, vorapaxar resulted in a net clinical benefit; however, the drivers of benefit were heterogeneous, with greater reductions in MACE in those with concomitant CAD and greater reductions in MALE in those with prior lower extremity revascularization, and unclear benefit in patients with neither. These clinical characteristics may be useful in identifying the subgroups of patients with PAD most likely to benefit from potent antithrombotic therapies. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00526474.

Efficacy and Safety of Dapagliflozin in the Elderly: Analysis From the DECLARE-TIMI 58 Study.

OBJECTIVE: Data regarding the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in the elderly (age ≥65 years) and very elderly (age ≥75 years) are limited. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events (DECLARE)-TIMI 58 assessed cardiac and renal outcomes of dapagliflozin versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes. Efficacy and safety outcomes were studied within age subgroups for treatment effect and age-based treatment interaction. RESULTS: Of the 17,160 patients, 9,253 were <65 years of age, 6,811 ≥65 to <75 years, and 1,096 ≥75 years. Dapagliflozin reduced the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure consistently, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.88 (95% CI 0.72, 1.07), 0.77 (0.63, 0.94), and 0.94 (0.65, 1.36) in age-groups <65, ≥65 to <75, and ≥75 years, respectively (interaction P value 0.5277). Overall, dapagliflozin did not significantly decrease the rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, with HR 0.93 (95% CI 0.81, 1.08), 0.97 (0.83, 1.13), and 0.84 (0.61, 1.15) in age-groups <65, ≥65 to <75, and ≥75 years, respectively (interaction P value 0.7352). The relative risk reduction for the secondary prespecified cardiorenal composite outcome ranged from 18% to 28% in the different age-groups with no heterogeneity. Major hypoglycemia was less frequent with dapagliflozin versus placebo, with HR 0.97 (95% CI 0.58, 1.64), 0.50 (0.29, 0.84), and 0.68 (0.29, 1.57) in age-groups <65, ≥65 to <75, and ≥75 years, respectively (interaction P value 0.2107). Safety outcomes, including fractures, volume depletion, cancer, urinary tract infections, and amputations were balanced with dapagliflozin versus placebo, and acute kidney injury was reduced, all regardless of age. Genital infections that were serious or led to discontinuation of the study drug and diabetic ketoacidosis were uncommon, yet more frequent with dapagliflozin versus placebo, without heterogeneity (interaction P values 0.1058 and 0.8433, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The overall efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin are consistent regardless of age.

Edoxaban and implantable cardiac device interventions: insights from the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial.

AIMS: Pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, and cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantations and generator changes are frequently performed in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants. In an exploratory analysis, we investigated the outcome of patients undergoing such device procedures in the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: During the trial, 1217 device procedures were performed in 1145 patients, with intervention dates available for 1203 procedures. Two hundred and twenty-five procedures (in 212 patients) were performed >30 days after study drug was stopped and are not included in the event analysis. For most interventions (n = 728, 74%), study drug was interrupted >3 days (median for the entire cohort: 5 days, interquartile range 0-11 days); 250 interventions were performed with ≤3 days study drug interruption. During the first 30 days after the procedure, six strokes/systemic embolic events (SEEs) (three each in the lower-dose edoxaban and warfarin arm) and one major bleeding event (in the lower-dose edoxaban arm) occurred; no stroke/SEEs or major bleeds occurred around the 295 device procedures in the higher-dose edoxaban arm. Two ischaemic and one major bleeding event occurred after the 288 device procedures performed with ≤3 days periprocedural interruption of study drug. CONCLUSION: In this first experience of patients undergoing device surgery with edoxaban, a low risk of ischaemic and bleeding events was observed during the first 30 days post-procedure. Our data are in line with current recommendations of no or only brief interruption of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants prior to cardiac device surgery.

Efficacy and Safety of Edoxaban in Patients With Active Malignancy and Atrial Fibrillation: Analysis of the ENGAGE AF - TIMI 48 Trial.

Background Anticoagulation in patients with malignancy and atrial fibrillation is challenging because of enhanced risks for thrombosis and bleeding and the frequent need for invasive procedures. Data on direct oral antagonists in such patients are sparse. Methods and Results The ENGAGE AF - TIMI 48 (Effective Anticoagulation With Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Study 48) trial randomized 21 105 patients with atrial fibrillation to edoxaban or warfarin. Patients with malignancy, defined as a postrandomization new diagnosis or recurrence of remote cancer, were followed up over a median of 2.8 years. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of edoxaban versus warfarin. Over a median of 495 days (interquartile range, 230-771 days), 1153 patients (5.5%) were diagnosed with new or recurrent malignancy, most commonly involving the gastrointestinal tract (20.6%), prostate (13.6%), and lung (11.1%). Malignancy was associated with increased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.78-3.50) and major bleeding (adjusted HR, 2.45; 95% CI, 2.07-2.89), but not stroke/systemic embolism (adjusted HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.83-1.42). Relative outcomes with higher-dose edoxaban versus warfarin were consistent regardless of malignancy status for stroke/systemic embolism ( HR , 0.60 [95% CI, 0.31-1.15] for malignancy versus HR , 0.89 [95% CI, 0.76-1.05] for no malignancy; interaction P=0.25) and major bleeding ( HR , 0.98 [95% CI, 0.69-1.40] for malignancy versus HR , 0.79 [95% CI, 0.69-1.05] for no malignancy; interaction P=0.31). There was, however, a significant treatment interaction for the composite ischemic end point (ischemic stroke/systemic embolism/myocardial infarction), with greater efficacy of higher-dose edoxaban versus warfarin in patients with malignancy ( HR , 0.54; 95% CI, 0.31-0.93) compared with no malignancy ( HR , 1.02; 95% CI, 0.88-1.18; interaction P=0.026). Conclusions In patients with atrial fibrillation who develop malignancy, the efficacy and safety profile of edoxaban relative to warfarin is preserved, and it may represent a more practical alternative.

Cystatin C for Risk Stratification in Patients After an Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Background Cystatin C (Cys-C) is a marker of renal function that has shown prognostic value for cardiovascular risk stratification across different patient populations. The incremental value of Cys-C beyond established cardiac and renal biomarkers remains incompletely explored. Methods and Results SOLID - TIMI 52 (Stabilization of Plaques Using Darapladib-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 52; www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT01000727) randomized patients ≤30 days post-acute coronary syndrome were treated with darapladib or placebo. The association between Cys-C and long-term risk (median follow-up 2.5 years) was assessed in 4965 individuals with adjustments made for clinical variables and other risk markers (eg, estimated glomerular filtration rate, high-sensitivity troponin I, brain-type natriuretic peptide, and fibroblast growth factor-23). The prespecified outcome of interest was cardiovascular death (CVD) or heart failure hospitalization. Cys-C was strongly correlated with creatinine ( r=0.60) and estimated glomerular filtration rate ( r=-0.68), moderately correlated with fibroblast growth factor-23 ( r=0.39), and weakly correlated with brain-type natriuretic peptide ( r=0.28) and high-sensitivity troponin I ( r=0.06) (all P<0.0001). After multivariate adjustment, increasing concentration of Cys-C (per SD of log-transformed Cys-C) was significantly associated with a 28% higher hazard of CVD or heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio [ HR ] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [ CI ] 1.12-1.46, P<0.001), including CVD ( HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.47, P=0.01) and heart failure hospitalization ( HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.19-1.69, P<0.001). Cys-C was also associated with a higher hazard of CVD, myocardial infarction, or stroke ( HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.28, P<0.01), including myocardial infarction ( HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02-1.33, P=0.02). The addition of Cys-C to a fully adjusted model without estimated glomerular filtration rate improved the C-statistic from 0.80 to 0.81 ( P=0.03) for CVD or heart failure hospitalization. In contrast, the addition of estimated glomerular filtration rate to a fully adjusted model without Cys-C failed to improve model discrimination ( P=0.17). Conclusions Cys-C is associated with the risk of adverse outcomes in patients after acute coronary syndrome. This relationship is independent of established and novel biomarkers of the cardiorenal axis.

Efficacy and Safety of Further Lowering of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Patients Starting With Very Low Levels: A Meta-analysis.

Importance: In the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists Collaboration (CTTC), in patients starting with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of approximately 3.4 mmol/L (131.5 mg/dL), there was a 22% reduction in major vascular events per 1-mmol/L (38.7-mg/dL) lowering of LDL-C. The magnitude of clinical benefit of further LDL-C lowering in patients already with very low LDL-C levels remains debated. Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of further lowering LDL-C levels in patient populations presenting with median LDL-C levels of 1.8 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) or less. Data Sources and Study Selection: The CTTC was used for statin data. For nonstatin therapy, Medline database was searched (2015-April 2018). Key inclusion criteria were a randomized, double-blind, controlled cardiovascular outcome trial of LDL-C lowering with data in populations starting with LDL-C levels averaging 1.8 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) or less. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Two authors independently extracted data into standardized data sheets, and data were analyzed using meta-analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures: The risk ratio (RR) of major vascular events (a composite of coronary heart death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or coronary revascularization) per 1-mmol/L (38.7-mg/dL) reduction in LDL-C level. Results: In the subgroup of patients from the CTTC meta-analysis of statins with a mean LDL-C in the control arm of 1.7 mmol/L (65.7 mg/dL), 1922 major vascular events occurred and the RR for major vascular events per 1-mmol/L (38.7-mg/dL) reduction in LDL-C was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65-0.94). For 3 trials of nonstatin LDL-C-lowering therapies added to statins, there were 50 627 patients, the median LDL-C in the control arms ranged from 1.6 mmol/L to 1.8 mmol/L (63 mg/dL to 70 mg/dL), and 9570 major vascular events occurred. Nonstatin therapy lowered LDL-C by 0.3 to 1.2 mmol/L (11 mg/dL to 45 mg/dL), and the RR for major vascular events per 1-mmol/L (38.7-mg/dL) reduction in LDL-C was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70-0.88). For statins and nonstatins combined, the RR was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.71-0.87; P < .001). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering was not associated with an increased risk of serious adverse events, myalgias and/or myositis, elevation in the level of aminotransferases, new-onset diabetes, hemorrhagic stroke, or cancer. Conclusions and Relevance: There is a consistent relative risk reduction in major vascular events per change in LDL-C in patient populations starting as low as a median of 1.6 mmol/L (63 mg/dL) and achieving levels as low as a median of 0.5 mmol/L (21 mg/dL), with no observed offsetting adverse effects. These data suggest further lowering of LDL-C beyond the lowest current targets would further reduce cardiovascular risk.

Peri-operative Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Taking Warfarin or Edoxaban: Analysis of the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 Trial.

BACKGROUND: Peri-operative management of anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is challenging. To gain information on the peri-operative management of edoxaban, we compared outcomes in patients on warfarin or edoxaban enrolled in ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 who underwent a surgery or invasive procedure. METHODS: Data from patients undergoing their first surgery/procedure were analysed and results compared by anticoagulant (warfarin vs. higher- or lower-dose edoxaban regimen [HDER and LDER, respectively]). Patients were classified by procedural management: anticoagulant interrupted (last dose 4-10 days pre-procedure) or anticoagulant continued (last dose ≤ 3 days pre-procedure). Stroke/systemic embolism (SSE), major bleeding (MB), MB or clinically relevant non-MB (CRNMB) and death were assessed from 7 days pre- until 30 days post-procedure. The chi-square test was used to compare outcomes across treatment groups. RESULTS: A total of 7,193 patients (34%) underwent surgery/procedure: 3,116 had anticoagulant interrupted, 4,077 had anticoagulant continued. Among patients on warfarin, HDER and LDER who had anticoagulant interrupted, rates of SSE were 0.6, 0.5 and 0.9% (p = 0.53), rates of MB were 1.0, 1.2 and 1.1% (p = 0.94) and rates of MB or CRNMB were 3.9, 4.2 and 3.6% (p = 0.78); among patients on warfarin, HDER and LDER who had anticoagulant continued, rates of SSE were 1.1, 0.7 and 0.9% (p = 0.51), rates of MB were 3.6, 2.6 and 2.4% (p = 0.13) and rates of MB or CRNMB were 8.5, 7.9 and 6.6% (p = 0.17). CONCLUSION: In patients requiring surgery/procedure in ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48, peri-operative rates of SSE, MB and death were not significantly different in patients who received edoxaban or warfarin.

Efficacy and Safety of Ticagrelor Over Time in Patients With Prior MI in PEGASUS-TIMI 54.

BACKGROUND: Ticagrelor reduces ischemic risk in patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI). It remains unclear whether ischemic risk and the benefits of prolonged P2Y12 inhibition in this population remain consistent over time. OBJECTIVES: The study sought to investigate the pattern of ischemic risk over time and whether the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor were similar early and late after randomization. METHODS: The PEGASUS-TIMI (Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Prior Heart Attack Using Ticagrelor Compared to Placebo on a Background of Aspirin-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) 54 trial randomized patients with prior MI (median 1.7 years prior) to ticagrelor 90 mg, ticagrelor 60 mg, or placebo on a background of aspirin. The rates of cardiovascular (CV) death, MI, and stroke as well as TIMI major bleeding were analyzed at yearly landmarks (years 1, 2, and 3). RESULTS: A total of 21,162 patients were randomized and followed for 33 months (median), with 28% of patients ≥5 years from MI at trial conclusion. The risk of CV death, MI, or stroke in the placebo arm remained roughly constant over the trial at an ∼3% annualized rate. The benefit of ticagrelor 60 mg was consistent at each subsequent landmark (year 1 hazard ratio [HR]: 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67 to 0.99; year 2 HR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.11; and year 3 HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.00). TIMI major bleeding was increased with ticagrelor 60 mg at each landmark, but with the greatest hazard in the first year (year 1 HR: 3.22; year 2 HR: 2.07; year 3 HR: 1.65). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a history of MI remain at persistent high risk for CVD, MI, and stroke as late as 5 years after MI. The efficacy of low-dose ticagrelor is consistent over time with a trend toward less excess bleeding. (Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Prior Heart Attack Using Ticagrelor Compared to Placebo on a Background of Aspirin [PEGASUS]; NCT01225562).

Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Achieving Very Low Levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol : A Prespecified Analysis of the IMPROVE-IT Trial.

Importance: In the Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial, intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-reducing therapy with ezetimibe/simvastatin compared with simvastatin alone was associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular events in 18 144 patients after acute coronary syndrome. The safety of very low LDL-C levels over the long-term is unknown. Objective: To assess the safety and clinical efficacy of achieving a very low (<30 mg/dL) level of LDL-C at 1 month using data from the Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prespecified analysis compared outcomes in patients stratified by achieved LDL-C level at 1 month in the Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial and adjusted for baseline characteristics during 6 years' median follow-up. Patients were enrolled from October 26, 2005, to July 8, 2010, and the data analysis was conducted from December 2014 to February 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures: Safety end points included adverse events leading to drug discontinuation; adverse muscle, hepatobiliary, and neurocognitive events; and hemorrhagic stroke, heart failure, cancer, and noncardiovascular death. Efficacy events were as specified in the overall trial. Results: Among the 15 281 patients included in the study, 11 645 (76.2%) were men and the median age was 63 years (interquartile range, 56.6-70.7 years). In these patients without an event in the first month, the achieved LDL-C values at 1 month were less than 30 mg/dL, 30 to 49 mg/dL, 50 to 69 mg/dL, and 70 mg/dL or greater in 6.4%, 31%, 36%, and 26% of patients, respectively. Patients with LDL-C values less than 30 mg/dL (median, 25 mg/dL; interquartile range, 21-27 mg/dL) at 1 month were more likely randomized to ezetimibe/simvastatin (85%), had lower baseline LDL-C values, and were more likely older, male, nonwhite, diabetic, overweight, statin naive, and presenting with a first myocardial infarction. After multivariate adjustment, there was no significant association between the achieved LDL-C level and any of the 9 prespecified safety events. The adjusted risk of the primary efficacy composite of cardiovascular death, major coronary events, or stroke was significantly lower in patients achieving an LDL-C level less than 30 mg/dL at 1 month (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69-0.91; P = .001) compared with 70 mg/dL or greater. Conclusions and Relevance: Patients achieving an LDL-C level less than 30 mg/dL at 1 month had a similar safety profile (and numerically the lowest rate of cardiovascular events) over a 6-year period compared with patients achieving higher LDL-C concentrations. These data provide reassurance regarding the longer-term safety and efficacy of the continuation of intensive lipid-lowering therapy in very higher-risk patients resulting in very low LDL-C levels. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00202878.