Regional differences in the characteristics and treatment of patients participating in an international heart failure trial
Key result
Geographic region was associated with significant variations in medication use and patient characteristics among 3,164 heart failure patients, including higher revascularization in North America.
Why the study?
Are there regional differences in patient characteristics and medication use among patients with chronic heart failure participating in an international trial?
Population
3164 patients with New York Heart Association class II, III, or IV chronic heart failure enrolled in the…
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
Regional variations warrant caution generalizing international HF trial results; leaves open effects on outcomes.
Study Design
Type
RCT (n=3,164)
Randomization
randomized
Multicenter
Yes
Structured PICO
Are there regional differences in patient characteristics and medication use among patients with chronic heart failure participating in an international trial?
P
Population
3,164 patients with NYHA class II, III, or IV chronic heart failure enrolled across 291 centers in 19 countries.
O
Outcome
Regional differences in patient demographics, etiology of heart failure, accompanying conditions, prior revascularization procedures, and medication use
Significant regional variations exist in patient characteristics and medication use in heart failure, highlighting the need to consider geographic differences when interpreting international clinical trials.
Cite This Study
Massie et al. (1998) conducted an RCT in chronic heart failure (n=3,164). High-dose lisinopril vs. Low-dose lisinopril was evaluated on regional differences in patient characteristics and medication use. Geographic region was associated with significant variations in medication use and patient characteristics among 3,164 heart failure patients, including higher revascularization in North America.