@article{AdamKircherSbieraetal.2021, author = {Adam, Pia and Kircher, Stefan and Sbiera, Iuliu and Koehler, Viktoria Florentine and Berg, Elke and Kn{\"o}sel, Thomas and Sandner, Benjamin and Fenske, Wiebke Kristin and Bl{\"a}ker, Hendrik and Smaxwil, Constantin and Zielke, Andreas and Sipos, Bence and Allelein, Stephanie and Schott, Matthias and Dierks, Christine and Spitzweg, Christine and Fassnacht, Martin and Kroiss, Matthias}, title = {FGF-Receptors and PD-L1 in Anaplastic and Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Evaluation of the Preclinical Rationale}, series = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, issn = {1664-2392}, doi = {10.3389/fendo.2021.712107}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-244653}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background Treatment options for poorly differentiated (PDTC) and anaplastic (ATC) thyroid carcinoma are unsatisfactory and prognosis is generally poor. Lenvatinib (LEN), a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) 1-4 is approved for advanced radioiodine refractory thyroid carcinoma, but response to single agent is poor in ATC. Recent reports of combining LEN with PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab (PEM) are promising. Materials and Methods Primary ATC (n=93) and PDTC (n=47) tissue samples diagnosed 1997-2019 at five German tertiary care centers were assessed for PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry using Tumor Proportion Score (TPS). FGFR 1-4 mRNA was quantified in 31 ATC and 14 PDTC with RNAscope in-situ hybridization. Normal thyroid tissue (NT) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) served as controls. Disease specific survival (DSS) was the primary outcome variable. Results PD-L1 TPS≥50\% was observed in 42\% of ATC and 26\% of PDTC specimens. Mean PD-L1 expression was significantly higher in ATC (TPS 30\%) than in PDTC (5\%; p<0.01) and NT (0\%, p<0.001). 53\% of PDTC samples had PD-L1 expression ≤5\%. FGFR mRNA expression was generally low in all samples but combined FGFR1-4 expression was significantly higher in PDTC and ATC compared to NT (each p<0.001). No impact of PD-L1 and FGFR 1-4 expression was observed on DSS. Conclusion High tumoral expression of PD-L1 in a large proportion of ATCs and a subgroup of PDTCs provides a rationale for immune checkpoint inhibition. FGFR expression is low thyroid tumor cells. The clinically observed synergism of PEM with LEN may be caused by immune modulation.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Adam2024, author = {Adam, Pia Sophie}, title = {Expression von PD-L1 und FGFR1-4 beim anaplastischen und gering differenzierten Schilddr{\"u}senkarzinom - Evaluation als pr{\"a}klinische diagnostische Marker}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-35939}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-359391}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Background: Treatment options for poorly differentiated (PDTC) and anaplastic (ATC) thyroid carcinoma are unsatisfactory and prognosis is generally poor. Lenvatinib (LEN), a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) 1-4 is approved for advanced radioiodine refractory thyroid carcinoma, but response to single agent is poor in ATC. Recent reports of combining LEN with PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab (PEM) are promising. Materials and methods: Primary ATC (n=93) and PDTC (n=47) tissue samples diagnosed 1997-2019 at five German tertiary care centers were assessed for PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry using Tumor Proportion Score (TPS). FGFR 1-4 mRNA was quantified in 31 ATC and 14 PDTC with RNAscope in-situ hybridization. Normal thyroid tissue (NT) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) served as controls. Disease specific survival (DSS) was the primary outcome variable. Results: PD-L1 TPS≥50\% was observed in 42\% of ATC and 26\% of PDTC specimens. Mean PD-L1 expression was significantly higher in ATC (TPS 30\%) than in PDTC (5\%; p<0.01) and NT (0\%, p<0.001). 53\% of PDTC samples had PD-L1 expression ≤5\%. FGFR mRNA expression was generally low in all samples but combined FGFR1-4 expression was significantly higher in PDTC and ATC compared to NT (each p<0.001). No impact of PD-L1 and FGFR 1-4 expression was observed on DSS. Conclusion: High tumoral expression of PD-L1 in a large proportion of ATCs and a subgroup of PDTCs provides a rationale for immune checkpoint inhibition. FGFR expression is low thyroid tumor cells. The clinically observed synergism of PEM with LEN may be caused by immune modulation.}, subject = {Schilddr{\"u}senkrebs}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Adamek2008, author = {Adamek, Anna Katharina}, title = {Einfluss des Immunsystems und der endothelialen NO-Synthase auf den myokardialen isch{\"a}mischen Schaden}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-35795}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Die Entwicklung von therapeutischen Strategien, die den infarktbedingten Untergang des Myokardgewebes minimieren und die Gewebsheilung nach abgelaufenem Myokardinfarkt unterst{\"u}tzen, geh{\"o}rt zu dem Hauptziel in der modernen Kardiologie. Bis jedoch eine spezifische Intervention als Therapieform anerkannt wird, ist ein detailliertes Entschl{\"u}sseln der zellul{\"a}ren und molekularen Mechanismen w{\"a}hrend und nach der Myokardsch{\"a}digung notwendig. Die vorliegende Arbeit besch{\"a}ftigt sich intensiv mit den Vorg{\"a}ngen der Stickstoffmonoxid- (NO) Produktion und der Inflammation nach Okklusion von Kranzarterien. Im ersten Teil der Dissertation steht die endotheliale NO-Synthase-Expression (eNOS) im Mittelpunkt der Untersuchung. eNOS ist als wichtiger Katalysator an der Biosynthese von Stickstoffmonoxid, das als protektiver Faktor f{\"u}r die Gef{\"a}ßhom{\"o}ostase seit Jahren bekannt ist, beteiligt. Ferner besteht experimentell sehr gute Evidenz daf{\"u}r, dass der endothelialen NO-Synthase am Ausmaß des kardialen Isch{\"a}mie-/ Reperfusionsschadens eine entscheidende Rolle zukommt. Folglich wurde mittels der Substanz AVE 9488 versucht, die eNOS-Expression in M{\"a}usen zu steigern und den Effekt auf das Infarktgeschehen n{\"a}her zu betrachten. Die Behandlung mit AVE 9488 erzielte einen signifikant reduzierten Isch{\"a}mie-/Reperfusionsschaden. Bei anschließenden Isch{\"a}mie-/Reperfusionsveruchen mit eNOS defizienten M{\"a}usen war der protektive Effekt wieder aufgehoben. Der Erfolg dieser Substanz wird in der signifikanten Reduktion des oxidativen Stresses vermutet. Ein zus{\"a}tzlicher wichtiger Parameter, der w{\"a}hrend der Isch{\"a}mie/Reperfusion aktiviert wird, ist der Schl{\"u}ssel-Transkriptionsfaktor Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-kB). Durch seine Bindung an bestimmte Enhancer und Promotoren reguliert der Faktor die Entz{\"u}ndungsprozesse, indem er die Genexpression proinflammatorischer Marker verst{\"a}rkt. Folglich wurden eine Reduktion der Inflammation sowie ein protektiver Effekt nach erfolgter isch{\"a}mischer Sch{\"a}digung durch Hemmung von NF-kB angenommen. Zur Pr{\"u}fung dieser Hypothese wurden NF-kB-Untereinheit p50 defiziente M{\"a}use (p50 KO) einer Okklusion einer Herzkranzarterie unterzogen. Durch die Hemmung der NF-kB-Aktivierung kam es zu einer signifikanten Reduzierung des Infarktareals im Vergleich zu den entsprechenden Wildtyp-M{\"a}usen. Der große Benefit konnte auf die geringere Einwanderung der neutrophilen Granulozyten in das infarzierte Gebiet zur{\"u}ckgef{\"u}hrt werden. Knochenmarktransplantationsversuche mit p50 KO- und Wildtyp-Knochenmark untermauerten die Beobachtung, dass die beeintr{\"a}chtigte Aktivierung von NF-kB in p50 defizienten Leukozyten protektive Effekte in der Isch{\"a}mie/Reperfusion vermittelt. Die Aktivierung der proinflammatorischen Proteine w{\"a}hrend des linksventrikul{\"a}ren Remodelings nach Myokardinfarkt geh{\"o}rt zum Fokus des dritten Teils dieser Arbeit. Dieser Teil besch{\"a}ftigt sich mit der Frage, inwieweit eine hochdosierte Aspirin-Therapie die linksventrikul{\"a}ren Umbauprozesse g{\"u}nstig beeinflussen kann. Daf{\"u}r wurden M{\"a}use f{\"u}r 4 Wochen mit Placebo oder Aspirin (120 mg/kg pro Tag) mittels osmotischer Mini-Pumpen, die 2 Stunden nach Ligatur der Kranzarterie implantiert wurden, behandelt. In beiden Gruppen kam es zur erwarteten linksventrikul{\"a}ren Dilatation nach Myokardinfarkt, jedoch ohne signifikanten Unterschied zwischen Placebo- und Aspirin-behandelten Tieren. Es kam allerdings zu einer erwarteten Reduktion proinflammatorischer Proteine durch die Aspirin-Therapie. So war die Expression von Tumor-Nekrose-Faktor-alpha; (TNF-alpha) und Interleukin-1ß (IL-ß) in der Aspirin-Gruppe signifikant reduziert. Zusammenfassend l{\"a}sst sich sagen, dass durch die gezielte Beeinflussung bestimmter Faktoren in der Isch{\"a}mie/Reperfusion wie z. B. die Verst{\"a}rkung der eNOS-Expression oder die Hemmung der NF-kB-Aktivierung die Isch{\"a}miesch{\"a}digung signifikant reduziert werden kann.}, subject = {Isch{\"a}mie}, language = {de} } @article{AdolfBraunFussetal.2020, author = {Adolf, Christian and Braun, Leah T. and Fuss, Carmina T. and Hahner, Stefanie and K{\"u}nzel, Heike and Handgriff, Laura and Sturm, Lisa and Heinrich, Daniel A. and Schneider, Holger and Bidlingmaier, Martin and Reincke, Martin}, title = {Spironolactone reduces biochemical markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women with primary aldosteronism}, series = {Endocrine}, volume = {69}, journal = {Endocrine}, number = {3}, issn = {1355-008X}, doi = {10.1007/s12020-020-02348-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-315966}, pages = {625-633}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Context Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most frequent form of endocrine hypertension. Besides its deleterious impact on cardiovascular target organ damage, PA is considered to cause osteoporosis. Patients and methods We assessed bone turnover in a subset of 36 postmenopausal women with PA. 18 patients had unilateral PA and were treated by adrenalectomy, whereas 18 patients had bilateral PA and received mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) therapy respectively. 18 age- and BMI-matched females served as controls. To estimate bone remodeling, we measured the bone turnover markers intact procollagen 1 N-terminal propeptide, bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5b in plasma by chemiluminescent immunoassays at time of diagnosis and one year after initiation of treatment. Study design Observational longitudinal cohort study. Setting Tertiary care hospital. Results Compared with controls, patients with PA had mildly elevated osteocalcin at baseline (p = 0.013), while the other bone markers were comparable between both groups. There were no differences between the unilateral and the bilateral PA subgroup. One year after initiation of MRA treatment with spironolactone bone resorption and bone formation markers had significantly decreased in patients with bilateral PA. In contrast, patients adrenalectomized because of unilateral PA showed no significant change of bone turnover markers. Conclusion This study shows that aldosterone excess in postmenopausal women with PA is not associated with a relevant increase of bone turnover markers at baseline. However, we observed a significant decrease of bone markers in patients treated with spironolactone, but not in patients treated by adrenalectomy.}, language = {en} } @article{AghaiZimmermannKurlbaumetal.2021, author = {Aghai, Fatemeh and Zimmermann, Sebastian and Kurlbaum, Max and Jung, Pius and Pelzer, Theo and Klinker, Hartwig and Isberner, Nora and Scherf-Clavel, Oliver}, title = {Development and validation of a sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay for the simultaneous determination of ten kinase inhibitors in human serum and plasma}, series = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry}, volume = {413}, journal = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry}, issn = {1618-2642}, doi = {10.1007/s00216-020-03031-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-231925}, pages = {599-612}, year = {2021}, abstract = {A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of ten kinase inhibitors (afatinib, axitinib, bosutinib,cabozantinib, dabrafenib, lenvatinib, nilotinib, osimertinib, ruxolitinib, and trametinib) in human serum and plasma for theapplication in daily clinical routine has been developed and validated according to the US Food and Drug Administration andEuropean Medicines Agency validation guidelines for bioanalytical methods. After protein precipitation of plasma samples withacetonitrile, chromatographic separation was performed at ambient temperature using a Waters XBridge® Phenyl 3.5μm(2.1×50 mm) column. The mobile phases consisted of water-methanol (9:1, v/v) with 10 mM ammonium bicarbonate as phase A andmethanol-water (9:1, v/v) with 10 mM ammonium bicarbonate as phase B. Gradient elution was applied at a flow rate of 400μL/min. Analytes were detected and quantified using multiple reaction monitoring in electrospray ionization positive mode. Stableisotopically labeled compounds of each kinase inhibitor were used as internal standards. The acquisition time was 7.0 min perrun. All analytes and internal standards eluted within 3.0 min. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 2-500 ng/mLfor afatinib, axitinib, bosutinib, lenvatinib, ruxolitinib, and trametinib, and 6-1500 ng/mL for cabozantinib, dabrafenib, nilotinib,and osimertinib (coefficients of correlation≥0.99). Validation assays for accuracy and precision, matrix effect, recovery,carryover, and stability were appropriate according to regulatory agencies. The rapid and sensitive assay ensures high throughputand was successfully applied to monitor concentrations of kinase inhibitors in patients.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Aicha2020, author = {Aicha, Diaa}, title = {Hypertrophe obstruktive Kardiomyopathie: Vorhersagewert des ESC-Risikoscore f{\"u}r den pl{\"o}tzlichen Herztod bei Patienten nach Alkoholseptumablation}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-19364}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-193649}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Abstrakt Hypertrophe Kardiomyopathie (HCM) ist eine genetisch bedingte Herzmuskelerkrankung mit einer Pr{\"a}valenz von 0,2 bis 0,6\% und einem SCD-Risiko von 0,5 bis 1\% pro Jahr. HCM ist die h{\"a}ufigste Ursache f{\"u}r pl{\"o}tzlichen Herztod in jungem Alter. Seit Jahrzehnten wird bei HCM der optimale Vorhersagescore f{\"u}r SCD untersucht. Der erste validierte SCD-Sore bei HCM wurde im Jahr 2014 in die ESC-Leitlinien integriert. Ziel der Studie: Vergleich des berechneten SCD-Scores bei HCM aus dem Jahr 2014 vor und nach Alkohol- Septum-Ablation (PTSMA) mit dem erreichten Endpunkt (SCD). Methoden: 56 Patienten mit hypertropher obstruktiver Kardiomyopathie (HOCM) und Erst-PTSMA im Jahr 2009 wurden eingeschlossen: Alter 53,9 ± 11,5 Jahre, 7\% positive Familienanamnese f{\"u}r SCD, 9\% ungekl{\"a}rte Synkope im letzten Jahr, 43\% NSVT, maximale LV-Wanddicke 20,2 ± 4,3 mm, maximaler LVOT-Gradient 118 ± 42 mmHg, LA-Durchmesser 45,3 ± 6,4 mm. Ergebnisse: Vor dem ersten PTSMA hatten die HOCM-Patienten einen errechneten SCD-Wert von 4,2 ± 3,2\%, nach PTSMA von 3,2 ± 2,2\%. Wir beobachteten 2 (3,6\%) SCD-F{\"a}lle in 5 Jahren. Die PTSMA f{\"u}hrte zu einer signifikanten Reduktion des errechneten SCD-Scores von 1,0 ± 2,8\%, p <0,05. Diese Reduktion war haupts{\"a}chlich durch die signifikante Reduktion des LVOT-Gradienten (durchschnittlich 54 ± 42 mmHg, p <0,05) zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren. Fazit: PTSMA ist eine etablierte Behandlung zur Verbesserung der Symptome bei HOCM-Patienten ohne Hinweis auf eine h{\"o}here Mortalit{\"a}t nach induziertem Infarkt. Der ESC-SCD-Score ist nur ein Hilfsalgorithmus f{\"u}r die individuelle Entscheidung bez{\"u}glich einer prim{\"a}rprophylaktischen AICD-Implantation.}, subject = {HCM}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Albert2021, author = {Albert, Judith}, title = {Longitudinale Ver{\"a}nderungen der kardialen Funktion und Struktur nach akuter kardialer Dekompensation aufgrund systolischer Herzinsuffizienz: Prognostische Bedeutung, Pr{\"a}diktoren und assoziierte laborchemische und echokardiographische Ver{\"a}nderungen einer Normalisierung der linksventrikul{\"a}ren systolischen Funktion}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23059}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-230592}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Der Krankheitsverlauf der Herzinsuffizienz ist variabel. Typischerweise treten dabei wiederholte Episoden akuter kardialer Dekompensationen auf. Prospektive Untersuchungen zu longitudinalen Ver{\"a}nderungen der linksventrikul{\"a}ren Ejektionsfraktion (LVEF) nach akuter kardialer Dekompensation, sowie assoziierter echokardiographischer, laborchemischer und klinischer Parameter fehlten bisher. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es deshalb, die H{\"a}ufigkeit einer Verbesserung bzw. Normalisierung der LVEF innerhalb von sechs Monaten nach einer Hospitalisierung aufgrund akuter kardialer Dekompensation mit systolischer Herzinsuffizienz (LVEF vor Entlassung aus dem Krankenhaus ≤40\%), sowie begleitende Ver{\"a}nderungen in Biomarkerspiegeln und echokardiographischen Parametern, zu beschreiben, deren prognostische Relevanz zu untersuchen und m{\"o}gliche Pr{\"a}diktoren zu ermitteln. Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit zeigen, dass in den folgenden 6 Monaten nach akuter kardialer Dekompensation variable LVEF-Verl{\"a}ufe zu erwarten sind. Mehr als 50\% der Patienten erleben ein reverses Remodelling und wechseln dadurch die LVEF-basierte Herzinsuffizienz-Kategorie. LVEF-Verbesserungen sind mit komplexen kardialen, extrakardialen und klinischen Ver{\"a}nderungen - im Sinne eines systemischen reversen Remodellings - assoziiert und gehen mit einer verbesserten Langzeitprognose einher. Verschiedene Pr{\"a}diktoren erlauben, nach akuter kardialer Dekompensation den Verlauf bereits bei Krankenhausentlassung abzusch{\"a}tzen und damit personalisierte Behandlungsstrategien f{\"u}r den einzelnen Patienten zu etablieren.}, subject = {Herzinsuffizienz}, language = {de} } @article{AlbertLeziusStoerketal.2021, author = {Albert, Judith and Lezius, Susanne and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Morbach, Caroline and G{\"u}der, G{\"u}lmisal and Frantz, Stefan and Wegscheider, Karl and Ertl, Georg and Angermann, Christiane E.}, title = {Trajectories of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After Acute Decompensation for Systolic Heart Failure: Concomitant Echocardiographic and Systemic Changes, Predictors, and Impact on Clinical Outcomes}, series = {Journal of the American Heart Association}, volume = {10}, journal = {Journal of the American Heart Association}, doi = {10.1161/JAHA.120.017822}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-230210}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Prospective longitudinal follow-up of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) trajectories after acute cardiac decompensation of heart failure is lacking. We investigated changes in LVEF and covariates at 6-months' follow-up in patients with a predischarge LVEF ≤40\%, and determined predictors and prognostic implications of LVEF changes through 18-months' follow-up. Methods and Results Interdisciplinary Network Heart Failure program participants (n=633) were categorized into subgroups based on LVEF at 6-months' follow-up: normalized LVEF (>50\%; heart failure with normalized ejection fraction, n=147); midrange LVEF (41\%-50\%; heart failure with midrange ejection fraction, n=195), or persistently reduced LVEF (≤40\%; heart failure with persistently reduced LVEF , n=291). All received guideline-directed medical therapies. At 6-months' follow-up, compared with patients with heart failure with persistently reduced LVEF, heart failure with normalized LVEF or heart failure with midrange LVEF subgroups showed greater reductions in LV end-diastolic/end-systolic diameters (both P<0.001), and left atrial systolic diameter (P=0.002), more increased septal/posterior end-diastolic wall-thickness (both P<0.001), and significantly greater improvement in diastolic function, biomarkers, symptoms, and health status. Heart failure duration <1 year, female sex, higher predischarge blood pressure, and baseline LVEF were independent predictors of LVEF improvement. Mortality and event-free survival rates were lower in patients with heart failure with normalized LVEF (P=0.002). Overall, LVEF increased further at 18-months' follow-up (P<0.001), while LV end-diastolic diameter decreased (P=0.048). However, LVEF worsened (P=0.002) and LV end-diastolic diameter increased (P=0.047) in patients with heart failure with normalized LVEF hospitalized between 6-months' follow-up and 18-months' follow-up. Conclusions Six-month survivors of acute cardiac decompensation for systolic heart failure showed variable LVEF trajectories, with >50\% showing improvements by ≥1 LVEF category. LVEF changes correlated with various parameters, suggesting multilevel reverse remodeling, were predictable from several baseline characteristics, and were associated with clinical outcomes at 18-months' follow-up. Repeat hospitalizations were associated with attenuation of reverse remodeling."}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Albrecht2024, author = {Albrecht, Jacqueline}, title = {Auswirkungen der Herzinsuffizienz und ihrer Komorbidit{\"a}ten Hypertonie und Diabetes mellitus auf Morphologie und Histologie des Hippocampus am Mausmodell}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-35256}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-352568}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In dieser Arbeit wurden die Auswirkungen der Herzinsuffizienz und ihrer Komorbidit{\"a}ten Hypertonie und Diabetes mellitus auf Morphologie und Histologie des Hippocampus am Mausmodell untersucht.}, subject = {Herzinsuffizienz}, language = {de} } @article{AllignolSchumacherWanneretal.2011, author = {Allignol, Arthur and Schumacher, Martin and Wanner, Christoph and Drechsler, Christiane and Beyersmann, Jan}, title = {Understanding competing risks: a simulation point of view}, series = {BMC Medical Research Methodology}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMC Medical Research Methodology}, number = {86}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2288-11-86}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-142811}, pages = {1-13}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background: Competing risks methodology allows for an event-specific analysis of the single components of composite time-to-event endpoints. A key feature of competing risks is that there are as many hazards as there are competing risks. This is not always well accounted for in the applied literature. Methods: We advocate a simulation point of view for understanding competing risks. The hazards are envisaged as momentary event forces. They jointly determine the event time. Their relative magnitude determines the event type. 'Empirical simulations' using data from a recent study on cardiovascular events in diabetes patients illustrate subsequent interpretation. The method avoids concerns on identifiability and plausibility known from the latent failure time approach. Results: The 'empirical simulations' served as a proof of concept. Additionally manipulating baseline hazards and treatment effects illustrated both scenarios that require greater care for interpretation and how the simulation point of view aids the interpretation. The simulation algorithm applied to real data also provides for a general tool for study planning. Conclusions: There are as many hazards as there are competing risks. All of them should be analysed. This includes estimation of baseline hazards. Study planning must equally account for these aspects.}, language = {en} }