@article{ZinmanInzucchiLachinetal.2014, author = {Zinman, Bernard and Inzucchi, Silvio E. and Lachin, John M. and Wanner, Christoph and Ferrari, Roberto and Fitchett, David and Bluhmki, Erich and Hantel, Stefan and Kempthorne-Rawson, Joan and Newman, Jennifer and Johansen, Odd Erik and Woerle, Hans-Juergen and Broedl, Uli C.}, title = {Rationale, design, and baseline characteristics of a randomized, placebo-controlled cardiovascular outcome trial of empagliflozin (EMPA-REG OUTCOME (TM))}, series = {Cardiovascular Diabetology}, volume = {13}, journal = {Cardiovascular Diabetology}, number = {102}, issn = {1475-2840}, doi = {10.1186/1475-2840-13-102}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-116036}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Evidence concerning the importance of glucose lowering in the prevention of cardiovascular (CV) outcomes remains controversial. Given the multi-faceted pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in diabetes, it is likely that any intervention to mitigate this risk must address CV risk factors beyond glycemia alone. The SGLT-2 inhibitor empagliflozin improves glucose control, body weight and blood pressure when used as monotherapy or add-on to other antihyperglycemic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of the ongoing EMPA-REG OUTCOME (TM) trial is to determine the long-term CV safety of empagliflozin, as well as investigating potential benefits on macro-/microvascular outcomes. Methods: Patients who were drug naive (HbA(1c) >= 7.0\% and <= 9.0\%), or on background glucose-lowering therapy (HbA(1c) >= 7.0\% and <= 10.0\%), and were at high risk of CV events, were randomized (1:1:1) and treated with empagliflozin 10 mg, empagliflozin 25 mg, or placebo (double blind, double dummy) superimposed upon the standard of care. The primary outcome is time to first occurrence of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke. CV events will be prospectively adjudicated by an independent Clinical Events Committee. The trial will continue until >= 691 confirmed primary outcome events have occurred, providing a power of 90\% to yield an upper limit of the adjusted 95\% CI for a hazard ratio of <1.3 with a one-sided a of 0.025, assuming equal risks between placebo and empagliflozin (both doses pooled). Hierarchical testing for superiority will follow for the primary outcome and key secondary outcomes (time to first occurrence of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or hospitalization for unstable angina pectoris) where non-inferiority is achieved. Results: Between Sept 2010 and April 2013, 592 clinical sites randomized and treated 7034 patients (41\% from Europe, 20\% from North America, and 19\% from Asia). At baseline, the mean age was 63 +/- 9 years, BMI 30.6 +/- 5.3 kg/m(2), HbA1c 8.1 +/- 0.8\%, and eGFR 74 +/- 21 ml/min/1.73 m(2). The study is expected to report in 2015. Discussion: EMPA REG OUTCOME (TM) will determine the CV safety of empagliflozin in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes and high CV risk, with the potential to show cardioprotection.}, language = {en} } @article{WagnerKraemerBlohmetal.2014, author = {Wagner, Martin and Kr{\"a}mer, Johannes and Blohm, Elisabeth and Vergho, Dorothee and Weidemann, Frank and Breunig, Frank and Wanner, Christoph}, title = {Kidney function as an underestimated factor for reduced health related quality of life in patients with Fabry disease}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2369-15-188}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-111159}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Impairments of health related quality of life (HRQoL) are frequently observed in Fabry disease (FD) and are known to be related to neuropathic pain and cardiovascular events. This study aimed to explore the role of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a large cohort of patients with FD. Methods: In 96 patients (53\% female; age 40 ± 12 yrs) with genetically proven FD, HRQoL was assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study (SF-36) questionnaire. All patients were na{\"i}ve to enzyme replacement therapy. Three categories for kidney dysfunction were chosen, eGFR ≥/<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or need of renal replacement therapy (RRT). Minor (e.g. arrhythmia, angina pectoris, etc.) and major (e.g. myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass, stroke or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) vascular events as well as pain and pain therapy were considered in linear regression analyses with the dimensions of HRQoL. Results: Ten patients (10\%) had impaired kidney function and a further nine were on RRT (9.4\%). Kidney function and pain emerged as the main factors associated with lower scores on the SF 36, in particular on physical components (PCS beta-coefficients for CKD -6.2, for RRT -11.8, for pain -9.1, p < 0.05, respectively), while controlling for gender, vascular event and pain-therapy. Relationships were found for mental aspects of HRQoL. Age and history of vascular events were not related to HRQoL. Conclusion: Cardiovascular events and pain are important factors related to HRQoL, social functioning and depression. Our study highlights impaired chronic kidney disease, in particular after initiation of RRT, as a strong determinant of reduced HRQoL in FD.}, language = {en} } @article{UeceylerKahnKrameretal.2013, author = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Kahn, Ann-Kathrin and Kramer, Daniela and Zeller, Daniel and Casanova-Molla, Jordi and Wanner, Christoph and Weidemann, Frank and Katsarava, Zaza and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Impaired small fiber conduction in patients with Fabry disease: a neurophysiological case-control study}, series = {BMC Neurology}, journal = {BMC Neurology}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2377-13-47}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-96527}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background Fabry disease is an inborn lysosomal storage disorder which is associated with small fiber neuropathy. We set out to investigate small fiber conduction in Fabry patients using pain-related evoked potentials (PREP). Methods In this case-control study we prospectively studied 76 consecutive Fabry patients for electrical small fiber conduction in correlation with small fiber function and morphology. Data were compared with healthy controls using non-parametric statistical tests. All patients underwent neurological examination and were investigated with pain and depression questionnaires. Small fiber function (quantitative sensory testing, QST), morphology (skin punch biopsy), and electrical conduction (PREP) were assessed and correlated. Patients were stratified for gender and disease severity as reflected by renal function. Results All Fabry patients (31 men, 45 women) had small fiber neuropathy. Men with Fabry disease showed impaired cold (p < 0.01) and warm perception (p < 0.05), while women did not differ from controls. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) was reduced at the lower leg (p < 0.001) and the back (p < 0.05) mainly of men with impaired renal function. When investigating A-delta fiber conduction with PREP, men but not women with Fabry disease had lower amplitudes upon stimulation at face (p < 0.01), hands (p < 0.05), and feet (p < 0.01) compared to controls. PREP amplitudes further decreased with advance in disease severity. PREP amplitudes and warm (p < 0.05) and cold detection thresholds (p < 0.01) at the feet correlated positively in male patients. Conclusion Small fiber conduction is impaired in men with Fabry disease and worsens with advanced disease severity. PREP are well-suited to measure A-delta fiber conduction.}, language = {en} } @article{ReiterRitterPrinceetal.2012, author = {Reiter, Theresa and Ritter, Oliver and Prince, Martin R. and Nordbeck, Peter and Wanner, Christoph and Nagel, Eike and Bauer, Wolfgang R.}, title = {Minimizing Risk of Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-75068}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis is a rare condition appearing only in patients with severe renal impairment or failure and presents with dermal lesions and involvement of internal organs. Although many cases are mild, an estimated 5 \% have a progressive debilitating course. To date, there is no known effective treatment thus stressing the necessity of ample prevention measures. An association with the use of Gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCA) makes Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis a potential side effect of contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and offers the opportunity for prevention by limiting use of gadolinium based contrast agents in renal failure patients. In itself toxic, Gadolinium is embedded into chelates that allow its safe use as a contrast agent. One NSF theory is that Gadolinium chelates distribute into the extracellular fluid compartment and set Gadolinium ions free, depending on multiple factors among which the duration of chelates exposure is directly related to the renal function. Major medical societies both in Europe and in North America have developed guidelines for the usage of GBCA. Since the establishment of these guidelines and the increased general awareness of this condition, the occurrence of NSF has been nearly eliminated. Giving an overview over the current knowledge of NSF pathobiochemistry, pathogenesis and treatment options this review focuses on the guidelines of the European Medicines Agency, the European Society of Urogenital Radiology, the FDA and the American College of Radiology from 2008 up to 2011 and the transfer of this knowledge into every day practice.}, subject = {CMR}, language = {en} }