Pravastatin and Venous Thromboembolism in the Elderly
Author Information
Author(s): Dilys J Freeman, Michele Robertson, E Ann Brown, Ann Rumley, Edward S Tobias, Marijke Frölich, Eline Slagboom, Wouter Jukema, Anton JM de Craen, Naveed Sattar, Ian Ford, Allan Gaw, Ian A Greer, Gordon DO Lowe, David J Stott
Primary Institution: University of Glasgow
Hypothesis
Does pravastatin reduce the risk of venous thromboembolic events in older people?
Conclusion
Pravastatin does not prevent venous thromboembolic events in elderly individuals at risk of vascular disease.
Supporting Evidence
- There were 28 definite cases of VTE in the pravastatin group and 20 cases in the placebo group.
- Higher BMI, country of origin, and lower systolic blood pressure were associated with increased VTE risk.
- Plasma Factor VIII levels were associated with VTE in a nested case-control study.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether a medicine called pravastatin helps older people avoid blood clots. It found that it doesn't really help.
Methodology
Analysis of incident VTE using data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pravastatin in men and women aged 70-82.
Potential Biases
The subjects were from a selected population with pre-existing vascular disease or major risk factors, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study is a post hoc analysis on a subgroup from the PROSPER study, which limits generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Men and women aged 70-82 with evidence of pre-existing vascular disease or at least one major risk factor.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.23
Confidence Interval
(0.80, 2.52)
Statistical Significance
p = 0.23
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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