A single antithrombotic and statin were administered, and recurrent ischemic stroke was treated with dual antithrombotics. We considered carotid endarterectomy

when recurrence was refractory to aggressive medical treatment.

RESULTS: During a 31.3 +/- 16.4-month follow-up, 11 of the 25 patients developed a total of 30 recurrent ischemic events (46.0% per patient-year). The patients’ characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups with and without recurrence (n = 11 and n = 14, respectively). Seven of 11 patients Cl-amidine in the recurrence group treated with carotid endarterectomy remained free of ischemic events during a postoperative follow-up of 19.1 +/- 14.6 months.

CONCLUSION: Symptomatic low-grade carotid stenosis with vulnerable plaque confirmed by MRI was associated with a high rate of stroke recurrence that was refractory to aggressive medical treatment. However, carotid endarterectomy was safe and effective for such patients. Plaque characterization by MRI has the potential for more accurate stroke risk stratification

in the management of carotid low-grade stenosis.”
“Objectives: Cell therapy is a novel experimental treatment modality selleckchem for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) of the lower extremities and no other established treatment options. This study was conducted to assess the safety and clinical efficacy of intramuscular injection of autologous tissue repair cells (TRCs).

Methods: A prospective, randomized double-blinded, placebo controlled, multicenter study (RESTORE-CLI) was conducted at 18 centers in

the United States in patients with CLI and no option for revascularization. Enrollment of 86 patients began in April 2007 and ended in February 2010. For the prospectively planned click here interim analysis, conducted in February 2010, 33 patients had the opportunity to complete the trial (12 months of follow-up), and 46 patients had completed at least 6 months of follow-up. The interim analysis included analysis of both patient populations. An independent physician performed the bone marrow or sham control aspiration. The aspirate was processed in a closed, automated cell manufacturing system for approximately 12 days to generate the TRC population of stem and progenitor cells. An average of 136 +/- 41 x 10(6) total viable cells or electrolyte (control) solution were injected into 20 sites in the ischemic lower extremity. The primary end point was safety as evaluated by adverse events, and serious adverse events as assessed at multiple follow-up time points. Clinical efficacy end points included major amputation-free survival and time to first occurrence of treatment failure (defined as any of the following: major amputation, death, de novo gangrene, or doubling of wound size), as well as major amputation rate and measures of wound healing.

Results: There was no difference in adverse or serious adverse events between the two groups.