Background—
The gene encoding the target of calcium channel blockers, the α1c-subunit of the L-type calcium channel (
CACNA1C
), has not been well characterized, and only small pharmacogenetic studies testing this gene have been published to date.
Methods and Results—
Resequencing of
CACNA1C
was performed followed by a nested case-control study of the INternational VErapamil SR/trandolapril STudy (INVEST) GENEtic Substudy (INVEST-GENES). Of 46 polymorphisms identified, 8 were assessed in the INVEST-GENES. Rs1051375 was found to have a significant interaction with treatment strategy (
P
=0.0001). Rs1051375 A/A genotype was associated with a 46% reduction in the primary outcome among those randomized to verapamil SR treatment, when compared with atenolol treatment (odds ratio 0.54 95% CI 0.32 to 0.92). In heterozygous A/G individuals, there was no difference in the occurrence of the primary outcome when randomized to verapamil SR versus atenolol treatment (odds ratio 1.47 95% CI 0.86 to 2.53), whereas homozygous G/G individuals had a greater than 4-fold increased risk of the primary outcome with verapamil treatment compared with those randomized to atenolol treatment (odds ratio 4.59 95% CI 1.67 to 12.67). We did not identify allelic expression imbalance or differences in mRNA expression in heart tissue by rs1051375 genotype.
Conclusions—
Variation in
CACNA1C
is associated with treatment response among hypertensive patients with stable coronary artery disease. Our data suggest a genetically defined group of patients that benefit most from calcium channel blocker therapy, a group that benefits most from β-blocker therapy, and a third group in which calcium channel blocker and β-blocker therapy are equivalent.
There is evidence that medication errors often arise during the transition of residents from acute care to long-term care (LTC) homes due to lapses in communication and documentation. Better Coordinated Cross-Sectoral Medication Reconciliation (BOOMR) is an integrated practice change improving medication safety during patient transitions through the health system. Our Medication Reconciliation (MedRec) redesign improved patient engagement using "the patient's story," increased quality of information, workflow efficiency and reduced unnecessary medications. Using progressive initiatives, we showed cost savings to the system proving value for quality with sustainable results since January 2015.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.