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Among patients with diabetes and stable ischemic heart disease, higher SYNTAX scores predict higher rates of major cardiovascular events and were associated with more favorable outcomes of revascularization compared with medical therapy among patients suitable for CABG. (Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes; NCT00006305).

While efficient methods of communication are known to be essential in conducting large multicenter clinical trials, very little information is provided on actual methods that can be implemented to improve communication. An integrated technology-based communication system was developed for the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) project, which prospectively defines treatments that are most effective for participants with a diagnosis of a nonpsychotic major depressive disorder (MDD) who report an unsatisfactory clinical outcome to an initial and, if necessary, subsequent treatment(s). This web-based communication system is comprised of a multi-faceted study Web site, including a help desk, document sharing, a project directory and reports. In addition, automated reporting via e-mail and an online data correction mechanism are also available. The STAR*D communication system improves communication between study personnel and improves the quality of the study's data through the integration of system elements, the integration of those elements with traditional forms of communication,, by filling the gaps not addressed by those traditional methods and by reducing the staff workload burden.

Background. Research has shown less aggressive treatment and poorer control of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in women than men. Methods. We analyzed sex differences in pharmacotherapy strategies and attainment of goals for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with type 2 diabetes and established coronary artery disease enrolled into the BARI 2D trial. Results. Similar numbers of drugs were prescribed in both women and men. Women were less frequent on metformin or sulfonylurea and more likely to take insulin and to be on higher doses of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) than men. After adjusting for baseline differences and treatment prescribed, women were less likely to achieve goals for HbA1c (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57, 0.88) and LDL-C (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.53, 0.78). More antihypertensives were prescribed to women, and yet BP ≤ 130/80 mmHg did not differ by sex. Conclusions. Women entering the BARI 2D trial were as aggressively treated with drugs as men. Despite equivalent treatment, women less frequently met targets for HbA1c and LDL-C. Our findings suggest that there may be sex differences in response to drug therapies used to treat diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.

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