ABSTRACT
The prevalence and persistence of antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV1) and 2 (HSV2), Helicobacter pylori and Chlamydia pneumoniae were determined in Alaskan Eskimos. The study included 610 individuals (mean age 43 +/- 15 years; 45% males) participating in the Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease in Alaska Natives (GOCADAN) study. Archived serum samples and those collected during the GOCADAN study were analysed for antibodies against the above pathogens by ELISA. The current prevalence of antibody seropositivity was 94% to CMV, 90% to HSV1, 38% to HSV2, 80% to H. pylori, and 42% to C. pneumoniae. The persistence of antibodies (in both archived and current samples) against CMV, HSV1 and H. pylori was high (83%, 84% and 67%, respectively) compared with those against HSV2 (26%) and C. pneumoniae (29%). Moreover, the seroconversion rates to these organisms were low. Most individuals acquired CMV, HSV1 and H. pylori antibodies by the age of 24 years (94%, 90% and 72%, respectively), and >50% carried HSV2 and C. pneumoniae antibodies by the age of 45 years. There were gender differences in antibody seropositivity rates. Over 70% of individuals had antibodies to at least three of the five pathogens tested. The study demonstrated the high prevalence and lifelong persistence of multiple antibodies, suggesting chronic infections among Alaskan Eskimos.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Chlamydophila Infections/epidemiology , Helicobacter Infections/epidemiology , Herpesviridae Infections/epidemiology , Inuit , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alaska/epidemiology , Chlamydophila Infections/immunology , Chlamydophila pneumoniae/immunology , Cytomegalovirus/immunology , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , Helicobacter Infections/immunology , Helicobacter pylori/immunology , Herpesviridae Infections/immunology , Herpesvirus 1, Human/immunology , Herpesvirus 2, Human/immunology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Washington Radiation for In-Stent Restenosis Trial (WRIST) is a double-blinded randomized study evaluating the effects of intracoronary radiation therapy (IRT) in patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR). METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients with ISR (100 native coronary and 30 vein grafts) underwent PTCA, laser ablation, rotational atherectomy, and/or additional stenting (36% of lesions). Patients were randomized to either Iridium-192 IRT or placebo, with a prescribed dose of 15 Gy to a 2-mm radial distance from the center of the source. RESULTS: Angiographic restenosis (27% vs. 56%, P=.002) and target vessel revascularization (TVR; 26% vs. 66%, P<.001) were dramatically reduced at 6 months in IRT patients. Between 6 and 36 months, IRT compared to placebo patients had more target lesion revascularization (TLR; IRT=17% vs. placebo=2%, P=.002) and TVR (IRT=17% vs. placebo=3%, P=.009). At 3 years, the major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate was significantly reduced with IRT (39% vs. 65%, P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: In WRIST, patients with ISR treated with IRT using 192Ir had a marked reduction in the need for repeat target lesion and vessel revascularization at 6 months, with the clinical benefit maintained at 3 years.
