TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for June 2020

COVID-19’s unusual manifestations, risk factors, and possible treatments were key topics among the top stories on TCTMD this month, as were stories relating to the high-profile retractions of two papers looking at hydroxychloroquine and ACE inhibitors/ARBs. Just two stories made the list for June that had nothing to do with the novel coronavirus: one reported the results of a reanalysis of the EXCEL trial, and the other was on the FDA’s decision to extend the indication for ticagrelor.

1. Obesity’s Role in COVID-19 Deaths: Big Food, Slow Government to Blame?

A BMJ editorial notes obesity is a modifiable risk factor for COVID-19, calling for reformulation of processed foods and a ban on ads.

2. COVID-19: TCTMD’s Daily Dispatch

We’re curating a list of COVID-19 research and other useful content, and updating it daily.

3. Lancet COVID-19 Hydroxychloroquine Study Faces ‘Data Integrity’ Questions

A group of scientists is asking for the numbers to be made public and externally validated. A Lancet study investigator responds.

4. Dexamethasone Cuts Death by One-Third in Ventilated COVID-19 Patients

Dexamethasone is “inexpensive, on the shelf, and can be used immediately to save lives,” says a RECOVERY researcher.

5. COVID-19 Upset: Researchers Retract Lancet, NEJM Papers on Hydroxychloroquine, ACEi/ARBs

The company that owns the data set wouldn’t surrender it in full, throwing the veracity of the studies’ findings into question.

6. Stent Thrombosis May Be Presenting Feature of COVID-19

The risk is small, but study investigators emphasize the need for potent antiplatelet therapies in high-risk patients with COVID-19.

7. FDA Extends Ticagrelor Indication to High-Risk CAD Primary Prevention

Today’s approval is based on THEMIS, the sponsor said. That will surprise those who recall the trial’s unfavorable risk-benefit data.

8. The Next Blaze: Pandemic Burnout Among Health Professionals

Physician burnout was already a concern, but now with COVID-19, experts stress the need to address the well-being of staff.

9. New EXCEL Analysis Reignites Debate Over PCI for Left Main CAD

James Brophy criticizes investigators’ view of the study, but the trial’s PI fires back by citing analytical errors and omissions.

10. Myocardial Injury Seen in Over One-Third of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

The data confirm earlier reports and show that these patients are at an increased risk of dying in the hospital.

*   *   *

In the wake of global protests and demonstrations demanding an end to racial inequality and police violence against people of color, TCTMD invited Keith C. Ferdinand, MD (Tulane Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA), to contribute to our Off Script blog series.

Off Script: Black Lives, COVID-19, Katrina, and Social Justice—Time for Healers to Step Up

The devaluation of black life during times of catastrophe has yet to be resolved. Now, more than ever, that should change.

All of TCTMD’s COVID-19 coverage—news, videos, and podcasts—can be found on our COVID-19 Hub.