Abstract
Purpose of review:
This review examines recent contradictory large, well-controlled randomized control trials assessing the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and colchicine on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes.
Recent findings:
The Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) and Statin Residual Risk Reduction with Epanova in high Cardiovascular Risk patients with Hypertriglyceridemia (STRENGTH) trial assessed the CV outcomes using high-dose omega-3 fatty acids in statin-treated patients with moderate hypertriglyceridemia and high-risk for CV disease with differing results. Similarly, Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes trial, (COLCOT) second Low Dose Colchicine (LoDoCo2), and Colchicine in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (COPS) assessed the CV outcomes using low-dose colchicine in patients with coronary artery disease with inconsistent results. These contradictory findings among studies assessing similar questions with the same drug or a drug within the same class challenge the scientific validity and clinical applicability of the derived conclusions.
Summary:
A comprehensive review revealed many differences between the trials, which could have contributed to observed divergent results. Consistent findings across multiple trials help strengthen the evidence for specific endpoints or sub-populations, and these findings must be included in guidelines. Large prospective cohort studies with diligent study protocols are warranted in the future to resolve unanswered dilemmas.
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