JAHA: Tell us about
the key findings from your recent article in JAHA.
Dr. Hasan: Previously
we did a retrospective analysis of a large clinical trial (ISUIA) and found
that daily aspirin decreased the risk of aneurysm rupture by 60%. The current
study provides evidence that aspirin attenuates inflammation of the wall of
human cerebral aneurysms, which we suspect contributes to aneurysm progression
to rupture.
JAHA: What are the major implications of this work?
Dr. Hasan: Inflammation
is a strong potential cause of aneurysm rupture. Aspirin can attenuate this
process leading to decreased risk of rupture.
JAHA: How did you get
the idea to do this study?
Dr. Hasan: Growing
evidence that inflammation contributes to aneurysm formation and rupture, and
aspirin has anti-inflammatory effect.
JAHA: What was your
biggest obstacle in completing this study?
Dr. Hasan: Obtaining
IRB approval because of concerns that aspirin would worsen SAH if patients
ruptured. Previous studies showed that aspirin does not worsen outcome in
patients with SAH secondary to ruptured aneurysms.
JAHA: What was your
most unexpected finding?
Dr. Hasan: Finding a
clear effect of aspirin in a small group of patients.
JAHA: What do you
plan to do next, based on these current findings?
Dr. Hasan: Propose a
larger study to determine the effects of aspirin on inflammation in the wall of
human cerebral aneurysms, using a new promising imaging protocol
(ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI).
JAHA: What do you
like to do in your free time?
Dr. Hasan: Teach my
English Bulldog (Duke) how to skate.
JAHA: What is your
favorite sports team or musical group?
Dr. Hasan: The Dallas
Cowboys
Profile originally published March 28, 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment