Study to Compare TWA Test and EPS Test for Predicting Patients at Risk for Life-threatening Heart… (NCT00187291) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 3
Study to Compare TWA Test and EPS Test for Predicting Patients at Risk for Life-threatening Heart Rhythms (ABCD Study)
618 participantsStarted 2001-04
Plain-language summary
The ABCD clinical study is designed to determine if a T-Wave Alternans (TWA) test is equivalent to an Electrophysiology Study (EPS) in predicting life-threatening heart rhythms in patients with ischemic heart disease, left ventricular dysfunction, and non-sustained tachycardia. Patients undergo both the TWA test and EP study and receive an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)if either of the tests show the patient is at risk. The patient is then followed for 2 years. The incidence of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia events and total mortality are to be evaluated over the duration of the study.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Ischemic heart disease as documented by any of the following: previous myocardial infarction (documented by 2 out of 3 of the following: history, ECG, and/or cardiac enzymes), prior PTCA or CABG; angina with a positive exercise or pharmacological stress test; angina with a greater than 50% occlusion of any coronary artery, left ventricular dysfunction that can be attributed to angiographically documented coronary artery disease
. LVEF less than 0.40 as determined by echocardiography, radionuclide or contrast ventriculography within six months of enrollment.
. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia within 6 months of enrollment, defined as greater than 3 consecutive premature ventricular contractions having at least three consecutive intervals with a cycle length at or below 550 ms, and with the entire episode lasting less than 30 seconds. This episode should be associated with either no symptoms, or palpitations alone. An episode of NSVT associated with any symptoms (other than palpitations) does not satisfy inclusion criteria for the trial.
. The patient is 18 years of age or older.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. In the judgement of the principal investigator, the patient is capable of undergoing a sub-maximal treadmill exercise test to a heart rate of 120 bpm.
. The patient has signed the latest IRB approved informed consent form.
Exclusion criteria
. The patient is unable to give informed consent.
. The patient is known to have had a cardiac arrest or sustained life threatening ventricular arrhythmias, other than in the setting of an acutely reversible cause (e.g., acute phase MI, drug intoxication).
. The patient has had an EPS or TWA test at any time and for any reason prior to being screened and consented for this trial.
. The patient has unstable coronary artery disease.
. The patient has contraindications to ICD implantation.
. A submaximal exercise test is contraindicated.
. The patient has persistent atrial fibrillation or flutter.
. The patient is less than 28 days post MI, post CABG, or post coronary angioplasty.