CompletedPhase 4

Study on the Effect of Influenza Vaccination After Heart Attack on Future Cardiovascular Prognosis

Australia, Bangladesh, Czechia2,571 participantsStarted 2016-10

Plain-language summary

Background. For more than a century a causal link between influenza and cardiovascular disease has been suspected. It is conceivable that influenza may precipitate plaque rupture, increase cytokines with central roles in plaque destabilization and trigger the coagulation cascade. Accordingly, registry studies, case control studies and a few small randomized trials, all underpowered for clinical endpoints, have demonstrated that the risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is increased following respiratory infection and that the risk of stroke and AMI in patients with established cardiovascular disease seem to be reduced following influenza vaccination. In May 2015 a Cochrane review concluded that influenza vaccination may reduce cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events but bias and inconsistent results in prior studies require higher-quality evidence to confirm these findings. High costs and little commercial interest in conducting a randomized trial on influenza vaccine in cardiovascular disease stand in the way. Objective. The objective is to document whether influenza vaccination protects against cardiovascular events and death in patients with an AMI or very high risk stable coronary artery disease patients. Methods. Population: 4400 patients with ST-elevation (STEMI), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or very high risk stable coronary artery disease are randomized 1:1 in a blinded fashion using an RRCT design and followed up via registries and telephone calls. Intervention: Influenza vaccination. Control: Placebo (saline). Outcome: The primary endpoint is a composite of death, myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis till 1 year. Patients will be included in the study in all of Sweden's 7 university hospitals and 5 general hospitals, 4 university hospitals and 1 general hospital in Denmark, in 1 specialized heart center in Norway, 2 university hospitals in Czech Republic, 6 hospitals in Scotland, 1 university hospital in Latvia and 2 hospitals in Bangladesh. Secondary endpoints are time to all-cause death till 1 year, time to cardiovascular death till 1 year, time to stent thrombosis till 1 year, time to revascularization till 1 year, time to myocardial infarction till 1 year, time to cardiovascular death, a new myocardial infarction or stent thrombosis (first occurring) till 1 year, time to stroke, including TIA till 1 year, time to rehospitalization for heart failure till 1 year, time to hospitalization for arrhythmia till 1 year or length of hospital stay (if information is available). From a hypothesis generating perspective we aim to follow up patients through registries beyond 1 year and up to 5 years. The trial has been approved by the ethical committee system (Dnr 2014/264) and the Medical Products Agency (EudraCTnr -2014-001354-42) in Sweden. Perspectives. If a clinical benefit can be demonstrated in this prospective trial influenza vaccination may become an important novel in-hospital therapy for patients with cardiovascular disease and the accompanying direct and indirect societal gains will be profound.

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: * Patients with a diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or * Patients with a diagnosis of non-STEMI or * Patients with stable coronary artery disease ≥75 years of age undergoing angiography/PCI AND with at least one additional risk criterion and * A finalized coronary angiography/PCI (optional for sites in Bangladesh). * Male or female subjects ≥18 years. * Written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Influenza vaccination during the current influenza season or anticipating to be vaccinated during the current influenza season. * Indication for influenza vaccination for some indication other than myocardial infarction. * Severe allergy to eggs or previous allergic reaction to influence vaccine. * Suspicion of febrile illness or acute, ongoing infection. * Hypersensitivity to the active substances or ingredients of Vaxigrip or against any residues, such as eggs (ovalbumin or chicken proteins), neomycin, formaldehyde and octoxinol. * Subjects with endogenic or iatrogenic immunosuppression that may result in reduced immunization response. * Inability to provide informed consent. * Age below 18 years. * Previous randomization in the IAMI trial.

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.

What they're measuring

The number of participants with death, a new myocardial infarction or stent thrombosis (first occurring) according to ICD-10 codes.

Timeframe: 1 year

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02831608

SponsorOle Frobert, MD, PhD

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2021-04

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Myocardial Infarction trials