The relationship between CTCA and EPC count.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The relationship between computerised tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA) calcium scoring and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) count. Study A and B.
IRAS ID
192978
Contact name
Robert Butler
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
Eudract number
2015-005752-10
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 2 days
Research summary
Both study A and B will take place at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.
Patients at risk of coronary artery disease will have had a computerised tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA) to establish calcium score as part of their standard care. A coronary calcium scan is a test that looks for specks of calcium in the walls of the coronary (heart) arteries. The test is used to check for heart disease. Calcium in the arteries may be a sign for coronary heart disease. The test will produce a calcium score (CTCA calcium scoring).
Angina occurs when there is insufficient blood supply to the heart by narrowed coronary (heart) vessels. To try to compensate for this, the heart tries to repair the vessels by releasing Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPC) from the bone marrow to these vessels in the blood. The purpose of this study is to measure these EPCs in order to establish a possible link between EPC count and CTCA calcium scoring.
In study A, patients referred for CTCA will be eligible for the study. If they consent to enter they will have blood samples taken 2-3 weeks after their CTCA appointment. These will be analysed for EPC count.
For study B, patients who are identified as having calcium score of >100 will be eligible. If they consent to enter they would be randomised to receive 20mg or 80mg of Atorvastatin or given 80mg if already on statins for a period of 7 days. Statins are believed to encourage the increase of EPCs in the blood. Therefore this study will investigate the link between dose of Atorvastatin and EPC count.REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0055
Date of REC Opinion
11 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion