News Release: SCOFF Trial Confirms Fasting Not Necessary Before Cardiac Catheterisation Procedures
7 Sep, 2024 | 10:10h | UTC1 September 2024 – London, United Kingdom – New findings from the SCOFF trial, presented at ESC Congress 2024, suggest that fasting prior to minimally invasive cardiac catheterisation procedures under conscious sedation does not increase the risk of complications. The trial supports reconsidering current guidelines on pre-procedural fasting.
Key Points for Physicians:
– No increased complications: The SCOFF trial found no significant difference in adverse outcomes, such as aspiration pneumonia or hypoglycemia, between patients who fasted and those who ate normally before cardiac catheterisation.
– Improved patient satisfaction: Patients who did not fast reported higher satisfaction, with fewer complaints of discomfort and hunger.
– Potential guideline change: These findings, in line with previous studies like CHOW-NOW and TONIC, challenge the necessity of fasting before such procedures.
The trial’s lead investigator, Dr. David Ferreira (John Hunter Hospital, Australia), emphasized that avoiding fasting may improve patient experience without increasing risks, making it time to reconsider fasting guidelines for these procedures.
Study Overview:
– Trial design: Prospective, randomized, open-label, with blinded endpoint assessment.
– Participants: 716 patients undergoing coronary angiography, coronary intervention, or cardiac implantable electronic device procedures.
– Primary endpoint: Composite of hypotension, aspiration pneumonia, hyperglycemia, and hypoglycemia, showing a lower event rate in the non-fasting group (12.0%) compared to the fasting group (19.1%).
These results are likely to influence future clinical practice, providing greater flexibility for both patients and healthcare systems.