What does TACT mean in PHYSIOLOGY

TACT is an acronym for Trial To Assess Chelation Therapy. It was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of chelation therapy with disodium EDTA in reducing cardiovascular events among adults with prior MI (myocardial infarction).

The primary objectives of the TACT Study are to determine whether chelation therapy when administered with disodium EDTA reduces the overall risk of death, recurrent cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization and hospitalization for angina pectoris) or any combination of these compared to placebo.

Eligibility for the TACT Study requires participants to be at least 50 years old and have had a myocardial infarction between 1 and 36 months before enrollment. Participants must also have evidence of coronary artery disease as demonstrated by pre-specified objective criteria.

In this study, participants will receive either intravenous disodium EDTA chelation therapy or a matching placebo. This treatment will take place over 30 infusion sessions that last about 4 hours each session. Each infusion includes 5 grams of EDTA along with other substances such as magnesium sulfate, vitamins/minerals, heparin and mannitol.

During the initial 24 weeks of active treatment period after randomization, participants will receive a total of 30 weekly IV infusions spaced 2 weeks apart followed by 18 monthly maintenance treatments over a 2½ year period. After that time period, participants will be seen on an as-needed basis at their local care provider's office or clinic if they experience signs or symptoms suggesting recurrence of their cardiac condition or if other medical issues arise.

As with any medical intervention there are potential risks associated with participating in clinical research studies like TACT. These risks include side effects from medications used during study procedures such as hypersensitivity reactions to IV therapies or allergic reactions to medications being tested during these procedures; however such reactions are rare and can usually be treated swiftly if they do occur. Additionally while data on long term side effects from chelation therapies used in this trial is currently lacking patient safety is always our top priority so all adverse event reports experienced by participants within 48 hours post infusion will be reported back to study personnel immediately so appropriate action can be taken where appropriate.

Participation in this clinical research study is free. All participant expenses including travel costs associated with attending evaluation visits and infusion treatments at designated clinical sites related to participation in this trial are covered by The National Institutes of Health (NIH).