A Randomized Comparison between Everolimus-Eluting Stent and Cobalt Chromium Stent in Patients with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using Routine Intravenous Eptifibatide: The X-MAN (Xience vs. Multi-Link Stent in Acute Myocardial Infarction) Trial,A Pilot Study

The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of an everolimus-eluting stent (EES/Xience; Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA) compared with a cobalt chromium stent (CoCr/Multi-Link Vision; Abbott Vascular) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with routine administration of eptifibatide infusion. This is a prospective, single center, randomized trial comparing EES (n = 75) and CoCr stent (n = 75) implantation in patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI. Intravenous eptifibatide administration was mandatory by protocol in this pilot study. The primary efficacy endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 30 days, defined as the composite of death, reinfarction, and target vessel revascularization. Secondary safety endpoints were stent thrombosis at 30 days and in-hospital bleeding event. Acute reperfusion parameters were also assessed. One-month MACE rate did not differ between EES and CoCr group (1.3 vs. 1.3%, p = 1.0). No stent thrombosis cases were observed in the EES group. The groups did not differ with respect to in-hospital bleeding events (5 vs. 9%, p = 0.37), achievement of final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow 2 or 3 (p = 0.21), achievement of myocardial blush grade 2 or 3 (p = 0.45), creatine kinase-MB level at 8 to 12 hours after stenting (p = 0.29), and left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.21). This pilot study demonstrates that after one-month follow-up, the use of EES is as safe and effective as the use of CoCr stents in patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI with routine administration of intravenous eptifibatide.     

Manual Aspiration Thrombectomy in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Clinical Experience

Multiple clinical studies have failed to establish the role of routine use of thrombectomy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. There is a paucity of data on the impact of thrombectomy in unselected STEMI patients outside clinical trials. We sought to evaluate the clinical variables and outcomes associated with the performance of thrombectomy in STEMI patients. We retrospectively examined the clinical outcomes in all STEMI patients who underwent successful percutaneous intervention (PCI) at our center. Patients were divided into two groups, one with patients who underwent conventional PCI and another with patients who had thrombus aspiration in addition to conventional PCI. We compared the baseline clinical characteristics, laboratory investigations, re-infarction rates, and all-cause mortality. Total 477 consecutive STEMI patients were identified. Overall, 29% (139) of the patients underwent conventional PCI and 71% (338) of the patients were treated with aspiration thrombectomy and PCI. In addition to the presence of thrombus, patients with nonanterior infarction, and patients with hemodynamic instability requiring intra-aortic balloon pump support were more likely to undergo thrombectomy. Thrombectomy was associated with higher enzymatic infarction (creatine kinase: 2,796 [2,575] vs. 1,716 [1,662]; p < 0.0001; CK-MB: 210.6 [156.0] vs. 142.0 [121.9], p < 0.0001). However, thrombectomy was not associated with any difference in 30 day reinfarction rate (3.3 vs. 2.9%, p = 0.83), mortality (5.0 vs. 7.2%, p = 0.35), or composite of death and 30 day reinfarction (7.7 vs. 9.4%, p = 0.55). We observed that STEMI patients with anterior infarction and hemodynamic instability were more likely to undergo thrombectomy during primary PCI.     

Performance of Primary Angioplasty for STEMI during the COVID-19 Outbreak

There has been concern whether the declining cases of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak associate with primary angioplasty performance.We assessed the performance of primary angioplasty in a tertiary care hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, by comparing the door-to-device (DTD) time and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow after angioplasty between two periods of admission: during the outbreak of COVID-19 (March 1 to May 31, 2020) and before the outbreak (March 1, to May 31, 2019). Overall, there was a relative reduction of 44% for STEMI admission during the outbreak ( n  = 116) compared with before the outbreak ( N  = 208). Compared with before the outbreak period ( n  = 141), STEMI patients who admitted during the outbreak and received primary angioplasty ( n  = 70) had similar median symptom onset-to-angioplasty center admission (360 minutes for each group), similar to radial access uptake (90 vs. 89.4%, p  = 0.88) and left anterior descending infarct-related artery (54.3 vs. 58.9%, p  = 0.52). The median DTD time and total ischemia time were longer (104 vs. 81 minutes, p  < 0.001, and 475.5 vs. 449 minutes, p  = 0.43, respectively). However, the final achievement of TIMI 3 flow was similar (87.1 vs. 87.2%), and so was the in-hospital mortality (5.7 vs. 7.8%). During the COVID-19 outbreak, we found a longer DTD time for primary angioplasty, but the achievement of final TIMI 3 flow and in-hospital mortality were similar as compared with before the outbreak. Thus, primary angioplasty should remain the standard of care for STEMI during the COVID-19 outbreak.     

Impact of Chronic Total Occlusion in a Noninfarct-related Artery on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Acute ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

In the setting of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), encountering with chronic total occlusion (CTO) in a noninfarct-related artery (IRA) is not a rare situation. Limited information on the impact of CTO on clinical outcomes in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary PCI has raised more concerns. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of concurrent CTO in a non-IRA on the clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.In the present prospective study, 555 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent early primary PCI from January 2010 to December 2013 were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups: no CTO and CTO. Data on 12 months follow-up was obtained from 449 patients. The primary endpoint was the composite of hospitalization from angina, reinfarction, heart failure, or re-revascularization, and cardiac death at 12 months follow-up.Of the 555 patients, 75 (13.5%) had CTO in a non-IRA. Compared with patients in no CTO group, more patients in CTO group had hypertension (62.7% vs 46.5%, P = 0.009), diabetes (49.3% vs 35.0%, P = 0.024), and 3-vessel disease (52.0% vs 32.3%, P = 0.001). Patients with CTO had a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (40.1% ± 16.8% vs 54.3% ± 12.1%, P = 0.038), more presented with cardiogenic shock on admission (13.3% vs 4.8%, P = 0.008), compared with patients without CTO. Complete revascularization (CR) was less achieved in CTO group than in no CTO group (33.3% vs 49.1%, P = 0.013). The 12-month cardiac mortality rate was 14.5% versus 6.2% (P = 0.039), the incidence of 12-month primary endpoint was 38.7% versus 21.2% (P = 0.003) for CTO and no CTO group, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that after correction for baseline differences, CTO in a non-IRA (hazard ratio 4.183, 95% confidence interval 1.940–6.019, P = 0.001), cardiogenic shock on admission (hazard ratio 3.286, 95% confidence interval 1.097–9.845, P = 0.034), and 3-vessel disease (hazard ratio 2.678, 95% confidence interval 1.221–5.874, P = 0.014) remained an independent predictor of 1-year cardiac mortality in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.CTO in a non-IRA in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI is associated with a poor prognosis. The presence of CTO in a non-IRA, cardiogenic shock on admission and 3-vessel disease might be an independent risk factor for greater 1-year cardiac mortality in patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI.     

Predictors of preinterventional patency of infarct-related artery in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Importance of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and uric acid level

BACKGROUND:

Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and a patent infarct-related artery (IRA) experience lower mortality and better clinical outcome, but little is known about the predictors of IRA patency before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the setting of STEMI.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess possible predictors of patency of IRA before primary PCI in patients with STEMI.

METHODS:

A total of 880 patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI were prospectively included (646 male, 234 female; mean [± SD] age 58.5±12.4 years). Blood samples were obtained on admission to investigate biochemical markers. Preinterventional thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow was assessed in all patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to the pre-PCI TIMI flow as impaired flow group (TIMI flow 0, 1 and 2) and normal flow group (TIMI flow 3). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients.

RESULTS:

Eighty-three (9.43%) patients had pre-PCI TIMI 3 flow in IRA. Uric acid levels and neutrophil to lymphocyte (N to L) ratio in the normal flow group were lower than in the impaired flow group (P<0.001 for both). However, ejection fraction (EF) was higher in the normal flow group than in the impaired flow group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that IRA patency was independently associated with serum uric acid level (β 0.673 [95% CI 0.548 to 0.826]; P<0.001), N to L ratio (β 0.783 [95% CI 0.683 to 0.897]; P<0.001) and EF (β 1.033 [95% CI 1.006 to 1.061]; P=0.016).

CONCLUSION:

Serum uric acid level, N to L ratio and EF are independent predictors of the pre-PCI patency of IRA in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.     

Patency of infarct-related artery and platelet reactivity in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BackgroundOutcome in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is affected by patency of the infarct-related artery (IRA) on the initial angiogram. There is a controversy if preloading with antiplatelet drugs affects initial IRA patency in case of shortening transportation time for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of the study was to assess the relation between IRA patency and platelet reactivity on admission after preloading with aspirin and clopidogrel within 2 h to primary PCI.MethodsThe study included 49 subjects who received 600 mg of clopidogrel and 300 mg of aspirin and underwent primary PCI within 120 min from loading. Platelet reactivity testing was performed on admission with means of impedance aggregometry after induction with arachidonic acid (ASPItest) and adenosine diphosphate with prostaglandin E1 (ADPtest HS) to assess response to aspirin and clopidogrel, respectively. IRA patency was defined as TIMI flow 2 or 3 on the initial angiogram.ResultsPatent IRA on the initial angiogram was found in 20 patients (41%). Median time between preloading with antiplatelet drugs and primary PCI was 64 min (IQR 59–84 min). Patients who received clopidogrel earlier than 84 min before PCI (fourth quartile) had more suppressed platelet reactivity than patients in the first quartile (<59 min) as measured with ADPtest HS (p=0.04). Nevertheless, there was no difference in platelet reactivity between patients with and without IRA patency on the initial angiogram.ConclusionsIn patients preloaded with aspirin and clopidogrel within 2 h to primary PCI, there was no association between the magnitude of platelet inhibition and IRA patency at the time of the initial coronary angiography.     

Sex differences in treatment and outcomes of patients with in‐hospital ST‐elevation myocardial infarction

Background and HypothesisTwo cohorts face high mortality after ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): females and patients with in‐hospital STEMI. The aim of this study was to evaluate sex differences in ischemic times and outcomes of in‐hospital STEMI patients.MethodsConsecutive STEMI patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were prospectively recruited from 30 hospitals into the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (2013−2018). Sex discrepancies within in‐hospital STEMIs were compared with out‐of‐hospital STEMIs. The primary endpoint was 12‐month all‐cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included symptom‐to‐device (STD) time and 30‐day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). To investigate the relationship between sex and 12‐month mortality for in‐hospital versus out‐of‐hospital STEMIs, an interaction analysis was included in the multivariable models.ResultsA total of 7493 STEMI patients underwent PCI of which 494 (6.6%) occurred in‐hospital. In‐hospital versus out‐of‐hospital STEMIs comprised 31.9% and 19.9% females, respectively. Female in‐hospital STEMIs were older (69.5 vs. 65.9 years, p = .003) with longer adjusted geometric mean STD times (104.6 vs. 94.3 min, p < .001) than men. Female versus male in‐hospital STEMIs had no difference in 12‐month mortality (27.1% vs. 20.3%, p = .92) and MACE (22.8% vs. 19.3%, p = .87). Female sex was not independently associated with 12‐month mortality for in‐hospital STEMIs which was consistent across the STEMI cohort (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.94–1.70, p = .13).ConclusionsIn‐hospital STEMIs are more frequent in females relative to out‐of‐hospital STEMIs. Despite already being under medical care, females with in‐hospital STEMIs experienced a 10‐min mean excess in STD time compared with males, after adjustment for confounders. Adjusted 12‐month mortality and MACE were similar to males.     

Patency of the infarct-related artery and time-dependant infarct transmurality on cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous intervention

BackgroundOutcome in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is affected by patency of the infarct-related artery (IRA) on the initial angiogram. Therefore we decided to assess the relation between patent IRA and time-dependent infarct transmurality.Materials and methodsThe study included 62 patients with first STEMI (age 61 ± 9 years, 76% male) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). All patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the sub-acute phase to assess infarct transmurality. Infarction was considered as transmural if mean infarct transmurality exceeded >75%. IRA patency was defined as TIMI flow 2 or 3 on the initial angiogram.ResultsPatent IRA at baseline was found in 23 patients (37%) and was related to lower infarct transmurality in comparison to IRA occlusion (46.9 ± 27.3% vs. 82.4 ± 21.3%, p < 0.0001). Patients were divided into three groups according to time-to-PCI (≤2 h, >2–6 h, >6–12 h). Infarct transmurality increased with increasing time-to-PCI in patients with occluded IRA on the initial angiogram (p = 0.0006), but not in patients with initially patent IRA (p = 0.07). Similarly, the frequency of transmural infarctions increased with longer time-to-PCI in patients with occluded IRA (p = 0.01), but not in patients with initially patent IRA (p = 0.12).ConclusionsCardiovascular magnetic resonance demonstrated the relation between initial IRA patency in STEMI and time-dependant infarct transmurality. After 6–12 h from the onset of symptoms transmural infarctions were found in all patients with initially occluded IRA and only in about a third of patients with initially patent IRA.     

Preprocedural TIMI flow and infarct size in STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty

Despite optimal epicardial recanalization, primary angioplasty for STEMI is still associated with suboptimal reperfusion in a relatively large proportion of patients. The aim the current study was to evaluate the impact of preprocedural TIMI flow on myocardial scintigraphic infarct size among STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty. Our population is represented by 793 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. Infarct size was evaluated at 30 days by technetium-99m-sestamibi. Poor preprocedural TIMI flow (TIMI 0–1) was observed in 645 patients (81.3 %). Poor preprocedural TIMI flow was associated with more hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.012), and a trend in lower prevalence of diabetes (p = 0.081). Preprocedural TIMI flow significantly affected scintigraphic and enzymatic infarct size. Similar findings were observed in the analysis restricted to patients with postprocedural TIMI 3 flow. The impact of preprocedural TIMI flow on scintigraphic infarct size was confirmed when the analysis was performed according to the percentage of patients above the median (p < 0.001) and after adjustment for baseline confounding factors (Hypercholesterolemia and diabetes) [adjusted OR (95 % CI) for pre preprocedural TIMI 3 flow = 0.59 (0.46–0.75), p < 0.001]. This study shows that among patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty, poor preprocedural TIMI flow is independently associated with larger infarct size.     

ST‐Segment Resolution Prior to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Is a Poor Indicator of Coronary Artery Patency in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: The prognostic value of ST‐segment resolution (STR) after initiation of reperfusion therapy has been established by various studies conducted in both the thrombolytic and mechanic reperfusion era. However, data regarding the value of STR immediately prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to predict infarct‐related artery (IRA) patency remain limited. We investigated whether STR prior to primary PCI is a reliable, noninvasive indicator of IRA patency in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: The study population consisted of STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI at our institution between 2000 and 2007. STR was analyzed in 12‐lead electrocardiograms recorded at first medical contact and immediately prior to primary PCI and defined as complete (≥70%), partial (70%? 30%), or absent (<30%). Results: In 1253 patients with a complete data set, STR was inversely related to the probability of impaired preprocedural flow (P_{for trend} < 0.001). Although the sensitivity of incomplete (<70%) STR to predict a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow of <3 was 96%, the specificity was 23%, and the negative predictive value of incomplete STR to predict normal coronary flow was only 44%. Conclusions: This study establishes the correlation between STR prior to primary PCI and preprocedural TIMI flow in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. However, the negative predictive value of incomplete STR for detection of TIMI‐3 flow is only 44% and therefore should not be a criterion to refrain from immediate coronary angiography in STEMI patients. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(2):107–115     

ST changes before and during primary percutaneous coronary intervention predict final infarct size in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction

BackgroundIn patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), spontaneous ST resolution (spontSTR) is a marker of successful microvascular reperfusion. The significance of increase in ST elevation during reperfusion therapy (the ST peak phenomenon), however, is controversial.AimsThe purpose of the study was to evaluate whether preprocedural and periprocedural ST changes predict final infarct size (IS) in STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (primary PCI).MethodsTwelve-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were acquired in the prehospital phase and on admission in 200 STEMI patients transferred for primary PCI. Continuous ST monitoring was performed during and 90 minutes after primary PCI. The exact timing of interventional procedures and the resulting thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow were registered. A 1-month single-photon emission computerized tomography was performed to evaluate IS. Patients were stratified into groups according to preprocedural and periprocedural ST changes as follows: patients with spontSTR before primary PCI and without (A) or with (B) ST peak during primary PCI and patients with persistent ST elevation before primary PCI and without (C) or with (D) ST peak during primary PCI.FindingsGroups A (n = 45), B (n = 10), C (n = 109), and D (n = 36) differed with regard to IS (median, 2%, 3%, 13% vs 22% of the left ventricle; P < .0001). In multivariable analysis adjusting for baseline characteristics, preprocedural and periprocedural ECG findings and routine angiography findings, spontSTR was associated with smaller IS (B = ?8.6%; P < .001), whereas the ST peak phenomenon was associated with larger IS (B = +5.0%; P = .006). There was no difference in TIMI flow grades in relation to coronary interventions among patients with and without ST peak during primary PCI.ConclusionsIn STEMI patients, spontSTR before primary PCI and the ST peak phenomenon during primary PCI predict minor vs extensive IS independent of angiographic patency grades. Further studies are needed to clarify whether the ST peak phenomenon is “a marker of injury before reperfusion” or “a marker of reperfusion-induced injury.”     

Cardiac mortality benefit of direct admission to percutaneous coronary intervention–capable hospital in acute myocardial infarction: Community registry–based study

Appropriate risk stratification and timely revascularization of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are available in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) – capable hospitals (PCHs). This study evaluated whether direct admission vs inter-hospital transfer influences cardiac mortality in patients with AMI. This study was conducted in the PCH where the patients were able to arrive within an hour. The inclusion criteria were AMI with a symptom onset time within 24 hours and having undergone PCI within 24 hours after admission. The cumulative incidence of cardiac death after percutaneous coronary intervention was evaluated in the direct admission versus inter-hospital transfer groups. Among the 3178 patients, 2165 (68.1%) were admitted via inter-hospital transfer. Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the direct admission group had a reduced symptom onset-to-balloon time (121 minutes, P < .001). With a median period of 28.4 (interquartile range, 12.0–45.6) months, the cumulative incidence of 2-year cardiac death was lower in the direct admission group (NSTEMI, 9.0% vs 11.0%, P = .136; STEMI, 9.7% vs 13.7%, P = .040; AMI, 9.3% vs 12.3%, P = .014, respectively). After the adjustment for clinical variables, inter-hospital transfer was the determinant of cardiac death (hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–2.33; P = .016). Direct PCH admission should be recommended for patients with suspected AMI and could be a target for reducing cardiac mortality.     

Prognostic value of Angiographic Perfusion Score (APS) following percutaneous interventions in acute coronary syndromes

IntroductionIdentifying reperfusion and predicting post procedure risk is important following Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI). An Angiographic Perfusion Score (APS) combining TIMI flow (TFG) and myocardial perfusion (TMPG) grades before and after PCI can accurately measure both epicardial and myocardial perfusion and predict Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE).Patients and methodsAPS was calculated in 226 (88 ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and 138 Non STEMI) patients. Maximum score being 12, reperfusion was defined as failed: 0–3, partial: 4–9, and full APS: 10–12. Thirty day MACE were observed.ResultsAPS identified reperfusion significantly more than TMPG alone (STEMI: 50.6% vs 11.8% (p < 0.001); Non STEMI, early reperfusion: 69.4% vs 52.8% (p < 0.01) and Non STEMI late reperfusion: 38.2% vs 7.8%; (p ≤ 0.001) respectively. A significantly lower incidence of MACE was observed in the full as compared to the failed APS group (1.8% vs 22.5%) (p < 0.001). No differences were noted between TMPG 0–2 (9.8%, 9.4%, 7.3%, respectively) (p = NS).ConclusionCompared to MPG alone APS detects more low risk reperfused patients, post PCI.     

Safety of eptifibatide when added to bivalirudin during ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BackgroundPatients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represent a high-risk group for in-hospital adverse events and bleeding. The safety and outcomes of eptifibatide in addition to bivalirudin in this population have not been determined.MethodsOver an 11-year period, we identified 1849 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), of which 1639 received bivalirudin monotherapy compared with 210 patients who received both bivalirudin and provisional eptifibatide. Safety of combination therapy was assessed by the occurrence of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) major bleeding. In-hospital event rates of death, Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI), and acute stent thrombosis were evaluated for efficacy. Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for significant differences between groups.ResultsPatients treated with bivalirudin plus eptifibatide, when compared with patients with bivalirudin monotherapy, had increased rates of cardiogenic shock (15.7% vs. 9.4%), aspiration thrombectomy (48.5% vs. 23.7%), pre-TIMI flow ≤ 1 (63.5% vs. 40%), and higher peak troponin I (93.65 ± 92.7 vs. 49.16 ± 81.59; all p < 0.01). These, however, were not associated with differences in the primary end point after adjusting for significant baseline and procedural characteristics (OR: 1.63; 95% CI, 0.90–2.96, p = 0.12). Importantly, TIMI major bleeding was not significantly different between groups (OR 1.78; 95% CI, 0.79–2.95, p = 0.20).ConclusionThe addition of eptifibatide to bivalirudin during primary PCI reflects a high-risk STEMI population. This therapy results in similar in-hospital outcomes without an increase in major bleeding. Therefore, when required, combination therapy may be considered in this population.     

The impact of unsuccessful percutaneous coronary intervention on short‐ and long‐term prognosis in STEMI and NSTEMI

Objectives: To compare the impact of the efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on prognosis in ST and non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI and NSTEMI) patients with respect to infarct‐related artery (IRA). Background: The significance of the efficacy of PCI in STEMI and NSTEMI depending on the type of IRA has yet to be clarified. Methods: Study population consisted of 2,179 STEMI and 554 NSTEMI consecutive patients treated with urgent PCI. The efficacy of PCI (TIMI [thrombolysis in myocardial infarction] 3 vs. TIMI < 3) was assessed with regard to the type of IRA (left anterior descending artery, circumflex artery [Cx] or right coronary artery). The mean follow‐up was 37.5 months. Results: The rate of unsuccessful PCI was similar in STEMI and NSTEMI irrespectively of IRA (14.1 vs. 17.7%; P = 0.062). In STEMI, unsuccessful PCI was associated with significantly higher early (23.1 vs. 5.6%; P < 0.001) and late (29.9 vs. 12.8%; P < 0.001) mortality regardless of IRA. In NSTEMI, the inefficacious PCI significantly increased early (19.0% vs. 0.9%; P < 0.001) and late (27.3% vs. 6.3%; P < 0.001) mortality only in patients with Cx‐related infarction. Unsuccessful PCI of IRA was an independent risk factor for death in STEMI (HR 1.64; P < 0.05), but not in NSTEMI (P = 0.64). Further analysis showed that whilst unsuccessful PCI of any vessel in STEMI is an independent risk factor for death, in NSTEMI this applies to unsuccessful PCI of Cx only. Conclusions: The significance of unsuccessful PCI of IRA seems to be different in STEMI and NSTEMI. Unsuccessful PCI is an independent risk factor for death in STEMI regardless of IRA and in NSTEMI with the involvement of Cx. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Early abciximab administration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention improves clinical outcome in diabetic patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (EUROTRANSFER Registry)

BackgroundDiabetes is an important determinant of prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Limited data are available concerning benefits and risks of upstream abciximab administration in diabetic patients. Thus, the objective of the study was to assess the impact of early abciximab administration before primary angioplasty (PCI) for STEMI in diabetic patients.MethodsData were gathered for 1650 consecutive STEMI patients transferred for primary PCI from hospital networks in seven countries in Europe from November 2005 to January 2007 (the EUROTRANSFER Registry population). Patients were stratified by diabetes mellitus presence and then by abciximab administration strategy (early – more than 30 min before PCI vs. late).ResultsDiabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 262 (15.9%) patients. Patients with diabetes mellitus were high-risk individuals, with advanced age, higher prevalence of comorbidities and increased risk of ischemic events during follow-up in comparison to non-diabetic patients. A total of 1086 patients who received abciximab were identified. Strategy of early abciximab administration was associated with enhanced infarct-related artery patency before PCI, and improved epicardial flow after PCI in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Importantly, early abciximab in diabetic patients led to the decrease in ischemic events, including 30-day (OR 0.260, 95% CI 0.089–0.759, p = 0.012) and 1-year (OR 0.273, 95% CI 0.099–0.749, p = 0.012) mortality reduction. However, only a trend toward improved survival was confirmed after adjustment for potential confounders. On the contrary, the reduction of 30-day (OR 0.620, 95% CI 0.334–1.189, p = 0.16) and 1-year (OR 0.643, 95% CI 0.379–1.089, p = 0.10) mortality rates was not significant among non-diabetic patients.ConclusionsEarly administration of abciximab improves infarct-related artery patency before and after primary PCI, and leads to improved survival in diabetic STEMI patients.     

Outcome and treatment quality of transfer primary percutaneous intervention in older patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and treatment quality of transfer percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in older patients with acute STEMI. In this prospective study all patients with diagnosed acute (pain-to-balloon ≤ 12 h) STEMI transferred to our institution for primary PCI (n = 400) between January 2005 and October 2007 were under investigation. Overall 125 older patients with age ≥70 years were included (mean age 77.5 ± 4.9 years; 77 males). Pre-hospital delays were more common in older patients with longer pain-to-balloon: median (range) = 85 (5-629) vs. 66 (1-688) p = 0.031, and pain-to-first medical-contact-times: median: 206 (84-711) vs. 172 (45-720); p = 0.001. A trend towards a higher (non-significant) rate of major 5/125 (5%) vs. 5/275 (1.8%), p = 0.195 and minor 10/125 (8%) vs. 14/275 (5.1%). p = 0.256 bleeding complications in older patients was evident. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in older patients compared to the younger patients group: 13/125, 10.4% vs. 8/275, 2.9%, p = 0.002). Overall mortality at 30-day follow-up was 11.2% in older and 3.3% in younger patients: 14/125 vs. 9/275, p = 0.002. Transfer PCI is an effective treatment strategy for older patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Overall-30-day mortality in older STEMI-patients transferred for primary PCI is comparably low.     

Bivalirudin versus Unfractionated Heparin during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients at High Risk for Bleeding

Low/medium-bleeding-risk populations undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) show significantly less bleeding with bivalirudin (BIV) than with unfractionated heparin (UFH), but this has not been established for high-risk patients. We performed a randomized double-blind prospective trial comparing efficacy and safety of BIV versus UFH combined with dual antiplatelet therapy during PCI among 100 high-risk patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or angina pectoris. The baseline characteristics were similar in both treatment arms. A radial approach was used in 84% of patients with a higher rate in the BIV group (90 vs. 78%, p < 0.05). Study end points were: major and minor bleeding, port-of-entry complications, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in-hospital, and at long-term follow-up. There was one case of major gastrointestinal bleeding in the BIV group and 7% minor bleeding complications in both categories. Rate of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PPMI) in the BIV group was twice that in the UFH group (20 vs. 10%, p < 0.16). In-hospital MACE rate was higher in BIV patients as well (12 vs. 2%, p = 0.1). By univariate analysis, the femoral approach was the predictor of PPMI and in-hospital MACE. In a multivariate model, the independent predictor of PPMI was previous MI (odds ratio, 7.7; p < 0.0158). PPMI was 49.7 times more likely with the femoral approach plus BIV than the nonfemoral approach plus UFH (p < 0.0021). At 41.5 ± 14 months'' follow-up, end points did not significantly differ between the groups. In patients at high risk for bleeding undergoing PCI, BIV was not superior to UFH for bleeding complications, and early and late clinical outcomes.     

Association of colchicine use for acute gout with clinical outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure

BackgroundGout is a common comorbidity in heart failure (HF) patients and is frequently associated with acute exacerbations during treatment for decompensated HF. Although colchicine is often used to manage acute gout in HF patients, its impact on clinical outcomes when used during acute decompensated HF is unknown.MethodsThis was a single center, retrospective study of hospitalized patients treated for an acute HF exacerbation with and without acute gout flare between March 2011 and December 2020. We assessed clinical outcomes in patients treated with colchicine for a gout flare compared to those who did not experience a gout flare or receive colchicine. The primary outcome was in‐hospital all‐cause mortality.ResultsAmong 1047 patient encounters for acute HF during the study period, there were 237 encounters (22.7%) where the patient also received colchicine for acute gout during admission. In‐hospital all‐cause mortality was significantly reduced in the colchicine group compared with the control group (2.1% vs. 6.5%, p = .009). The colchicine group had increased length of stay (9.93 vs. 7.96 days, p < .001) but no significant difference in 30‐day readmissions (21.5% vs. 19.5%, p = .495). In a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age, inpatient colchicine use was associated with improved survival to discharge (hazards ratio [HR] 0.163, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.051−0.525, p = .002) and a reduced rate of in‐hospital CV mortality (HR 0.184, 95% CI 0.044−0.770, p = .021).ConclusionAmong patients with a HF exacerbation, treatment with colchicine for a gout flare was associated with significantly lower in‐hospital mortality compared with those not treated for acute gout.     

Comparison between the effect of intracoronary bolus of tirofiban versus eptifibatide as adjunctive antiplatelet therapy on the outcome of primary coronary intervention in patients with acute anterior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

BackgroundPrimary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been shown to be the preferred reperfusion strategy. Adjunctive GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors improve the outcome in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous intervention (PCI). Intracoronary (IC) GP IIb/IIIa bolus application results in high local drug concentrations and may be more effective than a standard intravenous bolus. It remains unclear which of the two available GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in Egypt eptifibatide and tirofiban would be of great benefit when used as IC bolus.MethodsSixty patients with anterior STEMI undergoing primary PCI in Ain Shams University Hospitals were randomized to either intracoronary eptifibatide (Integrilin®) double bolus dose (n = 30) or IC tirofiban (Aggrastat®) high bolus dose (n = 30) with subsequent 12–24 h intravenous infusion of the same GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. The primary end point was achievement of TIMI III flow and at least MBG II or III. The secondary end points were in hospital occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including death, recurrent ischemia and target vessel revascularization, successful ST segment resolution and preservation of systolic function. The safety endpoint was in hospital occurrence of any major or minor bleeding according to TIMI classification.ResultsAll baseline characteristics including demographics, risk factors, clinical data, time of chest pain, basic ECG data and angiographic data were statistically nonsignificant among both study groups. Regarding primary endpoint: No statistically significant difference in achievement of TIMI III flow, but achievement of MBG II and III indicating successful perfusion was much higher in eptifibatide group (76.6%) than tirofiban group (36.6%) p = 0.005. Regarding secondary end points: No statistically significant difference in rate of in-hospital MACE among both groups with one death (3.3%) in each group, but less recurrent ischemia in eptifibatide group (0%) than tirofiban group (16.7%) p = 0.026., also successful ST segment resolution as indirect sign of successful reperfusion (70.9 ± 11.3 versus 59.7 ± 9) and systolic function preservation (EF of 46.6 ± 5.5 versus 39.9 ± 6) were significantly better in eptifibatide group p < 0.001. Regarding safety end points: There was no difference in TIMI major bleeding among both groups but TIMI minor bleeding had occurred in tirofiban group (33.3%) more than eptifibatide group (0%) p < 0.001.ConclusionIn patient with anterior STEMI treated by primary PCI IC eptifibatide was superior to IC tirofiban in terms of successful perfusion, less recurrent ischemia, more ST segment resolution, and systolic function preservation with less TIMI minor bleeding.