Predictors of the early outcome in elderly patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty: a single center experience

Elderly patients are under-represented in trials assessing strategies of early coronary revascularization in acute myocardial infarction, though they are the fastest growing segment of our population. The aims of the present investigation, performed in 357 elderly (≥75 years) patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) consecutively admitted to our Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2009, were as follows: (a) to identify predictors for in-ICCU mortality among clinical, angiographic and metabolic factors and (b) to evaluate whether there are gender-related differences in management, outcome and in the metabolic and inflammatory responses to acute myocardial ischemia. At multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression analysis, the following variables were independent predictors for in-ICCU mortality in the overall population: age (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.05–1.27; p < 0.003), admission glycemia (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.41–3.56; p < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.88–0.97; p < 0.001), primary PCI failure (OR 4.70; 95% CI 1.70–12.98; p < 0.003). In elderly STEMI patients submitted to primary PCI, early mortality can be related to age, hemodynamic derangement (as indicated by LVEF), the rate of procedural success, and increased glucose values. No gender-related differences in management were detectable in our series. Our data strongly suggest that, in elderly patients in the acute phase of STEMI, since hyperglycemia is a modifying factor, glucose values deserve a more intensive treatment. Further studies, performed specifically in elderly STEMI patients, should be addressed to identify the glucose cut-off values able to influence the outcome.     

The smoker’s paradox after successful fibrinolysis: reduced risk of reocclusion but no improved long-term cardiac outcome

Background In smokers treated with fibrinolysis for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) a paradoxical beneficial short-term outcome has been reported. This was attributed to favorable clinical and angiographic baseline variables and a better response to fibrinolysis. During follow-up infarct artery reocclusion is an important prognosticator. We studied the effects of smoking on reocclusion and long-term cardiac outcome after successful fibrinolysis. Methods In the Antithrombotics in the Prevention of Reocclusion In COronary Thrombolysis trials (APRICOT-1 and -2) 499 STEMI patients with an open infarct artery <48 h after fibrinolysis received randomized antithrombotic treatment until 3-month follow-up angiography. Five-year clinical follow-up was complete. Results Current smokers (317 patients, 64%) had favorable clinical (age 54 vs. 60 years, P < 0.01) and angiographic (single vessel disease 61% vs. 49%, P = 0.02) baseline characteristics. Reocclusion rates were 21% (67/317) in smokers versus 32% (59/182) in non-smokers (P < 0.01). Five-year infarct-free cardiac survival did not differ: 82% vs. 85%. Reocclusion (HR 2.41, 95%CI 1.05–5.56, P = 0.04) independently predicted cardiac mortality. Smoking was independently associated with a reduced risk of reocclusion (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.37–0.91, P = 0.02), but not with improved 5-year cardiac outcome (HR 1.34, 95%CI 0.79–2.25, P = ns). Conclusions After successful fibrinolysis, smoking is independently associated with a more than 40% reduced risk of reocclusion, which is an independent predictor of adverse outcome. However, even with more favorable baseline characteristics smokers did not have improved 5-year cardiac outcome in this low-risk population.     

Clinical impact of simultaneous complete revascularization vs. culprit only primary angioplasty in patients with st-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease: a meta-analysis

Primary Percutaneous Intervention (PCI) is the treatment of choice for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Nearly half of STEMI patients have multivessel (MV) disease that has been associated with worse survival. However, current guidelines recommend to treat only the culprit artery (COR) during the acute procedure. Thus, the aim of the current study was to perform a meta-analysis of trials comparing MV PCI vs. COR for STEMI patients with MV disease. Medline/CENTRAL and Web were searched for comparative studies (both randomized and non randomized trials) about MV PCI vs. COR for STEMI patients reporting mortality, re-PCI and re-MI data. Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. The meta-analysis included 10 studies (2 randomized and 8 registries; N = 31224). As compared with COR, MV PCI significantly reduced long term rate of re-PCI (OR [95% CI] = 0.47 [0.28–0.78], P = 0.003) without increasing 30-day mortality (OR [95% CI] = 1.30 [0.79–2.12], P = 0.31) and long term re-MI (OR [95% CI] = 0.94 [0.43–2.06], P = 0.88). This meta-analysis showed safety and efficacy of MV PCI approach as compared with COR, with a significant reduction in rate of revascularizations, but no advantages in death and re-MI.     

Prevalence of Septic Events, Type 1 Hepatorenal Syndrome, and Mortality in Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis and Utility of Discriminant Function and MELD Score in Predicting These Adverse Events

We sought to assess prevalence, and utility of discriminant function (DF) and MELD score in predicting septic events (SE), type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), and short-term mortality in severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH). Charts of patients with AH (group 1) and cirrhosis without AH (group 2) were retrospectively reviewed. Severe AH, discriminant function (DF) ≥ 32 was treated with pentoxifylline. One hundred ninety-five patients were enrolled in the study and divided into 2 groups: group 1, n=99, and group 2, n=96. Of those with AH, 82% had a DF ≥ 32 at presentation. Group 1 patients had a higher prevalence of SE (38% versus 25%, P=.04), type 1 HRS (30% versus 9%, P=.0003), and short-term mortality (28% versus 7%, P=.0001). In patients with AH, a MELD score ≥20 (but not a DF ≥ 32) at presentation was an independent predictor of a SE (odds ratio [OR] 2.8 [1.0–7.9], P=.04), HRS (OR 4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–16.6, P=0.05), and short-term mortality (OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.1–37.6, P=.03). Kaplan-Meier survival curves confirmed that that a MELD ≥ 20 but not a DF ≥ 32 was associated with a poorer survival (P = .005 and .5, respectively). In conclusion, patients with severe AH have higher prevalence of SE, HRS, and short-term mortality compared to those with cirrhosis without AH. A MELD score ≥20 at presentation is an independent predictor of these adverse events in patients with AH who have been treated with pentoxifylline.     

Race, Bleeding, and Outcomes in STEMI Patients Treated with Fibrinolytic Therapy

Background

Studies have shown higher bleeding and mortality rates among African Americans who receive fibrinolytic therapy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) compared with whites; however, the relationship of bleeding risk to mortality has not been evaluated.

Methods

We studied data from 32,260 STEMI patients receiving fibrinolysis enrolled in the US in 5 clinical trials. Bleeding was defined according to criteria from the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries study. Main outcome measure was adjusted 1-year mortality.

Results

Despite younger age (median: 57 years vs 61 years) and fewer comorbidities, moderate or severe bleeding occurred more frequently among African-Americans than whites (16.3% vs 14.1%; P = .0147, adjusted OR 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-1.62; P = .0006) as did 1-year mortality (11.5% vs 9.4%). African-American race and moderate or severe bleeding were independently related to 1-year mortality (χ² 9.02, P = .0003 and 148.58, P < .0001, respectively). Mortality was highest among African Americans with bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] 2.83; 95% CI, 2.08-3.86) followed by whites with bleeding (HR 1.99; 95% CI, 1.78-2.22) and African Americans without bleeding (HR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.02-1.73) (referent whites without bleeding).

Conclusions

In STEMI patients receiving fibrinolysis, moderate or severe bleeding and mortality were significantly higher in African Americans compared with whites. Bleeding was associated with similarly increased mortality risk in both groups.     

Short and long-term benefits of sirolimus-eluting stent in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Background Recent concerns have emerged on the potential higher risk of stent thrombosis after DES implantation, that might be even more pronounced among STEMI patients. The aim of the current study was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the benefits and safety of Sirolimus-Eluting Stent (SES) as compared to BMS in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI. Methods The literature was scanned by formal searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE and CENTRAL). We examined all completed randomized trials of DES for STEMI. The following keywords were used for study selection: randomized trial, myocardial infarction, reperfusion, primary angioplasty, stenting, DES, sirolimus-eluting stent (SES), Cypher. Information on study design, type of stent, inclusion and exclusion criteria, primary endpoint, number of patients, angiographic and clinical outcome, were extracted by two investigators. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results A total of 9 trials were included in the meta-analysis, involving 2,769 patients (1389 or 50.2% randomized to DES and 1,380 or 49.8% randomized to BMS). At 12 months follow-up, SES was associated with a significant reduction in TVR (4.9% vs. 13.6%, p < 0.0001), with a trend in benefits in mortality (2.9% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.08) and reinfarction (3.0% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.06), without any significant difference in stent thrombosis (1.9% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.36). Safety and efficacy of DES were confirmed at 2–3 years follow-up (data available from 4 trials including 569 patients). Conclusions This meta-analysis shows that among selected STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty, SES as compared to BMS is safe and associated with a significant reduction in TVR at 1 and 2–3 years follow-up.     

Ticagrelor or clopidogrel dual antiplatelet therapy following a pharmacoinvasive strategy in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction

ObjectivesTo describe and evaluate outcomes in STEMI patients sustained on clopidogrel compared to those switched to ticagrelor following fibrinolysis.BackgroundWorld‐wide, many STEMI patients cannot achieve timely PCI and therefore require fibrinolysis. Although comparable 30‐day and 1‐year safety was shown with clopidogrel or ticagrelor in the TREAT study, there is paucity of long‐term outcomes in pharmacoinvasive treated STEMI.MethodsWe conducted an observational cohort study evaluating consecutive pharmacoinvasive STEMI patients treated in a network, comparing those switched to ticagrelor to those sustained on clopidogrel. The primary efficacy composite was one‐year all‐cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and stroke with major bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) as the safety outcomes. Multivariable Cox regression model was used to examine the association between P2Y12 inhibitor and outcomes with inverse probability weighting.ResultsOf 1426 pharmacoinvasive STEMI patients, 28% (n = 396) were converted to ticagrelor at a mean of 9.9 h after fibrinolysis with comparable GRACE Risk Scores (median; 158 vs 157, p0.352). The primary composite occurred in 3.5% of ticagrelor and 7.0% of clopidogrel treated patients (p0.014). Following adjustment, ticagrelor was associated with a 54% lower composite outcome (adjusted HR 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.26–0.84). Major bleeding 6.3% vs 6.1% (NS) and ICH 0.0% vs 0.2% (NS) were similar.ConclusionsIn a prospective STEMI cohort, switching to ticagrelor compared with sustaining clopidogrel following fibrinolysis pharmacoinvasive reperfusion reduced recurrent ischemic events at 1‐year with no differences in major bleeding or ICH. Aligned with randomized data, these findings provide support to switch pharmaco‐invasively treated STEMI patients.     

Prehospital fibrinolysis with dual antiplatelet therapy in ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction: a substudy of the randomized double blind CLARITY-TIMI 28 trial

Background Fibrinolytic therapy for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is frequently limited by delays in administration and by incomplete reperfusion or reocclusion of the infarct-related artery. Intensified prehospital management of STEMI may shorten time to treatment and improve outcomes. Methods We carried out a prospective substudy in 11 ambulance systems in 216 of the 3,491 patients with STEMI who were enrolled in the CLARITY-TIMI 28 trial. They were randomized in the ambulance to clopidogrel (n = 109) or placebo (n = 107) along with fibrinolysis, aspirin, and heparin. The primary endpoint was the composite of an occluded infarct-related artery (TIMI flow grade 0 or 1), or death or recurrent myocardial infarction before angiography. Results All patients received a fibrin-specific lytic and the baseline characteristics in both groups were comparable. The incidence of the primary endpoint was 16.5% in the clopidogrel-treated and 27.1% in the placebo patients (adj OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.31–1.21, p = 0.16), an effect that was consistent with the effects seen in the in-hospital patients in the main CLARITY-TIMI 28 trial. Prehospital clopidogrel therapy reduced the incidence of an occluded infarct-related artery on the predischarge angiogram (11.8% vs. 22.3%, adj OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.24–1.13, p = 0.10). The 30-day incidence of cardiovascular death, recurrent MI or recurrent myocardial ischemia requiring urgent revascularization was 12.8% vs. 14.0% (adj OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.48–2.39, p = 0.87). Early TIMI major bleeding occurred in no clopidogrel patients compared with two placebo patients (1.9%). Conclusions Addition of clopidogrel to medical reperfusion of STEMI with fibrinolysis, heparin, and aspirin before reaching the hospital is feasible in medically equipped ambulances without an apparent increase in bleeding. Furthermore, prehospital clopidogrel tended to show better early coronary patency compared to placebo, a result consistent with that observed in patients randomized in-hospital in the CLARITY-TIMI 28 trial.     

Impact of reduced glomerular filtration rate on outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing fibrinolysis: a CLARITY-TIMI 28 analysis

Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. We explored the relationship between GFR and angiographic and clinical outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients receiving pharamacologic reperfusion, with or without clopidogrel. Data were available to estimate GFR in 3,252 STEMI patients undergoing fibrinolysis, randomized to clopidogrel versus placebo in the CLARITY-TIMI 28 trial. Patients with a creatinine > 2.5 mg/dl were excluded from the trial. We compared outcomes between patients with no, mild or moderate reductions in baseline estimated GFR (ml/min/1.73 m²) of ≥90, 60–89, and <60, respectively. Compared to patients with no (n = 841) or mildly reduced GFR (n = 1897), those with moderately reduced GFR (n = 514) were older, more often female, and were more likely to have diabetes and hypertension (P ≤ 0.001 for all). The risk of the primary endpoint (an occluded infarct-related artery on angiography or death/myocardial infarction by day 8), 30 day cardiovascular events (death, myocardial infarction, or urgent revascularization for recurrent ischemia) and 30 day Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) major or minor bleeding increased as GFR declined (P for trend 0.003, <0.0001, and 0.0008 respectively). The adjusted risk of 30 day ischemic complications remained higher in patients with moderately reduced versus normal GFR (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0−2.1, P = 0.04). Treatment with clopidogrel tended to yield greater benefit in patients with normal or mildly reduced GFR versus in patients with moderately reduced GFR. In conclusion, STEMI patients with reduced GFR treated with medical reperfusion, including dual antiplatelet therapy, have higher rates of adverse clinical outcome. Further research on optimal STEMI therapy in this high-risk group is warranted.     

Management Strategies and Outcomes of ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Transferred After Receiving Fibrinolytic Therapy in the United States

Fibrinolytic therapy is still used in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) when the primary percutaneous coronary intervention cannot be provided in a timely fashion. Management strategies and outcomes in transferred fibrinolytic‐treated STEMI patients have not been well assessed in real‐world settings. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2008 to 2012, we identified 18 814 patients with STEMI who received fibrinolytic therapy and were transferred to a different facility within 24 hours. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding requiring transfusion, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), length of stay, and cost. The patients were divided into 3 groups: those who received medical therapy alone (n = 853; 4.5%), those who underwent coronary artery angiography without revascularization (n = 2573; 13.7%), and those who underwent coronary artery angiography with revascularization (n = 15 388; 81.8%). Rates of in‐hospital mortality among the groups were 20% vs 6.6% vs 2.1%, respectively (P < 0.001); ICH was 8.5% vs 1.1% vs 0.6%, respectively (P < 0.001); and gastrointestinal bleeding was 1.1% vs 0.4% vs 0.4%, respectively (P = 0.011). Multivariate analysis identified increasing age, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and ICH as the independent predictors of not performing coronary artery angiography and/or revascularization in patients with STEMI initially treated with fibrinolytic therapy. The majority of STEMI patients transferred after receiving fibrinolytic therapy undergo coronary angiography. However, notable numbers of patients do not receive revascularization, especially patients with cardiogenic shock and following a cardiac arrest.     

Outcomes of patients in clinical trials with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction among countries with different gross national incomes.

AIMS: To evaluate whether there is an association between 30-day mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) included in clinical trials and country gross national income (GNI). METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of the databases of five randomized trials including 50 310 patients with STEMI (COBALT 7169, GIK-2 2931, HERO-2 17,089, ASSENT-2 17,005, and ASSENT-3 6116 patients) from 53 countries was performed. Countries were divided into three groups according to their GNI based on the World Bank data: low (less than 2900 US dollars), medium (between 2900 US dollars and 9000 US dollars), and high GNI (more than 9000 US dollars per capita). Baseline characteristics, in-hospital management variables, and 30-day outcomes were evaluated. A previously defined logistic regression model was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and to predict mortality. The observed mortality was higher than the predicted mortality in the low (12.1 vs. 11.8%) and in the medium income groups (9.4 vs. 7.9%), whereas it was lower in the high income group (4.9 vs. 5.6%). CONCLUSION: An inverse relationship between mortality and GNI was observed in STEMI clinical trials. Most of the variability in mortality can be explained by differences in baseline characteristics; however, after adjustment, lower income countries have higher mortality than the expected.     

Management and risk factors for mortality in very elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction

Aim: Elderly patients often remain underrepresented in clinical trials. The aim of our study was to analyze the treatment, clinical outcome and risk factors for mortality in patients aged ≥85 years with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: From 2005–2011, 102 patients aged ≥85 years with STEMI admitted to a coronary care unit were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, treatment and outcome were recorded. Reperfusion strategy and its influence in hospital morbidity and mortality were evaluated. Morbidity was defined as the presence of heart failure (Killip–Kimball >1), arrhythmias, mechanical complications, stroke or major bleeding. Risk factors for mortality were assessed by multivariate analysis. Results: The mean age was 87.5 ± 2.5 years (range 85–96). Therapeutic strategy on admission was: primary‐angioplasty (PCI) for 33 patients (32.3%) fibrinolysis for 30 patients (29.4%) and conservative treatment for 35 patients (34.3%). In the four remaining patients, rescue angioplasty was required. A total of 29 patients (28.4%) died, and morbidity was seen in 63 patients (61.7%). The morbidity and mortality rates in the conservative treatment group (77.1% and 48.5%) were higher than that found in the reperfusion strategy group (primary‐PCI and fibrinolysis; 53.7% and 17.9%; P = 0.02 and P = 0.002, respectively). Regarding mortality, the univariate analysis showed that heart failure on admission (P = 0.0001) and previous coronary artery disease (P = 0.01) were prognostic variables. Only heart failure was an independent risk factor for mortality (odds ratio = 3.64, 95% CI 0.78–21.87, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Mortality and morbidity in very elderly patients with STEMI are very high, especially in those not receiving reperfusion therapies. Heart failure on admission was an independent risk factor for hospital mortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 146–151 .     

Low molecular weight heparin bridging for atrial fibrillation: is VTE thromboprophylaxis the major benefit?

Paucity of data has led to a lack of consensus regarding indications for, and risk–benefit ratio of, low molecular weight heparin ‘bridging’ for cardioembolic prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) until their INR levels are in therapeutic range. Using a hospital database, we compared AF patients ≥65 years who were bridged (n = 265) with patients who were not bridged (n = 4532) after hospital discharge. Patients who failed to achieve a therapeutic INR within 30 days were excluded. CHADS₂ scores (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75, diabetes, stroke), bleeding risk and co-morbidity scores were assessed. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for outcome events (death, stroke, hemorrhage and venous thromboembolism (VTE) within 30 days of discharge were compared. Bridged patients, as compared to those not bridged, were younger (74.7 ± 6.6 vs. 78.5 ± 7.7 years), less likely to be white (36 vs. 51%), and less likely to have CHADS₂ scores ≥2 (67 vs. 84%), all P < 0.001. There was no significant difference in bleeding risk (bridged vs. not bridged: 1.5 ± 7 vs. 1.7 ± 6). In logistic models adjusting for age, white race, bleeding risk, CHADS₂ and Comorbidity scores, bridging was significantly associated with lower mortality and a decreased odds ratio for VTE (both P < 0.01) but not for stroke or hemorrhage (both P > 0.80). Although we found insufficient evidence of either lower stroke or greater bleeding risk with bridging, our data suggest the possibility that LMWH bridging in patients with AF is associated with lower risks of VTE and death within 30 days of discharge.     

Angiographic perfusion score in patients treated with PCI at late angiography following fibrinolytic administration for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is associated with morbidity and mortality at 30 days

Background  Among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), evidence of restoration of both normal epicardial arterial flow and myocardial perfusion early after the administration of fibrinolytic agents has been associated with improved clinical outcomes. In STEMI patients treated with fibrinolytic therapy and scheduled for angiography later during hospital admission, however, the association of later indices of flow and perfusion with clinical outcomes has not been assessed. Methods  Clopidogrel as Adjunctive Reperfusion Therapy-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (CLARITY-TIMI) 28 enrolled 3,491 STEMI patients treated with fibrinolytic therapy. Angiography was scheduled 48–192 h (median 84) after randomization. The Angiographic Perfusion Score (APS) (the sum of the TIMI Flow Grade and Myocardial Perfusion Grade before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), range of 0–12) was assessed in the 1,460 patients treated with PCI at late angiography, and its association with morbidity and mortality at 30 days was examined. Results  Full perfusion, defined as an APS of 10–12, was associated with the lowest mortality (0.8%), while partial perfusion (APS 4–9) (2.3%) and failed perfusion (APS 0–3) (18.0%) were associated with a higher incidence of mortality at 30 days (P < 0.001 for full perfusion vs. partial perfusion, P < 0.0001 for overall trend). In addition, full perfusion was associated with a lower incidence of recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), a composite of death and MI, recurrent myocardial ischemia, ventricular tachyarrhythmia, congestive heart failure and shock (P < 0.05 for all trends). Conclusion  Among STEMI patients treated with late PCI following fibrinolytic therapy, higher APS is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality.     

Mortality and morbidity following a major bleed in a registry population with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction

Major bleeding has been associated with an increased risk of ischemic events and death in patients with acute coronary syndromes. We examined the relationship between bleeding and outcome in 1,389 consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presenting to a tertiary center between May 1, 2003 and July 10, 2007. We recorded bleeding, length of stay and death during the first 30 days after hospitalization. Major bleeding occurred in 10.9% (152/1389, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.3–12.6%). In hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with major bleeding compared to those without major bleeding (19.7 vs. 8.2%, odds ratio [OR] 2.8, 95% CI 1.8–4.3) and was evident in the subgroups of patients with a low TIMI STEMI risk score (7.9 vs. 1.8%, OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.2–17.0) and medium risk score (11.7 vs. 6.3%, OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.6–6.2) but not those with a high TIMI STEMI risk score (28.8 vs. 26.1%, OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.7–2.0) (P for interaction = 0.024). Our data indicate that serious bleeding is common in patients with STEMI treated with thrombolysis or PCI and is a powerful predictor of death, particularly in patients with a low TIMI risk score. Therapies that maintain efficacy while reducing bleeding and that reduce the risk of death in patients who develop bleeding are needed.     

Intracranial hemorrhage in children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

 We sent questionnaires to hospitals in Japan in order to study the incidence and conditions of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). From 1980 to 1995, 11 cases of ICH were reported in eight patients with ITP at 35 institutions. One patient had ICH four times, but only one patient died of the condition. From 1990 through 1995, ICH occurred in four (0.52%) of 772 patients with ITP. None of the patients died. The platelet count when ICH occurred was 5.2±3.7×10⁹/l (mean±SD) (n=11). Four of the eight patients (1980–1995) had received active treatment [e.g. intravenous immunoglobulin G (i.v. IgG)] immediately before ICH occurred. In seven cases (1980–1995), possible causes of ICH, including menstruation (n=2) and viral infections (n=3), were identified. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) later developed in three patients. Although the incidence of ICH in children with ITP has not decreased compared with the rates in earlier studies, the mortality rate has decreased markedly. Our results suggest that menstruation, infection, and risk factors for progression to SLE may help to predict ICH in children with ITP. Large-scale prospective trials are needed to identify risk factors for ICH. Received: 24 June 1999 / Accepted: 26 May 2000     

Fludarabine, cytarabine, and mitoxantrone (FLAM) for the treatment of relapsed and refractory adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A phase study by the Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG)

Outcome of adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who fail to achieve complete remission (CR) or who relapse soon after initial response is poor. The goal of this phase II study by the Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG) was to evaluate safety and efficacy of a new salvage regimen (FLAM) consisting of sequential fludarabine, cytarabine, and mitoxantrone. Fifty patients were included with primary (n=13) or secondary (n=5) refractoriness, early (<12 months) first relapse (n=15), first relapse after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) regardless CR duration (n=13), and second or subsequent relapse (n=4). Median age was 31(18–60) years, 28% of patients were bcr/abl-positive. CR rate equaled 50% and was significantly higher for patients in whom FLAM was administered as a second-line therapy compared to those more heavily pre-treated (66 vs 13%, p=0.02). Seventeen patients had leukemia regrowth after initial cytoreduction, whereas, eight patients died in aplasia. The incidence of early death was higher in patients aged ≥40 years compared to the younger subgroup (33 vs 8%, p=0.03). Septic infections were the most frequent severe complication. At 3 years, the probability of disease-free survival for patients who achieved CR equaled 16%. Seven patients underwent allogeneic HCT. FLAM regimen is feasible for relapsed and refractory adults with ALL and could be recommended in particular for younger patients as a second-line treatment. However, as the remission duration is short, allogeneic HCT (alloHCT) should be considered as soon as possible.     

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction using an intravenous and subcutaneous enoxaparin low molecular weight heparin regimen

Background Enoxaparin use in PCI has been investigated, however its role in primary PCI is less known. Objective To evaluate the role of combination IV + SC enoxaparin in primary PCI in STEMI. Methods 83 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI between January 1, 2005 and January 15, 2008 were included. Anticoagulation was based on our institution’s STEMI protocol; either IV + SC enoxaparin, or IV unfractionated heparin (UFH). Clinical endpoints included MACE, bleeding and net adverse cardiac events (NACE). Results 45 patients received UFH and 37 received IV + SC enoxaparin. There was no difference in the rate of mortality, MACE, or NACE. There was a trend toward more TIMI major and GUSTO moderate and severe bleeding in the UFH group. Conclusions Application of IV + SC enoxaparin strategy for primary PCI in STEMI appears both safe and efficacious. A prospective randomized trial will be necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy more thoroughly.     

Predictors of long-term outcomes in patients after elective stent implantation for unprotected left main coronary artery disease

The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictor of long-term outcomes in patients after stent implantation for unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. Coronary stenting has recently been advocated as an alternative procedure for LMCA disease. Information on the predictors of long-term outcomes in patients after stent implantation for unprotected LMCA disease is not clear. Seventy six patients (51 men and 25 women, age 68 ± 10 years) with medically refractory angina received coronary stenting for unprotected LMCA disease. During a follow-up period of 40 ± 26 months, 7 patients (9%) died because of cardiovascular disease in 5 (7%) and noncardiovascular disease in 2 (3%). In the other 69 patients, 19 patients (25%) needed repeated percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and/or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In a univariate analysis, only female sex was related to the repeated PCI and/or CABG (P = 0.04). A history of cerebral vascular attack (CVA) (P = 0.005), anemia (P = 0.03) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P = 0.008) were related to the cardiovascular mortality. A history of myocardial infarction (P = 0.03), a history of CVA (P = 0.02), anemia (P = 0.02), and lower LVEF (P = 0.002) were related to the total mortality. In a multivariate analysis, female sex (P = 0.007; odds ratio 5.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.57–17.80) and young age (P = 0.025; odds ratio 3.92, 95% CI 1.19–12.98) could predict the repeated PCI and/or CABG. Only a history of CVA could predict the cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.027; odds ratio 34.18, 95% CI 1.49–783) and only lower LVEF could predict the total mortality (P = 0.027; odds ratio 13.26, 95% CI 1.34–131). Female sex and young age could predict the repeated PCI and/or CABG in patients after stent implantation for unprotected LMCA disease. Furthermore, a history of CVA could predict the cardiovascular mortality and lower LVEF could predict the total mortality.     

Angiographic perfusion score assessed in patients with acute myocardial infarction is correlated with cardiac magnetic resonance infarct size and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in 6-month follow-up

Angiographic Perfusion Score (APS) proposed as a simple, angiographic score linking epicardial and myocardial perfusion parameters before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a predictor of short-term outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with PCI. Aim of the study was to analyze the correlation between APS and both infarct size and left ventricular function in long-term follow-up. In a cohort of 68 patients with STEMI treated with PCI APS was calculated for infarct-related artery based on angiographic parameters and was defined as the sum of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade (0–3 points) and the TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (0–3 points) before and after PCI (range of points from 0 to 12). Full perfusion was defined as APS ≥ 10. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) were assessed at 6 months. Results: Median APS was 7.5 points. APS ≥ 10 was present in 42% of patients. The significant correlation was found between APS and: CMR infarct size (r = − 0.48; P = 0.0001), CMR left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (r = 0.5; P = 0.002), LV end-diastolic volume index (r = − 0.37; P = 0.004), LV end-systolic volume index (r = −0.41; P = 0.001), NT pro-BNP (r = − 0.5; P = 0.02). Patients with APS ≥ 10 had significantly lower infarct size, LV volumes, higher EF and lower NT pro-BNP. APS assessed in patients with STEMI treated with PCI is a good predictor of infarct size and left ventricular function in 6-month follow-up.