急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死围手术期替罗非班不同给药方法的研究

目的探讨导管室内经下游冠状动脉和上游静脉内注射负荷剂量替罗非班对血管造影结果和左室功能的影响。方法连续入选210例急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死行直接PCI的患者,分为上游静脉组（105例,在急诊室经静脉注射负荷剂量的替罗非班10μg／kg）和下游冠状动脉组（105例,在导管室完成诊断性造影之后经指引导管冠状动脉内注射替罗非班10μg／kg）。两组患者均后续以0．15μg·kg^-1·min^-1静脉泵入替罗非班36h。观察指标包括：手术前、后TIMI（TIMI）血流分级,校正TIMI计帧数（cTFC）,心肌灌注分级（MBG）。术后1个月使用超声心动图评价左室功能恢复情况。结果上游静脉组各个初始造影指标均明显优于下游冠状动脉组,TIMI3级血流24％比10％,P=0．01;cTFC（78±30）比（92±21）,P=0．001;MBG2或3级15％比6％,P=0．02。而术后心肌水平灌注指标下游冠状动脉组均明显优于上游静脉组,ST段回落〉70％的比率50％比35％,P=0．03;MBG2或3级79％比58％,P=0．01。左室功能恢复指标显示下游冠状动脉组明显优于上游静脉组,EF平均增加（8±7）％比（6±7）％,P=0．02;室壁运动分数指数平均增加（0．4±0.3）比（0.3±0．3）,P=0．03。结论行直接经皮冠状动脉介入治疗的ST段抬高型急性心肌梗死患者,在导管室经冠状动脉注射替罗非班,可以改善介入术后的心肌组织水平灌注和术后1个月时左室功能的恢复。这可能得益于冠状动脉内局部注射,使病变局部及病变远端的血管床有较高的药物浓度。     

Early abciximab administration in acute myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary intervention

BACKGROUND: Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors improve myocardial reperfusion and clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but optimal timing of administration remains unclear. In this prospective randomized trial, we evaluated the impact of early abciximab administration on angiographic findings, myocardial salvage and left ventricular function. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-five consecutive patients with first AMI, undergoing primary PCI, were randomized to abciximab administration either in the emergency room (early group: 27 patients) or in the catheterization laboratory after coronary angiography (late group: 28 patients). The primary outcome measures were initial Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infraction (TIMI) grade flow, corrected TIMI frame count and myocardial blush grade as well as salvage index and left ventricular function recovery as assessed by serial scintigraphic scans performed at admission, and 7 days and 1 month after PCI. Angiographic analysis showed a significant difference in initial TIMI grade 3 flow, corrected TIMI frame count and myocardial blush grade favouring early group. Moreover, salvage index and left ventricular function recovery were significantly greater in the early group (P=0.007; and P=0.043, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AMI, treated with primary PCI, early abciximab administration improves myocardial salvage and left ventricular function recovery probably by starting early recanalization of the infarct-related artery.     

Markers of myocardial reperfusion as predictors of left ventricular function recovery in acute myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty

BACKGROUND: Myocardial blush grade (MBG), corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC), and ST-segment reduction are indices of myocardial reperfusion. HYPOTHESIS: We evaluated their predictive value for left ventricular (LV) function recovery by gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: In 40 patients with AMI, gated SPECT was performed at admission and repeated 7 and 30 days after PCI. Left ventricular function recovery was defined as an increase > or = 10 points in SPECT LV ejection fraction from baseline to 1 month. The MBG, cTFC, and ST-segment elevation index 1 h after PCI were determined to evaluate reperfusion. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (Group 1) had LV function recovery and 16 (Group 2) did not. A significant correlation was found between LV function recovery and MBG (r = 0.66; p = 0.0001), and ST-segment elevation index at 1 h (r = -0.55; p = 0.0001), but not with cTFC. Univariate predictors of LV function recovery were MBG (p = 0.0003) and ST-segment elevation index 1 h after intervention (p = 0.0026), but not cTFC. In a multivariate analysis, MBG was the only predictor of LV function recovery. Myocardial blush grade > or = 2 and ST-segment elevation index reduction had the same accuracy (88%) for predicting LV function recovery. Lower accuracy (75%) was shown by fast cTFC (< 23 frames). Myocardial blush grade > or = 2 showed the better negative likelihood ratio, and ST-segment elevation index reduction had the higher positive likelihood ratio in predicting LV function recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial blush grade was the best parameter for prediction of LV function recovery: MBG > or = 2 and ST-segment elevation index reduction showed good accuracy in predicting LV function recovery. The cTFC failed to be a significant predictor.     

Impact of diabetes mellitus on myocardial perfusion after primary angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the impact of diabetes mellitus on myocardial perfusion after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) utilizing myocardial blush grade (MBG) and ST-segment elevation resolution (STR). BACKGROUND: Diabetes is an independent predictor of outcomes after primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Whether the poor prognosis is due to lower rates of myocardial reperfusion is unknown. METHODS: Reperfusion success in those with and without diabetes mellitus was determined by measuring MBG (n = 1,301) and STR analysis (n = 700) in two substudies of the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial among patients undergoing primary PCI for AMI. RESULTS: There were no differences between those with or without diabetes with regard to postprocedural Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 (>95%), distribution of infarct-related artery, and the frequency of stent deployment or abciximab administration. Patients with diabetes mellitus were more likely to have absent myocardial perfusion (MBG 0/1, 56.0% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.01) and absent STR (20.3% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.002). Diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio [HR] 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17 to 2.28], p = 0.004) was an independent predictor of absent myocardial perfusion (MBG 0/1) and absent STR (HR 2.94 [95% CI 1.64 to 5.37], p = 0.005) by multivariate modeling. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar high rates of TIMI flow grade 3 after primary PCI in patients with and without diabetes, patients with diabetes are more likely to have abnormal myocardial perfusion as assessed by both incomplete STR and reduced MBG. Diminished microvascular perfusion in diabetics after primary PCI may contribute to adverse outcomes.     

Facilitated primary coronary intervention with abciximab and very low dose of alteplase during off-hours compared with direct primary intervention during regular hours.

In patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the off-hour presentation is one of the major determinants of door-to-balloon delay. Moreover, the nighttime presentation is associated with increased mortality after primary coronary intervention (PCI). The prompt starting of a therapy able to start recanalization of the infarct-related artery before intervention might improve the results of off-hour primary PCI. We compared the outcome of 212 consecutive patients with AMI undergoing either direct or facilitated PCI according to the hour of presentation. Patients arriving off-hours were pretreated with alteplase (20 mg) and abciximab and underwent facilitated PCI. Patients presenting on-hours underwent direct PCI. A basal Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 was observed in 1.0% of patients undergoing direct PCI and in 44% of patients undergoing facilitated PCI (P = 0.001). More patients starting PCI with a TIMI 3 flow achieved a postinterventional fast TIMI frame count (72.0% vs. 38.8% direct PCI group vs. 34.9% facilitated PCI group with basal TIMI 0-2; P = 0.001) and a TIMI perfusion grade 3 (66.0% vs. 38.8% direct PCI group vs. 39.7% facilitated PCI group with basal TIMI 0-2; P = 0.004). Preinterventional TIMI flow grade 3 was associated with a higher gain in left ventricular ejection fraction at 1 month (10.9% +/- 6.4% vs. 7.0% +/- 9.6% direct PCI group vs. 6.1% +/- 6.0% facilitated PCI group with basal TIMI 0-2; P = 0.005). No significant difference was observed in major bleedings, although there was a trend toward a higher risk in the facilitated PCI group. Patients in the facilitated PCI group achieving a basal TIMI 3 flow showed improved myocardial reperfusion and better left ventricular function recovery. Bleeding complications associated with combination therapy remained an important concern.     

Early administration of abciximab in patients with acute myocardial infarction improves angiographic and clinical outcome after primary angioplasty.

Adjunctive use of abciximab during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) improves clinical outcome. This study addresses the outcome of patients with AMI treated with abciximab, initiated either before transport to a PCI center (early group) or immediately upon arrival at the catheterization laboratory (late group) for primary PCI. Of 446 consecutive patients with AMI, angiographic data and clinical complications were evaluated up to 6 months after primary PCI. Patients received abciximab before transport (early group; n = 138) or just before the intervention (late group; n = 308). Baseline data, including transport time (45 +/- 15 min; range, 15-60 min), were comparable in both groups. Early reperfusion was more prevalent in the early group (35% vs. late 19%; P < 0.001). Furthermore, a better final TIMI 3 flow was noted in the early group (91% vs. late 83%; P = 0.05). Although mortality reduction attributable to early abciximab treatment could not be demonstrated, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) occurred in 27% in the early group and 36% in the late group (P = 0.05). Revascularization rates were similar, but repeat acute coronary syndromes were less frequent in the early group (11% vs. late group 20%; P = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, cardiogenic shock, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and previously known coronary artery disease were independent predictors of higher MACE rate, whereas early reperfusion and final TIMI 3 flow reduced 6-month MACE rate. Abciximab pretreatment of patients with AMI for primary PCI results in better initial and final TIMI flow and tends to improve 6-month clinical outcome.     

Early administration of abciximab bolus in the emergency department improves angiographic outcome after primary PCI as assessed by TIMI frame count: results of the early ReoPro administration in myocardial infarction (ERAMI) trial.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the safety and efficacy of early administration of abciximab prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. BACKGROUND: Research suggests that platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, e.g. abciximab, may improve myocardial perfusion. In particular, early administration in the emergency department, prior to PCI, may result in more effective reperfusion. METHODS: Eighty AMI patients with planned PCI were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive a 0.25 mg/kg abciximab bolus either "early" in the emergency department or "late" in the catheterization laboratory after angiographic assessment. In total, 74 patients underwent PCI after diagnostic angiography, all of which then received an abciximab infusion of 0.125 microg/kg/min for 12 hr. RESULTS: Prior to PCI, no significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the angiographic endpoints or ST-segment resolution. After PCI, thrombolysis in MI (TIMI) frame count (TFC) was significantly improved in patients treated early rather than in those treated late (23 +/- 10 vs. 41 +/- 35; P = 0.02). Consistent trends, also favoring early treatment, were observed for TIMI flow grade 3 (TFG 3), corrected TFC (CTFC), and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3 (TMPG 3). Nine deaths (4 early, 5 late) and six significant bleeds (4 early, 2 late) were observed at 30 days after randomization. CONCLUSIONS: Early administration of abciximab is both feasible and safe in patients planned for primary PCI, increasing coronary flow and myocardial reperfusion after PCI, as demonstrated by significantly decreased TFC scores and trends toward improvements in TFG, CTFC, and TMPG.     

Randomized comparison of upstream tirofiban versus downstream high bolus dose tirofiban or abciximab on tissue-level perfusion and troponin release in high-risk acute coronary syndromes treated with percutaneous coronary interventions: the EVEREST trial.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the effects of upstream tirofiban versus downstream high-dose bolus (HDB) tirofiban and abciximab on tissue level perfusion and troponin I release in high-risk non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: Optimal timing and dosage of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors for ACS remain to be explored. METHODS: We randomized 93 high-risk ACS patients undergoing PCI to receive upstream (in the coronary care unit) tirofiban, downstream (just prior to PCI) HDB tirofiban, and downstream abciximab. We evaluated the effects of the three drug regimens on tissue-level perfusion using the corrected Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count, the TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG), and intracoronary myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) before and immediately after PCI and after cardiac troponin I (cTnI). RESULTS: The TMPG 0/1 perfusion was significantly less frequent with upstream tirofiban compared with HDB tirofiban and abciximab both before (28.1% vs. 66.7% vs. 71%, respectively; p = 0.0009) and after PCI (6.2% vs. 20% vs. 35.5%, respectively; p = 0.015). Upstream tirofiban was also associated with a significantly higher MCE score index (0.88 +/- 0.18 vs. 0.77 +/- 0.32 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.30, respectively; p < 0.05). Post-procedural cTnI elevation was significantly less frequent among patients in the upstream tirofiban group compared with the HDB tirofiban and abciximab groups (9.4% vs. 30% vs. 38.7%, respectively; p = 0.018). The cTnI levels after PCI were significantly lower with upstream tirofiban compared with HDB tirofiban (3.8 +/- 4.1 vs. 7.2 +/- 12; p = 0.015) and abciximab (3.8 +/- 4.1 vs. 9 +/- 13.8; p = 0.0002) CONCLUSIONS: Among high-risk non-ST-segment-elevation ACS patients treated with an early invasive strategy, upstream tirofiban is associated with improved tissue-level perfusion and attenuated myocardial damage.     

Percutaneous thrombectomy with the RESCUE system in acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation (STEMI) are associated with distal coronary embolisation. It may be speculated that percutaneous thrombectomy preceding stent implantation may prevent coronary microcirculation from embolisation. AIM: To assess safety and efficacy of percutaneous thrombectomy in patients with STEMI. METHODS: Seventy two patients with STEMI were randomised to PCI with stent implantation alone (n=32) or percutaneous thrombectomy with the RESCUE system, followed by stent implantation (n=40). Coronary flow in infarct related artery before and after the procedure was assessed using TIMI scale and corrected TIMI frame count - cTFC. Myocardial blood flow was measured using TIMI myocardial perfusion grade - tMPG. The degree of ST segment resolution 60 min after PCI was also assessed. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured in hospital and three months later. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ with respect to the time from the onset of symptoms to the procedure (236+/-162 min vs 258+/-198 min, NS) or the baseline TIMI, cTFC and tMPG values. An effective thrombectomy procedure was performed in 35 (87%) patients from group B. After the procedure, the number of patients with TIMI 3 grade as well as cTFC values and the proportion of patients with tMPG 3 were similar in both groups (86% vs 85%, NS; 19 vs 21, NS; and 38% vs 54%, NS). The sum of ST segment elevations after the procedure was significantly greater in patients who underwent PCI only compared with patients who had thrombectomy and PCI (6.8+/-5.2 mm vs 3.6+/-2.9 mm, p=0.004). Complete normalisation of ST segment was achieved in 68% of patients treated with thrombectomy and PCI compared with 25% of patients who had PCI only (p=0.005). CK-MB peak values occurred significantly earlier in patients treated with thrombectomy (92.1% vs 66.7% up to 360 min, p=0.01). After 3 months of follow-up, LVEF tended to be greater in patients treated with thrombectomy and PCI than in those who underwent PCI only (55.3+/-14.7% vs 60.3+/-9.2%, NS). CONCLUSIONS: Thrombectomy with the RESCUE system in patients with STEMI is safe and effectively restores patency of infarct related artery. Thrombectomy better improves myocardial perfusion than standard PCI.     

冠状动脉内注射乌拉地尔对急性心肌梗死心肌灌注和心功能的影响

目的:探讨乌拉地尔对急性心肌梗死(AMI)急诊经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)患者心肌灌注和心功能的影响。方法:对经急诊PCI治疗的AMI患者54例,随机分为乌拉地尔组、硝酸甘油组和对照组。分别于经皮腔内冠状动脉成形术前冠状动脉内注射乌拉地尔、硝酸甘油、生理盐水。观察PCI术前、术后心肌梗死溶栓试验(TIMI)血流、校正的TIMI帧计数(cTFC)、心肌充血分级(MBG)、ST段回落、心肌坏死指标、左心室射血分数(LVEF)及住院期间主要心血管不良事件(MACE)。结果:乌拉地尔组与硝酸甘油组和对照组相比,PCI后cTFC降低、MBG增加、ST段回落增加、LVEF增加、CK和TnT峰值降低(P均<0.01)。结论:乌拉地尔可改善AMI急诊PCI患者冠状动脉血流、心肌灌注和左心室收缩功能,减少梗死面积,不增加住院期间MACE。     

Reperfusion after primary angioplasty for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: predictors of success and relationship to clinical outcomes in the APEX-AMI angiographic study.

AIMS: We studied the clinical, demographic, and angiographic factors associated with successful reperfusion and the relationship between angiographic indices and clinical outcomes in a subset of the APEX-AMI trial, which tested the efficacy of pexelizumab in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 5745 patients enrolled in the trial, 1018 underwent independent quantitative angiographic evaluation by a core laboratory. Successful epicardial reperfusion was defined as TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) flow grade 3 or corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) <28 frames, and successful myocardial reperfusion as TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) 2 or 3. TIMI 3 flow after PCI occurred in 85%, cTFC < 28 in 58% (mean cTFC was 27 +/- 20), and TMPG 2 or 3 in 91%. Overall 90 day clinical outcomes were 2.7% for mortality and 8.2% for the composite of death, congestive heart failure (CHF), or shock. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, TMPG 2/3 after PCI was associated with younger age [odds ratio (OR) for 10 year increase 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.96, P = 0.023], pre-PCI TIMI flow 2/3 (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7-7.1, P = 0.001), and ischaemic time [for every hour, OR 0.81 (0.69-0.96), P = 0.015]. TMPG 2/3 after PCI was significantly associated with 90 day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.26, 95% CI 0.09-0.78, P = 0.013). Neither post-PCI TMPG nor TIMI flow grade was significantly associated with 90 day death/CHF/shock. CONCLUSION: Younger age, patent infarct-related artery at presentation, and ischaemic time predicted higher likelihood of successful myocardial perfusion, which was associated with improved survival.     

Early administration of intracoronary verapamil improves myocardial perfusion during percutaneous coronary interventions for acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: Intracoronary calcium-channel blockers administered in the event of no reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have been shown to improve myocardial perfusion. STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the administration of intracoronary verapamil before the occurrence of no reflow during direct PCI. DESIGN AND SETTING: Single-center, nonrandomized, prospective study with a retrospective control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 2001 to December 2003, 50 consecutive patients with AMI were prospectively enrolled for intracoronary verapamil treatment. Intracoronary verapamil was administered immediately prior to balloon inflation and at short intervals during the procedure thereafter. Retrospectively, 50 consecutive AMI patients who had undergone direct PCI and had not received intracoronary calcium-channel blockers were enrolled as control subjects. Patients with cardiogenic shock or platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor were excluded. Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade, corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC), and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) were assessed prior to and following PCI by two independent cardiologists blinded to the procedures. RESULTS: The two groups had similar baseline and post-procedural angiographic characteristics, although the patients who been administered verapamil received more stent implantations than the control subjects (84% vs 60%, p = 0.008). Post-procedural TIMI flow < 3 (odds ratio [OR], 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12 to 1.30; p = 0.18) and TMPG (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.46 to 3.34; p = 0.68) were not associated with the implantation of the stents. There were no significant difference in post-PCI TIMI flow (p = 0.68) and CTFC (p = 0.36) between patients treated with verapamil and the control subjects. Post-PCI TMPG was significantly better in patients treated with intracoronary verapamil (p = 0.003). Forty-two percent of the patients treated with verapamil were found to have TMPG-3, while only 14% of the control subjects were found to have the same degree of TMPG (p = 0.004). Treatment with intracoronary verapamil (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.58; p = 0.001) and pre-PCI TIMI flow (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.84; p = 0.006) were found by multiple logistic regression to be independent predictors of TMPG. CONCLUSIONS: Early administration of intracoronary verapamil during direct PCI improves post-procedural myocardial perfusion, as evaluated by TMPG.     

Detection of microvascular injury by evaluating epicardial blood flow in early reperfusion following primary angioplasty

BACKGROUND: In a significant proportion of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), successful opening of the infarct related artery (IRA) does not translate into adequate perfusion at the tissue level. We hypothesised that deterioration of epicardial blood flow in early reperfusion may identify early signs of coronary microvascular injury. METHODS: In 272 consecutive patients (age 56.9+/-10.4 years) with AMI treated by primary angioplasty (PCI), coronary blood flow (Trombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) scale and corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC)) was evaluated before [B], immediately after [O] and 15 min after [O15] opening of the IRA. The sum of ST-segment elevation in standard ECG leads (sigmaST) was measured at [B], at [O15] and 24 h after [C24]. Microvascular injury was assessed by indexes STi(O15)=sigmaST(O15)/sigmaST(B), STi(C24)=sigmaST(C24)/sigmaST(B), and by peak CK-MB release. Coronary flow deterioration (cTFC(DET)) was defined as the difference between cTFC(O15) and cTFC(O). RESULTS: TIMI-3 flow was achieved in 236 (90.8%) patients at [O]. In the early phase of reperfusion (between [O] and [O15]), TIMI flow deteriorated by >/=1 point in 19 (7.3%) patients despite angiographic optimisation of the PCI result. At [O15] 224 (86.2%) patients had TIMI-3 flow (reflow), 36 (13.8%) patients had TIMI相似文献   

Preservation of myocardial microcirculation during mechanical reperfusion for myocardial ischemia with either abciximab or eptifibatide

Myocardial Blush Grade (MBG) is an angiographic method of assessing myocardial microcirculation and provides independent risk stratification among patients with normal TIMI 3 flow. Although the beneficial effect of abciximab on microvascular perfusion is well established, the efficacy of eptifibatide in the prevention of platelet aggregation and distal microembolization is less proven. After a pharmacologic shift by our institution towards the use of eptifibatide in patients with unstable angina presenting for PCI, we sought to evaluate our experience by retrospectively comparing the effect on myocardial perfusion between abciximab and eptifibatide following PCI in stable angina or acute coronary syndrome. Microcirculatory perfusion was reviewed in 101 consecutive patients (23 stable angina, 61 unstable angina, 17 non-q MI) undergoing PTCA/stenting. This comparison was between the last group of 51 patients who routinely received standard bolus and infusion of abciximab and the first group of 50 patients who began receiving standard bolus and infusion of eptifibatide. Baseline characteristics between the two groups were balanced, except for more patients with previous CABG in the eptifibatide group. Angiograms were evaluated by 2 blinded independent reviewers for MBG as follows: 0, no blush; 1, minimal blush; 2, moderate blush; and 3, normal blush. TIMI 3 flow was seen in 98 patients. MBG scores were not significantly different in the abciximab group (67% MBG 3; 31% MBG 2; 2.0% MBG 0 1) than in the eptifibatide group (58% MBG 3; 36% MBG 2; 6.0% MBG 0 1); p = 0.34. Patients with prior PTCA/stenting had lower MBG scores (0 2) compared to patients without prior PTCA (58% vs 31%; p = 0.03). There were significantly lower MBG scores in all patients with prior PTCA or CABG compared to patients without (55% vs 30%; p = 0.03). MBG scores significantly and inversely correlated with peak troponin I levels (r = -0.18, one-tailed p = 0.04). The similarity in myocardial perfusion between abciximab and eptifibatide suggests that both compounds are equally effective in reducing platelet aggregation and microembolization during mechanical reperfusion. Lower MBG scores in patients with prior PTCA or revascularization may be explained by irreversible microvascular dysfunction resulting from distal microembolization during the previous procedure. Lower MBG scores in patients with higher troponin I levels may reflect more frequent microemboli and microinfarcts during an ischemic event. Larger prospective studies need to be performed to validate these findings.     

Pretreatment with intragraft verapamil prior to percutaneous coronary intervention of saphenous vein graft lesions: results of the randomized,controlled vasodilator prevention on no-reflow (VAPOR) trial

BACKGROUND: Intragraft verapamil is effective in treating no-reflow during saphenous vein graft (SVG) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study, we assessed the use of intragraft verapamil given pre-PCI to prevent no-reflow. METHODS: Patients undergoing SVG PCI were randomized to receive intragraft 200 g verapamil or no verapamil immediately prior to PCI. Pre- and post-PCI, vessel flow was assessed using TIMI flow grade and TIMI frame count by blinded angiographic readers. Tissue level perfusion in the graft territory was assessed using the TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG). CK-MB or troponin I levels were measured 6 12 hours post-PCI. RESULTS: Ten patients were randomized to the verapamil group and 12 were assigned to the placebo group. No-reflow occurred in 33.3% of the placebo group, compared to none of the verapamil patients (p = 0.10). The use of intragraft verapamil prior to SVG PCI increased flow rate in the vessel as assessed by TIMI frame count (53.3 22.4% faster in the verapamil group versus 11.5 38.9% in the placebo group; p = 0.016). There was a trend toward improved myocardial perfusion as assessed by TMPG. There was no difference in the incidence of cardiac biomarker release following PCI. CONCLUSIONS: Intragraft administration of verapamil prior to saphenous vein graft PCI reduces no-reflow and is associated with a trend toward improved myocardial perfusion.     

Prognostic implications of creatine kinase elevation after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the prognostic implications of the absolute level and rate of increase of creatine kinase (CK) elevation after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: Peak creatine kinase (CK(peak)) and the rate of CK increase are related to reperfusion success and clinical outcomes after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The utility of routine serial CK monitoring after primary PCI, in which normal antegrade blood flow is restored in most patients, is unknown. METHODS: In the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial, 1,529 patients with AMI randomized to either stenting or balloon angioplasty, each with or without abciximab, had CK levels determined at baseline and at 8 +/- 1 h, 16 +/- 1 h, and 24 +/- 1 h after PCI. RESULTS: The CK(peak) occurred at baseline in 3.9% of patients, at 8 +/- 1 h in 69.6%, at 16 +/- 1 h in 20.0%, and at 24 +/- 1 h in 6.5%. The CK levels at all post-procedural time points were significantly higher in patients who died compared with the one-year survivors, as was CK(peak) (mean, 2,865 U/l vs. 1,885 U/l, respectively, p < or = 0.001). By multivariate analysis, CK(peak) was a significant predictor of one-year mortality (hazard ratio = 2.15, p = 0.0002), independent from post-PCI Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow. Both the improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline to seven months and its absolute level were inversely correlated with CK(peak) (p < 0.001 for both). In contrast, the time to CK(peak) was not an independent predictor of mortality or myocardial recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The CK(peak) after primary PCI is a powerful predictor of one-year mortality independent of other clinical and angiographic measures.     

The distal protection during primary percutaneous coronary intervention alleviates the adverse effects of large thrombus burden on myocardial reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: The presence of intracoronary large thrombus burden (LTB) in the infarct-related artery increases the risk of distal embolization and no-reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Evaluation of whether the distal protection (DP) during primary PCI reduces adverse effects of LTB on myocardial reperfusion and infarct size was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: A consecutive series of 88 patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary PCI using DP were compared with 81 consecutive patients treated by primary PCI alone. The DP use showed similar post-procedural myocardial blush grade (MBG)-3 and infarct size, but improved corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (cTFC) (29+/-11 vs 35+/-20, p=0.011) and the incidence of ST-segment resolution (80.7% vs 66.7%, p=0.038). In patients with LTB present, however, the DP use reduced occurrences of no-reflow (0% vs 11.8%, p=0.036) and distal embolization (4.8% vs 17.6%, p=0.129), resulting in higher occurrences of MBG-3 (61.9% vs 35.3%, p=0.021) and ST-segment resolution (78.6% vs 50.0%, p=0.009), lower cTFC values (30+/-8 vs 40+/-22, p=0.012) and smaller infarct size (12.2+/-11.2 vs 18.7+/-11.1, p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: With an improved myocardial reperfusion and smaller infarct size in patients with LTB, the DP during primary PCI might be a better strategy in this particular setting compared with conventional strategy.     

The decrease of plaque volume during percutaneous coronary intervention has a negative impact on coronary flow in acute myocardial infarction: a major role of percutaneous coronary intervention-induced embolization

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate how decreased plaque volume during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) affects coronary flow in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). BACKGROUND: Coronary flow after reperfusion therapy is a major determinant of clinical outcomes in patients with AMI. However, little is still known about the changes in coronary flow that appear after PCI in response to the decreased plaque during the procedure. METHODS: The study group comprised 60 patients with AMI who underwent pre- and post-PCI intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed on all IVUS procedures. External elastic membrane volume (EEMV), lumen volume (LV), and plaque volume (PV) were measured every 1.0 mm to include the lesion and reference segments 3.0 mm proximal and distal to the lesion. The difference between pre- and post-PCI PV was defined as the index of the decrease in plaque volume (DeltaPV). The corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) was used to evaluate coronary flow after PCI. RESULTS: Plaque volume was decreased at post-PCI IVUS in all 60 patients. Inadequate reflow (CTFC >40) was observed in 13 patients (21.7%). The decrease in PV was significantly larger in patients with inadequate reflow than in those with reflow (49.4 +/- 18.9 vs. 31.7 +/- 15.5 mm(3), p = 0.0010). Also, DeltaPV was significantly correlated with CTFC after PCI (r = 0.415, p = 0.0012). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in PV during PCI has a negative impact on coronary flow after PCI in patients with AMI. Embolization induced by PCI may occur in all patients with AMI.     

Myocardial perfusion grade and survival after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with cardiogenic shock

We sought to evaluate myocardial reperfusion and its prognostic value after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in patients admitted for cardiogenic shock. Lack of myocardial reperfusion despite restored coronary flow affects the survival of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Myocardial blush grade (MBG) is an angiographic measure of myocardial perfusion. We assessed MBG in 41 consecutive patients admitted to our department within 12 hours from the onset of AMI and in cardiogenic shock. PTCA was successful in 83% of patients. Thrombolysis In Mycardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow was demonstrated in 22 patients (53%). MBG 2/3 was found in 14 patients (34%); among them, 12 had TIMI 3 flow. Compared with patients with MBG 2/3, those with MBG 0/1 were older (71 +/- 11 vs 57 +/- 13 years, p = 0.001), had a higher prevalence of diabetes (48% vs 14%, p = 0.04) and hypertension (63% vs 29%, p = 0.04), showed a trend toward longer ischemic time (6.1 +/- 2.4 vs 4.9 +/- 1.1), and had larger enzymatic infarct size (peak creatine kinase 7,690 +/- 3,516 vs 5,500 +/- 2,977 IU/L). Mortality was higher in patients with MBG 0/1 both in the hospital (81% vs 14%, p <0.001) and at follow-up (81% vs 29%, p = 0.001). After adjustment by multivariate analysis, MBG 0/1 (odds ratio 16, p = 0.01) and age (odds ratio 3.8/10 years, p = 0.04) were correlated with in-hospital mortality. MBG 2/3 was achieved in a few patients in cardiogenic shock after AMI who were treated with PTCA; this was a strong predictor of in-hospital survival. Also, risk stratification after mechanical revascularization should include assessment of restoration of myocardial reperfusion.     

Increase of myocardial salvage and left ventricular function recovery with intracoronary abciximab downstream of the coronary occlusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary intervention.

In this prospective randomized trial on patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), we hypothesized that abciximab administered intracoronarily, downstream of the coronary occlusion, leads to a greater degree of myocardial salvage and better left ventricular function recovery compared with the usual abciximab administration. Forty-five consecutive patients with first AMI and infarct-related artery TIMI flow 0-1 undergoing primary PCI were enrolled. Twenty-two patients were randomly assigned to the intracoronary treatment and 23 to the usual treatment. The initial perfusion defect, final infarct size, myocardial salvage, salvage index, and left ventricular function recovery were assessed by serial scintigraphic scans performed at admission and 7 days and 1 month after PCI. Angiographic myocardial blush grade, corrected TIMI frame count, and electrocardiographic ST segment elevation reduction were also assessed as markers of myocardial reperfusion. Final infarct size was significantly smaller (P = 0.043) and salvage index significantly higher (P = 0.003) in the intracoronary treatment group as a result of a greater degree of myocardial salvage (P = 0.0001). The increase of left ventricular ejection fraction at 1 month was significantly higher in the intracoronary treatment patients (P = 0.013). The markers of myocardial reperfusion were also significantly better in the intracoronary treatment group. In patients with AMI and occluded infarct-related artery treated with primary PCI, intracoronary abciximab given just before PCI downstream of the occlusion is associated to a greater degree of myocardial salvage than the usual abciximab protocol. This benefit is mainly related to a substantial reduction in final infarct size, which leads to an improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction.