Association of peripheral neutrophilia with adverse angiographic outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

We hypothesized that absolute and relative neutrophilia would be associated with adverse angiographic outcomes in the 394 patient Limitation of Myocardial Infarction Following Thrombolysis in Acute Myocardial Infarction (LIMIT) Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) trial of fibrinolysis in ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The mean neutrophil count was 7.9 x 10(9)/L, with a mean neutrophil percentage of 72%. Patients with time from symptom onset to fibrinolytic treatment more than the median (2.7 hours) had a higher neutrophil count and percentage of neutrophils than patients with shorter time to treatment. Patients with a closed infarct-related artery at 90 minutes (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] grade 0/1 flow) had higher neutrophil counts (8.8 +/- 3.8 vs 7.6 +/- 3.0, p = 0.02) but no difference in the percentage of neutrophils than patients with an open artery. Higher neutrophil counts were also mildly correlated with longer corrected TIMI frame counts (CTFC) in the infarct-related artery (r = 0.14, p = 0.02). Patients with impaired myocardial perfusion by TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) had a greater percentage of neutrophils (73.2 +/- 10.7% for TMPG 0/1 vs 69.9 +/- 12.6% for TMPG 2/3, p = 0.047) but no detectable difference in neutrophil counts (8.2 +/- 3.3 vs 7.7 +/- 2.9, p = 0.24). There were no significant associations between other indexes in the cell differential and angiographic or clinical outcomes. Higher neutrophil counts remained independently associated with both closed arteries and CTFC in multivariable models controlling for age, left anterior descending artery infarct location, time to treatment, and pulse and blood pressure on admission. A greater percentage of neutrophils remained independently associated with impaired microvascular perfusion in a similar multivariable model. In patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, absolute and relative neutrophilia were associated with impaired epicardial and microvascular perfusion.     

Comparison of direct stenting with conventional stent implantation in acute myocardial infarction

Small studies have suggested that direct stenting without balloon predilatation in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction may reduce microcirculatory dysfunction. To examine the clinical benefits of direct stenting in a large cohort of patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention treated with contemporary pharmacotherapy, the 1-year outcomes from the multicenter, randomized Harmonizing Outcomes With Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction (HORIZONS-AMI) trial were analyzed. A total of 3,602 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. The present study cohort consisted of 2,528 patients in whom single lesions (excluding bypass grafts) were treated with stent implantation. At operator discretion, direct stenting was attempted in 698 patients (27.6%), and stenting was performed after predilatation in 1,830 patients (72.4%). Propensity-score matching was performed to reduce bias. Direct stenting was successful in 677 patients (97.0%). ST-segment resolution at 60 minutes after the procedure was improved in patients who underwent direct compared to conventional stenting (median 74.8% vs 68.9%, respectively, p = 0.01). At 1-year follow-up, direct compared to conventional stenting was associated with a significantly lower rate of all-cause death (1.6% vs 3.8%, p = 0.01) and stroke (0.3% vs 1.1%, p = 0.049), with nonsignificant differences in target lesion revascularization, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and major bleeding. Death at 1 year remained significantly lower in the direct stenting group after multivariate adjustment (hazard ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.86, p = 0.02) and in a propensity score-based analysis (hazard ratio 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.88 to 0.95, p = 0.02). In conclusion, compared to stent implantation after predilatation, direct stenting is safe and effective in appropriately selected lesions in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention and may result in improved survival.     

Association of duration of symptoms at presentation with angiographic and clinical outcomes after fibrinolytic therapy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine if an underlying mechanism of the association between prolonged symptom-to-treatment times and adverse outcomes may be an association of symptom-to-treatment times with impaired Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction myocardial perfusion grades (TMPGs). BACKGROUND: Prolonged symptom duration among ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing fibrinolytic therapy is associated with adverse outcomes. METHODS: Angiography was performed 60 min after fibrinolytic administration in 3,845 Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) trial patients. RESULTS: The median time from symptom onset to treatment was longer among patients with impaired myocardial perfusion (3.0 h for TMPG 0/1 vs. 2.7 h for TMPG 2/3; p = 0.001). In a multivariate model, impaired tissue perfusion (TMPG 0/1) remained associated with increased time to treatment (odds ratio 1.14 per hour of delay; p = 0.007) even after adjusting for Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade (TFG) 3, left anterior descending infarct location, and baseline clinical characteristics. Impaired myocardial perfusion after rescue/adjunctive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was associated with longer median times to treatment (3.0 h for TMPG 2/3 vs. 2.7 h for TMPG 0/1; p = 0.017), as was abnormal epicardial flow after rescue/adjunctive PCI (3.3 h for TFG 0/1/2 vs. 2.8 h for TFG 3; p = 0.005). Thirty-day mortality was associated with longer time from onset of symptoms to treatment (6.6% mortality for time to treatment >4 h vs. 3.3%; p < 0.001), even among patients undergoing rescue PCI. CONCLUSIONS: A prolonged symptom to treatment time among STEMI patients is associated with impaired myocardial perfusion independent of epicardial flow both immediately after fibrinolytic administration and after rescue/adjunctive PCI. These data provide a pathophysiologic link between prolonged symptoms due to vessel occlusion, impaired myocardial perfusion, and poor clinical outcomes.     

Angiographic perfusion score: an angiographic variable that integrates both epicardial and tissue level perfusion before and after facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction

Background

Both epicardial and myocardial perfusion have been associated with clinical outcomes in the setting of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and the performance of adjunctive/rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may further improve clinical outcomes after fibrinolytic administration.

Methods

The goal was to develop a simple, broadly applicable angiographic metric that takes into account indices of epicardial and myocardial perfusion both before and after PCI to arrive at a single perfusion grade in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization after fibrinolysis. The angiographic perfusion score (APS) is the sum of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade (TFG; 0-3) added to the TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG; 0-3) before and after PCI (total possible grade, 0-12). Failed perfusion was defined as an APS of 0 to 3, partial perfusion was defined as an APS of 4 to 9, and full perfusion was defined as an APS of 10 to 12. The APS was evaluated in patients from the Double-blind, Placebo-contolled, Multicenter Angiographic Trial of Rhumab CD18 in Acute Myocardial Infarction (LIMIT-AMI; n = 394) and Enoxaparin as Adjunctive Antithrombin Therapy for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (ENTIRE-TIMI) 23 trials (n = 483), and infarct size (120-216 hours after AMI SPECT Technetium-99m Sestamibi data) was assessed in the LIMIT-AMI trial.

Results

The APS was associated with the incidence of death or myocardial infarction (failed, 16.7% [n = 18]; partial, 2.5% [n = 155]; full, 2.4% [n = 82]; P = .039 for trend) and larger SPECT infarct sizes (failed, median 39% [n = 10]; partial, 12% [n = 79]; and full, 8% [n = 35]; P = .002). No patient with full APS died, whereas the mortality rate was 11.1% in patients with a failed APS (P = .03).

Conclusions

The APS combines grades of epicardial and tissue level perfusion before and after PCI or at the end of diagnostic cardiac catheterization to arrive at a single angiographic variable that is associated with infarct size and the rates of 30-day death or MI. Partial or full angiographic perfusion scores are associated with a halving of infarct size, and no patients with full angiographic perfusion died.     

Comparison of outcomes of direct stenting versus stenting after balloon predilation in patients with acute myocardial infarction (DIRAMI)

Due to recent advances in stent design, stenting without balloon predilation (direct stenting) has become more extensively used in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We performed a randomized study with broad inclusion criteria and early randomization after presentation to compare direct stenting with stenting after balloon predilation in patients with AMI. A total of 248 patients was randomized. After exclusion of patients not suitable for stenting, the final study group comprised 217 patients. Direct stenting strategy was feasible in 88% of patients with no meaningful complications. Final Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow (96% vs 94%), final Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction myocardial perfusion grade 2 or 3 (68% vs 61%), and average ST-segment resolution after the procedure (49% vs 51%) were similar in the direct stenting and predilation groups, respectively (p = NS). Rate of in-stent restenosis was higher in the direct stenting group (30% vs 16%, p = 0.024), which was due to a worse angiographic result after the procedure. At 5 years, a composite of cardiac death, reinfarction, and target lesion revascularization had occurred in 39% in the direct stenting group and 34% in the predilated group (p = 0.40). In conclusion, although at 5 years clinical outcome did not differ significantly between groups, direct stenting was associated with a higher incidence of in-stent restenosis at 1 year. Direct stenting did not improve epicardial and myocardial reperfusion indexes. Direct stenting strategy should not be recommended in all patients with AMI as an alternative strategy to stenting after predilation.     

Association of culprit lesion calcium with angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with fibrinolytic therapy

Coronary artery calcium has been associated with a greater extent of angiographically significant coronary artery stenoses, but the angiographic and clinical outcomes associated with culprit lesion calcium (CLC) have not been fully evaluated, particularly in the stetting of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that CLC would be associated with adverse angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients who had ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Data were evaluated in 3,292 patients from 6 trials of fibrinolytic therapy for ST-elevation myocardial infarction; 243 culprit lesions (7.4%) were calcified. CLC was associated with advanced age, history of hypertension, previous coronary artery disease, greater extent of disease, angiographically evident residual thrombus, smaller minimum luminal diameter, and larger percent residual stenosis after fibrinolytic therapy. CLC was associated with lower rates of arterial patency after fibrinolytic therapy (63.3% vs 81.3% p <0.001), lower rates of Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow (41.5% vs 57.2%, p <0.001), and higher (slower) Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction frame counts (52 vs 36 frames, p <0.0001, multivariate p = 0.02). CLC was also associated with increased 30-day mortality rates (6.2% vs 3.4%, p = 0.028) and 30-day rates of death, myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure (16.5% vs 8.9%, p <0.001) and independently associated with 30-day rates of death, myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure (odds ratio 1.6, p = 0.016) after multivariate adjustment for baseline clinical and lesion characteristics, epicardial flow, and performance of rescue/adjunctive percutaneous coronary intervention. In a model restricted to patients who had successful restoration of epicardial patency after fibrinolytic therapy, CLC was independently associated with 30-day mortality (odds ratio 2.2, p = 0.045). CLC is independently associated with indexes of poorer epicardial flow and a higher incidence of adverse clinical outcomes after fibrinolytic administration in patients who have ST-elevation myocardial infarction.     

A randomized comparison of direct stenting with conventional stent implantation in selected patients with acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether direct stenting might prevent the adverse events associated with stent implantation during primary angioplasty and to compare it with conventional stent implantation in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). BACKGROUND: No trial has demonstrated that stents favorably influence mortality rate. Recent studies have even suggested a negative impact of stents on coronary blood flow and clinical outcome. METHODS: Of 409 patients treated by primary angioplasty with stent implantation in our center, 206 (50%) were enrolled in this randomized, single-center trial and allocated to direct stent implantation (n = 102) or stent implantation after balloon pre-dilation (n = 104). The study end points included angiographic results (final corrected Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] frame count and a composite end point of slow and no-reflow or distal embolization), an electrocardiogram marker of myocardial reperfusion assessment (ST-segment resolution) and in-hospital clinical outcome (death and recurrent infarction). RESULTS: Direct stent implantation failed in eight patients but succeeded after pre-dilation in all. A non-significant increase in TIMI flow grade 3 was achieved after direct stenting (95.1% vs. 93.3%, p = 0.74) without significant difference in the corrected TIMI frame count (31.5 +/- 17 and 35.2 +/- 20 frames after direct and conventional stent, respectively, p = 0.42). The composite angiographic end point was significantly reduced by direct stent implantation (11.7% vs. 26.9%, p = 0.01). ST-segment resolution was also significantly improved after direct stent (no ST-segment resolution in 20.2% vs. 38.1% after direct and conventional stent, respectively, p = 0.01). Death and/or recurrent infarction occurred in six patients after conventional stent implantation and in two patients after direct stenting (p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients with AMI, direct stenting can be applied safely and effectively. This strategy may result in a significant reduction of microvascular injury, as suggested by improved ST-segment resolution after reperfusion with major potential clinical consequences.     

Application of intra-aortic balloon pumping on no-reflow phenomenon in primary PCI for STEMI

background To investigate the effect of intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) on no-reflow phenomenon in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Methods Clinical data of 22 acute myocardial infarction patients after PCI with angiographic no-reflow phenomenon were retrospectively analyzed between January 2006 and December 2009.12 patients underwent IABP, other 10 patients as control group. We observed difference of cardiac structure, brain natriuretic pe...     

Beneficial effects of immediate stenting after thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES: The Southwest German Interventional Study in Acute Myocardial Infarction (SIAM III) investigated potentially beneficial effects of immediate stenting after thrombolysis as opposed to a more conservative treatment regimen. BACKGROUND: Treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by thrombolysis is compromised by Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 3 flow rates of only 60% and high re-occlusion rates of the infarct-related artery (IRA). Older studies showed no benefit of coronary angioplasty after thrombolysis compared with thrombolytic therapy alone. This observation has been challenged by the superiority of primary stenting over balloon angioplasty in AMI. METHODS: The SIAM III study was a multicenter, randomized, prospective, controlled trial in patients receiving thrombolysis in AMI (<12 h). Patients of group I were transferred within 6 h after thrombolysis for coronary angiography, including stenting of the IRA. Group II received elective coronary angiography two weeks after thrombolysis with stenting of the IRA. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients were randomized, 163 patients fulfilled the secondary (angiographic) inclusion criteria (82 in group I, 81 in group II). Immediate stenting was associated with a significant reduction of the combined end point after six months (ischemic events, death, reinfarction, target lesion revascularization 25.6% vs. 50.6%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate stenting after thrombolysis leads to a significant reduction of cardiac events compared with a more conservative approach including delayed stenting after two weeks.     

Feasibility and applicability of computer‐assisted myocardial blush quantification after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction

Objectives : The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the “Quantitative Blush Evaluator” (QuBE) score is associated with measures of myocardial reperfusion in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated in two hospitals with 24/7 coronary intervention facilities. Background : QuBE is an open source computer program to quantify myocardial perfusion. Although QuBE has shown to be practical and feasible in the patients enrolled in the Thrombus Aspiration during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction Study (TAPAS), QuBE has not yet been verified on reperfusion outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients treated in other catheterization laboratories. Methods : Core lab adjudicated angiographic outcomes and QuBE values were assessed on angiograms of patients who were enrolled in the PRoximal Embolic Protection in Acute myocardial infarction and Resolution of ST‐Elevation (PREPARE) trial. ST‐segment resolution immediately after PCI measured by continuous ST Holter monitoring was calculated by a blinded core lab. Results : The QuBE score could be assessed on 229 of the 284 angiograms (81%) and was significantly associated with visually assessed myocardial blush grade (P < 0.0001). Patients with improved postprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction‐graded flow, myocardial blush grade, ST‐segment resolution immediately after PCI, or a small infarct size measured by peak CK‐MB had a significant better QuBE score. Conclusions : QuBE is feasible and applicable at angiograms of patients with STEMI recorded at other catheterization laboratories and is associated with measures of myocardial reperfusion. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Prospective evaluation of early abciximab and primary percutaneous intervention for patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: results of the REO-SHOCK trial

OBJECTIVE: Patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock have a high mortality despite the use of early reperfusion therapies with thrombolysis or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Therefore, there is still need to evaluate therapy strategies in these patients. DESIGN: The REO-SHOCK trial was a prospective, non-randomized study, aimed at evaluation of a routine strategy of early abciximab and PCI in a high-risk group of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with cardiogenic shock. RESULTS: Patients (n = 40) planned for coronary angioplasty or stenting received abciximab (0.25 mg/kg bolus followed by 0.125 mg/kg/minute over 12 hours), heparin and aspirin. The intervention was successful in 92.5% of the patients and achieved Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 patency in 32 patients (80%). The primary endpoint, total mortality after 30 days, was observed in 42.5% (17/40), and was significantly different between patients aged > 75 years and patients aged 75 years (91% versus 24%, respectively; p < 0.001). Major bleeding occurred in 2 patients (5%), but stroke occurred in none. CONCLUSION: A strategy of abciximab with primary PCI in high-risk patients with cardiogenic shock is safe, associated with a high procedural success rate and seems to improve outcomes in patients < 75 years old.     

Thrombectomy with AngioJet catheter in native coronary arteries for patients with acute or recent myocardial infarction

The AngioJet thrombectomy catheter removes thrombi by rheolytic fragmentation and suction. The purpose of this study was to identify the efficacy and safety of this new device. Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with intracoronary thrombus. Intracoronary thrombus has been identified as a risk factor of unfavorable outcome after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. To what extent the AngioJet is applicable or effective for acute or recent MI in native coronary artery is not clear. Thrombectomy with the AngioJet was attempted in 31 patients with 31 native coronary arteries selected from 304 patients with acute or recent MI. Follow-up angiography was performed at 3 to 6 months. Procedure success was achieved in 29 patients (94%). Adjunctive balloon angioplasty was performed after AngioJet thrombectomy in 30 patients (97%), and in only 1 patient (3%) AngioJet thrombectomy was the sole procedure. Subsequent stenting after balloon angioplasty was attempted successfully in 12 patients (40%) without thrombotic complications. Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction trial flow grading increased from 0.70 +/- 0.97 before to 2.61 +/- 0.88 after AngioJet thrombectomy (p <0.0001), to 2.84 +/- 0.64 after adjunctive procedures (p = 0.070). At follow-up angiography restenosis rate was 21% but Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow 3 was present in all patients. The restenosis rate of stented patients was 8%. There were no major events during in-hospital and follow-up. The AngioJet can be used safely and successfully to remove thrombus from the native coronary artery of patients with MI. Thrombus removal makes subsequent stenting safe and uncomplicated. The restenosis rate was considered to be acceptable.     

Association of lesion complexity following fibrinolytic administration with mortality in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Greater lesion complexity, according to the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, has been associated with decreased success rates of percutaneous coronary intervention. We hypothesized that greater lesion complexity after fibrinolytic administration for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction would similarly be associated with increased mortality and other adverse events at 30 days. We studies 2,605 patients from the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 10B and 14, Integrilin and Tenecteplase in Acute Myocardial Infarction, ENTIRE, and FASTER studies. For all studies, angiographic outcomes were assessed immediately after fibrinolytic administration and clinical outcomes were assessed at 30 days. Greater lesion complexity was associated with poorer epicardial flow and decreased myocardial perfusion at 60 minutes and after percutaneous coronary intervention and with a higher risk of shock and mortality within 30 days. In a multivariate model, type C lesion complexity remained associated with an increased 30-day mortality rate.     

Frequency, correlates, and clinical implications of myocardial perfusion after primary angioplasty and stenting, with and without glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition, in acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the prognostic importance of myocardial reperfusion after various contemporary interventional strategies in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). BACKGROUND: The frequency, correlates, and clinical implications of myocardial perfusion after primary angioplasty in AMI have not been examined in a large-scale prospective study. Similarly, whether glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors and/or stents improve myocardial perfusion beyond balloon angioplasty has not been investigated. METHODS: Tissue-level perfusion assessed by the myocardial blush grade was evaluated in 1,301 patients with AMI randomized to balloon angioplasty versus stenting, each with or without abciximab. RESULTS: Despite Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 3 restoration in 96.1% of patients, myocardial perfusion was normal in only 17.4% of patients, reduced in 33.9%, and absent in 48.7%. Myocardial perfusion status post-coronary intervention stratified patients into three distinct risk categories, with 1-year mortality rates of 1.4% (normal blush), 4.1% (reduced blush), and 6.2% (absent blush) (p = 0.01). Among patients randomized to angioplasty, angioplasty + abciximab, stenting, and stenting + abciximab, normal myocardial perfusion was restored in 17.7%, 17.0%, 17.5%, and 17.6%, respectively (p = 0.95), which was associated with similar 1-year rates of mortality in patients randomized to stenting versus angioplasty (4.5% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.91) and abciximab versus no abciximab (4.3% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: Restoration of normal tissue-level perfusion is a powerful determinate of survival after primary PCI in AMI and is achieved in a minority of patients. Neither stents nor GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors significantly enhance myocardial perfusion compared to balloon angioplasty alone, underlying the similar long-term mortality with these different mechanical reperfusion strategies.     

A randomized trial comparing myocardial salvage achieved by coronary stenting versus balloon angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction considered ineligible for reperfusion therapy

OBJECTIVES: We assessed myocardial salvage achieved by reperfusion with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and compared stenting with balloon angioplasty (PTCA) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) ineligible for thrombolysis. BACKGROUND: A substantial proportion of patients with AMI are currently considered ineligible for thrombolysis, and reperfusion treatment is frequently not recommended for them. It is not known whether these patients benefit from PCI. METHODS: The Stent or PTCA for Occluded Coronary Arteries in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Ineligible for Thrombolysis (STOPAMI-3) trial, a randomized, open-label study, included 611 patients with AMI who were ineligible for thrombolysis (lack of ST-segment elevation on the electrocardiogram, late presentation >12 h after symptom onset, and contraindications to thrombolysis). Patients were randomly assigned to receive either coronary artery stenting (n = 305) or PTCA (n = 306). Scintigraphic myocardial salvage index (proportion of the initial myocardial perfusion defect that was salvaged by reperfusion) was the primary end point of the study. RESULTS: A considerable myocardial salvage was achieved with both stenting and PTCA. In patients assigned to receive stenting, the median size of the salvage index was 0.54 (25th and 75th percentiles, 0.29 and 0.87), as compared with a median of 0.50 (25th and 75th percentiles, 0.26 and 0.82) in the group assigned to receive PTCA (p = 0.20). Mortality at six months was 8.2% in the group of patients assigned to receive stenting and 9.2% in the group of patients assigned to receive PTCA (p = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AMI who are currently considered ineligible for thrombolysis by conventional guidelines may greatly benefit from primary PCI. The benefit seems to be comparable when a strategy of stenting is compared with a strategy of PTCA in these patients.     

A randomized trial of coronary stenting versus balloon angioplasty as a rescue intervention after failed thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess whether coronary stenting produces better results compared with balloon angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after failed thrombolysis. BACKGROUND: Little evidence exists on the value of rescue mechanical reperfusion after failed thrombolysis. METHODS: This open-label, randomized study enrolled 181 patients with AMI referred for failed thrombolysis performed within the previous 24 h. The patients had to have a Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade of 相似文献   

Relationship between baseline white blood cell count and degree of coronary artery disease and mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes: a TACTICS-TIMI 18 (Treat Angina with Aggrastat and determine Cost of Therapy with an Invasive or Conservative Strategy- Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 18 trial)substudy

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine the relationship between baseline white blood cell (WBC) count and angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with unstable angina (UA)/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and to see if WBC count was a significant predictor of outcomes independent of other biomarkers. BACKGROUND: Inflammation has been shown to play a role in atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes. METHODS: We evaluated the relationship between baseline WBC count, other baseline variables and biomarkers, angiographic findings, and clinical outcomes in 2,208 patients in the Treat angina with Aggrastat and determine Cost of Therapy with an Invasive or Conservative Strategy-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 18 (TACTICS-TIMI 18) trial. RESULTS: Higher baseline WBC counts were associated with lower Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grades (p = 0.0045) and TIMI myocardial perfusion grades (p = 0.03) as well as a greater extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) (p < 0.0001). A higher baseline WBC count was predictive of higher six-month mortality, ranging from 1.5% to 3.6% to 5.1% for patients with low, intermediate, and high WBC counts, respectively (p = 0.0017). In a multivariable proportional hazards model, patients with a low C-reactive protein (CRP) but an elevated WBC remained at significantly higher risk of death at six months (hazard ratio [HR] 4.3, p = 0.049), and patients with a high CRP were at even higher risk (HR 8.6, p = 0.004). conclusions: In patients with UA/NSTEMI, elevations in a simple, widely available blood test, the WBC count, were associated with impaired epicardial and myocardial perfusion, more extensive CAD, and higher six-month mortality. After adjustment for traditional risk factors and other biomarkers, assessment of two inflammatory markers, WBC count and CRP, can be used to stratify patients across an eightfold gradation of six-month mortality risk.     

Elderly Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes: Higher Risk and Greater Benefit from Antithrombotic and Interventional Therapies

In elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes, outcomes are poorer than in younger patients and, disappointingly, some therapies—including thrombolysis for ST elevation myocardial infarction—confer less benefit than in younger patients. In contrast, in unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, the elderly appear to derive greater relative and absolute benefit from the newer, more potent antithrombotic therapies. In both the Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Enoxaparin in Non-Q-Wave Coronary Events and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 11B trials, the low molecular weight heparin enoxaparin, compared with unfractionated heparin, appeared to have greater relative and absolute benefit in patients aged 65 years and older, as compared with younger patients. For the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, an equivalent relative benefit has been observed, which translated into a greater absolute benefit in older vs. younger patients. Similarly, in the FRagmin and Fast Revascularisation during InStability in Coronary Artery Disease II trial, patients 65 years and older derived significantly greater benefit from an invasive than from a conservative strategy, whereas there was no difference in outcome by strategy in younger patients. A similar trend was observed in the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction IIIB trial. Thus, in unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, elderly patients are at higher risk and appear to derive particular benefit from the more aggressive antithrombotic and interventional therapies.     

Diagnosing acute myocardial infarction in patients with left bundle branch block

We compared the clinical features, laboratory and coronary angiographic findings, treatments, and outcomes among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI) with and without left bundle branch block (LBBB). We examined 5,742 patients with ST-segment elevation MI with and without LBBB treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in the Assessment of Pexelizumab in Acute Myocardial Infarction trial. The main outcome measures were obstructive coronary disease, MI, positive cardiac biomarkers, angiographic Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow, and death, MI, or congestive heart failure at 90 days. LBBB was present in 98 patients (1.7%). According to the protocol, patients with LBBB were eligible only if they had ≥1 mm concordant ST-segment elevation. Obstructive coronary artery disease was present in >87% of the patients with LBBB. Documented MI (elevated biomarkers) with an initially occluded infarct artery was more common in patients with LBBB with concordant ST-segment elevation (71.4%) than in patients without (44.1%; p = 0.027). The use of ST-segment elevation concordance criteria in the presence of LBBB was more often associated with documented MI with an identifiable culprit vessel with an initially occluded infarct-related artery. In conclusion, because a substantial proportion of patients with LBBB have acute MI with a culprit lesion and positive biomarkers, these data support immediate catheterization with the intent for primary percutaneous coronary intervention for all patients presenting with suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, ischemic symptoms, and presumed new LBBB, particularly if concordant ST-segment elevation is present.     

Comparison of rheolytic thrombectomy before direct infarct artery stenting versus direct stenting alone in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction

This randomized trial compared rheolytic thrombectomy before direct infarct artery stenting with direct infarct artery stenting alone in 100 patients with a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The primary end point of the study was early ST-segment elevation resolution, and the secondary end points were corrected Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count, infarct size, and 1-month clinical outcome. The primary end point rates were 90% in the thrombectomy group and 72% in the placebo group (p = 0.022). Randomization to thrombectomy was independently related to the primary end point (odds ratio 3.56, p = 0.032). The corrected Thrombolysis In Myocaridal Infarctions (TIMI) frame count was lower in the thrombectomy group (18.2 +/- 7.7 vs 22.5 +/- 11.0, p = 0.032), and infarct size was smaller in the thrombectomy group (13.0 +/- 11.6% vs 21.2 +/- 18.0%, p = 0.010). At 1 month, there were no major adverse cardiac events. Rheolytic thrombectomy before routine direct infarct-related artery (IRA) stenting is highly feasible and provides more effective myocardial reperfusion in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for AMI.