Racial,Ethnic, and Sex Disparities in Patients With STEMI and Cardiogenic Shock

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the combined impact of race, ethnicity, and sex on in-hospital outcomes using data from the National Inpatient Sample.BackgroundCardiogenic shock (CS) is a major cause of mortality following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Early revascularization reduces mortality in such patients. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are increasingly used to hemodynamically support patients during revascularization. Little is known about racial, ethnic, and sex disparities in patients with STEMI and CS.MethodsThe National Inpatient Sample was queried from January 2006 to September 2015 for hospitalizations with STEMI and CS. The associations between sex, race, ethnicity, and outcomes were examined using complex-samples multivariate logistic or generalized linear model regressions.ResultsOf 159,339 patients with STEMI and CS, 57,839 (36.3%) were women. In-hospital mortality was higher for all women (range 40% to 45.4%) compared with men (range 30.4% to 34.7%). Women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06 to 1.16; p < 0.001) as well as Black (aOR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.34; p = 0.011) and Hispanic (aOR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.33; p = 0.003) men had higher odds of in-hospital mortality compared with White men, with Hispanic women having the highest odds of in-hospital mortality (aOR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.70; p < 0.001). Women were older (age: 69.8 years vs. 63.2 years), had more comorbidities, and underwent fewer invasive cardiac procedures, including revascularization, right heart catheterization, and MCS.ConclusionsThere are significant racial, ethnic, and sex differences in procedural utilization and clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI and CS. Women are less likely to undergo invasive cardiac procedures, including revascularization and MCS. Women as well as Black and Hispanic patients have a higher likelihood of death compared with White men.     

Sex-Related Differences in Thrombus Burden in STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BackgroundWomen have a worse prognosis after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) than men. The prognostic role of thrombus burden (TB) in influencing the sex-related differences in clinical outcomes after STEMI has not been clearly investigated.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the sex-related differences in TB and its clinical implications in patients with STEMI.MethodsIndividual patient data from the 3 major randomized clinical trials of manual thrombus aspiration were analyzed, encompassing a total of 19,047 patients with STEMI, of whom 13,885 (76.1%) were men and 4,371 (23.9%) were women. The primary outcome of interest was 1-year cardiovascular (CV) death. The secondary outcomes of interest were recurrent myocardial infarction, heart failure, all-cause mortality, stroke, stent thrombosis (ST), and target vessel revascularization at 1 year.ResultsPatients with high TB (HTB) had worse 1-year outcomes compared with those presenting with low TB (adjusted HR for CV death: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.10-2.12; P = 0.01). In unadjusted analyses, female sex was associated with an increased risk for 1-year CV death regardless of TB. After adjustment, the risk for 1-year CV death was higher only in women with HTB (HR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.18-1.28; P < 0.001), who also had an increased risk for all-cause death and ST than men.ConclusionsIn patients with STEMI, angiographic evidence of HTB negatively affected prognosis. Among patients with HTB, women had an excess risk for ST, CV, and all-cause mortality than men. Further investigations are warranted to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to excess mortality in women with STEMI and HTB.     

Impact of Hospital Procedural Volume on Outcomes After Endovascular Revascularization for Critical Limb Ischemia

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between hospital endovascular lower extremity revascularization (eLER) volume and outcomes after eLER for critical limb ischemia (CLI).BackgroundThere is a paucity of data on the relationship between hospital procedural volume and outcomes of eLER for CLI.MethodsThe authors queried the Nationwide Readmission Database (2013-2015) for hospitalized patients who underwent eLER for CLI. Hospitals were divided into tertiles according to annual eLER volume: low volume (<100 eLER procedures), moderate volume (100-550 eLER procedures), and high volume (>550 eLER procedures). Stepwise multivariable regression models were used. The main outcomes were in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission with major adverse limb events, defined as the composite of amputation, acute limb ischemia, or repeat revascularization.ResultsAmong 145,785 hospitalizations for eLER for CLI, 5,199 (3.6%) were at low-volume eLER hospitals, 27,857 (19.1%) at moderate-volume eLER hospitals, and 112,728 (77.3%) at high-volume eLER hospitals. On multivariable analysis, there was no difference with regard to in-hospital mortality among moderate-volume hospitals (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.60-1.01) and high-volume hospitals (adjusted OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.64-1.05) compared with low-volume hospitals. There was lower risk of in-hospital major amputation (adjusted OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.70-0.96) and minor amputation at high- versus low-volume hospitals. The length of hospital stay was shorter and discharges to nursing facilities were fewer among moderate- and high-volume hospitals compared with low-volume hospitals. Compared with low-volume hospitals, eLER for CLI at high-volume hospitals had a lower risk for 30-day readmission with major adverse limb events (adjusted OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70-0.99), while there was no difference among moderate-volume hospitals (adjusted OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.77-1.10).ConclusionsThis nationwide observational analysis suggests that annual eLER volume does not influence in-hospital mortality after eLER for CLI. However, high eLER volume (>550 eLER procedures) was associated with better rates of limb preservation after eLER for CLI.     

Multivessel Versus Culprit-Vessel Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare in-hospital outcomes and long-term mortality of multivessel versus culprit vessel–only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), multivessel disease (MVD) and cardiogenic shock.BackgroundThe clinical benefits of complete revascularization in patients with NSTEMI, MVD, and cardiogenic shock remain uncertain.MethodsAmong 25,324 patients included in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI Registry from July 2009 to March 2018, the rates of in-hospital procedural outcomes were compared between those undergoing multivessel PCI and those undergoing culprit vessel–only PCI after 1:1 propensity score matching. Among patients aged ≥65 years matched to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services database, long-term mortality was compared using proportional hazards analysis.ResultsMultivessel PCI was performed in 9,791 patients (38.7%), which increased from 32.2% in 2010 to 44.2% in 2017 (p for trend <0.001). After 1:1 propensity matching (n = 7,864 in each group), those undergoing multivessel PCI had a 3.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.0% to 5.0%) lower absolute rate of in-hospital mortality (30.9% vs. 34.4%; p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR]: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.91), but a higher risk for bleeding (13.2% vs. 10.8%; p < 0.001; OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.40) and new requirement for dialysis (5.7% vs. 4.6%; p = 0.001; OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.46). Among those surviving to discharge, all-cause mortality was similar through 7 years (conditional hazard ratio: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.03; p = 0.20).ConclusionsNearly 40% of patients with NSTEMI with MVD and cardiogenic shock underwent multivessel PCI, which was associated with lower in-hospital mortality but greater peri-procedural complications. Among those surviving to discharge, multivessel PCI did not confer additional long-term mortality benefit.     

Implementation of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Assays in the United States

BackgroundFew data exist regarding the implementation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays in the United States since their approval.ObjectivesThis study sought to explore trends in hs-cTn assay implementation over time and assess the association of their use with in-hospital cardiac testing and outcomes.MethodsThe study examined trends in implementation of hs-cTn assays among participating hospitals in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry Chest Pain-MI [Myocardial Infarction] Registry from January 1, 2019 through September 30, 2021. Associations among hs-cTn use, use of in-hospital diagnostic imaging, and patient outcomes were assessed using generalized estimating equation models with logistic or gamma distributions.ResultsAmong 550 participating hospitals (N = 251,000), implementation of hs-cTn assays increased from 3.3% in the first quarter of 2019 to 32.6% in the third quarter of 2021 (P_trend < 0.001). Use of hs-cTn was associated with more echocardiography among persons with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS; 82.4% vs 75.0%; adjusted odds ratio: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.19-1.73) but not among low-risk chest pain individuals. Use of hs-cTn was associated with less invasive coronary angiography among low-risk patients (3.7% vs 4.5%; adjusted odds ratio: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.58-0.92) but similar use for patients with NSTE-ACS. There was no association between hs-cTn use and noninvasive stress testing or coronary computed tomography angiography testing. Among individuals with NSTE-ACS, hs-cTn use was not associated with revascularization or in-hospital mortality. Use of hs-cTn was associated with a shorter length of stay (median 47.6 hours vs 48.0 hours; ratio: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90-0.98).ConclusionsImplementation of hs-cTn among U.S. hospitals is increasing, but most U.S. hospitals continue to use less sensitive assays. The use of hs-cTn was associated with modestly shorter length of stay, greater use of echocardiography for NSTE-ACS, and less use of invasive angiography among low-risk patients.     

Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

BackgroundData on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are sparse.ObjectivesThis study sought to examine the long-term risk and prognosis associated with cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure (HF), in patients with SLE.MethodsUsing Danish administrative registries, risks of outcomes were compared between SLE patients (diagnosed 1996 to 2018, no history of cardiovascular disease) and age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched control subjects from the background population (matched 1:4). Furthermore, mortality following HF diagnosis was compared between SLE patients developing HF and age- and sex-matched non-SLE control subjects with HF (matched 1:4).ResultsA total of 3,411 SLE patients (median age: 44.6 years [25th to 75th percentile: 31.9 to 57.0 years]; 14.1% men) were matched with 13,644 control subjects. The median follow-up was 8.5 years (25th to 75th percentile: 4.0 to 14.4 years). Absolute 10-year risks of outcomes were: HF, 3.71% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.02% to 4.51%) for SLE patients, 1.94% (95% CI: 1.68% to 2.24%) for control subjects; atrial fibrillation, 4.35% (95% CI: 3.61% to 5.18%) for SLE patients, 2.82% (95% CI: 2.50% to 3.16%) for control subjects; ischemic stroke, 3.75% (95% CI: 3.06% to 4.54%) for SLE patients, 1.92% (95% CI: 1.66% to 2.20%) for control subjects; myocardial infarction, 2.17% (95% CI: 1.66% to 2.80%) for SLE patients, 1.49% (95% CI: 1.26% to 1.75%) for control subjects; venous thromboembolism, 6.03% (95% CI: 5.17% to 6.98%) for SLE patients, 1.68% (95% CI: 1.44% to 1.95%) for control subjects; and the composite of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation/ventricular arrhythmias/cardiac arrest, 0.89% (95% CI: 0.58% to 1.31%) for SLE patients, 0.30% (95% CI: 0.20% to 0.43%) for control subjects. SLE with subsequent HF was associated with higher mortality compared with HF without SLE (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.08).ConclusionsSLE patients had a higher associated risk of HF and other cardiovascular outcomes compared with matched control subjects. Among patients developing HF, a history of SLE was associated with higher mortality.     

Age-Related Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights From the SwissTAVI Registry

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate age-related outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as assessed in a nationwide, prospective, multicenter cohort study.BackgroundTAVR is the preferred treatment for elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis and is expanding into lower age groups.MethodsData from the SwissTAVI Registry were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients 70 years of age or younger (n = 324), 70 to 79 years of age (n = 1,913), 80 to 89 years of age (n = 4,353), and older than 90 years of age (n = 507). Observed deaths were correlated with expected deaths in the general Swiss population using standardized mortality ratios.ResultsBetween February 2011 and June 2018, 7,097 patients (mean age 82.0 ± 6.4 years, 49.6% women) underwent TAVR at 15 hospitals in Switzerland. Procedural characteristics were similar; however, older patients more often had discharge to the referring hospital or a rehabilitation facility after TAVR. Using adjusted analyses, a linear trend for mortality (30-day adjusted hazard ratio [HR_adj]: 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18 to 1.77; 1-year HR_adj: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.24), cerebrovascular accidents (30-day HR_adj: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.66; 1-year HR_adj: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.45), and pacemaker implantation (30-day HR_adj: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.34; 1-year HR_adj: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.30) was observed with increasing age. Furthermore, standardized mortality ratios were 12.63 (95% CI: 9.06 to 17.58), 4.09 (95% CI: 3.56 to 4.74), 1.63 (95% CI: 1.50 to 1.78), and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.76 to 1.14) for TAVR patients in relation to the Swiss population <70, 70 to 79, 80 to 89 and ≥90 years of age, respectively.ConclusionsIncreasing age is associated with a linear trend for mortality, stroke, and pacemaker implantation during early and longer-term follow-up after TAVR. Standardized mortality ratios were higher for TAVR patients younger than 90 years of age compared with expected rates of mortality in an age- and sex-matched Swiss population. (SWISS TAVI Registry; NCT01368250)     

Contemporary Revascularization Strategies and Outcomes Among Patients With Diabetes With Critical Limb Ischemia: Insights From the National Inpatient Sample

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate temporal trends in the frequency of revascularization and associated outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus and critical limb ischemia (CLI).BackgroundLittle is known about outcomes following revascularization for CLI in patients with diabetes mellitus.MethodsTemporal trends in hospitalization for CLI among patients with diabetes were determined using the 2002–2015 National Inpatient Sample database. Propensity score matching was used to compare patients who underwent revascularization with those who did not and, separately, to compare those who underwent endovascular versus surgical revascularization. The main study outcome was in-hospital mortality.ResultsThe analysis included 1,222,324 hospitalizations. The number of hospitalizations for CLI among patients with diabetes increased over time (p_trend < 0.001). There was an increase in the use of lower extremity revascularization, paralleled by a decline in in-hospital mortality during the study period. In the matched cohort, patients who were revascularized had lower in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63 to 0.72) and major amputation (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.27) compared with those who were treated medically. Compared with endovascular revascularization, those who underwent surgical revascularization had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.35) but lower rates of major amputation (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.70 to 0.81). Major bleeding, blood transfusion, post-operative infection, respiratory complications, discharges to nursing facility, and longer length of hospital stay were also more common among those who underwent surgery.ConclusionsIn this national analysis of patients with DM and CLI, we demonstrated an increase in hospitalization for CLI among patients with diabetes in the United States. Although in-hospital mortality decreased over time regardless of the treatment strategy used, this outcome occurred less frequently among those who underwent revascularization than not. Compared with surgical revascularization, endovascular revascularization was associated with lower in-hospital mortality but higher rates of major amputation.     

Transient vs In-Hospital Persistent Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

BackgroundThe occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing invasive management is associated with worse outcomes. However, the prognostic implications of transient or in-hospital persistent AKI may differ.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic implications of transient or in-hospital persistent AKI in patients with ACS.MethodsIn the MATRIX (Minimizing Adverse Haemorrhagic Events by Transradial Access Site and Systemic Implementation of Angiox) trial, 203 subjects were excluded because of incomplete information or end-stage renal disease, with a study population of 8,201 patients. Transient and persistent AKI were defined as renal dysfunction no longer or still fulfilling the AKI criteria (>0.5 mg/dL or a relative >25% increase in creatinine) at discharge, respectively. Thirty-day coprimary outcomes were the out-of-hospital composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]) and net adverse cardiovascular events (NACE), defined as the composite of MACE or Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 or 5 bleeding.ResultsPersistent and transient AKI occurred in 750 (9.1%) and 587 (7.2%) subjects, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, compared with patients without AKI, the risk for 30-day coprimary outcomes was higher in patients with persistent AKI (MACE: adjusted HR: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.48-3.64; P < 0.001; NACE: adjusted HR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.48-3.52; P < 0.001), driven mainly by all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 3.43; 95% CI: 2.03-5.82; P < 0.001), whereas transient AKI was not associated with higher rates of MACE or NACE. Results remained consistent when implementing the KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) criteria.ConclusionsAmong patients with ACS undergoing invasive management, in-hospital persistent but not transient AKI was associated with higher risk for 30-day MACE and NACE. (Minimizing Adverse Haemorrhagic Events by Transradial Access Site and Systemic Implementation of Angiox [MATRIX]; NCT01433627)     

Sex Differences in 10-Year Outcomes Following STEMI: A Subanalysis From the EXAMINATION-EXTEND Trial

BackgroundShort-term outcomes following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in women are worse than in men, with a higher mortality rate. It is unknown whether sex plays a role in very long term outcomes.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess whether very long term outcomes following STEMI treatment are influenced by sex.MethodsEXAMINATION-EXTEND (10-Year Follow-Up of the EXAMINATION Trial) was an investigator-driven 10-year follow-up of the EXAMINATION (A Clinical Evaluation of Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stents in the Treatment of Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) trial, which randomly 1:1 assigned 1,498 patients with STEMI to receive either everolimus-eluting stents or bare-metal stents. The present study was a subanalysis according to sex. The primary endpoint was the composite patient-oriented endpoint (all-cause death, any myocardial infarction, or any revascularization) at 10 years. Secondary endpoints were individual components of the primary endpoint. All endpoints were adjusted for age.ResultsAmong 1,498 patients with STEMI, 254 (17%) were women. Overall, women were older, with more arterial hypertension and less smoking history than men. At 10 years, no difference was observed between women and men for the patient-oriented composite endpoint (40.6% vs 34.2%; adjusted HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.91-1.42; P = 0.259). There was a trend toward higher all-cause death in women vs men (27.6% vs 19.4%; adjusted HR: 1.30; 95% CI: 0.99-1.71; P = 0.063), with no difference in cardiac death or other endpoints.ConclusionsAt very long term follow-up, there were no differences in the combined patient-oriented endpoint between women and men, with a trend toward higher all-cause death in women not driven by cardiac death. The present findings underline the need for focused personalized medicine in women after percutaneous revascularization aimed at both cardiovascular and sex-specific risk factor control and targeted treatment. (10-Years Follow-Up of the EXAMINATION Trial [EXAMINAT10N]; NCT04462315)     

Long-Term Clinical Impact of Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury Following PCI: An ADAPT-DES Substudy

ObjectivesThis study sought to determine correlates and consequences of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) on clinical outcomes in patients with or without pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD).BackgroundThe incidence and impact of CA-AKI on clinical outcomes during contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are not fully defined.MethodsThe ADAPT-DES (Assessment of Dual AntiPlatelet Therapy With Drug Eluting Stents) study was a prospective, multicenter registry of 8,582 patients treated with ≥1 drug-eluting stent(s). CA-AKI was defined as a post-PCI increase in serum creatinine of >0.5 mg/dL or a relative increase of ≥25% compared with pre-PCI. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m². The primary endpoint was the 2-year rate of net adverse clinical events (NACE): All-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), definite or probable stent thrombosis, or major bleeding.ResultsOf 7287 (85%) patients with evaluable data, 476 (6.5%) developed CA-AKI. In a multivariable model, older age, female sex, Caucasian race, congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, CKD, presentation with ST-segment elevation MI, Killip class II to IV, radial access, intra-aortic balloon pump use, hypotension, and number of stents were independent predictors of CA-AKI. The 2-year NACE rate was higher in patients with CA-AKI (adjusted HR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.42-2.49), as was each component of NACE (all-cause mortality, HR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.22-2.55; MI, HR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.18-2.36; definite/probable stent thrombosis, HR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.10-2.65; and major bleeding, HR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.06-1.80). Compared with the CA-AKI–/CKD– group, the CA-AKI+/CKD– (HR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.33-2.52), CA-AKI–/CKD+ (HR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.15-2.13), CA-AKI+/CKD+ (HR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.92-5.67), and maintenance dialysis (HR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.65-4.31) groups were at higher risk of NACE.ConclusionsCA-AKI was relatively common after contemporary PCI and was associated with increased 2-year rates of NACE. Patients with pre-existing CKD were at particularly high risk for NACE after CA-AKI.     

Prognostic Implications of Declining Hemoglobin Content in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Coronary Syndromes

BackgroundContemporary definitions of bleeding endpoints are restricted mostly to clinically overt events. Whether hemoglobin drop per se, with or without overt bleeding, adversely affects the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine in the MATRIX (Minimizing Adverse Haemorrhagic Events by Transradial Access Site and Systemic Implementation of Angiox) trial the incidence, predictors, and prognostic implications of in-hospital hemoglobin drop in patients with ACS managed invasively stratified by the presence of in-hospital bleeding.MethodsPatients were categorized by the presence and amount of in-hospital hemoglobin drop on the basis of baseline and nadir hemoglobin values and further stratified by the occurrence of adjudicated in-hospital bleeding. Hemoglobin drop was defined as minimal (<3 g/dl), minor (≥3 and <5 g/dl), or major (≥5 g/dl). Using multivariate Cox regression, we modeled the association between hemoglobin drop and mortality in patients with and without overt bleeding.ResultsAmong 7,781 patients alive 24 h after randomization with available hemoglobin data, 6,504 patients (83.6%) had hemoglobin drop, of whom 5,756 (88.5%) did not have overt bleeding and 748 (11.5%) had overt bleeding. Among patients without overt bleeding, minor (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32 to 4.24; p = 0.004) and major (HR: 2.58; 95% CI: 0.98 to 6.78; p = 0.054) hemoglobin drop were independently associated with higher 1-year mortality. Among patients with overt bleeding, the association of minor and major hemoglobin drop with 1-year mortality was directionally similar but had wider CIs (minor: HR: 3.53 [95% CI: 1.06 to 11.79]; major: HR: 13.32 [95% CI: 3.01 to 58.98]).ConclusionsAmong patients with ACS managed invasively, in-hospital hemoglobin drop ≥3 g/dl, even in the absence of overt bleeding, is common and is independently associated with increased risk for 1-year mortality. (Minimizing Adverse Haemorrhagic Events by Transradial Access Site and Systemic Implementation of Angiox; NCT01433627)     

Incidence,Predictors, and Outcomes of Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in the United States

ObjectivesThis study sought to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of endocarditis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).BackgroundData about endocarditis after TAVR are limited.MethodsThe study investigated Medicare patients who underwent TAVR from 2012 to 2017 and identified patients admitted with endocarditis during follow-up using a validated algorithm. The main study outcome was all-cause mortality.ResultsOf 134,717 patients who underwent TAVR, 1868 patients developed endocarditis during follow-up (incidence 0.87%/year), with majority of infections (65.0%) occurring within 1 year. Incidence of endocarditis declined in recent years. The most common organisms were Staphylococcus (22.0%), Streptococcus (20.0%), and Enterococcus (15.5%). Important predictors for endocarditis were younger age at TAVR, male sex, prior endocarditis, end-stage renal disease, repeat TAVR procedures, liver and lung disease, and post-TAVR acute kidney injury. Thirty-day and 1-year mortality were 18.5% and 45.6%, respectively. After adjusting for comorbidities and procedural complications, endocarditis after TAVR was associated with 3-fold higher risk of mortality (44.9 vs. 16.2 deaths per 100 person-years; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 2.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.77 to 3.12; p < 0.0001). End-stage renal disease (aHR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.72 to 2.60), endocarditis complicated by cardiogenic shock (aHR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.56 to 4.02), ischemic stroke (aHR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.28), intracerebral hemorrhage (aHR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.76), acute kidney injury (aHR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.27 to 1.63), blood transfusion (aHR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.50), staphylococcal (aHR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.49 to 1.97), and fungal endocarditis (aHR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.23 to 2.39) (p < 0.05 for all) portended higher mortality following endocarditis.ConclusionsThe incidence of endocarditis after TAVR is low and declining. However, it is associated with poor prognosis with one-half the patients dying within 1 year.     

Clinical Outcomes in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation MI and No Standard Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors

BackgroundThe author recently reported ～50% excess early mortality in patients with first-presentation ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs); the cause of this is not clear.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine differences in infarct characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients with versus without SMuRFs (dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking).MethodsIndividual-level data were pooled from 10 randomized percutaneous intervention (PCI) trials in which infarct size was measured within 1 month by either cardiac magnetic resonance or technetium-99m sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography imaging. First-presentation STEMI was classified into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of at least 1 SMuRF.ResultsAmong 2,862 patients, 524 (18.3%) were SMuRF-less. After adjusting for study effect, SMuRF-less patients had more frequent poor pre-PCI flow Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 0/1 compared with patients with at least 1 SMuRF (72.0% vs 64.1%; OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.08-1.70). There were no independent associations between the presence or absence of SMuRFs at baseline and infarct size (estimate = ?0.35; 95% CI: ?1.93 to 1.23), left ventricular ejection fraction (estimate = ?0.06; 95% CI: ?1.33 to 1.20), or mortality at 30 days (HR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.19-1.07) and 1 year (HR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.43-1.29).ConclusionsFirst-presentation STEMI patients with no identifiable baseline SMuRFs had a higher risk of Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 0/1 pre-PCI. However, after adjustment, there were no significant associations between SMuRF-less status and infarct size, left ventricle ejection fraction, or mortality.     

Postprocedure Anticoagulation in Patients With Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

ObjectivesThis study sought to assess the association between postprocedural anticoagulation (PPAC) use and several clinical outcomes.BackgroundPPAC after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may prevent recurrent ischemic events but may increase the risk of bleeding. No consensus has been reached on PPAC use.MethodsUsing data from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China–Acute Coronary Syndrome registry, conducted between 2014 and 2019, we stratified all STEMI patients who underwent pPCI according to the use of PPAC or not. Inverse probability of treatment weighting and a Cox proportional hazards model with hospital as random effect were used to analyze differences in in-hospital clinical outcomes: the primary efficacy endpoint was mortality and the primary safety endpoint was major bleeding.ResultsOf 34,826 evaluable patients, 26,272 (75.4%) were treated with PPAC and were on average younger, more stable at admission with lower bleeding risk score, more likely to have comorbidities and multivessel disease, and more often treated within 12 hours of symptom onset than those without PPAC. After inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment for baseline differences, PPAC was associated with significantly reduced risk of in-hospital mortality (0.9% vs 1.8%; HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43-0.89; P < 0.001) and a nonsignificant difference in risk of in-hospital major bleeding (2.5% vs 2.2%; HR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.83-1.32; P = 0.14).ConclusionsPPAC in STEMI patients after pPCI was associated with reduced mortality without increasing major bleeding complications. Dedicated randomized trials with contemporary STEMI management are needed to confirm these findings.     

ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BackgroundAmong patients with acute coronary syndrome following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), those presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are at highest risk.ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of STEMI after TAVR.MethodsThis was a multicenter study including 118 patients presenting with STEMI at a median of 255 days (interquartile range: 9 to 680 days) after TAVR. Procedural features of STEMI after TAVR managed with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were compared with all-comer STEMI: 439 non-TAVR patients who had primary PCI within the 2 weeks before and after each post-TAVR STEMI case in 5 participating centers from different countries.ResultsMedian door-to-balloon time was higher in TAVR patients (40 min [interquartile range: 25 to 57 min] vs. 30 min [interquartile range: 25 to 35 min]; p = 0.003). Procedural time, fluoroscopy time, dose-area product, and contrast volume were also higher in TAVR patients (p < 0.01 for all). PCI failure occurred more frequently in patients with previous TAVR (16.5% vs. 3.9%; p < 0.001), including 5 patients in whom the culprit lesion was not revascularized owing to coronary ostia cannulation failure. In-hospital and late (median of 7 months [interquartile range: 1 to 21 months]) mortality rates were 25.4% and 42.4%, respectively (20.6% and 38.2% in primary PCI patients), and estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42 to 6.43; p = 0.004), Killip class ≥2 (HR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.37 to 5.49; p = 0.004), and PCI failure (HR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.42 to 7.31; p = 0.005) determined an increased risk.ConclusionsSTEMI after TAVR was associated with very high in-hospital and mid-term mortality. Longer door-to-balloon times and a higher PCI failure rate were observed in TAVR patients, partially due to coronary access issues specific to the TAVR population, and this was associated with poorer outcomes.     

Multivessel Versus Culprit-Only Revascularization in STEMI and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

ObjectivesThe goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of contemporary randomized trials addressing the efficacy and safety of multivessel versus culprit vessel–only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease.BackgroundMultivessel coronary artery disease is present in about one-half of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Randomized controlled trials comparing multivessel and culprit vessel–only PCI produced conflicting results regarding the benefits of a multivessel PCI strategy.MethodsA comprehensive search for published randomized controlled trials comparing multivessel PCI with culprit vessel–only PCI was conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO Services, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and scientific conference sessions from inception to September 15, 2019. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Primary efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality and reinfarction.ResultsTen randomized controlled trials were included, representing 7,030 patients: 3,426 underwent multivessel PCI and 3,604 received culprit vessel–only PCI. Compared with culprit vessel–only PCI, multivessel PCI was associated with no significant difference in all-cause mortality (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.05) and lower risk for reinfarction (RR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.95), cardiovascular mortality (RR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.00), and repeat revascularization (RR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.44). Major bleeding (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.67), stroke (RR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.65 to 2.01), and contrast-induced nephropathy (RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.95) were not significantly different between the 2 groups.ConclusionsMultivessel PCI was associated with a lower risk for reinfarction, without any difference in all-cause mortality, compared with culprit vessel–only PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.     

Acute Cardiac Events During COVID-19-Associated Hospitalizations

BackgroundCOVID-19 is associated with cardiac complications.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with acute cardiac events during COVID-19-associated hospitalizations among adults.MethodsDuring January 2021 to November 2021, medical chart abstraction was conducted on a probability sample of adults hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection identified from 99 U.S. counties in 14 U.S. states in the COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network. We calculated the prevalence of acute cardiac events (identified by International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision-Clinical Modification codes) by history of underlying cardiac disease and examined associated risk factors and disease outcomes.ResultsAmong 8,460 adults, 11.4% (95% CI: 10.1%-12.9%) experienced an acute cardiac event during a COVID-19-associated hospitalization. Prevalence was higher among adults who had underlying cardiac disease (23.4%; 95% CI: 20.7%-26.3%) compared with those who did not (6.2%; 95% CI: 5.1%-7.6%). Acute ischemic heart disease (5.5%; 95% CI: 4.5%-6.5%) and acute heart failure (5.4%; 95% CI: 4.4%-6.6%) were the most prevalent events; 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1%-0.5%) experienced acute myocarditis or pericarditis. Risk factors varied by underlying cardiac disease status. Patients with ≥1 acute cardiac event had greater risk of intensive care unit admission (adjusted risk ratio: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.8-2.1) and in-hospital death (adjusted risk ratio: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-2.1) compared with those who did not.ConclusionsAcute cardiac events were common during COVID-19-associated hospitalizations, particularly among patients with underlying cardiac disease, and are associated with severe disease outcomes. Persons at greater risk for experiencing acute cardiac events during COVID-19-associated hospitalizations might benefit from more intensive clinical evaluation and monitoring during hospitalization.     

Impact of COPD on Outcomes After MitraClip for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: The COAPT Trial

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and outcomes after transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) for severe secondary mitral regurgitation.BackgroundTMVr with the MitraClip improves clinical and health-status outcomes in patients with heart failure and severe (3+ to 4+) secondary mitral regurgitation. Whether these benefits are modified by COPD is unknown.MethodsCOAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) was an open-label, multicenter, randomized trial of TMVr plus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT alone. Patients on corticosteroids or continuous oxygen were excluded. Multivariable models were used to examine the associations of COPD with mortality, heart failure hospitalization (HFH), and health status and to test whether COPD modified the benefit of TMVr compared with GDMT.ResultsAmong 614 patients, 143 (23.2%) had COPD. Among patients treated with TMVr, unadjusted analyses demonstrated increased 2-year mortality in those with COPD (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33 to 3.26), but this association was attenuated after risk adjustment (adjusted HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 0.87 to 2.52). Although TMVr led to reduced 2-year mortality among patients without COPD (adjusted HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.67), for patients with COPD, 2-year all-cause mortality was similar after TMVr versus GDMT alone (adjusted HR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.65; p_int = 0.04), findings that reflect offsetting effects on cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality. In contrast, TMVr reduced HFH (adjusted HR: 0.48 [95% CI: 0.28 to 0.83] vs. 0.46 [95% CI: 0.34 to 0.63]; p_int = 0.89) and improved both generic and disease-specific health status to a similar extent compared with GDMT alone in patients with and without COPD (p_int >0.30 for all scales).ConclusionsIn the COAPT trial, COPD was associated with attenuation of the survival benefit of TMVr versus GDMT compared with patients without COPD. However, the benefits of TMVr on both HFH and health status were similar regardless of COPD. (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation [The COAPT Trial] [COAPT]; NCT01626079)