Benefit of Extended Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Duration in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Treated with Drug Eluting Stents for Coronary Bifurcation Lesions (from the BIFURCAT Registry)

Optimal dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary bifurcations is an unmet issue. The BIFURCAT registry was obtained by merging two registries on coronary bifurcations. Three groups were compared in a two-by-two fashion: short-term DAPT (≤ 6 months), intermediate-term DAPT (6-12 months) and extended DAPT (>12 months). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), target-lesion revascularization and stent thrombosis) were the primary endpoint. Single components of MACE were the secondary endpoints. Events were appraised according to the clinical presentation: chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) versus acute coronary syndrome (ACS). 5537 patients (3231 ACS, 2306 CCS) were included. After a median follow-up of 2.1 years (IQR 0.9-2.2), extended DAPT was associated with a lower incidence of MACE compared with intermediate-term DAPT (2.8% versus 3.4%, adjusted HR 0.23 [0.1-0.54], p <0.001), driven by a reduction of all-cause death in the ACS cohort. In the CCS cohort, an extended DAPT strategy was not associated with a reduced risk of MACE. In conclusion, among real-world patients receiving PCI for coronary bifurcation, an extended DAPT strategy was associated with a reduction of MACE in ACS but not in CCS patients.

Time Course and Risk Factors of New-Onset Complete Atrioventricular Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

In this study, we aimed to investigate the time course of new-onset complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) and its reversibility after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We analyzed 206 consecutive patients without baseline CAVB who underwent successful TAVI. The incidence of new-onset CAVB was determined to be 12.6% (26/206). Among these patients, 14 recovered from CAVB within 2 weeks (6.8%, 14/206), while the remaining 12 (5.8%, 12/206) underwent permanent pacemaker (PPM) insertion. Among the 12 patients who received the PPM, 4 were able to recover from CAVB within 4 months. Thus, only 8 among 206 patients (3.8%) showed persistent CAVB. Early-onset CAVB on the day of the procedure was the strongest predictor of PPM implantation (OR = 127). The electrocardiographic changes that occurred after TAVI were mostly recovered after 1 month. The most critical procedural factor that predicts CAVB and PPM insertion is the deep implantation (>4 mm) of a big valve (oversizing index >5.9%). In conclusion, the incidence of CAVB after TAVI was estimated to be at 12.6%. Two-thirds of these patients recovered from CAVB within 3 days, resulting in a final rate of persistent CAVB of 4%. To prevent CAVB, we have to implant an appropriate valve type with an optimal size and depth.

Aspirin versus clopidogrel for chronic maintenance monotherapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (HOST-EXAM): an investigator-initiated, prospective, randomised, open-label, multicentre trial

BACKGROUND

Optimal antiplatelet monotherapy during the chronic maintenance period in patients who undergo coronary stenting is unknown. We aimed to compare head to head the efficacy and safety of aspirin and clopidogrel monotherapy in this population.

METHODS

We did an investigator-initiated, prospective, randomised, open-label, multicentre trial at 37 study sites in South Korea. We enrolled patients aged at least 20 years who maintained dual antiplatelet therapy without clinical events for 6-18 months after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents (DES). We excluded patients with any ischaemic and major bleeding complications. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a monotherapy agent of clopidogrel 75 mg once daily or aspirin 100 mg once daily for 24 months. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, readmission due to acute coronary syndrome, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding type 3 or greater, in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02044250.

FINDINGS

Between March 26, 2014, and May 29, 2018, we enrolled 5530 patients. 5438 (98·3%) patients were randomly assigned to either the clopidogrel group (2710 [49·8%]) or to the aspirin group (2728 [50·2%]). Ascertainment of the primary endpoint was completed in 5338 (98·2%) patients. During 24-month follow-up, the primary outcome occurred in 152 (5·7%) patients in the clopidogrel group and 207 (7·7%) in the aspirin group (hazard ratio 0·73 [95% CI 0·59-0·90]; p=0·0035).

INTERPRETATION

Clopidogrel monotherapy, compared with aspirin monotherapy during the chronic maintenance period after percutaneous coronary intervention with DES significantly reduced the risk of the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, readmission due to acute coronary syndrome, and BARC bleeding type 3 or greater. In patients requiring indefinite antiplatelet monotherapy after percutaneous coronary intervention, clopidogrel monotherapy was superior to aspirin monotherapy in preventing future adverse clinical events.

FUNDING

ChongKunDang, SamJin, HanMi, DaeWoong, and the South Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Dupilumab reduces systemic corticosteroid use and sinonasal surgery rate in CRSwNP

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a type 2 inflammatory disease with a high symptom burden and poor quality of life. Treatment options include recurrent surgeries and/or frequent systemic corticosteroids (SCS). Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, key drivers of type 2-mediated inflammation. We report results of pooled analyses from 2 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 studies (SINUS 24 [NCT02912468]; SINUS-52 [NCT02898454]) to evaluate dupilumab effect versus placebo in adults with CRSwNP with/without SCS use and sinonasal surgery.

METHODOLOGY

SINUS-24 patients were randomised 1:1 to subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg (n=143) or placebo (n=133) every 2 weeks (q2w) for 24 weeks. SINUS-52 patients were randomised 1:1:1 to 52 weeks of subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg q2w (n=150), 24 weeks q2w followed by 28 weeks of dupilumab 300 mg every 4 weeks (n=145) or 52 weeks of placebo q2w (n=153).

RESULTS

Dupilumab reduced the number of patients undergoing sinonasal surgery (82.6%), the need for in-study SCS use (73.9%), and SCS courses (75.3%). Significant improvements were observed with dupilumab vs placebo regardless of prior sinonasal surgery or SCS use in nasal polyp, nasal congestion, Lund-MacKay, and Sinonasal Outcome Test (22-items) scores, and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test.

CONCLUSIONS

Dupilumab demonstrated significant improvements in disease signs and symptoms and reduced the need for sino-nasal surgery and SCS use versus placebo in patients with severe CRSwNP, regardless of SCS use in the previous 2 years, or prior sinonasal surgery.

Comparison of 2-Stenting Strategies Depending on Sequence or Technique for Bifurcation Lesions in the Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Era - Analysis From the COBIS (Coronary Bifurcation Stenting) III Registry

BACKGROUND

It has not been determined which specific 2-stenting strategy is the best for bifurcation lesions. Our aim was to investigate the clinical outcomes of various 2-stenting strategies in the era of 2nd-generation drug-eluting stents (2G-DES).Methods and Results:We analyzed 454 patients who finally underwent 2-stenting for a bifurcation lesion, from among 2,648 patients enrolled in the COBIS III registry. The primary outcome was target lesion failure (TLF). Patients were analyzed according to stenting sequence (provisional [main vessel stenting first] vs. systemic [side branch stenting first]) and stenting technique (crush vs. T vs. culotte vs. kissing/V stenting). Overall, 4.4 years' TLF after 2-stenting treatment for bifurcation lesion was excellent: TLF 11.2% and stent thrombosis 1.3%. There was no difference in TLF according to 2-stenting strategy (11.1% vs. 10.5%, P=0.990 for provisional and systemic sequence; 8.6% vs. 14.4% vs. 12.9% vs. 12.2%, P=0.326 for crush, T, culotte, kissing/V technique, respectively). Only left main (LM) disease and a shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) were associated with TLF. The distribution of DAPT duration differed between patients with and without TLF, and the time-point of intersection was 2.5 years. Also, the side branch was the most common site of restenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The stenting sequence or technique did not affect clinical outcomes, but LM disease and shorter DAPT were associated with TLF, in patients with bifurcation lesions undergoing 2-stenting with 2G-DES.

Immediate Compared With Delayed Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients With ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Presenting ≥12 Hours After Symptom Onset Is Not Associated With Improved Clinical Outcome

[Figure: see text].

Five-year clinical outcomes of the first Korean-made sirolimus-eluting coronary stent with abluminal biodegradable polymer

This study evaluated the 5-year clinical outcomes of the Genoss DES, the first Korean-made sirolimus-eluting coronary stent with abluminal biodegradable polymer.We previously conducted the first-in-patient prospective, multicenter, randomized trial with a 1:1 ratio of patients using the Genoss DES and Promus Element stents; the angiographic and clinical outcomes of the Genoss DES stent were comparable to those of the Promus Element stent. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which was a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 5 years.We enrolled 38 patients in the Genoss DES group and 39 in the Promus Element group. Thirty-eight patients (100%) from the Genoss DES group and 38 (97.4%) from the Promus Element group were followed up at 5 years. The rates of MACE (5.3% vs 12.8%, P = .431), death (5.3% vs 10.3%, P = .675), TLR (2.6% vs 2.6%, P = 1.000), and target vessel revascularization (TVR) (7.9% vs 2.6%, P = .358) at 5 years did not differ significantly between the groups. No TLR or target vessel revascularization was reported from years 1 to 5 after the index procedure, and no MI or stent thrombosis occurred in either group during 5 years.The biodegradable polymer Genoss DES and durable polymer Promus Element stents showed comparable low rates of MACE at the 5-year clinical follow-up.

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction 1 Year After Acute Myocardial Infarction Identifies the Benefits of the Long-Term Use of β-Blockers: Analysis of Data From the KAMIR-NIH Registry

[Figure: see text].

The validation of the dual antiplatelet therapy score in East Asians receiving percutaneous coronary intervention with exclusively second generation drug-eluting stents

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether the dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) score (DS) predicts clinical outcome in an East-Asian population that received exclusively second generation drug-eluting stent (DES).

BACKGROUNDS

It is uncertain whether the DS could adequately risk stratify patients exclusively receiving second generation DES.

METHODS

From the Grand-DES registry, we evaluated patients who were treated with DAPT for at least 12 months and were event-free at 12 months after DES implantation. Patients were classified into two categories: high DS (≧2) (n = 3,157); and low DS (<2) (n = 5,226). The primary ischemic outcome was a composite of stent thrombosis and all myocardial infarction (MI), and the primary bleeding outcome was TIMI major or minor bleeding. A propensity score (PS)-matched analysis was done to correct for baseline differences between extended DAPT group and the conventional group.

RESULTS

Among 8,383 subjects, the primary ischemic outcome occurred in 48 patients (0.6%) and the primary bleeding outcome in 49 patients (0.6%). High DS was associated with a higher incidence of ischemic events (ischemic outcome: 0.8% vs. 0.4%, for high vs. low DS, Log-rank p = .039), but not with any differences in bleeding events (Log-rank p = .734). In the PS-matched analysis, extended group was associated with lower risk of composite endpoint of MI, stent thrombosis, or cardiac death in only the high DS group (1.8% vs. 3.7%, Log-rank p = .004; hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.27-0.76; p = .003 after adjustment).

CONCLUSIONS

The DS was an adequate risk stratifier for future ischemic events in East Asians receiving exclusively second generation DES.

Direct conversion of adult human fibroblasts into functional endothelial cells using defined factors

We aimed to directly convert adult human dermal fibroblasts (aHDFs) into functional endothelial cells (ECs). Lentiviral vectors encoding endothelial transcription factors (TFs) were constructed. We examined whether five TFs (FOXO1, ER71, KLF2, TAL1, and LMO2) used for the generation of mouse induced ECs (iECs) could convert the aHDFs into human iECs. Twenty-eight days after transduction with lentiviral constructs, 32.1 ± 5.1% cells expressed vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin. Factor screening revealed that only three factors (3F: ER71, KLF2, and TAL1) were necessary to induce VE-cadherin (+) cells (49.4 ± 3.5%). However, whole transcriptome sequencing showed that VE-cadherin (+) cells were not completely reprogrammed. Mature iECs double-positive for VE-cadherin/Pecam1 (DP cells) with a cobblestone appearance were obtained at a frequency of only 5.1 ± 0.6%. Using whole transcriptome analysis, the potential factors that could block the conversion were screened. Among candidates TWIST1-knockdown enhanced efficiency of conversion. Rosiglitazone, an inhibitor of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), also improved the conversion efficiency. Moreover, a 2nd second-stage conversion process, in which VE-cadherin (+) cells were incubated for additional two weeks, further enhanced the efficiency. The final protocol for 6 weeks yielded a conversion rate of 19.6 ± 3.0% iECs, defined by DP cells depicting the nature of mature ECs in various analyses. Further analyses revealed that the genetic and epigenetic profiles of iECs resembled those of functional ECs. Collectively, aHDFs can be converted into functional ECs through the transduction of ER71, KLF2, and TAL1, combined with two EMT inhibitors (siTWIST1 and rosiglitazone), followed by 2nd stage conversion.

Clinical outcomes of long stenting in the drug-eluting stent era: patient-level pooled analysis from the GRAND-DES registry

AIMS

We aimed to understand the association between stent length and clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using newer-generation drug-eluting stents (DES).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed 9,217 patients who underwent stenting for a single lesion from the GRAND-DES registry, a patient-level pooled registry including five Korean multicentre DES registries. The median follow-up duration was 730 days (interquartile range 708 to 752 days). A total of 8,035 patients were classified into the short stenting group (≤40 mm), and 1,182 into the long stenting group (>40 mm). The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF). Long stenting (>40 mm) was significantly associated with higher TLF (IPTW adjusted HR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.67-2.13; p<0.001), and definite or probable stent thrombosis (IPTW adjusted HR 2.20, 95% CI: 1.51-3.20; p<0.001). In the landmark analysis, the incidence of TLF was significantly higher with long stenting during the first 30 days after PCI (log-rank p=0.001) and also after 30 days (log-rank p<0.001). Long stenting was associated with a higher risk of early stent thrombosis (log-rank p=0.001), but not with that of late stent thrombosis (log-rank p=0.887).

CONCLUSIONS

In the contemporary second-generation DES era, stenting longer than 40 mm continues to be associated with less favourable clinical outcomes such as TLF and stent thrombosis.

Long-term efficacy of vasodilating β-blocker in patients with acute myocardial infarction: nationwide multicenter prospective registry

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Long-term benefit of vasodilating β-blockers is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the long-term benefit of vasodilating β-blockers over conventional β-blockers in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

Using nationwide prospective multicenter Korean Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry data, we analyzed 3-year clinical outcomes of 7,269 patients with AMI who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and β-blocker therapy. Patients were classified according to treatment strategy (vasodilating β-blockers vs. conventional β-blockers). The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) at 3 years. Secondary outcomes were each component of the primary outcome. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences of baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

In 3,079 pairs (6,158 patients) of propensity score-matched patients, the primary outcome occurred significantly less in the vasodilating β-blockers group compared with the conventional β-blockers group (7.6% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.003). Among the secondary outcomes, cardiac death occurred significantly less in the vasodilating β-blockers group than in the conventional group (3.5% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.015). The incidence rates of MI (2.4% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.160) or hospitalization for HF (2.6% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.192) were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Vasodilating β-blocker therapy was associated with better clinical outcomes compared with conventional β-blocker therapy in AMI patients undergoing PCI during 3 years follow-up. Vasodilating β-blockers could be recommended preferentially for these patients.

Relative Impact of Clinical Risk Versus Procedural Risk on Clinical Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

The clinical outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is affected by various clinical and procedural risk factors. We investigated the relative impact of clinical and procedural risks on clinical outcomes after PCI.

METHODS

A total of 13 172 patients were enrolled from the Grand-DES registry. The population was grouped into tertiles (high-, intermediate-, low-risk) according to the number of prespecified clinical and procedural risk factors, respectively. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 3 years post-PCI.

RESULTS

MACCE occurred in 1109 (8.4%) patients during the follow-up period (median duration: 1126 days). Compared with procedural risk, clinical risk showed superior predictive power (area under the curve: 0.678 versus 0.570, P<0.001, for clinical and procedural risks, respectively) and greater magnitude of effect in the multivariate analysis for MACCE (Clinical risk: hazard ratio, 1.953 [95% CI, 1.809-2.109], P<0.001; procedural risk: hazard ratio, 1.240 [95% CI, 1.154-1.331], P<0.001). In subgroup analyses within each clinical risk tertile, procedural risk had no significant impact on MACCE in the lowest clinical risk tertile. An annual landmark analysis revealed that clinical and procedural risks were both significant predictors of MACCE, which occurred within the first and second year post-PCI. However, for MACCE occurring in the third year post-PCI, only clinical risk but not procedural risk was a significant predictor of events.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical and procedural risks were both significant predictors for ischemic clinical events in patients undergoing PCI. However, clinical risk had a greater and more prolonged effect on outcomes than procedural risk. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03507205.

Percutaneous Treatment of Unprotected Left Main Disease With Thin-Strut Durable-Polymer or Early Generation Thicker-Strutted and Coated Bioabsorbable-Polymer Drug-Eluting Stents in a Large-Scale Registry

BACKGROUND

The ideal drug-eluting stent (DES) for the treatment of unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) is unknown. We compared percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using durable polymers versus early-generation, thicker strutted and coated bioabsorbable polymers for ULMCA disease.

METHODS

Patients who underwent ULMCA PCI (893 patients) from April 2008 to November 2014 were identified from the Grand-DES registry. The primary end point was 3-year target lesion failure (TLF) after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 754 patients (84.4%) and 139 patients (15.6%) in the durable and bioabsorbable polymer group, respectively. The groups differed significantly in lesion and procedural characteristics. Propensity score-matched analysis revealed a trend toward a lower 3-year TLF in the durable polymer group (log rank p=0.071). Independent predictors of 3-year TLF were chronic kidney disease, presentation with acute myocardial infarction, and a two-stenting technique for ULMCA lesions. Definite/probable stent thrombosis rates at 3-years were low in both groups (0.8% vs. 0.7%, p=0.925).

CONCLUSIONS

The safety of ULCMA PCI was excellent, and durable and bioabsorbable polymer DES provided similar clinical outcomes at 3-year follow-up. Landmark analysis revealed that the durable polymer group had a lower TLF rate from 9 months. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Association Between Low Muscle Mass and Prognosis of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background

Low muscle mass has been associated with poor prognosis in certain chronic diseases, but its clinical significance in patients with coronary artery disease is unclear. We assessed the clinical significance of 2 easily measured surrogate markers of low muscle mass: the ratio of serum creatinine to serum cystatin C (Scr/Scys), and the ratio of estimated glomerular filtration rate by Scys to Scr (eGFRcys/eGFRcr).

Methods and Results

Patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were prospectively enrolled from a single tertiary center, and Scr and Scys levels were simultaneously measured at admission. Best cut‐off values for Scr/Scys and eGFRcys/eGFRcr to discriminate 3‐year mortality were determined; 1.0 for men and 0.8 for women in Scr/Scys, and 1.1 for men and 1.0 for women in eGFRcys/eGFRcr. The prognostic values on 3‐year mortality and the additive values of 2 markers on the predictive model were compared. In 1928 patients enrolled (mean age 65.2±9.9 years, 70.8% men), the risk of 3‐year mortality increased proportionally according to the decrease of the surrogate markers. Both Scr/Scys‐ and eGFRcys/eGFRcr‐based low muscle mass groups showed significantly higher risk of death, after adjusting for possible confounders. They also increased predictive power of the mortality prediction model. Low Scr/Scys values were associated with high mortality rate in patients who were ≥65 years, nonobese, male, had renal dysfunction at baseline, and presented with acute myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

Serum surrogate markers of muscle mass, Scr/Scys, and eGFRcys/eGFRcr may have clinical significance for detecting patients with coronary artery disease at high risk for long‐term mortality.

Optimal Dose and Type of β-blockers in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The clinical benefit of β-blockers in modern reperfusion era is not well determined. We investigated the impact of β-blockers in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention. From the Grand-DES registry, a patient-level pooled registry consisting of 5 Korean multicenter prospective drug-eluting stent registries, a total of 6,690 ACS patients were included. Prescription records of dose and type of β-blockers were investigated trimonthly from discharge. Patients were categorized by the mean value of doses during the follow-up (≥50% [high-dose], ≥25% to <50% [medium-dose], and <25% [low-dose] of the full dose that was used in each randomized clinical trial) and vasodilating property of β-blockers. Three-year cumulative risk of all-cause death, cardiac death, and myocardial infarction were assessed. Patients receiving β-blockers were associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cardiac death compared with those not receiving β-blockers (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24 to 0.35 for all-cause death; aHR 0.27, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.34 for cardiac death). Medium-dose β-blocker group was associated with a lower risk of cardiac death compared with high- and low-dose β-blocker groups (aHR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.96, for high-dose; aHR 0.46, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.74, for low-dose). Patients receiving vasodilating β-blockers were associated with a lower risk of cardiac death compared with those receiving conventional β-blockers (aHR 0.58, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.84). In conclusion, β-blocker therapy was associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with ACS, especially with medium-dose and vasodilating β-blockers.

Optimal Oversizing Index Depending on Valve Type and Leakage-Proof Function for Preventing Paravalvular Leakage after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is an important complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and is associated with poor prognosis. We aimed to identify the risk factors for PVL after TAVI including patient (calcium amount or location), device (leakage-proof or not), and procedural (oversizing index (OI)) factors. The primary outcome was mild or greater PVL at 1-month follow-up echocardiography. Overall, 238 patients who underwent TAVI using eight types of valves (Edwards Sapien, Sapien XT, Sapien 3, CoreValve, Evolut R, Evolut PRO, Lotus, and Lotus Edge) were included. The incidence of significant PVL (≥mild PVL) was 24.4%. Although patient factors (calcification of valve) were not predictors of PVL, valve without leakage-proof function (Edwards Sapien, Sapien XT, and CoreValve) was a significant predictor of PVL (adjusted odds ratio, 3.194, 95% CI, 1.620–6.299). Furthermore, OI has a significant protective role against PVL (PVL increased by 45% when OI decreased by 5%). The best cutoff value of OI to predict the absence of PVL was ≥17.6% for the Evolut system and ≥10.2% for the Sapien system. The predictors of PVL after TAVI included factors from the device (valve without leakage-proof function) and procedure (under-sizing). In patients with a high risk of PVL, the procedure should be optimized using valves with leakage-proof function and adequate OI.

Durable Polymer Versus Biodegradable Polymer Drug-Eluting Stents After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: The HOST-REDUCE-POLYTECH-ACS Trial

BACKGROUND

Large-scale randomized comparison of drug-eluting stents (DES) based on durable polymer versus biodegradable polymer technology is currently insufficient in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The present study aimed to prove the noninferiority of the durable polymer DES (DP-DES) compared with the biodegradable polymer DES (BP-DES) in such patients.

METHODS

The HOST-REDUCE-POLYTECH-ACS (Harmonizing Optimal Strategy for Treatment of Coronary Artery Diseases-Comparison of Reduction of Prasugrel Dose or Polymer Technology in ACS Patients) trial is an investigator-initiated, randomized, open-label, adjudicator-blinded, multicenter, noninferiority trial comparing the efficacy and safety of DP-DES and BP-DES in patients with ACS. The primary end point was a patient-oriented composite outcome (a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and any repeat revascularization) at 12 months. The key secondary end point was device-oriented composite outcome (a composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization) at 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 3413 patients were randomized to receive the DP-DES (1713 patients) and BP-DES (1700 patients). At 12 months, patient-oriented composite outcome occurred in 5.2% in the DP-DES group and 6.4% in the BP-DES group (absolute risk difference, -1.2%; P_{noninferiority}<0.001). The key secondary end point, device-oriented composite outcome, occurred less frequently in the DP-DES group (DP-DES vs BP-DES, 2.6% vs 3.9%; hazard ratio, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.46-0.98]; P=0.038), mostly because of a reduction in target lesion revascularization. The rate of spontaneous nonfatal myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis were extremely low, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (0.6% versus 0.8%; P=0.513 and 0.1% versus 0.4%; P=0.174, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In ACS patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention, DP-DES was noninferior to BP-DES with regard to patient-oriented composite outcomes at 12 months after index percutaneous coronary intervention. Registration: URL: https://wwwclinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02193971.

Prasugrel-based de-escalation of dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome (HOST-REDUCE-POLYTECH-ACS): an open-label, multicentre, non-inferiority randomised trial

BACKGROUND

A potent P2Y12 inhibitor-based dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended for up to 1 year in patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The greatest benefit of the potent agent is during the early phase, whereas the risk of excess bleeding continues in the chronic maintenance phase. Therefore, de-escalation of antiplatelet therapy might achieve an optimal balance between ischaemia and bleeding. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of a prasugrel-based dose de-escalation therapy.

METHODS

HOST-REDUCE-POLYTECH-ACS is a randomised, open-label, multicentre, non-inferiority trial done at 35 hospitals in South Korea. We enrolled patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving PCI. Patients meeting the core indication for prasugrel were randomly assigned (1:1) to the de-escalation group or conventional group using a web-based randomisation system. The assessors were masked to the treatment allocation. After 1 month of treatment with 10 mg prasugrel plus 100 mg aspirin daily, the de-escalation group received 5 mg prasugrel, while the conventional group continued to receive 10 mg. The primary endpoint was net adverse clinical events (all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, repeat revascularisation, stroke, and bleeding events of grade 2 or higher according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] criteria) at 1 year. The absolute non-inferiority margin for the primary endpoint was 2·5%. The key secondary endpoints were efficacy outcomes (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and ischaemic stroke) and safety outcomes (bleeding events of BARC grade ≥2). The primary analysis was in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02193971.

RESULTS

From Sept 30, 2014, to Dec 18, 2018, 3429 patients were screened, of whom 1075 patients did not meet the core indication for prasugrel and 16 were excluded due to randomisation error. 2338 patients were randomly assigned to the de-escalation group (n=1170) or the conventional group (n=1168). The primary endpoint occurred in 82 patients (Kaplan-Meier estimate 7·2%) in the de-escalation group and 116 patients (10·1%) in the conventional group (absolute risk difference -2·9%, p_{non-inferiority}<0·0001; hazard ratio 0·70 [95% CI 0·52-0·92], p_equivalence=0·012). There was no increase in ischaemic risk in the de-escalation group compared with the conventional group (0·76 [0·40-1·45]; p=0·40), and the risk of bleeding events was significantly decreased (0·48 [0·32-0·73]; p=0·0007).

INTERPRETATION

In east Asian patients with acute coronary syndrome patients receiving PCI, a prasugrel-based dose de-escalation strategy from 1 month after PCI reduced the risk of net clinical outcomes up to 1 year, mainly driven by a reduction in bleeding without an increase in ischaemia.

FUNDING

Daiichi Sankyo, Boston Scientific, Terumo, Biotronik, Qualitech Korea, and Dio.

Sarcopenia Index as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Older Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

To demonstrate the association of the serum creatinine/serum cystatin C ratio (sarcopenia index, SI) with clinical outcomes including cardiovascular and bleeding risk in older patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), we analyzed a multicenter nation-wide pooled registry. A total of 1086 older patients (65 years or older) who underwent PCI with second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) were enrolled. The total population was divided into quartiles according to the SI, stratified by sex. The primary clinical outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, all-cause death, myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization) and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction major and minor bleeding during a 3-year follow-up period. In the total population, MACE occurred within 3 years in 154 (14.2%) patients. The lowest SI quartile group (Q1) had a significantly higher 3-year MACE rate (Q1 vs. Q2-4; 23.1% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001), while bleeding event rates were similar between the groups (Q1 vs. Q2-4; 2.6% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.656). The Cox proportional hazard model showed that lower SI is an independent predictor for MACE events (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.62-3.07, p < 0.001). The SI, a surrogate for the degree of muscle mass, is associated with cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular death, but not with bleeding in older patients who underwent PCI.

Impact of Intensive Glucose Control in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: 3-Year Clinical Outcomes

We investigated whether intensive glucose control after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves clinical outcomes in diabetic patients. From the Grand-DES registry, we analyzed 2576 diabetic patients (median age 66 years, male 65.6%) who underwent PCI and had at least 2 records of HbA1c during the follow-up. Patients were categorized according to the mean HbA1c (≥7% or <7%). Primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and any revascularization. During a median follow-up of 33.6 months, MACE occurred in 335 (13.0%) patients. Intensive glucose control with follow-up mean HbA1c < 7.0% (42.2%; n = 1087) was not associated with lower risk of MACE, compared to control with mean HbA1c ≥ 7.0% (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] [95% confidence interval] 1.06 [0.82–1.37], p = 0.672). In subgroup analysis, patients with sustained HbA1c of <7.0% throughout the follow-up were not associated with a lower risk of MACE compared to those with sustained HbA1c of ≥7.0% (aHR 1.15 [0.71–1.89], p = 0.566). More intensive glucose control with mean HbA1c ≤ 6.5% was not associated with lower risk of MACE, compared to loose control with a mean HbA1c ≥ 8.0% (aHR 1.15 [0.71–1.86], p = 0.583). Intensive glucose control after PCI was not associated with better clinical outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing PCI than lenient control.