Incidence and predictors of postoperative ischemic stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND

Data on the incidence and outcomes of ischemic stroke in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the current era are limited. The goal of this study was to examine contemporary trends, predictors, and outcomes of ischemic stroke following CABG in a large nationally representative database over a 12-year-period.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify all adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent CABG between 2004 and 2015. The incidence and predictors of post-CABG ischemic stroke were assessed and in-hospital outcomes of patients with and without post-CABG stroke were compared.

RESULTS

Out of 2 569 597 CABG operations, ischemic stroke occurred in 47 279 (1.8%) patients, with a rising incidence from 2004 (1.2%) to 2015 (2.3%) (P < .001). Patient risk profiles increased over time in both cohorts, with higher Charlson comorbidity scores observed amongst stroke patients. Stroke was independently associated with higher rates of in-hospital mortality (3-fold), longer lengths of hospital stay (~6 more days), and higher total hospitalisation cost (~$80 000 more). Age ≥60 years and female sex (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.31-1.36) were the strongest predictors of stroke (both P < .001). Further, on-pump CABG was not an independent predictor of stroke (P = .784).

CONCLUSION

In this nationally representative study we have shown that the rates of postoperative stroke complications following CABG have increased over time to commensurate with a parallel increase in overall baseline patient risks. Given the adverse impact of stroke on in-hospital morbidity and mortality after CABG, further studies are warranted to systematically delineate factors contributing to this striking trend.

Trends, management and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction in chronic liver disease

AIMS

There are limited data on the management and outcomes of chronic liver disease (CLD) patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), particularly according to the subtype of CLD.

METHODS

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2004-2015), we examined outcomes of AMI patients stratified by severity and sub-types of CLD. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of receipt of invasive management and adverse outcomes in CLD groups compared with no-CLD.

RESULTS

Of 7 024 723 AMI admissions, 54 283 (0.8%) had a CLD diagnosis. CLD patients were less likely to undergo coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (aOR 0.62, 95%CI 0.60-0.63 and 0.59, 95%CI 0.58-0.60, respectively), and had increased odds of adverse outcomes including major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (1.19, 95%CI 1.15-1.23), mortality (1.30, 95%CI 1.25-1.34) and major bleeding (1.74, 95%CI 1.67-1.81). In comparison to the non-severe CLD sub-groups, patients with all forms of severe CLD had the lower utilization of CA and PCI (P < .05). Among severe CLD patients, those with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) had the lowest utilization of CA and PCI; patients with ALD and other CLD (OCLD) had more adverse outcomes than the viral hepatitis sub-group (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

CLD patients presenting with AMI are less likely to receive invasive management and are associated with worse clinical outcomes. Further differences are observed depending on the type as well as severity of CLD, with the worst management and clinical outcomes observed in those with severe ALD and OCLD.

Sex Differences in Ischemic Stroke Outcomes in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension

Background The association between systemic hypertension and cerebrovascular disease is well documented. However, the impact of pulmonary hypertension (PH) on acute ischemic stroke outcomes is unknown despite PH being recognized as a risk factor for acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to determine the association between PH and adverse in-hospital outcomes after acute ischemic stroke, as well as whether there are sex differences in this association. Methods and Results Acute ischemic stroke admissions from the US National Inpatient Sample between October 2015 and December 2017 were included. The relationship between PH and outcomes (mortality, prolonged hospitalization >4 days, and routine home discharge) was analyzed using logistic regressions adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and revascularization therapies. Interaction terms between PH and sex and age groups were also included. A total of 221 249 records representative of 1 106 045 admissions were included; 2.9% of patients had co-morbid PH, and 35.34% of those were male. PH was not associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% CI, 0.86-1.09) but was associated with increased odds of prolonged hospitalization (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09-1.22) and decreased odds of routine discharge (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81-0.94) for both sexes. Older patients with PH were significantly less likely to be discharged routinely (P=0.028) than their younger counterparts. Compared with female patients with PH, men were 31% more likely to die in hospital (P=0.024). Conclusions PH was not significantly associated with in-hospital mortality but was associated with prolonged hospitalization and adverse discharge status. Male patients with PH were more likely to die in hospital than female patients.

Racial differences in management and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction during COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

There are concerns that healthcare and outcomes of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated admission rates, treatment and mortality of BAME with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during COVID-19.

METHODS

Using multisource national healthcare records, patients hospitalised with AMI in England during 1 February-27 May 2020 were included in the COVID-19 group, whereas patients admitted during the same period in the previous three consecutive years were included in a pre-COVID-19 group. Multilevel hierarchical regression analyses were used to quantify the changes in-hospital and 7-day mortality in BAME compared with whites.

RESULTS

Of 73 746 patients, higher proportions of BAME patients (16.7% vs 10.1%) were hospitalised with AMI during the COVID-19 period compared with pre-COVID-19. BAME patients admitted during the COVID-19 period were younger, male and likely to present with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction. COVID-19 BAME group admitted with non-ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction less frequently received coronary angiography (86.1% vs 90.0%, p<0.001) and had a longer median delay to reperfusion (4.1 hours vs 3.7 hours, p<0.001) compared with whites. BAME had higher in-hospital (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.28) and 7-day mortality (OR 1.81 95% CI 1.31 to 2.19) during COVID-19 compared with pre-COVID-19 period.

CONCLUSION

In this multisource linked cohort study, compared with whites, BAME patients had proportionally higher hospitalisation rates with AMI, less frequently received guidelines indicated care and had higher early mortality during COVID-19 period compared with pre-COVID-19 period. There is a need to develop clinical pathways to achieve equity in the management of these vulnerable populations.

Percutaneous coronary intervention and 30-day unplanned readmission with chest pain in the United States (Nationwide Readmissions Database)

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves anginal chest pain in most, but not all, treated patients. PCI is associated with unplanned readmission for angina and non-specific chest pain within 30-days of index PCI. Patients with an index hospitalization for PCI between January-November in each of the years 2010-2014 were included from the United States Nationwide Readmissions Database. Of 2 723 455 included patients, the 30-day unplanned readmission rate was 7.2% (n = 196 581, 42.3% female). This included 9.8% (n = 19 183) with angina and 11.1% (n = 21 714) with non-specific chest pain. The unplanned readmission group were younger (62.2 vs 65.1 years; P < 0.001), more likely to be females (41.0% vs 34.2%; P < 0.001), from the lowest quartile of household income (32.9% vs 31.2%; P < 0.001), have higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors or have index PCI performed for non-acute coronary syndromes (ACS) (OR:3.46, 95%CI 3.39-3.54). Factors associated with angina readmissions included female sex (OR:1.28, 95%CI 1.25-1.32), history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) (OR:3.28, 95%CI 2.95-3.66), coronary artery bypass grafts (OR:1.79, 95%CI 1.72-2.86), anaemia (OR:1.16, 95%CI 1.11-1.21), hypertension (OR:1.13, 95%CI 1.09, 1.17), and dyslipidemia (OR:1.10, 95%CI 1.06-1.14). Non-specific chest pain compared with angina readmissions were younger (mean difference 1.25 years, 95% CI 0.99, 1.50), more likely to be females (RR:1.13, 95%CI 1.10, 1.15) and have undergone PCI for non-ACS (RR:2.17, 95%CI 2.13, 2.21). Indications for PCI other than ACS have a greater likelihood of readmission with angina or non-specific chest pain at 30-days. Readmissions are more common in patients with modifiable risk factors, previous history of IHD and anaemia.

In-Hospital and 30-Day Mortality After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in England in the Pre-COVID and COVID Eras

BACKGROUND

Public reporting of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes is a performance metric and a requirement in many healthcare systems. There are inconsistent data on the causes of death after PCI, and the proportion of these deaths that are attributable to cardiac causes.

METHODS

All patients undergoing PCI in England between January 1, 2017 and May 10, 2020 (n = 273,141) were retrospectively analyzed according to their outcome from the date of PCI: no death, in-hospital death, postdischarge death, and total 30-day death. The present study examined short-term primary causes of death after PCI in a national cohort before and during COVID-19.

RESULTS

The overall rates of in-hospital and 30-day death were 1.9% and 2.8%, respectively. The rate of 30-day death declined between 2017 (2.9%) and February 2020 (2.5%), mainly due to lower in-hospital death (2.1% vs 1.5%), before rising again from March 1, 2020 (3.2%) due to higher rates of postdischarge mortality. Only 59.6% of 30-day deaths were due to cardiac causes, with the most common causes being acute coronary syndrome, cardiogenic shock, and heart failure, and this persisted throughout the study period. In the 30-day death group, 10.4% after March 1, 2020 were due to confirmed COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide study, we show that 40% of 30-day deaths are due to non-cardiac causes. Non-cardiac deaths have increased even more from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1 in 10 deaths from March 2020 being COVID-19 related. These findings raise a question of whether public reporting of PCI outcomes should be cause specific.

Effect of primary percutaneous coronary intervention on in-hospital outcomes among active cancer patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a propensity score matching analysis

AIMS

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is the gold standard, guideline-recommended revascularization strategy in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, there are limited data on its use and effectiveness among patients with active cancer presenting with STEMI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All STEMI hospitalizations between 2004 and 2015 from the National Inpatient Sample were retrospectively analysed, stratified by cancer type. Propensity score matching was performed to estimate the average treatment effect of pPCI in each cancer on in-hospital adverse events, including major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and its individual components, and compare treatment effect between cancer and non-cancer patients. Out of 1 870 815 patients with STEMI, 38 932 (2.1%) had a current cancer diagnosis [haematological: 11 251 (28.9% of all cancers); breast: 4675 (12.0%); lung: 9538 (24.5%); colon: 3749 (9.6%); prostate: 9719 (25.0%)]. Patients with cancer received pPCI less commonly than those without cancer (from 54.2% for lung cancer to 70.6% for haematological vs. 82.3% in no cancer). Performance of pPCI was strongly associated with lower adjusted probabilities of MACCE and all-cause mortality in the cancer groups compared with the no cancer group. There was no significant difference in estimated average pPCI treatment effect between the cancer groups and non-cancer group.

CONCLUSION

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is underutilized in STEMI patients with current cancer despite its significantly lower associated rates of in-hospital all-cause mortality and MACCE that is comparable to patients without cancer. Further work is required to assess the long-term benefit and safety of pPCI in this high-risk group.

Acute Myocardial Infarction in Autoimmune Rheumatologic Disease: A Nationwide Analysis of Clinical Outcomes and Predictors of Management Strategy

OBJECTIVES

To examine national-level differences in management strategies and outcomes in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease (AIRD) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) from 2004 through 2014.

METHODS

All AMI hospitalizations were analyzed from the National Inpatient Sample, stratified according to AIRD diagnosis into 4 groups: no AIRD, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and systemic sclerosis (SSC). The associations between AIRD subtypes and (1) receipt of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and (2) clinical outcomes were examined compared with patients without AIRD.

RESULTS

Of 6,747,797 AMI hospitalizations, 109,983 patients (1.6%) had an AIRD diagnosis (RA: 1.3%, SLE: 0.3%, and SSC: 0.1%). The prevalence of RA rose from 1.0% (2004) to 1.5% (2014), and SLE and SSC remained stable. Patients with SLE were less likely to receive invasive management (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: coronary angiography-0.87; 0.84 to 0.91; PCI-0.93; 0.90 to 0.96), whereas no statistically significant differences were found in the RA and SSC groups. Subsequently, the ORs (95% CIs) of mortality (1.15; 1.07 to 1.23) and bleeding (1.24; 1.16 to 1.31) were increased in patients with SLE; SSC was associated with increased ORs (95% CIs) of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (1.52; 1.38 to 1.68) and mortality (1.81; 1.62 to 2.02) but not bleeding or stroke; the RA group was at no increased risk for any complication.

CONCLUSION

In a nationwide cohort of AMI hospitalizations we found lower use of invasive management in patients with SLE and worse outcomes after AMI in patients with SLE and SSC compared with those without AIRD.

Place and causes of acute cardiovascular mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To describe the place and causes of acute cardiovascular death during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort of adult (age ≥18 years) acute cardiovascular deaths (n=5 87 225) in England and Wales, from 1 January 2014 to 30 June 2020. The exposure was the COVID-19 pandemic (from onset of the first COVID-19 death in England, 2 March 2020). The main outcome was acute cardiovascular events directly contributing to death.

RESULTS

After 2 March 2020, there were 28 969 acute cardiovascular deaths of which 5.1% related to COVID-19, and an excess acute cardiovascular mortality of 2085 (+8%). Deaths in the community accounted for nearly half of all deaths during this period. Death at home had the greatest excess acute cardiovascular deaths (2279, +35%), followed by deaths at care homes and hospices (1095, +32%) and in hospital (50, +0%). The most frequent cause of acute cardiovascular death during this period was stroke (10 318, 35.6%), followed by acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (7 098, 24.5%), heart failure (6 770, 23.4%), pulmonary embolism (2 689, 9.3%) and cardiac arrest (1 328, 4.6%). The greatest cause of excess cardiovascular death in care homes and hospices was stroke (715, +39%), compared with ACS (768, +41%) at home and cardiogenic shock (55, +15%) in hospital.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an inflation in acute cardiovascular deaths, nearly half of which occurred in the community and most did not relate to COVID-19 infection suggesting there were delays to seeking help or likely the result of undiagnosed COVID-19.

Safety and efficacy of coronary intravascular lithotripsy for calcified coronary arteries- a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) clinical efficacy and safety in the treatment of calcified coronary artery disease (CAC) is not well known. We sought to assess IVL safety and efficacy in CAC. Methods: A comprehensive online databases search were performed to identify intravascular lithotripsy studies in patients with coronary artery disease. The primary outcome was IVL related change in the mean pre and post-procedural diameter of the coronary artery. Results: A total of 4 studies with 282 patients were included. The mean pre-IVL coronary diameter for all patients was 1.01 mm, while the mean post-IVL coronary diameter was 2.70 mm. The mean pre-post IVL diameter difference of coronary arteries on the pooled analysis was significantly lower by 4.08 mm (95% CI -4.94 to -3.30, p ≤ 0.00001). The Overall increase in the post-IVL lumen diameter was significantly higher than the pre-IVL diameter with a mean difference of -4.16 (95% CI -5.08 to -3.24, p = 0.000001). However, compared to pre-IVL, there was a significant reduction in the overall mean difference of luminal calcium angle after IVL of the stented coronary arteries (0.09, 95% CI 0.002-0.16, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Intravascular lithotripsy can offer a significant improvement in the vessel lumen to facilitate coronary stent delivery and deployments in severely calcified coronary arteries.

Trends in sex-based differences in outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting in the United States between 2004 and 2015

BACKGROUND

The present study sought to examine the trends of sex-based differences in clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), an area in which the current evidence remains limited.

METHODS

All US adults hospitalized for first-time isolated CABG in the National Inpatient Sample database between 2004 and 2015 were included, stratified by sex. Multivariable regression analysis examined the adjusted odds ratios (OR) of postoperative in-hospital complications in females versus males. Trend analyses of sex-based differences in in-hospital post-operative complications over the study period were performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 2,537,767 CABG procedures were analyzed, including 27.9% (n = 708,459) females. Female sex was associated with an increase in adjusted odds of all-cause mortality (OR 1.43 95% CI 1.40, 1.45), stroke (OR 1.34 95% CI 1.32, 1.37) and thoracic complications (OR 1.28 95% CI 1.27, 1.29) and lower odds of all-cause bleeding (OR 0.87 95% CI 0.86, 0.89) compared to males. Trend analysis revealed these sex differences to be persistent for mortality, stroke and thoracic complications (p_trend = non-significant) but eliminated for bleeding over the study period (p_trend < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Despite technical advances over the 12-year period, worse post-operative outcomes including death, stroke, and thoracic complications have persisted in female patients after CABG. These findings are concerning and underscore the need for risk reduction strategies to address this disparity gap.

Revascularisation therapies improve the outcomes of ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) carry a poor prognosis in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). The impact of revascularisation therapies on outcomes in these patients is not fully understood.

METHOD

National Inpatient Sample (NIS) AIS admissions (January 2004-September 2015) were included (n = 4,597,428). Logistic regressions analysed the relationship between exposures (neither AF nor HF-reference, AF-only, HF-only, AF + HF) and outcomes (in-hospital mortality, length-of-stay >median and moderate-to-severe disability on discharge), stratifying by receipt of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or endovascular thrombectomy (ET).

RESULTS

69.2% patients had neither AF nor HF, 16.5% had AF-only, 7.5% had HF-only and 6.7% had AF + HF. 5.04% and 0.72% patients underwent IVT and/or ET, respectively. AF-only and HF-only were each associated with 75-85% increase in the odds of in-hospital mortality. AF + HF was associated with greater than two-fold increase in mortality. Patients with AF-only, HF-only or AF + HF undergoing IVT had better or at least similar in-hospital outcomes compared to their counterparts not undergoing IVT, except for prolonged hospitalisation. Patients undergoing ET with AF-only, HF-only or AF + HF had better (in-hospital mortality, discharge disability, all-cause bleeding) or at least similar (length-of-stay) outcomes to their counterparts not undergoing ET. Compared to AIS patients without AF, AF patients had approximately 50% and more than two-fold increases in the likelihood of receiving IVT or ET, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed the combined and individual impact of co-existing AF or HF on important patient-related outcomes. Revascularisation therapies improve these outcomes significantly in patients with these comorbidities.

Sex Differences in Mortality Rates and Underlying Conditions for COVID-19 Deaths in England and Wales

OBJECTIVE

To address the issue of limited national data on the prevalence and distribution of underlying conditions among COVID-19 deaths between sexes and across age groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All adult (≥18 years) deaths recorded in England and Wales (March 1, 2020, to May 12, 2020) were analyzed retrospectively. We compared the prevalence of underlying health conditions between COVID and non-COVID-related deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic and the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of COVID-19 compared with other primary causes of death, stratified by sex and age group.

RESULTS

Of 144,279 adult deaths recorded during the study period, 36,438 (25.3%) were confirmed COVID deaths. Women represented 43.2% (n=15,731) of COVID deaths compared with 51.9% (n=55,980) in non-COVID deaths. Overall, COVID deaths were younger than non-COVID deaths (82 vs 83 years). ASMR of COVID-19 was higher than all other common primary causes of death, across age groups and sexes, except for cancers in women between the ages of 30 and 79 years. A linear relationship was observed between ASMR and age among COVID-19 deaths, with persistently higher rates in men than women across all age groups. The most prevalent reported conditions were hypertension, dementia, chronic lung disease, and diabetes, and these were higher among COVID deaths. Pre-existing ischemic heart disease was similar in COVID (11.4%) and non-COVID (12%) deaths.

CONCLUSION

In a nationwide analysis, COVID-19 infection was associated with higher age-standardized mortality than other primary causes of death, except cancer in women of select age groups. COVID-19 mortality was persistently higher in men and increased with advanced age.

Trends of repeat revascularization choice in patients with prior coronary artery bypass surgery

OBJECTIVE

To examine rates and predictors repeat revascularization strategies (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] and coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]) in patients with prior CABG.

METHODS

Using the National Inpatient Sample, patients with a history of CABG hospitalized for revascularization by PCI or CABG from January 2004 to September 2015 were included. Regression analyses were performed to examine predictors of receipt of either revascularization strategy as well as in-hospital outcomes.

RESULTS

The rate of redo CABG doubled between 2004 (5.3%) and 2015 (10.3%). Patients who underwent redo CABG were more comorbid and experienced significantly worse major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (odds ratio [OR]: 5.36 95% CI 5.11-5.61), mortality (OR 2.84 95% CI 2.60,-3.11), bleeding (OR 5.97 95% CI 5.44-6.55) and stroke (OR 2.15 95% CI 1.92-2.41), but there was no difference in cardiac complications between groups. Thoracic complications were high in patients undergoing redo CABG (8%), especially in females. Factors favoring receipt of redo CABG compared to PCI included male sex, age < 80 years, and absence of diabetes and renal failure.

CONCLUSION

Reoperation in patients with prior CABG has doubled in the United States over a 12-year period. Patients undergoing redo CABG are more complex and associated with worse clinical outcomes than those receiving PCI.

Impact of Charlson Co-Morbidity Index Score on Management and Outcomes After Acute Coronary Syndrome

Patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are frequently co-morbid. However, there is limited data on how co-morbidity burden impacts their receipt of invasive management and subsequent outcomes. We analyzed all patients with a discharge diagnosis of ACS from the National Inpatient Sample (2004 to 2014), stratified by Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI) into 4 classes (CCI 0, 1, 2, and ≥3). Regression analyses were performed to examine associations between co-morbidity burden and receipt of invasive intervention and in-hospital clinical outcomes. Of all 6,613,623 ACS patients analyzed, the prevalence of patients with severe co-morbidity (CCI ≥3) increased from 10.8% (2004) to 18.1% (2014). CCI class negatively correlated with receipt of invasive management, with CCI ≥3 group being the least likely to receive coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (odds ratio (OR) 0.42 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41 to 0.43 and OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.48, respectively). CCI class was independently associated with an increased risk of mortality and complications, especially CCI ≥3 that was associated with significantly increased odds of Major Acute Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Events (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.66 to 1.75), mortality (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.68 to 1.79), acute ischemic stroke (OR 2.35, 95% CI 2.23 to 2.46), and major bleeding (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.59 to 1.69). Co-morbidity burden has significantly increased amongst those presenting with ACS over an 11-year period and correlates with reduced likelihood of receipt of invasive management and increased odds of mortality and adverse outcomes. In conclusion, objective assessment of co-morbidities using CCI score identifies high-risk ACS patients in whom targeted risk reduction strategies may reduce their inherent risk of mortality and complications.

Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Cardiac Transplant Patients: A Binational Analysis Derived From the United Kingdom and United States

AIMS

To compare and contrast the indications, clinical and procedural characteristics, and periprocedural outcomes of patients with cardiac transplant undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the United States and United Kingdom.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The British Cardiovascular Intervention Society Registry (BCIS) (2007-2014) and the United States National Inpatient Sample (NIS) (2004-2014) data were utilized for this analysis. There were 466 PCIs (0.09%) and 1122 PCIs (0.02%) performed in cardiac transplant patients in the BCIS and NIS registries, respectively. The cardiac transplant PCI cohort was younger and mostly men, with an increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease, left main PCI, and multivessel disease, and with lower use of newer antiplatelets agents, antithrombotics, and radial artery access vs the non-cardiac transplant PCI cohort. In the BCIS registry, the cardiac transplant PCI cohort had similar in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; P=.91), 30-day mortality (OR, 1.38; P=.31), vascular complications (OR, 0.69; P=.46), and major adverse cardiovascular event (OR, 1.41; P=.26) vs the non-cardiac transplant PCI cohort. However, the cardiac transplant group had higher 1-year mortality (OR, 2.30; P<.001). The NIS data analysis revealed similar rates of in-hospital mortality (OR, 2.40; P=.14), cardiac complications (OR, 0.26; P=.17), major bleeding (OR, 0.36; P=.16), vascular complications (OR, 0.46; P=.45), and stroke (OR, 0.50; P=.40) in the cardiac transplant PCI cohort vs the non-cardiac transplant PCI cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

PCI in cardiac transplant recipients was associated with similar short-term mortality and vascular complications compared with PCI in the general populace. However, a higher 1-year morality was observed in the BCIS cohort.

Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (from a Nationwide Cohort)

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk of ischemic heart disease. However, there is limited evidence on how their outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compare with those without IBD. All PCI-related hospitalizations from the National Inpatient Sample from 2004 to 2015 were included, stratified into 3 groups: no-IBD, Crohn's disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC). We assessed the association between IBD subtypes and in-hospital outcomes. A total of 6,689,292 PCI procedures were analyzed, of which 0.3% (n = 18,910) had an IBD diagnosis. The prevalence of IBD increased from 0.2% (2004) to 0.4% (2015). Patients with IBD were less likely to have conventional cardiovascular risk factors and more likely to undergo PCI for an acute indication, and to receive bare metal stents. In comparison to patients without IBD, those with IBD had reduced or similar adjusted odds ratios (OR) of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (CD OR 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 0.78; UC OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.85), mortality (CD: OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.11; UC OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.45) or acute cerebrovascular accident (CD: OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.89; UC: OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.15). However, IBD patients had an increased odds for major bleeding (CD: OR 1.42 95% CI 1.23 to 1.63, and UC: OR 1.35 95% CI 1.16 to 1.58). In summary, IBD is associated with a decreased risk of in-hospital post-PCI complications other than major bleeding that was significantly higher in this group. Long term follow-up is required to evaluate the safety of PCI in IBD patients from both bleeding and ischemic perspectives.

Prevalence and in-hospital outcomes of patients with malignancies undergoing de novo cardiac electronic device implantation in the USA

AIMS

To study the outcomes of cancer patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

De novo CIED implantations (2004-15; n = 2 670 590) from the National Inpatient Sample were analysed for characteristics and in-hospital outcomes, stratified by presence of cancer (no cancer, historical and current cancers) and further by current cancer type (haematological, lung, breast, colon, and prostate). Current and historical cancer prevalence has increased from 3.3% to 7.8%, and 5.8% to 7.8%, respectively, between 2004 and 2015. Current cancer was associated with increased adjusted odds ratio (OR) of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) [composite of all-cause mortality, thoracic and cardiac complications, and device-related infection; OR 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23-1.30], all-cause mortality (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.35-1.50), major bleeding (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.32-1.44), and thoracic complications (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.35-1.43). Differences in outcomes were observed according to cancer type, with significantly worse MACE, mortality and thoracic complications with lung and haematological malignancies, and increased major bleeding in colon and prostate malignancies. The risk of complications was also different according to CIED subtype.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of cancer patients amongst those undergoing CIED implantation has significantly increased over 12 years. Overall, current cancers are associated with increased mortality and worse outcomes, especially in patients with lung, haematological, and colon malignancies whereas there was no evidence that historical cancer had a negative impact on outcomes.

Acute myocardial infarction treatments and outcomes in 6.5 million patients with a current or historical diagnosis of cancer in the USA

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate temporal trends, treatment, and clinical outcomes of patients who present with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and have a current or historical diagnosis of cancer, according to cancer type and presence of metastases.

Methods and results

Data from 6 563 255 patients presenting with an AMI between 2004 and 2014 from the US National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database were analysed. A total of 5 966 955 had no cancer, 186 604 had current cancer, and 409 697 had a historical diagnosis of cancer. Prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancer were the four most common types of cancer. Patients with cancer were older with more comorbidities. Differences in invasive treatment were noted, 43.9% received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients without cancer, whilst only 21.0% of patients with lung cancer received PCI. Lung cancer was associated with the highest in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR) 2.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.62–2.80], major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications (OR 2.38, 95% CI 2.31–2.45), and stroke (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.80–2.02), while colon cancer was associated with highest risk of bleeding (OR 2.82, 95% CI 2.68–2.98). Irrespective of the type of cancer, presence of metastasis was associated with worse in-hospital outcomes, and historical cancer did not adversely impact on survival (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.89–0.91).

Conclusion

A concomitant cancer diagnosis is associated with a conservative medical management strategy for AMI, and worse clinical outcomes, compared to patients without cancer. Survival and clinical outcomes in the context of AMI vary significantly according to the type of cancer and metastasis status. The management of this high-risk group is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary and patient-centred approach to improve their outcomes.

Temporal Trends in Comorbidity Burden and Impact on Prognosis in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Using the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index Score

Despite current evidence, little is known about the impact of comorbidity burden on invasive management strategies and clinical outcomes in the context of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). All ACS hospitalizations between 2004 and 2014 from the National Inpatient Sample were included, stratified by Elixhauser Comorbidity Score (ECS) and number of Elixhauser Comorbidities (NEC) to compare the receipt of invasive management and clinical outcomes between different ECS and NEC classes to the lowest class of either measure. A total of 6,613,623 records with ACS were included in the analysis. Overall comorbidity burden increased over the 11-year period, with higher comorbidity classes (ECS ≥ 14 and NEC ≥ 5) increasing from 2.1% to 4.6% and 4% to 16%, respectively. Higher ECS and NEC classes negatively correlated with the rates of utilization of coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (ECS ≥14 vs <0: CA: 38.2% vs 69.3%, PCI: 18.6% vs 45.3%; NEC ≥5 vs 0: CA: 49.3% vs 73.4%, PCI: 24.4% vs 57.4%). Overall, higher ECS and NEC classes were independently associated with significantly increased odds of all complications, including major acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, mortality, stroke and bleeding. In conclusion, among patients hospitalized for ACS, a higher comorbidity number or severity is associated with lower rates of receipt of CA and PCI, but not coronary artery bypass grafting, and worse clinical outcomes. Comorbidity burden assessment using ECS can help stratify patient groups at greatest risk of adverse outcomes in which invasive management is currently underutilized.

Management strategies and clinical outcomes of acute myocardial infarction in leukaemia patients: Nationwide insights from United States hospitalisations

BACKGROUND

Patients with leukaemia are at increased risk of cardiovascular events. There are limited outcomes data for patients with a history of leukaemia who present with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2004-2014) for patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of AMI, and a concomitant diagnosis of leukaemia, and further stratified according to the subtype of leukaemia. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify the association between leukaemia and major acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; composite of mortality, stroke and cardiac complications) and bleeding.

RESULTS

Out of 6 750 878 AMI admissions, a total of 21 694 patients had a leukaemia diagnosis. The leukaemia group experienced higher rates of MACCE (11.8% vs 7.8%), mortality (10.3% vs 5.8%) and bleeding (5.6% vs 5.3%). Following adjustments, leukaemia was independently associated with increased odds of MACCE (OR 1.26 [1.20, 1.31]) and mortality (OR 1.43 [1.37, 1.50]) without an increased risk of bleeding (OR 0.86 [0.81, 0.92]). Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) was associated with approximately threefold risk of MACCE (OR 2.81 [2.51, 3.13]) and a fourfold risk of mortality (OR 3.75 [3.34, 4.22]). Patients with leukaemia were less likely to undergo coronary angiography (CA) (48.5% vs 64.5%) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (28.2% vs 42.9%) compared with those without leukaemia.

CONCLUSION

Patients with leukaemia, especially those with AML, are associated with poor clinical outcomes after AMI, and are less likely to receive CA and PCI compared with those without leukaemia. A multi-disciplinary approach between cardiologists and haematology oncologists may improve the outcomes of patients with leukaemia after AMI.