Early glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors in primary angioplasty (EGYPT) cooperation: an individual patient data meta-analysis

Background:

Even though time-to-treatment has been shown to be a determinant of mortality in primary angioplasty, the potential benefits from early pharmacological reperfusion by glycoprotein (Gp) IIb–IIIa inhibitors are still unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to combine individual data from all randomised trials conducted on facilitated primary angioplasty by the use of early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors.

Methods and results:

The literature was scanned by formal searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE) from January 1990 to October 2007. All randomised trials on facilitation by the early administration of Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were examined. No language restrictions were enforced. Individual patient data were obtained from 11 out of 13 trials, including 1662 patients (840 patients (50.5%) randomly assigned to early and 822 patients (49.5%) to late Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitor administration). Preprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Study (TIMI) grade 3 flow was more frequent with early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Postprocedural TIMI 3 flow and myocardial blush grade 3 were higher with early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors but did not reach statistical significance except for abciximab, whereas the rate of complete ST-segment resolution was significantly higher with early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Mortality was not significantly different between groups, although early abciximab demonstrated improved survival compared with late administration, even after adjustment for clinical and angiographic confounding factors.

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis shows that pharmacological facilitation with the early administration of Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI is associated with significant benefits in terms of preprocedural epicardial recanalisation and ST-segment resolution, which translated into non-significant mortality benefits except for abciximab.

Early glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors in primary angioplasty-abciximab long-term results (EGYPT-ALT) cooperation: individual patient's data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Even although time to treatment has been shown to be a determinant of mortality in primary angioplasty, the potential benefits are still unclear from early pharmacological reperfusion by glycoprotein (Gp) IIb-IIIa inhibitors. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to combine individual data from all randomized trials conducted on upstream as compared with late peri-procedural abciximab administration in primary angioplasty.

METHODS

The literature was scanned using formal searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) from January 1990 to December 2010. All randomized trials on upstream abciximab administration in primary angioplasty were examined. No language restrictions were enforced.

RESULTS

We included a total of seven randomized trials enrolling 722 patients, who were randomized to early (n = 357, 49.4%) or late (n = 365, 50.6%) peri-procedural abciximab administration. No difference in baseline characteristics was observed between the two groups. Follow-up data were collected at a median (25th-75th percentiles) of 1095 days (720-1967). Early abciximab was associated with a significant reduction in mortality (primary endpoint) [20% vs. 24.6%; hazard ratio (HR) 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.65 (0.42-0.98) P = 0.02, P(het) = 0.6]. Furthermore, early abciximab administration was associated with a significant improvement in pre-procedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow (21.6% vs. 10.1%, P < 0.0001), post-procedural TIMI 3 flow (90% vs. 84.8%, P = 0.04), an improvement in myocardial perfusion as evaluated by post-procedural myocardial blush grade (MBG) 3 (52.0% vs. 43.2%, P = 0.03) and ST-segment resolution (58.4% vs. 43.5%, P < 0.0001) and significantly less distal embolization (10.1% vs. 16.2%, P = 0.02). No difference was observed in terms of major bleeding complications between early and late abciximab administration (3.3% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis shows that early upstream administration of abciximab in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with significant benefits in terms of pre-procedural epicardial re-canalization and ST-segment resolution, which translates in to significant mortality benefits at long-term follow-up.

Impact of multivessel coronary artery disease and noninfarct-related artery revascularization on outcome of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction transferred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (from the EUROTRANSFER Registry)

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) and noninfarct-related artery (non-IRA) revascularization during index percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Data on 1,598 of 1,650 patients with complete angiographic data, with >or=1 significantly stenosed epicardial coronary artery, and without previous coronary artery bypass grafting were retrieved from the EUROTRANSFER Registry database. Patients with 1-, 2-, and 3-vessel disease made up 48.5%, 32.0%, and 19.5% of the registry population, respectively. Patients with MVD were less likely to achieve final Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow (1- vs 2- vs 3-vessel disease, 93.6% vs 89.3% vs 87.9%, respectively, p = 0.003) and ST-segment resolution >50% within 60 minutes after PCI (1- vs 2- vs 3-vessel disease, 80.9% vs 77.5% vs 69.3%, respectively, p <0.001). They were also at higher risk of death during 1-year follow-up (1- vs 2- vs 3-vessel disease, 4.9% vs 7.4% vs 13.5%, respectively, p <0.001), and MVD was identified as an independent predictor of 1-year death. In 70 patients (9%) non-IRA PCI was performed during index PCI. These patients were at higher risk of 30-day and 1-year death compared to patients without non-IRA PCI, but this difference in mortality was no longer significant after adjustment for covariates. In conclusion, patients with MVD have decreased epicardial and myocardial reperfusion success and had worse prognosis after primary PCI for STEMI compared to patients with 1-vessel disease. In this large multicenter registry, non-IRA PCI during the index procedure was performed in 9% of patients with MVD and it was associated with increased 1-year mortality.

Elevated plasma asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine levels are linked to endothelial progenitor cell depletion and carotid atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Similarities between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and atherosclerosis include endothelial dysfunction (an antecedent of plaque formation) and depletion of circulating bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that endothelial progenitor cell depletion and subclinical atherosclerosis in RA may be related to accumulation of an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine.

METHODS

We studied 30 patients with active RA and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Exclusion criteria were clinically evident atherosclerosis, traditional risk factors, hyperhomocysteinemia, and renal dysfunction. The blood endothelial progenitor cell count was assayed by flow cytometry and expressed as a percentage of lymphocytes. Plasma L-arginine, asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine, and symmetric dimethyl-L-arginine were measured with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mean carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was assessed by B-mode ultrasound.

RESULTS

In RA patients, we found elevated levels of asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine (mean +/- SD 0.49 +/- 0.07 micromoles/liter versus 0.40 +/- 0.07 micromoles/liter in controls; P < 0.001), a depressed endothelial progenitor cell count (0.039 +/- 0.025% versus 0.063 +/- 0.035%; P < 0.05), and increased IMT (0.65 +/- 0.13 mm versus 0.55 +/- 0.10 mm; P < 0.01), with no differences in levels of L-arginine or symmetric dimethyl-L-arginine. The endothelial progenitor cell count was inversely correlated with the level of asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine. IMT was positively related to the ratio of asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine to L-arginine and negatively related to the endothelial progenitor cell count, in univariate and multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

Plasma asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine levels are elevated in RA patients free of cardiovascular disease or risk factors. Asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine accumulation may contribute to endothelial progenitor cell depletion via depressed NO-dependent endothelial progenitor cell mobilization and/or survival, with consequent impairment of endothelial progenitor cell-mediated endothelial repair, which can promote atherogenesis in RA.

Thrombus aspiration followed by direct stenting: a novel strategy of primary percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Results of the Polish-Italian-Hungarian RAndomized ThrombEctomy Trial (PIHRATE Trial)

BACKGROUND

Previous studies with thrombectomy showed different results, mainly due to use of thrombectomy as an additional device not instead of balloon predilatation. The aim of the present study was to assess impact of aspiration thrombectomy followed by direct stenting.

METHODS

Patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) <6 hours from pain onset and occluded infarct-related artery in baseline angiography were randomized into aspiration thrombectomy followed by direct stenting (TS, n = 100) or standard balloon predilatation followed by stent implantation (n = 96). The primary end point of the study was the electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation resolution >70% (STR > 70%) 60 minutes after primary angioplasty (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]). Secondary end points included angiographic myocardial blush grade (MBG) after PCI, combination of STR > 70% immediately after PCI and MBG grade 3 (optimal myocardial reperfusion), Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow after PCI, angiographic complications, and in-hospital major adverse cardiac events.

RESULTS

Aspiration thrombectomy success rate was 91% (crossing of the lesion with thrombus reduction and flow restoration). There was no significant difference in STR ≥ 70% after 60 minutes (53.7% vs 35.1%, P = .29). STR > 70% immediately after PCI (41% vs 26%, P < .05), MBG grade 3 (76% vs 58%, P < .03), and optimal myocardial reperfusion (35.1% vs 11.8%, P < .001) were more frequent in TS. There was no difference in between the groups in 6-month mortality (4% vs 3.1%, P = .74) and reinfarction rate (1% vs 3.1%, P = .29).

CONCLUSIONS

Aspiration thrombectomy and direct stenting is safe and effective in STEMI patients with early presentation (<6 hours). The angiographic parameters of microcirculation reperfusion and ECG ST-segment resolution directly after PCI were significantly better in thrombectomy group despite the lack of the difference in ST-segment resolution 60 minutes after PCI.

European registry on patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction transferred for mechanical reperfusion with a special focus on early administration of abciximab -- EUROTRANSFER Registry

BACKGROUND

Abciximab is established as adjunct to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Based on some smaller studies, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) networks in various European countries have adopted the start of abciximab before transfer to the catheterization laboratory (cathlab) hospital as part of their routine treatment options. Although a recently published study did not reveal improved clinical outcome when starting abciximab before the cathlab, a potential benefit from such early administration, in particular in the setting of transfer networks, remains unclear and has been the subject of debate.

METHODS

Data of consecutive patients with STEMI transferred for primary PCI in hospital/ambulance-feeded STEMI networks treated between November 2005 and January 2007 at 15 PCI centers from 7 European countries were collected in the web-based EUROTRANSFER Registry.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 1,650 patients were collected. Abciximab was administered to 1086 patients (66%), of whom 727 received early abciximab (EA group: abciximab started before admission to cathlab, at least 30 minutes before balloon). Another 359 patients received late abciximab (LA group: periprocedural administration of abciximab in the cathlab). Preprocedural TIMI 3 flow was observed in 17.7% of patients with EA and in 8.9% in the LA group (P < .0001). Thirty-day mortality was 3.9% in the EA group versus 7.5% with LA (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29-0.85, P = .011), and composite 30-day outcome including death, repeated myocardial infarction, and urgent revascularization was present in 5.5% and 10.3%, respectively (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.32-0.81, P = .004). These differences remain statistically significant in favor of early abciximab after accounting and adjustment for differences between the groups by means of a multivariate regression model and propensity score.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in STEMI networks transferred for primary PCI who have received abciximab before transfer rather than in the cathlab had more patent arteries before PCI and showed lower rates for death and the composite clinical outcome at 30-day follow-up.

Early abciximab administration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention improves infarct-related artery patency and left ventricular function in high-risk patients with anterior wall myocardial infarction: a randomized study

BACKGROUND

Early abciximab administration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is recommended in practice guidelines. However, the evidence supporting abciximab use before and during transfer for PPCI is limited. We investigated the effect of early abciximab administration on early reperfusion, ST-segment resolution, enzymatic infarct size, and left ventricular function in patients with first anterior wall STEMI.

METHODS

A total of 59 nonshock patients with STEMI admitted <12 hours to remote hospitals with anticipated delay to PPCI of <90 minutes were randomly assigned to 2 study groups: 27 patients received abciximab before transfer to catheterization laboratory (Early group), and 32 patients received abciximab immediately before PPCI (Late group).

RESULTS

Angiography revealed more frequent infarct-related artery patency in the Early group than in the Late group (TIMI 2 + 3: 48% vs 20%, P = .04). Better ST-segment resolution of >50% 60 minutes after PPCI was found in Early group than in the Late group (84% vs 56.7%, P = .04). The area under the curve for creatine kinase-MB indicated a significantly greater extent of myocardial injury in the Late group versus the Early group (8324 +/- 4185 vs 5938 +/- 3949 U/L . h, P = .04). There was a significant difference in the 30-day left ventricular end-systolic volume index (P = .02) and end-diastolic volume index (P = .05) in the echocardiography favoring the Early group.

CONCLUSIONS

Early abciximab administration before transfer for PPCI in patients with first anterior wall STEMI results in more frequent infarct-related artery patency before PPCI, better myocardial tissue perfusion after PPCI, with lower enzymatic infarct size and lower degree of left ventricular remodeling during 30-day follow-up.

Impact of smoking status on outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention

There are some data showing lower mortality of smokers comparing to non-smokers in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) when treated with thrombolysis or without reperfusion therapy. However, the role of smoking status is less established in patients with STEMI undergoing mechanical reperfusion. We evaluate the influence of smoking on outcome in patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 1,086 patients enrolled into EUROTRANSFER Registry were included into present analysis. Patients were divided according to smoking status during STEMI presentation into those who were current smokers (391 patients, 36 %) and non-smokers (695 patients, 64 %). Current smokers were younger and more often men and less frequently had high-risk features as previous myocardial infarction, history of chronic renal failure, previous PCI, diabetes mellitus, anterior wall STEMI, and multivessel disease. Unadjusted mortality at 1 year was lower in current smokers comparing to non-smokers (3.3 vs. 9.5 %; OR 0.33 CI 0.18–0.6; p = 0.0001). However, after adjustment for age and gender by logistic regression, there was no longer significant difference between groups (OR 0.7; CI 0.37–1.36; p = 0.30). In conclusion, current smokers with STEMI treated with primary PCI have lower mortality at 1 year comparing to non-smokers, but this result may be explained by differences in baseline characteristics and not by smoking status itself. Current smokers developed STEMI more than 10 years earlier than non-smokers with similar age and sex-adjusted risk of death at 1 year. These results emphasize the role of efforts to encourage smoking cessation as prevention of myocardial infarction.

Percutaneous coronary intervention during on- and off-hours in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

There are conflicting data on the clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) based on the time of admission to the catheterization laboratory. Thus, we aimed to assess clinical outcomes in an unselected cohort of consecutive patients with STEMI treated with PCI during on-and-off hours of work.

METHODS

A total of 99,783 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were divided using the most frequently used definition: On-hours (Monday-Friday 07:00 AM-04:59 PM); off-hours (Monday-Friday 05:00 PM-06:59 AM, Saturday, Sunday, and nonworking holidays) (37,469 matched pairs). To avoid potential preselection bias, a propensity score was calculated to compare on-and-off hour groups.

RESULTS

Higher radiation doses were observed for PCIs performed during off-hours (1055.2(±1006.5) vs. 1081.6(±1003.25)[mGy] and p = 0.001). A similar prevalence of periprocedural complications was observed during on- and off-hours. However, there was a higher mortality rate during off-hours than during regular working hours (1.17% (439) vs. 1.49% (559) and p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary PCIs in STEMI performed during off-hours might be associated with a higher rate of periprocedural mortality and higher radiation doses than procedures conducted during regular working hours.

Primary angioplasty in patient with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the setting of intentional carbon monoxide poisoning

BACKGROUND

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to coronary artery occlusion in the setting of acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a very rare presentation.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to report on the use of primary angioplasty in a patient with STEMI in the setting of CO poisoning.

CASE REPORT

A 36-year-old man with retrosternal chest pain was admitted after exposure to CO. The initial electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ST depression in I, aVL, and V3-V4 with slight ST elevation in II, III, aVF leads. Toxic carboxyhemoglobin level of 22% and troponin I of 2.19 μg/L were confirmed. After oxygen therapy the chest pain diminished, but after about 15 h it returned. The repeat ECG revealed normalization of previous ST depression with persistent ST elevation in II, III, aVF leads. The troponin I concentration was 5.94 μg/L. An echocardiogram demonstrated an apex hypokinesia involving the adjacent segments of the anterior and lateral wall. On the coronary angiogram, an acute occlusion of the distal left anterior descending coronary artery was confirmed. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the infarct-related artery was performed. After PCI, the patient was symptom free and had partial ST-segment elevation resolution. The patient was discharged home after 7 days, with persistent ST-T changes and mild hypokinesia of the apex suggesting myocardial injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with toxic CO exposure who have symptoms of STEMI should be carefully evaluated with serial ECG, cardiac necrosis marker measurements, and an echocardiogram. When there is evidence of myocardial injury, a wider use of coronary angiography can identify patients who could benefit from PCI.

Characteristics of patients presenting with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) in Poland: data from the ORPKI national registry

Myocardial infarction (MI) with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is an important clinical problem especially in the era of extensive utilization of coronary angiography in MI patients. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood which makes diagnostics and treatment of MINOCA challenging in everyday clinical practice. The aim of the study was to assess characteristics of MINOCA patients in Poland based on data from the Polish National ORPKI Registry. In 2016, 49,893 patients with non-ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI) or ST-segment elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction entered the ORPKI registry. MINOCA was defined as a non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and a lack of previous coronary revascularization. MINOCA was identified in 3924 (7.8%) patients and clinical presentation was more often NSTEMI than STEMI (MINOCA: 78 vs. 22%; obstructive CAD 51.1 vs. 48.9%; p < 0.0001). MINOCA patients were younger and more often females with significantly lower rates of diabetes, smoking, arterial hypertension, kidney disease, previous MI and previous stroke comparing to patients with obstructive CAD. Myocardial bridge was visualized in angiography more often in the MINOCA group (2.2 vs. 0.4%; p < 0.0001). Additional coronary assessment inducing fractional flow reserve, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography was marginally (< 1%) used in both groups. Periprocedural mortality was lower in MINOCA group (0.13% vs. 0.95%; p < 0.0001). MINOCA patients represent a significant proportion of MI patients in Poland. Due to multiple potential causes, MINOCA should be considered rather as a working diagnosis after coronary angiography and further efforts should be taken to define the cause of MI in each individual patient.

Age-related differences in treatment strategies and clinical outcomes in unselected cohort of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction transferred for primary angioplasty

Data concerning the benefits and risks of primary PCI in the elderly patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are limited. Thus, the objective of the study was to assess age-dependent differences in the treatment and outcomes of STEMI patients transferred for primary PCI. Data were gathered on 1,650 consecutive STEMI patients from hospital networks in seven countries of Europe from November 2005 to January 2007 (the EUROTRANSFER Registry population). Patients <65, 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and ≥ 85 years of age comprised 49.3, 27.5, 20.2, and 3 % of the registry population, respectively. Elderly patients were higher risk individuals and have experienced longer delays to reperfusion than their younger counterparts and were more likely to be treated conservatively after coronary angiography. Despite similar frequency of TIMI 3 flow before PCI, elderly patients were less likely to achieve TIMI 3 flow and ST-segment resolution >50 % after PCI, and were more likely to have PCI complications. The rates of death at 30 days, as well as at 1 year were increased with age. In the Cox regression analysis model age was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality. A trend toward higher risk of major bleeding requiring transfusion was observed. Age was an important determinant of treatment strategies selection and clinical outcomes in the group of consecutive STEMI patients transferred for primary PCI. Further efforts should be made to reduce delays and to optimize treatment of STEMI, regardless of patients' age.

Prevalence and Predictors of Coronary Artery Perforation During Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (from the ORPKI National Registry in Poland)

Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). With a growing number of PCIs in complex lesions, the problem of CAP becomes even more important nowadays. Data on CAP rates in Poland are lacking. Presented study is an analysis of 344,517 consecutive patients treated with PCI between 2014 and 2017. Data were gathered from the Polish National PCI Registry (ORPKI). During 4 years of data collection CAP was observed in 595 (0.17%) cases. Patients diagnosed with CAP were older (69 years Q1:63; Q3:78 vs 66 years Q1:60; Q3:75; p <0.001), more often female (44% vs 32%; p <0.001), with arterial hypertension (77% vs 71%; p = 0.002), and chronic kidney disease (8.9% vs 5.4%; p <0.001). In the CAP group, a higher rate of PCIs within chronic total occlusions (8.7% vs 2.3%; p <0.001) and saphenous vein graft lesions (2.7% vs 1.3%; p = 0.002), as well as rotational atherectomy procedures (2.2% vs 0.4%; p <0.001) was observed. Patients with CAP had higher rate of no-reflow phenomenon (5.5% vs 0.5%; p <0.001) and greater periprocedural mortality (4.2% vs 0.5%; p <0.001). In conclusion, our study confirms that CAP is more common during complex PCI procedures in high-risk patients. CAP occurrence is associated with worse immediate outcomes including increased periprocedural mortality.

Association between advanced Killip class at presentation and impaired myocardial perfusion among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty and adjunctive glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Although primary angioplasty has been shown to improve survival as compared with thrombolysis, the outcome is still unsatisfactory in subsets of patients such as those with signs of heart failure at presentation. In fact, although primary angioplasty is able to restore TIMI 3 flow in most patients, suboptimal myocardial reperfusion is observed in a relatively large proportion of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty the association between heart failure at presentation and myocardial perfusion and its implications in terms of survival.

METHODS

Our population is represented by patients undergoing primary angioplasty who are included in the EGYPT database. Congestive heart failure was defined as Killip class >1 at admission. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution. Follow-up data were collected between 30 days and 1 year after primary angioplasty.

RESULTS

Detailed data on Killip class at presentation were available in 1,427 of 1,662 patients (86% of the initial population) who represent the final population of this study. Killip class was associated with myocardial perfusion, distal embolization, enzymatic infarct size, predischarge ejection fraction, and 1-year mortality rate. Myocardial blush was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 7.44, 95% CI 1.82-30.4, P = .005) in patients with advanced Killip class at presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that patients with heart failure complicating ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction have impaired myocardial perfusion, which accounts for the poor outcome observed in these patients. Further efforts should be aimed at improving myocardial perfusion, beyond epicardial recanalization, to further improve the outcome of these high-risk patients.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine predicts decline of glucose tolerance in men with stable coronary artery disease: a 4.5-year follow-up study

Background

Endothelial dysfunction, largely dependent on impaired nitric oxide bioavailability, has been reportedly associated with incident type 2 diabetes. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide formation, might be linked to future deterioration in glucose tolerance in stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

We studied 80 non-diabetic men (mean age 55 ± 11 years) with stable angina who underwent successful elective complex coronary angioplasty and were receiving a standard medication according to practice guidelines. Plasma ADMA and its structural isomer symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were measured prior to coronary angiography. An estimate of insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR index) was calculated from fasting insulin and glucose. Deterioration in glucose tolerance was defined as development of type 2 diabetes or progression from a normal glucose tolerance to impaired fasting glucose.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 55 months 11 subjects developed type 2 diabetes and 13 progressed to impaired fasting glucose. Incident deterioration of glucose tolerance was associated with ADMA (hazard ratio [HR] per 1-SD increment 1.64 [95% CI: 1.14–2.35]; P = 0.007), log (HOMA-IR index) (HR = 1.60 [1.16–2.20]; P = 0.004) and body-mass index (HR = 1.44 [0.95–2.17]; P = 0.08) by univariate Cox regression. ADMA (HR = 1.65 [1.14–2.38]; p = 0.008) and log (HOMA-IR index) (HR = 1.55 [1.10–2.17]; P = 0.01) were multivariate predictors of a decline in glucose tolerance. ADMA and SDMA were unrelated to body-mass index, HOMA-IR index, insulin or glucose.

Conclusions

ADMA predicts future deterioration of glucose tolerance independently of baseline insulin resistance in men with stable CAD. Whether this association reflects a contribution of endothelial dysfunction to accelerated decline of insulin sensitivity, or represents only an epiphenomenon accompanying pre-diabetes, remains to be elucidated. The observed relationship might contribute to the well-recognized ability of ADMA to predict cardiovascular outcome.

Plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine is related to anticitrullinated protein antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis of short duration

We have recently demonstrated elevated plasma levels of an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA), and its association with carotid atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both an elevated risk of myocardial infarction and increased levels of anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), specific for RA, had been shown to precede the onset of clinical RA symptoms. Therefore, our aim was to verify the hypothesis that ADMA accumulation might accompany raised ACPAs titers in RA of short duration (< or = 3 years). Twenty patients (16 women, 4 men; mean age, 45 +/- 12 years; mean disease duration, 2.3 +/- 0.5 years) with active RA despite chronic disease-modifying antirheumatic medication, free of cardiovascular disease or atherosclerotic risk factors, were studied. Plasma levels of ADMA and its stereoisomer, symmetric dimethyl-L-arginine (SDMA), were assayed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The ACPAs were measured by a second-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition to routine biochemical assays, plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 soluble form were analyzed with respective enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A significant positive correlation between levels of ACPAs and ADMA (r = .60, P = .005), but not SDMA (r = -.02, P = .9), was found. Neither ADMA nor SDMA was correlated to any of the clinical or biochemical parameters reflecting disease activity and inflammatory activation. Thus, excessive ADMA accumulation accompanies elevated ACPAs levels in patients with RA of short duration free of cardiovascular disease or risk factors.

Impact of bifurcation target lesion on angiographic, electrocardiographic, and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (from the Harmonizing Outcomes With Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction [HORIZONS-AMI] trial)

AIMS

Using the database from the large-scale, prospective, randomised HORIZONS-AMI trial, the authors sought to assess the impact of bifurcation target lesions (BTL) on angiographic, electrocardiographic, and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In HORIZONS-AMI, bifurcation lesions in which a provisional approach was planned were eligible for enrolment. By angiographic core laboratory assessment of 3,306 patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, 333 patients (10%) had ≥1 BTL, and 2,973 patients had no BTL. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups, except for lower left ventricular ejection fraction and more frequent left anterior descending infarct artery in the BTL group. BTLs required longer procedural and fluoroscopy times and higher contrast loads, but rates of TIMI 3 flow post PCI were similar in both groups (with vs. without BTL 99% vs. 87%, p=0.25). ST-segment resolution ≥70% by core laboratory analysis was similar in both groups (48% vs. 50%, p=0.47). Importantly, there was no difference between groups in the rate of death (6.1% vs. 6.7%, p=0.72), definite or probable stent thrombosis (4.2% vs. 5.2%, p=0.42), and ischaemic target vessel revascularisation (14.3% vs. 14.0%, p=0.86) during three-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the PCI procedure involving BTL was more complex, the acute results and late outcomes in patients with BTLs were comparable to those in patients without BTLs.

Acute and long-term outcomes of percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the indications, short- and long-term outcomes of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).

METHODS

A cohort of 112 patients with AS underwent 114 BAV procedures between October 2012 and July 2015 in two Polish interventional cardiology centers. Clinical and echocardiographic data were prospectively collected within 1, 6, and 12 months follow-up.

RESULTS

BAV was performed as a bridge to TAVI (51.8%), surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR, 5.4%), before urgent noncardiac surgery (8.0%), for symptom relief (33.0%) and cardiogenic shock (1.8%). Periprocedural, in-hospital, 1-, 6-, 12-month mortality were 2.7%; 8.9%; 8.9%; 16.9%; 22.3%, respectively. Serious periprocedural adverse events occurred in 18.8% of patients. After the procedure, mean aortic valve area (AVA) increased from 0.59 ± 0.18 to 0.82 ± 0.24 cm² , mean peak aortic valve gradient (pAVG) decreased from 94.0 ± 27.6 to 65.4 ± 20.0 mm Hg, mean aortic gradient decreased from 58.0 ± 17.8 to 40.5 ± 14.6 mm Hg, P < 0.05 for all. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from median (interquartile range) of 53.5 (30 - 64) to 60 (45 - 65)% after 1 month (P < 0.05). In patients with impaired left ventricle function (LVEF <40%), LVEF significantly improved (median increase of 16%) after 1 and 6 months (P < 0.05). At 12 months patients had higher AVA, pAVG, and LVEF as compared to baseline (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

BAV is a useful procedure in high-risk AS patients, where achieved effects can be sufficient in bridging patients for TAVI/AVR. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.