Impact of preprocedural TIMI flow on myocardial perfusion, distal embolization and mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Despite optimal epicardial recanalization, primary angioplasty for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is still associated with suboptimal reperfusion in a relatively large proportion of patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of preprocedural TIMI flow on myocardial perfusion, distal embolization, and survival among STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty with glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors.

METHODS

Our population is represented by a total of 1637 patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI treated with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. 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

Poor preprocedural TIMI flow (TIMI 0-1) was observed in 1039 patients (63.5%), and was associated with higher Killip class at presentation (P=.006), longer time-to-treatment (P=.03), less often with early administration of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors (P<.001), impaired postprocedural epicardial (P=.001) and myocardial perfusion (determined by myocardial blush grade, P<.001 and/or ST-segment resolution (P<.001), and distal embolization (P=.041). At 206 ± 158 days follow-up, poor preprocedural recanalization was associated with a significantly higher mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34-0.96; P=.034).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that among patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, poor preprocedural TIMI flow is associated with higher incidence of distal embolization and impaired epicardial and myocardial perfusion, and significantly higher mortality.

Imaging of inflamed carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques with the use of 99mTc-HYNIC-IL-2 scintigraphy in end-stage renal disease patients

PURPOSE

Identification of vulnerable plaques remains crucial for better cardiovascular risk assessment. At least 20% of inflammatory cells within unstable (vulnerable) plaques comprise T lymphocytes, which contain receptors for interleukin-2 (IL-2); those receptors can be identified by scintigraphy with radiolabelled IL-2.The aim of this study was to identify the "inflamed" (vulnerable) plaques by scintigraphy using IL-2 labelled with (99m)Tc in the selected, high cardiovascular risk group of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

METHODS

A total of 28 patients (18 men, 10 women, aged 55.2 ± 9.6 years, 17 on peritoneal dialysis, 11 on haemodialysis) underwent common carotid artery (CCA) scintigraphy with the use of (99m)Tc-hydrazinonicotinamide (HYNIC)-IL-2. In all cases, ultrasound examination of the CCA was performed and levels of selected proinflammatory factors, atherogenic markers and calcium-phosphate balance parameters were measured. Finally, the target to non-target (T/nT) ratio of IL-2 uptake in atherosclerotic plaques with intima-media thickness (IMT), classic cardiovascular risk factors and concentrations of the measured factors were compared.

RESULTS

Increased (99m)Tc-HYNIC-IL-2 uptake in atherosclerotic plaques in 38/41 (91%) cases was detected. The median T/nT ratio of focal (99m)Tc-HYNIC-IL-2 uptake in atherosclerotic plaques was 2.35 (range 1.23-3.63). The mean IMT value on the side of plaques assessed by scintigraphy was 0.79 ± 0.18 mm (median 0.8, range 0.5-1.275). Correlations between T/nT ratio and homocysteine (R = 0.22, p = 0.037), apolipoprotein B (apoB) (R = 0.31, p = 0.008), apoB to apoA-I ratio (R = 0.29, p = 0.012) and triglyceride concentration (R = 0.26, p = 0.021) were detected. A lower T/nT ratio in patients with better parameters of nutritional status (haemoglobin, albumin, adiponectin) in comparison with patients with worse nutritional parameters (3.20 ± 0.5 vs 2.16 ± 0.68, p = 0.025) was revealed as well as a difference between values of T/nT ratio in groups of patients with values of apoB, soluble CD40 ligand and asymmetric dimethylarginine above and below median (3.18 ± 0.52 vs 2.16 ± 0.68, p = 0.031). No statistically significant association was found between T/nT ratio and mean value of either IMT or classic cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Scintigraphy with the use of (99m)Tc-HYNIC-IL-2 can be a tool for inflamed atherosclerotic (vulnerable) plaque visualization within CCA in ESRD patients. Quantitative results of carotid artery scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-HYNIC-IL-2 correlate with serum concentration of selected cardiovascular risk markers.

Impact of infarct related artery patency after early abciximab administration on one-year mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (data from the EUROTRANSFER Registry)

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous early infarct related artery (IRA) recanalisation before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) has a favourable impact on outcome. However, the role played by pharmacotherapy driven patency prior to pPCI is still a matter of debate.

AIM

To assess the role of early IRA patency (TIMI flow 2 or 3) after early abciximab administration in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) transferred for pPCI.

METHODS

Data was gathered for 1,650 consecutive STEMI patients transferred for pPCI from hospital networks in seven countries in Europe between November 2005 and January 2007. We identified 691 patients who were pretreated with abciximab before transportation to a cathlab hospital and underwent PCI.

RESULTS

Angiography showed early IRA patency (TIMI flow 2 or 3) in 233 (33.7%) patients, and occluded IRA (TIMI flow 0 or 1) in 458 (66.3%) patients. In patients with patent IRA, in baseline angiography the rate of TIMI 3 flow and ECG ST-segment resolution 〉 50% after PCI was higher compared to patients with occluded IRA. One year mortality was significantly lower in patients with patent IRA, 1.3% vs 7% (OR 0.17; CI 0.05-0.6; p = 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, IRA patency at baseline was identified as an independent predictor of one-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Infarct related artery recanalisation after early pharmacological pretreatment in STEMI patients undergoing transportation for pPCI is associated with better post-procedural myocardial perfusion and lower one-year mortality.

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.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention during on- vs off-hours in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Results from EUROTRANSFER Registry

BACKGROUND

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is regarded as the treatment of choice for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. It has been emphasised that only experienced centres with round-the-clock cathlab facilities should perform PPCI. Some investigators have doubted whether PPCI performed during 'off-hours' is as effective and safe as that performed during regular hours. Papers supporting both possibilities have been published.

AIM

To investigate whether off-hours PPCI is associated with impaired immediate and long-term outcomes based on a contemporary European registry study.

METHODS

Consecutive data on STEMI patients referred for PPCI in hospital STEMI networks between November 2005 and January 2007 was gathered. Patients were divided into two groups: PPCI performed during 'on-hours' and PPCI performed during 'off-hours (including Saturdays and Sundays)'.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 1,650 patients were collected in the EUROTRANSFER Registry. There were 1,005 patients in the off-hours group (61%) and 645 (39%) patients in the on-hours group. Patients in both groups did not differ in baseline demographics. Thrombolysis before admission to cathlab was more frequently administered to patients off-hours (4.1% vs 2.3%, p = 0.041). The PPCI complications were rare and occurred in similar frequency in the studied groups. Time from chest pain onset to diagnosis of STEMI was shorter in the off-hours group (173 ± 210 vs 183 ± 187, p = 0.007). In-hospital mortality was 3.4% in the on-hours group and 4.3% in the off-hours group (NS).

CONCLUSIONS

The PPCI performed in high-volume, experienced invasive cardiology centres in Europe during off-hours is associated with a comparable outcome and safety profile as PPCI performed during regular working hours.

Predictors of infarct-related artery patency following combined lytic therapy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with immediate percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Patency of infarct-related artery (IRA) before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with better outcomes. Little is known of the clinical or angiographic predictors of IRA recanalisation after administration of combined fibrinolytic therapy before PCI.

METHODS

A total of 225 STEMI patients, admitted to remote hospitals with anticipated transfer time to cathlab > 90 min were enrolled. All patients received a half dose of alteplase and a full dose of abciximab at the remote hospital and were immediately transferred for angiography. In angiographic analysis, the culprit lesion (CL) was defined as the minimal lumen diameter (MLD) point in IRA (CLMLD) (in group with occluded IRA, measurement was done after the first pass of the guidewire).

RESULTS

Occluded IRA (TIMI 0+1) was found in 14.2% of patients (n = 32) and patent IRA (TIMI 2+3) in 85.8% (n = 193) at baseline angiography. Baseline and angiographic characteristics were similar in both groups, except for a higher rate of smoking in the TIMI 2+3 group (73.1% vs 50%; p = 0.009) and longer distance from CLMLD point to the nearest proximal side branch in the TIMI 0+1 group (21.2 ± 10.3 mm vs 13.8 ± 11.2 mm; p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, smoking and distance from CLMLD to the nearest proximal side branch were independent predictors of IRA patency at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Angiographic (anatomical) IRA parameter as distance from CLMLD point to nearest proximal side branch may influence the efficacy of combined fibrinolytic therapy before PCI despite the similar clinical characteristics and time delay to angiography. Smoking has a paradoxical beneficial effect on combined thrombolytic therapy effectiveness.

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.

Percutaneous peripheral interventions in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

coronary artery disease (CAD) is often accompanied by peripheral artery disease. There are patients who are disqualified from surgical approach in the treatment of limb ischaemia due to many comorbidities including severe CAD.

AIM

to examine whether multilevel intervention (peripheral and coronary) in patients with multi-vessel CAD (MVD) carries a higher in-hospital and long-term risk in comparison to patients with a single vessel disease (SVD).

METHODS

data on consecutive patients with peripheral artery disease and CAD (acute coronary syndrome) were gathered in our department from January 2003 till June 2009. All patients included in the study had peripheral and coronary angioplasty performed during the same index hospital stay. Patients were divided into two groups: those with SVD and those with MVD in coronary angiography.

RESULTS

there were 116 patients included in the study - 56 patients in the SVD group and 60 patients in the MVD group. The frequency of major adverse cerebrovascular and cardiac events during long-term follow up tended to be higher in patients with MVD, however the difference did not reach statistical significance (MVD vs SVD: 13.3% vs 3.6%, p = 0.061). There were significantly more major adverse peripheral events such as repeat percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, stroke/transient ischaemic attack and lower limb amputation in the MVD group than in the SVD patients (20% vs 1.8%, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

percutaneous angioplasty of lower limb arteries in patients with MVD seems to be an effective and relatively safe method of treatment of patients with disseminated atherosclerosis and an alternative to surgical treatment.

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.

Predictors and in-hospital outcomes of cardiogenic shock on admission in patients with acute coronary syndromes admitted to hospitals without on-site invasive facilities

BACKGROUND

The purpose was to identify predictors of cardiogenic shock (CS) on admission and to asses associations between CS and real-life management patterns and outcomes in unselected cohort of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients admitted to hospitals without onsite invasive facilities.

METHODS

Data concerning in-hospital management and mortality of 56 (4.3%) patients with and 1257 (95.7%) without CS on hospital admission was assessed.

RESULTS

Prior myocardial infarction, prior heart failure symptoms, age, and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with increased risk of CS on admission. A total of 23.8% patients were transferred for invasive treatment during index hospital stay and the frequency of transfer was similar among patients with and without CS on admission (21.4% versus 23.9%; P = 0.75), but in the STEMI subgroup, patients with shock were transported less frequently (21.4% versus 43.8%; P = 0.0027). CS patients were less likely to receive guideline-recommended therapies including antiplatelet drugs, statins, and beta-blockers. In-hospital mortality was lower in non-shock patients (6.2% versus 63.6%; P < 0.001) and CS on admission was an independent predictor of in-hospital death.

CONCLUSIONS

CS on admission is an important determinant of treatment strategy selection and is associated with unfavorable prognosis of ACS patients admitted to hospitals without on-site invasive facilities.

Early abciximab use in ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention improves long-term outcome. Data from EUROTRANSFER Registry

BACKGROUND

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the preferred method of reperfusion in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Abciximab is a well established adjunct to primary PCI. The proper timing of abciximab administration in STEMI patients has been investigated in randomised trials, registries and metanalysis, providing conflicting results.

METHODS

Consecutive data on STEMI patients, transferred for primary PCI in hospital/ambulance STEMI networks between November 2005 and January 2007, from 15 PCI centres in seven European countries was gathered together for a one-year long-term clinical observation (93% rate of completeness).

RESULTS

Data from 1,650 patients was collected in the EUROTRANSFER Registry. Abciximab was administered to 1,086 patients (66%), 727 patients received early (at least 30 minutes prior to first balloon inflation) abciximab (EA), and another 359 patients received late abciximab (LA). One year mortality was 5.8% in the EA group vs 10.3% with LA (p = 0.007). Adjustment for propensity score methods for EA administration did not change the results, still providing a favourable outcome for the EA group (p = 0.004). It was also revealed that only a minority of patients (36%) were treated within the 90-minute recommended time window from first medical contact to PCI (and 60% for the 120-min time delay).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients transferred for primary PCI in STEMI hospital networks showed lower rates of death in long-term one-year clinical follow-up when treatment with abciximab was started early.

Coincidence of moderately elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, endothelial progenitor cells deficiency and propensity to exercise-induced myocardial ischemia in stable angina

AIM

To assess endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) counts, a novel prognostic marker, in relation to classical adverse outcome predictors - N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), impaired left ventricular (LV) relaxation and exercise-induced ischemia - in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) with preserved LV systolic function.

METHODS

We studied 30 non-diabetic men with one-vessel CAD, LV ejection fraction 60% and normal LV diastolic function (n=16) or impaired LV relaxation (by ultrasound including tissue Doppler) (n=14), and 14 non-CAD controls matched for risk profile and medication. CD34+/kinase-insert domain receptor (KDR)+ cells (CD34+/KDR+ cells), a leukocytes subpopulation enriched for EPC, were enumerated by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

CAD patients with abnormal LV relaxation exhibited significantly elevated NT-proBNP and decreased CD34+/KDR+ cells vs. CAD with regular diastolic function and non-CAD controls. An inverse NT-proBNP-CD34+/KDR+ cells relationship was precipitated by the clustering of high resting NT-proBNP and low CD34+/KDR+ cells in the subjects with a lower Duke treadmill score.

CONCLUSIONS

Propensity to symptomatic exertional ischemia may underlie the coincidence of moderately elevated NT-proBNP and EPC deficiency in stable angina. Additionally, chronic subclinical ischemia can also be involved in these associations. These might result from BNP overexpression in the ischemic myocardium and a hypothetical exhaustion of the bone marrow capacity to mobilize EPC at multiple ischemic episodes, thus contributing to NT-proBNP prognostic effect irrespective of hemodynamic factors.

Transportation with very long transfer delays (>90 min) for facilitated PCI with reduced-dose fibrinolysis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: the Krakow Network

BACKGROUND

The majority of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients are admitted to centers without primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facilities. Purpose of the study was to determine safety and outcomes in STEMI patients with transfer delay to PCI>90 min receiving half-dose alteplase and abciximab before PCI (facilitated PCI with reduced-dose fibrinolysis).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Outcomes of 669 STEMI patients (<12 h chest pain, non shock, fibrinolysis eligible, <75 years) with transfer delay to PCI>90 min who received half-dose alteplase and full-dose abciximab and were immediately transferred for PCI were compared with primary PCI effects in 1311 patients with transfer delay <90 min. Mean time from symptom-onset to PCI was longer (357 ± 145 min vs. 201 ± 177; P<0.001) in facilitated PCI with reduced-dose fibrinolysis group. In-hospital and 12-month outcomes were similar in both groups, however bleeding events were more frequent in facilitated PCI group (hemorrhagic stroke 0.9% vs. 0%; P<0.001; severe+moderate 5.5% vs. 2.3%; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first large report showing the safety and benefits of transportation with very long transfer delay (>90 min) for facilitated PCI with reduced-dose fibrinolysis in STEMI patients. In fact, pharmacological treatment (combotherapy) was effective in overcoming the deleterious effects of long time-delay on outcome, with similar survival as compared to short-time transportation, despite higher risk of major bleeding complication.

Relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in-hospital management and outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with unfavourable short- and long-term outcome in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing revascularisation procedures.

AIM

To assess the associations of COPD with in-hospital management and mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) admitted to hospitals without on-site invasive facilities.

METHODS

We identified 81 (11.3%) patients with COPD and 633 (88.7%) without COPD treated in the Krakow Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes from February 2005 to March 2005 and from December 2005 to January 2006. Data concerning in-hospital management and mortality were assessed.

RESULTS

Patients with COPD were older and were more likely to have prior angina, prior heart failure symptoms, prior stroke, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Patients with COPD diagnosis were less likely to be transferred for invasive treatment [COPD (-) vs. COPD (+), 12.3 vs. 34.9%; p < 0.0001] and to receive aspirin and clopidogrel during index hospital stay. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with COPD diagnosis [COPD (-) vs. COPD (+), 58 of 412 (14.1%) vs. 21 of 71 (29.6%); p = 0.002]. COPD was an independent predictor of in-hospital death in multivariate Cox regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Coexistence of COPD with acute MI may be associated with less frequent transfer for invasive treatment, less aggressive pharmacotherapy, and higher in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to community hospitals without on-site invasive facilities. These differences may be partially driven by a higher risk profile of COPD patients.

Prognostic significance of new onset atrial fibrillation in acute coronary syndrome patients treated conservatively

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between new onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) and in-hospital management and mortality in acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to hospitals without on-site invasive facilities.

METHODS

We assessed data concerning in-hospital management and mortality of 24 patients with, and 977 patients without, new onset of AF from the Krakow Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes database.

RESULTS

Patients with new onset of AF were older and more likely to have diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiogenic shock and chest pain on admission, and a shorter time from the onset of symptoms to admission. These patients more frequently received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, thrombolytics, and were less likely to be treated with statins during their hospital stay. Risk of AF occurrence was lower in patients treated with statins (1.9% vs 5.2%; p = 0.021). Among patients treated conservatively, in-hospital mortality was higher in patients with new onset of AF (8.1% vs 33.3%; p = 0.001). Independent predictors of inhospital death in this group of patients were: new onset of AF, age, cardiogenic shock, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of renal insufficiency, and discharge diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

New onset of AF is associated with excessive in-hospital mortality in acute coronary syndrome patients staying on conservative treatment in community hospitals without on-site invasive facilities.