Effect of anemia on hemorrhagic complications and mortality following percutaneous coronary intervention

The relation across anemia, hemorrhagic complications, and mortality associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unclear. We reviewed the Randomized Evaluation in PCI Linking Angiomax to Reduced Clinical Events (REPLACE)-2 Trial, which compared bivalirudin plus provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade with heparin plus planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade in patients undergoing urgent or elective PCI. Of the 6,010 patients randomized in REPLACE-2, 1,371 (23%) were anemic. Major bleeding was more common in anemic than in nonanemic patients (4.9% vs 2.8%, p = 0.0001). In anemic patients, treatment with bivalirudin (n = 678) resulted in a lower risk of major bleeding versus heparin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade (n = 693, 3.5% vs 6.2%, p = 0.0221). Mortality was higher in anemic patients than in nonanemic patients at 30 days (0.9% vs 0.2%, p <0.0001), 6 months (2.6% vs 0.7%, p <0.0001), and 1 year (4.3% vs 1.5%, p <0.0001). There were no differences between anemic and nonanemic patients with regard to ischemic complications at 30 days. Although anemic patients had higher mortality rates, proportions of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortalities were equal in anemic and nonanemic patients. In conclusion, anemic patients undergoing PCI have an increased risk of mortality and major bleeding, but not of ischemic events, and the use of bivalirudin with provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade decreases the risk of hemorrhagic complications compared with heparin plus planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade.

The safety of a bivalirudin-based approach in patients undergoing rotational atherectomy

BACKGROUND

Rotational atherectomy is associated with a high incidence of periprocedural myonecrosis. Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors have been demonstrated to be particularly effective in this population in reducing periprocedural myocardial infarction. While bivalirudin-based therapy has emerged as an attractive alternative to heparin in patients undergoing contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention, it is unclear if such a strategy is safe in patients undergoing rotational atherectomy.

METHODS

We analyzed all patients undergoing rotational atherectomy at our institution from 2001 to 2004, and compared periprocedural outcome among those treated with a bivalirudin-based regimen compared to those treated with a heparin-based regimen.

RESULTS

A total of 253 patients were treated with rotational atherectomy during this period. Bivalirudin-based therapy was used in 56 patients, while the remainder were treated with a heparin-based approach. Patients treated with heparin were significantly more likely to be treated with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors (91% vs 25%; p = 0.001). There was no difference in the two groups with respect to gender, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or incidence of renal dysfunction. While there was no statistical difference in the incidence of any myonecrosis (32% versus 34%; p = 0.87), the incidence of creatine kinase-MB was greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) (14.1% versus 5.7%; p = 0.15), or CK-MB >5 times the ULN (7.3% versus 1.9%) was nonsignificantly lower in the group treated with bivalirudin.

CONCLUSIONS

Bivalirudin-based therapy can be safely used in selected patients undergoing rotational atherectomy. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Bivalirudin in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a subgroup analysis from the Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage strategy (ACUITY) trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess anticoagulation with the direct thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin during percutaneous coronary intervention in individuals with moderate and high-risk acute coronary syndromes.

METHODS

13,819 individuals in the Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage strategy (ACUITY) trial were prospectively randomly assigned to receive heparin (unfractionated or enoxaparin) plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, bivalirudin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, or bivalirudin alone. Of these individuals, 7789 underwent percutaneous coronary intervention after angiography. The effect of the three regimens on the primary 30-day endpoints of composite ischaemia (death, myocardial infarction, or unplanned revascularisation for ischaemia), major bleeding, and net clinical outcomes (composite ischaemia or major bleeding) was assessed in this subgroup. Analyses were done by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, with the number NCT00093158.

FINDINGS

Of the individuals who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, 2561 received heparin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, 2609 received bivalirudin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and 2619 received bivalirudin alone. 26 (0.3%) individuals dropped out or were lost to follow-up. There was no significant difference in the proportion of individuals with composite ischaemia, major bleeding, or net clinical outcomes at 30 days between those who received bivalirudin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and those who received heparin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (composite ischaemia: 243 [9%] patients vs 210 [8%] patients, p=0.16; major bleeding: 196 [8%] patients vs 174 [7%] patients, p=0.32; net clinical outcomes: 389 [15%] patients vs 341 [13%] patients, p=0.1). Rates of composite ischaemia were much the same in those who received bivalirudin alone and those who received heparin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (230 [9%] patients vs 210 [8%] patients, p=0.45); however, there were significantly fewer individuals who experienced major bleeding among those who received bivalirudin alone than among those who received heparin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (92 [4%] patients vs 174 [7%] patients, p<0.0001, relative risk 0.52, 95% CI 0.40-0.66), resulting in a trend towards better 30-day net clinical outcomes (303 [12%] patients vs 341 [13%] patients, p=0.057; 0.87, 0.75-1.00).

INTERPRETATION

Substitution of unfractionated heparin or enoxaparin with bivalirudin results in comparable clinical outcomes in patients with moderate and high-risk acute coronary syndromes treated with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in whom percutaneous coronary intervention is done. Anticoagulation with bivalirudin alone suppresses adverse ischaemic events to a similar extent as does heparin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, while significantly lowering the risk of major haemorrhagic complications.

Impact of major bleeding on 30-day mortality and clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes: an analysis from the ACUITY Trial

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of major bleeding and the impact of major bleeding on outcomes, including mortality, in acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

BACKGROUND

Whether major bleeding independently predicts mortality in patients with ACS undergoing an early invasive strategy is undefined.

METHODS

Patients (n = 13,819) with moderate- and high-risk ACS were randomized to heparin (unfractionated or enoxaparin) plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition (GPI), bivalirudin plus GPI, or bivalirudin monotherapy (plus provisional GPI). Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of 30-day major bleeding and mortality.

RESULTS

Major bleeding rates in patients treated with heparin plus GPI were higher versus bivalirudin monotherapy (5.7% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.001) and similar versus bivalirudin plus GPI (5.7% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.38). Independent predictors of major bleeding were advanced age, female gender, diabetes, hypertension, renal insufficiency, anemia, no prior percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiac biomarker elevation, ST-segment deviation >/=1 mm, and treatment with heparin plus GPI versus bivalirudin monotherapy. Patients with major bleeding had higher 30-day rates of mortality (7.3% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.0001), composite ischemia (23.1% vs. 6.8%, p < 0.0001), and stent thrombosis (3.4% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.0001) versus those without major bleeding. Major bleeding was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (odds ratio 7.55, 95% confidence interval 4.68 to 12.18, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Major bleeding is a powerful independent predictor of 30-day mortality in patients with ACS managed invasively. Several factors independently predict major bleeding, including treatment with heparin plus GPI compared with bivalirudin monotherapy. Knowledge of these findings might be useful to reduce bleeding risk and improve outcomes in ACS.

Routine upstream initiation vs deferred selective use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in acute coronary syndromes: the ACUITY Timing trial

CONTEXT

In patients with moderate- and high-risk acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who undergo an early, invasive treatment strategy, current guidelines recommend administration of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (Gp IIb/IIIa) inhibitors, either upstream to all patients prior to angiography or deferred for selective use in the catheterization laboratory just prior to angioplasty. The preferred approach is undetermined.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the optimal strategy for the use of Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients with moderate- and high-risk ACS undergoing an early, invasive treatment strategy.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, open-label trial with 30-day clinical follow-up.

SETTING

Four hundred fifty academic and community-based institutions in 17 countries.

PATIENTS

A total of 9207 patients with moderate- and high-risk ACS undergoing an invasive treatment strategy.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive either routine upstream (n=4605) or deferred selective (n=4602) Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitor administration, respectively.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was assessment of noninferiority of deferred Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitor use compared with upstream administration for the prevention of composite ischemic events (death, myocardial infarction, or unplanned revascularization for ischemia) at 30 days, using a 1-sided alpha level of .025. Major secondary end points included noninferiority or superiority of major bleeding and net clinical outcomes (composite ischemia or major bleeding).

RESULTS

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used more frequently (98.3% vs 55.7%, respectively) and for a significantly longer duration (median, 18.3 vs 13.1 hours; P<.001) in patients in the upstream group compared with the deferred group. Composite ischemia at 30 days occurred in 7.9% of patients assigned to deferred use compared with 7.1% of patients assigned to upstream administration (relative risk, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-1.29; P = .044 for noninferiority; P = .13 for superiority); as such, the criterion for noninferiority was not met. Deferred use compared with upstream use resulted in reduced 30-day rates of major bleeding (4.9% vs 6.1%, respectively; P<.001 for noninferiority; P = .009 for superiority) and similar rates of net clinical outcomes (11.7% vs 11.7%; P<.001 for noninferiority; P = .93 for superiority).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with moderate- and high-risk ACS undergoing an invasive treatment strategy, deferring the routine upstream use of Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitors for selective administration in the cardiac catheterization laboratory only to patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention resulted in a numerical increase in composite ischemia that, while not statistically significant, did not meet the criterion for noninferiority. This finding was offset by a significant reduction in major bleeding.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00093158.

Bivalirudin During Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Patients With Previous or Acute Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Heparin Antibodies: Results of the CHOOSE-ON Trial

BACKGROUND

The coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) heparin-induced thrombocytopenia thrombosis syndrome (HITTS) on- and off-pump safety and efficacy (CHOOSE-ON) trial was designed as a safety and efficacy trial of bivalirudin for use in anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in patients with confirmed or suspected HIT and (or) antiplatelet factor 4/heparin (anti-PF4/H) antibodies.

METHODS

In an open-label, multicenter trial, 50 patients were enrolled prospectively. The primary study endpoint was in-hospital acute procedural success, defined as the absence of death, Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI), repeat operation for coronary revascularization, and stroke at day seven after surgery or hospital discharge, whichever occurred first. The secondary study endpoints were procedural success, defined as the absence of death, Q-wave MI, repeat operation for coronary revascularization, and stroke, at 30 days and 12 weeks after surgery. Perioperative blood loss, transfusions, and the incidence of major bleeding events were also captured.

RESULTS

There were 49 patients treated with bivalirudin of which 43 had acute HIT and thrombosis syndrome (HITTS) with antibodies at time of surgery. Procedural success in-hospital or at 7 days was achieved in 46 (94%) patients. At day 30 procedural success was achieved in 42 (86%) patients, and after 12 weeks in 40 (82%) patients. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 575 +/- 524 mL, and mean 24-hour postoperative blood loss was 998 +/- 595 mL. Forty-one (84%) patients received transfusions before day 7 or discharge with a mean of 5.6 +/- 3.8 units of red blood cells, 8.6 +/- 7.2 units of platelets, and 6.0 +/- 4.7 units of fresh frozen plasma. No differences in outcome among bivalirudin-treated patients were observed between those in the overall group and those with moderately impaired renal function (n = 10).

CONCLUSIONS

The current investigation expands the experience of safe and effective anticoagulation with bivalirudin during CPB to patients with confirmed or suspected HIT and anti-PF4/H antibodies, including in the setting of impaired renal function.

Bivalirudin for patients with acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines for patients with moderate- or high-risk acute coronary syndromes recommend an early invasive approach with concomitant antithrombotic therapy, including aspirin, clopidogrel, unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin, and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. We evaluated the role of thrombin-specific anticoagulation with bivalirudin in such patients.

METHODS

We assigned 13,819 patients with acute coronary syndromes to one of three antithrombotic regimens: unfractionated heparin or enoxaparin plus a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, bivalirudin plus a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, or bivalirudin alone. The primary end points were a composite ischemia end point (death, myocardial infarction, or unplanned revascularization for ischemia), major bleeding, and the net clinical outcome, defined as the combination of composite ischemia or major bleeding.

RESULTS

Bivalirudin plus a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, as compared with heparin plus a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, was associated with noninferior 30-day rates of the composite ischemia end point (7.7% and 7.3%, respectively), major bleeding (5.3% and 5.7%), and the net clinical outcome end point (11.8% and 11.7%). Bivalirudin alone, as compared with heparin plus a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, was associated with a noninferior rate of the composite ischemia end point (7.8% and 7.3%, respectively; P=0.32; relative risk, 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93 to 1.24) and significantly reduced rates of major bleeding (3.0% vs. 5.7%; P<0.001; relative risk, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.65) and the net clinical outcome end point (10.1% vs. 11.7%; P=0.02; relative risk, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with moderate- or high-risk acute coronary syndromes who were undergoing invasive treatment with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, bivalirudin was associated with rates of ischemia and bleeding that were similar to those with heparin. Bivalirudin alone was associated with similar rates of ischemia and significantly lower rates of bleeding. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00093158 [ClinicalTrials.gov].).

Use of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in saphenous vein graft percutaneous coronary intervention and clinical outcomes

Platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors are widely used in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Previous studies have suggested that they do not offer benefit in saphenous vein graft PCI. Nonetheless, their use remains widespread during vein graft angioplasty. We retrospectively analyzed 1,537 patients who underwent saphenous vein graft PCI. Patients who received a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor (n = 941) were compared with those who did not receive any GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor (n = 596). The primary end point was myonecrosis after PCI (creatine kinase-MB level >3 times the upper reference limit). The incidence of myonecrosis after PCI was similar between the group that received GP IIb/IIIa and the group that did not (odds ratio for GP IIb/IIIa use 1.39, 95% confidence interval 0.97 to 2.00, p = 0.07). Propensity-adjusted analysis demonstrated no significant difference in myonecrosis after PCI, in-hospital mortality, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or bleeding (blood transfusion, retroperitoneal bleed, or hematoma) between the 2 groups. In an analysis restricted to patients who were treated with an emboli protection device, GP IIb/IIIa use was not associated with decreased myonecrosis after PCI (this was also the case for patients who were not treated with an emboli protection device). Unadjusted survival (mean follow-up 5.5 +/- 0.1 years) was similar between the group that received GP IIb/IIIa and the group that did not (log-rank test, p = 0.89). There was no difference in survival after adjusting for the propensity to receive a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor (adjusted odds ratio for GP IIb/IIIa use 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.23, p = 0.59). In conclusion, adjunctive use of platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in saphenous vein graft PCI does not appear to be associated with less myonecrosis or improved survival.

The Influence of Peripheral Arterial Disease on Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes among peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of patients with coronary artery disease undergoing PCI have concomitant PAD, which may be associated with worse outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a pooled analysis of 8 randomized PCI trials. We included multicenter PCI trials that compared antiplatelet therapies (EPIC, EPILOG, EPISTENT, RAPPORT, CAPTURE, IMPACT-II, TARGET, and CREDO) and had baseline PAD status recorded. Multivariable analyses were performed with stepwise logistic regression for 7- and 30-day outcomes and Cox regression for 6-month and 1-year events.

RESULTS

In our pooled analysis of 19,867 patients undergoing PCI, 1,602 (8.1%) were previously diagnosed with PAD. Patients with PAD had higher incidences of 7-day death (1.0% vs. 0.4%; p < 0.001) or myocardial infarction (MI) (6.8% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.047), 30-day death (1.7% vs. 0.7%; p < 0.001) or MI (7.4% vs. 6.1%; p = 0.05), 6-month death (4.2% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.001) or MI (9.1%, vs. 7.7%; p = 0.048), and 1-year death (5.0% vs. 2.1%; p < 0.001). There was a trend toward higher major bleeding risk with PAD (4.8% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.06). With multivariable analyses, PAD remains a significant predictor of mortality at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR] 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 2.70; p = 0.039), 6 months (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.37; p < 0.001), and 1 year (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.96; p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of PAD is associated with higher rates of post-PCI death and MI, and is an independent predictor of short- and long-term mortality.

Outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndromes who are treated with bivalirudin during percutaneous coronary intervention: an analysis from the Randomized Evaluation in PCI Linking Angiomax to Reduced Clinical Events (REPLACE-2) trial

BACKGROUND

The REPLACE-2 trial demonstrated that bivalirudin with provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) inhibition is not inferior to heparin plus GPIIb/IIIa inhibition in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The extent to which this applies to patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is unclear. Therefore, we sought to determine if bivalirudin has similar efficacy in ACS patients as compared with "stable" patients in the REPLACE-2 trial.

METHODS

We analyzed the outcomes of ACS patients compared with stable patients and the outcomes of ACS patients according to whether or not they had received bivalirudin, including the economic costs. The trial enrolled 1351 ACS patients (myocardial infarction within 7 days or unstable angina within 48 hours, but not on ongoing GPIIb/IIIa or heparin therapy) and 4554 stable patients.

RESULTS

Patients with ACS had a similar rate of death or myocardial infarction at 30 days compared to stable patients (7.2% vs 6.7%, P = .51) and death at 1 year (1.6% vs 2.2%, P = .169), but a higher rate of urgent coronary artery bypass graft at 30 days (1.0% vs 0.3%, P = .002). Patients with ACS treated with bivalirudin had a similar rate of 30-day death, myocardial infarction, or urgent revascularization compared with ACS patients treated with heparin and GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors (8.7% vs 8.0%, P = .616) and death at 1 year (1.5% vs 1.8%, P = .701), but a higher rate of revascularization at 6 months (12% vs 8.4%, P = .04). Patients with ACS treated with bivalirudin had less major bleeding than ACS patients treated with heparin and GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors, although this was not statistically significant (2.7% vs 4.5%, P = .07). Mean 30-day costs for patients with ACS were dollar 12415 for those treated with bivalirudin and dollar 12806 for those treated with heparin plus GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors (P = .022).

CONCLUSION

Bivalirudin with provisional GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor use in low-risk ACS patients (not receiving preprocedural GPIIb/IIIa blockade) appears to provide similar protection against death and myocardial infarction as the combination of heparin and GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors, although we observed a higher rate of revascularization at 6 months.

Use of ticlopidine and cilostazol after intracoronary drug-eluting stent placement in a patient with previous clopidogrel-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an extremely rare but potentially fatal adverse reaction to the thienopyridines, clopidogrel and ticlopidine. We report the case of a patient with a history of clopidogrel-induced TTP who subsequently was successfully treated with aspirin, ticlopidine and cilostazol after stenting for severe, symptomatic coronary artery disease. This case supports the theory that clopidogrel and ticlopidine mediate TTP through slightly different mechanisms and that ticlopidine may be safely used in this setting if absolutely necessary. Moreover, while sufficient data are lacking, the combination of aspirin and cilostazol in this setting may provide adequate antithrombotic protection long term after drug-eluting stent placement.

Provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade in a randomized investigation of bivalirudin versus heparin plus planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition during percutaneous coronary intervention: predictors and outcome in the Randomized Evaluation in Percutaneous coronary intervention Linking Angiomax to Reduced Clinical Events (REPLACE)-2 trial

BACKGROUND

The REPLACE-2 trial demonstrated the noninferiority of bivalirudin with provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) blockade as compared with heparin plus planned GPIIb/IIIa blockade among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization. Provisional drug was used in 374 (6%) of the 6010 patients. We sought to analyze the predictors for provisional drug use and to assess the outcomes in this cohort.

METHODS

Outcome among the 5.2% of patients in the heparin plus GPIIb/IIIa blockade group and the 7.2% of patients in the bivalirudin group who received provisional placebo or GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor, respectively, was compared against patients without provisional drug use and between randomized arms. Multivariate models identified predictors of provisional drug use and outcome at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year.

RESULTS

Myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and bleeding events occurred more frequently among patients who required provisional drug than those who did not, but there were no differences in 1-year mortality. Ischemic and hemorrhagic end points occurred at similar rates among patients receiving provisional drug in either the heparin plus GPIIb/IIIa group compared with the bivalirudin group. Independent predictors of provisional drug use were randomization to bivalirudin, recent infarction, multilesion intervention, impaired pretreatment coronary flow, and lesion complexity. Provisional drug use, but not randomization to bivalirudin, independently predicted 30-day and 6-month ischemic events.

CONCLUSIONS

Provisional administration of a GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor is associated with more frequent ischemic and bleeding events, reflecting the procedural complications that led to the use of provisional drug. The proportion of bivalirudin-treated patients who will require provisional GPIIb/IIIa blockade, however, is not large enough to have a significant deleterious impact on the overall incidence of ischemic end points or to invalidate the strategy of bivalirudin plus provisional GPIIb/IIIa blockade.

Planned versus provisional use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in smokers undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Postmortem and angiographic studies have demonstrated that thrombosis is the primary cause of coronary artery occlusion in smokers. Further, smokers have high levels of fibrinogen, increased platelet aggregation, and more platelet-dependent thrombin generation than do nonsmokers, suggesting that glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitor use during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be especially useful among smokers. We evaluated a subpopulation of active smokers in the REPLACE-2 trial to assess the effect of treating smokers with bivalirudin and provisional GP IIb/IIIa blockade compared with heparin and planned GP IIb/IIIa blockade. The REPLACE-2 trial enrolled 1,558 smokers and 4,305 nonsmokers. Smokers who were treated with bivalirudin had an absolute 3.2% increase in the composite end point of death and myocardial infarction at 48 hours compared with smokers who were treated with heparin and GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors (7.7% vs 4.5%, p=0.008, interaction p=0.016). This difference was ameliorated when GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used consistently in a previous trial that compared bivalirudin with heparin during PCI (4.6% vs 6.7%, p=0.322). In conclusion, these results suggest that smokers may derive particular benefit with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors for decreasing myocardial infarction and death after PCI. These findings require further validation from other large, randomized trials.

Angiographic adverse events, creatine kinase-MB elevation, and ischemic end points complicating percutaneous coronary intervention (a REPLACE-2 substudy)

Several angiographic adverse events during coronary balloon angioplasty have been associated with increased creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) enzymes and adverse clinical outcomes. The significance of angiographic adverse events in the stent era has not been widely studied. We analyzed 10 types of angiographic adverse events that were reported in the 6,010-patient Second Randomized Evaluation in PCI Linking Angiomax to Reduced Clinical Events (REPLACE-2) trial to determine their relation to CK-MB elevation and clinical ischemic end points after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Angiographic adverse events occurred in 9.1% of REPLACE-2 patients. Most (8 of 10) types of angiographic adverse events were associated with an increased risk of increased CK-MB (p <0.001 for each), and 47% of all patients with an angiographic adverse event developed increased CK-MB. Logistic regression analysis showed that the strongest predictor of death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization at 6 months was the occurrence of an angiographic adverse event during PCI (odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.6 to 2.4, p <0.001). Side branch closure, abrupt closure, any decreased flow during the procedure, angiographic distal embolization, and perforation or tamponade were individual predictors of the occurrence of the combined clinical ischemic end point at 6-month follow-up (p <0.005 for each). In conclusion, most angiographic adverse events during PCI are associated with increased CK-MB and are powerful predictors of adverse clinical events within 6 months.

Ischemic and bleeding outcomes in women treated with bivalirudin during percutaneous coronary intervention: a subgroup analysis of the Randomized Evaluation in PCI Linking Angiomax to Reduced Clinical Events (REPLACE)-2 trial

BACKGROUND

Outcomes in women undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the contemporary era are poorly defined. The REPLACE-2 trial demonstrated that bivalirudin with provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GpIIb-IIIa) blockade is noninferior to heparin with planned GpIIb-IIIa blockade during PCI, with regard to ischemic and bleeding end points.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to define sex-based clinical ischemic and bleeding outcomes from the REPLACE-2 trial.

METHODS

A retrospective sex-based subgroup analysis of the REPLACE-2 trial comparing clinical ischemic and inhospital bleeding end points was conducted.

RESULTS

Compared with men in REPLACE-2, women were older, had more diabetes, congestive heart failure and hypertension, and less prior revascularization and myocardial infarction. Female sex was a univariate predictor of death and bleeding complications. Among women treated with either bivalirudin or heparin, there was no significant difference in the individual or composite ischemic end points of death, myocardial infarction, or urgent revascularization at 30 days or 6 months. Protocol-defined major bleeding, minor bleeding, and access site bleeding were less frequent with bivalirudin compared with heparin. Multivariable modeling found no significant interactions between sexes, with the composite ischemic end point, major bleeding, or 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Women remain at higher risk for poorer outcomes with contemporary PCI, likely because of comorbidities. Bivalirudin with provisional GpIIb-IIIa confers similar protection against ischemic end points compared with heparin and planned GpIIb-IIIa blockade and significantly reduces the inherent bleeding risk of women undergoing contemporary PCI.

Optimizing use of revascularization and clinical outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: insights from the GUSTO-V trial

AIMS

To examine the relationship between revascularization within 7 days and 1-year mortality among ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients enrolled in GUSTO-V trial (n=13 451). To examine the relative contribution of system and patient level factors to the variation in international revascularization rates, and their impact on mortality outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients from North America (USA, Canada), Australia, and Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, Finland) were included in the study. Revascularization was associated with lower 1-year mortality. Norway, Belgium, Spain, Poland, and Italy also had lower than expected revascularization rates but higher than expected mortality rates. France and USA had almost two times the expected rate of 7-day revascularization, which was associated with modest mortality benefits. Patients' propensity for revascularization based on clinical factors alone was associated with lower 1-year mortality (OR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.99). Country-level factors had an impact on propensity for revascularization but no impact on 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals the potential for some countries with lower than expected 7-day revascularization rates to improve their clinical outcomes. Also highlighted is the possibility for more economically efficient delivery of care in USA and France.

A comparison of bivalirudin to heparin with protamine reversal in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: The EVOLUTION-ON study

OBJECTIVES

Unfractionated heparin and its antidote, protamine sulfate, allow for rapid and reversible anticoagulation during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, yet limitations exist, including a variable dose-response, dependence on a cofactor for anticoagulant effect, and antigenic potential. This trial was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bivalirudin as an alternative to heparin with protamine reversal in on-pump cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial comparing heparin with protamine reversal to bivalirudin in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The primary objective was to demonstrate comparable rates of in-hospital procedural success defined as freedom from death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, stroke, or repeat revascularization. Twenty-one institutions enrolled 101 patients randomized to bivalirudin and 49 patients to heparin treatment.

RESULTS

The primary end point of procedural success was not significantly different between the bivalirudin arm and the heparin/protamine arms at 7 days, 30 days, or 12 weeks' follow-up. Adequate anticoagulation was achieved in all patients. Secondary end points including mortality, 24-hour blood loss, overall incidence of transfusions, and duration of surgery were similar between the two arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Bivalirudin is a safe and effective anticoagulant for patients undergoing a wide range of cardiac surgical procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass. Procedural success rates with bivalirudin were similar to rates in patients receiving heparin anticoagulation, with no difference in mortality. Avoidance of blood stasis and attention to the intraoperative medical management of patients is critical for successful use of bivalirudin during cardiopulmonary bypass.

A Comparison of the Clinical Impact of Bleeding Measured by Two Different Classifications Among Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to determine the association between Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO) bleeding and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the relative utility of either scale at predicting clinical outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

METHODS

Pooled data from two randomized trials of patients with ACS (n = 15,454) were analyzed to determine the association between TIMI and GUSTO bleeding and 30-day and 6-month death/myocardial infarction (MI) using Cox proportional hazards modeling that included bleeding as a time-dependent covariate.

RESULTS

There was a stepwise increase in the adjusted hazard of 30-day death/MI with worsening GUSTO bleeding (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], GUSTO mild 1.20 [1.05 to 1.37]; moderate 3.28 [2.88 to 3.73]; severe 5.57 [4.33 to 7.17]), and an increased risk with all three levels of TIMI bleeding (TIMI minimal 1.84 [1.63 to 2.08]; TIMI minor 1.64 [1.31 to 2.04]; major 1.45 [1.23 to 1.70]). When both bleeding scales were included in the same model, the risk with GUSTO bleeding persisted; however, the association between TIMI bleeding and outcome was no longer significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Both scales identify ACS patients with bleeding complications at risk for adverse outcomes. In a model that included both definitions, the risk with GUSTO bleeding persisted while the risk with TIMI bleeding did not. This suggests that bleeding assessed with clinical criteria is more important than that assessed by laboratory criteria in terms of outcomes. Future clinical trials should consider using a combination of the GUSTO bleeding scale and the need for transfusion to assess bleeding complications.

Anticoagulation with bivalirudin for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: the results of the EVOLUTION-OFF study

OBJECTIVES

Unfractionated heparin has many shortcomings, including indirect and partial inhibition of thrombin, antibody formation, and platelet activation. Bivalirudin, a short-acting direct thrombin inhibitor, avoids these limitations and has superior outcomes during percutaneous revascularization. This trial was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bivalirudin in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

METHODS

An open-label, multicenter randomized trial compared heparin with protamine reversal to bivalirudin in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass. The primary objective was safety as demonstrated by similar rates of procedural success defined as freedom from a composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat revascularization. Twenty-one institutions randomized 105 patients to receive bivalirudin and 52 patients to receive heparin.

RESULTS

The mean age was 65 years for both groups. The bivalirudin group had more grafts: 3.0 +/- 1 versus 2.5 +/- 1. Procedural success rates at 30 days were identical in bivalirudin- and heparin-treated patients (93%). Operative times, total blood loss, reoperations for bleeding, and major adverse events were not significantly different. Strokes were more frequent in the heparin group: 5.5% versus 0; P = .05. Mortality was 2% in each group. Repeat revascularization was required in 3% of bivalirudin- and 2% of the heparin-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, bivalirudin was an effective anticoagulant, without excessive bleeding and with a safety profile similar to that of heparin. Further trials are warranted to assess whether anticoagulation with bivalirudin improves clinical outcomes.

Stent-assisted detachable coil embolization of pseudoaneurysms in the coronary circulation

Pseudoaneurysms in the coronary circulation are an uncommon occurrence that can develop spontaneously in the setting of atherosclerosis or can develop after catheter-based coronary interventions. The natural history, clinical outcome, and optimal therapy for pseudoaneurysms in the coronary circulation are not clearly established. Recent advances in the techniques and technologies used for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms may be applicable to the management of coronary aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. We present a case of spontaneous coronary pseudoaneurysm formation after paclitaxel drug-eluting stent implantation and a case of pseudoaneurysm formation in a saphenous vein graft that were both successfully treated with stent-assisted detachable coil embolization.