Evidence-based management of patients undergoing PCI: contrast-induced acute kidney injury

A risk score model of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with emergency percutaneous coronary interventions

Background

The previously built score models of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) were principally founded on selective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) cases. Our study was to form a risk score model of CI-AKI and make a temporal validation in a population who underwent emergency PCIs.

Methods

We included patients who underwent emergency PCIs from 2013 to 2018 and divided them into the derivation and validation cohorts. Logistic regression analysis was harnessed to create the risk model. In this research, we defined CI-AKI as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) ≥0.5 mg/dL (44.2 μmol/L) above baseline within seven days following exposure to contrast medium.

Results

A total of 3564 patients who underwent emergency PCIs were enrolled and divided into the derivation (2376 cases) and validation cohorts (1188 cases), with CI-AKI incidence of 6.61 and 5.39%, respectively. By logistic analysis, the CI-AKI risk score model was constituted by 8 variables: female (1 point), history of transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke (1 point), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) classification (1 point per class), big endothelin-1 (ET-1) classification (1 point per class), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) classification (1 point per class), intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) application (1 point), left anterior descending (LAD) stented (1 point), and administration of diuretic (2 points). The patients could be further divided into three groups: low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk groups, in accordance with the risk scores of 3–6, 7–10, and ≥11 points, and to the CI-AKI rates of 1.4, 11.9, and 42.6%. The CI-AKI risk score model performed well in discrimination (C statistic = 0.787, 95% CI: 0.731–0.844) and calibration ability, and showed a superior clinical utility.

Conclusion

We developed a simple CI-AKI risk score model which performs well as a tool for CI-AKI prediction in patients who underwent emergency PCIs.

Predictive Value of Lymphocyte-to-monocyte Ratio in Patients with Contrast-induced Nephropathy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background and Objectives

Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) has emerged as a new indirect marker of inflammation, which is associated with adverse outcomes in cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether admission LMR is associated with contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

A total of 873 patients were assessed. LMR was calculated via dividing lymphocyte count by monocyte count.

Results

LMR was significantly lower in the with-CIN group. ROC analysis showed that the LMR ratios <2.52 predicted CIN development with sensitivity of 66.3% and specificity of 55.8%. Multivariate analysis showed that eGFR, admission glucose, and LMR were independent predictors of CIN in patients with ACS.

Conclusion

LMR is an easily accessible marker and could be used as a predictor of CIN in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

The Relationship Between Contrast Associated Nephropathy and Coronary Collateral Circulation in very Old Patients

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between coronary collateral circulation (CCC) and contrast associated nephropathy (CAN) in very elderly patients. Methods: Patients aged 90 years or older with at least one major occlusion of the coronary artery proximal or mid-section were included in the study. CCC was graded according to the Rentrop classification. CAN was defined as an increase in blood creatinine value of 25% or more on the second day after coronary angiography. Results: Thirty-six patients who met the study criteria were included in the study. In the study group, CAN developed in 12 patients (CAN (+) group), 24 patients did not develop CAN (CAN (−) group). The creatinine levels before coronary angiography were 1.05 ± 0.12 in the CAN (−) group and 1.22 ± 0.14 in the CAN (+) group. Baseline creatinine values were significantly higher in the CAN (+) group (p = 0.001). The contrast agent used in the CAN (+) group was significantly higher (p = 0.001). In the CAN (+) group, nine patients (43%) had poor collateral circulation, whereas only three patients (20%) had well-developed collateral circulation. In a logistic regression analysis, the collateral class was not a risk factor for CAN, whereas contrast agent volume and basal creatinine were independent predictors of CAN. Conclusion: We found that CCC grade was not associated with the development of CAN in very old patients, but the amount of contrast agent and pre-procedure creatinine values were independent variables in the development of CAN.

Impact of vascular access on the development of contrast induced nephropathy in patients undergoing coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common complication of procedures that foresee the use of contrast media. Several risk factors have been identified as independent predictors of CIN, but, to date, no definitive data are available about the association between the angiographic approach and its development.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our population included 4199 patients undergoing coronary angiography and/or PCI. CIN was defined as an absolute ≥0.5 mg/dl or a relative ≥25% increase in creatinine level at 24-48 h after the procedure without another clear cause for the acute kidney injury. The total incidence of CIN was 12.4%. We divided our population into two groups, according to the angiographic approach: transradial (TR) n = 1915 or transfemoral (TF) n = 2284. Patients treated with TR approach were more often males, with history of hypertension, and PCI, but less often diabetic, with previous myocardial infarction, coronary artery by-pass graft surgery and cerebrovascular accident. They had a higher ejection fraction, higher prevalence of PCI, elective indication but interestingly a lower amount of contrast volume. Patients treated with TR approach had higher platelets, Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, but lower triglycerides, glycaemia and basal creatinine. No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the development of CIN (TR 13.2% vs TF 11.7%, p = 0.16). The absence of association between angiographic approach and the incidence of CIN was also confirmed at multivariate analysis after correction for baseline confounders (Adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.2 [0.97-1.50], p = 0.09) and at subgroup analysis according to main risk factors for CIN. Similar results were obtained dividing our population according to propensity score tertiles: 1st Tertile CIN (TF 8.8% vs TR 8.9%), p = 0.95; OR (99% CI) = 1.01 (0.96-1.48), p = 0.95, 2nd Tertile CIN (TF 10.8% vs TR 12.4%), p = 0.35; OR (99% CI) = 1.17 (0.84-1.62), p = 0.35, and 3rd Tertile CIN (TF 15.6% vs TR 17.2%), p = 0.41; OR (99% CI) = 1.12 (0.85-1.48), p = 0.41.

CONCLUSION

This is the first large study showing the absence of relationship between the angiographic access and the incidence of CIN.

A New Risk Factor Profile for Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Who Underwent an Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

We developed a new risk factor profile for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) under a new definition in patients who underwent an emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Consecutive patients (n = 1061) who underwent an emergency PCI were divided into a derivation group (n = 761) and a validation group (n = 300). The rates of CI-AKI were 23.5% (definition 1: serum creatinine [SCr] increase ≥25% in 72 hours), 4.3% (definition 2: SCr increase ≥44.2 μmol/L in 72 hours), and 7.0% (definition 3: SCr increase ≥44.2 μmol/L in 7 days). Due to the high sensitivity of definition 1 and the high rate of missed cases for late diagnosis of CI-AKI under definition 2, definition 3 was used in the study. The risk factor profile included body surface area <1.6 m2 ( P = .030), transient ischemic attack/stroke history ( P = .001), white blood cell count >15.00 × 109/L ( P = .047), estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 ( P = .002) or baseline SCr >133 μmol/L ( P = .007), intra-aortic balloon pump application ( P = .006), and diuretics administration ( P < .001), showing a significant predictive power in the derivation group and validation group. The new risk factor profile of CI-AKI under a new CI-AKI definition in emergency PCI patients is easily applicable with a useful predictive value.

WITHDRAWN: Relation of Mean Platelet Volume-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

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Contrast-induced nephropathy: Basic concepts, pathophysiological implications and prevention strategies

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is reversible acute renal failure observed following administration of iodinated contrast media (CM) during angiographic or other medical procedures such as urography. There are various mechanisms through which CM develop their nephrotoxic effects, including oxidative stress and apoptosis. CIN is a real-life, albeit not very rare, entity. Exact pathophysiology remains obscure and no standard diagnostic criteria apply. The Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria was recently employed but its incidence/clinical significance warrants further clarification based on recent methodological advancements, because most published studies to date were contaminated by bias. The current study is a comprehensive review conducted to provide an overview of the basic concepts of CIN and summarize recent knowledge on its pathophysiology and the evidence supporting potential prevention strategies. CIN is expected to increase morbidity, hospital stay and mortality, while all patients scheduled to receive CM should undergo risk assessment for CIN and high-risk patients may be considered candidates for prevention strategies. The value of using compounds with antioxidant properties other than sodium bicarbonate, remains controversial, warranting further clinical investigation.

Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury: An Update

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is defined as an abrupt deterioration in renal function associated with the administration of iodinated contrast media. This type of acute kidney injury is frequently encountered as a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and is associated with adverse short- and long-term outcomes including mainly mortality, cardiovascular morbidity and prolongation of hospitalization. The incidence of CI-AKI after PCI ranges from 2 to 20 % according to baseline kidney function. It may also range according to the clinical setting, being higher after emergency PCI. The primary manifestation is a small decline in kidney function, occurring 1 to 3 days after the procedure. Kidney function usually returns to preexisting levels within 7 days. Incidence of acute renal failure requiring dialysis following PCI is rare (<1 %). The present article aims to review up-to-date published data concerning diagnosis, definition, epidemiology and prognosis of this novel in-hospital epidemic.

Association of Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio with Contrast-induced Nephropathy in Patients with Non-ST-elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

A higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with poor clinical outcomes in various cardiovascular diseases, including acute coronary syndromes. However, the relationship between NLR and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been known. Hence, we investigated whether admission NLR is associated with CIN after PCI in patients with NSTE-ACS.

METHODS

A total of 478 patients (mean age 62.8±12.6 years, and 64.2% men), who were admitted to our hospital for NSTEACS and underwent PCI with stent, were recruited. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was calculated via dividing neutrophil count by lymphocyte count. The patients were divided into two groups: CIN (+) and CIN (-). Contrast-induced nephropathy was defined as a ≥0.5mg/dL and/or a ≥25% increase in serum creatinine within 48-72hours post-PCI.

RESULTS

Admission NLR was significantly higher in patients with CIN than in patients without CIN (median 5.43, interquartile range 3.23-7.73 vs. median 2.59, interquartile range 1.83-3.88, P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, NLR ≥ 3.46 value (OR=2.631, 95%CI 1.146-6.060, P=0.022), estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR=0.963, P=0.004), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (OR=1.028, P=0.016) were independent factors of CIN.

CONCLUSION

Increased NLR is independently associated with risk of CIN in NSTE-ACS patients treated by PCI.

Urinary kidney injury molecule-1 as an early indicator to predict contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

With the improvement of the skill level of coronary intervention, contrast agents are used more widely. As a result, contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is currently the third leading cause of hospital-acquired AKI. Traditionally, AKI is defined by measuring an increase of the serum creatinine concentration (Scr). CI-AKI indicates impairment in renal function, which is diagnosed as an elevation in the SCr levels following intravascular injection of the contrast media. However, Scr is an insensitive indicator for detecting CI-AKI. The present study was designed to investigate whether human urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) is an early marker to predict CI-AKI in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The present study includes the general clinical data of 145 patients with diabetes mellitus who underwent PCI between March 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. A non-ionic, low osmolarity contrast agent was used during the present study. The Scr levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate were measured prior to and within 24 and 48 h after the injection of contrast agents. Urinary samples were collected prior to and within 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after the coronary interventional procedure. Simultaneously, the urinary KIM-1 values were measured using an ELISA kit. CI-AKI was diagnosed as an increase of ≥0.5 mg/dl or ≥25% in Scr concentration over baseline, 24-48 h after the procedure. In total, 19 of 145 (13.1%) patients exhibited CI-AKI. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the urinary KIM-1 levels measured 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after the procedure and those prior to the procedure in the CI-AKI group. There was no significant difference between the Scr values measured 24 h after the procedure and those prior to the procedure. Evidently, using KIM-1 values to predict CI-AKI was <24 h earlier compared to using Scr values. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of KIM-1 24 h after the procedure was 0.856 and the 95% confidence interval of the corresponding area was 0.782-0.929. When the pivotal point of CI-AKI diagnosis was 6,327.755 pg/ml, the specificity was 85.7% and the sensitivity was 73.7%. Univariate analysis showed that the Scr concentration was positively correlated with the urinary KIM-1 level during the time prior to the procedure and 24 and 48 h after the procedure. In conclusion, the urinary KIM-1 may be a potential indicator for the early diagnosis of CI-AKI.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on statins for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with and without acute coronary syndromes

OBJECTIVES

We assessed whether short-term, pre-procedural, intensive statin treatment may reduce contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) incidence in patients with and without acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

Statins may exert renal-protective effects through their pleiotropic properties. However, there have been conflicting reports on the CI-AKI preventive effect of pre-procedural statin administration.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials published between January 1st, 2003 and February 28th, 2014 comparing the preventive effects against CI-AKI of pre-procedural statins vs. control (lower statin dose, no statin, or placebo) in patients undergoing CA/PCI were included.

RESULTS

Data were combined from 9 clinical trials enrolling 5212 patients (age 65 ± 5 years, 63% males). Pooled analysis showed that intensive, short-term statin pre-treatment significantly reduced the risk of CI-AKI as compared to control (relative risk [RR] 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39 to 0.64; P<0.001). Pre-specified subgroup analysis showed that intensive statin pre-treatment significantly reduced CI-AKI risk in patients with ACS (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.55; P<0.0001), with only a non-significant positive trend in patients without ACS (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.41 to 1.03; P=0.07). No evidence of publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term, pre-procedural, intensive statin treatment significantly reduced CI-AKI incidence in ACS patients, and may contribute to the overall clinical benefit associated with the early use of these drugs in this clinical setting. Its role in non-ACS patients warrants further investigation.

Acute kidney injury after aortic valve replacement: incidence, risk factors and outcomes

The occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) following aortic valve replacement (AVR) has very serious clinical implications and has therefore been the focus of several studies. The authors report the results of previous studies evaluating both transcatheter AVR (TAVR) and indirectly surgical AVR (SAVR) through looking at cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) cardiac surgeries, and identify the incidence, predictors and outcomes of AKI following AVR. In most studies, AKI was defined using the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss and End Stage, Valve Academic Research Consortium (modified Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss and End Stage) or Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (Acute Kidney Injury Network) AKI classification criteria. Twelve studies including more than 90,000 patients undergoing cardiac surgery on CPB were considered as well as 26 studies with more than 6000 patients undergoing TAVR. Depending on the definition used, AKI occurred in 3.4-43% of SAVR cases with up to 2.5% requiring dialysis, and in 3.4-57% of TAVR cases. Factors identified as independent predictors of AKI were: baseline kidney failure, EUROSCORE, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anemia, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, surgical priority, CPB time, reoperation, use of intra-aortic balloon pump, need for re-exploration, contrast agent volume, transapical access, blood transfusion, postoperative thrombocytopenia, postoperative leukocytosis as well as demographic variables such as age and female gender. The 30-day mortality rate for patients with AKI following SAVR ranged from 5.5 to 46% and was 3- to 16-times higher than in those without AKI. Similarly, patients who developed AKI after TAVR had a mortality rate of 7.8-29%, which was two- to eight-times higher than those who did not suffer from AKI. AKI confers up to a fourfold increase in 1-year mortality. Finally, hospital length of stay was significantly increased in patients with AKI in both SAVR and TAVR groups, with increases up to 3- and 2.5-times, respectively.

Comparison of risk of acute kidney injury after primary percutaneous coronary interventions with the transradial approach versus the transfemoral approach (from the PRIPITENA urban registry)

The risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major issue after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), especially in the setting of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Preliminary data from large retrospective registries seem to show a reduction of AKI when a transradial (TR) approach for PCI is adopted. Little is known about the relation between vascular access and AKI after emergent PCI. We here report the results of the Primary PCI from Tevere to Navigli (PRIPITENA), a retrospective database of primary PCI performed at high-volume centers in the urban areas of Rome and Milan. Primary end point of this study was the occurrence of AKI in the TR and transfemoral (TF) access site groups. Secondary end points were major adverse cardiovascular events, stent thrombosis, and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction major and minor bleedings. The database included 1,330 patients, 836 treated with a TR and 494 with a TF approach. After a propensity-matched analysis performed to exclude possible confounders, we identified 450 matched patients (225 TR and 225 TF). The incidence of AKI in the 2 matched groups was lower in patients treated with TR primary PCI (8.4% vs 16.9%, p = 0.007). Major adverse cardiovascular events and stent thrombosis were not different among study groups, whereas major bleedings were more often seen in the TF group. At multivariate analysis, femoral access was an independent predictor of AKI (odds ratio 1.654, 95% confidence interval 1.084 to 2.524, p = 0.042). In conclusion, in this database of primary PCI, the risk of AKI was lower with a TR approach, and the TF approach was an independent predictor for the occurrence of this complication.

A randomized trial comparing dual axis rotational versus conventional coronary angiography in a population with a high prevalence of coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES

To compare the safety, radiation dose, and contrast volume between dual axis rotational coronary angiography (DARCA) and conventional coronary angiography (CCA).

BACKGROUND

CCA is performed in multiple, predefined stationary views, at different angulations around the patient, for both the left and right coronary arteries. DARCA (AlluraXperSwing™, Philips, the Netherlands) involves a pre-set rotation of the C-arm around the patient and allows for the visualization of each coronary artery in different views, using a single automatic pump contrast injection.

METHODS

From November 2012 to February 2013, 201 patients were randomly assigned to either CCA (n = 100) or DARCA (n = 101). Exclusion criteria included acute coronary syndrome (ACS), prior PCI or CABG. CCAs were performed in 4 acquisition runs for the left coronary artery and 2 to 3 acquisition runs for the right coronary artery, whereas DARCAs were performed in a single run for each coronary artery.

RESULTS

Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were similar for both groups. The overall prevalence of CAD was 77.6%. The DARCA group had a significant reduction in the amount of contrast, 60 ml (IQR: 52.5-71.5 ml) versus 76 ml (IQR: 68-87 ml), P < 0.0001; and radiation dose by Air Kerma, 269.5 mGy (IQR: 176-450.5) versus 542.1 mGy (IQR: 370.7-720.8), P < 0.0001. There were fewer patients requiring additional projections in the DARCA group: 54.0% versus 75.0%; P = 0.002.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population with a high prevalence of CAD, DARCA was safe and resulted in a significant decrease in contrast volume and radiation dose.

N-acetylcysteine does not prevent contrast nephropathy in patients with renal impairment undergoing emergency CT: a randomized study

BACKGROUND

Patients admitted to the emergency room with renal impairment and undergoing a contrast computed tomography (CT) are at high risk of developing contrast nephropathy as emergency precludes sufficient hydration prior to contrast use. The value of an ultra-high dose of intravenous N-acetylcysteine in this setting is unknown.

METHODS

From 2008 to 2010, we randomized 120 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency room with an estimated clearance lower than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 by MDRD (mean GFR 42 ml/min/1.73 m2) to either placebo or 6000 mg N-acetylcysteine iv one hour before contrast CT in addition to iv saline. Serum cystatin C and creatinine were measured one hour prior to and at day 2, 4 and 10 after contrast injection. Nephrotoxicity was defined either as 25% or 44 μmol/l increase in serum creatinine or cystatin C levels compared to baseline values.

RESULTS

Contrast nephrotoxicity occurred in 22% of patients who received placebo (13/58) and 27% of patients who received N-acetylcysteine (14/52, p = 0.66). Ultra-high dose intravenous N-acetylcysteine did not alter creatinine or cystatin C levels. No secondary effects were noted within the 2 groups during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

An ultra-high dose of intravenous N-acetylcysteine is ineffective at preventing nephrotoxicity in patients with renal impairment undergoing emergency contrast CT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered as Clinical trial (NCT01467154).

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury following PCI

BACKGROUND

Coronary revascularization using percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the major treatments for patients with stable coronary artery disease, with approximately 1.5 million patients undergoing PCI in the United States and Europe every year. An important neglected complication of PCI is contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI).

DESIGN

In this article, we review the definition, pathogenesis and management of CI-AKI and highlight potential therapeutic options for preventing CI-AKI in post-PCI patients.

RESULTS

CI-AKI is an important but underdiagnosed complication of PCI that is associated with increased in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Patients with pre-existing renal impairment and diabetes are particularly susceptible to this complication post-PCI. Optimization of the patients' circulating volume remains the mainstay for preventing CI-AKI, although the best strategy for achieving this is still controversial.

CONCLUSION

Following PCI, CI-AKI is an overlooked complication which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this article, we review the pathophysiology of CI-AKI in patients undergoing PCI and discuss the potential therapeutic options for preventing it.

Prognostic utility of BCIS myocardial jeopardy score for classification of coronary disease burden and completeness of revascularization

Several coronary disease scoring systems have been developed to predict procedural risk during revascularization. Many vary in complexity, do not specifically account for myocardium at risk, and are not applicable across all patient subsets. The British Cardiovascular Intervention Society myocardial jeopardy score (BCIS-JS) addresses these limitations and is applicable to all patients, including those with coronary artery bypass grafts or left main stem disease. We assessed the prognostic relevance of the BCIS-JS in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 663 patients who underwent PCI with previous left ventricular function assessment were retrospectively assessed for inclusion, incorporating 221 with previous coronary artery bypass grafting. Blinded observers calculated the BCIS-JS, before (BCIS-JS(PRE)) and after (BCIS-JS(POST)) PCI, using the revascularization index (RI) (RI = [BCIS-JS(PRE) - BCIS-JS(POST)]/BCIS-JS(PRE)), quantifying the extent of revascularization, 1 indicating full revascularization and 0 indicating no revascularization. The primary end point all-cause mortality, tracked via the Office of National Statistics. A total of 660 patients were included (66 ± 10.7 years), with 43 deaths (6.5%) occurring during 2.6 ± 1.1 years after PCI. All-cause mortality was directly related to BCIS-JS(PRE) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71 to 5.15, p = 0.001) and BCIS-JS(POST) (HR 4.02, 95% CI 2.41 to 6.68, p = 0.001). A RI of <0.67 was associated with increased mortality compared to a RI of ≥0.67 (HR 4.13, 95% CI 1.91 to 8.91, p = 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, a RI <0.67 (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.03 to 3.87, p = 0.04), left ventricular dysfunction (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.30, p = 0.004) and renal impairment (HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.48 to 8.64, p = 0.005) were independent predictors of mortality. In conclusion, the BCIS-JS predicts mortality after PCI and can assess the degree of revascularization, with more complete revascularization conferring a survival advantage in the medium term.

Acute kidney injury following transcatheter aortic valve implantation: incidence, predictors and clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist on renal complications of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) within a comprehensive program using different valves with transfemoral, transapical, and trans-subclavian approach.

METHODS

Prospective single-center registry of 102 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI using both approved bioprostheses and different access routes. The main objective was to assess the incidence, predictors and the clinical impact of acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI was defined according to the valve academic research consortium (VARC) indications.

RESULTS

Mean age was 83.7 ± 5.3 years, logistic EuroSCORE 22.6 ± 12.4%, and STS score 8.2 ± 4.1%. Chronic kidney disease at baseline was present in 87.3%. Periprocedural AKI developed in 42 patients (41.7%): 32.4% stage 1, 4.9% stage 2 and 3.9% stage 3. The incidence of AKI was 66.7% in transapical, 30.3% in transfemoral, and 50% in trans-subclavian procedures. The only independent predictor of AKI was transapical access, with a hazard ratio (HR) between 4.57 and 5.18 based on the model used. Cumulative 1-year survival was 88.2%. At Cox regression analysis, the only independent predictor of 30-day mortality was diabetes mellitus (HR 7.05, 95% CI 1.07-46.32; p=0.042), whilst the independent predictors of 1-year death were baseline glomerular filtration rate<30 mL/min (HR 5.74, 95% CI 1.42-23.26; p=0.014) and post-procedural AKI 3 (HR 8.59, 95% CI 1.61-45.86, p=0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

TAVI is associated with a high incidence of AKI. Although in the majority of the cases AKI is of mild entity and reversible, AKI 3 holds a strong negative impact on 1-year survival. The incidence of AKI is higher with transapical access.

Preventing radiocontrast-induced nephropathy in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing coronary angiography

Radiocontrast-induced nephropathy (RCIN) is an acute and severe complication after coronary angiography, particularly for patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has been associated with both short- and long-term adverse outcomes, including the need for renal replacement therapy, increased length of hospital stay, major cardiac adverse events, and mortality. RCIN is generally defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentration of 0.5 mg/dL or 25% above baseline within 48 h after contrast administration. There is no effective therapy once injury has occurred, therefore, prevention is the cornerstone for all patients at risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). There is a small but growing body of evidence that prevention of AKI is associated with a reduction in later adverse outcomes. The optimal strategy for preventing RCIN has not yet been established. This review discusses the principal risk factors for RCIN, evaluates and summarizes the evidence for RCIN prophylaxis, and proposes recommendations for preventing RCIN in CKD patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Percutaneous panvascular intervention in an unusual case of extensive atherosclerotic disease

It is common to see patients with atherosclerotic coronary disease and peripheral arterial disease in routine clinical practice. One needs to have a comprehensive and integrated multi-speciality approach and panvascular revascularization in such patients. We report a 54-year-old diabetic hypertensive male with extensive atherosclerotic coronary and peripheral arterial disease, who presented with congestive heart failure, claudication of both lower limbs and mesenteric ischemia. He underwent successful percutaneous panvascular revascularization of coronary, renal, mesenteric, aorto-iliac and superficial femoral arteries. Long-term patency of all the stents was also documented.

Impact of elevated serum glycated albumin levels on contrast-induced acute kidney injury in diabetic patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency undergoing coronary angiography

BACKGROUND

Glycated albumin (GA) has been shown to be a better indicator than glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in terms of severity of renal impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to determine whether elevated serum GA levels are associated with an increased risk for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and worse clinical outcome in patients with T2DM and at least moderate renal insufficiency (RI) undergoing coronary angiography.

METHODS

Serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c and GA were measured in 1030 patients with T2DM and moderate to severe RI (eGFR 15-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). CI-AKI was defined as ≥ 25% increase in serum creatinine within 72 h after the procedure. Receiver-operating characteristic curve was constructed to assess the predictive value of GA, HbA1c and FBG for CI-AKI. Multivariable logistic regression model was developed to identify risk factors for CI-AKI, and Kaplan-Meier curve analysis was used to compare the rates of dialysis and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during one-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The overall rate of CI-AKI was 11.1%. GA was significantly higher in patients with CI-AKI than in those without, and correlated positively with changes of renal function after the procedure. After adjusting for age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, multi-vessel disease, type and volume of contrast media, FBG, and HbA1c, GA remained an independent risk factor for CI-AKI. GA ≥ 21% was associated with increased rates of dialysis and MACE during one-year follow-up in patients with or without CI-AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased GA level serves as a valuable risk factor for CI-AKI and indicates poor one-year clinical outcome in patients with T2DM and moderate to severe RI.

Acetylcysteine for prevention of renal outcomes in patients undergoing coronary and peripheral vascular angiography: main results from the randomized Acetylcysteine for Contrast-induced nephropathy Trial (ACT)

BACKGROUND

It remains uncertain whether acetylcysteine prevents contrast-induced acute kidney injury.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We randomly assigned 2308 patients undergoing an intravascular angiographic procedure with at least 1 risk factor for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (age >70 years, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or hypotension) to acetylcysteine 1200 mg or placebo. The study drugs were administered orally twice daily for 2 doses before and 2 doses after the procedure. The allocation was concealed (central Web-based randomization). All analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle. The incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (primary end point) was 12.7% in the acetylcysteine group and 12.7% in the control group (relative risk, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.81 to 1.25; P=0.97). A combined end point of mortality or need for dialysis at 30 days was also similar in both groups (2.2% and 2.3%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.56 to 1.69; P=0.92). Consistent effects were observed in all subgroups analyzed, including those with renal impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large randomized trial, we found that acetylcysteine does not reduce the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury or other clinically relevant outcomes in at-risk patients undergoing coronary and peripheral vascular angiography.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00736866.

Comparison of contrast-induced nephrotoxicity of iodixanol and iopromide in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing coronary angiography

This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was performed to compare the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after the administration of the iso-osmolar contrast medium iodixanol to the low-osmolar contrast medium iopromide during coronary angiography in patients with impaired renal function. Patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) <60 ml/min who underwent coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention were randomized to receive either iodixanol (n = 215) or iopromide (n = 205). The primary study end point was the incidence of CIN, which was defined as an absolute increase in serum creatinine (SCr) ≥0.5 mg/dl (44.2 mol/L) or a relative increase ≥25% compared to baseline SCr. The secondary end points were the proportion of patients with increases in SCr ≥0.5 mg/dl, the proportion with SCr increases ≥1.0 mg/dl (88.4 mol/L), and the peak increase in SCr. Age, the presence of diabetes mellitus, mean baseline SCr, CrCl, the use of N-acetylcysteine, contrast volume, and the predicted risk score for CIN were similar in the 2 groups. CIN developed in 39 patients (9.3%); there was no significant difference between the iodixanol and iopromide groups (10.7% and 7.8%, respectively; absolute difference 2.9%, 95% confidence interval -3.1% to 8.9%, p = 0.394). The proportions of patients with SCr increases ≥0.5 mg/dl (6.5% vs 6.3%) and ≥1.0 mg/dl (2.8% vs 2.9%) were similar in the 2 groups. There was a tendency for more patients with relative increases ≥25% (10.2% vs 6.8%) and greater peak increases in SCr (0.037 ± 0.375 vs 0.029 ± 0.351 mg/dl) to be in the iodixanol group, but these differences were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the incidences of CIN after coronary angiography did not significantly differ between the iodixanol and iopromide groups in patients with impaired renal function.