Periprocedural creatine kinase-MB elevations: long-term impact and clinical implications

Serum Creatine Kinase-MB Isoenzyme Activity among Subjects with Uncomplicated Essential Hypertension: Any Sex Differences

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major health challenge and more women than men are affected by the condition. Complications as a result of this condition often lead to disabilities and premature death. The objective of this study was to evaluate creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activity in uncomplicated hypertension and to know whether sex differences exist in the activity of the enzyme. Serum creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme activity, troponin I, and lipid profile were evaluated in 140 male and 100 female Nigerians with hypertension. The control group was comprised of 100 (50 males and 50 females) normotensive subjects. Measured parameters were assayed using Selectra Pros chemistry analyzer. The means were compared between males and females using Students't-test. The mean CK-MB activity of the female hypertensive subjects was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the males. Similarly, the mean cardiac troponin I (cTnI) of the female hypertensive subjects was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the males. Conversely, the mean CK-MB activity of the female normotensive subjects was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than the male counterparts. There was no difference in the levels of cTnI between male and female normotensive subjects. Serum CK-MB activity was higher in female than male hypertensive subjects. In the light of these results, cardiac markers should be routinely done in the evaluation of hypertensive subjects and sex-specific consideration may be recognized in the management of these patients.

The effect of dalteparin versus unfractionated heparin on the levels of troponin I and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB in elective percutaneous coronary intervention: a multicenter study

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of dalteparin during an elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure in a large cohort.

Materials and methods

In this prospective, randomized, open-label design study, 733 patients undergoing elective PCI were divided into an unfractionated heparin group (group 1, 323 patients) or a dalteparin group (group 2, 410 patients). Blood samples were collected before and 18–24 h after the PCI procedure to determine the serum levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and bleeding events during hospitalization were also recorded. Patients with an increased level of serum cTnI before PCI were excluded from the study.

Results

After PCI, the cTnI values were greater than three times the upper limit of normal in 43 cases (13.3%) in group 1 and 52 cases (12.7%) in group 2, without a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.801). An increased creatine kinase isoenzyme MB level of greater than two times the upper limit of normal was found in 10 cases (3.1%) in group 1 and 12 cases (2.9%) in group 2, without a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.894). Postoperative bleeding was observed in nine patients (2.8%) in group 1 and six patients (1.5%) in group 2. Postoperative MACEs were observed in two patients (0.6%) in group 1 and two patients (0.5%) in group 2. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to bleeding events or MACEs.

Conclusion

Our study showed that dalteparin might be as effective and safe as unfractionated heparin for anticoagulation during elective PCI.

Is periprocedural CK-MB a better indicator of prognosis after emergency and elective percutaneous coronary intervention compared with post-procedural cardiac troponins?

A best evidence topic in interventional cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question we addressed related to the elevation of markers of cardiac damage associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We explored and compared the clinical and prognostic relevance of the elevation of creatinine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin (cTn) levels during the periprocedural period and the post-procedural period, respectively, following an emergency or elective PCI. We found in excess of 390 papers after a systematic literature search, of which 10 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. From the best evidence available it appears that the monitoring of cardiac biomarkers following a PCI can provide important clinical information about the health of the myocardium, as well as prognostic information on short to mid-term outcomes of mortality up to 3 years. The narrow evidence base advocates the use of periprocedural CK-MB monitoring, recommending that an elevation in CK-MB is a significant predictor of adverse events. Troponins remain a precise and reliable marker of cardiac damage; however, current evidence argues that cTn holds little prognostic relevance until the degree of elevation is almost five times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Thus, the best evidence recommends the use of periprocedural CK-MB routinely during PCI to provide clinical and prognostic information about the degree of myocardial injury and risk of post-procedural morbidity and mortality.

Natural history of side branches jailed by drug-eluting stents

BACKGROUND

 Stent deployment across side branch (SB) ostium is common in daily practice. The present study investigated the natural history of SBs jailed by drug-eluting stents (DES).

METHODS

 The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grades of 271 consecutive SBs jailed by DES in 196 patients was assessed immediately after the procedure and at 9 months of follow-up. Patients receiving any SB intervention were excluded.

RESULTS

Of 271 jailed SBs, occlusion occurred in 6.27% and deterioration of flow occurred in 6.27% immediately after stenting. In patients with these SB changes, periprocedural myocardial infarction was more likely than in those without (10.0% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.017), while there was no increase of cardiac death or life-threatening complications such as stent thrombosis and Q-wave myocardial infarction (Q MI) during follow-up. At 9 months, angiography showed that one-third of the initially obstructed SBs were still occluded. In contrast, flow was maintained in almost all (98.6%) SBs with early TIMI flow grade 3 and there was no delayed occlusion of these branches. Multiple regression analysis showed that lesion complexity (Medina bifurcation class, calcification, and preprocedural TIMI grade 2 flow in the SB) and technical factors (jailing by overlapping stents) were related to SB occlusion or flow deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

 Jailed SBs showing good flow after stenting had a favorable angiographic and clinical outcome after 9 months of follow-up. However, preprocedural lesion complexity and technical factors should be considered to avoid SB occlusion/flow deterioration associated with periprocedural myocardial infarction.

Side branch occlusion after coronary stent implantation in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: clinical impact and angiographic predictors

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and clinical outcome of the occlusion of major (> 1 mm) side branches following coronary stenting in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

Among 276 consecutive patients presenting with STEMI, we found 80 patients (29%) with 101 stent-covered side branches. Clinical data and quantitative angiographic analysis were evaluated. Angiographic follow-up was available in 56 (70%) patients, and clinical follow-up could be completed in all patients.

RESULTS

Acute side branch occlusion after stent implantation (SBO) was observed in 10 (12.5%) patients involving 11 (10.9%) side branches. Predictors for SBO were: (1) reference side branch diameter at baseline < or = 1.4 mm; (2) ostial side branch stenosis > 50%; and (3) minimal side branch diameter at baseline < or = 0.6 mm. During hospitalization, in the SBO group, 2 patients died in cardiogenic shock and 1 underwent bypass surgery; no events were causally related to SBO. During long-term follow-up, 1 patient with SBO developed repeat MI as opposed to 7 patients in the non-SBO group who developed major adverse cardiac events (1 death, 6 repeat revascularizations).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a side branch originating from the target lesion in patients undergoing coronary stenting for acute STEMI is a frequent observation (29%) and is associated with a low incidence of side branch occlusion. Major predictors for SBO are the side branch size and the presence of an ostial side branch stenosis.

Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors during percutaneous coronary interventions: a pharmacological and clinical review

One of the most significant advances of the last decade has been the development of platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors. A large series of randomised, controlled clinical trials of these agents have shown a significant reduction in ischaemic events, not only in acute coronary syndrome patients, but also in patients who undergo elective percutaneous coronary interventions. Even though the use of oral antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapies in addition to percutaneous coronary interventions have had a significant impact in clinical outcomes after acute coronary syndromes, the use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors provide additional protection against recurrent ischaemia and has been identified as the pivotal mediator of platelet aggregation, making it a logical target for the control of platelet response to vascular injury. A series of key trials performed over the last few years with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, have shown a reduction in the risk of short-term death and non-fatal myocardial infarction. The pharmacology and molecular basis of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibition and the use of these agents in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (during acute coronary syndromes and in elective procedures) and their safety issues will be reviewed. A special emphasis has been made on the role of these agents in diabetic patients and their beneficial effect in reducing peri-procedural creatine kinase myocardial band fraction elevation and associated complications.

Procedural efficacy and complications of X-Sizer thrombectomy in de novo and stented lesions

Angiographic thrombus is associated with poorer procedural and clinical outcomes. We report our experience with the X-Sizer thrombectomy device (EndiCOR Medical) from March 2001 to December 2002. Indications for use in 44 patients (33 male; mean age, 60) included myocardial infarction (27), unstable angina (6), periprocedural thrombosis (2), acute (< 24 hr) stent thrombosis (1), and subacute (> 24 hr) stent thrombosis (8). Three cases involved vein grafts. Deployment was successful in 42/44. Difficulty traversing the stent occurred in 5/9 cases of in-stent thrombosis. Median TIMI flow increased from 1 to 2 (P = 0.01) postthrombectomy. Median final TIMI flow was 3. Complications included dissection (1), perforation, device jam on stent (1), disruption of a covered stent (1), distal macro-embolization (4), and transient no-reflow (5). The X-Sizer thrombectomy device improves TIMI flow but does not always prevent distal embolization. Care is needed when treating in-stent thrombosis.

New technique for superior guiding catheter support during advancement of a balloon in coronary angioplasty: the anchor technique

To get superior guiding catheter support, we tried a new method called the anchor technique. By inflating a balloon in a nontarget vessel and holding its shaft with backward force while advancing another balloon, the anchor effect for the guiding catheter could be obtained and it appeared to be helpful for a balloon or a stent to cross the target lesion.

Laser-light scattering, a new method for continuous monitoring of platelet activation in circulating fluid

We evaluated a novel technique of laser-light scattering (LLS) to detect platelet-volume changes continuously, reflecting platelet aggregation in circulating fluid. Carotid arteries from 20 dogs were mounted in a dual perfusion chamber. Balloon angioplasty (BA) was performed and arteries perfused with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). A He-Ne laser beam was passed through cuvettes connected to tubing draining the arteries. From the angle of incidence, the average volume of aggregates was measured by the ratio of scattering light at 1 to 5 degrees' spread on the diode array of a multichannel analyzer. Platelet volume varied linearly with the scattered light ratio at 1 to 5 degrees (y = -24.2 + 27.6 x [y = particle size, microm(3); x = scattered light ratio at 1/5 degrees]). For comparison, we used an electronic particle counter (Coulter counter) to measure platelet volume. P-selectin expression was measured to confirm platelet activation. Comparing 10 uninjured and 10 BA-injured arteries, we found that platelet volume as measured with LLS increased from 21.6 +/- 4.1 to 52.1 +/- 12.5 microm(3) (P < .003); as measured with the Coulter counter, it increased from 29.9 +/- 2.4 to 62.3 +/- 7.0 microm(3) (P < .005). Six BA-injured arteries perfused with PRP and aspirin (0.2 mg/mL) were compared with six arteries treated with BA alone. The aspirin decreased platelet volume as measured with LLS from 56.2 +/- 11.8 to 40.2 +/- 12.7 microm(3) (P < .01); the Coulter counter revealed a decrease from 51.9 +/- 18.5 to 38.8 +/- 14.2 microm(3) (P < .001). Coulter counter and LLS results were correlated: r = 0.74, P < .05. The peak of P-selectin expression coincided with peak platelet volume. These data demonstrate that increases in circulating-platelet size stimulated by endovascular injury can be reliably and continuously monitored with the use of LLS.

Embolization in atherosclerosis

Much has been learned about microembolization in the last two decades. The promising blood markers for brain injury will further enhance our future understanding of microembolic events. New surgical techniques, drugs, and devices have substantially reduced microembolization during carotid angioplasty, CEA, and CABG.

Stenting of bifurcation lesions using the Bestent: a prospective dual-center study

Treatment of bifurcation lesions remains a technical challenge. Among 13 stents previously tested in a bench study, the Bestent seemed of particular interest in this indication as it provided good access to the side branch after stent implantation in the main branch associated with a satisfactory coverage of the lesion after kissing balloon inflation. The use of Bestent implanted in the main branch or both branches for treatment of bifurcation lesions involving a side branch > or = 2.2 mm in diameter was prospectively evaluated in a dual-center prospective study with a prospective 6-month clinical follow-up. All angiographic documents were analyzed by an independent corelab (CORISIS). Between 11 September 1997 and 21 February 1998, 96 patients were consecutively included (mean age, 63.7 +/- 11.4 years; 81.3% male; 58.3% with unstable angina and 6.3% acute myocardial infarction). The lesion involved the left anterior descending-diagonal coronary bifurcation in 55% of cases, left circumflex-marginal 23%, posterior descending-postero-lateral 12%, distal left main 6%, and others 4%. The main branch (proximal reference diameter: 3.43 +/- 0.45 mm) was stented in 98% of cases and the side branch (2.72 +/- 0.38 mm) in 38% (both branches in 34% of cases). T-stenting or provisional T-stenting was used in 88% of cases and final kissing balloon inflation was performed in 78% of cases. Procedural success was obtained in 100% of cases in the main branch and 98% in both branches. Major cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) during hospitalization occurred in 4.2% of cases, non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) in 3.1%, Q-wave MI in 1.0%, repeat PTCA in 2.1%; there were no major access site complication, no emergency coronary artery bypass grafting operation, no death. At 6-month follow-up, total MACCE rate was 14.6% (Q-wave MI, 3.1%; non-Q-wave MI, 3.1%; target vessel revascularization, 9.4%; death, 2.1%). Patients with target vessel revascularization (TVR) had restenosis of both branches in 22.2% of cases, main branch in 22.2%, and side branch in 55.6%. This study shows that using a simple strategy of provisional T-stenting of the side branch in the majority of cases, the Bestent can be used for treating bifurcation lesions with a high rate of success and an acceptable rate of TVR at 6-month follow-up.

Importance of microembolization and inflammation in atherosclerotic heart disease

Considerable evidence now exists that inflammation is a central component of events that initiate and propagate an acute coronary syndrome. This process evokes the potential for embolization, which occurs more often than previously suspected, and imparts poor cardiovascular prognosis. Recent development of techniques to detect inflammation and embolization represents an important advance. In addition, therapies that diminish occurrence of these phenomena such as aspirin, statins, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists have been shown to improve outlook.

Early-invasive or early-conservative management of patients with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction

The optimal therapy for non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndromes is the subject of considerable debate: is early catheterization and revascularization (early-invasive strategy) or continued medical therapy unless symptoms are refractory (early-conservative strategy) best? Although several clinical trials have sought to answer this question, the methodologies they employed have been widely criticized, and no consensus has been reached. The new antiplatelet therapies have proved beneficial for primary medical management and as adjuncts to percutaneous interventions. It is not yet clear, however, whether use of these therapies will preferentially benefit one of the treatment strategies.

Creatine kinase-MB enzyme elevation following successful saphenous vein graft intervention is associated with late mortality

BACKGROUND

Although the risk for development of creatine kinase (CK-MB) elevation after saphenous vein graft (SVG) intervention is high, its prognostic significance remains unknown. This study evaluated the impact of periprocedural CK-MB elevation on late clinical events following successful SVG angioplasty.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 1056 consecutive patients with successful (defined by angiographic success and absence of major complications) intervention of 1693 SVG lesions. These patients were grouped as normal CK-MB (n=556), minor CK-MB rise (CK-MB 1 to 5 times normal, n=339), and major CK-MB rise (CK-MB >5 times normal, n=161). There were no differences in major clinical events at 30-day follow-up among the 3 groups. However, 1-year mortality was 4.8%, 6.5%, and 11. 7%, respectively, P<0.05 (ANOVA). Even within a population without any intraprocedure or in-hospital complications (n=727, 69% of the overall cohort), 1-year mortality remained significantly higher with CK-MB elevation: 2.4%, 5.5%, and 10.7%, respectively, P<0.05 (ANOVA). Multivariate analysis revealed major CK-MB elevation as the strongest independent predictor of late mortality (odds ratio 3.3, with 95% CI 1.7 to 6.2), followed by diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 2. 6, with 95% CI 1.5 to 4.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Major CK-MB elevation occurs after 15% of otherwise successful SVG interventions and is associated with increased late mortality.

Outcomes at 1 year and economic implications of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade in patients undergoing coronary stenting: results from a multicentre randomised trial. EPISTENT Investigators. Evaluation of Platelet IIb/IIIa Inhibitor for Stenting

BACKGROUND

We assessed in a randomised trial the long-term outcomes for potent adjunctive antiplatelet therapy given at the time of coronary stenting.

METHODS

In 63 hospitals in the USA and Canada, 2399 patients were randomly assigned stenting with abciximab, stenting with placebo, or balloon angioplasty with abciximab. Standard adjunctive therapy with aspirin, ticlopidine, and heparin was used. The major outcomes of death and myocardial infarction were assessed at 1-year follow-up by intention to treat. We also investigated the 1-year cost-effectiveness of combined stenting and abciximab therapy.

FINDINGS

At 1-year follow-up, eight (1.0%) of 794 patients in the stent plus abciximab group had died, compared with 19 (2.4%) of 809 in the stent plus placebo group (hazard ratio 0.43 [95% CI 0.19-0.97], p=0.037). The combined endpoint of death or large myocardial infarction occurred in 42 (5.3%) and 89 (11.0%), respectively (0.46 [0.32-0.67], p<0.001). By multivariate modelling, the factors independently associated with improved survival were assignment to stenting with abciximab (p=0.027) and greater preprocedural stenosis (p=0.002); those associated with worse survival were age greater than 70 years (p<0.001), previous heart failure (p=0.001), diabetes treated with insulin (p=0.02), and postprocedural occlusion (p<0.001). Relative to stenting plus placebo and balloon angioplasty plus abciximab, the incremental 1-year costs of stenting plus abciximab were US$581 and $932. The corresponding cost-effectiveness ratios were US$5291 and $6213 per added life-year.

INTERPRETATION

Coronary stenting with abciximab, compared with stenting alone or balloon angioplasty with abciximab, is associated with improved survival and is an economically attractive therapy by conventional standards.