Upper endoscopy in patients with acute myocardial infarction and upper gastrointestinal bleeding: results of a decision analysis

Delaying Cardiac Catheterization in Favor of Endoscopy in Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Is Associated with Worse Outcomes: A Nationwide Analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. We evaluated inpatient outcomes of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) before cardiac catheterization in patients with NSTEMI and NVUGIB.

METHODS

We utilized the National Readmission Database (2016-2019) to identify all index hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of NSTEMI and a secondary diagnosis of NVUGIB that underwent EGD before cardiac catheterization (cases). A matched comparison cohort of similar hospitalizations that undergo EGD after cardiac catheterization were identified (controls) after 1:1 propensity score matching for age, gender, cardiac comorbidities, causes, and severity of bleeding.

RESULTS

A total of 796 cases were matched with 796 controls. There was a higher median length of hospital stay (8 vs. 5 days, P = 0.01) and median hospital charges ($111,218 vs. $99,115, P = 0.002) for cases compared to controls. There was a higher all-cause inpatient mortality in cases compared to controls (5.5% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.26). Furthermore, there was a higher proportion of patients with ICU admission (7% vs. 3%, P < 0.001), septic shock (7.1% vs. 5.8%, P = 0.41), atrial fibrillation (27.1% vs. 19.8%, P < 0.001) and acute kidney injury (42.8% vs. 29.1%, P < 0.001) for cases compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Delaying cardiac catheterization in favor of EGD is associated with increased hospital stay, costs, and cardiac complications. Further studies are warranted to establish our findings.

Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients With Fecal Occult Positive Stool Prior to Cardiac Catheterization in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

Introduction Cardiac catheterization is an essential component of patient care in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) has been used in the inpatient setting to evaluate the risk of bleeding with dual anti-platelet therapy prior to cardiac catheterization although no guidelines exist for this indication and FOBT testing in the inpatient setting is not recommended for evaluation of GI blood loss. We sought to assess the outcomes of patients with fecal occult positive stool prior to cardiac catheterization compared to those that did not undergo FOBT during admission for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods We identified patients between 18 and 90 years old with admission for NSTEMI in the Trinetx Research Network from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. Patients were then divided into those who had an FOBT prior to cardiac catheterization and those that did not have an FOBT. We compared all-cause mortality, bleeding, troponin levels, and length of stay between propensity-matched (PSM) pairs of patients. Results We identified 46,349 that met inclusion criteria, of which 1,728 had an FOBT (3.7%) and 44,621 (96.3%) had no FOBT prior to cardiac catheterization. Patients in the FOBT group were older and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and higher BMI. Two well-matched groups of n=1,728/1,728 were used for comparing outcomes. The FOBT group had similar 30-day mortality (4.45% vs 4.01, P=0.56) as well as similar bleeding events (0.98% vs 0.69%, P=0.35). Troponin levels in the FOBT group were on average lower (0.41 vs 0.95, P=0.04). The FOBT groups also had a similar average length of stay of (14.1 days vs 14.2 days, P=0.42). 233 patients who received FOBT underwent endoscopic evaluation with either upper endoscopy or colonoscopy (13.5%), and there was no significant difference in 30-day mortality (6.86% vs 4.7%, P=0.321). Among patients who underwent endoscopy, 72 had some form of endoscopic intervention (30.9%). There was no difference in 30-day mortality between patients undergoing endoscopy with intervention and without intervention (14.49%/14.49%) P=1.00. Readmission was similar between patients undergoing endoscopy with and without intervention. Conclusions In a large multi-center national database, we observed similar outcomes in patients who were admitted with NSTEMI and had FOBT and those not receiving FOBT in terms of all-cause mortality and bleeding events. In patients with positive FOBT, endoscopy with and without intervention we observed no significant difference in 30-day mortality. We conclude that there is no compelling evidence for FOBT testing in patients with NSTEMI.

The Clinical Dilemma of Esophagogastroduodenoscopy for Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Cardiovascular Disease Patients: A Nationwide-Based Retrospective Study

Performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in recently occurring peri-coronary artery disease (CAD) accident settings is always a dilemma. This study used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to identify patients with CAD and gastrointestinal bleeding who had received EGD or not between 2000 and 2013.The final population included in this study was 15,147 individuals, with 3801 individuals having received EGD (study cohort group) and 11,346 individuals not having received EGD (comparison cohort group). We initially performed a sensitivity test for CAD recurrence-related factors using multivariable Cox regression during the tracking period. A relatively earlier EGD intervention within one week demonstrated a lower risk of CAD recurrence (adjusted HR = 0.712). Although there were no significant differences in the overall tracking period, the adjusted HR of CAD recurrence was still lower in patients in the EGD group. Furthermore, our findings revealed that there were no remarkably short intervals to CAD recurrence in the study group. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve demonstrated that individuals who underwent EGD were not associated with a significantly increased CAD recurrence rate compared with the control (Log-rank test, p = 0.255). CAD recurrence is always an issue in recent episodes of peri-CAD accident settings while receiving EGD. However, there is not a higher risk in comparison with the normal population in our study, and waiting periods may not be required.

Safety of gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with acute coronary syndrome and concomitant gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a major concern in patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) due to the common use of both antiplatelet medications and anticoagulants. Studies evaluating the safety of gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) in ACS patients with GIB are limited by their relatively small size, and the focus has generally been on upper GIB and esophago-gastroduod-enoscopy (EGD) only.

AIM

To evaluate the safety profile and the hospitalization outcomes of undergoing GIE in patients with ACS and concomitant GIB using the national database for hospitalized patients in the United States.

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried to identify patients hospitalized with ACS and GIB during the same admission between 2005 and 2014. The International Classification of Diseases Code, 9^th Revision Clinical Modification was utilized for patient identification. Patients were further classified into two groups based on undergoing endoscopic procedures (EGD, small intestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, or flexible sigmoidoscopy). Both groups were compared regarding demographic information, outcomes, and comorbi-dities. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with mortality and prolonged length of stay. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables, while Student’s t-test was used to compare continuous variables. All analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC, United States).

RESULTS

A total of 35612318 patients with ACS were identified between January 2005 and December 2014. 269483 (0.75%) of the patients diagnosed with ACS developed concomitant GIB during the same admission. At least one endoscopic procedure was performed in 68% of the patients admitted with both ACS and GIB. Patients who underwent GIE during the index hospitalization with ACS and GIB had lower mortality (3.8%) compared to the group not undergoing endoscopy (8.6 %, P < 0.001). A shorter length of stay (LOS) was observed in patients who underwent GIE (mean 6.59 ± 7.81 d) compared to the group not undergoing endoscopy (mean 7.84 ± 9.73 d, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that performing GIE was associated with lower mortality (odds ratio: 0.58, P < 0.001) and shorter LOS (-0.36 factor, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Performing GIE during the index hospitalization of patients with ACS and GIB was correlated with a better mortality rate and a shorter LOS. Approximately two-thirds of patients with both ACS and GIB undergo GIE during the same hospitalization.

Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients Admitted With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) complicating ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) poses significant management challenges and may be associated with poor outcomes. We sought to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of GIB in STEMI patients using a nationwide database. We identified adults admitted with STEMI between in the National Inpatient Sample (2003 to 2016), and compared the morbidity, mortality, resource utilization, and cost in patients with and without GIB. We assessed rates of endoscopy referral and its associated with mortality. Among 1,450,696 weighted STEMI hospitalizations, 32,624 (2.2%) were complicated with GIB. Patients with GIB were older, and had distinctive characteristics compared to those without GIB. Older age, cardiogenic shock; history of peptic ulcer disease, cirrhosis, anemia, or alcohol use disorder were the strongest predictors of GIB during STEMI hospitalizations. In-hospital mortality was higher in the GIB group (28.2% vs 11.1%, p <0.001). The excess mortality associated with GIB persisted after propensity-score matching, and in sensitivity analyses excluding patients who underwent coronary intervention >24-hours after admission, and those transferred to another hospital. Post-STEMI GIB was associated with more strokes and acute kidney injury, longer hospitalizations, and higher cost. In a logistic regression analysis, GIB was independently associated with mortality (odds ratios [OR] 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85 to 1.97, p <0.001). There was a correlation between undergoing endoscopy and lower in-hospital mortality (unadjusted OR 0.27; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.29; adjusted-OR 0.30; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.33; p <0.001). In conclusion, GIB complicating STEMI is uncommon but is associated with excess morbidity, mortality, resource utilization and cost. Referral to endoscopy in this cohort may be associated with reduced in-hospital mortality.

Acute Myocardial Infarction with Simultaneous Gastric Perforation

Acute myocardial infarction and perforated peptic ulcer disease with associated peritonitis are both medical emergencies requiring urgent intervention. This patient presented with both emergencies simultaneously. Current literature is devoid of guidance as to which should be addressed initially. A multidisciplinary discussion was conducted leading to a unanimous decision for initiating percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). After successful PCI, the patient was immediately taken to the operating room for laparoscopic repair of the perforated viscous. Subsequent to the operative repair, the patient became hemodynamically unstable and a repeat electrocardiogram demonstrated complete right coronary occlusion. Shock ensued and the patient died in the intensive care unit despite this plan of care. It is our opinion that this case reveals the need for expert panels to devise decision algorithms for concomitant presentations of life-threatening diseases.

Risk factors of in-hospital mortality among patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and acute myocardial infarction

Background/Aims

Patients with simultaneous upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have higher mortality than patients with either GIB or AMI. We aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of in-hospital mortality in patients with UGIB and AMI.

Patients and Methods

A total of 243 patients with UGIB and AMI were enrolled during 2012-2017. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed for clinical characteristics and potential risk factors of in-hospital mortality.

Results

Among the 243 patients, 60 in-hospital deaths were observed (in-hospital mortality rate of 24.7%). Patients who died were older than the survivors (78.7 ± 6.6 vs. 72.6 ± 10.5 years, P < 0.001). Compared with survivors, patients who died showed increased peak white blood cell (WBC) count (9.74 ± 4.72 vs. 7.60 ± 2.91 × 109/L, P= 0.002), serum creatinine levels [134 (106, 190) vs. 97 (79, 125) mmol/L, P= 0.014], peak blood urine nitrogen levels (16.31 ± 8.48 mmol/L vs. 9.86 ± 6.33 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and peak brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) amounts [13,250 (6071, 30,000) vs. 3598 (728, 12,842) pg/mL, P < 0.001]. Meanwhile, patients who died also displayed lower minimum hemoglobin levels (78.3 ± 21.1 vs. 86.3 ± 22.3 g/L, P= 0.018) and minimum platelet counts (184.3 ± 79.1 vs. 214.6 ± 80.1 × 109/L, P= 0.013). In multivariable logistic analysis, age [OR (95% CI) =1.118 (1.053-1.186), P < 0.001], peak WBC count [OR (95% CI) =1.252 (1.113-1.407), P < 0.001], minimum platelet count [OR (95% CI) = 0.994 (0.989-1.000), P= 0.032], and peak BNP levels [OR (95% CI) =3.880 (1.761-8.550), P= 0.001] were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Patients with UGIB and AMI had a high in-hospital mortality, which was independently associated with age, peak WBC count, minimum platelet count, and peak BNP levels.

Prognostic Significance of Elevated Cardiac Troponin in Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding

BACKGROUND

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (AGIB) is responsible for over 140,000 hospitalizations annually. Cardiovascular-related deaths account for 30% of the patients surviving the initial episode of AGIB. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of elevated troponin on short-term mortality and length of stay (LOS) of these patients.

METHODS

From July 2013 to July 2016, 290 patients admitted with a diagnosis of AGIB and who had cardiac troponin I measured within 24 h of presentation were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical variables including 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission and LOS were then compared between the groups of troponin elevation and no troponin elevation.

RESULTS

The overall 30-day mortality among patients with AGIB was 6.5% (19/290). Cardiac troponin was elevated in 10% of patients (29/290). Among patients with normal troponin, 5% (13/261) died within 30 days. In patients with troponin elevation, 21% died in the same period (6/29, P = 0.001). The LOS was also higher in patients with troponin elevation (6 vs. 5 days, P = 0.02). There was no difference in 30-day readmission among the two groups. Past history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, aspirin use and elevated creatinine was more common in patients with troponin elevation. On multivariate analysis, troponin elevation on presentation is associated with increased mortality (odds: 5.50, CI: 1.73 - 17.47, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

In patients admitted to the inpatient service with AGIB, elevated troponin I on presentation is associated with high short-term mortality and longer hospital stay.

Blood thinners and gastrointestinal endoscopy

As the number of diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopies is increasing, and there is an increase in number of patients taking blood thinners, we are seeing more and more patients on blood thinners prior to endoscopic procedures. Gastrointestinal bleeding or thromboembolism can occur in this category of patients in the periendoscopic period. To better manage these patients, endoscopists should have a clear concept about the various blood thinners in the market. Patients’ risk of thromboembolism off anticoagulation, and the risk of bleeding from endoscopic procedures should be assessed prior to endoscopy. The endoscopic procedure should be done when it is safe to do it.

Overview of technical solutions and assessment of clinical usefulness of capsule endoscopy

The paper presents an overview of endoscopic capsules with particular emphasis on technical aspects. It indicates common problems in capsule endoscopy such as: (1) limited wireless communication (2) the use of capsule endoscopy in the case of partial patency of the gastrointestinal tract, (3) limited imaging area, (4) external capsule control limitations. It also presents the prospects of capsule endoscopy, the most recent technical solutions for biopsy and the mobility of the capsule in the gastrointestinal tract. The paper shows the possibilities of increasing clinical usefulness of capsule endoscopy resulting from technological limitations. Attention has also been paid to the current role of capsule endoscopy in screening tests and the limitations of its effectiveness. The paper includes the author's recommendations concerning the direction of further research and the possibility of enhancing the scope of capsule endoscopy.

Overview of technical solutions and assessment of clinical usefulness of capsule endoscopy

The paper presents an overview of endoscopic capsules with particular emphasis on technical aspects. It indicates common problems in capsule endoscopy such as: (1) limited wireless communication (2) the use of capsule endoscopy in the case of partial patency of the gastrointestinal tract, (3) limited imaging area, (4) external capsule control limitations. It also presents the prospects of capsule endoscopy, the most recent technical solutions for biopsy and the mobility of the capsule in the gastrointestinal tract. The paper shows the possibilities of increasing clinical usefulness of capsule endoscopy resulting from technological limitations. Attention has also been paid to the current role of capsule endoscopy in screening tests and the limitations of its effectiveness. The paper includes the author's recommendations concerning the direction of further research and the possibility of enhancing the scope of capsule endoscopy.

Endoscopy after acute myocardial infarction: an evaluation of safety

OBJECTIVES

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (MI) has substantial morbidity and mortality. Several studies have been performed on the safety of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) after MI; however, these studies vary in definitions and results. We evaluated the safety and effect of EGD in patients with acute MI in a tertiary center.

METHODS

A retrospective, single tertiary-care center study was undertaken of 87 patients who underwent EGD within 30 days of an acute MI between January 2001 and March 2012. Type of MI (ST segment elevation MI [STEMI] and non-ST segment elevation MI [NSTEMI]), peak troponin I, time from MI to EGD, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score at EGD, cardiac catheterization before EGD, and medical complications within 24 hours of EGD were noted. Medical complications were defined as major complications (death, life-threatening arrhythmias) and minor complications (chest pain, abnormal vital signs, or minor arrhythmias).

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients underwent EGD within 30 days of having an MI. No major complications were observed. Minor complications occurred in 27 of 87 patients (31.0%), including mild hypotension, mild bradycardia, or increased chest pain. Patients with STEMI demonstrated statistically significant quicker endoscopy (P = 0.01) and were more likely to undergo cardiac catheterization in advance of EGD (P < 0.01) than those with NSTEMI. No statistically significant differences were noted for peak troponin I (P = 0.21), APACHE II score at EGD (P = 0.55), or minor complications (P = 0.08) among patients with STEMI versus NSTEMI. Cardiac catheterization before EGD did not seem to affect results. Patients with APACHE II scores >16 experienced more minor complications (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

EGD appears relatively safe for the diagnosis and management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with acute MI.

A pilot study of single-use endoscopy in screening acute gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM: To investigate the feasibility of a single-use endoscopy as an alternative procedure to nasogastric lavage in patients with acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

METHODS: Patients who presented with hematemesis, melena or hematochezia were enrolled in this study. EG scan™ and conventional esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were subsequently performed. Active bleeding was defined as blood in the stomach, and inactive bleeding was defined as coffee ground clots and clear fluid in the stomach. The findings were recorded and compared.

RESULTS: Between January and March, 2011, 13 patients that presented with hematemesis (n = 4), melena (n = 6), or bleeding from a previous nasogastric feeding tube (n = 3), were enrolled in this study. In 12 patients with upper GI bleeding, the EG scan device revealed that 7 patients had active bleeding and 5 patients had inactive bleeding, whereas conventional EGD revealed that 8 patients had active bleeding and 4 patients had inactive bleeding. The sensitivity and specificity of the EG scan device was 87.5% and 100% for active bleeding, with conventional EGD serving as a reference. No complication were reported during the EG scan procedures.

CONCLUSION: The EG scan is a feasible device for screening acute upper GI bleeding. It may replace nasogastric lavage for the evaluation of acute upper GI bleeding.

Safety of esophagogastroduodenoscopy within 30 days of myocardial infarction: a retrospective cohort study from a Canadian tertiary centre

BACKGROUND

Patients who experience myocardial infarction (MI) are at risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding complications. Endoscopic evaluation may lead to cardiopulmonary complications. Guidelines and studies regarding the safety of endoscopy in this population are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety of endoscopy in a retrospective cohort of post-MI patients at a Canadian tertiary centre.

METHODS

Using hospital diagnostic⁄procedure codes, the charts of patients meeting the inclusion criteria of having ST elevation MI or non-ST elevation MI, and GI bleeding detected at endoscopy were reviewed. The information retrieved included demographics, medical history, medications, endoscopy details and cardiopulmonary⁄GI events.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients experienced an MI and underwent endoscopy within 30 days. However, only 44 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 75 years, and 55% were female. The mean hemoglobin level was 86 g⁄L, and 38 of 44 patients required a transfusion. Comorbidities included hypertension (82%), diabetes (46%), heart failure (55%), stroke (21%), lung disease (27%), previous MI (46%), cardiac bypass surgery (30%), history of GI bleed (25%), history of ulcer (18%) and ejection fraction <50% (48%). The median number of days to endoscopy after MI was three. Complications included seven patients with acute coronary syndrome, one with arrhythmia, one with respiratory failure, one with aspiration pneumonia and two with perforation. Age, hemoglobin level or timing of endoscopy did not significantly predict a complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with GI bleeding after MI often have comorbidities and are on antiplatelet agents. Endoscopy is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of bleeding complications, but must be weighed against the potential risk of other complications, which in the present study occurred in more than 25% of procedures.

[Digestive system endoscopy in the elderly and in patients with severe comorbidities]

Besides the technical equipment, the endoscopic team's theoretical and practical skills, the success of endoscopic intervention is influenced by the patient's general condition. Advanced age, severe co-morbidities may increase the risk, especially in case of operative endoscopy. The decision is more complicated when alarm symptoms urge the examination. The endoscopic examination of digestive system, biliary track and pancreas in advanced age can safely be performed as alternatives of surgical intervention. It is important to know the exact stage of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, besides, in case of stroke the patient's cooperation is very important. In everyday practice the most common problems are the endoscopic examination of the patient in oral anticoagulant and/or thrombocyte aggregation inhibition therapy and the question of suspending, modifying or restarting the therapy. Examining the patients with implanted electronic device as well as antibiotic prophylaxis in expanding range of indications are special issues. The gastroenterologist makes the decision based on the knowledge of the endoscopic intervention, the patient's risk classification, the indications, the contradictions and the alternative diagnostic possibilities. This review attempts to give an overview with some practical aspects.

[A case of acute myocardial infarction occurred immediately after endoscopic submucosal dissection]

Endoscopic methods such as endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have been increasingly used for the treatment of gastric adenoma and early gastric cancer. Especially, ESD is very useful since it allows en bloc resection of large lesions. Bleeding and perforation are well known as common complications after ESD. However, there is no report of acute myocardial infarction associated with ESD. We report a case of acute myocardial infarction which was detected immediately after ESD.