Cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction in patients without heart failure on admission: incidence, risk factors, and outcome. SPRINT Study Group

Does Timing of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting after ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Impact Early- and Long-Term Outcomes?

BACKGROUND

 The optimal timing of surgical revascularization after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is controversial, with some suggesting higher mortality rates in patients undergoing early surgery. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of the timing of surgical revascularization on 30-day mortality and long-term outcomes in these patients.

METHODS

 Retrospective single-center analysis of patients with STEMI undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between January 2008 and December 2019 at our institution. The cohort was split into three groups based on time from symptom onset until surgical revascularization (Group 1: <12 hours, Group 2: 12-72 hours, Group 3: >72 hours). Statistical analyses were performed with and without patients in cardiogenic shock. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 10-year survival.

RESULTS

 During the study period, 437 consecutive patients underwent surgical revascularization in the setting of STEMI. The mean age was 67.0 years, 96 (22.0%) patients were female, and 281 (64.3%) patients underwent off-pump CABG. The overall 30-day mortality including patients with cardiogenic shock was 12.8%. The 30-day mortality was 16.1, 13.9, and 9.3% in Groups 1, 2, and 3 (p = 0.31), whereas 10-year survival was 48.5, 57.3, and 54.9% (log-rank: p = 0.40). After exclusion of patients in cardiogenic shock, there was no difference between the three groups in 30-day and 10-year mortality. Timing of surgery had no influence on early- and long-term survival.

CONCLUSION

 In patients with STEMI, early surgical revascularization achieved similar early- and long-term survival rates compared with a delayed surgical revascularization strategy. Hence, when indicated, an early CABG strategy has no disadvantages in comparison to a delayed strategy.

Cardiogenic shock etiology and exit strategy impact survival in patients with Impella 5.5

BACKGROUND

Despite historical differences in cardiogenic shock (CS) outcomes by etiology, outcomes by CS etiology have yet to be described in patients supported by temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with Impella 5.5.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to identify differences in survival and post-support destination for these patients in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) CS at a high-volume, tertiary, transplant center.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who received Impella 5.5 at our center from November 2020 to June 2022 was conducted.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients underwent Impella 5.5 implantation for CS; 23 (34%) for AMI and 44 (66%) for ADHF. AMI patients presented with higher SCAI stage, pre-implant lactate, and rate of prior MCS devices, and fewer days from admission to implantation. Survival was lower for AMI patients at 30 days, 90 days, and discharge. No difference in time to all-cause mortality was found when excluding patients receiving transplant. There was no significant difference in complication rates between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

ADHF-CS patients with Impella 5.5 support have a significantly higher rate of survival than patients with AMI-CS. ADHF patients were successfully bridged to heart transplant more often than AMI patients, contributing to increased survival.

Utilization of TandemHeart in cardiogenic shock: Insights from the THEME registry

BACKGROUND

TandemHeart has been demonstrated to improve hemodynamic and metabolic complications in cardiogenic shock (CS). Contemporary outcomes have not been reported.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcomes of the TandemHeart (LivaNova) in contemporary real-world use.

METHODS

We analyzed baseline characteristics, hemodynamic changes, and outcomes of all patients treated with TandemHeart who were enrolled in the THEME registry, a multicenter, prospective, observational study.

RESULTS

Between May 2015 and June 2019, 50 patients underwent implantation of the TandemHeart device. 22% of patients had TandemHeart implanted within 12 h, 32% within 24 h, and 52% within 48 h of CS diagnosis. Cardiac index (CI) was significantly improved 24 h after implantation (median change 1.0, interquartile range (IQR) (0.5-1.4 L/min/m² ). In survivors, there was a significant improvement in CI (1.0, IQR (0.5-2.25 L/min/m² ) and lactate clearance -2.3 (-5.0 to -0.7 mmol/L). The 30-day and 180-day survival were 74% (95% confidence interval: 60%-85%) and 66% (95% confidence interval: 51%-79%), respectively. Survival was similarly high in those in whom TandemHeart has been used as a bridge to surgery (85% 180-day survival).

CONCLUSION

In a contemporary cohort of patients presenting in CS, the use of TandemHeart is associated with a 74% 30-day survival and a 66% 180-day survival.

Outcomes among ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients with cardiogenic shock and COVID-19: A nationwide analysis

Background

There is paucity of data regarding the characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) with concomitant Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.

Methods

Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database for the year 2020, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the outcomes of patients who sustained STEMI-associated cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS) with concomitant COVID-19 infection looking at its impact on in-hospital mortality and secondarily at the in-hospital procedure and intervention utilization rates as well as hospital length of stay.

Results

We identified a total of 22,775 patients with STEMI-CS, of which 1.71 % (n = 390/22,775) had COVID-19 infection. Using a stepwise survey multivariable logistic regression model that adjusted for patient and hospital level confounders, concomitant COVID-19 infection among STEMI-CS patients was found to be an independent predictor of overall in-hospital mortality compared to those without COVID-19 (adjusted OR 2.10; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.30-3.40). STEMI-CS patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection had similar in-hospital utilization rates for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), percutaneous and durable left ventricular device, intra-arterial aortic balloon pump (IABP), renal replacement therapy (RRT), mechanical ventilation, as well as similar hospital lengths of stay.

Conclusion

Concomitant COVID-19 infection was associated with higher in-hospital mortality rates among patients with cardiogenic shock related to STEMI but had similar in-hospital procedure and intervention utilization rates as well as hospital length of stay.

Incidence and outcomes of cardiogenic shock among women with spontaneous coronary artery dissection

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data on cardiogenic shock (CS) incidence and outcomes among patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).

METHODS

Women admitted to the hospital for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with and without SCAD were identified from the United States National Readmission Database from October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018. We calculated the incidence of CS among women with AMI with and without SCAD and odds for developing CS after adjusting for baseline characteristics. In addition, we report the utilization of percutaneous coronary intervention, mechanical circulatory support, severe disability surrogates, and 30-day readmission rates.

RESULTS

A total of 664,292 patients admitted for AMI were eligible for analysis, including 6643 patients with SCAD and 657,649 without SCAD. Patients with SCAD were younger (57 years [interquartile range, IQR 48-68] vs. 71 years [IQR 60-81], p < 0.01) and had fewer comorbidities yet had a higher incidence of CS as compared to patients without SCAD (9% vs. 5%, p < 0.01) and remained at elevated risk after adjusting for baseline comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio 1.5 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.2-1.7]). Among patients who developed CS, those with SCAD had lower in-hospital mortality than non-SCAD (31% vs. 39%, p < 0.01), and were more likely to receive mechanical circulatory support.

CONCLUSIONS

In a nationally representative sample of women admitted for AMI, we found that patients with SCAD had a higher risk of developing CS and required more frequent use of mechanical circulatory support but were more likely to survive to discharge than women suffering AMI from causes other than SCAD.

Comparative Analysis of Patient Characteristics in Cardiogenic Shock Studies: Differences Between Trials and Registries

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the differences in cardiogenic shock patient characteristics in trial patients and real-life patients.

BACKGROUND

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a leading cause of mortality in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the enrollment of patients into clinical trials is challenging and may not be representative of real-world patients.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of studies in patients presenting with AMI-related CS and compared patient characteristics of those enrolled into randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with those in registries.

RESULTS

We included 14 RCTs (n = 2,154) and 12 registries (n = 133,617). RCTs included more men (73% vs 67.7%, P < 0.001) compared with registries. Patients enrolled in RCTs had fewer comorbidities, including less hypertension (61.6% vs 65.9%, P < 0.001), dyslipidemia (36.4% vs 53.6%, P < 0.001), a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (7.1% vs 10.7%, P < 0.001), and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (5.4% vs 7.5%, P < 0.001). Patients enrolled in RCTs also had lower lactate levels (4.7 ± 2.3 mmol/L vs 5.9 ± 1.9 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and higher mean arterial pressure (73.0 ± 8.8 mm Hg vs 62.5 ± 12.2 mm Hg, P < 0.001). Percutaneous coronary intervention (97.5% vs 58.4%, P < 0.001) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (11.6% vs 3.4%, P < 0.001) were used more often in RCTs. The in-hospital mortality (23.9% vs 38.4%, P < 0.001) and 30-day mortality (39.9% vs 45.9%, P < 0.001) were lower in RCT patients.

CONCLUSIONS

RCTs in AMI-related CS tend to enroll fewer women and lower-risk patients compared with registries. Patients enrolled in RCTs are more likely to receive aggressive treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and have lower in-hospital and 30-day mortality.

Propensity score-based analysis of 30-day survival in cardiogenic shock patients supported with different microaxial left ventricular assist devices

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

Microaxial left ventricular assist devices are used increasingly for treating cardiogenic shock. We compared the short-term outcome of patients supported with different microaxial devices for cardiogenic shock. A retrospective propensity score-adjusted analysis was performed in cardiogenic shock patients treated with either the Impella CP (n = 64) or the Impella 5.0/5.5 (n = 62) at two tertiary cardiac care centers between 1/14 and 12/19.

RESULTS

Patients in the Impella CP group were significantly older (69.6 ± 10.7 vs. 58.7 ± 11.9 years, p = .001), more likely in INTERMACS profile 1 (76.6% vs. 50%, p = .003) and post-C-reactive protein (CPR) (36% vs. 13%, p = .006). The median support time was 2.0 days [0.0, 5.3] in the CP group vs. 8.5 days [4.3, 15.8] in the 5.0/5.5 group (p < .001). The unadjusted 30-day survival was significantly higher in the Impella 5.0/5.5 group (58% vs. 36%, p = .021, odds ratio [OR] for 30-day survival on Impella 5.0/5.5 was 3.68 [95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.46-9.90]], p = .0072). After adjustment, the 30-day survival was similar for both devices (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: [0.34-4.18], p = .744). Lactate levels above 8 mmol/L and preoperative CPR were associated with a significant mortality increase in both cohorts (OR: 10.7, 95% CI: [3.45-47.34], p < .001; OR: 13.2, 95% CI: [4.28-57.89], p < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Both Impella devices offer a similar effect with regard to survival in cardiogenic shock patients. Preoperative CPR or lactate levels exceeding 8 mmol/L immediately before implantation have a poor prognosis on Impella CP and Impella 5.0/5.5.

Stress hyperglycemia, cardiac glucotoxicity, and critically ill patient outcomes current clinical and pathophysiological evidence

Stress hyperglycemia is a transient increase in blood glucose during acute physiological stress in the absence of glucose homeostasis dysfunction. Its's presence has been described in critically ill patients who are subject to many physiological insults. In this regard, hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance are also frequent in patients who are admitted to the intensive care unit for heart failure and cardiogenic shock. The hyperglycemia observed at the beginning of these cardiac disorders appears to be related to a variety of stress mechanisms. The release of major stress and steroid hormones, catecholamine overload, and glucagon all participate in generating a state of insulin resistance with increased hepatic glucose output and glycogen breakdown. In fact, the observed pathophysiological response, which appears to regulate a stress situation, is harmful because it induces mitochondrial impairment, oxidative stress-related injury to cells, endothelial damage, and dysfunction of several cellular channels. Paradigms are now being challenged by growing evidence of a phenomenon called glucotoxicity, providing an explanation for the benefits of lowering glucose levels with insulin therapy in these patients. In the present review, the authors present the data published on cardiac glucotoxicity and discuss the benefits of lowering plasma glucose to improve heart function and to positively affect the course of critical illness.

Prognostic value of fasting glucose on the risk of heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction in non-diabetic patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Recent studies have shown that acute blood glucose elevation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) suggests a poor prognosis. To investigate the effect of fasting blood glucose (FBG) on the risk of heart failure (HF) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in non-diabetic patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute STEMI, we retrospectively recruited consecutive non-diabetic patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI in our hospital from February 2003 to March 2015. The patients were divided into two groups according to the FBG level. A total of 623 patients were recruited with an age of 61.3 ± 12.9 years, of whom 514 (82.5%) were male. The HF risk (odds ratio 3.401, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.144-5.395, P < 0.001) was significantly increased in patients with elevated FBG than those with normal FBG. Elevated FBG was also independently related to LVSD (β 1.513, 95%CI 1.282-1.785, P < 0.001) in a multiple logistics regression analysis. In conclusion, elevated FBG was independently associated with 30-day HF and LVSD risk in non-diabetic patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI.

Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) complicating myocardial infarction (MI) is common and may be present at admission or develop during the hospitalization. Among patients with MI, there is a strong relationship between degree of HF and mortality. The optimal management of the patient with HF complicating MI varies according to time since the onset of infarction. Medical therapy for HF after MI includes early (within 24 h) initiation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and early (within 7 days) use of aldosterone antagonists. Alternatively, in patients with MI and ongoing HF, early use (<24 h) of beta-blockers is associated with an increased risk of cardiogenic shock and death. Long-term beta-blocker use after MI is associated with a reduced risk of reinfarction and death. Thus, it is critical to frequently re-evaluate beta-blocker eligibility among patients after MI with HF. Cardiogenic shock is an extreme presentation of HF after MI and is a leading cause of death in the MI setting. The only therapy proven to reduce mortality for patients with cardiogenic shock is early revascularization. Several studies are examining new approaches to mitigate the occurrence and adverse impact of post-MI HF. These studies are testing drugs for HF and diabetes and are evaluating mechanical support devices to bridge patients to recovery or transplantation.

Clinical characteristics and outcome in patients with a delayed presentation after ST-elevation myocardial infarction and complicated by cardiogenic shock

OBJECTIVE

Delayed presentation after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS-STEMI) is commonly encountered in developing countries and is a challenging scenario because of a delay in revascularization resulting in infarction of a large amount of the myocardium. We aimed to assess the clinical characteristics, angiographic profile, and predictors of outcome in patients with a delayed presentation after CS-STEMI.

METHODS

A total of 147 patients with CS-STEMI with time to appropriate medical care ≥12 h after symptom onset were prospectively recruited at a tertiary referral center.

RESULTS

The median time to appropriate care was 24 h (interquartile range 18-48 h). The mean age was 58.7 ± 11.1 years. Left ventricular pump failure was the leading cause of shock (67.3%), whereas mechanical complications accounted for 14.9% and right ventricular infarction for 13.6% of cases. The overall in-hospital mortality was 42.9%. Acute kidney injury [Odds ratio (OR) 8.04; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 3.08-20.92], ventricular tachycardia (OR 7.04; CI 2.09-23.63), mechanical complications (OR 6.46; CI 1.80-23.13), and anterior infarction (OR 3.18; CI 1.01-9.97) were independently associated with an increased risk of mortality. Coronary angiogram (56.5%) revealed single-vessel disease (45.8%) as the most common finding. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 53 patients (36%), at a median of 36 h (interquartile range 30-72) after symptom onset.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a delayed presentation after CS-STEMI were younger and more likely to have single-vessel disease. We found a high in-hospital mortality of 42.9%. Appropriate randomized studies are required to evaluate the optimal treatment strategies in these patients.

Clinical outcomes of second-generation limus-eluting stents compared to paclitaxel-eluting stents for acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock

Objective

Whether the cardiovascular (CV) outcomes of second-generation limus-eluting stents (LESs) differ from those of paclitaxel-eluting stents (PESs) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) is still unclear.

Methods

We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to analyse data of 516 patients with AMI and CS diagnosed from January 2007 to December 2011. We used propensity score matching to adjust for the imbalance in covariate baseline values between these two groups. We evaluated clinical outcomes by comparing 197 subjects who used second-generation LESs to 319 matched subjects who used PESs.

Results

The risk of the primary composite outcomes (i.e., myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation or CV death) was significantly lower in the second-generation LES group than in the PES group [37.3% vs. 51.8%; hazard ratio (HR), 0.73; 95% CI: 0.56–0.95] at the 12-month follow-up. The patients who received second-generation LESs had a lower risk of coronary revascularisation (HR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41–0.93) than those who used PESs. However, the risks of myocardial infarction (HR 0.56; 95% CI: 0.26–1.24), ischemic stroke (HR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.23–2.35), or CV death (HR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.63–1.28) were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Among patients with CS-complicating AMI, second-generation LES implantation significantly reduced the risk of coronary revascularisation and composite CV events compared to PES implantation at the 12-month follow-up.

Predictors of Outcomes in Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock

Myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (MI-CS) is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Predictors of outcomes in MI-CS include clinical, laboratory, radiologic variables, and management strategies. This article reviews the existing literature on short- and long-term predictors and risk stratification in MI complicated by CS.

Impact of Admission Blood Glucose on Coronary Collateral Flow in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

In patients with acute myocardial infarction, glucose metabolism is altered and acute hyperglycemia on admission is common regardless of diabetes status. The development of coronary collateral is heterogeneous among individuals with coronary artery disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether glucose value on admission is associated with collateral flow in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. We retrospectively evaluated 190 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of first STEMI within 12 hours of onset of chest pain. Coronary collateral development was graded according to Rentrop classification. Rentrop 0-1 was graded as poor collateral development, and Rentrop 2-3 was graded as good collateral development. Admission glucose was measured and compared between two groups. Mean admission glucose level was 173.0 ± 80.1 mg/dl in study population. Forty-five (23.7%) patients had good collateral development, and 145 (76.3%) patients had poor collateral development. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics between two groups. Three-vessel disease was more common in patients with good collateral development (p=0.026). Mean admission glucose level was higher in patients with poor collateral than good collateral (180.6 ± 84.9 mg/dl versus 148.7 ± 56.6 mg/dl, resp., p=0.008). In univariate analysis, higher admission glucose was associated with poor collateral development, but multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a borderline result (odds ratio 0.994, 95% CI 0.989-1.000, p=0.049). Our results suggest that elevated glucose on admission may have a role in the attenuation of coronary collateral blood flow in acute myocardial infarction. Further studies are needed to validate our results.

Temporal trends in clinical characteristics and management according to sex in patients with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction: The FAST-MI programme

BACKGROUND

Cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs more frequently in women, but little is known about its potential specificities according to sex.

AIMS

To analyse the incidence, management and 1-year mortality of CS according to sex using the FAST-MI programme.

METHODS

The FAST-MI programme consists of four nationwide French surveys carried out 5 years apart from 1995 to 2010, including consecutive patients with AMI over a 1-month period, and with a 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Among the 10,610 patients included in the surveys, the incidence of CS was 4.8% in men and 8.2% in women (P<0.001). Absolute incidence of CS decreased from 1995 to 2010 in both sexes. Mean age in patients with CS tended to decrease in men (from 72±12 to 69±13 years) and to increase in women (from 78±10 to 80±9 years). One-year mortality decreased significantly in men (from 70% in 1995 to 48% in 2010) and in women (from 81% to 54%). Using Cox multivariable analysis, female sex was not an independent correlate of 1-year mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78-1.22]. Early use of percutaneous coronary intervention was, however, an independent predictor of 1-year survival in women (HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.37-0.81), but showed only a non-significant trend in men (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.61-1.19).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of CS-AMI has decreased in both men and women, but remains higher in women. One-year mortality has significantly decreased for both men and women, and the role of early percutaneous coronary intervention as a potential mediator of decreased mortality seems greater in women than in men.

Ten-Year (2001-2011) Trends in the Incidence Rates and Short-Term Outcomes of Early Versus Late Onset Cardiogenic Shock After Hospitalization for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a serious complication of acute myocardial infarction, and the time of onset of CS has a potential role in influencing its prognosis. Limited contemporary data exist on this complication, however, especially from a population‐based perspective. Our study objectives were to describe decade‐long trends in the incidence, in‐hospital mortality, and factors associated with the development of CS in 3 temporal contexts: (1) before hospital arrival for acute myocardial infarction (prehospital CS); (2) within 24 hours of hospitalization (early CS); and (3) ≥24 hours after hospitalization (late CS).

Methods and Results

The study population consisted of 5782 patients with an acute myocardial infarction who were admitted to all 11 hospitals in central Massachusetts on a biennial basis between 2001 and 2011. The overall proportion of patients who developed CS was 5.2%. The proportion of patients with prehospital CS (1.6%) and late CS (1.5%) remained stable over time, whereas the proportion of patients with early CS declined from 2.2% in 2001–2003 to 1.2% in 2009–2011. In‐hospital mortality for prehospital CS increased from 38.9% in 2001–2003 to 53.6% in 2009–2011, whereas in‐hospital mortality for early and late CS decreased over time (35.9% and 64.7% in 2001–2003 to 15.8% and 39.1% in 2009–2011, respectively).

Conclusions

Development of prehospital and in‐hospital CS was associated with poor short‐term survival and the in‐hospital death rates among those with prehospital CS increased over time. Interventions focused on preventing or treating prehospital and late CS are needed to improve in‐hospital survival after acute myocardial infarction.

Contemporary Trends and Age-Specific Sex Differences in Management and Outcome for Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Age- and sex-specific differences exist in the treatment and outcome of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We sought to describe age- and sex-matched contemporary trends of in-hospital management and outcome of patients with STEMI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed data from 5 Italian nationwide prospective registries, conducted between 2001 and 2014, including consecutive patients with STEMI. All the analyses were age- and sex-matched, considering 4 age classes: <55, 55 to 64, 65 to 74, and ≥75 years. A total of 13 235 patients were classified as having STEMI (72.1% men and 27.9% women). A progressive shift from thrombolysis to primary percutaneous coronary intervention occurred over time, with a concomitant increase in overall reperfusion rates (P for trend <0.0001), which was consistent across sex and age classes. The crude rates of in-hospital death were 3.2% in men and 8.4% in women (P<0.0001), with a significant increase over age classes for both sexes and a significant decrease over time for both sexes (all P for trend <0.01). On multivariable analysis, age (odds ratio 1.09, 95% CI 1.07-1.10, P<0.0001) and female sex (odds ratio 1.44, 95% CI 1.07-1.93, P=0.009) were found to be significantly associated with in-hospital mortality after adjustment for other risk factors, but no significant interaction between these 2 variables was observed (P for interaction=0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a nationwide shift from thrombolytic therapy to primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI affecting both sexes and all ages, women continue to experience higher in-hospital mortality than men, irrespective of age.

Temporal Trends and Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions for Cardiogenic Shock in the Setting of Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Report From the CathPCI Registry

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal trends in demographics, clinical characteristics, management strategies, and in-hospital outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS-AMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the Cath-PCI Registry (2005 to 2013).

BACKGROUND

The authors examined contemporary use and outcomes of PCI in patients with CS-AMI.

METHODS

The authors used the Cath-PCI Registry to evaluate 56,497 patients (January 2005 to December 2013) undergoing PCI for CS-AMI. Temporal trends in clinical variables and outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with cases performed from 2005 to 2006, CS-AMI patients receiving PCI from 2011 to 2013 were more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, previous PCI, dialysis, but less likely to have chronic lung disease, peripheral vascular disease, or heart failure within 2 weeks (p < 0.01). Between 2005 and 2006 to 2011 and 2013, intra-aortic balloon pump use decreased (49.5% to 44.9%; p < 0.01), drug-eluting stent use declined (65% to 46%; p < 0.01), and the use of bivalirudin increased (12.6% to 45.6%). Adjusted in-hospital mortality; increased (27.6% in 2005 to 2006 vs. 30.6% in 2011 to 2013, adjusted odds ratio: 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.005 to .173; p = 0.04) for patients who were managed with an early invasive strategy (<24 h from symptoms).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that despite the evolution of medical technology and use of contemporary therapeutic measures, in-hospital mortality in CS-AMI patients who are managed invasively continues to rise. Additional research and targeted efforts are indicated to improve outcomes in this high-risk cohort.

Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus Diagnosed during Admission Adversely Affects Prognosis after Myocardial Infarction: An Observational Study

Objective

To investigate the prognostic effect of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (NDM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) post myocardial infarction (MI).

Research Design and Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 768 patients without preexisting diabetes mellitus post-MI at one centre in Yorkshire between November 2005 and October 2008. Patients were categorised as normal glucose tolerance (NGT n = 337), IGT (n = 279) and NDM (n = 152) on pre- discharge oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Primary end-point was the first occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, severe heart failure (HF) or non-haemorrhagic stroke. Secondary end-points were all cause mortality and individual components of MACE.

Results

Prevalence of NGT, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), IGT and NDM changed from 90%, 6%, 0% and 4% on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) to 43%, 1%, 36% and 20% respectively after OGTT. 102 deaths from all causes (79 as first events of which 46 were cardiovascular), 95 non fatal MI, 18 HF and 9 non haemorrhagic strokes occurred during 47.2 ± 9.4 months follow up. Event free survival was lower in IGT and NDM groups. IGT (HR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.06–2.24, p = 0.024) and NDM (HR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.42–3.24, p = 0.003) independently predicted MACE free survival. IGT and NDM also independently predicted incidence of MACE. NDM but not IGT increased the risk of secondary end-points.

Conclusion

Presence of IGT and NDM in patients presenting post-MI, identified using OGTT, is associated with increased incidence of MACE and is associated with adverse outcomes despite adequate secondary prevention.

Association of Hyperglycemia with In-Hospital Mortality and Morbidity in Libyan Patients with Diabetes and Acute Coronary Syndromes

OBJECTIVE

Hyperglycemia on admission and during hospital stay is a well-established predictor of short-term and long-term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Our study investigated the impact of blood glucose levels on admission and in-hospital hyperglycemia on the morbidity and mortality of Libyan patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes (acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the records of patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome to The 7th Of October Hospital, Benghazi, Libya, between January 2011 and December 2011 were reviewed. The level of blood glucose on admission, and the average blood glucose during the hospital stay were recorded to determine their effects on in-hospital complications (e.g. cardiogenic shock, acute heart failure, arrhythmias, and/or heart block) and mortality.

RESULTS

During the study period, 121 patients with diabetes were admitted with acute coronary syndrome. The mortality rate in patients with diabetes and acute coronary syndrome was 12.4%. Patients with a mean glucose level greater than 200mg/dL had a higher in-hospital mortality and a higher rate of complications than those with a mean glucose level ≤200mg/dL (27.5% vs. 2.6%, p<0.001 and 19.7% vs. 45.5%, p=0.004, respectively). There was no difference in in-hospital mortality between patients with a glucose level at admission ≤140mg/dL and those admitted with a glucose level >140mg/dL (6.9% vs. 14.3%; p=0.295), but the rate of complications was higher in the latter group (13.8% vs. 34.1%; p=0.036). Patients with admission glucose levels >140mg/dL also had a higher rate of complications at presentation (26.4% vs. 6.9%; p=0.027).

CONCLUSION

In patients with diabetes and acute coronary syndrome, hyperglycemia during hospitalization predicted a worse outcome in terms of the rates of in-hospital complications and in-hospital mortality. Hyperglycemia at the time of admission was also associated with higher rate of complications particularly at the time of presentation.

Association of various risk factors with prognosis and hospitalization cost in Chinese patients with acute myocardial infarction: A clinical analysis of 627 cases

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world and is becoming increasingly more common in developing countries. The risk factors affecting the prognosis of Chinese patients may differ from those in other populations. This study was conducted to investigate the potential risk factors that may correlate with prognosis and hospitalization costs of Chinese AMI patients. A total of 627 hospitalized AMI patients were recruited and their general information and relevant laboratory parameters were collected. Accordingly, the patients were grouped into different subgroups and potential risk factors and their correlations with prognosis and hospitalization costs were analyzed. Age, high blood pressure, infarct location and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were the variables significantly associated with the differences in the prognosis of AMI patients (P<0.05), whereas times and duration of hospitalization, high blood pressure, infarct location and PCI treatment were found to be significantly associated with the cost of hospitalization (P<0.05). However, the AMI patients enrolled in this study may not be representative of all AMI patients in China. In addition, the prognosis of these patients was limited to their hospital stay. Therefore, long-term follow-up requires careful assessment.

Cardiogenic Shock: Background, Shock Trial/Registry, Evolving Data, Changing Survival, Best Medical Therapy

Cardiogenic shock remains associated with unacceptably high mortality, but recent improvements with early revascularization, continued support with pharmacologic agents, and use of an intra-aortic balloon pump have led to improvements in the rate of mortality. Timely intervention with cardiac surgery in patients with mechanical complications, 3-vessel disease, and left main disease is beneficial. Continued research and ever-improving understanding of this once deadly condition have helped further in improving prognosis. Cutting-edge technologies, such as myocyte cell implantation and the use of a cooling system, will help in pushing the boundaries farther.

Haemoglobin A(1c) , acute hyperglycaemia and short-term prognosis in patients without diabetes following acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

AIMS

To assess the prognostic impact of HbA(1c) and blood glucose level in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and without diabetes. The relationship between HbA(1c) and acute hyperglycaemia was also explored.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated 4793 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with baseline HbA(1c) and three glucose measurements in the first 24 h. First, patients were stratified into quintiles by HbA(1c) and mean/admission glucose level. A total of 373 deaths (7.8%) occurred at 7 days, and 486 deaths (10.1%) occurred at 30 days. There were no significant differences in 7- and 30-day mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular event rates across HbA(1c) quintiles (< 34.4 mmol/mol (5.3% ), 34.4 to < 37.7 mmol/mol (5.6%), 37.7 to < 41.0 mmol/mol (5.9% ), 41.0 to < 47.5 mmol/mol (6.5%), and ≥ 47.5 mmol/mol; P for trend > 0.05). The risks of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events were significantly increased in patients with higher glucose quintiles and lower quintile compared with the middle quintile after multivariable adjustment (P < 0.001). Patients were then reclassified into four groups according to mean/admission glucose and HbA(1c) levels. The group with elevated glucose and non-elevated HbA(1c) was associated with the highest mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event risk (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike acute hyperglycaemia, an elevated HbA(1c) level was not a risk factor for short-term outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients without diabetes. Patients with acute hyperglycaemia and non-elevated HbA(1c) were associated with the worst prognosis. That suggests chronic glycaemic control/HbA(1c) level may help to recognize stress-induced hyperglycaemia and identify high-risk patients.

Hyperglycemia in nondiabetic patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction

Hyperglycemia is common in nondiabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Elevated blood glucose level may reflect a response to stress, an underlying abnormal glucometabolic state or both. Regardless of mechanism, hyperglycemia complicating AMI is associated with an inflammatory and prothrombotic state, depressed myocardial contractility and increased short- and long-term mortality. Studies are needed to define optimal monitoring and management of hyperglycemia in nondiabetic patients with AMI.

Prevalence, characteristics, and in-hospital outcomes of metabolic syndrome among acute coronary syndrome patients from Oman

We evaluated in-hospital outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Oman. We analyzed the records of 1392 patients admitted with a diagnosis of ACS as part of the Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events. The prevalence of MetS among patients with ACS was 66%, with female preponderance (80% vs 57%; P < .001). MetS was associated with several characteristics including diabetes (45% vs 19%; P < .001), hyperlipidemia (40% vs 23%; P < .001), hypertension (62% vs 34%; P < .001), renal impairment (9.3% vs 3.4%; P < .001), Killip score > II (13% vs 8%; P = .004), and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (78% vs 68%; P < .001). After multivariate adjustment, MetS was associated with higher risk of in-hospital heart failure (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% CI: 1.03-1.81; P = .028) and mortality (OR, 4.42; 95% CI: 1.25-15.5; P = .020). Prevalence of MetS among patients with ACS in Oman is high. MetS was associated with higher in-hospital heart failure and mortality.

A review of cardiogenic shock in acute myocardial infarction

Cardiogenic shock continues to be the most common cause of death in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction. It has also been frequently associated with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and patients with co-morbidities. Cardiogenic shock presents with low systolic blood pressure and clinical signs of hypoperfusion. Rapid diagnosis and supportive therapy in the form of medications, airway support and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation is required. Initial stabilization can be followed by reperfusion by fibrinolytic therapy, emergent percutaneous intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The latter two have been found to decrease mortality in the long term. Research is being carried out on the role of inflammatory mediators in the clinical manifestation of cardiogenic shock. Mechanical support devices also show promise in the future.

Cardiogenic shock

The syndrome of cardiogenic shock (CS) comprises a constellation of symptoms and signs that define a subset of patients with inadequate tissue perfusion secondary to myocardial dysfunction. Careful attention to and rapid identification of patients at risk for the development of CS and those with impending CS by both hospitalists and subspecialists will help to implement the time-sensitive therapy that it requires. Physicians should gain a familiarity with the underlying pathophysiology of CS and available diagnostic tools as well as the importance of vasopressor therapy, inotropic therapy, rapid reperfusion therapy, and mechanical support.

An overview of glycemic control in the coronary care unit with recommendations for clinical management

The observation that elevated glucose occurs frequently in the setting of acute myocardial infarction was made decades ago. Since then numerous studies have documented that hyperglycemia is a powerful risk factor for increased mortality and in-hospital complications in patients with acute coronary syndromes. While some questions in this field have been answered in prior investigations, many critical gaps in knowledge continue to exist and remain subjects of intense debate. This review summarizes what is known about the relationship between hyperglycemia, glucose control, and outcomes in critically ill patients with acute coronary syndromes, addresses the gaps in knowledge and controversies, and offers general recommendations regarding glucose management in the coronary care unit.

Lowering glucose to prevent adverse cardiovascular outcomes in a critical care setting

High admission blood glucose levels after acute myocardial infarction are common and associated with an increased risk of death in patients with or without diabetes. Hyperglycemia is associated with altered myocardial blood flow and energetics and can lead to a pro-oxidative/proinflammatory state. The use of intensive insulin treatment has shown superior benefits in the treatment of hyperglycemia versus glucose-insulin-potassium infusion, particularly in critical care settings.

Thirty-year trends (1975 to 2005) in the magnitude of, management of, and hospital death rates associated with cardiogenic shock in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a population-based perspective

BACKGROUND

Limited information is available about potentially changing and contemporary trends in the incidence and hospital death rates of cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction. The objectives of our study were to examine 3-decade-long trends (1975 to 2005) in the incidence rates of cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction, patient characteristics and treatment practices associated with this clinical complication, and hospital death rates in residents of a large central New England community hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction at all area medical centers.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study population consisted of 13 663 residents of the Worcester (Mass) metropolitan area hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction at all greater Worcester medical centers during 15 annual periods between 1975 and 2005. Overall, 6.6% of patients developed cardiogenic shock during their index hospitalization. The incidence rates of cardiogenic shock remained stable between 1975 and the late 1990s but declined in an inconsistent manner thereafter. Patients in whom cardiogenic shock developed had a significantly greater risk of dying during hospitalization (65.4%) than those who did not develop cardiogenic shock (10.6%) (P<0.001). Encouraging increases in hospital survival in patients with cardiogenic shock, however, were observed from the mid-1990s to our most recent study years. Several patient demographic and clinical characteristics were associated with an increased risk for developing cardiogenic shock.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate improving trends in the hospital prognosis associated with cardiogenic shock. Given the high death rates associated with this clinical complication, monitoring future trends in the incidence and death rates and the factors associated with an increased risk for developing cardiogenic shock remains warranted.

Improved survival after acute myocardial infarction in patients with advanced Killip class

BACKGROUND

The continuing applicability of the Killip classification system to the effective stratification of long-term and short-term outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and its influence on treatment strategy calls for reanalysis in the setting of today's primary reperfusion treatments.

HYPOTHESIS

Our study sought to test the hypothesis that Killip classification, established on admission in patients with acute MI, is an effective tool for early prediction of in-hospital mortality and long-term survival.

METHODS

A series of 909 consecutive Olmsted County patients admitted with acute MI to St. Marys Hospital, Mayo Clinic, between January 1988 and March 1998 was analyzed. Killip classification was the primary variable. Endpoints were in-hospital death, major in-hospital complications, and post-hospital death.

RESULTS

Patients analyzed included 714 classified as Killip I, 170 classified as Killip II/III, and 25 classified as Killip IV. Increases in in-hospital mortality and prevalence of in-hospital complications correspond significantly with advanced Killip class (p < 0.01), with in-hospital mortality 7% in class I, 17.6% in classes II/III, and 36% in class IV patients (p < 0.001). Killip classification was strongly associated with mode of therapy administered within 24 h of admission (p < 0.01). Killip IV patients underwent primary angioplasty most commonly and were less likely to receive medical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Killip classification remains a strong independent predictor of in-hospital mortality and complications, and of long-term survival. Early primary angioplasty has contributed to a decrease in mortality in Killip IV patients, but effective adjunctive medical therapy is underutilized.

Cardiogenic shock: therapy and prevention

Cardiogenic shock is defined as profound circulatory failure resulting in insufficient tissue perfusion to meet resting metabolic demands. It occurs in approximately 7.5% of patients with acute myocardial infarction. Treatment strategies include inotropic agents, use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, and revascularization. Current evidence supports the use of primary angioplasty. Surgery should be considered in patients with triple-vessel disease. If early catheterization is not available, thrombolytic therapy should be given to eligible patients and transfer to an interventional facility should be considered. Effective therapy for shock must also include a prevention strategy. This requires identification of patients at high risk for shock development and selection of patients who are candidates for aggressive intervention.

Blood glucose and its prognostic implications in patients hospitalised with acute myocardial infarction

Elevated blood glucose and its potential link with adverse outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been the subject of intense study over more than 40 years. The numerous observational studies performed to date have addressed some of the questions in this field, but many critically important questions are still poorly understood, and remain subjects of debate. This review summarises current epidemiological data on the prevalence of hyperglycaemia in the AMI patient population and its relationship to patient outcomes, and addresses some of the existing controversies in the field.

The prognostic significance of serum glucose levels after the onset of ventricular arrhythmia on in-hospital mortality of patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Several studies have illustrated the role played by serum glucose levels in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in general and, more particularly, after an acute coronary event.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of serum potassium and glucose levels on in-hospital mortality in patients with ischemic heart disease, who exhibited severe ventricular arrhythmia.

METHODS

We enrolled 162 consecutive patients who were referred to our institution for an acute coronary event and presented with sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation during the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Serum potassium and glucose levels were measured in all patients at the onset of tachycardia and after 2, 4, 6, 12, 36, 48 hours.

RESULTS

During hospitalization, 23 out of 162 patients died (61% males). Serum glucose levels at the onset of the arrhythmia, as well as after 2, 12, 36 and 48 hours, were higher in the deceased (onset: 228.8 +/- 108 vs. 158 +/- 68 mg/dl, p = 0.0001, 2 h: 182 +/- 109 vs. 149 +/- 59 mg/dl, p = 0.03, 12 h: 155.5 +/- 72 vs. 128 +/- 48 mg/dl, p = 0.025, 36 h: 163.8 +/- 63 vs.116 +/- 42 mg/dl, p = 0.002, and 48 h: 138 +/- 64 vs. 122 +/- 42 mg/dl, p = 0.05, respectively), even after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes, left ventricular ejection fraction, type of acute coronary syndrome and site of infarction and medication intake. There was no difference in serum potassium levels between the deceased and survivors.

CONCLUSION

Serum glucose levels at the onset of arrhythmia and 2, 36 and 48 hours later seem to have prognostic significance for in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized for an acute coronary event, who exhibit severe ventricular arrhythmia.

Hyperglycemia and acute coronary syndrome: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Diabetes Committee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism

Hyperglycemia is common and associated with markedly increased mortality rates in patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Despite the fact that several studies have documented this association, hyperglycemia remains underappreciated as a risk factor, and it is frequently untreated in ACS patients. This is in large part due to limitations of prior studies, and the remaining critical gaps in our understanding of the relationship between hyperglycemia and poor outcomes. The main objective of the present statement is to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the association between elevated glucose and patient outcomes in ACS and to outline the most important knowledge gaps in this field. These gaps include the need to specifically define hyperglycemia, develop optimal ways of measuring and tracking glucose values during ACS hospitalization, and better understand the physiological mechanisms responsible for poor outcomes associated with hyperglycemia. The most important issue, however, is whether elevated glucose is a direct mediator of adverse outcomes in ACS patients or just a marker of greater disease severity. Given the marked increase in short- and long-term mortality associated with hyperglycemia, there is an urgent need for definitive large randomized trials to determine whether treatment strategies aimed at glucose control will improve patient outcomes and to define specific glucose treatment targets. Although firm guidelines will need to await completion of these clinical trials, the present statement also provides consensus recommendations for hyperglycemia management in patients with ACS on the basis of the available data.

Glucometrics in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction: defining the optimal outcomes-based measure of risk

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia on admission is associated with an increased mortality rate in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Whether metrics that incorporate multiple glucose assessments during acute myocardial infarction hospitalization are better predictors of mortality than admission glucose alone is not well defined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated 16,871 acute myocardial infarction patients hospitalized from January 2000 to December 2005. Using logistic regression models and C indexes, 3 metrics of glucose control (mean glucose, time-averaged glucose, hyperglycemic index), each evaluated over 3 time windows (first 24 hours, 48 hours, entire hospitalization), were compared with admission glucose for their ability to discriminate hospitalization survivors from nonsurvivors. Models were then used to evaluate the relationship between mean glucose and in-hospital mortality. All average glucose metrics performed better than admission glucose. The ability of models to predict mortality improved as the time window increased (C indexes for admission, mean 24 hours, 48 hours, and hospitalization glucose were 0.62, 0.64, 0.66, 0.70; P<0.0001). Statistically significant but small differences in C indexes of mean glucose, time-averaged glucose, and hyperglycemic index were seen. Mortality rates increased with each 10-mg/dL rise in mean glucose > or = 120 mg/dL (odds ratio, 1.8; P=0.003 for glucose 120 to < 130 mg/dL) and with incremental decline < 70 mg/dL (odds ratio, 6.4; P=0.01 versus glucose 100 to < 110 mg/dL). The slope of these relationships was steeper in patients without diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Measures of persistent hyperglycemia during acute myocardial infarction are better predictors of mortality than admission glucose. Mean hospitalization glucose appears to be the most practical metric of hyperglycemia-associated risk. A J-shaped relationship exists between average glucose and mortality, with both persistent hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia associated with adverse prognosis.

A risk-predictive score for cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

Cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a poor prognosis. Although numerous studies discussed the predictors of cardiogenic shock complicating AMI, the data in Chinese patients is still absent. The goal of this study is to develop a risk-predictive score for cardiogenic shock after AMI, among Chinese patients, so as to guide clinicians to prevent cardiogenic shock.

METHODS

Patients with ST-segment elevated AMI were provided by two Chinese hospitals from 1994 to 2004. Baseline characteristics of each case were documented. Multivariable logistic regression modeling techniques were used to develop a model to predict the occurrence of cardiogenic shock within 72 h after admission. On the basis of the coefficients in the model, a risk score was developed for the probability of cardiogenic shock. To test its viability, another population, which was consistent with the original population, confirmed the scoring.

RESULTS

Among 2,077 patients, 184 cases developed cardiogenic shock within 72 h. Age, gender, BMI, killip class, MI location, multivessel disease, previous MI, family history of CAD, and thrombolytic therapy were strong predictors for shock after AMI. A risk-predictive score for shock was developed. It predicted cardiogenic shock accurately in another Chinese population.

CONCLUSIONS

A predictive model is developed in Chinese patients with AMI for the first time. It is based on some simple parameters, which can be easily obtained by clinicians. The risk score derived from the model can predict cardiogenic shock accurately.

Blood glucose on day of intensive care unit admission as a surrogate of subsequent glucose control in intensive care

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to test whether the mean of the highest and lowest glucose values on day 1 (Glu(1)) is a useful surrogate marker of mean blood glucose during the totality of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (Glu(tot)).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Glu(tot) values were extracted from electronically stored biochemical databases (point-of-care laboratory) and Glu(1) values from electronically stored prospectively collected patient databases in ICUs of 4 hospitals from January 2000 to October 2004. Statistical assessment of relationship between Glu(1) and Glu(tot) was done.

RESULTS

There were 197227 blood glucose measurements for 8039 patients. The average of all blood glucose measurements was 8.22 +/- 2.75 mmol/L. The difference between the average of all glucose values (N = 197227) and average of Glu(1) (n = 8039) was 0.17 mmol/L. This difference in each hospital was also small (0.26, -0.13, 0.12, and 0.37 mmol/L, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Glu(1) was a good predictor of Glu(tot) across all study hospitals. This observation makes it possible to use Glu(1) as a surrogate of glucose control during ICU stay and opens the door to understanding ICU glucose control across the whole of Australia and New Zealand.

Prognostic significance of the change in glucose level in the first 24 h after acute myocardial infarction: results from the CARDINAL study

AIMS

In acute myocardial infarction (AMI), baseline hyperglycaemia predicts adverse outcomes, but the relation between subsequent change in glucose levels and outcomes is unclear. We evaluated the prognostic significance of baseline glucose and the change in glucose in the first 24 h following AMI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed 1469 AMI patients with baseline and 24 h glucose data from the CARDINAL trial database. Baseline glucose and the 24 h change in glucose (24 h glucose level subtracted from baseline glucose) were included in multivariable models for 30- and 180-day mortality. By 30 and 180 days, respectively, 45 and 74 patients had died. In the multivariable 30-day mortality model, neither baseline glucose nor the 24 h change in glucose predicted mortality in diabetic patients (n=250). However, in nondiabetic patients (n=1219), higher baseline glucose predicted higher mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.20, per 0.6 mmol/L increase], and a greater 24 h change in glucose predicted lower mortality (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86-0.96, for every 0.6 mmol/L drop in glucose in the first 24 h) at 30 days. Baseline glucose and the 24 h change in glucose remained significant multivariable mortality predictors at 180 days in nondiabetic patients.

CONCLUSION

Both higher baseline glucose and the failure of glucose levels to decrease in the first 24 h after AMI predict higher mortality in nondiabetic patients.

Intensive Insulin Therapy in Postoperative Intensive Care Unit Patients

RATIONALE

Intensive insulin therapy (IIT) may reduce mortality in mechanically ventilated postoperative patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risks and benefits of IIT in different institutions.

DESIGN

Retrospective, blinded-to-outcome selection of patient cohorts from four hospitals.

METHODS

Selection of a cohort of patients with clinical features similar to those reported in a recent study of IIT and of all mechanically ventilated postoperative patients from each hospital. Retrieval of information on glucose control. Assessment of risks and benefits and final outcomes.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We selected 783 consecutive patients with similar clinical and demographic features to the IIT trial control group and four general cohorts for a total of 4,150 consecutive mechanically ventilated postoperative patients. In these patients, glucose levels were measured 212,663 times for a mean value of 8.22 +/- 2.7 mmol/L (148 +/- 49 mg/dl). Intensive care unit (ICU) mortality varied from 2.2 to 13.6%. The incidence of hypoglycemia (defined as < 2.2 mmol/L) varied from 1.4 to 2.7%. Assuming a beneficial effect of IIT as reported, the number needed to treat to save one life varied from 38 in one ICU to 125 in another, whereas the rate of hypoglycemia (number needed to harm) varied from 7 to 13.

CONCLUSIONS

The number needed to treat to prevent an ICU death and the associated risk of hypoglycemia (number needed to harm) with IIT vary widely according to baseline mortality, case mix, and case selection. Rational decision analysis in individual ICUs should take these factors into account.

Prognostic Value of Blood Glucose in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock

BACKGROUND

Although an elevated blood glucose has prognostic value in cardiovascular disease, few data are available regarding its prognostic value for patients across the spectrum of cardiogenic shock.

METHOD AND RESULTS

A total of 81 patients with cardiogenic shock whose blood glucose and adrenaline were measured on arrival at the emergency room (ER) were enrolled in this prospective study. The primary endpoint was death from any cause in hospital. The rate of death was 12.3% (10/81), and the glucose level was lower among patients who were discharged alive than among those who died (8.7+/-3.7 mmol/L vs 13.8+/-6.7 mmol/L, p<0.001). The unadjusted rate of death increased in a stepwise fashion among patients in increasing quartiles of glucose level (p<0.05). The blood glucose level of 9.2 mmol/L had the highest combined sensitivity and specificity for the identification of death. In the multiple logistic-regression analysis for the primary outcome, the adjusted odd ratio for a glucose level of 9.2 mmol/L or more was 5.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.0-32.8, p=0.047). There was a significant positive correlation between the glucose and adrenaline levels (R=0.726, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The measurement of blood glucose level on ER arrival provides predictive information for use in risk stratification across the spectrum of cardiac emergencies complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Admission blood glucose and adverse outcomes in non-diabetic patients with myocardial infarction in the reperfusion era

AIMS

To investigate the association between admission blood glucose levels and adverse outcomes after an incident acute myocardial infarction across a broad range of glucose levels in non-diabetic patients treated with modern therapy.

METHODS

The relationship between admission blood glucose and 28-day case fatality was studied in 1348 consecutively hospitalized patients with a first-ever myocardial infarction between January 1998 and December 2002 recruited from a population-based myocardial infarction registry.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into quartiles on the basis of admission glucose level. Patients with elevated admission blood glucose had more adverse baseline characteristics than patients with lower glucose levels. After multivariable adjustment the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for 28-day case fatality among those in the second, third and fourth quartile in comparison to the first quartile were 1.55 (0.49-4.87), 3.21 (1.06-9.74), and 3.73 (1.28-10.92), respectively (p for trend=0.0054). Admission hyperglycemia was also associated with complications during hospital stay among 28-day survivors.

CONCLUSION

The risk for major complications after an incident myocardial infarction was closely related to admission blood glucose concentrations near to or within the normal range, and certainly below the diabetic threshold. Thus, admission hyperglycemia still provides an early marker of bad prognosis after an acute myocardial infarction in an era of modern therapy.