Blood transfusion, bleeding, anemia, and survival in patients with acute myocardial infarction: FAST-MI registry

Transfusion in Older Anemic Patients: Should the Troponin Value Be Taken into Account?

BACKGROUND

Anemia is common in older individuals, but it is not known whether the prognostic impact of transfusion differs according to cardiac troponin concentration.

METHODS

During this 2-year retrospective study in an acute geriatric unit, 514 patients with hemoglobin <10 g/dL and troponin sampling were included. Thirty-day and 1-year mortality were compared according to transfusion status and troponin and hemoglobin levels.

RESULTS

Of the 514 anemic patients included (median age 88 years), 157 (31%) had elevated troponin concentrations. These patients were more likely to die at 30 days (49% vs 27%, P < .001) and 1 year (65% vs 51%, P = .004) than patients with normal values. Among patients with elevated troponin concentrations, 30-day mortality tended to be lower in transfused than in not-transfused patients (hazard ratio 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-1.08; P = .07). This association was not found in patients without troponin elevation (hazard ratio 1.09; 95% CI, 0.61-1.93; P = .8). Transfusion was associated with 30-day survival in patients with hemoglobin ≤8 g/dL. It was also associated with excess 1-year mortality in patients with hemoglobin >8 g/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study suggests that transfusion could be associated with better 30-day outcomes in older anemic patients with anemia-related myocardial injury. Thus, troponin levels could be involved in decision-making relative to transfusion in anemic older patients. Clinical trials are needed to establish the benefit of transfusion in patients with elevated troponins.

Development of a Laboratory Risk-Score Model to Predict One-Year Mortality in Acute Myocardial Infarction Survivors

The high post-discharge mortality rate of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) survivors is concerning, indicating a need for reliable, easy-to-use risk prediction tools. We aimed to examine if a combined pre-procedural blood testing risk model predicts one-year mortality in AMI survivors. Overall, 1355 consecutive AMI patients who received primary coronary revascularization were divided into derivation (n = 949) and validation (n = 406) cohorts. A risk-score model of parameters from pre-procedural routine blood testing on admission was generated. In the derivation cohort, multivariable analysis demonstrated that hemoglobin < 11 g/dL (odds ratio (OR) 4.01), estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 3.75), albumin < 3.8 mg/dL (OR 3.37), and high-sensitivity troponin I > 2560 ng/L (OR 3.78) were significantly associated with one-year mortality after discharge. An increased risk score, assigned from 0 to 4 points according to the counts of selected variables, was significantly associated with higher one-year mortality in both cohorts (p < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristics curve analyses of risk models demonstrated adequate discrimination between patients with and without one-year death (area under the curve (95% confidence interval) 0.850 (0.756−0.912) in the derivation cohort; 0.820 (0.664−0.913) in the validation cohort). Our laboratory risk-score model can be useful for predicting one-year mortality in AMI survivors.

Mechanisms of cardiovascular toxicity induced by PM2.5: a review

An increasing number of studies have shown that exposure to particulate matter with a diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) could affect the onset and development of cardiovascular diseases. To explore the underlying mechanisms, the studies conducted in vitro investigations using different cell lines. In this review, we examined recently published reports cited by PubMed or Web of Science on the topic of cardiovascular toxicity induced by PM_2.5 that carried the term in vitro. Here, we summarized the suggested mechanisms of PM_2.5 leading to adverse effects and cardiovascular toxicity including oxidative stress; the increase of vascular endothelial permeability; the injury of vasomotor function and vascular reparative capacity in vascular endothelial cell lines; macrophage polarization and apoptosis in macrophage cell lines; and hypermethylation and apoptosis in the AC16 cell line and the related signaling pathways, which provided a new research direction of cardiovascular toxicity of PM_2.5.

The association of anaemia and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin and its effect on diagnosing myocardial infarction

AIMS

Anaemia is common in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). We investigated the association of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) and haemoglobin (Hb) and the influence of anaemia on the performance of diagnostic protocols for suspected MI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with suspected MI were consecutively enrolled at a tertiary centre. Final diagnoses were independently adjudicated by two cardiologists. Performance measures of hs-cTn-based algorithms were compared for anaemic and non-anaemic patients (Hb <12 g/dL in women and <13 g/dL in men). The influence of anaemia on survival (median follow-up 1.7 years) was investigated using multivariable cox-regression analysis and the association of Hb and hs-cTn by multivariable linear regression analysis. Overall, 2223 patients were included, of whom 415 (18.7%) had anaemia. In anaemic patients, the incidence of MI was similar; however, chronic myocardial injury was significantly more prevalent (20.1% vs. 48.2%). The negative predictive value to rule-out MI was similar for both algorithms and all assays in patients with anaemia, although the positive predictive value to rule-in MI was partly reduced for the 0/3-h algorithm. Fewer anaemic patients were triaged after 1 h. Anaemia was an independent predictor of death. Adjusted for patient characteristics, Hb was significantly associated with hs-cTn. By providing a point-based tool, the Hb-associated hs-cTn concentration and thus chronic myocardial injury may be predicted.

CONCLUSION 

Anaemia partly affects the rule-in, but not the rule-out of MI in hs-cTn-based diagnostic protocols. Hs-cTn concentrations and thus chronic myocardial injury may be predicted by clinical variables and Hb.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02355457 and NCT03227159).

Effect of a Restrictive vs Liberal Blood Transfusion Strategy on Major Cardiovascular Events Among Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Anemia: The REALITY Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

The optimal transfusion strategy in patients with acute myocardial infarction and anemia is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a restrictive transfusion strategy would be clinically noninferior to a liberal strategy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Open-label, noninferiority, randomized trial conducted in 35 hospitals in France and Spain including 668 patients with myocardial infarction and hemoglobin level between 7 and 10 g/dL. Enrollment could be considered at any time during the index admission for myocardial infarction. The first participant was enrolled in March 2016 and the last was enrolled in September 2019. The final 30-day follow-up was accrued in November 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned to undergo a restrictive (transfusion triggered by hemoglobin ≤8; n = 342) or a liberal (transfusion triggered by hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL; n = 324) transfusion strategy.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary clinical outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; composite of all-cause death, stroke, recurrent myocardial infarction, or emergency revascularization prompted by ischemia) at 30 days. Noninferiority required that the upper bound of the 1-sided 97.5% CI for the relative risk of the primary outcome be less than 1.25. The secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Among 668 patients who were randomized, 666 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 77 [69-84] years; 281 [42.2%] women) completed the 30-day follow-up, including 342 in the restrictive transfusion group (122 [35.7%] received transfusion; 342 total units of packed red blood cells transfused) and 324 in the liberal transfusion group (323 [99.7%] received transfusion; 758 total units transfused). At 30 days, MACE occurred in 36 patients (11.0% [95% CI, 7.5%-14.6%]) in the restrictive group and in 45 patients (14.0% [95% CI, 10.0%-17.9%]) in the liberal group (difference, -3.0% [95% CI, -8.4% to 2.4%]). The relative risk of the primary outcome was 0.79 (1-sided 97.5% CI, 0.00-1.19), meeting the prespecified noninferiority criterion. In the restrictive vs liberal group, all-cause death occurred in 5.6% vs 7.7% of patients, recurrent myocardial infarction occurred in 2.1% vs 3.1%, emergency revascularization prompted by ischemia occurred in 1.5% vs 1.9%, and nonfatal ischemic stroke occurred in 0.6% of patients in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with acute myocardial infarction and anemia, a restrictive compared with a liberal transfusion strategy resulted in a noninferior rate of MACE after 30 days. However, the CI included what may be a clinically important harm.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02648113.

Restrictive vs liberal red blood cell transfusion strategies in patients with acute myocardial infarction and anemia: Rationale and design of the REALITY trial

Background

Anemia is common in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and is an independent predictor of mortality. The optimal transfusion strategy in these patients is unclear.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that a “restrictive” transfusion strategy (triggered by hemoglobin ≤8 g/dL) is clinically noninferior to a “liberal” transfusion strategy (triggered by hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL), but is less costly.

Methods

REALITY is an international, randomized, multicenter, open‐label trial comparing a restrictive vs a liberal transfusion strategy in patients with AMI and anemia. The primary outcome is the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) at 30 days, using the primary composite clinical outcome of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; comprising all‐cause death, nonfatal stroke, nonfatal recurrent myocardial infarction, or emergency revascularization prompted by ischemia) as the effectiveness criterion. Secondary outcomes include the ICER at 1 year, and MACE (and its components) at 30 days and at 1 year.

Results

The trial aimed to enroll 630 patients. Based on estimated event rates of 11% in the restrictive group and 15% in the liberal group, this number will provide 80% power to demonstrate clinical noninferiority of the restrictive group, with a noninferiority margin corresponding to a relative risk equal to 1.25. The sample size will also provide 80% power to show the cost‐effectiveness of the restrictive strategy at a threshold of €50 000 per quality‐adjusted life year.

Conclusions

REALITY will provide important guidance on the management of patients with AMI and anemia.

Blood transfusion and ischaemic outcomes according to anemia and bleeding in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes: Insights from the TAO randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The benefits and risks of blood transfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction who are anemic or who experience bleeding are debated. We sought to study the association between blood transfusion and ischemic outcomes according to haemoglobin nadir and bleeding status in patients with NST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

METHODS

The TAO trial randomized patients with NSTEMI and coronary angiogram scheduled within 72h to heparin plus eptifibatide versus otamixaban. After exclusion of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, patients were categorized according to transfusion status considering transfusion as a time-varying covariate. The primary ischemic outcome was the composite of all-cause death or MI within 180 days of randomization. Subgroup analyses were performed according to pre-transfusion hemoglobin nadir and bleeding status.

RESULTS

12,547 patients were enrolled. Among these, blood transfusion was used in 489 (3.9%) patients. Patients who received transfusion had a higher rate of death or MI (29.9% vs. 8.1%, p<0.01). This excess risk persisted after adjustment on GRACE score and nadir of hemoglobin (HR 3.36 95%CI 2.63-4.29 p<0.01). Subgroup analyses showed that blood transfusion was associated with a higher risk in patients without overt bleeding (adjusted HR 6.25 vs. 2.85; p-interaction 0.001) as well as in those with hemoglobin nadir > 9.0 g/dl (HR 4.01; p-interaction<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with NSTEMI, blood transfusion was associated with an overall increased risk of ischaemic events. However, this was mainly driven by patients without overt bleeding and those hemoglobin nadir > 9.0g/dl. This suggests possible harm of transfusion in those groups.

Type 2 Myocardial Infarction: A Geriatric Population-based Model of Pathogenesis

Distinction between type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI), defined as an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand without atherothrombosis, and type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI), due to plaque disruption, is often a clinical challenge in frail elderly patients. We aimed to identify the characteristics and underlying causes of T2MI using a comprehensive geriatric approach. From a multicentre population-based prospective study in coronary care units, we adjudicated 4572 consecutive patients hospitalized for an acute T1MI or T2MI, according to the 3^rd universal definition and a prespecified geriatric model of T2MI pathogenesis. In total, 3710 (81%) had T1MI and 862 (19%) T2MI. Patients with T2MI were 10 y older (77 vs 67 y, p<0.001), more frequently female (44 vs 26%, p<0.001) and had more frequent comorbidities. In multivariate analysis, acute heart failure, tachycardia and C-reactive protein elevation at admission were associated with a higher risk of T2MI vs T1MI, whereas chest pain, troponin I peak > 10 µg/L and ST-segment elevation were associated with a lower risk. Underlying mechanisms leading to T2MI highlighted 3 main patterns: 1) Age-related physiological cardiovascular decline 2) chronic predisposing factors including chronic anaemia (10%) and severe aortic stenosis (7%), 3) acute triggering factors, the most common being acute infection (39%), mainly respiratory tract infection, followed by tachyarrhythmia (13%) and acute heart failure (10%). 122 (14%) patients had combined predisposing and triggering conditions for T2MI. In our large population-based survey of T2MI, chronic anaemia and severe aortic stenosis increased predisposition to T2MI and acute respiratory infection was by far the most frequent trigger. Our data shed new light on the age-related pathophysiological basis for discrepancies in oxygen supply and demand leading to MI.

Impact of Baseline Anemia in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Prespecified Analysis From the VALIDATE-SWEDEHEART Trial

Background

The impact of baseline anemia in a contemporary acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the era of predominant radial artery access, potent P2Y12 inhibition, and rare use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors has not been adequately studied.

Methods and Results

ACS patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention between 2014 and 2016 in the VALIDATE‐SWEDEHEART (Bivalirudin Versus Heparin in ST‐Segment and Non–ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients on Modern Antiplatelet Therapy in the Swedish Web System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence‐Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies Registry) trial without missing values for hemoglobin were included (n=5482). Mortality, myocardial reinfarction, and major bleeding at 180 days were assessed using Cox regression models and propensity score matching. All studied comorbidities were more common in ACS patients who had anemia (n=792). ACS patients with anemia had higher rates of 180‐day mortality (6.9% versus 2.1%; hazard ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3–2.7; P<0.001), myocardial reinfarction (4.3% versus 1.9%; hazard ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.7; P=0.013), and major bleeding (13.4% versus 8.2%; hazard ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.6; P=0.041). The results were most evident in patients with a hemoglobin value <100 g/L, who had a nearly 10 times higher mortality rate.

Conclusions

Baseline anemia in ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, treated according to current practice including routine radial artery access, constitutes a high‐risk feature for both ischemic events, bleeding events, and mortality. A multidisciplinary approach is warranted to maximize benefit and minimize patient risk.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02311231.

Relation of hemoglobin level to no-reflow in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary coronary intervention

Introduction

The primary goal in the management of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is to open the occluded artery at an early stage. The development of no-reflow is multifactorial, and the etiology is not fully understood. There is accumulating evidence that anemia is related to a series of severe complications in cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as thromboembolic events, bleeding complications, uncontrolled hypertension, and inflammation characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Aim

We investigated the relationship between hemoglobin level and the no-reflow of infarct-related artery (IRA) in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Material and methods

A total of 3804 patients with acute STEMI who underwent PPCI were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grades after PPCI. Hematological parameters were measured on admission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between hemoglobin level and no-reflow.

Results

In the current study, 471 (12.4%) patients presented with no-reflow after PPCI. The patients in the no-reflow group had a significantly lower hemoglobin level (12.1 ±1.9 g/dl vs. 13.8 ±1.8 g/dl, p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression models revealed that hemoglobin level (OR = 0.564, 95% CI: 0.526–0.605; p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of development of no-reflow. The cutoff value for hemoglobin level was 11.5 g/dl with sensitivity of 83.0% and specificity of 80.0% (AUC = 0.844, 95% CI: 0.821–0.867; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that hemoglobin level showed a moderate diagnostic performance regarding the prediction of no-reflow in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI.

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.

Red blood cell transfusion and outcomes in acute pulmonary embolism

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Blood transfusion has been associated with adverse outcomes in certain conditions. This study investigates the prevalence and outcomes of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS

Retrospective study of consecutive patients from 2000 to 2012 admitted to a tertiary hospital with a primary diagnosis of acute PE. Transfusion status during the hospital admission was ascertained. Mortality was tracked from a state-wide death database and analysed using multivariable modelling.

RESULTS

A total of 73 patients (5% of all patients admitted with PE) received RBC transfusion during their admission. These patients were significantly older, had more co-morbidities, worse haemodynamics, higher simplified pulmonary embolism severity index scores, and lower plasma sodium and haemoglobin (Hb) levels at admission. Unadjusted mortality for the transfused group was significantly higher at 30-day (19% vs 4%, P < 0.001) and 6-month (40% vs 10%, P < 0.001) follow-up. Multivariable modelling showed RBC transfusion to be a significant independent predictor of mortality at 30-day (odds ratio 3.06, 95% CI: 1.17-8.01, P = 0.02) and 6-month (hazard ratio (HR) 1.97, 95% CI: 1.12-3.46, P = 0.02). Sensitivity analysis confirmed that transfused patients had higher mortality than non-transfused patients in the subgroup of patients with Hb <100 g/L.

CONCLUSION

RBC transfusion in patients hospitalized with acute PE is rare and appears to be associated with increased risk of short- and long-term mortality, independent of Hb level on admission. This finding underscores the need for future randomized controlled studies on the impact of RBC transfusion in the management of patients admitted with acute PE. [Correction added on 4 May 2018, after first online publication: the word 'serum' was changed to 'plasma' throughout the article where appropriate.].

Association between admission anemia and long-term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction: results from the MONICA/KORA myocardial infarction registry

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that the presence of anemia is associated with increased short- and long-term outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aims at examining the impact of admission anemia on long-term, all-cause mortality following AMI in patients recruited from a population-based registry. Contrary to most prior studies, we distinguished between patients with mild and moderate to severe anemia.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted in 2011 patients consecutively hospitalized for AMI that occurred between January 2005 and December 2008. Patients who survived more than 28 days after AMI were followed up until December 2011. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was measured at hospital admission and classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Mild anemia was defined as Hb concentration of 11 to < 12 g/dL in women and 11 to < 13 g/dL in men; moderate to severe anemia as Hb concentration of < 11 g/dL. Adjusted Cox regression models were calculated to compare survival in patients with and without anemia.

RESULTS

Mild anemia and moderate to severe anemia was found in 183 (9.1%) and 100 (5%) patients, respectively. All-cause mortality after a median follow-up time of 4.2 years was 11.9%. The Cox regression analysis showed significantly increased mortality risks in both patients with mild (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.23-2.45) and moderate to severe anemia (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.37-3.05) compared to patients without anemia.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that anemia adversely affects long-term survival following AMI. However, further studies are needed to confirm that anemia can solely explain worse long-term outcomes after AMI.

Impact of red blood cell transfusion on acute coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis

The impact of red blood cell transfusion on outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome is controversial. Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies of red blood cell transfusion and acute coronary syndrome that were published in any language, from January 1, 1966, to April 1, 2016. We analyzed 17 observational studies, of 2,525,550 subjects. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies assessing the association between blood transfusion and the risk for all-cause mortality and reinfarction. The search yielded 17 observational studies, of 2,525,550 subjects, during a study follow-up period, ranging from 30 days to 5 years. Red blood cell transfusion compared with no blood transfusion is associated with higher short- and long-term all-cause mortality as well as reinfarction rates (adjusted RR 2.23; 95% CI 1.47-3.39; HR 1.93; 95% CI 1.12-3.34; RR 2.61; 95% CI 2.17-3.14, respectively). In hemoglobin-stratified analyses, a graded association between red blood cell transfusion and mortality was observed, transfusion and risk of all-cause mortality was borderline significant at hemoglobin levels below 8.0 g/dL (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.25-1.06), and was associated with an increased risk of mortality at a hemoglobin above 10 g/dL (RR 3.34; 95% CI 2.25-4.97). Red blood cell transfusion was associated with an increased risk of short- and long-term mortality as well as myocardial reinfarction. However, transfusion appeared to have beneficial or neutral effects on mortality at hemoglobin levels below 8.0 g/dL, and harmful effects above 10 g/dL. A large definitive randomized controlled trial addressing this issue is urgently required.

The Effect of Diagnostic Blood Loss on Anemia and Transfusion Among Postoperative Patients With Congenital Heart Disease in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether diagnostic blood loss can lead to anemia and consequent blood transfusion among postoperative patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted in a university-affiliated tertiary hospital between January and August 2016. CHD patients aged <12years, undergoing cardiac surgery, with a PICU stay >48h were included (n=205). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the effect of diagnostic blood loss on anemia and transfusion.

RESULTS

The mean daily phlebotomy volume was 5.40±1.94mL/d during the PICU stay (adjusted for body weight, 0.63±0.36mL/kg/d). Daily volume/kg was associated with cyanotic CHD, Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score, and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD)-2 score. In total, 101 (49.3%) patients presented with new or more severe anemia after admission to PICU, which was not associated with phlebotomy volume. Forty-one (20.0%) children received one or more RBC transfusions during their PICU stay. Multivariate analysis indicated that PELOD-2 score>5, new or more severe anemia, and daily volume/kg of phlebotomy >0.63mL/kg/d were significantly associated with transfusion after 48h of admission to PICU.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that diagnostic blood loss is not related to postoperative anemia in children with CHD; however, this factor does correlate with blood transfusion, since it somewhat reflects the severity of illness.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Strategies should be applied to reduce diagnostic blood loss, as appropriate.

Blood transfusion and mortality in myocardial infarction: an updated meta-analysis

Background

Several observational and preclinical studies have shown that blood transfusion may modify the mortality of patients with myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the recent evidence on the effectiveness of blood transfusion for all-cause mortality in patients with MI.

Materials and Methods

PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched up to June 2016 by two independent investigators. Studies were considered eligible if they recruited adult MI patients and reported hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality comparing those who received blood transfusion with those who did not receive blood transfusion. We abstracted and calculated pooled HRs using a random-effects model.

Results

From 4277 unique reports, we identified 17 studies including 260811 patients with 11 studies examining short-term (in hospital/30-day) all-cause mortality and 9 studies examining long-term (more than 30 days) all-cause mortality. Meta-analysis demonstrated that patients treated with blood transfusion had increased short-term all-cause mortality (HR, 2.39, 95% CI 1.81 to 3.15) compared with those without blood transfusion treatment. Similar findings were observed by subgroup analyses. We also find significant association between blood transfusion and long-term all-cause mortality (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.58) for MI patients.

Conclusions

In patients with MI, blood transfusion treatment is associated with patient short-term and long-term all-cause mortality. However, further large-scale prospective studies are needed to establish its validity of this association.

Red Blood Cell Function and Dysfunction: Redox Regulation, Nitric Oxide Metabolism, Anemia

SIGNIFICANCE

Recent clinical evidence identified anemia to be correlated with severe complications of cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as bleeding, thromboembolic events, stroke, hypertension, arrhythmias, and inflammation, particularly in elderly patients. The underlying mechanisms of these complications are largely unidentified. Recent Advances: Previously, red blood cells (RBCs) were considered exclusively as transporters of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. More recent experimental evidence indicates that RBCs are important interorgan communication systems with additional functions, including participation in control of systemic nitric oxide metabolism, redox regulation, blood rheology, and viscosity. In this article, we aim to revise and discuss the potential impact of these noncanonical functions of RBCs and their dysfunction in the cardiovascular system and in anemia.

CRITICAL ISSUES

The mechanistic links between changes of RBC functional properties and cardiovascular complications related to anemia have not been untangled so far.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

To allow a better understanding of the complications associated with anemia in CVD, basic and translational science studies should be focused on identifying the role of noncanonical functions of RBCs in the cardiovascular system and on defining intrinsic and/or systemic dysfunction of RBCs in anemia and its relationship to CVD both in animal models and clinical settings. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 718-742.

Relation of Low T3 to One-Year Mortality in Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

BACKGROUND

Low T3 which is defined as decreased triiodothyronine (T3) and normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxin (T4) levels is present in many acute diseases and is related to increased mortality. We studied low T3 level's relation to long-term mortality in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients.

METHODS

T3, T4, and TSH levels of consecutive NSTE-ACS patients were measured. Patients with normal T4 and TSH levels, but low T3 level were defined as low T3 group. Patients with normal T3, T4, and TSH levels were defined as normal group. Clinical and laboratory findings in these two groups were compared. In addition, we examined low T3 level's relation to early and long-term mortality.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 61 ± 13 (67% male) and 31 (11%) patients had low T3 level. Free T3 values were negatively correlated with age, serum creatinine, and brain type natriuretic peptide values at the time of admission (r = -0.452, P < 0.0001; r = -0.255, P < 0.0001; r = -0.544, P < 0.0001, respectively). Mortality at 1 month and 1 year was higher in low T3 group (3% vs. 16%, P = 0.002; 6.4% vs. 23%, P = 0.003, respectively). In multivariate analysis, low T3 was found to be related to mortality at 1 year (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6.5, P = 0.02). In ROC analysis, free T3 had a good area under the curve (AUC) value for mortality at 1 year [AUC: 0.709 (95% CI: 0.619-0.799, SE: 0.0459)].

CONCLUSION

Low T3 is related to increased early and late mortality in NSTE-ACS patients. Free T3 levels may be used to identify NSTE-ACS patients with high mortality risk.

Predictive performance of HAS-BLED risk score for long-term survival in patients with non-ST elevated myocardial infarction without atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Predictive value of the Hypertension, Abnormal renal/liver function, Stroke, Bleeding history or predisposition, Labile international normalized ratio, Elderly, Drugs or alcohol use (HAS-BLED) score for clinical outcomes has been investigated in patients with and without atrial fibrillation. Many factors in the HAS-BLED model have been reported to be prognostic predictors in patients with post-myocardial infarction (MI). However, few studies have investigated the predictive value of HAS-BLED score on long-term survival in patients with post-MI.

METHODS

A total of 617 patients with non-ST elevation MI (NSTEMI) without atrial fibrillation were enrolled. The Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI), Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE), Can Rapid Risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines (CRUSADE), and HAS-BLED risk scores were calculated for each patient.

RESULTS

The C-statistics of TIMI, GRACE, CRUSADE, and HAS-BLED scores for 3-year survival were 0.658, 0.749, 0.756, and 0.765, respectively. For 3-year survival prediction, GRACE, CRUSADE, and HAS-BLED scores, respectively demonstrated superior performance than TIMI score and there was no significant difference between these three scores (GRACE vs. TIMI: z=1.615, p=0.027; CRUSADE vs. TIMI: z=1.371, p=0.043; HAS-BLED vs. TIMI: z=1.899, p=0.014; CRUSADE vs. GRACE: z=0.078, p=0.234; HAS-BLED vs. GRACE: z=0.435, p=0.166; HAS-BLED vs. CRUSADE: z=0.353, p=0.181). Multivariate analysis showed left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, old age, stroke history, bleeding history, and abnormal renal and liver function were independent predictors for 3-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

HAS-BLED scoring system is similar to the GRACE and CRUSADE systems but better than TIMI system to predict long-term survival outcomes in patients with NSTEMI without atrial fibrillation. However, HAS-BLED score is easier to calculate than GRACE and CRUSADE scores.