Risk of death and myocardial infarction in patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Dynamic Registry)

Outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention using ultrathin-strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting versus thin-strut durable polymer zotarolimus-eluting stents in patients with comorbid peripheral arterial disease: a post-hoc analysis from two randomized trials

Background

In patients with peripheral arterial disease (PADs), who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), little is known about the potential impact of using different new-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) on outcome. In PCI all-comers, the results of most between-stent comparisons-stratified by strut thickness-suggested some advantage of coronary stents with ultrathin-struts. The current post-hoc analysis aimed to assess outcomes of PCI with ultrathin-strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (BP-SES) vs. thin-strut durable polymer zotarolimus-eluting stents (DP-ZES) in patients with PADs.

Methods

We pooled 3-year patient-level data from two large-scale randomized all-comer trials to compare Orsiro ultrathin-strut BP-SES vs. Resolute-type thin-strut DP-ZES in trial participants with concomitant PADs. BIO-RESORT (December 2012 to August 2015) and BIONYX (October 2015 to December 2016) included all-comer patients who were aged 18 years or older, capable of providing informed consent, and required a PCI. The trials had web-based randomization, with block sizes of 4 and 8, performed in a 1:1:1 or 1:1 fashion. Assessors, research staff, and patients were blinded to the type of stent used. We assessed the composite main clinical endpoint target vessel failure [TVF: cardiac death, target vessel related myocardial infarction (MI), or clinically indicated target vessel revascularization (TVR)], its components, and stent thrombosis.

Results

Of 4,830 trial participants, 360 had PADs: 177 (49.2%) were treated with BP-SES and 183 (50.8%) with DP-ZES. Baseline characteristics were similar. For BP-SES, the 3-year TVF rate was 11.0% and for DP-ZES 17.9% [hazard ratio (HR): 0.59, 95% CI: 0.33-1.04; P=0.07]. For BP-SES, the TVR rate was lower than for DP-ZES (4.1% vs. 11.0%; HR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15-0.86; P=0.016), but this did not translate into between-group differences in cardiac death or MI. In small vessels (<2.75 mm), the TVR rate was also lower in BP-SES (5.6% vs. 13.9%; HR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11-0.91; P=0.024). Definite-or-probable stent thrombosis rates were 1.2% and 2.3% (P=0.43).

Conclusions

In PCI patients with PADs, the 3-year TVF incidence was numerically lower in the ultrathin-strut BP-SES vs. the thin-strut DP-ZES group. Furthermore, TVR risk was significantly lower in ultrathin-strut BP-SES, mainly driven by a lower TVR rate in small vessels.

Trial Registration

BIO-RESORT trial: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01674803); BIONYX trial: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02508714).

Association of Asymptomatic Low Ankle-Brachial Index with Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction

AIMS

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the well-known risk factor for cardiovascular events. Although low ankle-brachial index (ABI) is recognized as a risk factor in general population, low ABI without any symptoms of PAD has not been established as a prognostic marker in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) yet. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine whether asymptomatic low ABI was associated with long-term clinical outcomes in AMI patients without treatment history of PAD.

METHODS

We included 850 AMI patients without a history of PAD and divided them into the preserved ABI (ABI ≥ 0.9) group (n=760) and the reduced ABI (ABI ＜0.9) group (n=90) on the basis of the ABI measurement during the hospitalization. The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up duration of 497 days (Q1: 219 days to Q3: 929 days), a total of 152 MACE were observed. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that MACE were more frequently observed in the reduced ABI group than in the preserved ABI group (p＜0.001). The multivariate COX hazard analysis revealed that reduced ABI was significantly associated with MACE (hazard ratio 2.046, 95% confidence interval 1.344-3.144, p=0.001) after controlling confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced ABI was significantly associated with long-term adverse events in AMI patients without a history of PAD. Our results suggest the usefulness of ABI as a prognostic marker in AMI patients irrespective of symptomatic PAD.

Long-term outcomes of peripheral arterial disease patients with significant coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have known to a high risk of cardiac mortality. However, the effectiveness of the routine evaluation of coronary arteries such as routine coronary angiography (CAG) in PAD patients receiving percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is unclear.

Methods

A total of 765 consecutive PAD patients underwent successful PTA and 674 patients (88.1%) underwent routine CAG. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was defined as angiographic stenosis ≥70%. Patients were divided into three groups; 1) routine CAG and a presence of CAD (n = 413 patients), 2) routine CAG and no CAD group (n = 261 patients), and 3) no CAG group (n = 91 patients). To adjust for any potential confounders that could cause bias, multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression and propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curved analysis at 5-year follow-up.

Results

In this study, the 5-year survival rate of patients with PAD who underwent PTA was 88.5%. Survival rates were similar among the CAD group, the no CAD group, and the no CAG group, respectively (87.7% vs. 90.4% vs. 86.8% P = 0.241). After PSM analysis between the CAD group and the no CAD group, during the 5-year clinical follow-up, there were no differences in the incidence of death, myocardial infarction, strokes, peripheral revascularization, or target extremity surgeries between the two groups except for repeat PCI, which was higher in the CAD group than the non-CAD group (9.3% vs. 0.8%, P<0.001).

Conclusion

PAD patients with CAD were expected to have very poor long-term survival, but they are shown no different long-term prognosis such as mortality compared to PAD patients without CAD. These PAD patients with CAD had received PCI and/or optimal medication treatment after the CAG. Therefore a strategy of routine CAG and subsequent PCI, if required, appears to be a reasonable strategy for mortality risk reduction of PAD patients. Our results highlight the importance for evaluation for CAD in patients with PAD.

Mechanical Circulatory Support in High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The use of mechanical circulatory devices to support high-risk elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become more common as the group of patients considered inoperable or high risk for surgical revascularization has grown. Most of the data examining outcomes in high-risk PCI are observational and retrospective. Limited prospective randomized studies have been unable to show improved clinical outcomes with routine mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients with a high burden of coronary artery disease and reduced ejection fraction. The role for MCS in high-risk PCI continues to evolve as understanding of the appropriate groups for this therapy evolves.

Independent Impact of Peripheral Artery Disease on Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a known risk factor for adverse outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. However, in some studies PAD is not an independent risk factor. We sought to examine the independent impact of PAD on a large prospective percutaneous coronary intervention registry.

Methods and Results

From our single‐center prospective percutaneous coronary intervention registry, we have retrospectively analyzed 25 690 patients (years 2004–2018). We examined the influence of PAD on short‐ and long‐term outcomes using both regression and propensity‐matched analyses. Patients with documented PAD (n=1610, 6.3% of total) were older (66.7±10.8 versus 65.4±12.1, P<0.01), had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (69.3% versus 46.3%, P<0.01), hypertension (92.1% versus 76.1%, P<0.01) and renal failure (38.3% versus 18.2%, P<0.01). There were no differences in the rates of stable versus acute presentations, but less were treated with Prasugrel and Ticagrelor (3.3% versus 8.0% and 7.9% versus 11.9%, respectively, P<0.001 for both). Both 30‐day and 3‐year rates of all‐cause death and major adverse cardiac events were higher for patients with PAD versus control (4.9% versus 2.1% and 7.3% versus 3.3% death and major adverse cardiac events at 30 days, respectively; 43.4% versus 29.0% and 55.0% versus 37.8%, respectively at 3 years, P<0.001 for all). Following multivariate analysis, the presence of PAD was associated with a higher risk of both death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.66; CI 1.52–1.83; P<0.001) and major adverse cardiac events (HR, 1.51; CI, 1.40–1.64; P<0.001).

Conclusions

PAD constitutes an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Further studies are needed to ascertain which effective therapies may mitigate this risk.

Consensus Document ANMCO/ANCE/ARCA/GICR-IACPR/GISE/SICOA: Long-term Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor is the cornerstone of pharmacologic management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and/or those receiving coronary stents. Long-term (>1 year) DAPT may further reduce the risk of stent thrombosis after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and may decrease the occurrence of non-stent-related ischaemic events in patients with ACS. Nevertheless, compared with aspirin alone, extended use of aspirin plus a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor may increase the risk of bleeding events that have been strongly linked to adverse outcomes including recurrent ischaemia, repeat hospitalisation and death. In the past years, multiple randomised trials have been published comparing the duration of DAPT after PCI and in ACS patients, investigating either a shorter or prolonged DAPT regimen. Although the current European Society of Cardiology guidelines provide a backup to individualised treatment, it appears to be difficult to identify the ideal patient profile which could safely reduce or prolong the DAPT duration in daily clinical practice. The aim of this consensus document is to review contemporary literature on optimal DAPT duration, and to guide clinicians in tailoring antiplatelet strategies in patients undergoing PCI or presenting with ACS.

Dyslipidemia Part 2: Review of Dyslipidemia Treatment in Patients With Noncoronary Vascular Disease

Dyslipidemia is one of the major modifiable risk factors associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Appropriate modification of lipid profiles reduces the progression of atherosclerosis in vessel walls across all vascular beds. The management of dyslipidemia has evolved over the last several decades, especially since the discovery of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, also known as statins. Statin use in atherosclerotic heart disease is well described in observational and prospective placebo-controlled studies, citing both lipid-lowering and pleiotropic effects. However, the effect of statins and other lipid-lowering agents on noncoronary arterial beds (the aorta, arteries to the extremities, renal, and carotid arteries) is less understood. This article is part 2 of a 2-part review, with part 1 having focused on lipid metabolism and the downstream effects of lipids on the development of atherosclerosis. The current review (part 2) will discuss trials, retrospective reviews, and observational cohort studies regarding the use of statins and/or other lipid-lowering drugs for primary and secondary prevention of peripheral noncoronary atherosclerotic disease.

The Prognostic Value of Peripheral Artery Disease in Heart Failure: Insights from a Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is prevalent in individuals with heart failure (HF). We therefore performed a meta-analysis to assess the prognostic impact of PAD in HF patients.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed and The Cochrane Library was conducted to identify publications from inception to May 2015. We also manually assessed the reference lists of relevant literature for more eligible citations. Only studies reporting the risk of PAD for prognostic endpoints in HF were included in our meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The search strategy yielded eight studies comprising a total of 20,968 subjects, of whom 19.4% had a concurrent PAD. All-cause mortality in HF patients with PAD was profoundly higher than in those without this comorbidity (hazard ratio [HR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25 to 1.49). Peripheral artery disease was also associated with significant increases in HF hospitalisation and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with HF (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.32; HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.52, respectively). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses supported the positive relationship between PAD and HF.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral artery disease is associated with a worse overall prognosis in HF patients, which highlights the need to increase focus on PAD as an important comorbidity in patients with HF.

Hemodynamic Support Devices for Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

High-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) encompasses a growing portion of total PCIs performed and typically includes patients with high-risk clinical and anatomic characteristics. Such patients may represent not only a high-risk group for complications but also a group who may derive the most benefit from complete revascularization. Several hemodynamic support devices are available. Trial data, consensus documents, and guidelines currently recommend high-risk PCI aided by hemodynamic support devices, and this article discusses the patient populations who would benefit from such an approach, the available devices and strategies, and expected outcomes.

Impact of previous vascular burden on in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Patients with a current acute coronary syndrome and previous ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease are reported to have a poorer outcome than those without these previous conditions. It is uncertain whether this association with outcome is observed at long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Prospective observational study, including 4247 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Detailed clinical data and information on previous ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and cerebrovascular disease ("vascular burden") were recorded. Multivariate models were performed for in-hospital and long-term (median, 7.2 years) all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

One vascular territory was affected in 1131 (26.6%) patients and ≥ 2 territories in 221 (5.2%). The total in-hospital mortality rate was 12.3% and the long-term incidence density was 3.5 deaths per 100 patient-years. A background of previous ischemic heart disease (odds ratio = 0.83; P = .35), peripheral arterial disease (odds ratio = 1.30; P = .34), or cerebrovascular disease (stroke) (odds ratio = 1.15; P = .59) was not independently predictive of in-hospital death. In an adjusted model, previous cerebrovascular disease and previous peripheral arterial disease were both predictors of mortality at long-term follow-up (hazard ratio = 1.57; P < .001; and hazard ratio = 1.34; P = .001; respectively). Patients with ≥ 2 diseased vascular territories showed higher long-term mortality (hazard ratio = 2.35; P < .001), but not higher in-hospital mortality (odds ratio = 1.07; P = .844).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, the previous vascular burden determines greater long-term mortality. Considered individually, previous cerebrovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease were predictors of mortality at long-term after hospital discharge.

Ongoing treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at time of admission is associated with poorer prognosis in patients with first-time acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ongoing NSAID treatment at time of admission for myocardial infarction (MI) on prognosis.

METHODS

All patients admitted with first-time MI in 1997-2006 were included by use of individual-level linkage of nationwide registries. By claimed prescription of NSAIDs, availability of tablets was estimated within 14 days prior to inclusion and defined ongoing use. Risk of death within 30 days and risk of death or MI within 1 year was analyzed by logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazard models, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 97,458 patients were included (mean age 69.9 [SD 13.2] years and 62% males); the 30 day and 1 year mortality rates were 18.1% and 27.7%, respectively. Ongoing NSAID treatment was identified in 12,156 (12.5%) patients and 30-day mortality was significantly increased in patients receiving rofecoxib (odds ratio [OR] 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-1.68) and celecoxib (OR 1.23; CI 1.03-1.47) relative to no use of NSAIDs. Correspondingly, the 1-year rate of death or recurrent MI was significantly increased in patients receiving rofecoxib (hazard ratio [HR] 1.15; CI 1.04-1.27), celecoxib (HR 1.13; CI 1.01-1.26), diclofenac (HR 1.12; CI 1.04-1.20) or any NSAID use (HR 1.05; CI 1.02-1.09). No association was found for naproxen or ibuprofen.

CONCLUSION

Ongoing treatment with NSAIDs and in particular the cyclooxygenase-2-selective inhibitors rofecoxib, celecoxib, and diclofenac is associated with worsened prognosis in patients admitted with first-time MI.

Peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities

Persons with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are at increased risk for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and mortality from coronary artery disease. Smoking should be stopped and hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism treated. Statins reduce the incidence of intermittent claudication and improve exercise duration until the onset of intermittent claudication in persons with PAD and hypercholesterolemia. The serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol should be reduced to < 70 mg/dl. Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin or clopidogrel, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and statins should be given to persons with PAD. β-Blockers should be given if coronary artery disease is present. Cilostazol improves exercise time until intermittent claudication. Exercise rehabilitation programs should be used. Revascularization should be performed if indicated.