Optimization of GRACE Risk Stratification by N-Terminal Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide Combined With D-Dimer in Patients With Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

The association between myocardial early systolic lengthening and high risk angiographic territory involvement in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is more common than ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), consisting of 60-70% of myocardial infarctions. When left ventricular (LV) pressure increases during early systole, regionally ischaemic myocardium with a reduced active force exhibit stretching. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of this parameter in determining high risk angiographic territory involvement in NSTEMI patients.

RESULTS

This study was a descriptive correlational research that was conducted on 96 patients with NSTEMI and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50% who underwent coronary angiography (CAG). Patients were divided into two groups based on having or not having high risk angiographic territory involvement in CAG. All patients underwent a transthoracic echocardiography during the first day of hospitalization and early systolic lengthening (ESL), duration of ESL (DESL), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), pulsed-wave Doppler-derived transmitral early (E wave) and late (A wave) diastolic velocities, and tissue-Doppler-derived mitral annular early diastolic (e') and peak systolic (s') velocities were determined. The results of this study showed DESL, DESLLAD, and DESLLCX were longer in high risk angiographic territory group than other one (P value 0.016, 0.044, and 0.04, respectively). The logistic regression analysis showed among different variables, only age and ESLLAD had an independent association with high risk angiographic territory involvement (P = 0.01, odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% CI 1.021-1.164, and P = 0.024, odds ratio [OR] 1.243, 95% CI 1.029-1.50, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of myocardial ESLLAD by speckle-tracking echocardiography may be helpful in predicting high risk angiographic territory involvement in patients with NSTEMI. Indeed, a higher value can be considered as a high risk parameter which may show benefit of an early invasive strategy versus a conservative approach.

Differential gene expression patterns in ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction and Non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction

The ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and Non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) might occur because of coronary artery stenosis. The gene biomarkers apply to the clinical diagnosis and therapeutic decisions in Myocardial Infarction. The aim of this study was to introduce, enrich and estimate timely the blood gene profiles based on the high-throughput data for the molecular distinction of STEMI and NSTEMI. The text mining data (50 genes) annotated with DisGeNET data (144 genes) were merged with the GEO gene expression data (5 datasets) using R software. Then, the STEMI and NSTEMI networks were primarily created using the STRING server, and improved using the Cytoscape software. The high-score genes were enriched using the KEGG signaling pathways and Gene Ontology (GO). Furthermore, the genes were categorized to determine the NSTEMI and STEMI gene profiles. The time cut-off points were identified statistically by monitoring the gene profiles up to 30 days after Myocardial Infarction (MI). The gene heatmaps were clearly created for the STEMI (high-fold genes 69, low-fold genes 45) and NSTEMI (high-fold genes 68, low-fold genes 36). The STEMI and NSTEMI networks suggested the high-score gene profiles. Furthermore, the gene enrichment suggested the different biological conditions for STEMI and NSTEMI. The time cut-off points for the NSTEMI (4 genes) and STEMI (13 genes) gene profiles were established up to three days after Myocardial Infarction. The study showed the different pathophysiologic conditions for STEMI and NSTEMI. Furthermore, the high-score gene profiles are suggested to measure up to 3 days after MI to distinguish the STEMI and NSTEMI.

Mortality prognosis of NGAL, NTproBNP, hsTnT, and GRACE score in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background

NGAL serum concentration have predictive value for cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Objectives

Assessed the all-cause mortarlity prognosis value of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), combination with N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and hsTnT, and GRACE score in patients with ACS.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis study used in this study in 58 patients with ACS. Serum NGAL, NT-proBNP, hs-TnT concentration and GRACE score associated with death events (after 3 months of follow-up) were assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

High performance in predicting mortality of NGAL with a cut-off value of 154.55 ng/mL (AUC, 95% CI = 0.96, 0.90 - 1.0; p = 0.001), GRACE score with 140.50 scores (AUC, 95% CI = 0.76, 0.57 - 0.96; p = 0.051). Combination of NTproBNP plus NGAL indicated with the highest value (AUC, 95% CI = 0.96, 0.91 - 1.0; Se = 80.0; Sp = 92.5; p = 0.001). The relative risk assessment indicated a high value in mortality prediction of NGAL with a cut-off value of 154.55 (OR, 95% CI = 49.0, 4.3 - 549.2; p < 0.001), and GRACE score with 140.50 scores (OR, 95% CI = 11.1, 1.1 - 108.4; p = 0.013).

Conclusion

NGAL can be employed as a biomarker for the early prediction of mortality events in individuals with ACS. The combination of NGAL, NT-proBNP, hsTnT, and GRACE score showed the higher outcome but not worth mentioning.

Prognostic Value of GRACE Risk Score Combined With Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were used independently to predict adverse outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In this study, 1041 patients with STEMI were divided into 4 groups based on GRACE scores and optimal cutoff values for SII. SII was positively correlated with GRACE score (r = 0.164; P < .001). SII (HR, hazard ratio: 2.051; 95%CI: 1.249-3.368; P = .005) and GRACE score (HR: 7.625; 95%CI: 3.692-15.746; P < .001) were independent risk predictors of short-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Taking the low SII+low GRACE group as the reference group, the short-term MACE HR of the high SII+high GRACE group was 40.470 (95%CI: 5.547-295.253). Comparing the area under the curve, the combined use of SII and GRACE scores can significantly improve the prediction efficiency of short-term MACE compared with the single use of SII and GRACE scores. In conclusion, SII may be positively correlated with GRACE score, and the combination of the two accurately predicted the occurrence of short-term MACE in STEMI patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Prognostic significance of serial N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A prospective study

OBJECTS

This study aimed to investigate the association between N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels at different sampling times and prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between March 2017 and January 2020, 1,105 patients with AMI who underwent emergency PCI were included. NT-proBNP levels were measured on days 0, 1, 2, 3, and 7. A composite of all-cause death, MI recurrence (reMI), and rehospitalization due to heart failure, known as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), was recorded. During the 36.8-month follow-up, 175 patients (15.8%) experienced MACEs. When patients were grouped based on quartiles of NT-proBNP levels on days 0 and 7, the results demonstrated that patients in quartile 4 showed a substantially increased MACE risk compared to those in quartile 1 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.27-4.08, P = .006; HR 2.20, 95%CI:1.23-3.94, P = .008). There were U-shaped relationships between the HR for MACE and NT-proBNP levels on days 2, 3, and 7, as well as peak NT-proBNP (P _{for nonlinearity} = .007, .006, .004, and .009, respectively). A similar relationship was observed in the HR for reMI and NT-proBNP levels on days 2 and 3. For MACE at 3 years, serial NT-proBNP levels improved the predictive accuracy of the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score (concordance index [C-index]: 0.711; continuous net reclassification improvement [NRI]: 0.192, 95% CI: 0.022-0.445; integrated discrimination improvement [IDI]: 0.034, 95% CI: 0.016-0.064). For all-cause death at 3 years, the combination of NT-proBNP and GRACE score showed excellent performance, with C-index, continuous NRI, and IDI values of 0.801, 0.373 (95%CI: 0.072-0.853), and 0.051 (95%CI: 0.025-0.091), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Early and sequential measurement of NT-proBNP levels could assist in predicting MACE risk. Moreover, the relationship between MACE risk and NT-proBNP levels was U-shaped.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov NCT: 03593928.

Emerging Biomarkers for Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease is most frequently caused by the development and progression of atherosclerosis. When coronary arteries are afflicted, and the stenoses caused by atherosclerotic plaques are severe enough, the metabolic supply-and-offer balance is disturbed, leading to myocardial ischemia. If atherosclerotic plaques become unstable and local thrombosis develops, a myocardial infarction occurs. Sometimes, myocardial ischemia and infarction may result in significant and irreversible heart failure. To prevent severe complications, such as acute coronary syndromes and ischemia-related heart failure, extensive efforts have been made for developing biomarkers that would help identify patients at increased risk for cardiovascular events. In this two-part study, we attempted to provide a review of existing knowledge of blood biomarkers that may be used in this setting. The first part of this work was dedicated to conventional biomarkers, which are already used in clinical practice. In the second part, here presented, we discuss emerging biomarkers which have not yet become mainstream.

Conventional Biomarkers for Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Heart Disease

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide. The progression of coronary atherosclerosis leads to coronary artery disease, with impaired blood flow to the myocardium and subsequent development of myocardial ischemia. Acute coronary syndromes and post-myocardial infarction heart failure are two of the most common complications of coronary artery disease and are associated with worse outcomes. In order to improve the management of patients with coronary artery disease and avoid major cardiovascular events, several risk assessment tools have been developed. Blood and imaging biomarkers, as well as clinical risk scores, are now available and validated for clinical practice, but research continues. The purpose of the current paper is to provide a review of recent findings regarding the use of humoral biomarkers for risk assessment in patients with heart disease.

Validation of plasma D-dimer in Chinese patients with acute non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

Objective

To analyze the predictive values of D-dimer in Chinese patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Methods

We retrospectively retrieved consecutive patients hospitalized due to acute NSTEMI from January 2015 to December 2018 from the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) library. Clinical and follow-up data were collected. The primary endpoint was major adverse composite cardiovascular events (MACEs), such as all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. The secondary endpoints included all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, heart failure, and severe arrhythmias. The Cox regression model was used to evaluate the association between risk factors and clinical outcomes in Chinese patients with NSTEMI.

Results

A total of 673 patients were included; the median age was 64.0 (53.0–75.0) years old and 76.2% were men. Patients with higher D-dimer levels were more often women, older, had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, and had a higher incidence of MACEs (59.9 vs. control 9.0%; p < 0.001) and all-cause death (49.1 vs. control 2.2%; p < 0.001). The multivariate Cox analysis suggested that the D-dimer level was an independent predictor of MACEs (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.069, 95% CI: 1.010–1.132, p = 0.021). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis suggested that D-dimer levels were better than the Charlson Comorbidity Index in all-cause death.

Conclusion

In Chinese patients with acute NSTEMI, higher D-dimer levels on admission suggest a poor long-term prognosis.

Cardiac Biomarkers in 2022 – a Vital Tool for Emergency Care

The role of cardiac biomarkers in diagnosing acute myocardial infarction is undoubted. In the 2020 guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology, the measurement of cardiac peptides to gain prognostic information has a class IIa indication in all patients with ACS. In emergency care, ruling out a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction requires documentation of normal levels of cardiac biomarkers, which remain stable or have very small variations within several hours. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge and recent progresses in the field of cardiac biomarker discovery, from their routine use in emergency rooms to their prognostic roles in modern risk assessment tools. Integrated approaches combining cardiac troponin with other biomarkers of ventricular dysfunction or inflammation, or with modern cardiac imaging in emergency care are also presented, as well as the role of modern algorithms for serial troponin measurement in the modern management of emergency departments.

De Winter electrocardiogram pattern due to type A aortic dissection: a case report

Background

De Winter electrocardiograph (ECG) pattern is an atypical presentation of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to severe stenosis of the left anterior descending (LAD). Complications of acute aortic dissection (AD) in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with de Winter sign are relatively rare and physicians may easily miss the diagnosis of AD. We report a case of patient with acute chest pain and de Winter ECG pattern due to AD involving the left main coronary artery (LM), LAD and left circumflex artery (LCX).

Case presentation

A 57-year-old male patient was initially diagnosed with AMI and then the diagnosis of acute AD was supported by transthoracic echocardiograph (TTE). After two stents were implanted respectively into the proximal LM-LAD and LM-LCX, he recovered from cardiogenic shock. Two months later, the patient underwent the surgery of ascending aorta replacement. After the surgery, there was no obvious chest discomfort during follow-up.

Conclusions

When an ECG shows a “de Winter pattern”, we should also consider the possibility of AD which result in LAD occlusion. TTE is a useful tool in screening for AD. Further research is needed to prove that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be a useful treatment strategy in the case of AD leading to severe LAD occlusion and unstable hemodynamics when there’s no condition to perform aortic replacement surgery immediately.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-022-02596-8.

Combination of TyG Index and GRACE Risk Score as Long-Term Prognostic Marker in Patients with ACS Complicated with T2DM Undergoing PCI

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index combined the with Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score in adult acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

The study enrolled total 899 ACS patients with T2DM who underwent PCI. TyG index and the GRACE risk score were calculated and assessed by median. The correlation was analyzed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The cumulative major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) curve was generated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression was used to identify predictors of MACEs. Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), net reclassification index (NRI) and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) were applied to analyze the performance of each single factor index and combined multivariate index in predicting MACE.

RESULTS

In the ACS patients with T2DM after PCI, there were significant differences in the TyG index and GRACE risk score between the MACE group and the MACE-free group (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the TyG index combined with the GRACE risk score was positively correlated with the occurrence of MACEs (log rank P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the TyG index, the GRACE risk score, and the TyG index combined with the GRACE risk score were independent predictors of long-term MACEs (adjusted HR: 1.805; 95% CI: 1.479-2.203, P < 0.001; adjusted HR: 1.012; 95% CI: 1.009-1.016, P < 0.001; and adjusted HR: 2.337; 95% CI: 1.805-3.025, P < 0.001, respectively). Correlation analysis indicated that the TyG index was positively correlated with the GRACE risk score (R = 0.140, P < 0.001). The analysis of AUC, NRI and IDI revealed that the combined multivariate index performed better prognostic role than each single factor index in predicting the occurrence of MACE.

CONCLUSION

Both the GRACE risk score and the TyG index could be significant and independent predictors of clinical outcomes in ACS patients with T2DM after PCI. A combination of them could be enhanced predictions of clinical outcomes in these patients.

D-dimer for risk stratification and antithrombotic treatment management in acute coronary syndrome patients: asystematic review and metanalysis

BACKGROUND

Data on the prognostic role of D-dimer in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are controversial. Our aim was to summarize current evidence on the association between D-dimer levels and short/long-term poor prognosis of ACS patients. We also investigated the association between D-dimer and no-reflow phenomenon.

METHODS

Systematic review and metanalysis of observational studies including ACS patients and reporting data on D-dimer levels. PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched. Data were combined with hazard ratio (HR) and metanalysed. The principal endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular events (CVEs) including myocardial infarction, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 32 studies included in the systematic review with 28,869 patients. Of them, 6 studies investigated in-hospital and 26 studies long-term outcomes. Overall, 23 studies showed positive association of high D-dimer levels with CVEs. D-dimer levels predicted poor prognosis in all studies reporting in-hospital outcomes. Five studies satisfied inclusion criteria and were included in the metanalysis, with a total of 8616 patients. Median follow-up was 13.2 months with 626 CVEs. The pooled HR for D-dimer levels and CVEs was 1.264 (95% CI 1.134-1.409). Five out of 7 studies (4195 STEMI patients) investigating the association between D-dimer levels and no-reflow showed a positive correlation of D-dimer levels with no-reflow.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ACS, D-dimer was associated with higher in-hospital and short/long-term complications. D-dimer was also higher in patients with no-reflow phenomenon. The use of D-dimer may help to identify patients with residual thrombotic risk after ACS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: CRD42021267233 .

Association between Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation with Cardiac Necrosis and Heart Failure in Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients and Various Degrees of Kidney Function

The aim of this study was to explore the possible association between markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) and markers of cardiac function and necrosis in 100 NSTEMI (non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction) patients with various degrees of kidney dysfunction. At admission, ejection fraction (EF), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponin (TnI), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukins 6 and 10 (IL-6, IL10), myeloperoxidase (MPO), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and albuminuria were assessed. Study participants were divided into 2 subgroups based on the median level of EF. Compared to the high, patients in the low EF group had higher GFR, BNP, CPK, hs-CRP, IL-10, IL-6, and MPO values and lower albuminuria levels. The levels of EF decreased in parallel with the progression of CKD, whereas the levels of BNP, IL-6, and TGF-β were significantly higher in late stages of CKD. Spearman's rho correlation analysis showed that EF was inversely correlated with MPO (r = -0.20, p = 0.05) BNP (r = -0.30, p = 0.002), hs-CRP (r = -0.38, p < 0.0001), IL-10 (r = -0.30, p = 0.003), and IL-6 (r = -0.24, p = 0.02) and positively with GFR (r = 0.27, p = 0.008). TnI was correlated with CPK (r = 0.44, p < 0.0001), CPK-MB (r = 0.31, p = 0.002), ALT (r = 0.50, p < 0.0001), AST (r = 0.29, p = 0.004), IL-10 (r = 0.22, p = 0.03), and MPO (r = -0.28, p = 0.006). In multivariate regression analysis, only BNP (β = -0.011, p = 0.004), hs-CRP (β = -0.11, p = 0.001), and GFR (β = 0.12, p = 0.0029) were independent determinants of EF. Similarly, MPO (β = -1.69, p = 0.02), IL-10 (β = 0.15, p = 0.006), and AST (β = 0.04, p = 0.001) were the 3 major determinants of TnI. Based on these associations, we built a predictive model including markers of inflammation and OS (MPO, IL-10, and hs-CRP) to identify patients with the most severe cardiac injury (combined EF below median and troponin above median values). Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve of this model to detect patients with low EF and high TnI was 0.67 (p = 0.015, 95%confidence interval = 0.53-0.81).

Prognostic value of CHA2DS2-VASc score in predicting high SYNTAX score and in-hospital mortality for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in patients without atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic value of preprocedural CHA2DS2-VASc [congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years (doubled), diabetes mellitus, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (doubled), vascular disease, age 65-74 years, female gender] score in predicting high SYNTAX (Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) score and in-hospital mortality for non-atrial fibrillation (AF) patients presenting with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The CHA2DS2-VASc score used to determine thromboembolic risks in AF was recently reported to predict major adverse clinical outcomes in patients with the acute coronary syndrome, irrespective of AF.

METHODS

A total of 906 patients with a diagnosis of NSTEMI who underwent coronary angiography were retrospectively enrolled and divided into three groups according to their SYNTAX scores (low, intermediate, and high). The CHA2DS2-VASc score of each patient was calculated.

RESULTS

SYNTAX score had a significant positive correlation with the CHA2DS2-VASc score (r=0.320; p<0.001) in the Spearman correlation analysis. The CHA2DS2-VASc score [Odds ratio, 1.445; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.268-1.648, p<0.001], left ventricular ejection fraction, creatinine, C-reactive protein, and high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were demonstrated to be independent predictors of high SYNTAX score. The CHA2DS2-VASc score [Hazard ratio (HR), 1.867; 95% CI: 1.462-2.384; p<0.001], the SYNTAX score (HR, 1.049; p=0.003), and age (HR, 1.057; p=0.002) were independently associated with higher risk of in-hospital mortality in a multiple Cox-regression model. Kaplan-Meier survival curves stratified by the CHA2DS2-VASc score (<4 vs. ≥4) also showed that higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores were associated with higher in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In non-AF patients with NSTEMI, CHA2DS2-VASc and SYNTAX scores are useful for prognosis assessment and can be used to identify patients at higher risk for in-hospital mortality.

Association of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level with adverse outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies evaluating the association of blood level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with adverse prognosis have yielded conflicting results in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the prognostic value of blood level of NT-proBNP in patients with AMI.

METHODS

Two authors independently searched articles in PubMed and Embase databases up to June 13, 2021. Studies evaluating the association of baseline NT-proBNP level with all-cause mortality or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs, including death, new or worsening heart failure, recurrent myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, etc.) among AMI patients were selected. Multivariable-adjusted risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was pooled by the highest vs. lowest category of NT-proBNP level.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies enrolling 12,158 AMI patients were identified. When compared highest with the lowest category of NT-proBNP level, the pooled RR was 5.28 (95% CI 2.87-9.73) for in-hospital/30-day death, 2.62 (95% CI 2.04-3.37) for follow-up all-cause mortality, and 2.50 (95% CI 1.91-3.28) for follow-up MACEs, respectively. Subgroup analysis further confirmed the value of NT-proBNP in predicting all-cause mortality and MACEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated NT-proBNP level is independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and MACEs. Determination of blood NT-proBNP level can improve risk stratification of AMI patients.