Primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: From clinical trial to clinical practice

Shorter Door-to-Balloon Time in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Saves Insurance Payments: A Single Hospital Experience in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

The relationship between quality of care and cost of medical services is a popular topic. In this study, we examined whether a reduced door-to-balloon (D2B) time led to cost savings, benefitted insurance payers, and improved patient outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients who presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between Feb. 1, 2007, and Jul. 31, 2009, at a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. The patient data were collected by chart review. We utilized claims data from the hospital financial system as the proxy for insurance payer costs. We only included the claims data, regardless of whether patients were inpatients or outpatients, associated with the first three cardiovascular related ICD-9 codes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between the D2B time, in-hospital mortality and one-year cardiovascular readmission. We utilized a multivariable linear regression to test the relationships between the D2B time, hospitalization cost and one-year cardiovascular-related cost.

RESULTS

The D2B time did not influence the in-hospital mortality rate, but a D2B time greater than 90 min increased the probability of one-year cardiovascular readmission (p = 0.018). The D2B time did not increase the index hospitalization cost, but patients with a D2B time above 90 min had 14.6% higher one-year cardiovascular- related costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that the D2B time in patients with STEMI could impact the one-year cardiovascular readmission and one-year cardiovascular-related health cost. These results suggest that the pursuit of high-quality care not only leads to better outcomes, but also reduces costs.

KEY WORDS

Acute myocardial infarction; Cost; Door-to-balloon time; Insurance payer; Quality.

Prognostic significance of NT-proBNP, 3D LA volume and LV dyssynchrony in patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous intervention

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to assess the short term prognostic significance of N-terminal pro BNP (NT-proBNP), 3D left atrial volume (LAV) and left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony in patients of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary Percutaneous intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

NT-proBNP, LV dyssynchrony and LAV in patients with acute coronary syndrome have been associated with PCI outcomes and predict the short and long-term prognosis.

METHODS

This study consisted of 142 patients with a first STEMI who underwent primary PCI. Baseline echocardiographic data was collected at admission and at 6 months follow up. Left ventricular dyssynchrony was measured by tissue Doppler imaging and LAV by real time 3D-echocardiography, plasma NT-proBNP levels were estimated between 72 and 96 h of admission.

RESULTS

During study period 3 patients expired and 4 developed congestive heart failure (CHF). Baseline NT-proBNP and LV dyssynchrony correlated with LV size and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline and during follow up. Patients with higher NT-proBNP levels and higher LV dyssynchrony showed significant increase in LV size with decrease in LVEF during follow-up. Baseline Left atrial volume index (LAVI) showed significant correlation with LV size but no association with LVEF at baseline and during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of NT-proBNP and higher LV dyssynchrony can predict patients with increase in LV size, worsening of LV systolic and diastolic function during follow-up. Patients with higher NT-proBNP levels at baseline developed CHF during follow-up.