Management of multivessel coronary disease in STEMI patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Plasma leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: vertical variation, correlation with T helper 17/regulatory T ratio, and predictive value on major adverse cardiovascular events

Objective

Leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) promotes inflammation and myocardial injury, but its clinical role in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is rarely disclosed. Herein, this prospective study aimed to explore the value of plasma LRG1 at different time points to predict major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) risk in patients with STEMI.

Methods

In total, 209 patients with STEMI were enrolled for determining plasma LRG1 at admission and on day (D)1/D7/D30 after admission via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, as well as for determination of peripheral blood T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells by flow cytometry. In addition, plasma LRG1 was obtained from 30 healthy controls at enrollment.

Results

LRG1 was increased in patients with STEMI at admission compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001). In patients with STEMI, LRG1 varied at different time points (P < 0.001), which elevated from admission to D1, and gradually declined thereafter. LRG1 at admission was positively associated with Th17 cells (P = 0.001) and Th17/Treg ratio (P = 0.014). LRG1 at admission (P = 0.013), D1 (P = 0.034), D7 (P = 0.001), and D30 (P = 0.010) were increased in patients with MACE compared with those without. LRG1 at D7 exhibited good ability to estimate MACE risk (area under curve = 0.750, 95% confidence interval = 0.641-0.858). LRG1 at admission > 60 μg/ml (P = 0.031) and D7 > 60 μg/ml (P = 0.018) were linked with increased accumulating MACE. Importantly, LRG1 at D7 > 60 μg/ml was independently correlated with increased MACE risk (hazard ratio = 5.216, P = 0.033).

Conclusion

Plasma LRG1 increases from admission to D1 and gradually declines until D30, which positively links with Th17 cells and MACE risk in patients with STEMI.

Gender differences in the development of heart failure after acute coronary syndrome: Insight from the CORALYS registry

BACKGROUND

Impact of gender on heart remodeling after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and consequently on development of heart failure (HF) remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

CORALYS is a multicenter, retrospective, observational registry enrolling consecutive patients admitted for ACS and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. HF hospitalization was the primary endpoint while all-cause mortality and the composite endpoint of incidence of first HF hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality were the secondary ones.

RESULTS

Among 14,699 patients enrolled in CORALYS registry, 4578 (31%) were women and 10,121 (69%) males. Women were older, had more frequently hypertension and diabetes and less frequently smoking habit. History of myocardial infarction (MI), STEMI at admission and multivessel disease were less common in women. After median follow up of 2.9 ± 1.8 years, women had higher incidence of primary and secondary endpoints and female sex was an independent predictor of HF hospitalization (HR 1.26;1.05-1.50; p = 0.011) and cardiovascular death/HF hospitalization (HR 1.18;1.02-1.37; p = 0.022). At multivariable analysis women and men share as predictors of HF diabetes, history of cancer, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, complete revascularization and left ventricular ejection fraction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 2.34;1.70-3.22, p < 0.001) and diuretics treatment (HR 1.61;1.27-2.04, p < 0.001) were predictor of HF in men, while history of previous MI (HR 1.46;1.08-1.97, p = 0.015) and treatment with inhibitors of renin-angiotensin system (HR 0.69;0,49-0.96 all 95% CI, p = 0.030) in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Women are at increased risk of HF after ACS and gender seems to be an outcome-modifier of the relationship between a variable and primary outcome.

Average daily ischemic versus bleeding risk in patients with ACS undergoing PCI: Insights from the BleeMACS and RENAMI registries

BACKGROUND

The risk of recurrent ischemia and bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may vary during the first year of follow-up according to clinical presentation, and medical and interventional strategies.

METHODS

BleeMACS and RENAMI are 2 multicenter registries enrolling patients with ACS treated with PCI and clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor. The average daily ischemic and bleeding risks (ADIR and ADBR) in the first year after PCI were the primary end points. The difference between ADBR and ADIR was calculated to estimate the potential excess of bleeding/ischemic events in a given period or specific subgroup.

RESULTS

A total of 19,826 patients were included. Overall, in the first year after PCI, the ADBR was 0.008085%, whereas ADIR was 0.008017% (P = .886). In the first 2 weeks ADIR was higher than ADBR (P = .013), especially in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or incomplete revascularization. ADIR continued to be, albeit non-significantly, greater than ADBR up to the third month, whereas ADBR became higher, although not significantly, afterward. Patients with incomplete revascularization had an excess in ischemic risk (P = .003), whereas non-ST-segment elevation ACS patients and those on ticagrelor had an excess of bleeding (P = .012 and P = .022, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In unselected ACS patients, ADIR and ADBR occurred at similar rates within 1 year after PCI. ADIR was greater than ADBR in the first 2 weeks, especially in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients and those with incomplete revascularization. In the first year, ADIR was higher than ADBR in patients with incomplete revascularization, whereas ADBR was higher in non-ST-segment elevation ACS patients and in those discharged on ticagrelor.

Complete Versus Culprit-Only Lesion Intervention in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes

BACKGROUND

A large proportion of patients presenting with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) present with multivessel disease (MVD). There is uncertainty in the role of complete coronary revascularization in this group of patients.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of complete revascularization compared with culprit vessel-only intervention in a large contemporary cohort of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for NSTEMI.

METHODS

The authors undertook an observational cohort study of 37,491 NSTEMI patients treated between 2005 and 2015 at the 8 heart attack centers in London. Clinical details were recorded at the time of the procedure into local databases using the British Cardiac Intervention Society (BCIS) PCI dataset. A total of 21,857 patients (58.3%) presented with NSTEMI and MVD. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality at a median follow-up of 4.1 years (interquartile range: 2.2 to 5.8 years).

RESULTS

A total of 11,737 (53.7%) patients underwent single-stage complete revascularization during PCI for NSTEMI, rates that significantly increased during the study period (p = 0.006). Those patients undergoing complete revascularization were older and more likely to be male, diabetic, have renal disease and a history of previous myocardial infarction/revascularization compared with the culprit-only revascularization group. Although crude, in-hospital major adverse cardiac event rates were similar (5.2% vs. 4.8%; p = 0.462) between the 2 groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significant differences in mortality rates between the 2 groups (22.5% complete revascularization vs. 25.9% culprit vessel intervention; p = 0.0005) during the follow-up period. After multivariate Cox analysis (hazard ratio: 0.90; 95% confidence interval: 0.85 to 0.97) and the use of propensity matching (hazard ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.76 to 0.98) complete revascularization was associated with reduced mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In NSTEMI patients with MVD, despite higher initial (in-hospital) mortality rates, single-stage complete coronary revascularization appears to be superior to culprit-only vessel PCI in terms of long-term mortality rates. This supports the need for further randomized study to confirm these findings.

Angiography-guided Multivessel Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Ischemia-guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Medical Therapy in the Management of Significant Disease in Non-Infarct-related Arteries in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients With Multivessel Coronary Disease

BACKGROUND

In ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with multivessel (MV) disease, after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), emerging evidence suggests that significant disease in non-infarct-related coronary arteries (IRAs) should be routinely stented. Whether this procedure should be guided by angiography alone or ischemia testing is unclear.

METHODS

All STEMI patients treated with primary PCI between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2012, at a tertiary cardiology center were reviewed retrospectively. Inclusion criterion is patients with at least 70% stenosis in non-IRAs. There were 3 treatment groups: (1) angiography-guided MV-PCI, (2) ischemia-guided PCI, and (3) medical therapy. Primary endpoint is all-cause mortality, and secondary end point is major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including death, acute coronary syndrome, revascularization, or stent thrombosis. Event-free survivals were compared using multivariate Cox proportional-hazards analysis. A propensity score-adjusted analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Four hundred forty-seven STEMI patients had >70% stenosis in non-IRAs. For all-cause mortality, the 3 strategies did not differ. For MACE, ischemia-guided PCI was associated with the lowest MACE rate, followed by angiography-guided PCI and medical therapy, which was associated with the highest MACE rate, driven by death and myocardial infarction. Hazard ratios (HRs) for MACE: angiography-guided MV-PCI versus ischemia-guided MV-PCI: HR = 2.23 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-4.48; P = 0.023]; medical therapy versus angiography-guided MV-PCI: HR = 1.58 (95% CI, 0.99-2.63; P = 0.062); medical therapy versus ischemia-guided MV-PCI: HR = 1.72 (95% CI, 1.08-2.74; P = 0.022). Propensity score-adjusted analysis yielded similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

After primary PCI, complete revascularization in STEMI multivessel disease is associated with lower MACE rates than medical therapy. However, ischemia-testing-guided rather than angiography-guided revascularization was associated with the lowest MACE. This study provides preliminary data and hypotheses for future randomized controlled studies.

Revascularization Strategies in STEMI with Multivessel Disease: Deciding on Culprit Versus Complete-Ad Hoc or Staged

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review will address the clinical conundrum of those who may derive clinical benefit from complete revascularization of coronary stenosis that are discovered at the time of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The decision to revascularize additional vessels with angiographic stenosis beyond the culprit lesion remains controversial, as does the timing of revascularization.

RECENT FINDINGS

STEMI patients represent a high-risk patient population that have up to a 50% prevalence of multivessel disease. Multivessel disease represents an important risk factor for short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. Potential benefits of multivessel PCI for STEMI might include reduced short- and long-term mortality, revascularization, reduced resource utilization, and costs. Which population will benefit and what the optimal timing of revascularization in the peri-MI period remains controversial. Consideration of multivessel revascularization in the setting of STEMI may occur in up to one half of STEMI patients. Evaluation of the comorbidities including diabetes, extent of myocardium at risk, lesion complexity, ventricular function, and risk factors for complications such as contrast induced nephropathy which is important in determining the appropriate care pathway.

Prevalence and outcome of patients with cancer and acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a BleeMACS substudy

BACKGROUND

The prevalence and outcome of patients with cancer that experience acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have to be determined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The BleeMACS project is a multicentre observational registry enrolling patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention worldwide in 15 hospitals. The primary endpoint was a composite event of death and re-infarction after one year of follow-up. Bleedings were the secondary endpoint. 15,401 patients were enrolled, 926 (6.4%) in the cancer group and 14,475 (93.6%) in the group of patients without cancer. Patients with cancer were older (70.8±10.3 vs. 62.8±12.1 years, P<0.001) with more severe comorbidities and presented more frequently with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction compared with patients without cancer. After one year, patients with cancer more often experienced the composite endpoint (15.2% vs. 5.3%, P<0.001) and bleedings (6.5% vs. 3%, P<0.001). At multiple regression analysis the presence of cancer was the strongest independent predictor for the primary endpoint (hazard ratio (HR) 2.1, 1.8-2.5, P<0.001) and bleedings (HR 1.5, 1.1-2.1, P=0.015). Despite patients with cancer generally being undertreated, beta-blockers (relative risk (RR) 0.6, 0.4-0.9, P=0.05), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (RR 0.5, 0.3-0.8, P=0.02), statins (RR 0.3, 0.2-0.5, P<0.001) and dual antiplatelet therapy (RR 0.5, 0.3-0.9, P=0.05) were shown to be protective factors, while proton pump inhibitors (RR 1, 0.6-1.5, P=0.9) were neutral.

CONCLUSION

Cancer has a non-negligible prevalence in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, with a major risk of cardiovascular events and bleedings. Moreover, these patients are often undertreated from clinical despite medical therapy seems to be protective. Registration:The BleeMACS project (NCT02466854).

Optimal Timing of Complete Revascularization in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Studies have suggested that complete revascularization is superior to culprit‐only revascularization for the treatment of enzyme‐positive acute coronary syndrome. However, the optimal timing of complete revascularization remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing single‐stage complete revascularization with multistage percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction or non–ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel disease.

Methods and Results

We systematically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, PubMed, and MEDLINE for randomized controlled trials comparing single‐stage complete revascularization with multistage revascularization in patients with enzyme‐positive acute coronary syndrome. The primary outcome was the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events at longest follow‐up. Data were pooled using DerSimonian and Laird random‐effects models. Four randomized controlled trials (n=838) were included in our meta‐analysis. The risk of unplanned repeat revascularization at longest follow‐up was significantly lower in patients randomized to single‐stage complete revascularization (risk ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47–0.99). Results also suggest a trend towards lower risks of major adverse cardiovascular events for patients randomized to single‐stage revascularization at 6 months (risk ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.40–1.11) and at longest follow‐up (risk ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.52–1.20). Risks of mortality and recurrent myocardial infarction at longest follow‐up were also lower with single‐stage revascularization, but 95% CIs were wide and included unity.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that single‐stage complete revascularization is safe. There also appears to be a trend towards lower long‐term risks of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events; however, additional randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the potential benefits of single‐stage multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention.

Prognosis of complete versus incomplete revascularisation of patients with STEMI with multivessel coronary artery disease: an observational study

Objective

The best strategy in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) regarding completeness of revascularisation of the non-culprit lesion(s) is still unclear. To establish which strategy should be followed, survival rates over a longer period should be evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether complete revascularisation, compared with incomplete revascularisation, is associated with reduced short-term and long-term all-cause mortality in patients with first STEMI and multivessel CAD.

Methods

This retrospective study consisted of 518 patients with first STEMI with multivessel CAD. Complete revascularisation (45%) was defined as the treatment of any significant coronary artery stenosis (≥70% luminal narrowing) during primary or staged percutaneous coronary intervention prior to discharge. The primary end point was all-cause mortality.

Results

Incomplete revascularisation was not independently associated with 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with acute first STEMI and multivessel CAD (OR 1.98; 95% CI 0.62to6.37; p=0.25). During a median long-term follow-up of 6.7 years, patients with STEMI with multivessel CAD and incomplete revascularisation showed higher mortality rates compared with patients who received complete revascularisation (24% vs 12%, p<0.001), and these differences remained after excluding the first 30 days. However, in multivariate analysis, incomplete revascularisation was not independently associated with increased all-cause mortality during long-term follow-up in the group of patients with STEMI who survived the first 30 days post-STEMI (HR 1.53 95% CI 0.89-2.61, p=0.12).

Conclusion

In patients with acute first STEMI and multivessel CAD, incomplete revascularisation compared with complete revascularisation was not independently associated with increased short-term and long-term all-cause mortality.

Association of serum transaminases with short- and long-term outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are referred to as liver transaminases. Although used routinely in clinical practice for decades, their role as predictors of mortality has not been examined until recently. We studied the predictive value of these serum transaminases in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

We analyzed records of 2417 consecutive STEMI patients with no preexisting liver disease who were treated with primary PCI at the Cardiovascular Center in the First Hospital of Jilin University. The outcomes measured were all-cause mortality at the first month and at 2 years. The relationship between the baseline serum transaminase levels and primary outcome was determined.

RESULTS

We found a significant correlation between elevated liver transaminases and the Killip classification (P < 0.001 for ALT; P < 0.001 for AST), cardiac troponin I (P = 0.002 for ALT; P < 0.001 for AST), infarct-related coronary artery (P = 0.036 for ALT; P = 0.011 for AST), and pre-thrombolysis-in-myocardial-infarction (pre-TIMI) flow (P < 0.001 for ALT and AST). The serum level of ALT and AST were high along with the increasing of the grade of Killip classification. The primary infarct-related coronary artery in patients with ALT ≥95th percentage was left anterior descending artery (56%), followed by right coronary artery (36%). The OR for all-cause mortality at 2 years for participants with ALT ≥95th percentage was 5.370 (95% CI: 2.899-9.948), 7.034 (95% CI: 3.718-13.307) after adjustment for age and gender and 1.051 (95% CI: 0.302-3.652) after adjustment for all covariables. The OR for all-cause mortality at 2 years for participants with AST ≥95th percentage was 5.370 (95% CI 2.899-9.948) and 5.699 (95% CI 3.030-10.718) after adjustment for age and gender and 1.796 (95% CI: 0.588-5.481) after adjustment for all covariables. ALT (HR 1.004, 95% CI 1.001-1.006, P = 0.010) and AST (HR 0.999, 95% CI 0.998-1.000, P = 0.030) were associated with early all-cause mortality in patients with STEMI treated with PCI but not at 2 years post-procedure, unless for AST and ALT levels ≥95th percentage. Moreover, short- and long-term outcomes were significantly worse when both AST and ALT levels ≥95th percentage (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum transaminases ≥95th percentage were associated with a significantly increased incidence of short- and long-term all-cause mortality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registration number: ChiCTR-EPC-16008199 , 31 March 2016.

Increased Symmetric Dimethylarginine Level Is Associated with Worse Hospital Outcomes through Altered Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objectives

We aimed to investigate whether SDMA- symmetric dimethylarginine -the symmetrical stereoisomer of ADMA- might be a marker of left ventricular function in AMI.

Background

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has been implicated in the prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and heart failure (HF).

Methods

Cross sectional prospective study from 487 consecutive patients hospitalized <24 hours after AMI. Patients with HF on admission were excluded. Serum levels of ADMA, SDMA and L-arginine were determined using HPLC. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated based on creatinine levels. Outcomes were in-hospital severe HF, as defined by Killip class >2, and death.

Results

Patients were analysed based on SDMA tertiles. Sex, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and prior MI were similar for all tertiles. In contrast, age and hypertension increased across the tertiles (p<0.001). From the first to the last tertile, GRACE risk score was elevated while LVEF and eGFR was reduced. The rate of severe HF and death were gradually increased across the SDMA tertiles (from 0.6% to 7.4%, p = 0.006 and from 0.6% to 5.0%, p = 0.034, respectively). Backward logistic multivariate analysis showed that SDMA was an independent estimate of developing severe HF, even when adjusted for confounding (OR(95%CI): 8.2(3.0–22.5), p<0.001). Further, SDMA was associated with mortality, even after adjustment for GRACE risk score (OR(95%CI): 4.56(1.34–15.52), p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Our study showed for the first time that SDMA is associated with hospital outcomes, through altered LVEF and may have biological activity beyond renal function.

Bivalirudin versus Heparin plus Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors in Women Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Bivalirudin has been shown to be safe and efficacious compared with heparin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Whether bivalirudin would have the beneficial effects in female patients undergoing PCI remains unknown. We searched the literature for randomized controlled trials that assessed bivalirudin versus heparin plus GPI therapy in female patients undergoing PCI. The primary efficacy end point was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 30 days. The secondary efficacy end points were 30-day incidence of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), urgent/ischemia-driven revascularization of target vessel. The safety end point was major bleeding up to 30 days. A total of 4,501 female patients were included in five randomized trials. No significant difference in MACE emerged between bivalirudin and heparin plus GPI at 30 days (8.15% vs 8.76%, RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.77-1.16, P = .57). There were no significant differences in rates of mortality (1.28% vs 1.91%, RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.45-1.20, P = .22), MI (5.46% vs 5.25%, RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.79-1.32, p = .88), or target vessel revascularization (2.13% vs 1.65%, RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.88-2.30, P = .15). Compared with heparin plus GPI, bivalirudin was associated with a significant reduction in 30-day major bleeding (5.32% vs 9.20%, RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47-0.72, P < .0001). In conclusion, bivalirudin is associated with a significant reduction in 30-day major bleeding without increased ischemic events compared with heparin plus GPI in female patients undergoing PCI.

Collateral filling efficiency of comorbid chronic total occlusion segment on short-term mortality in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Collateral filling of chronic total occlusion (CTO) segments is considered to affect hemodynamic stability in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with CTO, however its value as a prognostic indicator for mortality is uncertain. The present study examined the relationship between collateral filling of CTO segments and short-term mortality in patients with STEMI with a comorbid CTO lesion.

METHODS

Among 829 STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI, 74 patients with CTO were identified. Collateral filling of their CTO segment was assessed by Rentrop grade (0; n=10, 1; n=13, 2; n=31, 3; n=20) in their initial angiogram and whether the origin of the feeding collateral donor artery was infarct-related artery (IRA) was evaluated using their final angiogram in primary PCI; IRA (n=26) and non-IRA group (n=48). The relationship between these classifications and 30-day all-cause mortality was examined retrospectively.

RESULTS

The 30-day mortalities were 4.5% in single-vessel disease, 18.3% in multi-vessel disease (MVD) without CTO and 25.7% in MVD with CTO. Mortality of MVD with CTO reduced with increasing Rentrop grade from 0 to 3 (80.0%, 30.8%, 19.4%, and 5.0%, respectively). IRA was associated with a significant higher mortality than those of non-IRA (50.0% vs. 12.5%, P=0.0004). Low Rentrop grade 0 or 1 was extracted as an independent predictor of 30-day death (HR 3.28, 95% CI 1.20-9.96, P=0.0203).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor collateral filling of the CTO segment assessed by Rentrop grade was an independent angiographic predictor for 30-day death in patients with STEMI combined with CTO.

Impact of Incomplete Percutaneous Revascularization in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Up to half of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention have multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) with conflicting data regarding optimal revascularization strategy in such patients. This paper assesses the evidence for complete revascularization (CR) versus incomplete revascularization in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, and its prognostic impact using meta‐analysis.

Methods and Results

A search of PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Current Contents Connect, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, Science Direct, and Web of Science was conducted to identify the association of CR in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with major adverse cardiac events and mortality. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to estimate the odds of adverse outcomes. Meta‐regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship with continuous variables and outcomes. Thirty‐eight publications that included 156 240 patients were identified. Odds of death (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.61‐0.78), repeat revascularization (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45‐0.80), myocardial infarction (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.50‐0.81), and major adverse cardiac events (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.50‐0.79) were significantly lower in the patients who underwent CR. These outcomes were unchanged on subgroup analysis regardless of the definition of CR. Similar findings were recorded when CR was studied in the chronic total occlusion (CTO) subgroup (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.53‐0.80). A meta‐regression analysis revealed a negative relationship between the OR for mortality and the percentage of CR.

Conclusion

CR is associated with reduced risk of mortality and major adverse cardiac events, irrespective of whether an anatomical or a score‐based definition of incomplete revascularization is used, and this magnitude of risk relates to degree of CR. These results have important implications for the interventional management of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.

Complete Treatment Versus Residual Lesion - Long-Term Evolution After Acute Coronary Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

A recently published study raised doubts about the need for percutaneous treatment of nonculprit lesions in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

METHODS

Retrospective, unicentric, observational study.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the long-term outcomes in patients undergoing treatment of the culprit artery, comparing those who remained with significant residual lesions in nonculprit arteries (group I) versus those without residual lesions in other coronary artery beds (group II). The study included 580 patients (284 in group I and 296 in group II) between May 2010 and May 2013. We obtained demographic and clinical data, as well as information regarding the coronary treatment administered to the patients. In the statistical analysis, the primary outcome included combined events (reinfarction/angina, death, heart failure, and need for reintervention). The comparison between groups was performed using the chi-square test and ANOVA. The long-term analysis was conducted with the Kaplan-Meier method, with a mean follow-up of 9.86 months.

RESULTS

The mean ages were 63 years in group I and 62 years in group II. On long-term follow-up, there was no significant difference in combined events in groups I and II (31.9% versus 35.6%, respectively, p = 0.76).

CONCLUSION

The strategy of treating the culprit artery alone seems safe. In this study, no long-term differences in combined endpoints were observed between patients who remained with significant lesions compared with those without other obstructions.

Multimarker approach for the prediction of microvascular obstruction after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a prospective, observational study

Background

Presence of microvascular obstruction (MVO) derived from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is among the strongest outcome predictors after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to investigate the comparative predictive values of different biomarkers for the occurrence of MVO in a large cohort of reperfused STEMI patients.

Methods

This study included 128 STEMI patients. CMR imaging was performed within the first week after infarction to assess infarct characteristics, including MVO. Admission and peak concentrations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), creatine kinase (CK), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured.

Results

MVO was detected in 69 patients (54%). hs-cTnT, CK, hs-CRP, LDH, AST and ALT peak concentrations showed similar prognostic value for the prediction of MVO (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.77, 0.77, 0.68, 0.79, 0.78 and 0.73, all p > 0.05), whereas the prognostic utility of NT-proBNP was weakly lower (AUC = 0.64, p < 0.05). Combination of these biomarkers did not increase predictive utility compared to hs-cTnT alone (p = 0.349).

Conclusions

hs-cTnT, CK, hs-CRP, LDH, AST and ALT peak concentrations provided similar prognostic value for the prediction of MVO. The prognostic utility of NT-proBNP was lower. Combining these biomarkers could not further improve predictive utility compared to hs-cTnT alone.

The prognostic utility of GRACE risk score in predictive cardiovascular event rate in STEMI patients with successful fibrinolysis and delay intervention in non PCI-capable hospital: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Fibrinolytic therapy is the main reperfusion therapy for most STEMI patients in several countries. Current practice guidelines recommended routine early pharmacoinvasive (within 3-24 h after successful fibrinolysis, however it cannot be performed in timely fashion due to limitation of PCI-capable hospitals. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic utility of the GRACE score in patients receiving delayed intervention after successful fibrinolysis in non PCI-capable hospital.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the data from the Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) registry during the period 2007-2012. The STEMI patients who had successfully fibrionolysis in non PCI-capable hospital and received delayed PCI (during 24 h to 14 days after successful fibrinolytic therapy) at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai hospital were included. The primary end point for this analysis was the composite outcomes, which included all-cause mortality, re-hospitalization with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), re-hospitalization with heart failure (HF) and stroke at 1 and 6-month.

RESULTS

A total of 152 patients were included. 88 patients and 64 patients were in low GRACE group (GRACE risk score ≤ 125) and intermediate to high GRACE group (GRACE risk score above 126), respectively. The median time from fibrinolysis to coronary intervention in low GRACE group was 8.5 days (interquartile range, 4.6-10.9) and 7.9 days (interquartile range,3.2,12.0) in intermediate to high GRACE group (p = 0.482). At 1 month, the composite cardiovascular outcome at 1 month occurred in 2 patients (2.3 %) in low GRACE group and 10 patients (15.6 %) in intermediate to high GRACE group (P = 0.003). During 6 months, the composite cardiovascular outcomes occurred in 6 patients (6.8 %) in low GRACE group and 12 patients (18.7 %) in intermediate to high GRACE group (P = 0.024). The cumulative of composite cardiovascular outcome was significant higher in intermediate to high GRACE group than in low GRACE group (Hazard ratio: 2.97, 95 % CI 1.11-7.90; p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

The long delay pharmacoinvasive strategy in intermediate to high GRACE score after successful fibrinolysis in non PCI-capable facilities were associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes than the patients with low GRACE score at 1 and 6 months. GRACE risk score may be helpful and guided the clinicians in non PCI-capable center in early transferred to early intervention in STEMI patients after fibrinolytic therapy.

Assessment of the longitudinal changes in infarct heterogeneity post myocardial infarction

Background

Infarct heterogeneity, as assessed by determination of the peri-infarct zone (PIZ) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, has been shown to be an independent predictor for the development of cardiac arrhythmias and mortality post myocardial infarction (MI). The temporal evolution of the PIZ post MI is currently unknown. Thus, the main objective of our study was to describe the temporal evolution of the PIZ over a 6 month time period in contemporarily managed ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Further, given the poor prognosis associated with microvascular obstruction (MVO) post STEMI, we sought to compare the temporal evolution of the PIZ in patients with and without MVO. We hypothesized that patients with MVO would show a relative persistence of PIZ over time when compared to those without MVO.

Methods

Twenty-one patients post primary percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled and treated with evidence based therapy. Each patient had three cardiac MRI scans at 48 h, 3 weeks and 6 months post infarction. Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the evolution of core infarct size and peri-infarct zone size across the three time frames.

Results

The patients in this study were predominantly male, with ~40 % LAD territory infarction and a mean LVEF of 46 ± 7 %. Core infarct size and PIZ size both decreased significantly across the three time frames. The presence of microvascular obstruction (MVO), a known adverse prognostic factor, influenced PIZ size. Both patients with and without MVO had a significant reduction in core infarct size over time. Patients with MVO did not have a significant change in PIZ size over time (11.9 ± 6.8 %, 12.2 ± 7.5 %, 10.7 ± 6.6 % p = 0.77). In contrast, non-MVO patients did have a significant decrease in PIZ size over time (7.0 ± 5.5 %, 7.1 ± 6.5 %, 2.7 ± 2.6 %, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Peri-infarct zone size, like core infarct size, varies depending upon the timing of measurement. Patients with MVO displayed a persistence of the PIZ over time.

Culprit-only versus staged complete revascularization for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and Multivessel disease: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Multivessel disease (MVD) is common in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but optimal treatment management remains undetermined.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 602 consecutive STEMI patients with MVD were enrolled between January 1, 2010 and October 1, 2014. Three hundred and eighty-two patients underwent culprit-only revascularization and 220 underwent staged complete revascularization. Primary end points were a composite of cardiac mortality or nonfatal reinfarction.

RESULTS

The mean duration of follow-up was 35 months (12-71 months). Following multivariate analysis, staged complete revascularization was associated with a lower rate of the composite of cardiac mortality or nonfatal reinfarction [HR: 0.430, 95 % CI: 0.197-0.940, P = 0.034] and unplanned repeat revascularization [HR: 0.343, 95 % CI: 0.166-0.708, P = 0.004] compared with culprit-only revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with culprit-only revascularization, staged complete revascularization significantly reduced the rate of the composite of cardiac mortality or nonfatal reinfarction, and the need for unplanned repeat revascularization.

Impact of the origin of the collateral feeding donor artery on short-term mortality in ST-elevation myocardial infarction with comorbid chronic total occlusion

BACKGROUND

Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multi-vessel disease (MVD) have higher mortality, especially with comorbid chronic total occlusion (CTO). The origin of collateral flow to the CTO segment has not been studied in regard to short-term mortality. This study examined the impact of collateral feeding donor arteries from an infarct-related artery (IRA) or non-IRA to the comorbid CTO segment in regard to STEMI short-term mortality.

METHODS

Data from 760 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were obtained retrospectively from medical records. The number of vessels involved and origin of the collateral feeding donor artery were evaluated using angiograms from the primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The study population was divided into patients with: single-vessel disease (SVD) (n=483), MVD without CTO (n=208), and MVD with CTO (n=64). All CTO segments had collateral flow from an IRA (n=23) or non-IRA (n=46). All-cause mortality (30-day) was analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared to SVD and MVD without CTO, MVD with comorbid CTO had a higher mortality (5.4% vs. 15.9% vs. 24.6%, P<0.0001, respectively). Of patients with CTO, those with collateral flow from the IRA had significantly higher mortality than the non-IRA group (52.2% vs. 10.9%, P<0.0001). Collateral flow from the IRA was extracted as an independent predictor associated with 30-day all-cause mortality using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio 4.71, 95% confidence interval 1.60-14.2, P=0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

The origin of the collateral donor artery from the IRA had an impact on short-term mortality in STEMI patients with comorbid CTO lesions.

Managing Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Comprehensive Review

Multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) is found in up to 60% of the patients presenting with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and worsens the prognosis proportional to the extent of CAD severity. However, the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association STEMI guidelines, based on mostly observational data, had recommended against a routine noninfarct-related artery percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). After these guidelines were published, a handful of randomized trials became available, and they suggested that PCI of significant lesions in a noninfarct-related artery at the time of primary PCI might result in improved patient outcomes. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events was significantly reduced by 55% at 1 year and 65% at 2 years in patients undergoing angiographically guided PCI of nonculprit vessels at the time of primary PCI, in 2 different randomized trials. Fractional flow reserve-guided PCI of nonculprit vessels in this setting has also been shown to reduce cardiac events by 44% at 1 year. Meta-analyses of both nonrandomized and randomized trials have also suggested that complete revascularization at the time of STEMI significantly improves outcomes, including long-term all-cause mortality. In view of the emerging data, a focused update on primary PCI was published in 2015 and suggested that PCI of noninfarct-related arteries might be considered in selected patients. This article is a comprehensive review of the literature on the treatment of multivessel CAD in patients with STEMI, which provides the reader a critical analysis of the available information to determine the best therapeutic approach.

Comparison of Approaches to Revascularization in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Meta-analyses of Randomized Control Trials

BACKGROUND

Significant controversy exists regarding the best approach for nonculprit vessel revascularization in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. We conducted a systematic investigation to pool data from current randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess optimal treatment strategies in this patient population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A comprehensive search of SCOPUS from inception through May 2015 was performed using predefined criteria. We compared efficacy and safety outcomes of different approaches by categorizing the studies into 3 groups: (1) complete revascularization (CR) versus culprit lesion revascularization (CL) at index hospitalization, (2) CR at index hospitalization versus staged revascularization (SR) of nonculprit vessels at a separate hospitalization, and (3) comparison of SR versus CL. Eight eligible RCTs met the inclusion criteria: (1) CR versus CL (6 RCTs, n=1727) (2) CR versus SR (3 RCTs, n=311), and (3) SR versus CL (1 RCT, n=149). We observed significantly lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, revascularization, and repeat percutaneous coronary interventions among patients treated with CR and SR compared with a CL approach (P<0.05). The rates of all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality, major bleeding, reinfarction, stroke, and contrast-induced nephropathy did not differ in the CR arm compared with the CL arm. The rates of these outcomes were similar in the CR and SR arms.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that CR and SR compared with CL reduce major adverse cardiovascular event and revascularization rates primarily by lowering repeated percutaneous coronary intervention rates. We did not observe any increase in the rate of adverse events while using a CR or SR strategy compared with a CL approach. Current guidelines discouraging CR need to be reevaluated, and clinical judgment should prevail in treating multivessel coronary artery disease patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction as data from larger RCTs accumulate.

Management of acute coronary syndromes in a developing country; time for a paradigm shift? an observational study

BACKGROUND

There are limited contemporary data on the presentation, management and outcomes of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in Sri Lanka. We aimed to identify the critical issues that limit optimal management of ACS in Sri Lanka.

METHODS

We performed a prospectively observational study of 256 consecutive patients who presented with ACS between November 2011 and May 2012 at a tertiary care general medical unit in Sri Lanka.

RESULTS

We evaluated data on presentation, management, in-hospital mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) of participants. Smoking, alcohol abuse, and obesity were more common in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (P < 0.05). Discharge diagnoses were STEMI in 32.8 % (84/256) and unstable angina (UA)/non-ST elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI] in 67.1 % (172/256) of participants. The median time (IQR) from onset of pain to presentation was 60 (319) minutes for STEMI and 120 (420) for UA/NSTEMI (P = 0.058). A median delay of 240 min was noted in patients who had presented initially to smaller hospitals. Cardiac markers were assessed in only 35 % of participants. In-hospital anti-platelet use was high (>92 %). Only 70.2 % of STEMI patients received fibrinolytic therapy. Fewer than 20 % of patients were received fibrinolytic therapy within 30 min of arrival. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were recorded in 11.9 % of subjects with STEMI and 11.6 % of those with UA/NSTEMI (P = 0.5). According to logistic regression analysis, body mass index (P = 0.045) and duration of diabetes (P = 0.03) were significant predictors of in-hospital MACE. On discharge, aspirin, thienopyridine, and statins were prescribed to more than 90 % of patients. Only one patient underwent coronary angiography during the index admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Delays in presentation and in initiation of thrombolytic therapy and coronary interventions are key hurdles that need attention to optimize ACS care in Sri Lanka.

Age- and Gender-related Disparities in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions for Acute ST-segment elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background

Previous analyses reported age- and gender-related differences in the provision of cardiac care. The objective of the study was to compare circadian disparities in the delivery of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) according to the patient’s age and gender.

Methods

We investigated patients included into the Acute Myocardial Infarction in Switzerland (AMIS) registry presenting to one of 11 centers in Switzerland providing primary PCI around the clock, and stratified patients according to gender and age.

Findings

A total of 4723 patients presented with AMI between 2005 and 2010; 1319 (28%) were women and 2172 (54%) were ≥65 years of age. More than 90% of patients <65 years of age underwent primary PCI without differences between gender. Elderly patients and particularly women were at increased risk of being withheld primary PCI (males adj. HR 4.91, 95% CI 3.93–6.13; females adj. HR 9.31, 95% CI 7.37–11.75) as compared to males <65 years of age. An increased risk of a delay in door-to-balloon time >90 minutes was found in elderly males (adj HR 1.66 (95% CI 1.40–1.95), p<0.001) and females (adj HR 1.57 (95% CI 1.27–1.93), p<0.001), as well as in females <65 years (adj HR 1.47 (95% CI 1.13–1.91), p = 0.004) as compared to males <65 years of age, with significant differences in circadian patterns during on- and off-duty hours.

Conclusions

In a cohort of patients with AMI in Switzerland, we observed discrimination of elderly patients and females in the circadian provision of primary PCI.