Cardiac medical therapy in patients after undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Secondary Pharmacological Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease among Patients Submitted to Clinical Management, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, or Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

BACKGROUND

Secondary prevention is recommended for patients with evidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) regardless of the indication for treatment by coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated whether clinical treatment, PCI or CABG had an influence on adherence to the pharmacological secondary prevention in patients with stable CAD.

METHODS

This cohort included patients aged ≥40 years with stable CAD confirmed by coronary angiography. The decision for medical treatment alone, or additionally with PCI or CABG, was made by the attending physicians. Adherence to the prescribed drugs recommended by the guidelines for secondary prevention (optimal pharmacological treatment), including antiplatelet agents, lipid-lowering drugs, beta-blockers, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers, was assessed at follow-up. Differences were considered significant for p values <0.05.

RESULTS

From 928 patients enrolled at baseline, 415 had mild CAD and 66 moderate to severe CAD. The average follow-up was 5.2 ± 1.5 years. Patients submitted to CABG were more likely to receive the optimal pharmacological treatment than those submitted to PCI or treated clinically (63.5% versus 39.1% versus 45.7% respectively, p=0.003). Baseline factors independently associated with greater probability of having a prescription of optimal treatment at follow-up were CABG [39% higher (6% - 83%, p=0.017) and diabetes [25% higher (1% - 56%), p=0.042] than their counterparts treated by other methods and participants without diabetes, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CAD submitted to CABG are more commonly treated with optimal pharmacological secondary prevention than patients treated by PCI or exclusively with medical therapy.

Optimal medical therapy with or without surgical revascularization and long-term outcomes in ischemic cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVES

Optimal medical therapy in patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease is associated with improved outcomes. However, whether this association is influenced by the performance of coronary artery bypass grafting is less well established. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the possible relationship between coronary artery bypass grafting and optimal medical therapy and its effect on the outcomes of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

The Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure trial randomized 1212 patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction 35% or less to coronary artery bypass grafting with medical therapy or medical therapy alone with a median follow-up over 9.8 years. For the purpose of this study, optimal medical therapy was collected at baseline and 4 months, and defined as the combination of 4 drugs: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, beta-blocker, statin, and 1 antiplatelet drug.

RESULTS

At baseline and 4 months, 58.7% and 73.3% of patients were receiving optimal medical therapy, respectively. These patients had no differences in important parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular volumes. In a multivariable Cox model, optimal medical therapy at baseline was associated with a lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.91; P = .001). When landmarked at 4 months, optimal medical therapy was also associated with a lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.99; P = .04). There was no interaction between the benefit of optimal medical therapy and treatment allocation.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal medical therapy was associated with improved long-term survival and lower cardiovascular mortality in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and should be strongly recommended.

Impact of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockers on Mortality in Veterans Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Background

Renin‐angiotensin system blockers (RASBs) have well‐validated benefit in patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Their use in the perioperative period, however, has been controversial, including in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, who often have a strong indication for their use. In the current study, we explore the impact of RASB use with 30‐day and 1‐year mortality after cardiac surgery.

Methods and Results

The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program and Corporate Data Warehouse were data sources for this retrospective cohort study. A total of 37 197 veterans undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting and or valve repair or replacement over a 10‐year period met inclusion criteria and were stratified into 4 groups by preoperative exposure (preoperative exposure versus no preoperative exposure) and postoperative continuing exposure (current exposure versus no current exposure) to RASBs. After adjusting for all baseline covariates, the preoperative exposure/current exposure group had lower 30‐day and 1‐year mortality than the preoperative exposure/no current exposure (30‐day hazard ratio [HR], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.19–0.33 [P<0.001] and 1‐year HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.33–0.48 [P<0.001] or no preoperative exposure/no current exposure (30‐day HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.32–0.60 [P<0.001] and 1‐year HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.62–0.84 [P<0.001] groups. The no preoperative exposure/current exposure group had significantly lower 30‐day (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.14–0.71 [P=0.006]) and 1‐year (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.53–0.77 [P<0.001]) mortality than the no preoperative exposure/no current exposure group.

Conclusions

Continuation of preoperative RASBs and initiation before discharge is associated with decreased mortality in veterans undergoing cardiac surgery. Given these findings, continuation of preoperative RASBs or initiation in the early postoperative period should be considered in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Characteristics and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients With Prior Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Limited data are available on characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients with coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Between January 2000 to December 2014, we identified STEMI patients with prior CABG undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention from 3 sites. Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate survival and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were employed and compared to a propensity matched cohort of non-CABG STEMI patients. Independent predictors of outcomes were analyzed with Cox modeling. Of the 3,212 STEMI patients identified, there were 296 (9.2%) CABG STEMI patients, having nearly similar frequencies of culprit graft (47.6%) versus culprit native (52.4%) as the infarct-related artery (IRA). At 10 years, the adjusted survival was 44% in CABG STEMI versus 55% in non-CABG STEMI (HR 1.26; 95%CI 0.86 to 1.87; p = 0.72). Survival free of MACE was lower for CABG STEMI (graft IRA, 37%; native IRA, 46%) as compared to non-CABG STEMI controls (63%) (p = 0.02). Neither CABG history nor IRA (native vs graft) was independently associated with death or MACE in multivariable analysis. Temporal trends showed no significant change in death or MACE rates of CABG STEMI patients over time. In conclusion, long term survival of CABG STEMI patients is not significantly different than matched STEMI patients without prior CABG; however, CABG STEMI patients were at significantly higher risk for MACE events.

Compliance With Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy in Contemporary Coronary Revascularization Trials

BACKGROUND

Despite the well-established benefits of secondary cardiovascular prevention, the importance of concurrent medical therapy in clinical trials of coronary revascularization is often overlooked.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to assess compliance with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in clinical trials and its potential impact on the comparison between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE were searched from 2005 to August 2017. Clinical trial registries and reference lists of relevant studies were also searched. Randomized controlled trials comparing PCI with drug-eluting stents versus CABG and reporting medical therapy after revascularization were included. The study outcome was compliance with GDMT, defined as the following: 1) any antiplatelet agent plus beta-blocker plus statin (GDMT1); and 2) any antiplatelet agent plus beta-blocker plus statin plus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (GDMT2). Data collection and analysis were performed according to the methodological recommendations of The Cochrane Collaboration.

RESULTS

From a total of 439 references, 5 trials were included based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, compliance with GDMT1 was low and decreased over time from 67% at 1 year to 53% at 5 years. Compliance with GDMT2 was even lower and decreased from 40% at 1 year to 38% at 5 years. Compliance with both GDMT1 and GDMT2 was higher in PCI than in CABG at all time points. Meta-regression suggested an association between lower use of GDMT1 and adverse clinical outcomes in PCI versus CABG at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Compliance with GDMT in contemporary clinical trials remains suboptimal and is significantly lower after CABG than after PCI, which may influence the comparison of clinical trial endpoints between those study groups.

[Not Available]

In this article we deal with the problem of low adherence of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) to drug therapy congruent to current recommendations including patients who underwent invasive interventions aimed at myocardial revascularization. Based on analysis of literature, we undertake an attempt to answer the question: which of components of this therapy patients with IHD are the least likely to continue taking? We also discuss approaches to the search for optimal composition of a combination preparation with fixed doses of an adreno-blocker and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. Based on analysis of literature we undertook an attempt to answer a question: which of components of this therapy patients with IHD are least likely to continue taking. We also included in this article discussion of approaches to the search of optimal composition of a combination preparation containing fixed doses of a в-adrenoblocker and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, as well as data on the role in the treatment of patients with IHD of bisoprolol and perindopril. Fixed doses of these agents have been included into a novel combination preparation.

Do practice gaps exist in evidence-based medication prescription at hospital discharge in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery & coronary angioplasty?

Background & objectives:

Prescription patterns of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) after coronary artery bypass surgery [coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)] and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at hospital discharge are often not optimal. In view of scarce data from the developing world, a retrospective analysis of medication advice to patients following CABG and PCI was conducted.

Methods:

Records of 5948 patients (post-PCI: 5152, post-CABG: 796) who underwent revascularization from 2010 to 2014 at a single tertiary care centre in north India were analyzed.

Results:

While age and gender distributions were similar, diabetes and stable angina were more frequent in CABG group. Prescription rates for aspirin 100 per cent versus 98.2 per cent were similar, while beta-blockers (BBs, 95.2 vs 90%), statins (98.2 vs 91.6%), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (89.4 vs 41.4%), nitrates (51.2 vs 1.1%) and calcium channel blockers (6.6 vs 1.6%) were more frequently prescribed following PCI. Despite similar baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (48.1 vs 51.1%), diuretics were prescribed almost universally post-CABG (98.2 vs 10.9%, P<0.001). Nearly all (94.4%) post-CABG patients received a prescription for clopidogrel. Patients undergoing PCI were much more likely to receive higher statin dose; 40-80 mg atorvastatin (72 vs <1%, P<0.001) and a higher dose of BB.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Significant differences in prescription of GDMT between PCI and CABG patients existed at hospital discharge. A substantial proportion of post-CABG patients did not receive BB and/or statins. These patients were also less likely to receive high-dose statin or optimal BB dose and more likely to routinely receive clopidogrel and diuretics. Such deviations from GDMT need to be rectified to improve quality of cardiac care after coronary revascularization.

Network meta-analysis of antiplatelet therapy following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): none versus one versus two antiplatelet agents

Background

Numerous agents have been trialed following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to maintain long-term graft patency. While clear evidence exists for the use of aspirin in maintaining graft patency, the role of dual-antiplatelet therapy in CABG patients is not as well established. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the short-term post-CABG graft patency outcomes for patients with none, one or two antiplatelet agents.

Methods

Electronic databases were queried for randomized controlled trials comparing CABG graft patency rates at three months and beyond using various antiplatelet agents or placebo. Drug and graft patency data were compared using a mixed treatment comparison under a Bayesian hierarchical framework. A random-effects consistency model was applied. Direct and indirect comparisons were made between drugs and used to determine the relative efficacy for graft patency.

Results

The literature search identified 16 papers fulfilling the inclusion criteria, including a total of 3,133 patients with an average of 2.43 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.20-2.66] grafts per patient. Graft types were incompletely reported, however, saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) were predominantly used [where specifically reported: 4,490 SVG, 1,226 internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts]. In all, five different agents and placebo in various regimens were compared by results of angiographic follow-up conducted at a mean of 10.4 months (95% CI: 9.28-11.5 months). Compared to placebo, aspirin alone [odds ratio (OR) 1.9; 95% credible interval (CrI): 1.3-2.8], aspirin + dipyridamole (OR 1.9; 95% CrI: 1.3-2.6), aspirin + clopidogrel (OR 2.9; 95% CrI: 1.5-5.7) and aspirin + ticagrelor (OR 3.8; 95% CrI: 1.2-13.0) significantly improved graft patency. When compared to aspirin monotherapy, aspirin + clopidogrel (OR 1.6; 95% CrI: 0.86-2.7) and aspirin + ticagrelor (OR 2.0; 95% CrI: 0.69-6.3) had OR that suggested a trend favoring patency compared to aspirin monotherapy, however, these results did not reach significance. Sub-group analysis of SVG graft patency was unable to reach significance (only eight studies with six treatment comparisons were evaluated). Secondary endpoints of death, bleeding, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident were incompletely reported and were pooled but not compared between drug treatment arms.

Conclusions

Aspirin monotherapy and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) provided significant all-graft patency benefit compared to placebo at three months and beyond. A trend existed for DAPT to improve graft patency compared to aspirin, although this did not reach statistical significance. Further randomized controlled studies comparing aspirin monotherapy to DAPT are required to determine the utility of DAPT in CABG patients for maintaining graft patency.

Empagliflozin reduces cardiovascular events, mortality and renal events in participants with type 2 diabetes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: subanalysis of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME® randomised trial

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

After coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in individuals with type 2 diabetes, there remains a considerable residual cardiovascular risk. In the EMPA-REG OUTCOME® trial in participants with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, empagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular death by 38%, all-cause mortality by 32%, hospitalisation for heart failure by 35% and incident or worsening nephropathy by 39% vs placebo when given in addition to standard of care. The aim of this post hoc analysis of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME® trial was to determine the effects of the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin on cardiovascular events and mortality in participants with type 2 diabetes and a self-reported history of CABG surgery.

METHODS

The EMPA-REG OUTCOME® trial was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease were randomised 1:1:1 to receive placebo, empagliflozin 10 mg or empagliflozin 25 mg, once daily, in addition to standard of care. In subgroups by self-reported history of CABG (yes/no) at baseline, we assessed: cardiovascular death; all-cause mortality; hospitalisation for heart failure; and incident or worsening nephropathy (progression to macroalbuminuria, doubling of serum creatinine, initiation of renal replacement therapy or death due to renal disease). Differences in risk between empagliflozin and placebo were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

At baseline, 25% (1175/4687) of participants who received empagliflozin and 24% (563/2333) of participants who received placebo had a history of CABG surgery. In participants with a history of CABG surgery, HRs (95% CI) with empagliflozin vs placebo were 0.52 (0.32, 0.84) for cardiovascular mortality, 0.57 (0.39, 0.83) for all-cause mortality, 0.50 (0.32, 0.77) for hospitalisation for heart failure and 0.65 (0.50, 0.84) for incident or worsening nephropathy. Results were consistent between participants with and without a history of CABG surgery (p > 0.05 for treatment by subgroup interactions).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In participants with type 2 diabetes and a self-reported history of CABG surgery, treatment with empagliflozin was associated with profound reductions in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, hospitalisation for heart failure, and incident or worsening nephropathy. These data have important implications for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events after CABG in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01131676.

State of the art: optimal medical therapy - competing with or complementary to revascularisation in patients with coronary artery disease?

The role of coronary revascularisation with PCI and CABG in patients with stable and unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) is well established and there is a general consensus among guidelines as regards the indications for coronary revascularisation. Although revascularisation has undoubtedly revolutionised the treatment of CAD, it is vital to understand the recent advances and importance of the concomitant use of evidence-based optimal medical therapy (OMT). In contemporary practice, OMT should include an antiplatelet agent (or dual antiplatelet therapy when indicated) and a lipid-lowering drug for all patients, and a beta-blocker and an ACE inhibitor (or angiotensin receptor blocker) for the vast majority of patients, along with addressing cardiac risk factors and lifestyle management. OMT is the recommended initial choice for patients with stable angina pectoris, and the indication for revascularisation would be persistence of symptoms despite OMT and/or improvement of prognosis. For patients with acute coronary syndromes or those who underwent coronary revascularisation with either PCI or CABG, long-term use of OMT improves clinical outcomes and prognosis.

Optimal medical therapy improves clinical outcomes in patients undergoing revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting: insights from the Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) trial at the 5-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data on the use of optimal medical therapy (OMT) in patients with complex coronary artery disease undergoing revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and its long-term prognostic significance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) trial is a multicenter, randomized, clinical trial of patients (n=1800) with complex coronary disease randomized to revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention or CABG. Detailed drug history was collected for all patients at discharge and at the 1-month, 6-month, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year follow-ups. OMT was defined as the combination of at least 1 antiplatelet drug, statin, β-blocker, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker. Five-year clinical outcomes were stratified by OMT and non-OMT. OMT was underused in patients treated with coronary revascularization, especially CABG. OMT was an independent predictor of survival. OMT was associated with a significant reduction in mortality (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.85; P=0.002) and composite end point of death/myocardial infarction/stroke (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.92; P=0.007) at the 5-year follow-up. The treatment effect with OMT (36% relative reduction in mortality over 5 years) was greater than the treatment effect of revascularization strategy (26% relative reduction in mortality with CABG versus percutaneous coronary intervention over 5 years). On stratified analysis, all the components of OMT were important for reducing adverse outcomes regardless of revascularization strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of OMT remains low in patients with complex coronary disease requiring coronary intervention with percutaneous coronary intervention and even lower in patients treated with CABG. Lack of OMT is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Targeted strategies to improve OMT use in postrevascularization patients are warranted.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00114972.

Results of emergency coronary artery bypass grafting for acute myocardial infarction: importance of intraoperative and postoperative cardiac medical therapy

BACKGROUND

The results of emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are less than satisfactory, and readmission for cardiac events is common.

METHODS AND RESULTS

105 patients underwent emergency CABG for AMI. We examined the long-term results of emergency CABG for AMI from the viewpoints of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors. The operative mortality rate was 11.4%. Risk factors for early death were age ≥80 years, shock, veno-arterial bypass, creatine kinase isoenzyme Mb ≥100 U/L, non-use of a left internal thoracic artery graft and an extracorporeal circulation time ≥120 min. Risk factors for late cardiac events were ejection fraction <40%, non-use of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) therapy, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) and aldosterone blockers, and a 3-month postoperative brain natriuretic peptide level ≥200 pg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

Early results of this study are similar to those seen in previous reports, whereas late phase results yield some new and interesting findings. We suggest that intraoperative hANP, and postoperative aldosterone blocker and ARB, following CABG for AMI, will, through control of the renin-angiotensin-aldsterone system, inhibit left ventricular remodelling, reduce the extent of infarction, and improve cardiac function, yielding a favourable long-term prognosis.

Treatment of hypertension in patients undergoing coronary artery by-pass grafting

Hypertension occurs in up to 80% of patients scheduled to coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG). In hemodynamically stable patients all anti-hypertensive drugs should be continued till a day of surgery. For vast majority of patients there is no need to use blood pressure lowering agents during CABG, however it is necessary to maintain blood pressure level and avoid extreme blood pressure variations. Upon CABG hypotensive therapy should be modified to the needs of the individual patient and should be monitored individually. Treatment of hypertension ought to be started with caution with lowest possible dosage. Aggressive therapy is strongly discouraged to avoid hemodynamic collapse. Beta-blockers should be administered to all CABG patients unless contraindicated.

Long-term results (three-year) of emergency coronary artery bypass grafting for patients with unstable angina pectoris

Satisfactory results are achieved by elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), but the results of emergency CABG are less than satisfactory and readmission for cardiac events is common. We examined long-term results of emergency CABG for unstable angina pectoris from the viewpoints of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors. Subjects were 154 patients who underwent emergency CABG for unstable angina pectoris. Operative mortality rate was 1.9%. Univariate analysis showed female gender, chronic renal failure, hemodialysis, nonuse of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP), nonuse of angiotensin II receptor blockers and aldosterone blockers, 3-month postoperative brain natriuretic peptide level > or =200 pg/ml, and 3-month postoperative aldosterone level > or =100 pg/ml as risk factors for late cardiac events. Multivariate analysis confirmed nonuse of hANP, nonuse of aldosterone blockers, 3-month brain natriuretic peptide level > or =200 pg/ml, and 3-month aldosterone level > or =100 pg/ml as risk factors. Intraoperative hANP infusion and postoperative treatment with aldosterone blockers and angiotensin II receptor blockers can control the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, inhibit left ventricular remodeling, decrease extent of infarction, and improve cardiac function, yielding a favorable long-term prognosis. The best results are obtained by combining good surgical technique and perioperative management with the long-term outcome in mind.

Role of TGF-beta1 and MAP kinases in the antiproliferative effect of aspirin in human vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

We aimed to test the antiproliferative effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from bypass surgery patients and the role of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1).

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

VSMC were isolated from remaining internal mammary artery from patients who underwent bypass surgery. Cell proliferation and DNA fragmentation were assessed by ELISA. Protein expression was assessed by Western blot. ASA inhibited BrdU incorporation at 2 mM. Anti-TGF-beta1 was able to reverse this effect. ASA (2 mM) induced TGF-beta1 secretion; however it was unable to induce Smad activation. ASA increased p38(MAPK) phosphorylation in a TGF-beta1-independent manner. Anti-CD105 (endoglin) was unable to reverse the antiproliferative effect of ASA. Pre-surgical serum levels of TGF-beta1 in patients who took at antiplatelet doses ASA were assessed by ELISA and remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

In vitro antiproliferative effects of aspirin (at antiinflammatory concentration) on human VSMC obtained from bypass patients are mediated by TGF-beta1 and p38(MAPK). Pre-surgical serum levels of TGF- beta1 from bypass patients who took aspirin at antiplatelet doses did not change.

Comparison of two-year outcomes in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with and without peripheral artery disease

We aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes among patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) after coronary artery bypass grafting. We studied 589 consecutive patients who had undergone isolated coronary artery bypass grafting from January 2003 to June 2005 at our university hospital. The effect of PAD was assessed by comparing the 2-year follow-up data from 2 groups of patients: 243 patients with and 346 without PAD. A large systematic atherosclerosis screening was performed, including cerebrovascular disease, lower extremity artery disease, and abdominal aorta disease and its branches. PAD was defined as a history of treated atherosclerotic disease and significant atherosclerotic stenosis on screening. Patients with PAD were significantly older (70 +/- 9 vs 64 +/- 11 years, p <0.001) and were more often men (p = 0.04) than those without PAD. They had a greater incidence of hypertension (p = 0.002), chronic renal dysfunction (p <0.01), chronic pulmonary disease (p = 0.005), and a history of coronary artery disease (p = 0.03). No significant difference was noted between the 2 groups with regard to the left ventricular ejection fraction. The 2-year cumulative survival rate was 76.6% for patients with PAD and 94.1% for those with isolated coronary disease (p <0.001). In conclusion, after adjusting all significant variables, the presence of PAD appeared as an independent predictive factor for all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 3.2, 95% confidence interval 1.8 to 5.7, p = 0.001).

The impact of intravenous aspirin administration on platelet aspirin resistance after on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Aspirin resistance continues to be a major challenge in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We investigated the impact of intravenous aspirin on platelet function in this clinical setting. Forty-two patients received 100 mg of oral aspirin once daily, beginning on day 1 after the operation. Between day 6 and 8 post operation one oral dose was replaced by an intravenous dose of 300 mg. Platelet function analyzer (PFA-100) closure times (CT), turbidimetric platelet aggregation (TPA) and impedance platelet aggregation (IPA) induced by arachidonic acid (AA), collagen and ADP were measured prior to and 1 h and 24 h after intravenous aspirin. Results obtained prior to the intravenous aspirin were compared with respective values from 120 healthy individuals. Despite the postoperative oral aspirin that was given once daily, ADP-induced TPA (ADPTPA) and IPA values induced by AA, ADP or collagen were significantly greater in patients than in controls, while PFA-100 CT were significantly shorter. Intravenous aspirin induced a significant reduction of platelet aggregability as measured by collagen/epinephrine (CEPI) CT, TPA and IPA induced by AA and collagen 1 h and 24 h after administration. Intravenous aspirin was not found to influence collagen/ADP (CADP) CT and IPA induced by ADP. Concomitantly, the number of patients with laboratory aspirin resistance as measured by CEPI-CT and TPA but not by IPA induced by AA or collagen dropped significantly. Agreement in the detection of aspirin responders and non-responders among platelet function tests was poor. Our findings indicate that the intravenous aspirin appears to be a promising approach for reducing laboratory aspirin resistance during the postoperative phase of CABG.

Evaluation of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting

Modern techniques for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) are highly successful. Nevertheless, over time, grafts do fail and native coronary artery disease does progress. Follow-up of patients after CABG should focus on secondary prevention, including careful attention to all modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Routine stress testing with or without imaging is usually not necessary if the patient is asymptomatic and engaging in normal physical activities, including moderate exercise without difficulty. Stress testing with electrocardiographic monitoring alone or in conjunction with nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging or echocardiography is commonly used if a patient develops recurrent symptoms post-CABG or is at particular high risk for complications. Computed tomography coronary angiography is a new, very powerful, noninvasive technique that can directly visualize both CABG and the native coronary arteries. Computed tomography coronary angiography is complimentary to functional stress testing in that it provides anatomic information about graft patency and native coronary artery stenoses, but the functional significance of these findings may still require stress testing with nuclear or ultrasound imaging. Further technical improvements, both in surgical techniques and in imaging, and prospective multicenter trials, are needed to better define the best methods for following patients post-CABG.

Prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography have multiple uncontrolled coronary artery disease risk factors and high risk for cardiovascular events

Limited contemporary data exist on the cardiovascular risk of patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) requiring diagnostic coronary angiography. We examined the prevalence and control of coronary artery disease risk factors and the outcomes of 367 prior CABG patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography between October 1, 2004 and May 31, 2007 at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Mean age was 65 +/- 9 years, 97% were men, and the mean time from CABG to diagnostic angiography was 8.2 +/- 6.1 years. Hypertension, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and obesity were suboptimally controlled in 70%, 59%, 47%, 33%, and 50%, respectively. Intake of statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers was 88% and 81%, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 1.4 +/- 0.8 years, the incidence of death and major cardiovascular events was 10% and 32%, respectively. In spite of significant improvement compared to previous studies and good compliance with indicated medications, contemporary prior CABG patients undergoing coronary angiography still have multiple and poorly controlled coronary artery disease risk factors and high risk for cardiovascular events. Novel pharmacologic and behavioral treatment strategies are needed.

Higher platelet activity is present in patients with restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention compared with patients with an occlusion of coronary artery bypass graft

The aim of the study was to compare platelet activity between patients with an occlusion of bypass graft after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); that is, between patients with reappearance of ischemia after two different kinds of coronary revascularization. Thirty patients were studied in a cross-sectional designed study. Fifteen of them were patients with the worst bypass graft patency from Prague-4 study (control protocol-driven coronary angiography performed at 1 year after surgery; originally 47 bypass grafts implanted, 94% of venous grafts occluded). The remaining 15 were patients with restenosis 3-12 months after PCI. Blood samples were drawn at least 12 weeks after coronary angiography. Platelet activity was determined by membrane expression of P-selectin (CD62P, % of positive cells) by flow cytometry, aggregability by ADP aggregometry. Data are expressed as mean +/- SEM. Both groups were similar with respect to age, BMI and presence of diabetes mellitus. No patient suffered from acute coronary syndrome. P-selectin expression was significantly higher in the patients with restenosis compared with patients with bypass graft occlusion (1.96 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.77 +/- 0.03, P < 0.001, Wilcoxon test). ADP aggregometry was not different between groups (55.5 +/- 1.1 vs. 56.1 +/- 0.8, P = NS). Higher platelet activity is present in the patients with restenosis after PCI compared with the patients with the occlusion of bypass graft. Platelet activity play more important role in the development of restenosis after PCI compared with the occlusion of bypass graft after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, at least in the period up to 1 year after revascularization.

Outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome and previous coronary artery bypass grafting (from the Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy [PROVE IT-TIMI 22] and the Aggrastat to Zocor [A to Z] trials)

We examined the effects of intensive statin therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) and previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) participating in the Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 22 (PROVE-IT TIMI 22) and the Aggrastat to Zocor (A to Z) trials. Of the 8,655 patients enrolled in PROVE IT-TIMI 22 or A to Z, 640 (7.4%) had undergone CABG before enrollment. After a median follow-up of 2 years, compared with patients without previous CABG, those with previous CABG had a higher risk of cardiovascular death (6.2% vs 2.8%), myocardial infarction (14.2% vs 6.6%), and readmission for ACS (7.9% vs 4.4%, p <0.001 for all comparisons) but a lower rate of repeat coronary revascularization (22.7% vs 26.9%, p = 0.01). Compared with moderate statin therapy, intensive statin therapy appeared to decrease the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stoke, and readmission for an ACS (A to Z primary end point) to a similar extent in patients with (26.1% vs 21.6%, hazard ratio 0.84, p = 0.27) and without (13.9% vs 12.0%, hazard ratio 0.86, p = 0.016) previous CABG, although the decrease was not statistically significant in the previous CABG group, likely due to the small number of patients with previous CABG. In conclusion, compared with patients with ACS without previous CABG, those with previous CABG have a higher risk for adverse cardiac events and may derive similar benefit from intensive statin therapy.

Perioperative use of cardiac medical therapy among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The use of perioperative cardiac medical therapy among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) has not been closely examined.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to systematically review the medical literature examining the effects of perioperative cardiac medical therapy on clinical outcomes among patients undergoing CABG.

METHODS

Using the Medline database and online clinical trial databases, we reviewed all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies examining the effect of perioperative angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, antilipid agents (including statins), aspirin, beta-blockers, and calcium-channel blockers on clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Our review identified 27 studies (6 RCTs, 21 observational studies), involving >700,000 patients, that examined the impact of perioperative medical therapy on clinical outcomes after CABG. Although studies provide conflicting results, the literature suggests that perioperative aspirin use may decrease inhospital mortality and myocardial infarction, whereas perioperative angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use does not appear to be beneficial. Perioperative statin use reduces all-cause mortality at 30 days and cardiac death at 60 days and 1 year post-CABG but does not appear to reduce myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure rates. Multiple studies have demonstrated that pre- and postoperative beta-blockers are associated with a decrease in atrial fibrillation. In addition, beta-blockers may reduce inhospital and 30-day mortality, although these results are not consistent across all studies. Calcium-channel blockers do not appear to improve inhospital or 30-day mortality. No studies examined the perioperative use of angiotensin II receptor blockers or nonstatin antilipid agents among CABG patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The perioperative use of cardiac medical therapy among CABG patients remains understudied. Given their proven benefits among patients with cardiovascular disease and their potential to improve outcomes among CABG patients, further studies, particularly large RCTs, are needed.

Use of the ABC care bundle to standardize guideline implementation in a cardiac surgical population: a pilot study

A cardiac surgical progressive care unit implemented the ABC's of Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Care Bundle to determine whether the use of a packaged approach to medication prescription and lifestyle counseling would improve adherence to secondary risk-reduction guidelines in postcoronary artery bypass graft patients. A pilot study was carried out to assess changes in adherence to guideline recommendations post-Care Bundle implementation. Findings support using a systematic strategy to improve guideline adherence in this population.

Functional effects of nitric oxide-releasing aspirin on vein conduits of diabetic patients undergoing CABG

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to negatively affect biological properties of venous vasculature, and, particularly, to reduce endothelium-derived nitric oxide release. This condition might influence venous graft function following coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional effects of a NO-releasing aspirin (NORA) on vein grafts (VG) of diabetics and control patients undergoing elective CABG.

METHODS

In 40 consecutive ischemic heart disease patients, the effects of NORA were tested on segments of saphenous vein conduits harvested during elective CABG. Twenty patients had type-2 DM (mean age 69+/-2), whereas 20 patients had no DM (NDM) and represented the control group (mean age 67+/-4). Functional responses were tested by exposing VGs to NORA and to standard vasoactive agents in an organ-bath preparation. Histological features of VGs were also assessed by light and electronic microscopy.

RESULTS

Significant impairment of endothelial-dependent vasodilation (acetylcholine induced) was documented in VGs of DM subjects. NORA induced a significant and comparable vascular relaxation in all venous segments of NDM and DM patients (56+/-12% of maximal relaxation vs 61+/-11% in the control group, respectively). Histology showed variable extent of vascular layer and cellular abnormalities in VGs of diabetics (intimal hyperplasia, calcific deposition, endothelial cell degeneration) likely responsible of the endothelial functional impairment, whereas control group VG showed preserved structures.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study confirms the impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilative property of VGs in DM patients. It also indicates that NORA effectively induces vasodilation of VGs which was effective also in DM patients thereby representing a promising therapy for diabetics undergoing CABG with the use of VGs, although further studies are mandatory to conclusively assess the safety and benefits of this pharmacological agent.

Nitric oxide-releasing aspirin: Will it say NO to atherothrombosis?

Aspirin is a powerful anti-platelet drug widely used in patients with coronary atherosclerosis, but its side effects and especially its toxicity for gastrointestinal tract limit its usefulness in specific groups of patients. A new category of agents, nitric oxide-releasing aspirins (such as NCX-4016), seems to provide an alternative solution. Although this drug is still at phase II clinical trials, it has provided promising results until now. When administered in vivo, it is separated into an aspirin moiety and an NO-donating complex, providing both the antithrombotic effect of aspirin and the gastroprotective effect of NO. Additionally, it increases NO bioavailability as a vascular level, and it may have the antiatherogenic properties of endogenously produced NO. Finally, recent evidence suggests that it may also improve functional aspects of vein grafts used in CABG, with possible benefit on graft patency. However, the outcome of the large ongoing trials is needed before any conclusion is made about the role of NO-releasing aspirins in cardiovascular disease.

Efficacy of perindopril in reducing risk of cardiac events in patients with revascularized coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess the effect on cardiac events of adding perindopril 8 mg once daily to standard preventive therapy in the subgroup of EUROPA patients with previous revascularization and without previous myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

We conducted a subgroup analysis of the EUROPA study patients according to their revascularization and previous MI history. Among the 12,218 patients of EUROPA, we identified 6709 (54.9%) patients who had a previous revascularization. Approximately equal proportions had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (3122) or coronary artery bypass grafting (3136). Of the revascularized patients, 3047 (24.9%) patients had not experienced a previous MI.

RESULTS

Out of the 6709 revascularized patients, 3340 were treated with perindopril and 3369 with placebo. Baseline characteristics were similar to the whole EUROPA population in terms of demographics, medical history, physical examination (heart rate, blood pressure), and medications at screening. The mean patient age was 60 years, and 85% were men. The relative risk reduction with perindopril 8 mg was 17.3% (95% CI 1.3%-30.8%, P = .035) for the composite primary end point of cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, and resuscitated cardiac arrest and was 23% (95% CI 4.9%-37.6%, P = .015) for fatal and nonfatal MI. In the 3047 revascularized patients without a history of MI, perindopril was associated with a relative risk reduction of 31.7% for fatal and nonfatal MI (95% CI 4.4%-51.2%, P = .026).

CONCLUSION

Perindopril 8 mg daily is beneficial for primary and secondary prevention of cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease without clinical evidence of heart failure including those with previous revascularization.