PCI Strategies in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease

FFR-Guided Complete or Culprit-Only PCI in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

The benefit of fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided complete revascularization in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary artery disease remains unclear.

METHODS

In this multinational, registry-based, randomized trial, we assigned patients with STEMI or very-high-risk non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and multivessel disease who were undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the culprit lesion to receive either FFR-guided complete revascularization of nonculprit lesions or no further revascularization. The primary outcome was a composite of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, or unplanned revascularization. The two key secondary outcomes were a composite of death from any cause or myocardial infarction and unplanned revascularization.

RESULTS

A total of 1542 patients underwent randomization, with 764 assigned to receive FFR-guided complete revascularization and 778 assigned to receive culprit-lesion-only PCI. At a median follow-up of 4.8 years (interquartile range, 4.3 to 5.2), a primary-outcome event had occurred in 145 patients (19.0%) in the complete-revascularization group and in 159 patients (20.4%) in the culprit-lesion-only group (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 1.17; P = 0.53). With respect to the secondary outcomes, no apparent between-group differences were observed in the composite of death from any cause or myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.44) or unplanned revascularization (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.04). There were no apparent between-group differences in safety outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with STEMI or very-high-risk NSTEMI and multivessel coronary artery disease, FFR-guided complete revascularization was not shown to result in a lower risk of a composite of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, or unplanned revascularization than culprit-lesion-only PCI at 4.8 years. (Funded by the Swedish Research Council and others; FULL REVASC ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02862119.).

The ability and optimal cutoff value of serum cell division cycle 42 in estimating major adverse cardiac event in STEMI patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention

Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) regulates cholesterol efflux, chronic inflammation, and reendothelialization in various atherosclerotic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of serum CDC42 with myocardial injury indicators and major adverse cardiac event (MACE) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In 250 STEMI patients about to receive PCI, serum samples were collected at enrollment before PCI treatment, and the serum samples were also obtained from 100 healthy controls (HCs) at enrollment. Serum CDC42 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum CDC42 was decreased (versus HCs, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with diabetes mellitus (P = 0.017), multivessel disease (P = 0.016), cardiac troponin I (P < 0.001), creatine kinase MB (P = 0.012), stent diameter ≥ 3.5 mm (P = 0.039), white blood cell (P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.049), and C-reactive protein (P < 0.001) in STEMI patients. Besides, 29 (11.6%) STEMI patients experienced MACE. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year accumulating MACE rates were 7.5%, 17.3%, and 19.3%, accordingly. Serum CDC42 was reduced in STEMI patients who experienced MACE compared to those who did not (P = 0.001). Serum CDC42 ≥ 250 pg/mL, ≥ 400 pg/mL, ≥ 700 pg/mL (cut by near integer value of 1/4th quartile, median, and 3/4th quartile) were associated with decreased accumulating MACE rates in STEMI patients (all P < 0.050). Notably, serum CDC42 ≥ 250 pg/mL (hazard ratio = 0.435, P = 0.031) was independently related to reduced accumulating MACE risk in STEMI patients. A serum CDC42 level of ≥ 250 pg/mL well predicts decreased MACE risk in STEMI patients who are treated with PCI.

Facility-based approach for the management of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock in a rural medical centre: the Durango model

INTRODUCTION

Cardiogenic shock (CS) complicates 5%-15% of cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with inpatient mortality greater than 40%. The implementation of standardised protocols may improve clinical outcomes in patients with AMI-CS.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Durango model is a prospective single-centre registry designed to enable early identification of patients with STEMI-CS to facilitate primary reperfusion therapy with a shock team management algorithm in a rural level II heart attack centre. This prospective registry includes all patients >18 years of age presenting with STEMI with or without CS beginning on 1 February 2023. The primary outcome measures are adherence to model-based documentation of SCAI shock Classification prehospital and in the ED with appropriate STEMI shock alert for AMI and stages C, D, E shock; use of mechanical circulatory support Pre-PCI and door to support time <90 min.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board with a waiver of informed consent. The findings will be submitted for publication in a peer-review open access journal on completion of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The Durango model will demonstrate that the implementation of a STEMI shock team can be feasible in a rural medical centre through comprehensive education of a diverse group providers with different levels of experience, continuous model/device proficiency training and performance feedback.

Identification of important genes associated with acute myocardial infarction using multiple cell death patterns

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a global health threat, and programmed cell death (PCD) plays a crucial role in its occurrence and development. In this study, integrated bioinformatics tools were used to explore new biomarkers and therapeutic targets in AMI. Thirteen types of PCD-related genes were identified through literature review, KEGG, and GSEA pathways. Gene expression matrices and clinical data from AMI patients and healthy controls were obtained from the GEO database. Statistical analysis in R identified 377 differentially expressed genes in AMI patients. Intersection analysis between the differentially expressed genes and PCD-related genes revealed 24 genes positively correlated with immune cells such as Neutrophils and Monocytes, while negatively correlated with T cells CD4 memory resting and Plasma cells. Unsupervised clustering analysis divided patients into two groups (C1 and C2) based on the expression levels of these 24 genes. GSVA analysis showed that C2 patients were more active in pathways related to maintaining normal cell morphology and promoting phagocytosis, suggesting a lower programmed cell death rate and a higher tendency to maintain cell survival. Two hub genes, TNFAIP3 and TP53INP2, were identified through LASSO regression analysis and SVM-RFE, and were validated using an external dataset and RT-qPCR、Western blot and ELISA analysis. These hub genes showed significantly higher expression and protein secretion levels in AMI patients compared to healthy individuals. Overall, regulating and controlling PCD, particularly through the identified hub genes, TNFAIP3 and TP53INP2, may provide new therapeutic strategies for improving the prognosis of AMI patients and preventing heart failure.

Efficacy and risks of drug-coated balloon treatment for coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis

Introduction

Coronary artery disease (CAD) often leads to myocardial ischemia and impaired cardiac function, significantly impacting the well-being and quality of life (QOL) of individuals. The use of drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment has become a widespread approach in CAD management. However, currently, there is limited evidence available for the meta-analysis of DCB treatment in CAD.

Materials and methods

A systematic search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and VIP Database, covering data from the inception of each database up to April 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding DCB treatment were meticulously chosen based on independent assessment of eligibility and scope by three researchers. Literature screening and data extraction were independently performed by two researchers, while methodological quality of the enrolled studies was assessed using the risk of bias (ROB) tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3.

Results

Following the screening process, seven studies were included. Four studies demonstrated an odds ratio (OR) of 0.66 for target lesion revascularization (TLR), five reported an OR of 0.41 for postoperative myocardial infarction (MI), four indicated a mean difference (MD) of 6.03 in the degree of stenosis (DOS), five exhibited an MD of 0.13 for late lumen loss (LLL), five reported an OR of 0.33 for cardiac death, and two presented an OR of 1.01 for binary restenosis (BR).

Conclusion

DCB demonstrated a comparable efficacy to drug-eluting stents (DES) in treating CAD, with relatively lower associated risks.

Impact of Multivessel Percutaneous Coronary Intervention vs. Culprit Vessel Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Recent clinical trials have shown that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for non-culprit lesions (NCLs) reduces the risk of adverse events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but the effect on long-term outcomes remains unclear in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and a real-world clinical setting.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study of ACS patients who underwent primary PCI between April 2004 and December 2017 at Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Japan, was performed. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular disease death (CVD death) and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) during the mean follow-up period of 2.7 years, and a landmark analysis for the incidence of the primary endpoint from 31 days to 5 years between the multivessel PCI group and the culprit only PCI group was performed. Multivessel PCI was defined as PCI including non-infarct-related coronary arteries within 30 days after the onset of ACS.

RESULTS

Of the 1109 ACS patients with multivessel coronary artery disease of the current cohort, multivessel PCI was performed in 364 (33.2 %) patients. The incidence of the primary endpoint from 31 days to 5 years was significantly lower in the multivessel PCI group (4.0 % vs. 9.6 %, log-rank p = 0.0008). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that multivessel PCI was significantly associated with fewer cardiovascular events (HR 0.37, 95 % CI 0.19-0.67, p = 0.0008).

CONCLUSION

In ACS patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, multivessel PCI may reduce the risk of CVD death and non-fatal MI compared to culprit-lesion-only PCI.

Complete revascularization in acute myocardial infarction: a clinical review

In patients with ST segment elevation and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI), multivessel (MV) coronary artery disease is found in approximately 50%, leading to worse clinical outcomes. Recent data have suggested that complete revascularization with MV percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events as compared to culprit vessel-only revascularization. However, the optimal timing of MV intervention, appropriate non-culprit lesion assessment, and the best revascularization strategy in specific subsets such as cardiogenic shock remain to be established. This review article summarizes current evidence on revascularization strategies in patients with acute MI and MV disease.

The optimal timing for non-culprit percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease: A pairwise and network meta-analysis of randomized trials

Background and aims

Recently, several randomized trials have shown that patients with multivessel disease (MVD) often pursue complete revascularization during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to improve their prognosis. However, the optimal time for the non-culprit artery has been controversial. This study aimed to determine the optimal strategy for revascularization in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing three revascularization strategies [i.e., complete revascularization at the index procedure (CR), complete revascularization as a staged procedure (SR), or culprit-only revascularization (COR)] in STEMI patients with multivessel coronary artery disease were included. We performed both pairwise and network meta-analyses. Network meta-analysis was performed using mixed treatment comparison models.

Results

17 trials with 8568 patients were included. In the network meta-analysis, the most interesting finding was that staged revascularization increased the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) compared with complete revascularization at the index procedure [odds ratio (OR): 1.93; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–3.49]. In the pairwise meta-analysis, complete revascularization reduced the incidence of MACE [risk ratio (RR): 0.62, 95% CI: 0.48–0.79, p &lt; 0.001], mainly because it reduced the probability of unplanned repeat revascularization (RR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.33–0.75, p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, or nonfatal re-myocardial infarction (MI).

Conclusion

Our analysis suggests that complete revascularization should be performed in STEMI patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, and complete revascularization at the index procedure is superior to staged revascularization in reducing the risk of MACE events.

Staged revascularization vs. culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention for multivessel disease in elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Backgroundand objective

Studies have highlighted the significant role of staged percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for a multivessel disease (MVD) among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the relative benefit of staged vs. culprit-only PCI for MVD in elderly patients with STEMI remains undetermined. Thus, the present study compared the clinical outcomes of staged and culprit-only PCI in this cohort.

Methods

From January 2014 to September 2019, 617 patients aged ≥65 years with STEMI and MVD who underwent primary PCI of the culprit vessels within 12 h of symptom onset were enrolled. They were then categorized into the staged and culprit-only PCI groups according to intervention strategy. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to adjust for confounding factors between groups. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and ischemia-driven revascularization.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 56 months, 209 patients experienced MACCE and 119 died. Staged revascularization was associated with a lower risk of MACCE, all-cause death, and cardiac death than culprit-only PCI in both overall patients and the PSM cohorts. In contrast, there was no significant difference in stroke or ischemia-driven revascularization. Moreover, on multivariate Cox regression analysis, staged PCI was a significant predictor of a lower incidence of MACCE and all-cause death.

Conclusion

In elderly patients with STEMI and MVD, staged PCI is superior to culprit-only PCI.

Comprehensive safety profile evaluation of bivalirudin in Chinese ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention: a prospective, multicenter, intensive monitoring study

Background

This prospective, multi-center, intensive monitoring study aimed to systematically assess the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs), especially thrombocytopenia and bleeding, as well as their risk factors in Chinese ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (STEMI) patients receiving bivalirudin as anticoagulant for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

In total, 1244 STEMI patients undergoing PCI and receiving bivalirudin as anticoagulant were enrolled in the present study. Safety data were collected from hospital admission to 72 h after bivalirudin administration; in addition, patients were further followed up at the 30th day with safety data collected at that time.

Results

AEs, severe AEs, ADRs and severe ADRs were reported in 224 (18.0%), 15 (1.2%), 49 (3.9%) and 5 (0.4%) patients, respectively. Importantly, 4 (0.3%) patients were submitted to hospitalization and 6 (0.5%) patients died due to AEs, while 1 (0.1%) patient was submitted to hospitalization but no (0.0%) patient died due to ADRs. Meanwhile, thrombocytopenia and bleeding occurred in 24 (1.9%) and 21 (1.7%) patients, respectively. Further multivariate logistic analysis identified several important independent factors related to AEs, ADRs, thrombocytopenia or bleeding, which included history of cardiac surgery and renal function impairment, high CRUSADE risk stratification, elective operation and combination with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Moreover, 4 multivariate models were constructed based on the above-mentioned factors, which all showed acceptable predictive value for AEs, ADRs, thrombocytopenia and bleeding, respectively.

Conclusion

Bivalirudin is a well-tolerant anticoagulant in Chinese STEMI patients undergoing PCI procedure.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-022-02716-4.

Optimal Revascularization Strategy for Patients With ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease: A Pairwise and Network Meta-Analysis

Background: The relative benefit of immediate complete revascularization, staged complete revascularization, and culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear in hemodynamically stable patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of the 3 PCI strategies in this population. Methods: We followed a pre-specified protocol (PROSPERO number: CRD42020183801). A comprehensive search of the electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library from inception through February 21, 2020 was conducted. Randomized trials evaluating the comparative efficacy and safety of at least 2 of the 3 PCI strategies were identified. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular mortality or myocardial infarction (MI) during the longest follow-up. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed with random-effects model. Results: Eleven trials including 6,942 patients were analyzed. Pairwise meta-analysis noted that immediate complete revascularization and staged complete revascularization were respectively associated with a 52 and 27% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death or MI (relative risk [RR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.73, I² = 0%; and RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61-0.88, I² = 0%, respectively), compared with culprit-only PCI. The risk of cardiovascular death or MI was not statistically different in staged and immediate complete revascularization groups (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.45-1.72, I² = 0%). Network meta-analysis obtained almost similar results compared with pairwise meta-analysis, and immediate complete revascularization had a 77% probability of being the best strategy for reducing cardiovascular death or MI among the 3 PCI strategies. Conclusion: The current evidence suggests that both immediate and staged complete revascularization were associated with a reduction of cardiovascular death or MI compared with culprit-only PCI. Further trials are warranted to directly compare immediate vs. staged complete revascularization in this population. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, PROSPERO [CRD42020183801].

2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The guideline for coronary artery revascularization replaces the 2011 coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the 2011 and 2015 percutaneous coronary intervention guidelines, providing a patient-centric approach to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with significant coronary artery disease undergoing coronary revascularization as well as the supporting documentation to encourage their use.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2019 to September 2019, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, CINHL Complete, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant studies, published through May 2021, were also considered. Structure: Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Coronary revascularization is an important therapeutic option when managing patients with coronary artery disease. The 2021 coronary artery revascularization guideline provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to managing patients with coronary artery disease who are being considered for coronary revascularization, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' interests.

2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The guideline for coronary artery revascularization replaces the 2011 coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the 2011 and 2015 percutaneous coronary intervention guidelines, providing a patient-centric approach to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with significant coronary artery disease undergoing coronary revascularization as well as the supporting documentation to encourage their use.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2019 to September 2019, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, CINHL Complete, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant studies, published through May 2021, were also considered.

STRUCTURE

Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Coronary revascularization is an important therapeutic option when managing patients with coronary artery disease. The 2021 coronary artery revascularization guideline provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to managing patients with coronary artery disease who are being considered for coronary revascularization, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' interests.

Economic evaluation of complete revascularization versus stress echocardiography-guided revascularization in the STEACS with multivessel disease

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Economic studies may help decision making in the management of multivessel disease in the setting of myocardial infarction. We sought to perform an economic evaluation of CROSS-AMI (Complete Revascularization or Stress Echocardiography in Patients With Multivessel Disease and ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction) randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

We performed a cost minimization analysis for the strategies (complete angiographic revascularization [ComR] and selective stress echocardiography-guided revascularization [SelR]) compared in the CROSS-AMI clinical trial (N=306), attributable the initial hospitalization and readmissions during the first year of follow-up, using current rates for health services provided by our health system.

RESULTS

The index hospitalization costs were higher in the ComR group than in SelR arm (19 657.9±6236.8 € vs 14 038.7±4958.5 €; P <.001). There were no differences in the costs of the first year of follow-up rehospitalizations between both groups for (ComR 2423.5±4568.0 vs SelR 2653.9±5709.1; P=.697). Total cost was 22 081.3±7505.6 for the ComR arm and 16 692.6±7669.9 for the SelR group (P <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the CROSS-AMI trial, the initial extra economic costs of the ComR versus SelR were not offset by significant savings during follow-up. SelR seems to be more efficient than ComR in patients with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and multivessel disease treated by emergent angioplasty. Study registred at ClinicalTrial.gov (Identifier: NCT01179126).

Timing of Nonculprit Percutaneous Coronary Intervention after ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

INTRODUCTION

Complete revascularization of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with multivessel disease (MVD) has recently shown to reduce risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death. Optimal timing of revascularization of nonculprit lesions remains controversial. We aimed to measure cardiac outcomes related to duration between primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) of the culprit lesion and staged PCI (sPCI) of nonculprit lesions.

METHODS

From a prospectively collected consecutive registry of 3,002 patients treated for STEMI by pPCI, 1,555 patients with MVD requiring sPCI were identified. Patients were placed into quartiles of duration to sPCI: 0-7 days (Q1), 7-22 days (Q2), 22-42 days (Q3), >42 days (Q4), excluding those who had complete revascularization at the index event. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) included all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and coronary artery bypass surgery. Cox regression and propensity score matching were performed correcting for confounding factors.

RESULTS

The average age at presentation was 65.7 ± 11.5 years. 333 were female (21.4%). Mean time between pPCI and sPCI was 28.3 days (±24.8). Rates of MACE were Q1 - 16.5%, Q2 - 21.2%, Q3 - 25.8%, and Q4 - 30.1% (log-rank <0.001). Following regression analysis, sPCI remained an independent risk factor for MACE (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.226 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.129-1.331, p < 0.001]). There was no association between the time interval up to sPCI with all-cause death (HR = 1.022 [95% CI: 0.925-1.129, p = 0.671]).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MVD are at increased risk of experiencing MACE after revascularization of nonculprit vessels with increasing time delay between pPCI and sPCI.

Immediate Versus Staged Multivessel PCI Strategies in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent guidelines and randomized clinical trials favor the multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (MV-PCI) strategy undertaken immediately or staged after primary PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease. However, the optimal strategy of MV-PCI remains unknown.

METHODS

We conducted a search of PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane database (CENTRAL), clinicaltrial.gov, and Google Scholar for studies comparing immediate versus staged MV-PCI in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Eighteen (4 randomized clinical trials) studies with 8,100 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Relative to staged MV-PCI, immediate MV-PCI was associated with higher short-term (within 30 days) (OR, 3.96; 95% CI, 2.07-7.59; P<0.0001) and long-term (above 6 months) mortality (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.46-3.07; P<0.0001), short-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)(OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.13-3.50; P=0.02) and cardiac death (OR, 4.78; 95% CI, 2.17-10.53; P=0.0001). There was a nonsignificant trend towards higher long-term MACE (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.98-1.54; P=0.07) and cardiac death (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 0.93-3.30; P=0.08) with immediate versus staged MV-PCI. Revascularization, myocardial infarction, and safety endpoints including stroke, major bleeding, and renal failure were similar between immediate versus staged MV-PCI. However, pooled analysis of randomized clinical trials did not show any significant differences in long-term MACE, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggests that among patients with STEMI and multivessel disease, staged instead of immediate MV-PCI may be the optimal revascularization strategy.

Effects of patient characteristics on the efficacy of complete revascularization for treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel disease: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated the efficacy of complete vs culprit-only revascularization for treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with multivessel disease. However, the efficacy of complete revascularization vs culprit-only revascularization in some STEMI patient subgroups remains unclear.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase for related RCTs from the start date of databases to January 3, 2020. The endpoint assessed in this meta-analysis was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted stratified by each of the 5 factors of interest (i.e., sex, age, history of diabetes, ECG infarct location, and the number of arteries with stenosis) to estimate pooled hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval. Random-effects meta-regression was conducted to assess subgroup differences. We examined publication bias by drawing funnel plots and performing Egger test. This meta-analysis is reported according to the PRISMA statement.

RESULTS

Six RCTs were included for pooled analysis. Compared with culprit-only revascularization, complete revascularization significantly reduced the risk of MACE (hazard ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.42-0.55; I2 = 0%; P for relative effect < .001). This significant reduction in the risk of MACE exhibited by complete revascularization was observed in most of the subgroups of interest. All of the subgroup effects based on the 5 factors of interest were not statistically significant (Psubgroup ranged from 0.198 to 0.556). Publication bias was not suggested by funnel plots and Egger test.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with culprit-only revascularization, complete revascularization significantly reduces the MACE risk in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease, which is independent of sex, age, history of diabetes, ECG infarct location, and the number of arteries with stenosis.

Identification and analysis of key genes associated with acute myocardial infarction by integrated bioinformatics methods

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common disease leading threat to human health around the world. Here we aimed to explore new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in AMI through adopting integrated bioinformatics tools.

METHODS

The gene expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain genes data of AMI and no-AMI whole blood. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the "Limma" package in R 3.6.1 software. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed via "Bioconductor" and "GOplot" package in R 3.6.1 software. In order to screen hub DEGs, the STRING version 11.0 database, Cytoscape and molecular complex detection (MCODE) were applied. Correlation among the hub DEGs was evaluated using Pearson's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

By performing DEGs analysis, 289 upregulated and 62 downregulated DEGs were successfully identified from GSE66360, respectively. And they were mainly enriched in the terms of neutrophil activation, immune response, cytokine, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway. Based on the data of protein-protein interaction (PPI), the top 10 hub genes were ranked, including interleukin-8 (CXCL8), TNF, N-formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), growth-regulated alpha protein (CXCL1), transcription factor AP-1 (JUN), interleukin-1 beta (IL1B), platelet basic protein (PPBP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), and high affinity immunoglobulin epsilon receptor subunit gamma (FCER1G). What's more, the results of correlation analysis demonstrated that there was positive correlation between the 10 hub DEGs.

CONCLUSION

Ten DEGs were identified as potential candidate diagnostic biomarkers for patients with AMI in present study. However, further experiments are needed to confirm the functional pathways and hub genes associated with AMI.

Nourin-Dependent miR-137 and miR-106b: Novel Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Myocardial Ischemia in Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Background: Although cardiovascular imaging techniques are widely used to diagnose myocardial ischemia in patients with suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD), they have limitations related to lack of specificity, sensitivity and “late” diagnosis. Additionally, the absence of a simple laboratory test that can detect myocardial ischemia in CAD patients, has led to many patients being first diagnosed at the time of the development of myocardial infarction. Nourin is an early blood-based biomarker rapidly released within five minutes by “reversible” ischemic myocardium before progressing to necrosis. Recently, we demonstrated that the Nourin-dependent miR-137 (marker of cell damage) and miR-106b-5p (marker of inflammation) can diagnose myocardial ischemia in patients with unstable angina (UA) and also stratify severity of ischemia, with higher expression in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients compared to UA patients. Minimal baseline-gene expression levels of Nourin miRNAs were detected in healthy subjects. Objectives: To determine: (1) whether Nourin miRNAs are elevated in chest pain patients with myocardial ischemia suspected of CAD, who also underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) or ECG/Treadmill stress test, and (2) whether the elevated levels of serum Nourin miRNAs correlate with results of ECHO/ECG stress test in diagnosing CAD patients. Methods: Serum gene expression levels of miR-137, miR-106b-5p and their corresponding molecular pathway network were measured blindly in 70 enrolled subjects using quantitative real time PCR (qPCR). Blood samples were collected from: (1) patients with chest pain suspected of myocardial ischemia (n = 38) both immediately “pre-stress test” and “post-stress test” 30 min. after test termination; (2) patients with acute STEMI (n = 16) functioned as our positive control; and (3) healthy volunteers (n = 16) who, also, exercised on ECG/Treadmill stress test for Nourin baseline-gene expression levels. Results: (1) strong correlation was observed between Nourin miRNAs serum expression levels and results obtained from ECHO/ECG stress test in diagnosing myocardial ischemia in CAD patients; (2) positive “post-stress test” patients with CAD diagnosis showed upregulation of miR-137 by 572-fold and miR-106b-5p by 122-fold, when compared to negative “post-stress test” patients (p < 0.001); (3) similarly, positive “pre-stress test” CAD patients showed upregulation of miR-137 by 1198-fold and miR-106b-5p by 114-fold, when compared to negative “pre-stress test” patients (p < 0.001); and (4) healthy subjects had minimal baseline-gene expressions of Nourin miRNAs. Conclusions: Nourin-dependent miR-137 and miR-106b-5p are promising novel blood-based biomarkers for early diagnosis of myocardial ischemia in chest pain patients suspected of CAD in outpatient clinics. Early identification of CAD patients, while patients are in the stable state before progressing to infarction, is key to providing crucial diagnostic steps and therapy to limit adverse cardiac events, improve patients’ health outcome and save lives.

Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio predicts long-term outcomes for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease: A prospective observational cohort study

The fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio index (FAR) is a valuable tool reflecting the systemic inflammation level and associated with the severity of coronary artery disease. However, the utility of the FAR in predicting the long-term prognosis of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease has remained to be determined. A total of 424 patients diagnosed with STEMI and multivessel disease were recruited for the present study. They were given emergent percutaneous coronary intervention treatment and then completed a follow-up for primary (all-cause mortality) and secondary endpoints (major adverse cardiac events, including MI, stroke, emergent revascularization and rehospitalization due to heart failure). The association between FAR and the Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score was investigated, while receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was adopted to assess the ability of the FAR to predict long-term outcomes. The long-term survival of high and low FAR groups was compared by drawing Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was adopted to evaluate the risk factors of primary and secondary endpoints. The FAR was revealed to have a linear correlation with the SYNTAX score (y=0.022x+17.737; P=0.015). Furthermore, the FAR was a significant predictor of all-cause death with a cut-off value of 128.4 (area under the curve, 0.832; P<0.001). A significant difference was determined between the high FAR group and the low FAR group in terms of the proportion of patients with the primary endpoint (P<0.001) and secondary endpoint (P=0.001). It was demonstrated that the FAR was an independent risk factor for all-cause death of patients with STEMI and multivessel disease (hazard ratio, 1.029; 95% CI: 1.020-1.037; P<0.001). In summary, the FAR is a valuable biomarker associated with STEMI and may be useful in the prediction of the long-term prognosis of patients with STEMI and multivessel disease.

Preemptive percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery disease: identification of the appropriate high-risk lesion

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Management of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has been based on identification of a coronary obstruction causing ischemia and performing a revascularization procedure to reduce that ischemia, with the goal of thereby preventing subsequent major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in that vascular territory. Recent investigations demonstrate that preemptive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of nonculprit coronary lesions (NCLs) that may not cause ischemia in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) reduces MACE. In this review, we focus on preemptive PCI, discuss its mechanistic benefits and speculate on its potential value for other coronary syndromes.

RECENT FINDINGS

The COMPLETE trial in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI demonstrated that preemptive PCI of NCL obstructions, which may not cause ischemia, but often exhibit high-risk OCT plaque characteristics, reduced cardiovascular death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. Reduction in MACE from preemptive PCI of NCL was similar for lesions confirmed to cause ischemia (fractional flow reserve <0.80) and for lesions that were only visually assessed to have luminal obstruction at least 70%.The ISCHEMIA trial in patients with stable CAD and moderate/severe ischemia demonstrated that MACE risk increased progressively with more extensive atherosclerosis, but that performing PCI of ischemia-producing lesions did not reduce MACE. Adverse cardiac events likely originated in high-risk plaque areas not treated with PCI.

SUMMARY

In STEMI patients, preemptive PCI of high-risk NCL that may not cause ischemia improves long-term MACE. In stable CAD patients, MACE increases as the atherosclerotic burden increases, but PCI of the ischemia-producing lesion itself does not improve outcomes compared with optimal medical therapy. Adverse events likely originate in high-risk plaque areas that are distinct from ischemia-producing obstructions. Identification of highest-risk atherosclerotic lesions responsible for future MACE may provide an opportunity for preemptive PCI in patients with a variety of coronary syndromes.

Evaluation and Management of Nonculprit Lesions in STEMI

Nonculprit lesions are frequently observed in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Results from recent randomized clinical trials suggest that complete revascularization after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction improves outcomes. In this state-of-the-art paper, the authors review these trials and consider how best to determine which nonculprit lesions require revascularization and when this should be performed.

Determinants of In-Hospital Death Among the Very Elderly with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Since the number of elderly patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been increasing in developed countries, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the very elderly aged ≥80 years old is already common. The study aimed to examine the determinants of in-hospital death among the very elderly with AMI in current PCI era. We included 412 consecutive AMI patients aged ≥ 80 years old who received PCI to the culprit lesion; however, 42 patients (10.2%) died during the index hospitalization. Thus, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the determinants of in-hospital death. Of note, the modified KATZ index, which is a seven-point scale ranging from 0 to 6 (0 point indicating no dependence and six points indicating full dependence), was calculated to evaluate pre-admission activity of daily living (ADL). In multivariate analysis, cardiac arrest (OR 4.642, 95% CI 1.177-18.305, P = 0.028), Killip class IV (versus Killip class I: OR 5.732, 95% CI 1.076-16.630, P = 0.001), modified KATZ index (OR 1.212, 95% CI 1.001-1.469, P = 0.049), hemoglobin levels (OR 0.803, 95% CI 0.656-0.983, P = 0.033), use of temporary pacemaker (OR 2.603, 95% CI 1.010-6.709, P = 0.048), final Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 (versus TIMI ≤ 2: OR 0.240, 95% CI 0.093-0.618, P = 0.003), and mechanical circulatory support (OR 4.264, 95% CI 1.818-10.005, P = 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with in-hospital death. In conclusion, in-hospital outcomes of the very elderly with AMI were still poor in the current PCI era. Poor pre-admission ADL as well as cardiogenic shock and anemia were determined to be strongly associated with in-hospital death.

Multivessel PCI for Acute Myocardial Infarction: Where Do We Stand After The COMPLETE Trial?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Multivessel coronary artery disease is frequently encountered in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Several moderate-sized randomized trials have suggested that complete revascularization of non-culprit stenoses in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients without cardiogenic shock is associated with improved outcomes driven solely by a reduction in the risk of future revascularization.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Complete versus Culprit-only Revascularization to Treat Multi-vessel disease after Early PCI for STEMI (COMPLETE) trial recently showed that a complete revascularization strategy for non-culprit stenoses for STEMI patients without cardiogenic shock, performed either during the index hospitalization or after discharge, reduces the risk of cardiac mortality or myocardial infarction (MI) driven by a reduction in the risk of MI at a median of 3 years. In STEMI patients without cardiogenic shock undergoing primary PCI, a complete revascularization strategy for non-culprit stenoses, performed either during the index hospitalization or shortly after discharge, improves outcomes and should be considered as the default strategy whenever feasible.

2020 Focused Update of the 2012 Guidelines of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology for the Management of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

One of the major missions of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology is to publish practice guidelines that are suitable for local use in Taiwan. The ultimate purpose is to continuously improve cardiovascular health care from the implementation of the recommendations in the guidelines. Despite recent improvement of medical care, patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) still carry a high morbidity and mortality. There have been many changes in the concepts of STEMI diagnosis and treatment in recent years. The 2020 focused update of the 2012 guidelines of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology for the management of STEMI is an amendment of the 2012 guidelines based on the newest published scientific data. The recommendations in this focused update provide the diagnosis and treatment strategy for STEMI that should be generally implemented in Taiwan. Nevertheless, guidelines never completely replace clinical judgment and medical decision still should be determined individually.

Efficacy and safety of intracoronary prourokinase during percutaneous coronary intervention in treating ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: a randomized, controlled study

Background

Prourokinase is a single-chain plasminogen activator presenting with fewer hemorrhagic complications and reduced reocclusion rate compared with the conventional fibrinolytic agents in patients with coronary artery disease. However, prourokinase intracoronary injection during PCI for treating patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is rarely investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracoronary prourokinase during the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in treating STEMI patients.

Methods

Fifty STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI were consecutively enrolled and randomly assigned to intracoronary prourokinase group (N = 25) or control group (N = 25). During the primary PCI procedure, patients in the intracoronary prourokinase group received 10 ml prourokinase injection, while patients in control group received 10 ml saline injection as control. The primary endpoints were coronary physiological indexes, the secondary endpoints were angiographic assessments, myocardial infarct size/reperfusion assessment, cardiac function evaluations, major adverse coronary events (MACEs) and hemorrhagic complications. All patients were followed up for 3 months.

Results

Post PCI, the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) was decreased in intracoronary prourokinase group than that in control group (34.56 ± 7.48 vs. 49.00 ± 8.98, P < 0.001), while no difference of coronary flow reserve (CFR) (2.01 ± 0.32 vs. 1.88 ± 0.23, P = 0.267) or fractional flow reserve (FFR) (0.89 ± 0.05 vs. 0.87 ± 0.04, P = 0.121) was found between the two groups. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) (P = 0.024), peak values of creatine kinase (CK) (P = 0.028), CK isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) (P = 0.016), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) (P = 0.032) and complete ST-segment resolution (STR) (P = 0.005) were better in intracoronary prourokinase group compared with control group. At 3-months post PCI, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and wall motion score index (WMSI) were higher, while left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) was lower in intracoronary prourokinase group compared with control group (all P < 0.05). There was no difference in hemorrhagic complication or total MACE between the two groups.

Conclusion

Intracoronary prourokinase during PCI is more efficient and equally tolerant compared with PCI alone in treating STEMI patients.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800016207. Prospectively registered.

Biology of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3), and Its Therapeutic Implications in Cardiovascular Pathology

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) is unique among the four TIMPs due to its extracellular matrix (ECM)-binding property and broad range of inhibitory substrates that includes matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs), and ADAM with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs). In addition to its metalloproteinase-inhibitory function, TIMP3 can interact with proteins in the extracellular space resulting in its multifarious functions. TIMP3 mRNA has a long 3' untranslated region (UTR) which is a target for numerous microRNAs. TIMP3 levels are reduced in various cardiovascular diseases, and studies have shown that TIMP3 replenishment ameliorates the disease, suggesting a therapeutic potential for TIMP3 in cardiovascular diseases. While significant efforts have been made in identifying the effector targets of TIMP3, the regulatory mechanism for the expression of this multi-functional TIMP has been less explored. Here, we provide an overview of TIMP3 gene structure, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators (transcription factors and microRNAs), protein structure and partners, its role in cardiovascular pathology and its application as therapy, while also drawing reference from TIMP3 function in other diseases.

Timing of Staged Nonculprit Artery Revascularization in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: COMPLETE Trial

BACKGROUND

The COMPLETE (Complete vs Culprit-only Revascularization to Treat Multi-vessel Disease After Early PCI for STEMI) trial demonstrated that staged nonculprit lesion percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduced major cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD).

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of nonculprit-lesion PCI timing on major CV outcomes and also the time course of the benefit of complete revascularization.

METHODS

Following culprit-lesion PCI, 4,041 patients with STEMI and multivessel CAD were randomized to staged nonculprit-lesion PCI or culprit-lesion only PCI. Randomization was stratified according to investigator-planned timing of nonculprit-lesion PCI: during or after the index hospitalization. The first coprimary outcome was the composite of CV death or myocardial infarction (MI). In pre-specified analyses, hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for each time stratum. Landmark analyses of the entire population were performed within 45 days and after 45 days.

RESULTS

For nonculprit-lesion PCI planned during the index hospitalization (actual time: median 1 day), CV death or MI was reduced with complete revascularization compared with culprit-lesion only PCI (HR: 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59 to 1.00). For nonculprit lesion PCI planned to occur after hospital discharge (actual time: median 23 days), CV death or MI was also reduced with complete revascularization (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.97; interaction p = 0.62). Landmark analyses demonstrated an HR of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.59 to 1.24) during the first 45 days and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.54 to 0.89) from 45 days to the end of follow-up for intended nonculprit lesion PCI versus culprit lesion only PCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Among STEMI patients with multivessel disease, the benefit of complete revascularization over culprit-lesion only PCI was consistent irrespective of the investigator-determined timing of nonculprit-lesion intervention. The benefit of complete revascularization on hard clinical outcomes emerged mainly over the long term.

Citrate pretreatment attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte injury via regulating microRNA-142-3p/Rac1 aix

Purpose: Citrate has a positive effect on improving the pathophysiological changes of cardiomyocytes such as cardiac failure and auricular fibrillation. However, the underlying mechanism remains still unclear.Methods: Rat cardiomyocytes were used to establish hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cell model. Citrate was conduct to pretreat with cardiomyocytes, and microRNA-142-3p (miR-142-3p) knockdown and overexpression were used to determine the underlying mechanism of their functions in cardiomyocytes. Cell viability and apoptosis were respectively detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. Protein and mRNA levels were determined by Western blot and qRT-PCR. Luciferase reporter assay and Targetscan were performed to study the regulation of miR-142-3p and Rac1.Results: The level of miR-142-3p was down-regulated in H/R model, but up-regulated in cardiomyocytes following citrate treatment. Citrates attenuated H/R injury induced miR-142-3p level and cell viability, and also inhibited H/R injury induced apoptosis, LDH, MDA and autophagy. Cell viability was improved, and autophagy was suppressed by miR-142-3p mimic, while inhibitor had opposite results. Compared with H/R + miR-142-3p inhibitor group, cell viability was higher, and apoptosis and autophagy were lower in Cit + H/R + miR-142-3p inhibitor group. Furthermore, Rac1 was target gene of miR-142-3p, and decreased by citrate, in comparison with H/R + miR-142-3p inhibitor group.Conclusion: Taken together, our findings indicated that citrate ameliorates H/R injury-induced cardiomyocytes autophagy by regulating miR-142-3p/Rac1 aix.

ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease – A Critical Review of Current Practice, Evidence and Meta-analyses

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Complete Revascularization with Multivessel PCI for Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the culprit lesion reduces the risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. Whether PCI of nonculprit lesions further reduces the risk of such events is unclear.

METHODS

We randomly assigned patients with STEMI and multivessel coronary artery disease who had undergone successful culprit-lesion PCI to a strategy of either complete revascularization with PCI of angiographically significant nonculprit lesions or no further revascularization. Randomization was stratified according to the intended timing of nonculprit-lesion PCI (either during or after the index hospitalization). The first coprimary outcome was the composite of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction; the second coprimary outcome was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven revascularization.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 3 years, the first coprimary outcome had occurred in 158 of the 2016 patients (7.8%) in the complete-revascularization group as compared with 213 of the 2025 patients (10.5%) in the culprit-lesion-only PCI group (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 0.91; P = 0.004). The second coprimary outcome had occurred in 179 patients (8.9%) in the complete-revascularization group as compared with 339 patients (16.7%) in the culprit-lesion-only PCI group (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.61; P<0.001). For both coprimary outcomes, the benefit of complete revascularization was consistently observed regardless of the intended timing of nonculprit-lesion PCI (P = 0.62 and P = 0.27 for interaction for the first and second coprimary outcomes, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with STEMI and multivessel coronary artery disease, complete revascularization was superior to culprit-lesion-only PCI in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction, as well as the risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven revascularization. (Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and others; COMPLETE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01740479.).

Design and rationale of the COMPLETE trial: A randomized, comparative effectiveness study of complete versus culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention to treat multivessel coronary artery disease in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

A significant proportion of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Following successful culprit lesion percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI, the question of whether to routinely revascularize non-culprit lesions or manage them conservatively with optimal medical therapy (OMT) alone is a common dilemma facing clinicians. METHODS: COMPLETE is a prospective, randomized, international, multicenter, parallel group, open-label trial with blinded evaluation of outcomes. Following successful PCI (contemporary drug eluting stents recommended) of the culprit lesion for STEMI, a total of 4041 patients from 140 centers in 31 countries were randomized to receive either complete revascularization, consisting of staged PCI of all suitable non-culprit lesions plus optimal medical therapy (OMT), or to culprit lesion-only PCI, consisting of OMT alone. OMT comprises evidence-based therapy for STEMI, including and dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor, HTN and lipid management. All coronary angiograms in the trial are being evaluated in a central angiographic core lab to assess quality and completeness of revascularization. The co-primary outcomes are (1): the composite of CV death or new non-fatal MI and (2 the composite of CV death, new non-fatal MI or ischemia-driven revascularization at a median follow-up of 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: The COMPLETE trial is an international multicenter randomized trial that will help determine whether complete revascularization involving staged PCI of non-culprit lesions improves outcomes in patients with STEMI and multivessel CAD. (clinicaltrials.govNCT01740479).

Immediate multivessel intervention versus culprit-vessel intervention only in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary disease: data from the prospective KAMIR-NIH registry

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy of immediate multivessel coronary intervention (MVI) remain controversial in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD). This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of immediate MVI compared with culprit-vessel intervention only (CVI-O) in diverse subgroups with STEMI and MVD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We compared immediate MVI (n=260) and CVI-O (n=931) regarding 1-year major adverse cardiac event rates for cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat revascularization in 1191 STEMI patients with MVD using data from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction-National Institutes of Health registry (2011-2015). High-risk patients and those who underwent a staged procedure were excluded from the analysis. Furthermore, propensity score matching and stratified subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Immediate MVI and CVI-O groups had similar 1-year major adverse cardiac event rates [7.7 vs. 8.9%, hazard ratio (HR): 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50-1.47, log-rank P=0.5628]. No difference was found between the groups in terms of the 1-year rate of cardiac death (2.9 vs. 1.3%, HR: 2.24, 95% CI: 0.75-6.67) or recurrent MI (2 vs. 1.5%, HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.45-4.44). However, repeat revascularization occurred less frequently in the immediate MVI group than in the CVI-O group (2.0 vs. 5.7%, HR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13-0.90, log-rank P=0.0142). These findings were found to be consistent across a broad spectrum of subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Compared with CVI-O, immediate MVI did not improve 1-year net clinical outcomes in stable STEMI patients with MVD. The only benefit found was a reduced repeat revascularization in immediate MVI.

Major adverse cardiovascular events while awaiting staged non-culprit percutaneous coronary intervention after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The optimal therapeutic strategy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients found to have multi-vessel disease (MVD) is controversial but recent data support complete revascularisation (CR). Whether CR should be completed during the index admission or during a second staged admission remains unclear. Our main objective was to measure rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) during the waiting period in STEMI patients selected for staged revascularisation (SR), in order to determine the safety of delaying CR. For completeness, we also describe 30-day and long-term outcomes in STEMI patients with MVD who underwent in-hospital CR.

METHODS

A single-centre retrospective analysis of 931 STEMI patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) identified 397 patients with MVD who were haemodynamically stable and presented within 12 hours of chest pain onset. Of these, 191 underwent multi-vessel PCI: 49 during the index admission and 142 patients undergoing a strategy of SR.

RESULTS

Our main finding was that waiting period MACE were 2% (three of 142) in patients allocated to SR (at a median of 31 days). In patients allocated to in-hospital CR, 30-day MACE rates were 10% (five of 49). During a median follow up of 39 months, all-cause mortality was 7.0% vs. 28.6%, and cardiac mortality was 2% vs. 8%, in patients allocated to SR or CR, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with STEMI and MVD who, based on clinical judgement, were allocated to a second admission SR strategy had very few adverse events during the waiting period and excellent long-term outcomes.

Bayesian Analysis: A Practical Approach to Interpret Clinical Trials and Create Clinical Practice Guidelines

Bayesian analysis is firmly grounded in the science of probability and has been increasingly supplementing or replacing traditional approaches based on P values. In this review, we present gradually more complex examples, along with programming code and data sets, to show how Bayesian analysis takes evidence from randomized clinical trials to update what is already known about specific treatments in cardiovascular medicine. In the example of revascularization choices for diabetic patients who have multivessel coronary artery disease, we combine the results of the FREEDOM trial (Future Revascularization Evaluation in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Optimal Management of Multivessel Disease) with prior probability distributions to show how strongly we should believe in the new Class I recommendation ("should be done") for a preference of bypass surgery over percutaneous coronary intervention. In the debate about the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stent implantation, we avoid a common pitfall in traditional meta-analysis and create a network of randomized clinical trials to compare outcomes after specific treatment durations. Although we find no credible increase in mortality, we affirm the tradeoff between increased bleeding and reduced myocardial infarctions with prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy, findings that support the new Class IIb recommendation ("may be considered") to extend dual antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stent implantation. In the decision between culprit artery-only and multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, we use hierarchical meta-analysis to analyze evidence from observational studies and randomized clinical trials and find that the probability of all-cause mortality at longest follow-up is similar after both strategies, a finding that challenges the older ban against noninfarct-artery intervention during primary percutaneous coronary intervention. These examples illustrate how Bayesian analysis integrates new trial information with existing knowledge to reduce uncertainty and change attitudes about treatments in cardiovascular medicine.

Percutaneous Intervention in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Culprit-only or Complete Revascularization?

The best approach of multivessel coronary artery disease in the context of acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation and primary percutaneous coronary intervention is one of the main reasons for controversy in cardiology. Although the main global guidelines do not recommend routine complete revascularization in these patients, recent randomized clinical trials have demonstrated benefit of this approach in reducing cardiovascular outcomes. For this reason, an adequate review of this evidence is essential in order to establish scientifically based strategy and achieve better outcomes for these patients who present with acute myocardial infarction. This review aims to present objectively the most recent evidence available on this topic.

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.

Application of the SYNTAX score in interventional cardiology: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Should the SYNTAX score be integrated in Interventional Cardiology? Should it really be considered as a vital decision-making tool in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)? To confirm the importance of this score, we aimed to systematically compare the postinterventional adverse cardiovascular outcomes which were observed in patients who were allotted a low versus a high SYNTAX score.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials and observational studies which were published from January 2007 to January 2017 were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases using the searched terms 'SYNTAX score and percutaneous coronary intervention.' Adverse cardiovascular outcomes were considered as the major endpoints. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as the statistical parameters, and the main analysis was carried out by the RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies with a total number of 19,751 participants (8589 participants with a low versus 11,162 participants with a high SYNTAX score) were included. Current results showed mortality to be significantly higher with a higher SYNTAX score (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.78-2.46, P = .00001). Cardiac death also significantly favored a low SYNTAX score (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.66-2.61, P = .00001. Similarly, myocardial infarction, major adverse cardiac events, repeated revascularization, and stent thrombosis were significantly higher following a high SYNTAX score (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.45-2.03, P = .00001; RR 2.03, 95% CI 1.81-2.26, P = .00001; RR 1.96, 95% CI 1.69-2.28, P = .00001; and RR 3.16, 95% CI 2.17-4.59, P = .00001, respectively). Even when patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were separately analyzed, a low SYNTAX score was still significantly associated with lower adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis is a confirmatory piece of evidence to show that the application of the SYNTAX score in Interventional Cardiology is apparently relevant. The use of this scoring system to grade patients with coronary artery disease and to further guide for revascularization should be encouraged.