Impact of acute hyperglycemia during primary stent implantation in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Acute Hyperglycemia-Induced Injury in Myocardial Infarction

Acute hyperglycemia is a transient increase in plasma glucose level (PGL) frequently observed in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this review is to clarify the molecular mechanisms whereby acute hyperglycemia impacts coronary flow and myocardial perfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to discuss the consequent clinical and prognostic implications. We conducted a comprehensive literature review on the molecular causes of myocardial damage driven by acute hyperglycemia in the context of AMI. The negative impact of high PGL on admission recognizes a multifactorial etiology involving endothelial function, oxidative stress, production of leukocyte adhesion molecules, platelet aggregation, and activation of the coagulation cascade. The current evidence suggests that all these pathophysiological mechanisms compromise myocardial perfusion as a whole and not only in the culprit coronary artery. Acute hyperglycemia on admission, regardless of whether or not in the context of a diabetes mellitus history, could be, thus, identified as a predictor of worse myocardial reperfusion and poorer prognosis in patients with AMI. In order to reduce hyperglycemia-related complications, it seems rational to pursue in these patients an adequate and quick control of PGL, despite the best pharmacological treatment for acute hyperglycemia still remaining a matter of debate.

Long-Term Prognostic Impact of Stress Hyperglycemia in Non-Diabetic Patients Treated with Successful Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

stress hyperglicemia (SH) is common in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infraction (STEMI). The aims of this study were to analyze the impact of SH on the incidence of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE-cardiovascular death, nonfatal reinfarction, target vessel revascularization, and stroke) in STEMI patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) who have been treated successfully with primary PCI (pPCI).

METHOD

we analyzed 2362 STEMI patients treated with successful pPCI (post-procedural flow TIMI = 3) and without DM and cardiogenic shock at admission. Stress hyperglycemia was defined as plasma glucose level above 7.8 mmol/L at admission. The follow-up period was 8 years.

RESULTS

incidence of SH was 26.9%. Eight-year all-cause mortality and MACE rates were significantly higher in patients with SH, as compared to patients without SH (9.7% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001, and 15.7% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001). SH was an independent predictor of short- and long-term all-cause mortality (HR 2.19, 95%CI 1.16-4.18, and HR 1.99, 95%CI 1.03-3.85) and MACE (HR 1.49, 95%CI 1.03-2.03, and HR 1.35, 95%CI 1.03-1.89).

CONCLUSION

despite successful revascularization, SH at admission was an independent predictor of short-term and long-term (up to eight years) all-cause mortality and MACE, but its negative prognostic impact was stronger in short-term follow-up.

The triglyceride-glucose index and contrast-induced nephropathy in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is an indicator of insulin resistance and associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular events. Our study investigates the correlation between TyG index and contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) in non-diabetic patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). 350 non-diabetic NSTEMI patients (183, 52.3% male) undergoing PCI were retrospectively enrolled. The enrolled cohort was divided into 2 groups based on the calculated TyG index, namely values < 8.65 or higher. CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine > 25% or 0.5 mg/dL from baseline in the first 48 to 72 hours after PCI. A total of 56 (16%) cases of CIN were diagnosed. In contrast to patients with lower TyG indexes, patients with higher TyG indexes (≥8.65) had a higher frequency of CIN, 9.5%. versus 20.8% respectively (P .004). Patients with CIN also had higher TyG indexes (8.74 ± 0.12 vs 8.67 ± 0.11, P < .001). In addition, TyG index, age, and glomerular filtration rate were identified as independent risk factors for CIN in logistic regression model (OR: 2.5 CI: 1.3-4.6, P .006, OR: 1.0 CI: 1.0-1.1, P < .001, OR: 1.0 KI: 1.03-1.06, P .025). In the ROC analysis, the area under the curve predictive of CIN was 0.666 (P < .001, 95% [CI] 0.58-0.75) with a cutoff value of 8.69 (sensitivity 71,4%, specificity 55.1%) TyG index. Higher TyG indexes are associated with an increased risk of CIN in non-diabetic patients with NSTEMI.

Impact of Stress Hyperglycemia on No-Reflow Phenomenon in Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background:

Stress hyperglycemia is a common finding during acute myocardial infarction and associated with poor prognosis. To reduce the occurrence of no-reflow, prognostic factors must be identified before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Our objective was to investigate the impact of stress hyperglycemia in non-diabetic and diabetic patients on no-reflow phenomenon after PPCI.

Methods:

The study comprised 480 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who were managed by PPCI. Patients were classified into two groups according to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade: Group I (Patients with normal flow, TIMI 3 flow) and Group II (Patients with no-reflow, TIMI 0-2 flow). Patients were analyzed for clinical outcomes including mortality and major adverse cardiac events.

Results:

Incidence of stress hyperglycemia was 14.8% in non-diabetic patients and 22.2% in diabetic patients; the incidence of no-reflow phenomenon was 13.5% and no-reflow was significantly higher in patients with stress hyperglycemia. Multivariate regression analysis identified the independent predictors of no-reflow phenomenon: stress hyperglycemia OR 3.247 (CI95% 1.656–6.368, P = 0.001), Killip class >1 OR 1.893 (CI95% 1.004–3.570, P = 0.049) and cardiogenic shock OR 3.778 (CI95% 1.458–9.790, P = 0.006).

Conclusion:

Stress hyperglycemia was associated with higher incidence of no-reflow phenomenon. The independent predictors of no-reflow were stress hyperglycemia, Killip class >1 and cardiogenic shock.

Pre-Procedural Hyperglycemia Increases the Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) frequently occurs following coronary angiography (CAG) and is associated with worse outcomes, including both short and long-term mortality. Previous studies reported an association between procedural hyperglycemia (PH) and CIN, with or without diabetes mellitus (DM). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the association of PH and CIN in patients undergoing CAG.

METHODS

We searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to January 2020. Included studies investigated CIN incidence in patients undergoing CAG. Data from each study were combined using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. We found that PH was associated with an increased risk of CIN following CAG (pooled OR = 1.71, 95%CI:1.35-2.16, where PH was defined as ≥140 mg/dl; and pooled OR = 2.07, 95%CI:1.80-2.37, where PH was defined as ≥200 mg/dl). In subgroup analysis of non-diabetic patients and STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, we found that PH was associated with an increased risk of CIN in both subgroups, where PH was defined as ≥140 mg/dl and ≥200mg/dl (p-value < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that PH significantly increases the risk of CIN following CAG, in both diabetic and non-diabetic populations. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether strict blood glucose control can reduce the incidence of CIN in this population.

Acute hyperglycemia and contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

Acute hyperglycemia and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) are frequently observed in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and both are associated with an increased mortality rate. We investigated the possible association between acute hyperglycemia and CIN in patients with NSTEMI undergoing PCI.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively enrolled 281(149, 53% men) NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI. For each patient, plasma glucose levels were secreened at hospital admission. Acute hyperglycemia was defined as glucose levels > 198 mg/dl. CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine 25% or 0.5 mg/dl from baseline in the first 48-72 hours.

Results

Overall, 44 (15.7%) patients had acute hyperglycemia. Patients with acute hyperglycemia had higher incidence of CIN than those without acute hyperglycemia (29.5 vs 5.1%, P < 0.001). Also, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, major bleeding, requirement of mechanical ventilation and dialysis were observed significantly higher in patients with hyperglycemia. Patients were then reallocated to two groups according to the presence or absence of CIN. Overall, 25 cases (8.9%) of CIN were diagnosed. Diabetes mellitus, weight, age, glucose level and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were detected as independent risk factors of CIN. Additionally, admission glucose levels were significantly correlated with creatinine levels after PCI, eGFR and contrast volume/eGFR ratio.

Conclusion

In NSTEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, acute hyperglycemia may be associated with an increased risk for CIN and in-hospital mortality and morbidity.

Incidence, predictors and outcomes of stress hyperglycemia in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Stress hyperglycemia is a common finding during ST elevation myocardial infarction in diabetic patients and is associated with a worse outcome. However, there are limited data about stress hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients and its outcome especially in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 660 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction who were managed with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were classified into two groups according to the presence of stress hyperglycemia: group I (patients with stress hyperglycemia) and group II (patients without stress hyperglycemia). Patients were analysed for clinical outcome including mortality and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events.

RESULTS

Incidence of stress hyperglycemia was 16.8%, multivariate regression analysis identified the independent predictors of stress hyperglycemia, that were family history of diabetes mellitus odds ratio 1.697 (95% confidence interval: 1.077-2.674, p = 0.023), body mass index >24 kg/m² odds ratio 1.906 (95% confidence interval: 1.244-2.922, p = 0.003) and cardiogenic shock on admission odds ratio 2.517 (95% confidence interval: 1.162-5.451, p = 0.019). Mortality, cardiogenic shock, contrast induced nephropathy and no reflow phenomenon were significantly higher in stress hyperglycemia group with p value = 0.027, 0.001, 0.020 and 0.037, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Stress hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with increased incidence of no reflow phenomenon, contrast induced nephropathy, cardiogenic shock and higher mortality.

CHA2DS2-VASC Score Predicts Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

BACKROUND

The CHA2DS2-VASC score, used for embolic risk stratification in atrial fibrillation, has been reported recently to predict adverse clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. We investigated the correlation between the CHA2DS2-VASC score and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 363 (191; 52.6% men) NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI. The CHA2 DS2-VASC score was calculated for each patient, and the study population was divided into 2 groups: CHA2DS2-VASC score <2 group (low score; n = 259, 71.3%) and CHA2DS2-VASC score ≥2 group (high score; n = 104, 28.6%). Patients were then reallocated to 2 groups according to the presence or absence of CIN. CIN was defined as a rise in serum creatinine >0.5 mg/dL or >25% increase in baseline within 72 h after PCI.

RESULTS

Overall, 56 cases (15.4%) of CIN were diagnosed. When patients with a CHA2DS2-VASC score of <2 were compared with those with a CHA2DS2-VASC score of ≥2, patients with a high score had a higher frequency of CIN (33) 31.7% versus (23) 8.9%; p < 0.001. Also patients with CIN had higher CHADS2 VASC score (3.94 ± 1.13 vs. 1.68 ± 0.46, p < 0.001). Additionally, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, major bleeding, requirement of mechanical ventilation, and dialysis were observed significantly higher in patients with CHA2DS2-VASC score of ≥2 (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.006, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve for predicting CIN was 0.702 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.617-0.787) and cutoff value was 2.5 (sensitivity 58.9%, specificity 76.9%) for the number of CHA2DS2-VASC score.

CONCLUSION

In NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI, CHADS2 VASC score is associated with an increased risk for CIN and in-hospital morbidity and mortality.

Role of plasma glucose level on myocardial perfusion in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients

AIMS

Hyperglycemia is frequent in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is associated with adverse outcome. Aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between admission plasma glucose level (PGL) and coronary arteries flow velocity.

METHODS

We enrolled 149 STEMI patients successfully treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). The study population was divided into two groups based on PGL (< or >140 mg/dl) and on history of diabetes, and the groups compared in terms of corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC).

RESULTS

Hyperglycemic patients had a significantly higher cTFC in both the culprit (p < 0.0001) and non-culprit vessel (p: 0.0002); diabetes history impairs as well cTFC of the culprit (p < 0.0001) and non-culprit vessel (p: 0.0001). Within the subpopulation of diabetic patients hyperglycemic ones showed higher cTFC in both the culprit (p 0.0013) and non-culprit vessel (p: 0.0006). Moreover in the whole population cTFC values of both arteries increase linearly with the increment of admission PGL.

CONCLUSIONS

Admission PGL affects coronary flow of both culprit and non-culprit vessel. The impairment of coronary flow is also demonstrated in known diabetic patients, suggesting to consider hyperglycemia an additional risk factor. We finally demonstrated for the first time a positive linear relationship between PGL and cTFC.

Acute Kidney Injury in Diabetic Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: Role of Acute and Chronic Glycemia

Background

In acute myocardial infarction, acute hyperglycemia is a predictor of acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly in patients without diabetes mellitus. This emphasizes the importance of an acute glycemic rise rather than glycemia level at admission. We investigated whether, in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction, the combined evaluation of acute and chronic glycemic levels may have better prognostic value for AKI than admission glycemia.

Methods and Results

At admission, we prospectively measured glycemia and estimated average chronic glucose levels (mg/dL) using glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), according to the following formula: 28.7×HbA_1c (%)−46.7. We evaluated the association with AKI of the acute/chronic glycemic ratio and of the difference between acute and chronic glycemia (Δ_A−C). We enrolled 474 diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction. Of them, 77 (16%) experienced AKI. The incidence of AKI increased in parallel with the acute/chronic glycemic ratio (12%, 14%, 22%; P=0.02 for trend) and Δ_A−C (13%, 13%, 23%; P=0.01) but not with admission glycemic tertiles (P=0.22). At receiver operating characteristic analysis, the acute/chronic glycemic ratio (area under the curve: 0.62 [95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.69]; P=0.001) and Δ_A−C (area under the curve: 0.62 [95% confidence interval, 0.54–0.69]; P=0.002) accurately predicted AKI, without difference in the area under the curve between them (P=0.53). At reclassification analysis, the addition of the acute/chronic glycemic ratio and Δ_A−C to acute glycemia allowed proper AKI risk prediction in 16% of patients.

Conclusions

In diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction, AKI is better predicted by the combined evaluation of acute and chronic glycemic values than by assessment of admission glycemia alone.

Association of Preprocedural Hyperglycemia With Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Poor Outcomes After Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

We investigated whether preprocedural hyperglycemia was associated with contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and long-term outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients (n = 558) with ACS who underwent emergency PCI were consecutively enrolled. Preprocedural hyperglycemia was defined as glucose levels >198 mg/dL (11 mmol/L). The primary outcome was CI-AKI (≥0.3 mg/dL absolute or ≥50% relative serum creatinine increase 48 hours after contrast medium exposure). Overall, 103 (18.5%) patients had preprocedural hyperglycemia and 89 (15.9%) patients developed CI-AKI. The incidence of CI-AKI was significantly higher in patients with hyperglycemia than without (28.2% vs 13.2%; P < .01). Multivariate analysis indicated that preprocedural hyperglycemia was an independent predictor of CI-AKI (odds ratio = 1.971, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.129-3.441; P < .05). In addition, preprocedural hyperglycemia was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality during the 2-year follow-up (hazard ratio = 2.440, 95% CI: 1.394-4.273; P = .002). Preprocedural hyperglycemia is a significant and independent predictor of CI-AKI and long-term outcomes.

Determination of risk factors affecting the in-hospital prognosis of patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

To determine the factors affecting the in-hospital prognosis of patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to establish its prognostic discriminant model.

METHODS

A total of 701 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PCI were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups, good prognosis and poor prognosis, based on whether the patient had adverse outcomes (death or heart function ≥ grade III) at discharge. Demographic and basic clinical characteristics, diagnosis at admission (e.g., ventricular function, complications, or hyperlipidemia), and biomedical indicators (e.g., blood count, basal metabolism and biochemical composition, blood lipid and glucose levels, myocardial biomarkers, and coagulation) were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

We determined 22 factors as risk factors for the in-hospital prognosis of STEMI patients after PCI: age, cardiac function during hospitalization, complications, history of diabetes mellitus, et al., among which the history of diabetes, uric acid, urea nitrogen, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

We identified four independent risk factors for the in-hospital prognosis of STEMI patients after PCI and generated a prognostic model to predict the adverse outcomes of these patients.

Glycemic Control in Coronary Revascularization

OPINION STATEMENT

Hyperglycemia in the setting of coronary revascularization is associated with increased adverse cardiovascular events in patients with or without diabetes mellitus. Data suggest that acute peri-procedural hyperglycemia causes an increase in inflammation, platelet activity, and endothelial dysfunction and is associated with plaque instability and infarct size. While peri-procedural blood glucose level is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing coronary revascularization, treatment strategies remain uncertain. Randomized clinical trials of glucose-insulin-potassium infusions have consistently shown no benefit, while those comparing insulin therapy versus standard of care have demonstrated mixed results, likely due to the failure to reach euglycemia with these strategies. Although no glucose-lowering agent has been shown to be superior in peri-procedural glycemic control, the continuation of clinically prescribed long-acting glucose-lowering medications in patients with diabetes mellitus prior to coronary angiography and possible percutaneous coronary intervention may be the simplest and most effective approach to maintain euglycemia and decrease the associated increase in inflammation and platelet activity. However, alternative strategies such as therapies targeted at the underlying mechanism of harm (e.g., more potent anti-platelet therapy, anti-inflammatory therapy) should also be considered and warrant further investigation.

Study of the possible medical and medication explanatory factors of angiographic outcomes in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous intervention

Background:

Myocardial blush grade (MBG), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) and corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) are indices of successful angiographic reperfusion. This study sought to determine the predictors of angiographically successful reperfusion including demographic, clinical and angiographic factors in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of STEMI undergoing pPCI was designed. Eligible patients referring to a university heart center were enrolled in the study from March 2012 to December 2012. Successful epicardial reperfusion was defned as TIMI flow grade 3 or cTFC<= 28 frames and successful myocardial reperfusion as MBG 2 or 3.

Results:

The study population consisted of 100 patients, including 74 males and 26 females, with mean ± standard deviation age of 58.27 ± 11.60 years. Achieving open microvasculature (MBG 2/3) was positively associated with a history of nitrate intake (P = 0.03) and history of calcium channel blocker (CCB) intake (P = 0.005). Hyperglycemia was inversely associated with achieving a final cTFC ≤ 28 frames (r = −0.32, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that patients with a history of nitrate and CCB intake had a higher likelihood of successful PCI. In addition, patients with a higher blood glucose level on admission may have a reduced rate of reperfusion success. Future studies with a larger sample size are recommended to investigate the significant relationships observed in this study.

Association between Glycosylated Haemoglobin Level and Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

There are several reports suggesting that admission hyperglycaemia increases the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). However, it is not clear whether there has been an association between long-standing poor glycaemic control and the incidence of CI-AKI. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of poor glycaemic control or elevated glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) on the incidence of CI-AKI in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

The present study prospectively enrolled 133 patients with T2DM undergoing elective coronary angiography (CAG) and/or intervention. All patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Patients were divided into two groups: those with an optimal HbA1c (<7%) and those with an elevated HbA1c (≥7%). All had similar baseline characteristics and were hydrated appropriately. The outcome was assessed by the incidence of CI-AKI.

RESULTS

CI-AKI occurred in 2 of 41 patients (4.9%) with optimal HbA1c levels and 5 of 92 patients (5.4%) with elevated HbA1c levels (p = 0.89). The cutoff point of HbA1c was set at 6.5%, but no statistically significant difference between the two groups was observed [1 of 24 patients (4.1%) vs. 6 of 109 patients (5.5%), p = 0.79]. However, despite a high variability in the incidence of CI-AKI, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups when varying CI-AKI definitions were considered.

CONCLUSION

An elevated HbA1c level is not associated with a higher incidence of CI-AKI compared to optimal HbA1c levels in patients with T2DM (patients with an eGFR of ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) undergoing CAG and/or intervention.

Admission hyperglycemia predicts poorer short- and long-term outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Admission hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcome in patients with myocardial infarction. The present study evaluated the relationship between admission glucose level and other clinical variables in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 959 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI were divided into five groups based on admission glucose levels of <100, 100-139, 140-189, 190-249 and ≥250 mg/dL. Their short- and long-term outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Higher admission glucose levels were associated with significantly higher in-hospital morbidity and mortality, the overall mortality rate at follow up, and the incidence of reinfarction or heart failure requiring admission or leading to mortality at follow up. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for in-hospital morbidity, in-hospital mortality, mortality at follow up and re-infarction or heart failure or mortality at follow up of patients with admission glucose levels ≥190 mg/dL, compared with those with admission glucose levels <190 mg/dL, were 2.12 (1.3-3.4, P = 0.001), 2.74 (1.4-5.5, P = 0.004), 2.52 (1.2-5.1, P = 0.01) and 1.70 (1.03-2.8, P = 0.04), respectively. Previously non-diabetic patients with admission glucose levels ≥250 mg/dL had significantly higher in-hospital morbidity or mortality (44 vs 70%, P = 0.03). Known diabetic patients had higher rates of reinfarction, heart failure or mortality at follow up in the 100-139 mg/dL (8 vs 27%, P = 0.04) and 140-189 mg/dL (11 vs 26%, P = 0.02) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Admission hyperglycemia, especially at glucose levels ≥190 mg/dL, is a predictor of poor prognosis in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.

Acute hyperglycemia causes microvascular damage, leading to poor functional recovery and remodeling in patients with reperfused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Although acute hyperglycemia (AHG) is associated with poor outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. We investigated the influence of AHG on myocardial microcirculation in reperfused STEMI patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-four STEMI patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence (Group H, n 5 11) or the absence (Group L, n 5 23) of AHG. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) in the infarct-related area were compared between 2 groups, using ¹³N-ammonia positron emission tomography. Wall motion abnormality scores (WMASs) and end-diastolic volume indices (EDVI) were also assessed at 1 and 6 months after the onset. Although resting MBF was similar, MFR was lower in Group H than in Group L (1.69 ± 0.37 vs 2.39 ± 0.56, P = .001). WMAS was greater in Group H than in Group L at both 1 month (7.4 ± 3.7 vs 3.7 ± 3.0, P = .011) and 6 months (7.3 ± 3.9 vs 3.1 ± 3.4, P = .015). EDVI tended to be greater in Group H than in Group L at 6 months (103.8 ± 42.9 vs 73.9 ± 16.0 mL/m2, P = .071). Multivariate analysis showed AHG to be independently associated with low MFR.

CONCLUSIONS

In STEMI patients, AHG impaired myocardial microcirculation, leading to poor functional recovery and remodeling despite successful reperfusion.

Acute hyperglycemia and contrast-induced nephropathy in primary percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Acute hyperglycemia and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) are frequently observed in ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and both are associated with an increased mortality rate. We investigated the possible association between acute hyperglycemia and CIN in patients undergoing primary PCI.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 780 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. For each patient, plasma glucose levels were assessed at hospital admission. Acute hyperglycemia was defined as glucose levels>198 mg/dL (11 mmol/L). Contrast-induced nephropathy was defined as an increase in serum creatinine>25% from baseline in the first 72 hours.

RESULTS

Overall, 148 (19%) patients had acute hyperglycemia; and 113 (14.5%) patients developed CIN. Patients with acute hyperglycemia had a 2-fold higher incidence of CIN than those without acute hyperglycemia (27% vs 12%, P<.001). In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with acute hyperglycemia than in those without acute hyperglycemia (12% vs 3%, P<.001). Mortality rate was also higher in patients developing CIN than in those without this renal complication (27% vs 0.9%, P<.001). Patients with acute hyperglycemia that developed CIN had the highest mortality rate (38%). Acute hyperglycemia was an independent predictor of CIN and in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, acute hyperglycemia is associated with an increased risk for CIN and with increased in-hospital mortality.

Hyperglycemia: a prothrombotic factor?

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by a high risk of atherothrombotic events. What is more, venous thrombosis has also been found to occur more frequently in this patient group. This prothrombotic condition in diabetes is underpinned by laboratory findings of elevated coagulation factors and impaired fibrinolysis. Hyperglycemia plays an important role in the development of these hemostatic abnormalities, as is illustrated by the association with glycemic control and the improvement upon treatment of hyperglycemia. Interestingly, stress induced hyperglycemia, which is often transient, has also been associated with poor outcome in thrombotic disease. Similar laboratory findings suggest a common effect of acute vs. chronic hyperglycemia on the coagulation system. Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain this prothrombotic shift in hyperglycemia, such as a direct effect on gene transcription of coagulation factors caused by hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, loss of the endothelial glycocalyx layer, which harbours coagulation factors, and direct glycation of coagulation factors, altering their activity. In addition, both chronic and acute hyperglycemia are often accompanied by hyperinsulinemia, which has been shown to have prothrombotic effects as well. In conclusion, the laboratory evidence of the effects of both chronic and acute hyperglycemia suggests a prothrombotic shift. Additionally, hyperglycemia is associated with poor clinical outcome of thrombotic events. Whether intensive treatment of hyperglycemia can prevent hypercoagulability and improve clinical outcome remains to be investigated.

A prospective observational study of the relationship of critical illness associated hyperglycaemia in medical ICU patients and subsequent development of type 2 diabetes

Introduction

Critical illness is commonly complicated by hyperglycaemia caused by mediators of stress and inflammation. Severity of disease is the main risk factor for development of hyperglycaemia, but not all severely ill develop hyperglycemia and some do even in mild disease. We hypothesised that acute disease only exposes a latent disturbance of glucose metabolism which puts those patients at higher risk for developing diabetes.

Methods

Medical patients with no history of impaired glucose metabolism or other endocrine disorder admitted to an intensive care unit between July 1998 and June 2004 were considered for inclusion. Glucose was measured at least two times a day, and patients were divided into the hyperglycaemia group (glucose ≥7.8 mmol/l) and normoglycaemia group. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed within six weeks after discharge to disclose patients with unknown diabetes or pre-diabetes who were excluded. Patients treated with corticosteroids and those terminally ill were also excluded from the follow-up which lasted for a minimum of five years with annual oral glucose tolerance tests.

Results

A five-year follow-up was completed for 398 patients in the normoglycaemia group, of which 14 (3.5%) developed type 2 diabetes. In the hyperglycaemia group 193 patients finished follow-up and 33 (17.1%) developed type 2 diabetes. The relative risk for type 2 diabetes during five years after the acute illness was 5.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1 to 10.2).

Conclusions

Patients with hyperglycaemia during acute illness who are not diagnosed with diabetes before or during the hospitalization should be considered a population at increased risk for developing diabetes. They should, therefore, be followed-up, in order to be timely diagnosed and treated.