Factores asociados al retraso en la demanda de atención médica en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST

Factors Responsible for Worse Outcomes in STEMI Patients With Early vs Delayed Treatment Presenting in a Tertiary Care Center in a Third World Country

The aim of the study is to compare the outcomes among ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cases with early treatment vs delayed treatment. It was a prospective comparative study on 186 patients with consecutive (nonprobability) sampling. Two groups of cases were made as per their time to get admitted to the hospital (ie, within 2 hours of symptom onset = Group A; after 2 hours of symptom onset = Group B). Patients were asked for factors causing a delay in treatment after the onset of symptoms and were monitored for STEMI outcomes. The mean age of all patients was 46.62 ± 9.76 years and there were 140 (75.27%) male and 46 (24.73%) female, and male to female ratio 3:1.Factors significant for delayed treatment vs nondelayed treatment were poor social economic status (65.6% vs 20.4%), history of chronic stable angina (33.3% vs 11.8%), delayed response in the emergency room (20.4% vs 8.6%), delayed ECG acquisition (26.9% vs 8.6%), delayed ECG interpretation (25.8% vs 4.3%), pain at night 12:00-6:00 AM (21.5% vs 9.7%) and belief that the chest pain is noncardiac (26.9% vs 3.2%). Acute heart failure was significantly greater in group B (9.7%) in comparison with group A (2.2%), re-infarction was 18.3% in group B in comparison with 7.5% group A. Similarly sustained ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation and in-hospital mortality were higher in group B (12.9%, 14%, and 12.9% respectively). Due to delayed treatment patients had higher hospital stays, and complications, like acute heart failure, re-infarction, ventricular fibrillation, and in-hospital mortality.

Reducing gap in pre-hospital delay between women and men presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

AIMS

This study aimed to analyse changes in pre-hospital delay over time in women and men presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Switzerland.

METHODS AND RESULTS

AMIS Plus registry data of patients admitted for STEMI between 2002 and 2019 were analysed using multivariable quantile regression including the following covariates: interaction between sex and admission year, age, diabetes, pain at presentation, myocardial infarction (MI) history, heart failure history, hypertension, and renal disease. Among the 15,350 patients included (74.5% men), the median (interquartile range) delay between 2002 and 2019 was 150 (84; 345) min for men and 180 (100; 414) min for women. The unadjusted median pre-hospital delay significantly decreased over time for both sexes but the decreasing trend was stronger for women. Specifically, the unadjusted sex differences in delay decreased from 60 min in 2002 (P = 0.0042) to 40.5 min in 2019 (P = 0.165). The multivariable model revealed a significant interaction between sex and admission year (P = 0.038) indicating that the decrease in delay was stronger for women (-3.3 min per year) than for men (-1.6 min per year) even after adjustment. The adjusted difference between men and women decreased from 26.93 min in 2002 to -1.97 min for women in 2019.

CONCLUSION

Over two decades, delay between symptom onset and hospital admission in STEMI decreased significantly for men and women. The decline was more pronounced in women, leading to the sex gap disappearing in the adjusted analysis for 2019.

Prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance early after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in older patients

BACKGROUND

older patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represent a very high-risk population. Data on the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in this scenario are scarce.

METHODS

the registry comprised 247 STEMI patients over 70 years of age treated with percutaneous intervention and included in a multicenter registry. Baseline characteristics, echocardiographic parameters and CMR-derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, %), infarct size (% of left ventricular mass) and microvascular obstruction (MVO, number of segments) were prospectively collected. The additional prognostic power of CMR was assessed using adjusted C-statistic, net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI).

RESULTS

during a 4.8-year mean follow-up, the number of first major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was 66 (26.7%): 27 all-cause deaths and 39 re-admissions for acute heart failure. Predictors of MACE were GRACE score (HR 1.03 [1.02-1.04], P < 0.001), CMR-LVEF (HR 0.97 [0.95-0.99] per percent increase, P = 0.006) and MVO (HR 1.24 [1.09-1.4] per segment, P = 0.001). Adding CMR data significantly improved MACE prediction compared to the model with baseline and echocardiographic characteristics (C-statistic 0.759 [0.694-0.824] vs. 0.685 [0.613-0.756], NRI = 0.6, IDI = 0.08, P < 0.001). The best cut-offs for independent variables were GRACE score > 155, LVEF < 40% and MVO ≥ 2 segments. A simple score (0, 1, 2, 3) based on the number of altered factors accurately predicted the MACE per 100 person-years: 0.78, 5.53, 11.51 and 78.79, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CMR data contribute valuable prognostic information in older patients submitted to undergo CMR soon after STEMI. The Older-STEMI-CMR score should be externally validated.

Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Older Patient

Coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, and its prevalence increases with age. The growing number of older patients and their differential characteristics make its management a challenge in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to summarize the state-of-the-art in diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndromes in this subgroup of patients. This comprises peculiarities of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) management, updated evidence of non-STEMI therapeutic strategies, individualization of antiplatelet treatment (weighting ischemic and hemorrhagic risks), as well as assessment of geriatric conditions and ethical issues in decision making.

Multicenter and all-comers validation of a score to select patients for manual thrombectomy, the DDTA score

BACKGROUND

Routine manual thrombectomy (MT) is not recommended in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (P-PCI) but it is performed in many procedures. The objective of our study was validating the DDTA score, designed for selecting patients who benefit most from MT.

METHODS

Observational and multicenter study of all consecutive patients undergoing P-PCI in five institutions. Results were compared with the design cohort and the performance of the DDTA was analyzed in all patients. Primary end-point of the analyses was TIMI 3 after MT; secondary endpoints were final TIMI 3, no-reflow incidence, in-hospital mortality and in-hospital major cardiovascular events (MACE). In-hospital prognosis was assessed by the Zwolle risk score.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty patients were included in the validation cohort and no differences were observed as compared to the design cohort (618 patients) except for lower use of MT and higher IIb/IIIa inhibitors or drug-eluting stents. The probability of TIMI 3 after MT decreased as delay to P-PCI was higher. If DDTA score, MT was associated to TIMI 3 after MT (OR: 4.11) and final TIMI 3 (OR: 2.44). There was a linear and continuous relationship between DDTA score and all endpoints. DDTA score ≥ 4 was independently associated to lower no-reflow, in-hospital MACE or mortality. The lowest incidence of in-hospital mortality or MACE was in patients who had DDTA score ≥ 4 and Zwolle risk score 0-3.

CONCLUSIONS

MT is associated to higher rate of final TIMI3 in patients with the DDTA score ≥ 4. Patients with DDTA score ≥ 4 had lower no-reflow and in-hospital complications.

What is the real impact of on-site percutaneous coronary intervention? A propensity score analysis of patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome

INTRODUCTION

In an era in which coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, several studies report the persistence of obstacles to accessing revascularization, and percutaneous coronary intervention in particular, which may be associated with worse outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To compare cardiovascular outcomes in patients admitted to hospitals with and without on-site percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) capabilities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study based on the National Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) - with data collection from 2010 to 2018. Division of the patients into two groups: with and without ST-elevation. Two subgroups were subsequently created according to the presence/absence of on-site PCI. A propensity score was performed to standardize the results. Patients without information about hospital admission (with/without PCI) were excluded.

RESULTS

6008 patients were included after exclusion criteria and propensity score were applied. We found that patients admitted for ACS with ST-elevation (STE-ACS) had more episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia (OR 2.14; CI (1.26-3.61); p=0.004) in hospitals without on-site PCI. Regarding ACS without ST elevation (NSTE-ACS), there were more cases of congestive heart failure (OR 0.79; CI (0.65-0.98)) in hospitals with on-site PCI.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of a greater number of major adverse events in hospitalizations without on-site PCI, particularly in the case of STE-ACS, is a consequence of the delay before revascularization. National and local strategies must be established to reduce the negative impact of the absence of on-site PCI and the resulting time before revascularization.

The importance of organizational variables in treatment time for patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction improve delays in STEMI

BACKGROUND

The time between arrival at the emergency department (ED) and balloon (D2B) in STEMI is one of the best indicators of the quality of care. Our aim is to describe treatment times and evaluate the causes of delay.

METHODS

This is an observational retrospective study, including all consecutive STEMI code patients ≥18 years old treated in the ED from 2013 to 2016.All the patients were stratified into two groups: delayed group with D2B>70min and non-delayed ≤70. The primary variable was D2B time.

FINDINGS

In total 327 patients were included, stratified according to their D2B as follows: 166 (67·48%) in the delayed group and 80 (32·52%) in the non-delayed group. The delayed group was older (p=0·005), with more females (p=0·060) and more atypical electrocardiogram (ECG) STEMI signs or symptoms (p=0·058) (p=0·087). Predictors of shorter D2B time were: typical STEMI ECG signs and short training sessions for nurses on identifying STEMI patients.

INTERPRETATION

There are delays particularly in specific groups with atypical clinical presentations. Short training sessions aimed at emergency nurses correlate with shorter delay. This suggests that continuing training for emergency nurses, along with organizational strategies, can contribute to increasing the quality of care.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT04333381.

A simple score to select patients for manual thrombectomy in emergent percutaneous coronary interventions: the DDTA score

BACKGROUND

The objective of manual thrombectomy is the removal of occlusive thrombus to improve the results of primary angioplasty. The better understanding of the factors associated with successful manual thrombectomy may provide relevant information regarding thrombus formation and resolution.

METHODS

Observational study of all consecutive patients remitted for emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a single centre. Successful manual thrombectomy was considered when TIMI 3 was achieved after using the device and a score to predict successful manual thrombectomy was designed.

RESULTS

We included 618 patients, 65.1% treated with manual thrombectomy. No relevant differences in clinical features or time delays were observed between patients treated with vs. without manual thrombectomy, but manual thrombectomy treated patients received more often dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT) before PCI. Final TIMI flow 3 was achieved in most patients and more frequently in manual thrombectomy treated patients (94.8 vs. 86.6%; P < 0.01). The successful manual thrombectomy rate was 81.3% and it was higher in patients pretreated with DAPT (89.0 vs. 73.3%; P < 0.01). The time delay to first medical contact was not related to the final TIMI 3, but it was significantly and negatively related to successful manual thrombectomy. According to the multivariate analysis, we designed the DDTA score: DAPT pretreatment (2), delay less than 2 h (3) or 2-4 h (2), TIMI flow improvement after wiring the lesion (2) and age less than 55 years (3). Patients with DDTA score at least 4 had lower no-reflow, mortality and major cardiovascular complications incidence.

CONCLUSION

The DDTA score (DAPT pretreatment, time delays, TIMI flow improvement after wiring the lesion and age) identifies patients who benefit mostly from manual thrombectomy.

Long term clinical outcomes in survivors after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Information regarding long-term outcomes in patients surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is scarce. Our aim was to study the long-term clinical outcomes of a large cohort of OHCA patients surviving until hospital discharge and to identify predictors of mortality and cardiovascular events.

METHODS

Consecutive OHCA patients admitted in the Acute Cardiac Care Unit who survived at least until hospital discharge between 2007 and 2019 were included. All received therapeutic hypothermia according to the local protocol. Pre- and intra-hospital clinical and analytical variables were analyzed, as well as the clinically relevant events during follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients were included, with a mean age of 57.6 ± 14.2 years, 168 (83.6%) were male. Thirty-six (17.9%) died during a median follow-up of 40.3 months (18.9-69.1), the most frequent causes of death being cardiovascular and neurological, followed by cancer. We calculated a predictive model for mortality during follow-up using Cox regression that included the following variables: poor neurological outcome [HR 3.503 (1.578-7.777)], non-shockable rhythm [HR 2.926 (1.390-6.163)], time to onset of CPR [HR 1.063 (0.997-1.134)], older age [1.036 (1.008-1.064)) and worse ejection fraction at discharge [1.033 (1.009-1.058)].

CONCLUSIONS

Even though few patients experience recurrent cardiac arrest events, survivors after OHCA face high morbidity and mortality during long-term follow-up. Therefore, they may benefit from multidisciplinary teams providing an integral management and ensuring continuity of care.

The association between symptom onset characteristics and prehospital delay in women and men with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

A decision to delay seeking treatment for symptoms of acute coronary syndrome increases the risk of serious complications, disability, and death.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was an association between gradual vs abrupt symptom onset and prehospital delay for patients with acute coronary syndrome and to examine the relationship between activities at symptom onset and gradual vs abrupt symptom onset.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of a large prospective multi-center study. Altogether, 474 patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome were included in the study. Symptom characteristics, activity at symptom onset, and prehospital delay were measured with the ACS Patient Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Median prehospital delay time was four hours. Being uninsured (β=0.120, p=0.031) and having a gradual onset of symptoms (β=0.138, p=0.003) were associated with longer delay. A diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (β=-0.205, p=0.001) and arrival by ambulance (β=-0.317, p<0.001) were associated with shorter delay. Delay times were shorter for patients who experienced an abrupt vs gradual symptom onset (2.57 h vs 8 h, p<0.001). Among men with an abrupt onset of symptoms and a ST-elevation myocardial infarction diagnosis, 54% reported that symptoms were triggered by exertion (p=0.046).

CONCLUSION

Patients should be counselled that a gradual onset of symptoms for potential acute coronary syndrome is an emergency and that they should call 911. Men with ischemic heart disease or with multiple risk factors should be cautioned that symptom onset following exertion may represent acute coronary syndrome.

Health-Seeking Behavior of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Their Family Caregivers

IntroductionAcute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening condition. Immediate and proper treatment will decrease mortality rate. Patient awareness on ACS is still lacking and as the consequence, ACS patients do not seek immediate help.ProblemThe patients' efforts to get rid of ACS symptoms.

METHODS

The study was a descriptive, qualitative study in which a semi-structured, in-depth interview became the instrument. The respondents were 34 participants (including 17 ACS patients and 17 family caregivers). Data analysis was done by triangulation of data sources.

RESULTS

Three themes were obtained, namely: (1) prefer traditional and self-treatment, for example (a) traditional medicine, (b) taking non-prescription drugs to overcome ACS symptoms, and (c) spontaneous action; (2) using available health resources and facilities that consisted of (a) getting initial treatment at home by nurses, (b) visiting a health center to take care of the symptoms, and (c) using non-ambulance service to visit the health centers; and (3) expectations on health care services to patients composed by sub-themes such as (a) the expectation to get information that supports the healing, and (b) the caring attitude of the heath professional.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that in the prehospital setting when experiencing ACS symptoms, the patients try to overcome the symptoms independently. However, as the symptoms get worse, they utilize health facilities in different ways. At the time of obtaining health services, patients are satisfied with health professionals who show caring attitudes, explain the results of the examination, and provide health education on health care efforts. Thus, to prevent mortality and morbidity, it is important for a health professional to educate the public about ACS, including topics about ACS healthy lifestyles and potential threats if it is too late to get treatment. Furthermore, it is also important for the government to implement prehospital emergency services nation-wide. KumboyonoK, RefialdinataJ, WihastutiTA, RachmawatiSD, AzizAN. Health-seeking behavior of patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and their family caregivers. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(6):614-620.

Evaluating current and emerging antithrombotic therapy currently available for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome in geriatric populations

INTRODUCTION

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represent one of the most perilous presentations of ischemic heart disease. Temporal trends clearly demonstrate that ACS occur later and later in life. Elderly patients with ACS comprise a populous and growing group, with more than half of individuals presenting with myocardial infarction being 75 years or older. Nevertheless, geriatric patients are greatly underrepresented in the landmark ACS trials evaluating innovative pharmacological strategies.

AREAS COVERED

The authors critically summarize recently published research on contemporary and emerging antithrombotic therapy for the treatment of ACS in geriatric patients.

EXPERT OPINION

Elderly ACS patients are characterized by simultaneously increased risk of cardiovascular events and bleeding. Very few studies assessing the efficacy and safety of novel ACS pharmacotherapy in geriatric patients are currently available. Guidelines on the treatment of ACS are based on the overall results of major randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and data supporting the recommended therapy in elderly mainly derive from subanalyses of these RCTs. Properly designed and powered RCTs are necessary to properly evaluate the net effect of current and emerging pharmacotherapy in geriatric patients. Until such data are available, elderly ACS patients should receive treatment according to the general recommendations.

Widowhood and severity of coronary artery disease: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the association of widowhood with the severity and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD), and whether it is modified by sex or socioeconomic status.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 1068 patients undergoing coronary angiography at five centers in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were included in the study. CAD was defined as more than 70% lumen stenosis in a major epicardial vessel or more than 50% in the left main coronary artery. Multivessel disease was defined as more than one diseased vessel.

RESULTS

Of 1068 patients, 65 (6%) were widowed. Widowed patients were older (65±15 vs. 59±12), more likely to be female (75 vs. 25%), less likely to be smokers (18 vs. 47%), of lower economic and education status, and more likely to have undergone coronary angiography for urgent/emergent indications (75 vs. 61%) (P<0.05 for all). There was a significant association between widowhood and the number of coronary arteries with more than 70% lumen stenosis. Consequently, such a high degree of lumen stenosis in those who were widowed was more likely to require coronary artery bypass graft surgery (38 vs. 16%; P<0.01). After adjusting for baseline differences, widowhood was associated with a significantly higher odds of CAD [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-10.5] and multivessel disease (adjusted OR 4.6; 95% CI 2.2-9.6), but not left main disease (adjusted OR 1.3; 95% CI 0.5-3.1). All associations were consistent in men and women and not modified by age, community setting (urban vs. rural), employment, income, or educational levels (Pinteraction>0.1 for all).

CONCLUSION

Widowhood is associated with the severity and extent of CAD. The association is not modified by sex or socioeconomic status.

False Positive STEMI Activations in a Regional Network: Comprehensive Analysis and Clinical Impact. Results From the Catalonian Codi Infart Network

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) network activation by a noncardiologist reduces delay times but may increase the rate of false-positive STEMI diagnoses. We aimed to determine the prevalence, predictors, and clinical impact of false-positive activations within the Catalonian STEMI network (Codi Infart).

METHODS

From January 2010 through December 2011, all consecutive patients treated within the Codi Infart network were included. Code activations were classified as appropriate if they satisfied both electrocardiogram and clinical STEMI criteria. Appropriate activations were classified as false positives using 2 nonexclusive definitions: a) "angiographic" if a culprit coronary artery was not identified, and b) "clinical" if the discharge diagnosis was other than STEMI.

RESULTS

In total, 5701 activations were included. Appropriate activation was performed in 87.8% of the episodes. The rate of angiographic false positives was 14.6%, while the rate of clinical false positives was 11.6%. Irrespective of the definition, female sex, left bundle branch block, and previous myocardial infarction were independent predictors of false-positive STEMI diagnoses. Using the clinical definition, hospitals without percutaneous coronary intervention and patients with complications during the first medical contact also had a false-positive STEMI diagnoses rate higher than the mean. In-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were similar for false-positive and true-positive STEMI patients after adjustment for possible confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

False-positive STEMI diagnoses were frequent. Outcomes were similar for patients with a true-positive or false-positive STEMI diagnosis treated within a STEMI network. The presence of any modifiable predictors of a false-positive STEMI diagnosis warrants careful assessment to optimize the use of STEMI networks.