Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in the elderly: epidemiology, clinical risk factors, and in-hospital outcomes. The Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin predicted to contrast-associated acute kidney injury after planned percutaneous coronary intervention in elderly patients

AIM

To determine the proportion of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the predictive value of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) for CA-AKI in elderly patients with chronic coronary artery disease.

METHODS

A total of 509 patients who had planned percutaneous coronary intervention (mean age was 63.58 ± 11.63 years and 63.3% of males) were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 153; elderly patients) with ≥70 years old and group 2 (n = 356) with <70 years old. Urine NGAL was measured by the ELISA method. Clinical and laboratory data were collected on the day before intervention. CA-AKI was defined based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria.

RESULTS

The ratio of CA-AKI in group 1 was 23.5% which was higher than that of group 2 (8.7%) with a p-value < 0.001. Urine NGAL level in group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 2 [31.3 (19.16-55.13) ng/ml vs. 19.86 (13.21-29.04) ng/ml, p < 0.001]. At a cut-off value of 44.43 ng/ml, uNGAL had a predictive value for CA-AKI in all patients (AUC = 0.977, p < 0.001). Especially at a cut-off value of 44.14 ng/ml, uNGAL had a predictive value for CA-AKI in elderly patients (AUC = 0.979, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of CA-AKI after PCI in elderly patients was 23.5%. Urine NGAL before PCI had a good predictive value for CA-AKI in elderly patients with chronic coronary artery disease.

Changes in, and predictors of, quality of life among patients with unstable angina after percutaneous coronary intervention

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Changes in, and predictors of, quality of life (QoL) among unstable angina patients are informative for both clinical and public health practice. However, there is little research on this topic, especially in health care settings with limited resources. This study aims to detect changes in QoL and its associated factors among patients with unstable angina after percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS

A longitudinal design was conducted with two repeated rounds of measurements, 1 and 3 months after intervention, using the generic SF-36 questionnaire, in 120 patients from Vietnam National Heart Institute. A linear mixed-effects model was used to assess changes in patient QoL over time while adjusting for other covariates.

RESULTS

Only two out of eight QoL subscales (social functioning and emotional well-being) declined after 1 month, but these tended to rise again after 3 months, while scores of all other QoL subscales increased. Adjusting for covariates, QoL increased slightly after 1 month of intervention (β = 0.65, 95%CI = -0.86 to 2.16) but improved by almost six QoL points after 3 months (β = 5.99, 95%CI = 4.48 to 7.50). Four confounders significantly associated with a decline in QoL were older age, being retired, living in rural areas, and having abnormal troponin level.

CONCLUSION

QoL of the patients with unstable angina improves significantly 3 months after intervention, rather than after 1 month. More attention should be given to patients, who are old, retired, live in rural areas and have abnormal troponin level.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Elderly Patients with Coronary Chronic Total Occlusions: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

The proportion of the elderly in the total population of the world is growing, and the number of elderly patients with coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) is huge. The elderly patients often have more extensive coronary artery disease, more severe ischemic burden and higher risk of cardiovascular events, as compared to younger patients, and thereby they might greatly benefit from coronary revascularization, even though they may have higher risk of operative complications. Most interventional cardiologists are more likely to be reluctant to operate complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in elderly patients. The latest refinements in dedicated CTO-PCI equipment and techniques have led to high rates of success and low complications rates and have made the CTO-PCI procedures safe and effective among the elderly patients. However, up to now, there is no widely recognized consensus or guideline on treatment strategy of elderly CTO patients, and the prognosis in this population is unknown. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the current evidence and future perspectives on PCI in elderly patients with CTOs.

Sustained 3-Year Benefits in Quality of Life After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in the Elderly: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Impact of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is important but under-reported in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate long-term health status in elderly patients who underwent PCI.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent PCI at a university-affiliated hospital from September 2009 to June 2012 were prospectively enrolled with HRQOL assessment at baseline (up to 2 weeks before PCI) and at 6-, 12-, and 36-month follow-up using the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire descriptive profile and visual analogue scale (VAS). Minimally important benefit (MIB) in HRQOL was defined as greater than half an SD improvement in the baseline VAS score.

RESULTS

Of 1957 patients, 49.9%, 29.1%, and 21.0% were aged younger than 65 years, 65 to 74 years, and 75 years and older, respectively. Mean VAS scores at baseline (50.1 ± 20.5 vs. 51.6 ± 20.5 vs. 52.6 ± 21.8; P = 0.09) and at 36 months (72.9 ± 14.0 vs. 72.8 ± 16.1 vs. 72.0 ± 14.8; P = 0.77) were similar between the three age groups, respectively. MIB at 36 months was observed in 65.7%, 61.9%, and 61.2% of patients in each age group, respectively. Proportion of patients aged 75 years and older reporting problems in pain/discomfort and self-care reduced from 91.2% and 24.8% at baseline to 41.4% and 10.1% at 36 months, respectively (both P < 0.01). Independent predictors of MIB in HRQOL at 36 months in patients 75 years and older included poor baseline HRQOL, MIB at 6 months, and presentation with myocardial infarction (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients experienced sustained long-term improvement in quality of life comparable with younger patients after PCI. Our findings suggest that age per se should not deter against revascularization because of sustained benefit in HRQOL.

Survival after percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion in elderly patients

AIMS

Few data are available on outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) in very elderly patients in the drug-eluting stent (DES) era. We aimed to investigate long-term survival in a single-centre cohort of elderly patients following CTO PCI using DES.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 2,002 consecutive patients who underwent PCI of a CTO at our centre between January 2005 and December 2013 were followed for a median of 2.6 years (interquartile range 1.1-3.1 years). Four hundred and nine (409) patients were older than 75 years. The absolute reduction in all-cause mortality by successful CTO PCI was numerically greater in elderly patients as compared to younger patients (22.1% vs. 7.2% at three years). In multivariate models, successful CTO PCI was significantly associated with improved survival in both elderly (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39 to 0.87; p=0.009) and younger patients (adjusted HR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.86; p=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

In the DES era, elderly patients (≥75 years) derive a similar survival benefit from successful CTO PCI to younger patients. These findings suggest that CTO PCI, when indicated, should not be withheld from the elderly.

Previous cerebrovascular disease is an important predictor of clinical outcomes in elderly patients with percutaneous coronary interventions: The Nobori-Biolimus eluting stent prospective multicenter 1-year observational registry in South Korea

Objective:

The appropriate selection of elderly patients for revascularization has become increasingly important because these subsets of patients are more likely to experience a major cardiac or cerebrovascular event—percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The objective of this study was to determine important independent risk factor for predicting clinical outcomes in the elderly patients after successful PCI, particularly in a series of South Korean population.

Methods:

This study is prospective, multicenter, observational cross-sectional study. A total of 1,884 consecutive patients who underwent successful PCI with Nobori^® Biolimus A9-eluting stents were enrolled between April 2010 and December 2012. They were divided into two groups according to the age: patients <75 years old (younger patient group) and ≥75 years old (elderly patient group). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 1-year after index PCI.

Results:

The 1-year cumulative incidence of MACCE (12.9% vs. 4.3%, p<0.001) and total death (7.1% vs. 1.5%, p<0.001) was significantly higher in the elderly group than in younger group. Previous cerebrovascular disease was significantly correlated with MACCE in elderly patients 1-year after PCI (hazard ratio, 2.804; 95% confidence interval, 1.290–6.093 p=0.009).

Conclusion:

Previous cerebrovascular disease is important independent predictor of the MACCE in elderly patients at 1-year after PCI with Nobori^® Biolimus A9-eluting stents especially in a series of South Korean population. Therefore, careful PCI with intensive monitoring and management can improve major clinical outcomes after successful PCI in elderly patients with previous cerebrovascular disease compared with younger patients.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction in nonagenarians

Objective

To assess outcomes following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) in nonagenarian patients.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre retrospective study between 2006 and 2013 in five international high-volume centres and included consecutive all-comer nonagenarians treated with primary PCI for STEMI. There were no exclusion criteria. We enrolled 145 patients and collected demographic, clinical and procedural data. Severe clinical events and mortality at 6 months and 1 year were assessed.

Results

Cardiogenic shock was present at admission in 21%. Median (IQR) delay between symptom onset and balloon was 3.7 (2.4–5.6) hours and 60% of procedures were performed through the transradial approach. Successful revascularisation of the culprit vessel was obtained in 86% of the cases (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow of 2 or 3). Major or clinically relevant bleeding was observed in 4% of patients. Median left ventricular ejection fraction post PCI was 41.5% (32.0–50.0). The in-hospital mortality was 24%, with 6 months and 1-year survival rates of 61% and 53%, respectively.

Conclusions

In our study, primary PCI in nonagenarians with STEMI was achieved and feasible through a transradial approach. It is associated with a high rate of reperfusion of the infarct-related artery and 53% survival at 1 year. These results suggest that primary PCI may be offered in selected nonagenarians with acute myocardial infarction.

Acute coronary syndrome in the elderly: the Malaysian National Cardiovascular Disease Database-Acute Coronary Syndrome registry

INTRODUCTION

The elderly are often underrepresented in clinical trials for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and cardiologists commonly face management dilemmas in the choice of treatment for this group of patients, particularly concerning the use of invasive revascularisation. This study analysed the characteristics of hospitalised elderly patients with ACS, and compared the outcomes of treatments.

METHODS

From 29 December 2005 to 26 April 2010, 13,545 patients were admitted for ACS in 16 hospitals across Malaysia. These patients were divided into two groups - elderly (≥ 65 years) and non-elderly (< 65 years). The clinical characteristics, treatment received (invasive or non-invasive) and outcomes (in-hospital and 30-day all-cause mortality) of the two groups were compared. The elderly patients were then grouped according to the type of treatment received, and the outcomes of the two subgroups were compared.

RESULTS

Elderly patients had a higher cardiovascular risk burden and a higher incidence of comorbidities. They were less likely to receive urgent revascularisation for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (elderly: 73.9% vs. non-elderly: 81.4%) and had longer door-to-needle time (elderly: 60 minutes vs. non-elderly: 50 minutes, p = 0.004). The rate of cardiac catheterisation was significantly lower in the elderly group across all ACS strata. Elderly patients had poorer outcomes than non-elderly patients, but those who received invasive treatment appeared to have better outcomes than those who received non-invasive treatment.

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients with ACS tend to be undertreated, both invasively and pharmacologically. Invasive treatment seems to yield better outcomes for this group of patients.

An overview of PCI in the very elderly

Cardiovascular disease, and in particular ischemic heart disease (IHD), is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the very elderly (> 80 years) worldwide. These patients represent a rapidly growing cohort presenting for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), now constituting more than one in five patients treated with PCI in real-world practice. Furthermore, they often have greater ischemic burden than their younger counterparts, suggesting that they have greater scope of benefit from coronary revascularization therapy. Despite this, the very elderly are frequently under-represented in clinical revascularization trials and historically there has been a degree of physician reluctance in referring them for PCI procedures, with perceptions of disappointing outcomes, low success and high complication rates. Several issues have contributed to this, including the tendency for older patients with IHD to present late, with atypical symptoms or non-diagnostic ECGs, and reservations regarding their procedural risk-to-benefit ratio, due to shorter life expectancy, presence of comorbidities and increased bleeding risk from antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications. However, advances in PCI technology and techniques over the past decade have led to better outcomes and lower risk of complications and the existing body of evidence now indicates that the very elderly actually derive more relative benefit from PCI than younger populations. Importantly, this applies to all PCI settings: elective, urgent and emergency. This review discusses the role of PCI in the very elderly presenting with chronic stable IHD, non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome, and ST-elevation myocardial infarction. It also addresses the clinical challenges met when considering PCI in this cohort and the ongoing need for research and development to further improve outcomes in these challenging patients.

Enhancing the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is entering a challenging phase after completion of many preclinical and clinical trials. Among the major hurdles encountered in MSC therapy are inconsistent stem cell potency, poor cell engraftment and survival, and age/disease-related host tissue impairment. The recognition that MSCs primarily mediate therapeutic benefits through paracrine mechanisms independent of cell differentiation provides a promising framework for enhancing stem cell potency and therapeutic benefits. Several MSC priming approaches are highlighted, which will likely allow us to harness the full potential of adult stem cells for their future routine clinical use.

Incidence and prognostic value of bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients older than 75 years of age

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the impact of bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the outcome of patients >75 years of age.

BACKGROUND

Limited information exists on the impact of post-PCI bleeding on the outcome in elderly patients.

METHODS

This study included 3,255 patients >75 years of age. Bleeding events were assessed using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

Within 30 days after PCI, bleeding occurred in 501 patients (15.4%). Bleeding according to BARC was: class 1 (170 patients; 33.9%), class 2 (81 patients; 16.2%), class 3a (177 patients; 35.3%), class 3b (65 patients; 13.0%), class 3c (four patients; 0.8%), and class 4 (four patients; 0.8%). There were 201 deaths within the first year after PCI: 61 deaths (12.3%) among bleeders and 140 deaths (5.1%) among nonbleeders (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-2.91, P < 0.001). Bleeding improved the discriminatory power of multivariable model for mortality prediction (P = 0.001). Female sex (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.49 [1.17-1.88], P = 0.001) and reduced renal function (adjusted OR = 1.30 [1.04-1.63], P = 0.019 for each 30 ml/min decrease in the creatinine clearance) were independent associates of increased bleeding risk. Bivalirudin reduced the bleeding risk by 24% compared with unfractionated heparin and 33% compared with abciximab plus unfractionated heparin.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-PCI bleeding is an important prognostic factor in patients >75 years of age. The risk for bleeding in this age category is increased in women and patients with impaired renal function. Bleeding risk is reduced by bivalirudin.

Ten-year outcomes of patients randomized to surgery, angioplasty, or medical treatment for stable multivessel coronary disease: effect of age in the Medicine, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study II trial

OBJECTIVE

With progressive aging, coronary artery disease has been diagnosed at more advanced ages. Although patients aged 65 years or more have been referred to surgical or percutaneous coronary interventions, the best option for coronary artery disease treatment remains uncertain. The current study compared the 3 treatment options for coronary artery disease in patients aged 65 years or more and analyzed the impact of age in treatment options.

METHODS

Patients were separated according to age: 65 years or more (n = 200) and less than 65 years (n = 411). All patients were followed for 10 years. The rates of overall mortality, acute myocardial infarction, and new revascularizations were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 200 patients aged 65 years or more, 68 were randomized to medical therapy, 68 were randomized to percutaneous coronary intervention, and 64 were randomized to coronary artery bypass grafting. At 10 years, overall survival was 63% (medical therapy), 69% (percutaneous coronary intervention), and 66% (coronary artery bypass grafting) (P = .93). The survival free of combined events was 43% (medical therapy), 38% (percutaneous coronary intervention ), and 66% (coronary artery bypass grafting) (P = .007). The survival free of myocardial infarction was 82% (medical therapy), 77% (percutaneous coronary intervention), and 90% (coronary artery bypass grafting) (P = .17), and survival free of new revascularizations was 59% (medical therapy), 58% (percutaneous coronary intervention ), and 91% (coronary artery bypass grafting) (P = .0003). When the 2 age groups were compared, survival free of myocardial infarction for patients treated by percutaneous coronary intervention was 77% (older patients) and 92% (younger patients) (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

In this analysis, treatment options for patients aged 65 years or more who have coronary artery disease yield similar overall survival. However, coronary artery bypass grafting was associated with fewer coronary events, and percutaneous coronary intervention was associated with a higher incidence of myocardial infarction.

PCI Outcomes in High-Risk Groups (Diabetes Mellitus, Smoker, Chronic Kidney Disease and the Elderly)

Ischemic heart disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both genders in developed countries. Many women underestimate the effect of coronary artery disease on their health and as a result, the female population tends to be under-investigated for symptoms, with less-aggressive treatment approaches, leading to perceived worse outcomes in this group. Many assumptions about women are from studies where the female population is under-represented and in trials that do not account for gender differences. This article discusses percutaneous coronary intervention in high-risk groups and whether such a gender difference exists.

Comparison of outcomes of patients ≥ 80 years of age having percutaneous coronary intervention according to presentation (stable vs unstable angina pectoris/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction vs ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction)

Patients ≥ 80 years old with coronary artery disease constitute a particular risk group in relation to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). From 2002 through 2008 we examined the annual proportion of patients ≥ 80 years old undergoing PCI in western Denmark, their indications for PCI, and prognosis. From 2002 through 2009 all elderly patients treated with PCI were identified in a population of 3.0 million based on the Western Denmark Heart Registry. Cox regression analysis was used to compare mortality rates according to clinical indications controlling for potential confounding. In total 3,792 elderly patients (≥ 80 years old) were treated with PCI and the annual proportion increased from 224 (5.4%) in 2002 to 588 (10.2%) in 2009. The clinical indication was stable angina pectoris (SAP) in 30.2%, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 35.0%, UAP/non-STEMI in 29.7%, and "ventricular arrhythmia or congestive heart failure" in 5.1%. Overall 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 9.2% and 18.1%, respectively. Compared to patients with SAP the adjusted 1-year mortality risk was significantly higher for patients presenting with STEMI (hazard ratio 3.86, 95% confidence interval 3.08 to 4.85), UAP/non-STEMI (hazard ratio 1.95, 95% confidence interval 1.53 to 2.50), and ventricular arrhythmia or congestive heart failure (hazard ratio 2.75, 95% confidence interval 1.92 to 3.92). In patients with SAP target vessel revascularization decreased from 7.1% in 2002 to 2.5% in 2008. In conclusion, the proportion of patients ≥ 80 years old treated with PCI increased significantly over an 8-year period. Patients with SAP had the lowest mortality rates and rates of clinically driven target vessel revascularization decreased over time.

Procedural and long-term outcome of primary percutaneous coronary intervention in octogenarians

Background/objectives. To investigate the procedural and long-term outcome of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in octogenarians with an acute myocardial infarction.Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive octogenarian patients (n=98) with an acute myocardial infarction treated with primary PCI in the Catharina Hospital in the year 2006. We compared procedural results and outcome with a matched control group composed of non-octogenarians undergoing primary PCI. Follow-up period was one year.Results. The initial success rate of PCI was similar in the two groups but short-term mortality was higher among the elderly patients: 30-day mortality 26.3 vs. 9.6%. Age-adjusted mortality between 30 days and one year was comparable in the two groups and similar to natural survival in the Netherlands. Octogenarians were less likely to have a normal left ventricular function during follow-up (48.3 vs. 66.7%). New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and recurrence rate of myocardial infarction was higher among octogenarians.Conclusion. Technical success rate during primary PCI was as good for octogenarians as in younger patients, but 30-day mortality, though acceptable, was higher among the elderly. After 30 days, age-adjusted mortality was comparable in both groups. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:129-34.).

Immediate and long-term results of coronary angioplasty in patients aged 80 years and older

Objectives. To observe the short- and long-term outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in octogenarians (>80 y.o.) at our institution. Method. All octogenarians who underwent PCI during the study period were retrospectively retrieved from our database and clinically followed. Major adverse cardiac (and cerebral) events (MAC(C)E) was considered as primary outcome. Results. From January 2003 to December 2007, 140 octogenarians (mean age: 85±3 y.o., 79% of male) underwent PCI and were clinically followed 14±11 months. Procedural success was obtained in 100 percent of patients with single vessel disease, in 96 percent of patients with double vessel disease, and in 75 percent of patients with triple vessel disease. In-hospital, 30 days, and one year MACE rates were 5%, 5%, and 10.7%, respectively. Impaired left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.909, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.856 to 0.964, P = .002), diabetes mellitus (HR = 5.792, 95%  CI = 1.785 to 18.796, P = .003), and low GFR (HR = 2.943, 95%  CI = 1.161, to 7.464, P = .023) were independently associated with an increase risk of MACE at long-term followup. Conclusion. Coronary angiography can be successfully performed in elderly patients with single and double vessel disease. The results in triple vessel disease are encouraging. Low LV function, diabetes, and impaired renal function increase the risk of long-term major adverse cardiac events.

Contemporary mortality risk prediction for percutaneous coronary intervention: results from 588,398 procedures in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry

OBJECTIVES

We sought to create contemporary models for predicting mortality risk following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

There is a need to identify PCI risk factors and accurately quantify procedural risks to facilitate comparative effectiveness research, provider comparisons, and informed patient decision making.

METHODS

Data from 181,775 procedures performed from January 2004 to March 2006 were used to develop risk models based on pre-procedural and/or angiographic factors using logistic regression. These models were independently evaluated in 2 validation cohorts: contemporary (n = 121,183, January 2004 to March 2006) and prospective (n = 285,440, March 2006 to March 2007).

RESULTS

Overall, PCI in-hospital mortality was 1.27%, ranging from 0.65% in elective PCI to 4.81% in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients. Multiple pre-procedural clinical factors were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. Angiographic variables provided only modest incremental information to pre-procedural risk assessments. The overall National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) model, as well as a simplified NCDR risk score (based on 8 key pre-procedure factors), had excellent discrimination (c-index: 0.93 and 0.91, respectively). Discrimination and calibration of both risk tools were retained among specific patient subgroups, in the validation samples, and when used to estimate 30-day mortality rates among Medicare patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Risks for early mortality following PCI can be accurately predicted in contemporary practice. Incorporation of such risk tools should facilitate research, clinical decisions, and policy applications.

Aorta no-touch off-pump coronary artery revascularization in octogenarians: 5 years' experience

BACKGROUND

Approximately 18% of octogenarians have ischemic heart disease. Increasingly, they are being referred for coronary artery revascularization by surgical and/or percutaneous procedures. These strategies have been questioned, however, because of reports of poor outcomes in the elderly. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of age on morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) with the pi-circuit procedure during 5 years of follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 2001 to November 2005, 1359 patients underwent isolated coronary revascularization with the pi-circuit technique, which consists of (1) beating heart surgery, (2) OPCAB, (3) no touching of the aorta, (4) use of composite grafts, and (5) arterial revascularization. Sixty-two patients were > or = 80 years of age (group A), and 1297 were <80 years old (group B). Both groups were compared with respect to preoperative risk factors, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Follow-up lasted from 4 to 60 months. Data were analyzed with the chi(2) test, the Fisher exact test, the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox model of regression analysis.

RESULTS

Females predominated among the octogenarians (P < .0005). Octogenarians more frequently underwent emergent operations (P < .031) and had worse ejection fractions (P < .026). Obesity was also less prevalent among these patients (P < .007). There were no differences between the groups in the preoperative and postoperative use of an intraaortic balloon pump. Octogenarians had lower cholesterol levels (P < .0005) and had fewer distal anastomoses (2.24 + or - 0.0.76 versus 2.77 + or - 0.92, P < .0005). The 2 groups were not significantly different with respect to 30-day mortality (3.2% versus 1.5%) and 7-day mortality (1.6% versus 0.2%). Differences were noted in the incidences of pulmonary complications (12.9% versus 5.6%, P < .027), atrial fibrillation (41.9% versus 19%, P < .0005), and cognitive disturbances (6.5% versus 0.3%, P < .0005). During follow-up, survival seemed to favor the younger group (P < .001). Nevertheless, further analysis of the data with the Cox regression model to exclude confounding risk factors, revealed the survival rates of the 2 groups to be similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the pi-circuit technique is very effective for octogenarians. Although these older patients have a higher incidence of early postoperative morbidity, overall survival is not affected.

Acute and intermediate‐term results of percutaneous coronary stenting in octogenarian patients

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in octogenarian patients has been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess acute and intermediate-term clinical outcomes among octogenarians undergoing PCI.

METHODS

The authors identified 97 consecutive patients aged > or =80 years who underwent PCI using stents between November 2000 and February 2002 at their institution. The patients were divided into three groups according to clinical presentation: (1) acute myocardial infarction (AMI, n = 31); (2) unstable angina pectoris (UAP, n = 28); and (3) stable angina pectoris (SAP, n = 38). Procedural data, and in-hospital and six-month clinical outcomes were obtained and adjudicated for all patients.

RESULTS

Overall mean age was 84 +/- 3 years, 67% of patients were males and 73% had multivessel coronary disease. In-hospital outcomes varied according to clinical presentation: procedural success was 78% in AMI patients (including shock patients), 93% in UAP, and 95% in SAP patients. Likewise, hospital mortality was 26% in AMI, 3.6% in UAP, and 0% in SAP patients (p = 0.0003). Among AMI patients, hospital mortality was extremely high in patients with cardiogenic shock (67% versus 4.6% in AMI without shock, p < 0.0001). Cumulative event rate at six months also varied according to clinical presentation: mortality/MI and target vessel revascularization (TVR) rates were 29%, 3.6%, and 0% in AMI, 7.1%, 7.4%, and 11% in UAP and 0%, 5.3%, and 7.9% in SAP patients. Multivariate analysis identified cardiogenic shock as the most powerful risk factor for predicting mortality (odds ratio = 42, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that clinically stable octogenarian patients undergoing PCI have favorable procedural and intermediate-term prognosis. In contrast, cardiogenic shock has a profound negative prognostic impact on octogenarians despite 'aggressive' PCI attempts.

The role of invasive therapies in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION

In elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, very little is known about the role of surgical myocardial revascularization and percutaneous coronary intervention (invasive therapies--IT), especially in the context of long-term outcomes after hospital discharge.

METHODS

We analyzed 1588 patients with MI who had been included prospectively in a databank and followed for up to 7.5 years. In this population, 548 patients were >70 years old (elderly group--EG), and 1040 were <70 years of age (younger group--YG); 1088 underwent IT during hospitalization, and the remaining 500 were treated medically (conservative therapy--CT). Patients were monitored either by visit or by phone at least once a year. A standard questionnaire was administered to all patients. The impact of IT was analyzed with both non-adjusted and adjusted models.

RESULTS

By the end of the follow-up period, the survival rates for the IT and CT groups were, respectively, 71.9% versus 47.2% in the global population (hazard ratio=0.55, P<0.001), 81.5% versus 66.6% in the YG (hazard ratio=0.68, P=0.018) and 48.8% versus 20.3% in the EG (hazard ratio=0.58, P<0.001). In the adjusted models, the hazard ratios were 0.62 (P<0.001) in the global population, 0.74 in the YG (P=0.073) and 0.64 (P=0.001) in the EG.

CONCLUSION

Long-term follow-up of patients with myocardial infarction revealed that IT during the in-hospital phase was at least as effective in elderly patients as in younger patients.

Simulated ischemia-induced preconditioning of isolated ventricular myocytes from young adult and aged Fischer-344 rat hearts

The impact of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on contraction, Ca(2+) homeostasis, and cell survival was compared in isolated ventricular myocytes from young adult ( approximately 3 mo) and aged ( approximately 24 mo) male Fischer-344 rats. Myocytes were field stimulated at 4 Hz (37 degrees C). Contraction (edge detector) and intracellular Ca(2+) (fura-2) were measured simultaneously. Viability was assessed with trypan blue. All cells were exposed to 30 min of simulated ischemia followed by reperfusion. Some cells were preconditioned by exposure to 5 min of simulated ischemia before prolonged ischemia. Pretreatment with IPC abolished postischemic contractile depression, inhibited diastolic contracture, and increased Ca(2+) transient amplitudes in reperfusion in young adult and aged cells. IPC did not affect the modest rise in diastolic Ca(2+) in ischemia in young adult myocytes. However, IPC abolished the marked rise in diastolic Ca(2+) observed in ischemia and early reperfusion in aged myocytes. IPC also suppressed mechanical alternans in ischemia in aged cells, but younger myocytes showed little evidence of mechanical alternans whether or not cells were preconditioned. IPC markedly improved cell viability in reperfusion in young adult but not aged cells. These results suggest that IPC augments the recovery of contractile function in reperfusion by increasing Ca(2+) transient amplitudes in ventricular myocytes from young adult and aged rats. IPC reduced diastolic Ca(2+) accumulation in ischemia in aged myocytes, which may diminish the severity of mechanical alternans in aged cells. Nonetheless, the efficacy of IPC is compromised in aging, as IPC did not improve survival of aged myocytes exposed to ischemia and reperfusion.

Age dependency of the cariporide-mediated cardio-protection after simulated ischemia in isolated human atrial heart muscles

Experimental and clinical investigations suggest that blockade of Na(+)/H(+) exchange (NHE) with cariporide provides functional protection during ischemia and reperfusion in mature hearts. The benefit on aged human myocardium is unknown. Therefore, the impact of cardiac aging on cardio-protection by cariporide after prolonged ischemia was studied in isolated myocardium of adult (<or=55 years), old (56-69 years), and very old (>or=70 years) patients with coronary artery disease. Isolated atrial trabeculae were subjected to 30 min of simulated ischemia with and without cariporide, and early post-ischemic contractile recovery was determined. During the reoxygenation period, trabeculae of adults, but not those of old or very old patients, improved after treatment with cariporide. After 90 min of reoxygenation, cariporide-treated adult trabeculae developed 41+/-5% of their pre-ischemic force (non-treated control group, 27+/-5%; P<0.05), and old trabeculae recovered to 41+/-7% (control, 25+/-6%), whereas very old trabeculae recovered to only 26+/-2% (control, 28+/-6%). Trabeculae of all patients <70 years with CCS stage I-II angina pectoris recovered well (45+/-6%; control, 22+/-5%; P<0.01), which was in contrast to patients with CCS stage III (34+/-4%; control, 31+/-5%). Subsequent immunoblot analyses indicated no concomitant alterations in the myocardial NHE1 protein level depending on age. In very old myocardium, higher levels of active p38MAPK in atrial trabeculae after ischemia pointed at an increased cellular stress, which was even more pronounced after post-ischemic reperfusion. In summary, cariporide is protective against ischemia-reperfusion injury in mature human hearts but has no benefit on the post-ischemic functional recovery of the aging myocardium.

Effects of ischemia and reperfusion on isolated ventricular myocytes from young adult and aged Fischer 344 rat hearts

This study examined the impact of age on contractile function, Ca2+homeostasis, and cell viability in isolated myocytes exposed to simulated ischemia and reperfusion. Ventricular myocytes were isolated from anesthetized young adult (3 mo) and aged (24 mo) male Fischer 344 rats. Cells were field-stimulated at 4 Hz (37°C), exposed to simulated ischemia, and reperfused with Tyrode solution. Cell shortening and intracellular Ca2+were measured simultaneously with an edge detector and fura-2. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan blue exclusion. Ischemia (20–45 min) depressed amplitudes of contraction equally in isolated myocytes from young adult and aged animals. The degree of postischemic contractile depression (stunning) was comparable in both groups. Ca2+transient amplitudes were depressed in early reperfusion in young adult and aged cells and then recovered to preischemic levels in both groups. Cell viability also declined equally in reperfusion in both groups. In short, some cellular responses to simulated ischemia and reperfusion were similar in both groups. Even so, aged myocytes exhibited a much greater and more prolonged accumulation of diastolic Ca2+in ischemia and in early reperfusion compared with myocytes from younger animals. In addition, the degree of mechanical alternans in ischemia increased significantly with age. The observation that there is an age-related increase in accumulation of diastolic Ca2+in ischemia and early reperfusion may account for the increased sensitivity to ischemia and reperfusion injury in the aging heart. The occurrence of mechanical alternans in ischemia may contribute to contractile dysfunction in ischemia in the aging heart.

Eighteen year (1985-2002) analysis of incidence, mortality, and cardiac procedure outcomes of acute myocardial infarction in patients > or = 65 years of age

The temporal patterns of outcomes and therapy in patients aged > or =65 years with acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs) from a national database were examined to better understand this increasingly important demographic group. The National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS), a nationally representative sample of acute care hospitals in the United States, was used for analysis. Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, hospitalizations with first-listed diagnoses of AMI from 1985 to 2002 were identified. A multivariate logistic regression model was developed to identify predictors of mortality in these patients. The logit of propensity score was used as an adjuster for reducing the bias of nonrandom assignment of cardiovascular procedures. Although the number of patients aged > or =65 years admitted with AMIs increased over the study period, the incidence in patients aged > or =65 years decreased by 1.5%. In patients aged <65 years, the incidence was significantly lower for any year and decreased by 17.5%. The in-hospital mortality rate in patients aged > or =65 years decreased (from 22.0% in 1985 to 11.5% in 2002) but remained significantly higher compared with younger patients (from 7.0% in 1985 to 3.2% in 2002). Overall cardiac procedure use increased from 18.0% in 1985 to 50.7% in 2002, but patients aged > or =65 years consistently underwent fewer procedures than younger patients. After taking 12 covariates into consideration, not undergoing a cardiac procedure remained a significant risk factor for mortality (odds ratio 3.13, p <0.0001). Acute renal failure (odds ratio 4.64, p <0.0001) and age > or =65 years (odds ratio 2.14, p <0.0001) were the other 2 strongest independent predictors of mortality. In conclusion, the incidence of AMI is decreasing. Over the 18-year period from 1985 to 2002, there was a significant reduction in mortality, but patients aged > or =65 years remained at particular risk. Multivariate analysis suggests that a lack of the use of procedures in these patients may at least partially explain their higher mortality.

Sex differences in myocardial infarction events between patients with and without conventional risk factors: the Modares Heart Study

The authors sought to determine the profile of traditional risk factors and hematologic-metabolic parameters as well as relative risk among patients with myocardial infarction (MI). This study included 594 MI patients (70.2% men and 29.8% women) and was carried out during a period of 11 years from 1994 to 2005. Patients were analyzed by sex according to selected hematologic-metabolic parameters and risk factors. The mean age, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose were significantly different (P<.05) between men and women. The mean hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in men with hyperlipidemia (HLP) and family history of MI compared with those without these risk factors were significantly different (P<.05). Relative risks of HLP, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension (HTN) for women were higher than for men in all age groups. The relative risk was 6.16 times higher for women with the 3-factor HLP, DM, and HTN combination. The results of this study confirm the important role of HLP, DM, and HTN in the occurrence of MI, especially in women.

Long-term clinical outcome after percutaneous coronary interventions in the elderly: results for 512 consecutive patients

AIMS

Elderly patients are increasingly being referred for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but there is a paucity of current data on the long-term outcome of elective PCI in elderly patients. We sought to define the risks facing elderly patients undergoing contemporary PCIs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Retrospectively, in a single-centre registry, we studied the mortality and the outcome of 512 consecutive patients > 75 years old who underwent PCI, between January 1st 2000 and December 31st 2001. Clinical endpoints included in-hospital mortality; major adverse cardiovascular and cerebro-vascular events (MACCE) defined by the components of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat coronary revascularisation (target vessel revascularisation or not) by surgery or PCI, within the hospitalisation period and at long-term follow up. We compared 315 patients 75-79 years old (group I) with 197 patients > 80 years old (group II). In-hospital mortality and MACCE rates were not different between the two groups. Independent predictors of in-hospital major events found by multivariate analysis were: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or STEMI (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.58, 95% CI=1.15-5.78), left ventricular ejection fraction or LVEF <40% (OR=4.98, 95% CI=2.19-11.36) and prior coronary artery bypass grafting or CABG (OR=3.13, 95% CI=1.06-9.26). Mean long-term follow-up was 51.3 months. Death was significantly more frequent in the older group (42% vs 26%, p<0.0001). Independent predictors of long-term mortality found by multivariate analysis were: LVEF < 40% (Hazard Ratio=4.12, 95% CI=2.69-6.32), creatinine rate (HR=1.00, 95% CI=1.00-1.006) use cut-off see table and prior carotid surgery or stroke (HR=2.2, 95% CI=1.19-4.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Although age is not an independent predictive factor of morbidity or mortality, co-morbidities in the elderly strongly influence long-term clinical outcomes after PCI.

Comparison of outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions in patients of three age groups (<60, 60 to 80, and >80 years) (from the New York State Angioplasty Registry)

Octogenarians have been under-represented in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) trials despite an increase in referrals for PCI. As the United States population ages, the number of high-risk PCIs in the elderly will continue to increase. This study investigated the effect of age on short-term prognosis after PCI in 3 age groups. Using the 2000/2001 New York State Angioplasty Registry, we compared in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; death, stroke, or coronary artery bypass grafting) in emergency and elective PCI cohorts across 3 age categories of patients: 10,964 patients who underwent emergency PCI (<60 years of age, n = 5,354; 60 to 80 years of age, n = 4,939; >80 years of age, n = 671) and 71,176 patients who underwent elective PCI (<60 years of age, n = 24,525; 60 to 80 years of age, n = 40,869; >80 years of age, n = 5,782). Patients were considered to have undergone an emergency PCI if they had an acute myocardial infarction within 24 hours, had thrombolytic therapy within 7 days, or presented with hemodynamic instability or shock. Elderly patients had more co-morbidities, including more extensive coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and renal insufficiency, and presented more frequently with hemodynamic instability or shock. In the emergency PCI group, in-hospital mortality (1.0% vs 4.1% vs 11.5%, p <0.05) and MACEs (1.6% vs 5.2% vs 13.1%, p <0.05) increased incrementally by age group. In the elective PCI group, rates of in-hospital complications were considerably lower, with an incremental increase in mortality (0.1% vs 0.4% vs 1.1%, p <0.05) and MACEs (0.4% vs 0.7% vs 1.6%, p <0.05). Age was strongly predictive of in-hospital mortality for emergency and elective PCI by multivariate analysis. In conclusion, elective PCI in the elderly has favorable outcome and acceptable short-term mortality in the stent era. Elderly patients, in particular octogenarians undergoing emergency PCI, have a substantially higher risk of in-hospital death.

[Therapeutic attitude after coronariography in elderly patients with ischemic heart disease]

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of ischemic heart disease in the elderly is high. These patients are increasing referred for coronariography.

OBJECTIVES

Identify factors associated with coronary revascularization in elderly patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of 473 patients > or = 75 years who underwent coronariography in relationship with ischemic heart disease. Their clinical-epidemiological characteristics and treatment adopted were analyzed. A multivariate analysis model was used to identify factors associated with revascularization.

RESULTS

Mean age was 77.6 +/- 2.8 years; 70.4% were men. A total of 36% smoked, 53% were hypertensive, 33% diabetics and 30% dislipidemic. Thirty one % had multivessel disease and 11% involvement of left coronary trunk. There was evidence of anterior descending artery in 68%. Medical treatment was done in 48.4%, percutaneous revascularization in 41.5% and surgical in 10.1%. Patients with lesions of the anterior descending artery were revascularized in greater proportion: 67.7% vs 32.3%; p. 0.001. A logistic regression model was used to identify revascularization predictors, obtaining a direct relationship with the involvement of the anterior descending artery (OR: 4.87; 95% CI: 2.98-7.94; (p < 0.001) and inverse on with the previous revascularization (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26-0.85; p < 0.02), left ventricular dysfunction (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.39-0.88; p = 0.01) and presence of multivessel disease (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.31-0.84; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The elderly subjects with ischemic heart disease who underwent coronariography received revascularizing treatment in somewhat more than 50% of the cases. A direct relationship was found between involvement of the anterior descending artery and performance of revascularizing treatment and an inverse on between previous revascularization, left ventricular dysfunction and presence of multivessel disease.

Applicability of clinical prediction models in acute myocardial infarction: a comparison of traditional and empirical Bayes adjustment methods

INTRODUCTION

Several clinical prediction models have been developed to predict outcome after acute myocardial infarction. Updating to local circumstances may be required to make such models better applicable. We aimed to compare traditional and empirical Bayes (EB) methods to perform such updating.

METHODS

We focused on 16 geographical regions within the GUSTO-I trial, which included 40,830 patients with acute myocardial infarction; of whom, 2851 (7.0%) had died by 30 days. Differences in mortality between regions were studied with traditional adjustment for case mix in logistic regression models and with EB methods. These methods updated predictions for new patients while accounting for the uncertainty in the traditionally estimated mortality differences.

RESULTS

The case mix in the regions differed with respect to important predictive characteristics such as age, presence of shock, and anterior infarct location (all P < .001). These differences did not explain regional differences in 30-day mortality, which varied between 80% and 120% with traditional analyses (P < .01). The EB estimates for regional differences were much smaller (between 93% and 107%).

CONCLUSIONS

Statistically significant differences in case mix and 30-day mortality were noted between geographical regions. The practical implications of this heterogeneity were, however, limited when model predictions were updated with EB methods.

Percutaneous Intervention Versus Coronary Bypass Surgery for Patients Older Than 70 Years of Age With High-Risk Unstable Angina

BACKGROUND

The Angina With Extremely Serious Operative Mortality Evaluation (AWESOME) study was a multicenter Veterans Affairs randomized trial and registry that compared long-term survival of percutaneous coronary intervention with coronary artery bypass graft surgery for the treatment of patients with medically refractory myocardial ischemia and at least one additional risk factor for an adverse outcome with bypass. Both the randomized trial and the registry demonstrated comparable 3-year survival. The purpose of this study was to compare bypass and percutaneous intervention survival of AWESOME patients who were older than 70 years of age.

METHODS

Over a 5-year period (1995 to 2000), 2,431 patients with medically refractory myocardial ischemia and at least one of the following five risk factors (prior heart surgery, myocardial infarction within 7 days, left ventricular ejection fraction less than 35%, age > 70 years, intraaortic balloon pump requirement to stabilize) were identified. Of these patients, 1,278 were older than 70 years of age. Eight hundred, seventy-one patients were turned down by at least one physician, 407 were acceptable to both physician and surgeon for randomization, and 236 (60%) consented to randomization. Of the 1,042 eligible patients who were not randomized, 871 had their revascularization directed by a physician who was not involved in the study. One hundred, seventy-one patients who were acceptable for randomization by both the interventional cardiologist and the cardiac surgeon refused consent.

RESULTS

Bypass and percutaneous intervention survival were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and log rank tests. Bypass and percutaneous intervention 36-month survival rates for patients older than 70 years of age were 76% and 75%, respectively, among the eligible patients. Survival was 71% and 78% among those patients who were randomized and 76% and 67% in the physician-directed subgroup. Of those patients who chose their revascularization techniques, the survivals were 79% and 85%, respectively. The survival differences are not large, and none of the global log rank tests of bypass compared with percutaneous intervention survival showed a statistically significant difference over 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the randomized and registry subgroups of patients who were older than 70 years of age support the trial conclusions that either bypass or percutaneous intervention effectively relieves medically refractory ischemia among high-risk unstable angina patients whose age was greater than 70 years.

Multicenter experience in revascularization of very elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Very elderly patients are increasingly referred for revascularization yet have been underrepresented in both prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary bypass surgery (CABG) clinical trials. We pooled the largest PCI and CABG clinical registries in the United States to better understand revascularization procedure use, risks and outcomes in patients aged > or =75 years.

METHODS

Six PCI registries (n = 48,439) and 8 CABG registries (n = 180,709) voluntarily contributed all procedural data in patients aged > or =75 years from 1990 through 1999. Patient characteristics, procedural process, and inhospital mortality and morbidity outcomes were evaluated. Risk factors for mortality in elderly patients were identified and compared across registries using standardized multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Between the years 1991 and 1999, the proportion of patients aged > or =75 years undergoing revascularization was on the rise (10% increase). Pooled estimates of inhospital mortality following PCI during this decade was 3.0% (range 1.5%-5.2% among databases), and following CABG was 5.9% (range 4.9%-8.4% among databases). Mortality rates declined significantly in older patients for both PCI and CABG over this decade. While process measures varied across registries, the most significant predictors of inhospital death (procedural urgency, left ventricular dysfunction, prior CABG) seemed consistent across all sites.

CONCLUSION

Over the last decade, the use of coronary revascularization in elderly patients increased and outcomes improved. While age remains a determinant of procedural risk, this risk varies markedly among elderly patients, emphasizing the need for individualized risk assessments.

Importance of increasing age on the presentation and outcome of acute coronary syndromes in elderly patients

OBJECTIVES

The study examined differences in presentation and outcome between elderly (> or =70 years) and very elderly (> or =80 years) patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

BACKGROUND

The elderly constitute an increasingly important sector of patients with ACS but have been underrepresented in many therapeutic trials.

METHODS

We compiled a registry of 449 consecutive patients, 251 elderly (70 to 79 years) (septuagenarians, group 1) and 198 very elderly (> or =80 years) (group 2), to examine outcomes in relation to baseline characteristics and treatment. We recorded survival over a period of 24 +/- 4 months and rehospitalization and symptomatic status at 16 +/- 4 months.

RESULTS

At index hospitalization, the older cohort (group 2) more often had acute myocardial infarction (35% vs. 9.7%, p < 0.0001), heart failure (33.3% vs. 19.4%, p < 0.001), and renal dysfunction (21.6% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.01). They were less likely to undergo coronary angiography (29.3% vs. 43.8%, p = 0.002), but those selected for angiography more often underwent revascularization so that revascularization rates were similar (22.7% group 2 vs. 24.3% group 1, p = NS). Two-year survival rate was poorer in group 2 (67.4 +/- 3.5% vs. 83.5 +/- 2.5% in group 1, p < 0.0001). Repeat rehospitalization was similar (53.0% vs. 48.2%, respectively, p = 0.31), but improvement in well-being of survivors was greater (60.0% vs. 46.3%, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated important differences between elderly (70 to 79 years) and very elderly (> or =80 years) patients hospitalized with ACS. The older cohort was sicker on admission and had poorer outcome, but a subgroup selected for angiography and possible intervention had two-year outcomes similar to the younger cohort.

Comparison of frequency of hemorrhagic stroke in patients <75 years versus > or =75 years of age among patients receiving glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors during percutaneous coronary interventions

We identified 1,369 consecutive patients who received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors during 1,461 stenting procedures (2,382 lesions); of these, 240 (17.5%) were aged > or =75 years (253 procedures, 430 lesions). Very elderly patients (> or =75 years) had similar in-hospital outcomes but a higher hemorrhagic stroke rate than patients aged <75 years.

Comparison of effect of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors during percutaneous coronary interventions on risk of hemorrhagic stroke in patients >or=75 years of age versus those <75 years of age

Of 1,369 consecutive patients who underwent stent-assisted coronary angioplasty and who were treated with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors during these procedures, 17.5% were >or=75 years of age. Compared with patients <75 years old, those >or=75 years of age had similar procedural and in-hospital outcomes but significantly higher rates of hemorrhagic stroke (0.08% vs 1.2%, p <0.001).

Impact of age on procedural and 1-year outcome in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: a report from the NHLBI Dynamic Registry

BACKGROUND

Older age has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). As PCI technology evolves and the US population becomes proportionally older, assessment of PCI in older age groups is essential.

METHODS

From the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Dynamic Registry, 4620 PCI-treated patients (1997 to 1999) were studied. Differences in clinical presentation, treatment strategy, and inhospital and 1-year outcomes were compared between patient age groups: younger (<65 years, n = 2537); older (65 to 79 years, n = 1776); and elderly (> or =80 years, n = 307).

RESULTS

Older and elderly patients had more cardiac and comorbid noncardiac conditions and more extensive and complex arteriosclerosis, including stenoses in bypass grafts. Stent use was similar as age increased (72% vs 73% vs 73%), as was the use of IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists (29% vs 26% vs 28%). Rates of successful treatment of all attempted lesions were 93%, 92%, and 89%, respectively. Adjusted relative risks of inhospital death (1.0 vs 2.91 vs 3.64) and myocardial infarction (1.0 vs 1.35 vs 2.57) increased by age group, as did 1-year mortality rates (1.0 vs 1.87 vs 3.02). However, the relative magnitude of excess mortality rates at 1 year was comparable to that observed by age in the US general population. Age was not associated with 1-year risk of myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass grafting.

CONCLUSIONS

Although new technologies may allow for treatment of complex disease in older and elderly patients with comorbid disease, the increased procedural risk remains substantial in these patients. After PCI, the long-term relative risk of death is similar to that expected among persons of similar ages in the general population.

The aging human myocardium: tolerance to ischemia and responsiveness to ischemic preconditioning

BACKGROUND

Increasing age has been recognized as a cause for adverse prognosis in the setting of myocardial infarction, coronary angioplasty, and cardiac surgery. This is attributed to a greater susceptibility of the senescent heart to ischemic injury and to a lower response to protective interventions. This study investigated the effect of aging on the tolerance to ischemia of the human myocardium and its response to ischemic preconditioning.

METHODS

Right atrial specimens from 128 patients undergoing elective heart surgery were collected, sliced, and equilibrated for 30 minutes before being randomized into 3 study protocols: (1) 210 minutes of aerobic incubation (time-matched control), (2) 90 minutes of simulated ischemia and 120 minutes of reoxygenation, and (3) ischemic preconditioning with 5 minutes of ischemia and 5 minutes of reoxygenation before 90 minutes of ischemia and 120 minutes of reoxygenation. Patients were subdivided into 3 age groups: 30 to 49 years, 50 to 69 years, and 70 to 90 years. At the end of each protocol, tissue injury and viability were assessed by the leakage of creatine kinase and the reduction of 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide to insoluble formazan dye.

RESULTS

There were no differences among the 3 groups of patients in their comorbid conditions or their cardiac medications. Ischemic injury was similar in all 3 groups (creatine kinase = 4.1 +/- 0.7, 3.6 +/- 1.0, and 4.3 +/- 1.1 U/g wet weight, respectively; 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide = 64.7 +/- 31.3, 96.3 +/- 32.0, and 61.0 +/- 30.4 mM/g wet weight, respectively, P = not significant in all cases), and ischemic preconditioning equally protected against ischemia at all ages (creatine kinase = 1.9 +/- 0.5, 1.8 +/- 0.4, and 2.1 +/- 0.6 U/g wet weight, respectively; 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide = 157.9 +/- 31.5, 170.7 +/- 35.3, and 138.4 +/- 43.8 mM/g wet weight, respectively; P <.05 in all cases vs ischemia alone).

CONCLUSION

Age does not influence the tolerance of the human myocardium to ischemia or the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning. These results indicate the need for a reevaluation of the importance of age in risk scoring in cardiac surgery.

Survival after coronary revascularization in the elderly

BACKGROUND

Elderly patients with ischemic heart disease are increasingly referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, reports of poor outcomes in the elderly have led to questions about the benefit of these strategies. We studied survival by prescribed treatment (CABG, PCI, or medical therapy) for patients in 3 age categories: <70 years, 70 to 79 years, and > or =80 years of age.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Alberta Provincial Project for Outcomes Assessment in Coronary Heart Disease (APPROACH) is a clinical data collection and outcome monitoring initiative capturing all patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and revascularization in the province of Alberta, Canada, since 1995. Characteristics and long-term outcomes of a cohort of >6000 elderly patients with ischemic heart disease were compared with younger patients. In 15 392 patients >70 years of age, 4-year adjusted actuarial survival rates for CABG, PCI, and medical therapy were 95.0%, 93.8%, and 90.5%, respectively. In 5198 patients 70 to 79 years of age, survival rates were 87.3%, 83.9%, and 79.1%, respectively. In 983 patients > or = 80 years of age, survival was 77.4% for CABG, 71.6% for PCI, and 60.3% for medical therapy. Absolute risk differences in comparison to medical therapy for CABG (17.0%) and PCI (11.3%) were greater for patients > or =80 years of age than for younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients paradoxically have greater absolute risk reductions associated with surgical or percutaneous revascularization than do younger patients. The combination of these results with a recent randomized trial suggests that the benefits of aggressive revascularization therapies may extend to subsets of patients in older age groups.

Target vessel revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass in elderly high-risk patients

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients over 75 years is associated with high operative risk. Target vessel revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass is a promising option for highly selected, older patients. However, the outcome remains uncertain.

METHODS

We investigated 44 patients over 75 years, matched for preoperative risk and left ventricular function, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting either with or without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We analyzed patients characteristics, Parsonnet score, EuroSCORE, short as well as midterm outcome and quality of life (freedom from recurrence of angina, anti-anginal therapy, sf36 test).

RESULTS

Perioperative mortality was higher in the patient group operated with CPB (15.9) as compared to patients operated without CPB (4.5%, p = 0.0226). Patients operated with cardiopulmonary bypass received more grafts (3.1 +/- 0.1) than patients operated without cardiopulmonary bypass (1.6 +/- 0.1, p = 0.0001) and and were more likely to undergo complete revascularization (with CPB 100%, without CPB 63.6%, p = 0.0010). Perioperative complications were more frequent and midterm survival was worse in the patient group operated with CPB (log rank p = 0.0228). Quality of life was comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept of incomplete target vessel revascularization of the culprit lesion seems to be a promising option for selected high-risk patients, predominantly due to lower perioperative mortality.

The aged cardiovascular risk patient

It is mostly acknowledged that 'normal' or 'healthy' ageing of the cardiovascular system is distinct from the increasing incidence and severity of cardiovascular disease with advancing age (e.g. hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and congestive heart failure). It is also recognized that chronological and biological age may differ considerably. Nevertheless, even in the absence of overt coexisting disease, advanced age is always accompanied by a general decline in organ function, and specifically by alterations in structure and function of the heart and vasculature that will ultimately affect cardiovascular performance. Actual biological age is thus the net result of the interaction between age-related and concomitant disease-associated changes in organ function. As cardiovascular performance at a given moment is the net result of interactions between heart rate, intrinsic contractility, diastolic and systolic function, ventricular afterload and coronary perfusion, it is important to be aware of the age-related changes in each of these variables, independent of disease, as they determine cardiac performance at rest and its response to stress in the elderly. The most relevant age-related changes in cardiovascular performance for perioperative management are the stiffened myocardium and vasculature, blunted beta-adrenoceptor responsiveness and impaired autonomic reflex control of heart rate. These changes are of little clinical relevance at rest, but may have considerable consequences during superimposed cardiovascular stress. Such stress can take the form of increased flow demand (as in exercise or postoperatively), demand for acute autonomic reflex control (as in change of posture) or severe disease (as during myocardial ischaemia, tachyarrhythmias or uncontrolled hypertension). It may interfere with diastolic relaxation (i.e. ventricular filling), systolic contraction (i.e. ventricular emptying) and vasomotor control (i.e. arterial pressure homeostasis). Three factors contribute most of the increased perioperative risk related to advanced age. First, physiological ageing is accompanied by a progressive decline in resting organ function. Consequently, the reserve capacity to compensate for impaired organ function, drug metabolism and added physiological demands is increasingly impaired. Functional disability will occur more quickly and take longer to be cured. Second, ageing is associated with progressive manifestation of chronic disease which further limits baseline function and accelerates loss of functional reserve in the affected organ. Some of the age-related decline in organ function (e.g. impaired pulmonary gas exchange, diminished renal capacity to conserve and eliminate water and salt, or disturbed thermoregulation) will increase cardiovascular risk. The unpredictable interaction between age-related and disease-associated changes in organ functions, and the altered neurohumoral response to various forms of stress in the elderly may result in a rather atypical clinical presentation of a disease. This may, in turn, delay the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment and, ultimately, worsen outcome. Third, related to the increased intake of medications and altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, the incidence of untoward reactions to medications, anaesthetic agents, and medical and surgical interventions increases with advancing age. On the basis of various clinical studies and observations, it must be concluded that advanced age is an independent predictor of adverse perioperative cardiac outcome. It is to be expected that the aged cardiovascular risk patient carries an even higher perioperative cardiac risk than the younger cardiovascular risk patient. Although knowledge of the physiology of ageing should help reduce age-related complications, successful prophylaxis is hindered by the heterogeneity of age-related changes, unpredictable physiological and pharmacological interactions and diagnostic difficultie