Economics, health-related quality of life, and cost-effectiveness methods for the TACTICS (Treat Angina With Aggrastat [tirofiban]] and Determine Cost of Therapy with Invasive or Conservative Strategy)-TIMI 18 trial

DisintegrinDB: The first integrated database resource of disintegrins from snake venoms

Nowadays, a large number of databases have been developed gathering different types of therapeutic peptides including antimicrobial, antiviral and scorpion toxins peptides facilitating the searching for these molecules and their structural characteristics and pharmacology. Disintegrins, a family of small non-enzymatic and cysteine-rich proteins found in the snake venom may have a potential role in terms of novel therapeutic leads for cancer treatment. Despite their therapeutic effect, no database dedicated to disintegrins is available yet. Indeed, accessible information related to disintegrins are either scattered or fragmented in different databases from which it becomes extremely difficult to collect all the properties related to a particular disintegrin without exploring numerous databases available through distinct websites. Here, we propose DisintegrinDB as a first unique resource centralizing data related to disintegrins from snake venom. DisintegrinDB aims to facilitate the search on a given disintegrin and centralizes all the information on these peptides, helping researchers to retrieve all relevant related information.

Percutaneous Mechanical Reperfusion During Acute Myocardial Infarction

The treatment of acute myocardial infarction has progressed from bedrest to mechanical, catheter-based reperfusion. The authors review the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as a primary treatment for acute myocardial infarction and the use of adjunctive agents. The most recent American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines for the use of PCI in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI) advocate the use of PCI as primary therapy at those centers in which the procedure can be performed within accepted standards. Because a majority of hospitals (80%) do not have the capability of performing primary PCI, most patients are treated with thrombolytic therapy. PCI should be considered in those patients treated with thrombolytic therapy who have persistent or recurrent ischemia and/or cardiogenic shock. For patients with non-ST elevation MI, the use of an invasive strategy (early angiography and PCI if needed) has recently shown to be beneficial. Although revascularization is the basis of the acute therapy of MI, additional pharmacologic therapy in the acute setting is now recognized as a key to favorable long-term outcome.

Short- and Long-Term Prognostic Utility of the HEART Score in Patients Evaluated in the Emergency Department for Possible Acute Coronary Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The HEART score is a risk-stratification tool that was developed and validated for patients evaluated for possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the emergency department (ED). We sought to determine the short-term and long-term prognostic utility of the HEART score.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center analysis of 947 patients evaluated for possible ACS in the ED in 1999 was conducted. Patients were followed for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) at 30 days: death, acute myocardial infarction, or revascularization procedure. All-cause mortality was assessed at 5 years. The HEART score was compared with the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score.

RESULTS

At 30 days, 14% (135/947) of patients had an MACE: 48 deaths (5%), 84 acute myocardial infarctions (9%), and 48 (5%) revascularization procedures. The MACE rate in patients with HEART score ≤3 was 0.6% (1/175) involving a revascularization procedure, 9.5% (53/557) in patients with HEART score between 4 and 6, and 38% (81/215) with HEART score ≥7. The C-statistic for the HEART score was 0.82 and 0.68 for the TIMI score for predicting 30-day MACE (P < 0.05). Patients with HEART score ≤3 had lower 5-year mortality rate compared with those with TIMI score of 0 (10.6% vs. 20.5%, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The HEART score is a valuable risk-stratification tool in predicting not only short-term MACE but also long-term mortality in patients evaluated for possible ACS in the ED. The HEART score had a superior prognostic value compared with the TIMI score.

Routine invasive strategies versus selective invasive strategies for unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in the stent era

BACKGROUND

People with unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI) are managed with a combination of medical therapy, invasive angiography and revascularisation. Specifically, two approaches have evolved: either a 'routine invasive' strategy whereby all patients undergo coronary angiography shortly after admission and, if indicated, coronary revascularisation; or a 'selective invasive' (also referred to as 'conservative') strategy in which medical therapy alone is used initially, with a selection of patients for angiography based upon evidence of persistent myocardial ischaemia. Uncertainty exists as to which strategy provides the best outcomes for these patients. This Cochrane review is an update of a Cochrane review originally published in 2006, to provide a robust comparison of these two strategies in the early management of patients with UA/NSTEMI.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the benefits and harms associated with the following.1. A routine invasive versus a conservative or 'selective invasive' strategy for the management of UA/NSTEMI in the stent era.2. A routine invasive strategy with and without glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists versus a conservative strategy for the management of UA/NSTEMI in the stent era.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases and additional resources up to 25 August 2015: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE, with no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included prospective randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared invasive with conservative or 'selective invasive' strategies in participants with acute UA/NSTEMI.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors screened the records and extracted data in duplicate. Using intention-to-treat analysis with random-effects models, we calculated summary estimates of the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the primary endpoints of all-cause death, fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), combined all-cause death or non-fatal MI, refractory angina and re-hospitalisation. We performed further analysis of included studies based on whether glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists were used routinely. We assessed the heterogeneity of included trials using Pearson χ² (Chi² test) and variance (I² statistic) analysis. Using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, we assessed the quality of the evidence and the GRADE profiler (GRADEPRO) was used to import data from Review Manager 5.3 (Review Manager) to create Summary of findings (SoF) tables.

MAIN RESULTS

Eight RCTs with a total of 8915 participants (4545 invasive strategies, 4370 conservative strategies) were eligible for inclusion. We included three new studies and 1099 additional participants in this review update. In the all-study analysis, evidence did not show appreciable risk reductions in all-cause mortality (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.18; eight studies, 8915 participants; low quality evidence) and death or non-fatal MI (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.2; seven studies, 7715 participants; low quality evidence) with invasive strategies compared to conservative (selective invasive) strategies at six to 12 months follow-up. There was appreciable risk reduction in MI (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.00; eight studies, 8915 participants; moderate quality evidence), refractory angina (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.79; five studies, 8287 participants; moderate quality evidence) and re-hospitalisation (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.94; six studies, 6921 participants; moderate quality evidence) with routine invasive strategies compared to conservative (selective invasive) strategies also at six to 12 months follow-up.Evidence also showed increased risks in bleeding (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.31; six studies, 7584 participants; moderate quality evidence) and procedure-related MI (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.37; five studies, 6380 participants; moderate quality evidence) with routine invasive strategies compared to conservative (selective invasive) strategies.The low quality evidence were as a result of serious risk of bias and imprecision in the estimate of effect while moderate quality evidence was only due to serious risk of bias.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In the all-study analysis, the evidence failed to show appreciable benefit with routine invasive strategies for unstable angina and non-ST elevation MI compared to conservative strategies in all-cause mortality and death or non-fatal MI at six to 12 months. There was evidence of risk reduction in MI, refractory angina and re-hospitalisation with routine invasive strategies compared to conservative (selective invasive) strategies at six to 12 months follow-up. However, routine invasive strategies were associated with a relatively high risk (almost double the risk) of procedure-related MI, and increased risk of bleeding complications. This systematic analysis of published RCTs supports the conclusion that, in patients with UA/NSTEMI, a selectively invasive (conservative) strategy based on clinical risk for recurrent events is the preferred management strategy.

Prognostic importance of electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with acute noncardiac conditions

The electrocardiogram's (ECG) ability to aid in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with acute coronary syndromes is well established. We sought to investigate the prognostic significance of ECG abnormalities in patients with noncardiac conditions in the emergency department. Patients presenting to the emergency department who were evaluated for possible acute coronary syndrome were consecutively enrolled and an initial ECG was obtained (n = 1024). Only patients with noncardiac diagnoses were reviewed in this analysis (n=493) and 30-month follow-up was obtained. Sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation/flutter, ST depression, and left bundle branch block were associated with increased 30-month mortality. After controlling for history of coronary artery disease, age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and renal insufficiency, sinus tachycardia and ST-segment depression ≥1 mm were independent predictors of 30-month mortality with a hazard ratio of 2.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.36-4.00; P = 0.002) and 2.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.10-5.67; P = 0.029), respectively. In conclusion, ST-segment depression and sinus tachycardia in patients presenting to the hospital with noncardiac conditions are independently associated with increased 30-month mortality.

Early invasive versus conservative strategies for unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in the stent era

BACKGROUND

In patients with unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI) two strategies are possible, either a routine invasive strategy where all patients undergo coronary angiography shortly after admission and, if indicated, coronary revascularization; or a conservative strategy where medical therapy alone is used initially, with selection of patients for angiography based on clinical symptoms or investigational evidence of persistent myocardial ischemia.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the benefits of an invasive compared to conservative strategy for treating UA/NSTEMI in the stent era.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 1), MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (1996 to February 2008) with no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Included studies were prospective trials comparing invasive with conservative strategies in UA/NSTEMI.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We identified five studies (7818 participants). Using intention-to-treat analysis with random-effects models, summary estimates of relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined for primary end-points of all-cause death, fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, all-cause death or non-fatal myocardial infarction, and refractory angina. Further analysis of included studies was undertaken based on whether glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists were used routinely. Heterogeneity was assessed using Chi(2) and variance (I(2) statistic) methods.

MAIN RESULTS

In the all-study analysis, mortality during initial hospitalization showed a trend to hazard with an invasive strategy (RR 1.59, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.64). The invasive strategy did not reduce death on longer-term follow up. Myocardial infarction rates assessed at 6 to 12 months (5 trials) and 3 to 5 years (3 trials) were significantly decreased by an invasive strategy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.86; and RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.92 respectively). The incidence of early (< 4 month) and intermediate (6 to 12 month) refractory angina were both significantly decreased by an invasive strategy (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.68; and RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.83 respectively), as were early and intermediate rehospitalization rates (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41to 0.88; and RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.74 respectively). The invasive strategy was associated with a two-fold increase in the RR of peri-procedural myocardial infarction (as variably defined) and a 1.7-fold increase in the RR of (minor) bleeding with no hazard of stroke.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Compared to a conservative strategy for UA/NSTEMI, an invasive strategy is associated with reduced rates of refractory angina and rehospitalization in the shorter term and myocardial infarction in the longer term. However, the invasive strategy is associated with a doubled risk of procedure-related heart attack and increased risk of bleeding and procedural biomarker leaks. Available data suggest that an invasive strategy may be particularly useful in those at high risk for recurrent events.

Modified Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score to risk stratify patients in the emergency department with possible acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prognostic utility of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score in patients in the emergency department (ED) evaluated for possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

BACKGROUND

The ability of the TIMI risk score to risk stratify patients at initial presentation in the ED with chest pain of unclear etiology is uncertain.

METHODS

We investigated the prognostic utility of the TIMI risk score in 947 consecutive patients evaluated in the ED for possible ACS. A multivariate analysis was done to evaluate the independent predictive power of the individual components of the TIMI risk score to predict an adverse event at 30 days (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization).

RESULTS

There were 151 (16%) patients diagnosed with ACS. At 30 days there were 48 (5%) deaths, 84 (9%) myocardial infarctions, and 49 (5%) coronary revascularization procedures. The mean TIMI risk score was significantly higher in patients with an adverse event compared with those without (2.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 1.7 +/- 1.2, P < 0.0001). Four of the 7 TIMI risk factors (age > or = 65 years, ST segment deviation > or = 0.5 mm elevated troponin I, and coronary stenosis > or = 50%) were independently associated with adverse events. A simplified TIMI risk score was computed and was found to have similar prognostic ability as the 7 variable TIMI risk score.

CONCLUSION

A modified TIMI risk score may simplify risk stratification of ED patients with undifferentiated chest pain.

Impact of invasive management versus noninvasive management on functional status and quality of life following non-Q-wave myocardial infarction: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have examined whether clinical outcomes are improved by invasive management following non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (NQWMI). However, it remains unclear whether functional status and quality of life are affected by an invasive strategy.

METHODS

Following NQWMI, we randomized 88 patients to invasive management vs noninvasive management. The primary end point was functional status assessed at 12 months using maximal endurance exercise treadmill testing measured in metabolic equivalents. Secondary end points included changes in scores between baseline and 12 months on the Duke Activity Status Index, the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Survey.

RESULTS

Of the 42 patients in the invasive arm, 83% underwent initial angiography. Of the 46 patients in the noninvasive arm, 91% underwent initial stress testing. Inhospital and 12-month revascularization rates were similar in the 2 arms (24% vs 22%, P > or = .99; 31% vs 30%, P > or = .99). Maximal endurance exercise treadmill testing was also similar at 12 months (7.8 vs 6.7 metabolic equivalents, P = .24). Patients in the invasive arm showed improved functional status by mean difference in their Duke Activity Status Index scores (4.3 vs -3.5, P = .04). Improvements in angina-specific quality of life for patients in the invasive arm were demonstrated by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire measures of anginal stability (21.6 vs -5.3, P = .02), anginal frequency (22.9 vs 2.3, P = .02), treatment satisfaction (11.2 vs -10.3, P = .02), and disease perception (24.7% vs 10.9%, P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with patients undergoing noninvasive management of NQWMI, patients undergoing invasive management have some measures indicative of improved functional status.

Health-related quality of life after interventional or conservative strategy in patients with unstable angina or non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

We sought to compare the effects of an early interventional strategy (IS) versus a conservative strategy (CS) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

BACKGROUND

The third Randomized Intervention Trial of unstable Angina (RITA-3) evaluated early IS (n = 895) versus CS (n = 915). We report one-year results of the RITA-3 trial concerning HRQOL.

METHODS

The patients' HRQOL was assessed with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) at four-month and one-year follow-up, and the EuroQOL Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) and EuroQOL 5-Dimensional Classification (EQ-5D) also measured at baseline. Analysis was performed using the two-sample t test and analysis of co-variance.

RESULTS

Mean changes from baseline EQ-VAS scores were better for IS than for CS at four months (treatment difference of 3.0, p < 0.001) and one year (2.3, p < 0.01). The EQ-5D utility scores were also higher for IS at four months (treatment difference: 0.036, p < 0.01) and at one year (0.016, p = 0.20). For SF-36, IS scored significantly better at four months for physical function, physical role function, emotional role function, social function, vitality, and general health. The SAQ scores for exertional capacity, anginal stability and frequency, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception were better for IS at four months. These treatment differences were present but attenuated by one-year follow-up. Improvements in HRQOL for IS could be attributed to improvements in anginal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS, an early IS provides greater gains in HRQOL, as compared with CS, mainly due to improvements in angina grade.

Inpatient costs of major cardiovascular events

OBJECTIVE

Many trials of new therapies for cardiovascular disease include economic measures to assess the impact of treatment on healthcare costs, however, it is difficult to compare results between trials due to variation in methods for assigning costs. Therefore we developed a standard library of inpatient hospital costs for major cardiovascular events commonly reported in trials for new cardiovascular therapies.

DESIGN

Mean and median hospital charges for each event were calculated from Medicare admissions selected by ICD-9-CM codes from the most recent Healthcare Cost and Utilisation Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database available. Charges were converted to costs using the cost-to-charge ratio from the most recent Medicare cost report data and updated to 1999 using a model derived from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) forecast to recommend annual updates to Medicare.

RESULTS

Total hospital costs for medical events ranged from $US3654 (1999 values) to $US7833; total hospital costs for surgery and procedures ranged from $US7054 to $US46 317. The distribution of hospital costs is skewed with median costs and lengths of stay lower than mean values. Costs for patients who died in the hospital were generally higher than costs for patients who were discharged.

CONCLUSIONS

The library of costs was calculated using a uniform method based on publicly available and easily accessible data and may be updated from year to year. This method provides standardised estimates of hospital costs that can be used in economic analyses of cardiovascular clinical trials.

Comparison of exercise echocardiography to exercise electrocardiographic testing added to echocardiography at rest for risk stratification after uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction

Recommendations for risk assessment after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) include electrocardiographic (ECG) exercise testing. We hypothesized that a more sensitive technique, exercise echocardiography (EE), would refer a greater number of patients to invasive procedures. Therefore, we compared a strategy based on EE with a strategy based on ECG exercise testing for patients with uncomplicated AMI. A series of 164 patients referred for exercise testing after AMI were randomized to treadmill EE (strategy 2) or baseline echocardiography and ECG treadmill exercise testing (strategy 1). Ischemic response was more frequently detected with strategy 2 (59% vs 27%, p <0.001), and consequently angiography and revascularization procedures were more commonly performed (59 vs 32 procedures, p <0.01 and 46 vs 19 procedures, p <0.001, respectively). Fourteen percent and 15% of patients experienced soft events (unstable angina, heart failure, or late revascularization) after strategy 1 and strategy 2, respectively (p = NS); 6% and 9% of patients had hard events (nonfatal AMI or cardiovascular death) at follow-up (p = NS). In conclusion, a strategy based on EE detected more patients with ischemia; therefore, more patients were submitted to coronary angiography and revascularization procedures. No differences were detected in cardiac events when we compared this strategy with the less expensive ECG exercise testing after uncomplicated AMI.

Review of the Current ACS Practice Guideline to Develop an Ischemic Chest Pain Protocol

This review covers the major recommendations to the 2000 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) Practice Guidelines. This review describes the evidence-based medicine that rationalizes the recommended pharmacotherapy for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non- STEMI (NSTEMI) ACS. To ensure conformity, an Ischemic Chest Pain Protocol (ICPP) order form was developed. The ICPP is like a menu that includes orders for all the recommended therapies in an easy-to-use checklist format. The ICPP has facilitated the implementation, acceptance, and understanding of the 2002 ACC/AHA ACS practice guidelines. Hence with improved conformity, it is hoped that the improved outcomes that were intended will result. A description of the ICPP and a mechanism for implementation is provided in this article.

Cost-effectiveness of coronary stenting in acute myocardial infarction: results from the stent primary angioplasty in myocardial infarction (stent-PAMI) trial

BACKGROUND

Although several randomized trials have demonstrated that coronary stenting improves angiographic and clinical outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the cost-effectiveness of this practice is unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the long-term costs and cost-effectiveness (C/E) of coronary stenting compared with primary balloon angioplasty as treatment for AMI. Methods and Results- Between December 1996 and November 1997, 900 patients with AMI were randomized to undergo balloon angioplasty (PTCA, n=448) or coronary stenting (n=452). Detailed resource utilization and cost data were collected for each patient's initial hospitalization and for 1 year after randomization. Compared with conventional PTCA, stenting increased procedural costs by approximately $2000 per patient ($6538+/-1778 versus $4561+/-1598, P<0.001). During the 1-year follow-up period, stenting was associated with significant reductions in the need for repeat revascularization and rehospitalization. Although follow-up costs were significantly lower with stenting ($3613+/-7743 versus $4592+/-8198, P=0.03), overall 1-year costs remained approximately $1000/patient higher with stenting than with PTCA ($20 571+/-10 693 versus 19 595+/-10 990, P=0.02). The C/E ratio for stenting compared with PTCA was $10 550 per repeat revascularization avoided. In analyses that incorporated recent changes in stent technology and pricing, the 1-year cost differential fell to <$350/patient, and the C/E ratio improved to $3753 per repeat revascularization avoided. The cost-utility ratio for primary stenting was <$50 000 per quality-adjusted life year gained only if stenting did not increase 1-year mortality by >0.2% compared with PTCA.

CONCLUSIONS

As performed in Stent-PAMI, primary stenting for AMI increased 1-year medical care costs compared with primary PTCA. The overall cost-effectiveness of primary stenting depends on the societal value attributed to avoidance of symptomatic restenosis, as well as on the relative mortality rates of primary PTCA and stenting.

Comparing the national economic burden of five chronic conditions

Using a nationally representative sample of 23,230 U.S. residents, we examine patterns of economic burden across five chronic conditions: mood disorders, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and hypertension. Almost half of U.S. health care costs in 1996 were borne by persons with one or more of these five conditions; of that spending amount, only about one-quarter was spent on treating the conditions themselves and the remainder on coexistent illnesses. Each condition demonstrated substantial economic burden but also unique characteristics and patterns of service use driving those costs. The findings highlight the differing challenges involved in understanding needs and improving care across particular chronic conditions.

Ninety-minute exclusion of acute myocardial infarction by use of quantitative point-of-care testing of myoglobin and troponin I

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic strategies with ECG and serum cardiac markers have been used to rule out acute myocardial infarction in 6 to 12 hours. The present study evaluated whether a multimarker strategy that used point-of-care measurement of myoglobin, creatine kinase (CK)-MB, and troponin I could exclude acute myocardial infarction in </=3 hours.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients (n=817) in the emergency department who were evaluated for possible acute myocardial infarction. In patients with nondiagnostic ECGs, we measured CK-MB, troponin I, and myoglobin with a point-of-care device at presentation and at 90 minutes, 3 hours, and 9 hours. Standard central laboratory testing of CK-MB was done at the same time intervals, and triage decisions were made by emergency physicians who were unaware of point-of-care results. Sensitivity and negative predictive value were compared for both the multimarker, point-of-care approach and the central laboratory strategy. Sensitivity and negative predictive value for point-of-care combination of myoglobin and troponin I by 90 minutes was 96.9% and 99.6%, respectively. CK-MB measurements and blood sampling at 3 hours did not improve sensitivity or negative predictive value. Median time from sampling to reporting of results was 71.0 minutes for the central laboratory versus 24.0 minutes for the point-of-care device (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute myocardial infarction can be excluded rapidly in the emergency department by use of point-of-care measurements of myoglobin and troponin I during the first 90 minutes after presentation.

The UK version of the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ-UK): reliability, validity and responsiveness

The study assesses the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the UK version of the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ-UK). The instrument was anglicised and administered by self-completed postal questionnaire to 959 patients recruited from general practices in the North East of England. A total of 655 (68.3%) patients returned a completed questionnaire. Principal component analysis produced three important dimensions: physical limitations, anginal frequency and perception and treatment satisfaction. Four items that performed poorly were removed from the instrument. The removal of items greatly increased the number of computable scale scores. Estimates of internal reliability for the three dimensions ranged from 0.83-0.92. Estimates of test-retest reliability were above accepted standards. The correlation between the SAQ-UK scores and the SF-12, EuroQol and health transition was evidence for the validity of the instrument. The SAQ-UK produced responsiveness statistics that were comparable to the parent instrument and was more responsive to improvements in health than the generic instruments. The SAQ-UK is recommended as a measure of health outcome for the evaluation of angina management.

A time-to-treatment analysis in the medicine versus angiography in thrombolytic exclusion (MATE) trial

Patients with acute coronary syndromes who are considered ineligible for thrombolytic therapy are at high risk of recurrent ischemia and death. This trial randomized 201 patients to triage angiography in the first 24 hours of hospital admission versus conventional medical care. Of the 165 patients who underwent angiography that was either protocol-driven or on the basis of physician preference, those who underwent angiography within 6 hours of symptom onset had a reduction in early and late adverse events. The rates of in-hospital recurrent ischemia were 15.4%, 15.4%, 17.5%, 32.4%, and 38.5%, respectively (P = 0.01 for trend), and rates of cumulative recurrent myocardial infarction or death were 0%, 12.8%, 10.0%, 11.8%, and 7.7%, respectively (P = 0.48 for trend) for patients who underwent angiography at 0-6, 6-12, 12-24, 24-48, and over 48 hours, respectively from symptom onset. Future trials of invasive versus conservative therapy should focus on performing angiography within 6 hours of symptom onset.

Intracoronary basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) in patients with severe ischemic heart disease: results of a phase I open-label dose escalation study

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of intracoronary (IC) basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF-2).

BACKGROUND

FGF-2 is a heparin-binding growth factor capable of inducing functionally significant angiogenesis in animal models of myocardial ischemia.

METHODS

Phase I, open-label dose-escalation study of FGF-2 administered as a single 20-min infusion in patients with ischemic heart disease not amenable to treatment with CABG or PTCA.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients enrolled in this study received IC FGF-2 (0.33 to 48 microg/kg). Hypotension was dose-dependent and dose-limiting, with 36 microg/kg being the maximally tolerated dose. Four patients died and four patients had non-Q-wave myocardial infarctions. Laboratory parameters and retinal examinations showed mild and mainly transient changes during the 6-month follow-up. There was an improvement in quality of life as assessed by Seattle Angina Questionnaire and improvement in exercise tolerance as assessed by treadmill exercise testing (510+/-24 s at baseline, 561+/-26 s at day 29 [p = 0.023], 609+/-26 s at day 57 (p < 0.001), and 633+/-24 s at day 180 (p < 0.001), overall p < 0.001). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed increased regional wall thickening (baseline: 34+/-1.7%, day 29: 38.7+/-1.9% [p = 0.006], day 57: 41.4+/-1.9% [p < 0.001], and day 180: 42.0+/-2.3% [p < 0.001], overall p = 0.001) and a reduction in the extent of the ischemic area at all time points compared with baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracoronary administration of rFGF-2 appears safe and is well tolerated over a 100-fold dose range (0.33 to 0.36 microk/kg). Preliminary evidence of efficacy is tempered by the open-label uncontrolled design of the study.

[The efficacy of platelet IIb/IIIa receptor blockers in acute coronary syndromes]

The knowledge of the central role of platelets in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes, on the one hand, and the fact that aspirin is a weak antiplatelet agent on the other, have led to an intensive investigational activity in antiplatelet drugs in the last years. Actually, the literature in the last two years is inundated with studies on the use of platelet IIb/IIIa receptor blockers in different clinical settings. Agents that block the IIb/IIIa platelet receptor have shown to be useful in improving prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndromes, especially in those undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization procedures. However, their potential risk of bleeding and their high cost have prevented them from being applied universally and routinely. Furthermore there are still some unclear issues regarding the use of these drugs such as their correct dosage, the optimal duration of treatment and the direct comparison of the efficacy of different types of IIb/IIIa blockers available. On the other hand, oral IIb/IIIa antagonists have not improved the efficacy of aspirin to date and, moreover, they have been proven to be unsafe. Finally, it is necessary to identify those patients who will obtain the greatest benefit from the treatment in order to avoid the unnecessary risks and costs that would be derived from their universal use.

Newer antithrombotic strategies in the initial management of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

OBJECTIVE

To review the place in therapy of currently available antithrombotic agents in the non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, that is, unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI). Recommendations are made based on currently available data.

DATA SOURCE

English-language clinical studies, position statements, and review articles pertaining to the management of unstable angina and non-Q-wave MI with currently available products.

STUDY SELECTION

Selection of prospective clinical studies was limited to those focusing on the management of the non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, unstable angina, and non-Q-wave MI.

DATA SYNTHESIS

It has yet to be determined which combination of agents (dalteparin, enoxaparin, lepirudin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban) and procedural strategies most significantly reduces mortality and serious events in these patients. The relevant pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and risk-stratifying procedures are reviewed in context with information from clinical studies regarding currently available agents for the management of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.

CONCLUSIONS

A large number of new therapeutic classes and agents are available for the treatment of unstable angina and non-Q-wave MI. Although the diagnoses of unstable angina or non-Q-wave MI identify risk, treatment decisions are often based on the presence or absence of ST-segment elevations. Limited prospective evidence delineates the proper utilization of resources to best manage these patients. Efforts should be aimed at identifying particular patients who will best benefit from recently available therapies.

Invasive versus conservative strategies in unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction following treatment with tirofiban: rationale and study design of the international TACTICS-TIMI 18 Trial. Treat Angina with Aggrastat and determine Cost of Therapy with an Invasive or Conservative Strategy. Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction

In the management of unstable angina and non-Q-wave acute myocardial infarction (AMI), there is considerable debate regarding the use of invasive strategy versus conservative strategy. The Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) III B trial found similar clinical outcomes for the 2 strategies, but the Veterans Administration Non-Q-Wave Infarction Strategies in-Hospital trial found a higher mortality with the invasive strategy. Both these trials were conducted before platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition and coronary stenting, both of which improve clinical outcome. Thus, there is a need to reexamine the question of which management strategy is optimal in the current era of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition and new coronary interventions. The Treat Angina with Aggrastat and determine Cost of Therapy with an Invasive or Conservative Strategy (TACTICS-TIMI 18) trial is an international, multicenter, randomized trial that is evaluating the clinical efficacy of early invasive and early conservative treatment strategies in patients with unstable angina or non-Q-wave AMI treated with tirofiban, heparin, and aspirin. Patients are randomized to an invasive strategy, involving cardiac catheterization within 4 to 48 hours and revascularization with angioplasty or bypass surgery if feasible, versus a conservative strategy, where patients are referred for catheterization only for recurrent pain at rest or provokable ischemia. The primary end point is death, MI, or rehospitalization for acute coronary syndromes through a 6-month follow-up. The trial is also testing the "troponin hypothesis," that baseline troponins T and I will be useful in selecting an optimal management strategy.