Acute coronary syndromes: Diagnosis and management, part II

A Systematic Review: Do the Use of Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Artificial Intelligence Improve Patient Outcomes in Acute Myocardial Ischemia Compared to Clinician-Only Approaches?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) present a significant global health challenge and remain a primary cause of death. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improved outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly acute myocardial infarction (AMI) cases. Artificial intelligence (AI) can detect heart disease early by analyzing patient information and electrocardiogram (ECG) data, providing invaluable insights into this critical health issue. However, the imbalanced nature of ECG and patient data presents challenges for traditional machine learning (ML) algorithms in performing unbiasedly. Investigators have proposed various data-level and algorithm-level solutions to overcome these challenges. In this study, we used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach to give an overview of the current literature and to highlight the difficulties of utilizing ML, deep learning (DL), and AI algorithms in predicting, diagnosing, and prognosis of heart diseases. We reviewed 181 articles from reputable journals published between 2013 and June 15, 2023, focusing on eight selected papers for in-depth analysis. The analysis considered factors such as heart disease type, algorithms used, applications, and proposed solutions and compared the benefits of algorithms combined with clinicians versus clinicians alone. This systematic review revealed that the current ML-based diagnostic approaches face several open problems and issues when implementing ML, DL, and AI in real-life settings. Although these algorithms show higher sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies in detecting heart disease, we must address the ethical concerns while implementing these models into clinical practice. The transparency of how these algorithms operate remains a challenge. Nevertheless, further exploration and research in ML, DL, and AI are necessary to overcome these challenges and fully harness their potential to improve health outcomes for patients with AMI.

Prognostic value of circulating microRNA-21-5p and microRNA-126 in patients with acute myocardial infarction and infarct-related artery total occlusion

Background

Cardiovascular disease, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is a major global cause of mortality and morbidity. Specificity and sensitivity limit the utility of classic diagnostic biomarkers for AMI. Therefore, it is critical to identify novel biomarkers for its accurate diagnosis. Cumulative studies have demonstrated that circulating microRNAs (miRs) participate in the pathophysiological processes of AMI and are promising diagnostic biomarkers for the condition. This study aimed to ascertain the diagnostic accuracy of circulating miR-21-5p and miR-126 used as biomarkers in patients with AMI and infarct-related artery total occlusion (IR-ATO) or infarct-related blood-vessel recanalization (IR-BVR).

Methods

The expression of miR-21-5p and miR-126 was examined separately in 50 healthy subjects, 51 patients with IR-ATO AMI, and 49 patients with IR-BVR AMI using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

When compared with the control group, the IR-ATO AMI group exhibited increased miR-21-5p (p < 0.0001) and miR-126 (p < 0.0001), and the IR-BVR AMI group exhibited increased miR-21-5p (p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in miR-126 between the IR-BVR AMI and the control groups. A Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a strong correlation was found between miR-21-5p, miR-126, cardiac troponin-I, and creatine kinase isoenzyme in all three groups, while a receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that miR-21-5p and miR-126 exhibited considerable diagnostic accuracy for IR-ATO AMI.

Conclusion

Circulating miR-21-5p and miR-126 may be promising prognostic biomarkers for patients with AMI and IR-ATO.

Impact of Stress Hyperglycemia on the Timing of Complete Revascularization in Non-diabetes Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease

Background: Stress hyperglycemia (SHG) is related to an increased risk of mortality in diabetic patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). However, data are limited in non-diabetic patients especially in patients with multivessel disease (MVD). Methods and Results: In this retrospective study, 742 non-diabetic patients with STEMI and MVD were divided into SHG group and non-SHG group. The overall incidence of SHG was 24.9%. The incidence of no-reflow (NR) phenomenon (18.4% vs 11.8%; P = .024) and in-hospital mortality (1.6% vs .2%; P = .020) in SHG group were significantly higher than those in non-SHG group. SHG was associated with 30-day MACE (hazard ratio, 4.265; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.354-13.439; P = .013), but not 1-year. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that SHG (odds ratio: 1.691, 95% CI: 1.072-2.667, P = .024) was an independent predictor of NR. If complete revascularization (CR) was performed during PPCI, the incidence of NR would be significantly higher. Conclusion: In non-diabetic patients with STEMI and MVD, SHG is associated with increased SF-NR and short-term adverse events, and CR during PPCI further increases the risk of NR.

CircRNA-miRNA interactions in atherogenesis

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD) which includes unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. The onset of atherogenesis, a process of atherosclerotic lesion formation in the intima of arteries, is driven by lipid accumulation, a vicious cycle of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions leading to endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation, and foam cell formation which further fuel plaque formation and destabilization. In recent years, there is a surge in the number of publications reporting the involvement of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and metabolic syndromes. These studies have advanced our understanding on the biological functions of circRNAs. One of the most common mechanism of action of circRNAs reported is the sponging of microRNAs (miRNAs) by binding to the miRNAs response element (MRE), thereby indirectly increases the transcription of their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Individual networks of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA associated with atherogenesis have been extensively reported, however, there is a need to connect these findings for a complete overview. This review aims to provide an update on atherogenesis-related circRNAs and analyze the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions in atherogenesis. The atherogenic mechanisms and clinical relevance of each atherogenesis-related circRNA were systematically discussed for better understanding of the knowledge gap in this area.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Presenting With Hiccups

Acute coronary syndrome can present with atypical symptoms. Hiccups, generally considered benign and self-limiting, can be an indicator of myocardial ischemia if persistent. We present the case of a 62-year-old gentleman with a past medical history significant for hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, and ischemic stroke who presented with persistent hiccups. Coronary angiogram revealed severe triple vessel disease and he underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery, following which his hiccups resolved. There are very few cases that report the association of hiccups and myocardial ischemia. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in which hiccups were a part of the primary symptoms associated with severe triple vessel coronary artery disease. This could be due to irritation of the phrenic nerve from the infarcted myocardium resulting in activation of the hiccup reflex arc. Our case highlights the association between these two common entities and stresses the importance of having a high index of suspicion, especially among high-risk and elderly patients.

Screening for depression and anxiety among patients with acute coronary syndrome in acute care settings: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to scope the literature for publications on the practice of screening for depression and anxiety in acute coronary syndrome patients in acute care by identifying instruments for the screening of anxiety and/or depression; determining if screening for anxiety and/or depression has been integrated into cardiac models of care and clinical pathways; and identifying any evidence practice gap in the screening and management of anxiety and/or depression in this population.

INTRODUCTION

Depression in acute coronary syndrome is bidirectional. Depression is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and comorbid depression is associated with a twofold greater risk of mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. The presence of acute coronary syndrome increases the risk of depressive disorders or anxiety during the first one to two years following an acute event, and both depression and anxiety are associated with a higher risk of further acute coronary health concerns. Clinical practice guidelines have previously recommended routine screening for depression following a cardiac event, although many current guidelines do not include recommendations for screening in an acute setting. To date there have been no previous scoping reviews investigating depression and anxiety screening in patients with acute coronary syndrome in the acute care setting.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Adults (18 years and over) with acute coronary syndrome who are screened for anxiety and/or depression (not anxiety alone) in an acute care setting.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was conducted by a research librarian. Research studies of any design published in English from January 1, 2012, to May 31, 2018, were included. Data were extracted from the included studies to address the three objectives. Purposefully designed tables were used to collate information and present findings. Data are also presented as figures and by narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Fifty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. Primary research studies were from 21 countries and included 21,790 participants; clinical practice guidelines were from two countries. The most common instruments used for the screening of depression and anxiety were: i) the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (n = 18); ii) the Beck Depression Inventory (n = 16); and iii) the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (n = 7). Eleven studies included screening for anxiety in 2181 participants (30% female) using the full version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to screen 444 participants in three of the studies. Four studies applied an intervention for those found to have depression, including two randomized controlled trials with interventions targeting depression. Of the seven acute coronary syndrome international guidelines published since 2012, three (43%) did not contain any recommendations for screening for depression and anxiety, although four (57%) had recommendations for treatment of comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

This review has identified a lack of consistency in how depression and anxiety screening tools are integrated into cardiac models of care and clinical pathways. Guidelines for acute coronary syndrome are not consistent in their recommendations for screening for depression and/or anxiety, or in identifying the best screening tools.

Vasodilator Myocardial Perfusion Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Superior to Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in the Detection of Relevant Coronary Artery Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Their Diagnostic Accuracy

Objectives: Guideline recommendations for patients with either a high or a low risk of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) are clear. However, the evidence for initial risk stratification in patients with an intermediate risk of CAD is still unclear, despite the availability of multiple non-invasive assessment strategies. The aim of this study was to synthesize the evidence for this population to provide more informed recommendations. Background: A meta-analysis was performed to systematically assess the diagnostic accuracy of vasodilator myocardial perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (pCMR) and dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) for the detection of relevant CAD. In contrast to previous work, this meta-analysis follows rigorous selection criteria in regards to the risk stratification and a narrowly prespecified definition of their invasive reference tests, resulting in unprecedentedly informative results for this reference group. Data Collection and Analysis: From the 5,634 studies identified, 1,306 relevant articles were selected after title screening and further abstract screening left 865 studies for full-text review. Of these, 47 studies fulfilled all inclusion criteria resulting in a total sample size of 4,742 patients. Results: pCMR studies showed a superior sensitivity [0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-0.90) vs. 0.72 (95% CI: 0.61-0.81)], diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) [38 (95% CI: 29-49) vs. 20 (95% CI: 9-46)] and an augmented post-test probability [negative likelihood ratio (LR) of 0.14 (95% CI: 0.12-0.18) vs. 0.31 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.46)] as compared to DSE. Specificity was statistically indifferent [0.84 (95% CI: 0.81-0.87) vs. 0.89 (95% CI: 0.83-0.93)]. Conclusion: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that pCMR has a superior diagnostic test accuracy for relevant CAD compared to DSE. In patients with intermediate risk of CAD only pCMR can reliably rule out relevant stenosis. In this risk cohort, pCMR can be offered for initial risk stratification and guidance of further invasive treatment as it also rules in relevant CAD.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is Not Associated with Increased Inpatient Mortality in Patients Admitted for Acute Coronary Syndrome

Objectives: This study aims to compare the outcomes of patients admitted primarily for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with and without a secondary diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Data were abstracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2016 and 2017 Database. The NIS was searched for hospitalizations of adult patients with ACS as principal diagnoses, with and without RA as a secondary diagnosis. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospitalization characteristics and cardiovascular therapies. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis were used accordingly to adjust for confounders.

Results: There were over 71 million discharges included in the combined 2016 and 2017 NIS database. Out of 1.3 million patients with ACS, 22,615 (1.7%) had RA. RA group was older (70.4 vs 66.8 years, P<0.001) as compared to the non-RA group, and had more females (63.7% vs 37.7%, P<0.0001). Patients with RA had a 16% reduced risk of in-hospital mortality: odds ratio (OR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.72-0.99), P=0.034; less odds of undergoing intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP): OR 0.78, 95% CI (0.64-0.95), P=0.015; and 0.18 days shorter hospital length of stay (LOS): 95% CI (0.32-0.05), P=0.009. However, odds of undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent (PCI DES) at OR 1.14, 95% CI (1.07-1.23), P<0.0001 was significantly higher in the RA group compared to ACS without RA.

Conclusions: Patients admitted for ACS with co-existing RA had lower adjusted inpatient mortality, less odds of undergoing IABP, shorter adjusted LOS, and greater adjusted odds of undergoing PCI DES compared to those without RA.

A noteworthy clue for diagnosing non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction by computed tomography without ECG synchronization: a case report

Background

Although timely coronary intervention can result in markedly improved clinical outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), non-ST-elevation (NSTE)-ACS is sometimes difficult to accurately diagnose.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old woman complained of acute chest pain with sudden onset. Both electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography showed normal results, and we urgently needed to make a differential diagnosis among critical illnesses such as acute coronary syndrome and nonischemic cardiovascular life-threatening diseases. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) without ECG synchronization showed evidence of neither aortic dissection nor pulmonary embolism, but regionally reduced contrast enhancement in the posterior myocardium, which were suggestive of myocardial ischemia. Emergency coronary angiography demonstrated severe stenosis of the left circumflex artery, and we achieved favorable revascularization with drug-eluting stent deployment.

Conclusions

We diagnosed a patient with NSTE-ACS in whom contrast-enhanced CT without ECG synchronization was effective for visualization of reduced myocardial perfusion, suggesting ischemic heart disease.

Changing Metabolism in Differentiating Cardiac Progenitor Cells-Can Stem Cells Become Metabolically Flexible Cardiomyocytes?

The heart is a metabolic omnivore and the adult heart selects the substrate best suited for each circumstance, with fatty acid oxidation preferred in order to fulfill the high energy demand of the contracting myocardium. The fetal heart exists in an hypoxic environment and obtains the bulk of its energy via glycolysis. After birth, the "fetal switch" to oxidative metabolism of glucose and fatty acids has been linked to the loss of the regenerative phenotype. Various stem cell types have been used in differentiation studies, but most are cultured in high glucose media. This does not change in the majority of cardiac differentiation protocols. Despite the fact that metabolic state affects marker expression and cellular function and activity, the substrate composition is currently being overlooked. In this review we discuss changes in cardiac metabolism during development, the various protocols used to differentiate progenitor cells to cardiomyocytes, what is known about stem cell metabolism and how consideration of metabolism can contribute toward maturation of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

Acute coronary syndrome: Relationship between genetic variants and TIMI risk

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a multifactorial disease, including the genetic factor, caused by coronary artery obstruction by atheroma. Some genetic variants have been described as risk factors for this disease. Its early diagnosis and stratification of risk of death by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) are important. Therefore, we evaluated variants in the IL6R (c950-1722C>T), TNFa (c.-488G>A), LEPR (c.2673+1118C>T) and IL1b (c.-598T>C) genes in relation to TIMI risk, cytokine serum levels, and risk factors for ACS. We selected 200 patients with ACS, 50 without ACS from the Real Hospital Português, Recife - PE, and 295 blood donors at the Fundação de Hematologia e Hemoterapia de Pernambuco (Hemope). Variants were determined by DNA sequencing or enzymatic cleavage. Cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. The most frequent risk factors found in the patients were dyslipidemia and hypertension, this latter associated with high TIMI risk (p = 0.003). Genotype frequencies of IL6R and TNFa differed between patients with ACS and the blood donors (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.01, respectively), and TNF-α levels differed between genotypes. The TT genotype of the IL6R gene is as a possible protective factor for ACS because it was significantly more present in blood donors (32.2%) than in patients with ACS (18.0%), and was more frequent in low TIMI risk (22.9%) than in the intermediate (20.2%) or high (4.9%). In patients with ACS, the TT genotype in IL6R was related to a lower concentration of c-reactive protein (p = 0.03) and troponin (p = 0.02), showing a less inflammatory reaction and tissue damage. The differences in the frequencies of variants in genes of medical interest among the groups show the importance of studies in specific populations groups to establish the relationship between genes and diseases.

Persistent Hiccups as the Only Presenting Symptom of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Clinical manifestations of acute myocardial infarction can be more than just chest pain. Patients can present with dyspnea, fatigue, heart burn, diaphoresis, syncope, and abdominal pain to name a few. Our patient was a 74-year-old male with a past medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and COPD due to chronic tobacco use, who presented with persistent hiccups for 4 days and no other complaints. Coincidently, he was found to have a diabetic foot ulcer with sepsis and acute kidney injury and hence was admitted to the hospital. A routine 12-lead EKG was done, and he was found to have an inferior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction. He underwent diagnostic catheterization which demonstrated 100% right coronary artery occlusion and a thallium viability study which confirmed nonviable myocardium; hence, he did not undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. Elderly patients who present with persistent hiccups should be investigated for an underlying cardiac etiology.

Increased 30-day and 1-year mortality rates and lower coronary revascularisation rates following acute myocardial infarction in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease

Introduction

It is now well-recognised that patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease (AIRD) have a predisposition to cardiovascular disease that results in increased morbidity and mortality. Following myocardial infarction (MI), patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been shown to have an increased case fatality rate; however, this has not been demonstrated in other forms of AIRD. The aim of this study was to compare case fatality rates following a first MI in patients with AIRD versus the general population. The secondary aim was to compare revascularisation treatment following MI in patients with AIRD versus the general population.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using two population-based linked databases was undertaken. Cases of first MI from July 2001 to June 2007 were identified based on International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification, codes. Thirty-day and one-year mortality rates were calculated (all-cause and cardiovascular causes of death). Logistic regression models were fitted to calculate the odds of mortality by AIRD status with adjustment for relevant characteristics.

Results

There were 79,390 individuals with a first MI, of whom 1,409 (1.8%) had AIRD. After adjusting for relevant covariates, the odds ratio (OR) for 30-day cardiovascular mortality in patients with AIRD was 1.44 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25 to 1.66), and the OR for 12-month cardiovascular mortality was 1.71 (95% CI: 1.51 to 1.94). The 90-day adjusted odds of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass graft were significantly lower in the AIRD group compared with controls (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70 to 0.94, and OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.69, respectively).

Conclusions

We identified a higher risk-adjusted mortality rate for the majority of patients with AIRD at 30 days and 12 months after first MI. We also identified lower post-MI revascularisation rates in the AIRD group, suggesting there may be current gaps in cardiovascular treatment for patients with AIRD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0552-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Comparison between Quantitative Gated Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy and Strain Echocardiography as Indicators of Ventricular Functions in Patients with Anterior Myocardial Infarction

The purpose of this study is to compare the strain echocardiographic and scintigraphic parameters for evaluating of the left ventricular (LV) functions in patients with anterior myocardial infarction (MI). Fifty-four patients (male/female: 36/18; mean age 62 ± 13 years) with anterior MI were prospectively enrolled. All patients were performed gated myocardial perfusion scintigraphy gated single-photon emission computed tomography (GSPECT) and echocardiography (EC). GSPECT data were processed and analyzed using 4D-MSPECT (4DM, Invia Medical Imaging Solutions, Ann Arbor, MI, USA). The echocardiographic strain (S) and strain rate (SR) values were calculated. The results obtained by these techniques were compared each other. A total of 918 segments of LV wall were evaluated. In all patients, 385 segments were automatically scored as normokinetic, 206 as hypokinetic, 122 as akinetic, 205 as dyskinetic and 300 as normal thickening, 348 as decrease thickening and 270 as no thickening. The means of S and SR values in thickening and motion score groups according to GSPECT were statistically different from each other (P < 0.001). There was a negative significant correlation between LV wall thickening sum score and S and SR and between LV wall motion sum score and S and SR (P < 0.001). There was a good correlation between GSPECT and echocardiographic LV-ejection fraction (r = 0.7, P < 0.001). GSPECT and strain EC are similar in quantitative grading of the severity of regional and global myocardial dysfunction in patients with anterior MI and these techniques provide valuable diagnostic information.

Machine learning for risk prediction of acute coronary syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) accounts for 1.36 million hospitalizations and billions of dollars in costs in the United States alone. A major challenge to diagnosing and treating patients with suspected ACS is the significant symptom overlap between patients with and without ACS. There is a high cost to over- and under-treatment. Guidelines recommend early risk stratification of patients, but many tools lack sufficient accuracy for use in clinical practice. Prognostic indices often misrepresent clinical populations and rely on curated data. We used random forest and elastic net on 20,078 deidentified records with significant missing and noisy values to develop models that outperform existing ACS risk prediction tools. We found that the random forest (AUC = 0.848) significantly outperformed elastic net (AUC=0.818), ridge regression (AUC = 0.810), and the TIMI (AUC = 0.745) and GRACE (AUC = 0.623) scores. Our findings show that random forest applied to noisy and sparse data can perform on par with previously developed scoring metrics.

Statin initiation and treatment non-adherence following a first acute myocardial infarction in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease versus the general population

INTRODUCTION

To compare statin initiation and treatment non-adherence following a first acute myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD) and the general population.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a population-based linked database. Cases of first MI from July 2001 to June 2009 were identified based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-AM) codes. Statin initiation and adherence was identified based on pharmaceutical claims records. Logistic regression was used to assess the odds of statin initiation by IRD status. Non-adherence was assessed as the time to first treatment gap using a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

There were 18,518 individuals with an index MI over the time period surviving longer than 30 days, of whom 415 (2.2%) were IRD patients. The adjusted odds of receiving a statin by IRD status was significantly lower (OR =0.69, 95% CI: 0.55 to 0.86) compared to the general population. No association between IRD status and statin non-adherence was identified (hazard ratio (HR) =1.12, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Statin initiation was significantly lower for people with IRD conditions compared to the general population. Once initiated on statins, the proportion of IRD patients who adhered to treatment was similar to the general population. Given the burden of cardiovascular disease and excess mortality in IRD patients, encouraging the use of evidence-based therapies is critical for ensuring the best outcomes in this high risk group.

Impact of completeness of revascularization by coronary intervention on exercise capacity early after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background

The importance of achieving complete revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) on exercise capacity remains unclear.

Objective

To compare exercise capacity early after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), in patients receiving PCI with stenting, between those completely revascularized (CR) and those incompletely revascularized (IR).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 326 patients [single-vessel disease (SVD) group, 118 patients; multivessel disease (MVD) with CR group, 112 patients; MVD with IR group, 96 patients] who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing 7–30 days after STEMI to measure peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak), oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold (VO_2AT), and peak oxygen pulse. Demographic data, presence of concomitant diseases, STEMI characteristics, and echocardiography and angiography findings were evaluated.

Results

Most patients were male (89.0%) and mean age was 55.6 ± 11.2 years. Ischemic ST deviation occurred in 7.1%, with no significant difference between groups. VO_2peak and VO_2AT did not differ significantly between groups, despite a trend to be lower in the CR and IR groups compared with the SVD group. Peak oxygen pulse was significantly higher in the SVD group than in the IR group (p = 0.005). After adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, cardiovascular risk factors, MI characteristics and echocardiography parameters, CR was not an independent predictor of VO_2peak (OR = −0.123, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.986 to 0.232, p = 0.093), VO_2AT (OR = 0.002, 95% CI 1.735 to 1.773, p = 0.983), or peak oxygen pulse (OR = −0.102, 95% CI −1.435 to 0.105, p = 0.090).

Conclusion

CR in patients with STEMI treated with PCI for multivessel disease might show no benefit on short-term exercise tolerance over IR.

Increased risk of subsequent myocardial infarction in patients with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study using the U.K. General Practice Research Database

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risk of subsequent myocardial infarction (MI) between patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a retrospective cohort study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients with their first MI recorded in the U.K. General Practice Research Database in 1997-2008 were classified as T2DM, diagnosed before or within 28 days after the date of the first recorded MI (i.e., the index date), or non-T2DM. Patients diagnosed within 28 days after the index date were assumed to have developed T2DM at baseline (i.e., before the index date). The primary outcome was the first subsequent MI. The secondary outcomes were all-cause death and a composite of all-cause death or subsequent MI. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to obtain hazard ratios (HRs) for all outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 7,411 T2DM (median age 72 years; men 63.4%) and 48,726 non-T2DM patients (median age 69 years; men 65.3%) were included. The crude incidences (per 1,000 patient-years) in T2DM vs. non-T2DM were 32.8 vs. 22.8 for subsequent MI, 83.7 vs. 52.1 for all-cause death, and 106.5 vs. 69.9 for the composite end point. The adjusted HRs for subsequent MI, all-cause death, and their combination were 1.41 (95% CI 1.27-1.56), 1.50 (1.41-1.60), and 1.42 (1.34-1.50), respectively, in women and 1.23 (1.14-1.34), 1.40 (1.33-1.47), and 1.33 (1.27-1.39) in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with non-T2DM, T2DM was associated with an increased risk for subsequent MI, all-cause death, and their composite end point. The risk tends to be higher in women than in men.

Clinical outcomes, health resource use, and cost in patients with early versus late dual or triple anti-platelet treatment for acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) guidelines recommend early dual anti-platelet therapy (thienopyridines + acetylsalicylic acid [aspirin]). However, triple therapy (thienopyridines + aspirin + glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors [GRIs]) has shown benefit in clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed real-world ACS treatment patterns and outcomes in the acute care setting.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to hospital with ACS (index event) from January 2007 to December 2009 was conducted (Thomson's MarketScan Hospital Drug Database).

PATIENTS

Eligible patients were ≥18 years of age, of either sex, and had primary admission and discharge diagnoses of ACS.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Cohorts were defined by anti-platelet treatment and then by the timing of treatment initiation (early initiation: within ≤2 days of admission; late initiation: ≥2 days post-admission). Patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, resource utilization, and costs were assessed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 249,907 eligible patients were placed into four treatment cohorts (aspirin assumed for all patients): aspirin only; clopidogrel only (dual therapy); GRI only (dual therapy); and clopidogrel + GRI (triple therapy). Patients in the 'clopidogrel-only' cohort were more likely to be older, female, and have more co-morbidities than those in other cohorts; stroke (6.2 %) and re-hospitalization (15.4 %) rates were higher than in the 'GRI-only' and 'triple therapy' cohorts. The GRI-only cohort had higher major bleeding rates (3.3 %), mortality (7.6 %), and costs ($US21,975 [year 2010 values]) than the clopidogrel-only and triple-therapy cohorts. Late initiation cohorts were more likely to be older, female, and have more co-morbidities than early initiation cohorts. Major bleeding was more likely with GRI-only patients (regardless of initiation timing) than with other cohorts. Late-treated clopidogrel-only patients had higher rates of stroke (6.9 %), ACS-related re-admissions (6.1 %), and all-cause re-admissions (15.9 %) than other cohorts. Late treatment was associated with longer length of stay and significantly higher costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-world anti-platelet treatment patterns are consistent with ACS guidelines recommending early initiation and selective GRI use. In contrast to recommendations, some outcomes were improved with triple therapy compared with dual therapy.

[Acute myocardial infarction in Charleroi: evolution of risk factors and therapeutic practices]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study consists in analyzing the evolution of acute coronary risk factors as well as the 28 days case fatality and the therapeutic practices over 12 years of follow-up in Charleroi. The factors influencing the mortality of these patients are also investigated.

METHODS

The Charleroi register of ischaemic cardiopathies is the oldest register of infarctions in the French-speaking community of Belgium. Analyses presented hereafter relate only patients in the 25-69-year age range over time from 1998 to 2009. Some analysis was extended to 25-74-year range. Treatment and risk factors evolutions over time were analysed using Chi(2) tests. Logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing 28 days mortality.

RESULTS

The analysis shows a significant decline in 28 days mortality. A marked increase in the prevalence of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia is highlighted as well as an increase of utilization of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) between 1998 and 2009. The use of ß-blockers and antiplatelet drugs remained fairly stable between 1998 and 2009 with approximately 75% and 90% of the patients treated, respectively. The factors associated with fatality were specifically age of patients, antecedents of diabetes and antecedents of myocardial infarction, hypercholesterolaemia as well as oral antiplatelet drugs, ß-blockers therapies and PTCA.

CONCLUSIONS

The evolution of the therapeutic data on AMI in this register confirms that PTCA becomes the main coronary reperfusion. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were without effect on mortality.

Th17 cells and IL-17 are involved in the disruption of vulnerable plaques triggered by short-term combination stimulation in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

Considerable evidence indicates that type 1 T helper (Th1)- and Th17-mediated immune responses promote the formation of atherosclerotic plaques while that CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) have a protective effect. However, the functions of diverse CD4(+) lymphocyte subsets in plaque rupture remain poorly understood because of a shortage of satisfactory plaque rupture models. Here, we established a murine model of atherosclerotic plaque rupture using a high-fat diet and collar placement on the carotid artery, and triggered plaque rupture by short-term stimulation with a combination of lipopolysaccharide, phenylephrine injection and cold in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice. We investigated the associations between Th1 cells, Th17 cells and Tregs and plaque rupture by PCR, flow cytometry, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. In total, 75% (18/24) of vulnerable plaques, but no stable plaques, showed rupture characteristics. The proportion of Th17 cells was increased among splenocytes after treatment, but the changes in the levels of Th1 cells and Tregs were not related to rupture. Furthermore, the treatment resulted in high levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the serum and in the region of plaque rupture. In vitro, IL-17 increased the level of apoptosis, a major factor associated with plaque rupture, in cultured murine vascular smooth muscle cells. Th17 cells and IL-17 may be involved in the disruption of vulnerable plaques triggered by short-term stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, phenylephrine injection and cold in ApoE(-/-)mice.

Targeting Therapy to the Fibrin-Mediated Pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of diseases, ranging from ST-elevation myocardial infarction to non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina. A key initiating event in the pathology of ACS is atheromatous plaque disruption, in which the exposure of thrombogenic material triggers simultaneous activation of primary and secondary hemostatic pathways. Targeting platelet-mediated thrombus formation with dual antiplatelet therapy comprising acetylsalicylic acid and a P2Y12 antagonist is the current mainstay for management of ACS. However, a significant proportion of patients remain at risk of cardiovascular events. Fibrin is an important contributor to thrombogenesis and may account for the residual event rates. This review examines evidence for the role of the coagulation cascade in thrombus formation in ACS, which provides a rationale for the use of anticoagulation therapy. The current status of research with novel oral anticoagulants in combination with dual antiplatelet therapy for the secondary prevention of ACS is also discussed.

Novel antiplatelet agents: ALX-0081, a Nanobody directed towards von Willebrand factor

This manuscript reviews the studies performed with ALX-0081 (INN: caplacizumab), a Nanobody targeting von Willebrand factor, in the context of current antithrombotic therapy in coronary artery disease. ALX-0081 specifically inhibits platelet adhesion to the vessel wall, and may control platelet aggregation and subsequent clot formation without increasing bleeding risk. A substantial number of antithrombotics are aimed at this cascade; however, their generally indiscriminative mode of action can result in a narrow therapeutic window, defined by the risk for bleeding complications, and thrombotic events. Nonclinically, ALX-0081 compared favorably to several antithrombotics. In Phase I studies in healthy subjects and stable angina patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), ALX-0081 was well tolerated, and effectively inhibited pharmacodynamic markers. Following these results, a phase II study was initiated in high-risk acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing PCI. Based on its mechanism of action, ALX-0081 is also being developed for acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Altered serum creatine kinase level and cardiac function in ischemia-reperfusion injury during percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) resulting from primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is considered harmful to the patient, but its clinical significance remains unclear. This study explored the relationship of cardiac function examined by echocardiography and serum creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB levels with MIRI in a cohort of Chinese AMI patients.

Material/Methods

We retrospectively analysed the clinical and angiographic data in 228 AMI patients in whom the infarct-related artery (IRA) was successfully recanalized by primary PCI. Cardiac function was evaluated by use of echocardiography before discharge from hospital.

Results

The in-hospital mortality rate in the MIRI group was 13.4% (16/119), which was significantly higher than the 4.6% (5/109) mortality rate in the non-MIRI group (P=0.021). The median of peak serum CK level was remarkably lower in the suppression-type MIRI group than in the non-MIRI group. There were no significant differences in the peak serum CK or CK-MB levels between the irritation-type MIRI group and the non-MIRI group. The peak CK and CK-MB levels were significantly higher in the no-reflow-type MIRI group than in the non-MIRI group. Left ventricular ejection fraction in the no-reflow-type MIRI group was significantly lower than in the non-MIRI group; left ventricular end-diastolic volume was significantly higher than in the irritation-type MIRI subgroup; and left ventricular end-systolic volume was greater than that in non-MIRI group and suppression-type MIRI group.

Conclusions

MIRI (especially the no-reflow type) may lead to acute hemodynamic disorders and increase the mortality rate. However, suppression- and irritation-type MIRI may imply the existence of surviving myocardium.

Platelet dysfunction in vascular pathologies and how can it be treated

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries, and although many processes play a role in the development of vascular disease, thrombosis is the primary event that precipitates stroke and acute coronary syndromes. The blood platelets are of significant importance in medicine. These cells are involved in many physiological processes, particularly haemostasis through their ability to aggregate and form clots in response to activation. In addition, these dynamic cells display activities that extend beyond thrombosis, including an important role in initiating and sustaining vascular inflammation. The expansion of knowledge from basic and clinical research has highlighted the critical position of platelets in several inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and atherosclerosis. Platelets are emerging as important mediators of inflammation and provide important signals to mediate phenotype of other blood and vascular cells. The important role of platelets in arterial thrombosis and the onset of acute myocardial infarction after atherosclerotic plaque rupture make inhibition of platelet aggregation a critical step in preventing thrombotic events associated with stroke, heart attack, and peripheral arterial thrombosis. However, the use of platelet inhibitors for thrombosis prevention must seek a delicate balance between inhibiting platelet activation and an associated increased bleeding risk. The aim of this review is to up-date the knowledge on platelets physiology and dysfunction in pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension, emphasizing the link between platelets and the inflammation-related atherosclerosis. The review evaluates the opportunities offered by the novel platelet inhibitors to efficiently alleviate the thrombotic events.

Trends in acute myocardial infarction treatment between 1998 and 2007 in a Belgian area (Charleroi)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To describe the evolution of the therapeutic practices over 10 years of follow-up of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Charleroi and to analyse the factors influencing the choice of treatments and the mortality of these patients.

METHODS

The Charleroi register of ischaemic cardiopathies is the oldest register of infarctions in the French-speaking community of Belgium and is one of the very rare registers that allows identifying tendencies over 25 years. Analyses presented hereafter relate only patients in the 25-69-year age range over time from 1998 to 2007. The data were analysed in five periods of 2 years. Treatment evolutions over time were analysed using chi-squared tests for trend and logistic regression analyses identify factors influencing the type of treatment.

RESULTS

The present study shows a marked increase in the utilization of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) between 1998-1999 and 2006-2007. The use of thrombolytic agents on approximately one-third of the patients treated remained fairly stable between 1998 and 2007. A lower proportion of patients with a history of AMI received thrombolytic agents. Thrombolysis seems beneficial for men and without effect for women. The use of β-blockers continued to increase until the 2000-2001 period and remained fairly stable for the two following periods. 42% of patients were administered three medications (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, antiplatelet drugs, and β-blockers). Association of PTCA with antiplatelet drugs, β-blockers, and thrombolysis was observed for 58.7, 50.6, and 25.7%, respectively. These associations were still observed after adjustment for gender, age, and comorbidity. The factors associated with fatality were specifically old-aged patients, antecedents of diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia and oral antiplatelet drugs, and β-blockers therapies and PTCA.

CONCLUSIONS

The evolution of the therapeutic data on AMI in this register confirms the use and the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy. PTCA becomes the main coronary reperfusion treatment with less risk of bleeding. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were without effect on mortality.