ST segment resolution as a tool for assessing the efficacy of reperfusion therapy

AI-enabled ECG index for predicting left ventricular dysfunction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients are associated with prognosis. This study investigated the feasibility of predicting left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in STEMI patients using an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled ECG algorithm developed to diagnose STEMI. Serial ECGs from 637 STEMI patients were analyzed with the AI algorithm, which quantified the probability of STEMI at various time points. The time points included pre-PCI, immediately post-PCI, 6 h post-PCI, 24 h post-PCI, at discharge, and one-month post-PCI. The prevalence of LV dysfunction was significantly associated with the AI-derived probability index. A high probability index was an independent predictor of LV dysfunction, with higher cardiac death and heart failure hospitalization rates observed in patients with higher indices. The study demonstrates that the AI-enabled ECG index effectively quantifies ECG changes post-PCI and serves as a digital biomarker capable of predicting post-STEMI LV dysfunction, heart failure, and mortality. These findings suggest that AI-enabled ECG analysis can be a valuable tool in the early identification of high-risk patients, enabling timely and targeted interventions to improve clinical outcomes in STEMI patients.

Empagliflozin Effects in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary PCI: The EMI-STEMI Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, improves cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure patients, but data regarding the efficacy of empagliflozin in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is still unclear. The current study aimed to evaluate whether treatment with empagliflozin before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves parameters associated with patients' outcomes.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 101 non-diabetic and non-heart failure patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary PCI to receive either empagliflozin (10 mg before PCI and once daily for 40 days) or placebo, in addition to the standard treatment. The primary outcomes were changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 40 days after PCI, changes in cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and estimates of its area under the curve (AUC) and the peak level, and resolution of ST-segment in > 50% of leads 90 min after PCI.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed in terms of the occurrence of ST-segment resolution > 50% (46.0% versus 45.0%; p = 0.92) and the mean level of cTnI at each time point between the two groups. The estimated mean [standard deviation (SD)] AUC of cTnI was 955.0 (595.7) ng h/ml in the intervention and 999.7 (474.7) ng h/ml in the control groups (p = 0.85) without any significant difference in peak cTnI level. The mean (SD) LVEF 40 days after primary PCI was significantly higher in empagliflozin-treated patients than the placebo group [43.2% (5.8%) versus 39.2% (6.7%); p = 0.002].

CONCLUSION

In this study, no significant differences were observed across the groups in terms of cTnI levels and ST-segment resolution in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. However, it shed light on the potential benefits of empagliflozin in improving LVEF following STEMI.

REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Platform ( https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/ ) identifier number IRCT20111206008307N42.

Role of ST-Segment Resolution Alone and in Combination With TIMI Flow After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background To evaluate the role of ST-segment resolution (STR) alone and in combination with Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow in reperfusion evaluation after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction by investigating the long-term prognostic impact. Methods and Results From January 2013 through September 2014, we studied 5966 patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction enrolled in the CAMI (China Acute Myocardial Infarction) registry with available data of STR evaluated at 120 minutes after PPCI. Successful STR included STR ≥50% and complete STR (ST-segment back to the equipotential line). After PPCI, the TIMI flow was assessed. The primary outcome was 2-year all-cause mortality. STR < 50%, STR ≥50%, and complete STR occurred in 20.6%, 64.3%, and 15.1% of patients, respectively. By multivariable analysis, STR ≥50% (5.6%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.45 [95% CI, 0.36-0.56]) and complete STR (5.1%; adjusted HR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.34-0.67]) were significantly associated with lower 2-year mortality than STR <50% (11.7%). Successful STR was an independent predictor of 2-year mortality across the spectrum of clinical variables. After combining TIMI flow with STR, different 2-year mortality was observed in subgroups, with the lowest in successful STR and TIMI 3 flow, intermediate when either of these measures was reduced, and highest when both were abnormal. Conclusions Post-PPCI STR is a robust long-term prognosticator for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, whereas the integrated analysis of STR plus TIMI flow yields incremental prognostic information beyond either measure alone, supporting it as a convenient and reliable surrogate end point for defining successful PPCI. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01874691.

Predicting 30-Day Mortality Using ST-Segment Elevation Resolution in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Indian Scenario

BACKGROUND

The relationship between ST-segment elevation (STE) resolution and 30-day mortality has been evaluated, although limitedly, in non-Indian patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). We aimed to evaluate the prognostic utility of STE resolution in predicting 30-day mortality in Indian patients undergoing pPCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, single-center, observational study investigated the correlation between 30-day mortality rate and extent of STE resolution in real-world Indian patients undergoing pPCI for STEMI. A total of 64 patients underwent pPCI for STEMI at a tertiary care center in India. The patients were classified into three groups based on the extent of STE resolution: complete resolution (≥70%), partial resolution (30-70%), and no resolution (<30%). The primary endpoint of the study was occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events consisting of all-cause death, reinfarction, disabling stroke, and ischemia-induced target vessel revascularization at 30 days follow-up.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 56 patients. The mean age of patients was 59.7±6.8 years and there were 46 (82.1%) males. Complete STE resolution (≥70%) occurred in 7.1%, partial resolution (<70-30%) in 82.1% and no resolution (<30%) in 10.7%. The mortality rate was 2.1% and 33.3% in patients with partial and no STE resolution. No mortality was seen in patients with complete STE resolution. The 30-day survival analysis revealed significant differences between the three groups (P<0.01). STE resolution served as an independent predictor of 30-day mortality across all clinical variables, including patients with post-PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent STE after PCI is a reliable indicator of 30-day mortality in real-world STEMI patients. The extent of STE resolution can be used as a simple and affordable tool to stratify patients by the risk of mortality soon after the acute event. Due to their higher mortality at 30 days follow-up, individuals with persistent STE should be the focus for further treatment interventions.

The predictive value of the nomogram model of clinical risk factors for ischemia-reperfusion injury after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a risk factor for poor clinical prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, due to the inability to predict the risk of its occurrence early, the effect of intervention measures is still being determined. This study intends to construct a nomogram prediction model and evaluate its value in predicting the risk of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The clinical admission data of 386 STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI were retrospectively analyzed. According to the degree of ST-segment resolution (STR), the patients were divided into the STR < 70% group (n = 197) and the STR > 70 group (n = 187). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method was used to screen out IRI's admission-related clinical risk factors. The R language software was used to construct and verify the IRI nomogram prediction model based on the above indicators. The peak troponin level and the incidence of in-hospital death in the STR < 70% group were significantly higher than those in the STR > 70% group (p < 0.01), and the left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower than that in the STR > 70% group (p < 0.01). Combined with the results of LASSO regression and receiver operating characteristic curve comparison analysis, we constructed a six-dimensional nomogram predictive model: hypertension, anterior myocardial infarction, culprit vessel, proximal occlusion, C-reactive protein (CRP) > 3.85 mg/L, white blood cell count, neutrophil cell count, and lymphocyte count. The area under the nomogram's receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.779. The clinical decision curve found that the nomogram had good clinical applicability when the occurrence probability of IRI was between 0.23 and 0.95. The nomogram prediction model constructed based on six clinical factors at admission has good prediction efficiency and clinical applicability regarding the risk of IRI after primary PCI in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Lipidomic Predictors of Coronary No-Reflow

The ‘no-reflow’ phenomenon (NRP) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a serious complication among acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Herein, a comprehensive lipidomics approach was used to quantify over 300 distinct molecular species in circulating plasma from 126 patients with STEMI before and after primary PCI. Our analysis showed that three lipid classes: phosphatidylcholine (PC), alkylphosphatidylcholine (PC(O)), and sphingomyelin (SM), were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in no-reflow patients before primary PCI. The levels of individual fatty acids and total fatty acid levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in no-reflow subjects after PCI. The grouping of patients based on ECG ST-segment resolution (STR) also demonstrated the same trend, confirming the possible role of these differential lipids in the setting of no-reflow. Sphingomyelin species, SM 41:1 and SM 41:2, was invariably positively correlated with corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) at pre-PCI and post-PCI. The plasma levels of SM 42:1 exhibited an inverse association (p < 0.05) consistently with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) at pre-PCI and post-PCI. In conclusion, we identified plasma lipid profiles that distinguish individuals at risk of no-reflow and provided novel insights into how dyslipidemia may contribute to NRP after primary PCI.

ST-segment resolution as a marker for severe myocardial fibrosis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Objective

To investigate the relationship between ST-segment resolution (STR) and myocardial scar thickness after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

Forty-two STEMI patients with single-branch coronary artery stenosis or occlusion were enrolled. ST-segment elevations were measured at emergency admission and at 24 h after PCI. Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR-LGE) was performed 7 days after PCI to evaluate myocardial scars. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the utility of STR to predict the development of transmural (> 75%) or non-transmural (< 75%) myocardial scars, according to previous study.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of STR for predicting transmural scars were 96% and 88%, respectively, at an STR cut-off value of 40.15%. The area under the curve was 0.925. Multivariate logistic proportional hazards regression analysis disclosed that patients with STR < 40.15% had a 170.90-fold higher probability of developing transmural scars compared with patients with STR ≥ 40.15%. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses showed STR percentage was significantly associated with myocardial scar thickness and size.

Conclusion

STR < 40.15% at 24 h after PCI may provide meaningful diagnostic information regarding the extent of myocardial scarification in STEMI patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02269-y.

Effects of Intracoronary Pro-urokinase or Tirofiban on Coronary Flow During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Multi-Center, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: To determine whether intracoronary pro-urokinase or tirofiban improves myocardial reperfusion during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods: The study included patients with acute STEMI presenting within 12 h of symptoms at 11 hospitals in China between November 2015 and July 2017. Patients were randomized to receive selective intracoronary infusion of recombinant pro-urokinase (20 mg), tirofiban (10 μg/kg), or saline (20 mL) proximal to the infarct-related lesion over a 3-min period before stent implantation during primary PCI. The primary outcome was final corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC) after PCI.

Results: This study included 345 patients. Initial angiography identified a high-grade thrombus (TIMI 4–5) in 80% of patients. Final CTFC after PCI was significantly lower in the pro-urokinase (P < 0.001) and tirofiban (P < 0.001) groups than in the saline group and similar between the pro-urokinase and tirofiban groups (P > 0.05). The pro-urokinase (P = 0.008) and tirofiban groups (P = 0.022) had more complete ST-segment resolution at 2 h and lower peak creatine kinase-MB levels after PCI than the saline group (P = 0.006 and P = 0.023). The 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events was 4.5% in the pro-urokinase group, 3.4% in the tirofiban group, and 2.6% in the saline group. The incidence of in-hospital TIMI major bleeding events was low and comparable between groups.

Conclusions: Adjunctive intracoronary pro-urokinase or tirofiban given before stent implantation during primary PCI improves myocardial reperfusion without increasing the incidence of major bleeding events.

Management of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in Different Settings

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a life-threatening condition that requires emergent, complex, well-coordinated treatment. Although the primary goal of treatment is simple to describe-reperfusion as quickly as possible-the management process is complicated and is affected by multiple factors including location, patient, and practitioner characteristics. Hence, this narrative review will discuss the recommended management and treatment strategies of STEMI in the circumstances.

Factors Associated With Normal Flow (TIMI 3) After Thrombolysis With Streptokinase in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Observational Study

Background

Thrombolysis with streptokinase (STK) is the most widely used reperfusion strategy for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in India. Achieving full reperfusion as evidenced by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 in coronary angiography (CAG) is associated with better outcomes. Recent studies show that hematological indices like neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) estimated before thrombolysis could predict TIMI 3 flow. We studied clinical, electrocardiographic and hematological parameters associated with TIMI 3 flow after thrombolysis with STK.

Methods

We prospectively studied 201 adult patients with STEMI presenting within 12 hours of onset of chest pain. Before thrombolysis, blood sample was collected for estimating NLR and MPV. Timing of CAG after thrombolysis was decided by consultant cardiologists. Patients were followed up for one month after discharge.

Results

Of 201 patients, 162 (81%) had relief of chest pain and 131 (65%) had ST segment recovery of ≥50% at 90 minutes after thrombolysis. CAG was performed within median (IQR) of four (3-5) days after thrombolysis. TIMI 3 flow was observed in 112 (56%) patients. NLR and MPV had no significant association with TIMI 3 flow. In multivariable analysis, ST-segment recovery of ≥50% at 90 minutes was associated with TIMI 3 flow (adjusted OR 3.47, 95% CI: 1.84-6.53, P= <0.001). Of 198 patients followed up for one month after discharge, 13 (6.5%) died.

Conclusions

In patients with STEMI, ST-segment recovery of ≥50% at 90 minutes after thrombolysis with STK predicted TIMI 3 flow independently. NLR and MPV values were not predictive of TIMI 3 flow.

Comparison of infarction size, complete ST-segment resolution incidence, mortality and re-infarction and target vessel revascularization between remote ischemic conditioning and ischemic postconditioning in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Introduction

Due to higher morbidity and mortality, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) causes many public health problems.

Aim

To observe effects of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) and ischemic postconditioning (IPC) on patients diagnosed as STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

Material and methods

This meta-analysis was conducted using indirect comparison by conducting a network meta-analysis (NMA). We conducted searches by utilizing PubMed and the other databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that described IPC or RIC treated patients diagnosed with STEMI during processes of pPCI. Enzymatic infarct size and infarction size were evaluated and cardiac events were assessed during the follow-up.

Results

Pooled results showed that lower enzymatic infarction size was associated with the RIC group compared to the IPC group (IPC vs. RIC: standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.126; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.756–1.677). Compared with IPC, RIC significantly reduced infarction size, which was assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) (SMD = 1.113; 95% CI: 0.674–1.837). We noted a potential toward greater complete ST-segment resolution in RIC patients compared with IPC patients (odds ratio (OR) = 0.821; 95% CI: 0.166–4.051). No significant difference existed in all-cause mortality (OR = 2.211; 95% CI: 0.845–5.784), Target vessel revascularization (TVR) (OR = 0.045; 95% CI: 0.001–.662) or re-infarction (OR = 1.763; 95% CI: 0.741–4.193).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggested RIC was correlated with significantly smaller infarction size compared to IPC. No significant superiority between RIC and IPC has been observed in this study on cSTR incidence, mortality and re-infarction or TVR.

Fibrinolytic Strategy for ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in additional challenges for systems designed to perform expeditious primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients presenting with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. There are 2 important considerations: the guideline-recommended time goals were difficult to achieve for many patients in high-income countries even before the pandemic, and there is a steep increase in mortality when primary percutaneous coronary intervention cannot be delivered in a timely fashion. Although the use of fibrinolytic therapy has progressively decreased over the last several decades in high-income countries, in circumstances when delays in timely delivery of primary percutaneous coronary intervention are expected, a modern fibrinolytic-based pharmacoinvasive strategy may need to be considered. The purpose of this review is to systematically discuss the contemporary role of an evidence-based fibrinolytic reperfusion strategy as part of a pharmacoinvasive approach, in the context of the emerging coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The effect of ASA, ticagrelor, and heparin in ST-segment myocardial infarction patients with prolonged transport times to primary percutaneous intervention

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of early upstream antithrombotic therapy administration (ATTA) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with prolonged transport times to primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI) on major clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether early upstream administration of aspirin, ticagrelor, and unfractionated heparin (UFH) confers additional benefits compared with in-hospital administration.

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2018, we performed PPCI in 709 included consecutive STEMI patients. We compared 482 STEMI patients who received aspirin, ticagrelor, and UFH loading in a non-PCI capable spoke hospital before transfer (NPHT) versus 227 prehospital triage setting (PTS) STEMI patients who received in-ambulance aspirin, followed by ticagrelor and UFH in the hub catheterization laboratory. The primary outcome was the presence of a pre-PPCI TIMI flow 2-3 in the infarct related artery (IRA). The secondary outcomes included definite acute stent thrombosis and hemorrhagic complications.

RESULTS

The median times from ticagrelor and heparin administration to angiography in the NPHT group and the PTS group were 80.5 min (Interquartile Range (IQR) 68.5-94) and 10 min (IQR 5-15) respectively (p < .0001). Using inverse probability of treatment weighting to minimize heterogeneity between groups, we showed significant differences for the primary outcome (44.6 versus 18.5%, p < .0001) and for definite acute stent thrombosis (0.6 versus 2.6%, p = .03), with no difference in the combined in-hospital BARC 2-5 bleeding events (1.9 versus 3.5%, p = .18) in the NPHT versus the PTS group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, after adjusting for baseline covariates, early upstream ATTA with aspirin, ticagrelor, and UFH was associated with greater pre-PPCI TIMI flow and less definite acute stent thrombosis in STEMI patients, without increased bleeding risk.

Association of ABO blood types with ST resolution following thrombolysis in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction

Introduction: There is paucity of data about the possible role of ABO antigen in response to pharmacologic reperfusion therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and its relationship with ST segment recovery; thus, we aimed to evaluate the association of ABO antigen with ST-segment resolution in STEMI patients treated with thrombolysis.

Methods: This prospective and observational study was conducted between March 2016 and September 2017 on patients with first acute STEMI within the first 12 hours after onset of symptoms treated with thrombolysis. Myocardial reperfusion success was determined by single-lead ST-segment recovery in 12-lead ECG. Patients were considered as responders if ST-segment resolved ≥50% or were assigned as non-responders if ST-segment resolution was <50%. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to examine the contribution of "A" and "B" blood group antigens to ST-segment resolution and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event (MACCE). Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported for each variable.

Results: In this study 303 patients (187 males and 116 females) with a mean age of 56.6 ± 16.8 (ranging from 39 to 87 years) were enrolled. 184 patients (60.7%) were responders and 119 patients (39.2%) were non-responders. The presence of either A (4.5 folds increase) or B (5.4 folds increase) antigen was associated with a higher likelihood of a response to thrombolytic therapy, while had not effect on the occurrence of MACCE.

Conclusion: We conclude that the presence of A or B blood group antigens is associated with a better response to thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute STEMI. This finding may imply a higher likelihood for thrombotic occlusion of coronary arteries in patients who have either A or B antigen in their blood.

Novel Biomarkers, ST-Elevation Resolution, and Clinical Outcomes Following Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background Despite restoration of epicardial flow following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), microvascular reperfusion as reflected by ST-elevation resolution (ST-ER) resolution remains variable and its pathophysiology remains unclear. Methods and Results Using principal component analyses, we explored associations between 91 serum biomarkers drawn before PPCI clustered into 14 pathobiologic processes (including NT-proBNP [N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide] as an independent cluster), and (1) ST-ER resolution ≥50% versus <50%; and (2) 90-day composite of death, shock, and heart failure. Network analyses were performed to understand interbiomarker relationships between the ST-ER groups. Among the 1160 patients studied, 861 (74%) had ST-ER ≥50% at a median 40 (interquartile range, 23-70) minutes following PPCI, yet both groups had comparable post-PPCI TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) grade 3 flow (86.6% versus 82.9%; P=0.25). ST-ER ≥50% was associated with significantly lower pre-PPCI concentrations of platelet activation cluster (particularly P-selectin, von Willebrand factor, and platelet-derived growth factor A) and NT-proBNP, including after risk adjustment. Across both ST-ER groups, strong interbiomarker relationships were noted between pathways indicative of myocardial stretch, platelet activation, and inflammation, whereas with ST-ER <50% correlations between iron homeostasis and inflammation were observed. Of all 14 biomarker clusters, only NT-proBNP was significantly associated with the 90-day clinical composite. Conclusions Suboptimal ST-ER is common despite achieving post-PPCI TIMI grade 3 flow. The cluster of platelet activation proteins and NT-proBNP were strongly correlated with suboptimal ST-ER and NT-proBNP was independently associated with 90-day outcomes. This analysis provides insights into the pathophysiology of microvascular reperfusion in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and suggests novel pre-PPCI risk targets potentially amenable to enhancing tissue-level reperfusion following PPCI.

Optimal Timing for Coronary Intervention in Patients With Transient ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

STEMI patients admitted urgently to the hospital but experience early complete resolution of both ischemic symptoms and ST-elevations on the electrocardiogram are diagnosed as transient STEMI (TSTEMI). Current evidence indicates that primary intervention is plausible but in certain circumstances intervention can be delayed. We sought to examine whether there is a time limit to such a delay that may affect long-term outcome. Study population included prospectively admitted TSTEMI patients whose demographics, pertinent medical history, and clinical and angiographic features were recorded. Study patients were divided by the median time interval from admission to intervention and their characteristics and long-term survival were compared. Study population comprised 260 consecutive patients (age: 57±10 years, men: 84%) diagnosed as TSTEMI who were included from January 2000 to June 2019, which represent 6% of all STEMI patients. Coronary angiography was performed in 254 patients. The median time interval from admission to angiography was 17 hours (IQR: 7.2 to 38.7 hours). Early (<17 hours from admission) and late (>17 hours from admission) study groups were comparable. One patient died during admission and 41 throughout the long follow-up period of 8.5 ± 5.2 years (median: 8.2 years, IQR: 3.4 to 13.1). Mortality of early-treated TSTEMI patients (11.2%) was significantly lower than of the late-treated patients (21.6%, p <0.04). The Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated a clear tendency toward improved survival in early-treated TSTEMI patients (p <0.09). In conclusion, the present data suggest that TSTEMI patients should be treated, if not by primary coronary intervention, then at least within 17 hours from admission to achieve better long-term outcome.

The relationship of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in peripheral blood with ST-segment resolution and the clinical outcomes of STEMI patients receiving thrombolytic therapy

INTRODUCTION

One of the inflammatory factors affecting the prognosis of myocardial infarction is the high level of neutrophil count in the blood. In this study, we investigated the relationship of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in peripheral blood with ST-segment resolution and clinical outcomes of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) receiving thrombolytic therapy.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on the patients referring to the emergency department in Tabriz, Iran who were diagnosed with STEMI and began receiving treatment with reteplase. The patients were asked questions to gather information about their demographic characteristics as well as their risk factors, level of response to thrombolytic therapy, etc. For all of the patients, electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded and different blood tests were performed upon their admission to the emergency department and the obtained data were fed into SPSS Version 19 to explore the possible relationships among different variables.

RESULTS

The findings of this study revealed that there is no significant relationship between either NLR or PLR of patients suffering from myocardial infarction and their level of response to thrombolytic therapy. Moreover, no significant relationship was observed between NLR or PLR of these patients and their ejection fraction. However, the results indicated that NLR and PLR associated with an increase in the incidence rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in STEMI patients.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicated that NLR and PLR are directly associated with the rate of in-hospital major adverse effects following STEMI irrespective of the ST resolution.

Predictors of myocardial functional recovery following successful reperfusion of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Following acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), restoration of large-vessel patency does not mean complete perfusion recovery. Little is known regarding the predictors of successful myocardial reperfusion for the STEMI patients undergoing pharmacologic and mechanical reperfusion strategies.

AIM OF THE WORK

The aim of this clinical study was to find out the predictors of myocardial functional recovery following reperfusion of acute STEMI, represented by 3-month global longitudinal strain (GLS) value assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography.

MATERIAL/METHODS

The study population included 400 patients presented with first acute STEMI with successful reperfusion by thrombolysis (group I) or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) (group II). Electrocardiography (ECG) at baseline and 90 minutes after coronary reperfusion was performed with assessment of ST resolution. Basal and 3-month follow-up echocardiography was performed with assessment of ejection fraction (EF), myocardial performance index (MPI), systolic myocardial excursion (S'), and GLS.

RESULTS

There was nonsignificant difference between patients of both groups regarding age (P = 0.422) and gender (P = 0.272). Also, there was a nonsignificant difference between both groups regarding the risk factors of coronary artery disease like hypertension (P = 0.511), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.332), and smoking (P = 0.381). But there was significant statistical difference between both groups regarding dyslipidemia (P = 0.012). Ninety-minute ST resolution was significantly higher in PPCI group (P = 0.042). Moreover, PPCI group had significant improvement of EF (P = 0.013) during follow-up, and highly significant improvement of MPI, S' and GLS (P ˂ 0.001) compared to the basal echocardiographic study. The percentage of change (∆) of each of the echocardiographic parameter was compared between both groups and revealed statistically significant improvement regarding EF, highly significant improvement of MPI, S' and GLS in favor of PPCI arm (group II). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that pain to reperfusion time, MI territory, ST resolution, and basal GLS value are the most important predictors for LV functional recovery.

CONCLUSION

The study found pain to reperfusion time, MI territory, ST resolution, basal GLS value are the most important predictors of myocardial functional recovery. Regular follow-up with echocardiography for STEMI patients with different reperfusion strategies has informative impact on long-term clinical outcome. Also the study confirmed that PPCI is better than thrombolysis not only in restoring epicardial coronary flow but also in restoring microvascular and tissue perfusion assuring better myocardial functional recovery and better long-term clinical outcomes.

Reperfusing the myocardium - a damocles Sword

Return of blood flow after periodic ischemia is often accompanied by myocardial injury, commonly known as lethal reperfusion injury (RI). Experimental studies have shown that 50% of muscle die of ischemia and another 50% die because of reperfusion. It is characterized by myocardial, vascular, or electrophysiological dysfunction that is induced by the restoration of blood flow to previously ischemic tissue. This phenomenon reduces the efficiency of the present modalities used to combat the ischemic myocardium. Moreover, despite an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of this process and encouraging preclinical trials of multiple agents, most of the clinical trials to prevent RI have been disappointing and leaves us at ground zero to explore newer approaches.

Chip-based digital PCR as a novel detection method for quantifying microRNAs in acute myocardial infarction patients

miRNAs have shown promise as potential biomarkers for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the current used quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) allows solely for relative expression of nucleic acids and it is susceptible to day-to-day variability, which has limited the validity of using the miRNAs as biomarkers. In this study we explored the technical qualities and diagnostic potential of a new technique, chip-based digital PCR, in quantifying the miRNAs in patients with AMI and ischaemia-reperfusion injury (I/R). In a dilution series of synthetic C.elegans-miR-39, chip-based digital PCR displayed a lower coefficient of variation (8.9% vs 46.3%) and a lower limit of detection (0.2 copies/μL vs 1.1 copies/μL) compared with qRT-PCR. In the serum collected from 24 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 20 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), we used qRT-PCR and multiplexed chip-based digital PCR to quantify the serum levels of miRNA-21 and miRNA-499 as they have been validated in AMI in prior studies. In STEMI, I/R injury was assessed via measurement of ST-segment resolution (ST-R). Chip-based digital PCR revealed a statistical significance in the difference of miR-21 levels between stable CAD and STEMI groups (118.8 copies/μL vs 59 copies/μL; P=0.0300), whereas qRT-PCR was unable to reach significance (136.4 copies/μL vs 122.8 copies/μL; P=0.2273). For miR-499 levels, both chip-based digital PCR and qRT-PCR revealed statistically significant differences between stable CAD and STEMI groups (2 copies/μL vs 8.5 copies/μL, P=0.0011; 0 copies/μL vs 19.4 copies/μL; P<0.0001). There was no association between miR-21/499 levels and ST-R post-PCI. Our results show that the chip-based digital PCR exhibits superior technical qualities and promises to be a superior method for quantifying miRNA levels in the circulation, which may become a more accurate and reproducible method for directly quantifying miRNAs, particularly for use in large multi-centre clinical trials.

Impact of ST-segment resolution on clinical outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and preserved left ventricular function

BACKGROUND

Patients with successful reperfusion and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI)have always been thought to have low risk for adverse events. Great interest is focused on finding simple, noninvasive tools to refine risk stratification among them.

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that degree of ST-segment resolution (STR) after STEMI can identify high-risk group among patients with LVEF ≥ 50% following STEMI.

METHODS

During the period from January to July 2017, patients with successful reperfusion of STEMI and LVEF ≥ 50% were prospectively included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the percent of ST segment resolution using single lead STR method; group I (complete STR ≥ 70%) and group II (partial STR 50%-70%). The endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, re-hospitalization for heart failure and urgent revascularization at 30-day.

RESULTS

After exclusion, 110 patients were left for final analysis. No significant differences in all baseline characteristics were found between both groups. The primary endpoint occurred in seven patients (12.7%) of group I versus 17 patients (30.9%) of group II (Relative risk = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.1-5.4, p = 0.021) driven by a significant reduction in rates of re-hospitalization due to heart failure. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed incomplete STR to be a significant independent predictor for 30-dayMACEs (OR 3.25, 95% CI1.2-8.83, p = 0.02) even after adjustment for location of infarction.

CONCLUSION

Complete STR predicts 30-day outcome in patients with preserved LVEF following successful reperfusion of STEMI.

Cell-free DNA and Microvascular Damage in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction might originate from hyperactivated leukocytes at the coronary lesion. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between cfDNA and coronary reperfusion.

METHODS

We studied 116 patients treated with primary angioplasty using thrombus aspiration. Coronary (during aspiration) and peripheral (at the end of the procedure) blood samples were drawn for cfDNA, as well as high-sensitivity troponin T and myeloperoxidase quantification. The primary endpoint was no ST-segment resolution (STR) (≥ 70%) and the secondary endpoint was lack of final Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow 3 (TIMI 3).

RESULTS

ST-segment resolution was achieved in 51 (44%) patients and TIMI 3 flow in 97 (84%). Patients without STR and TIMI 3 flow had a smaller peripheral-coronary cfDNA gradient (P = .02 and P = .04 respectively). A small cfDNA gradient (< 1.82 ng/mL) was associated with a higher rate of no STR (65% vs 30%; P = .001) and lack of TIMI 3 flow (21% vs 3%; P = .05). After multivariable adjustment, the small cfDNA gradient was predictive of no STR (OR, 4.50; 95%CI, 1.60-12.62; P = .004), while there was a nonsignificant trend for final TIMI 3 flow (P = .14). Cell-free DNA levels did not correlate with troponin T or myeloperoxidase.

CONCLUSIONS

A small peripheral-coronary cfDNA gradient, as an expression of high coronary cfDNA burden, is associated with no STR in acute myocardial infarction. Intracoronary cfDNA might reflect neutrophil activation. Whether this phenomenon contributes to thrombus aspiration failure requires further study.

Spontaneous Recanalization of the Obstructed Right Coronary Artery Caused by Blunt Chest Trauma

Blunt chest trauma can cause a wide variety of injuries including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although AMI due to coronary artery dissection caused by blunt chest trauma is very rare, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In the vast majority of patients with AMI, primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are performed to recanalize obstructed arteries, but PCI carries a substantial risk of hemorrhagic complications in the acute phase of trauma. We report a case of AMI due to right coronary artery (RCA) dissection caused by blunt chest trauma. The totally obstructed RCA was spontaneously recanalized with medical therapy. We could avoid primary PCI in the acute phase of blunt chest trauma because electrocardiogram showed early reperfusion signs. We performed an elective PCI in the subacute phase when the risk of bleeding subsided. Since the risk of severe hemorrhagic complications is greater in the acute phase of blunt chest trauma as compared with the late phase, deferring emergency PCI is reasonable if signs of recanalization are observed.

Remote ischemic conditioning improves myocardial parameters and clinical outcomes during primary percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of remote ischemic conditioning on myocardial parameters and clinical outcomes in ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Ten eligible randomized controlled trials with 1006 STEMI patients were identified. Compared with controls, remote ischemic conditioning reduced the myocardial enzyme levels (standardized mean difference =-0.86; 95% CI: -1.44 to -0.28; P = 0.004; I2 = 94.5%), and increased the incidence of complete ST-segment resolution [odds ratio (OR) = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.77; P = 0.02; I2 = 47.9%]. Remote ischemic conditioning patients had a lower risk of all-cause mortality (OR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.62; P = 0.002; I2 = 0.0%) and lower major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events rate (OR=0.45; 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.75; P = 0.002; I2 = 0.0%). Meta-analysis suggested that remote ischemic conditioning conferred cardioprotection by reducing myocardial enzymes and increasing the incidence of complete ST-segment resolution in patients after STEMI. As a result, clinical outcomes were improved in terms of mortality and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

Treatment with oestrogen-receptor agonists or oxytocin in conjunction with exercise protects against myocardial infarction in ovariectomized rats

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Could the activation of oxytocin or oestrogen receptors be protective against myocardial injury after ovariectomy? If so, would exercising have an additional ameliorating effect? What is the main finding and its importance? The results revealed that when accompanied by exercise, both oestrogen receptor agonists and oxytocin improved cardiac dysfunction, inhibited the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced myocardial injury in ovariectomized female rats, suggesting a new approach for protecting postmenopausal women against ischaemia-induced myocardial injury. To investigate the putative protective effects of oxytocin or oestrogen receptor agonists against myocardial injury of ovariectomized sedentary or exercised rats, female Sprague-Dawley rats assigned to sham-operated control and ovariectomized (OVX) groups were kept sedentary or undertook swimming exercise for 4 weeks and were treated with saline, an oestrogen receptor (ER) β (DPN) or ERα agonist (PPT) or oxytocin. Ovariectomy increased weight gain and anxiety in sedentary rats, whereas exercise prevented weight gain. When accompanied by exercise, both ER agonists and oxytocin inhibited weight gain and anxiety; oxytocin, in the absence or presence of exercise, increased the left ventricular diastolic dimensions and ejection fraction, whereas ER agonists also increased left ventricular diameter when given to exercised rats. Upon the induction of myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion in the OVX rats, plasma creatine kinase-(muscle-brain) was depressed by PPT and oxytocin, whereas DPN, PPT and OT reduced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 concentrations. The increased tumour necrosis factor-α concentration in OVX rats was also suppressed by exercise or DPN, PPT or oxytocin treatments, whereas the interleukin-6 concentration was diminished by all the treatments when given in conjunction with exercise. Disorganization of cardiac muscle fibres was reduced in all exercised rats. Oestrogen receptor agonists, as well as oxytocin, in conjunction with exercise may be effective new therapeutics to protect against myocardial ischaemia in postmenopausal women.

Microvascular Obstruction in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: The no-reflow phenomenon has been described in 20–40% of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, despite restoration of TIMI 3 myocardial flow. It is associated with adverse left ventricular remodeling and an unfavorable long-term prognosis.

Case presentation: A 45-year-old gentleman was admitted one hour after the onset of an acute anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Emergency coronary angiography was performed, and a severe stenosis of the left anterior descending artery was identified. The lesion was crossed with a pressure-wire, and a drug-eluting stent was directly implanted, with restoration of TIMI 3 epicardial flow. Predilatation was not performed. Coronary wedge pressure was measured during stent deployment. The mean pressure value was 27 mmHg. However, a tall systolic wave was identified in the morphology of the pressure curve. Myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution were concordant with early micro-vascular obstruction. Similarly, at transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, the flow in the left anterior descending artery revealed the same pattern. An apical left ventricular aneurysm was echocardiographically detected. The MRI described extensive interstitial edema that affected the anterior, septal, and apical regions of the left ventricle. Areas of intramyocardial hemorrhage and microvascular obstruction were also detected. According to recent literature data, the morphology of the coronary wedge pressure wave suggested at least the presence of pre-procedural distal embolization.

Conclusions: In the setting of acute myocardial infarction, the integrity of coronary microvasculature is an important issue. The distal coronary pressure wave pattern before primary percutaneous revascularization can be a deciding factor for an early therapeutic approach.

In-Lab Upfront Use of Tirofiban May Reduce the Occurrence of No-Reflow During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. A Pilot Randomized Study

Background

Despite successful opening of culprit coronary artery, myocardial reperfusion does not always follows primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are used in the treatment of no-reflow (NR), but their role to prevent it is unproven.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of in-lab administration of tirofiban on the incidence of NR in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with PPCI.

Methods

STEMI patients treated with PPCI were randomized (24 tirofiban and 34 placebo) in this double-blinded study to assess the impact of intravenous tirofiban on the incidence of NR after PPCI according to angiographic and electrocardiographic methods. End-points of the study were: TIMI-epicardial flow grade; myocardial blush grade (MBG); resolution of ST-elevation < 70% (RST < 70%) at 90min and 24h after PPCI.

Results

Baseline anthropometric, clinical and angiographic characteristics were balanced between the groups. The occurrence of TIMI flow < 3 was not significantly different between the tirofiban (25%) and placebo (35.3%) groups. MBG ≤ 2 did not occur in the tirofiban group, and was seen in 11.7% of patients in the placebo group (p=0.13). RST < 70% occurred in 41.6% x 55.8% (p=0.42) at 90min and in 29% x 55.9% (p=0.06) at 24h in tirofiban and placebo groups, respectively. Severe NR (RST ≤ 30%) was detected in 0% x 26.5% (p=0.01) at 90 min, and in 4.2% x 23.5% (p=0.06) at 24h in tirofiban and placebo groups, respectively.

Conclusion

This pilot study showed a trend toward reduction of NR associated with in-lab upfront use of tirofiban in STEMI patients treated with PPCI and paves the way for a full-scale study testing this hypothesis.

Unmet goals in the treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction: Review

Reperfusion therapy decreases myocardium damage during an acute coronary event and consequently mortality. However, there are unmet needs in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction, consequently mortality and heart failure continue to occur in about 10% and 20% of cases, respectively. Different strategies could improve reperfusion. These strategies, like generation of warning sign recognition and being initially assisted and transferred by an emergency service, could reduce the time to reperfusion. If the first electrocardiogram is performed en route, it can be transmitted and interpreted in a timely manner by a specialist at the receiving center, bypassing community hospitals without percutaneous coronary intervention capabilities. To administer thrombolytic therapy during transport to the catheterization laboratory could reduce time to reperfusion in cases with expected prolonged transport time to a percutaneous coronary intervention center or to a center without primary percutaneous coronary intervention capabilities with additional expected delay, known as pharmaco-invasive strategy. Myocardial reperfusion is known to produce damage and cell death, which defines the reperfusion injury. Lack of resolution of ST segment is used as a marker of reperfusion failure. In patients without ST segment resolution, mortality triples. It is important to note that, until recently, reperfusion injury and no-reflow were interpreted as a single entity and we should differentiate them as different entities; whereas no-reflow is the failure to obtain tissue flow, reperfusion injury is actually the damage produced by achieving flow. Therefore, treatment of no-reflow is obtained by tissue flow, whereas in reperfusion injury the treatment objective is protection of susceptible myocardium from reperfusion injury. Numerous trials for the treatment of reperfusion injury have been unsuccessful. Newer hypotheses such as “ controlled reperfusion”, in which the interventional cardiologist assumes not only the treatment of the culprit vessel but also the way to reperfuse the myocardium at risk, could reduce reperfusion injury.

Original research. The Assessment of Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients. A Systematic Review

Background: This systematic review seeks to evaluate the role of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), quantified either by thickness, assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, or by volume, assessed by cardiac computed tomography (CT), in the follow-up of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Method: One-hundred forty-four articles were screened, from which 56 were reviewed in full-text. From those, 47 studies were excluded for the following reasons: they did not meet the inclusion criteria; they were either reviews or meta-analyses; the study cohorts included only stable coronary artery disease patients; they did not state a clear and concise study design, endpoints, or follow-up. The final draft included nine studies for systematic evaluation. Results: Of the 2,306 patients included in the review, 170 underwent cardiac CT while the remaining 2,136 underwent transthoracic echocardiography for the measurement of EAT. The analysis found that the EAT thickness was significantly associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) rates during hospitalization (OR: -1.3, 95% CI: 1.05-1.62, p = 0.020) and at three years (HR: 1.524, 95% CI: 1.0-2.2, p = 0.038). The included studies found that EAT was correlated with the following clinical and angiographic risk scores for ACS: GRACE (r = 0.438, p <0.001), TIMI risk score (r = 0.363, p = 0.001), SYNTAX score (r = 0.690, p <0.0001; r = 0.610, p <0.01), and Gensini score (r = 0.438, p = 0.001). There was an inverse correlation between ST-segment resolution of <70% after revascularization and EAT (r = −0.414, p = 0.01), and the myocardial blush grade (r = −0.549, p <0.001). The EF aggregation ranged between 2.65 mm and 4.7 mm within the included studies. Conclusions: EAT, evaluated either by echocardiography or cardiac CT, correlates with the severity of coronary lesions, with the clinical and angiographic risk scores for acute coronary syndromes, with indicators for coronary reperfusion, and with short- and long-term MACE rates. Further studies are required to fully elucidate the role of this extensively studied but still novel cardiovascular biomarker as part of a risk prediction tool.

Integrated ST Segment Elevation Scores and In-hospital Mortality in STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary PCI

The objective of this study was to study the integrated score of ST-segment resolution (ISSTE) and in-hospital death in patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Material and Methods: This prospective study included 586 consecutive patients admitted with STEMI to the Cardiology Clinic of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Tîrgu Mureș, between January 1st, 2013 and December 31, 2014, who underwent pPCI in less than twelve hours after the onset of symptoms. Clinical and demographic data were analyzed in 539 (91.9%) survivors (Group 1) and 47 (8.1%) nonsurvivors (Group 2). The Integrated Score of ST elevation (ISSTE) was calculated by summing the amplitude of the ST segment elevation in all the 12 leads, before and at 2 hours after revascularization.

Results: The ISSTE score calculated at baseline, immediately before the primary percutaneous coronary intervention, was significantly higher in Group 2 as compared to Group 1 (13.9 ± 1.2 vs. 11.0 ± 0.2, p = 0.026). At the same time, the ISSTE score calculated at 2 hours after the coronary intervention was significantly higher for patients in Group 2 (7.36 ± 1.12 vs. 2.9 ± 0.1, p <0.0001). Analysis of the dynamics of the ISSTE score indicated that patients who survived presented a more expressed reduction in the ISSTE score following pPCI, as compared to those who subsequently died (73.5% reduction in Group 1 compared to 47.2% reduction in Group 2, p <0.0001). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the group of patients with >50% reduction in the ISSTE score. The in-hospital death rate was 5.4% in patients with >50% reduction in the ISSTE score, compared to 19.4% for those who presented less than 50% reduction in the ISSTE score following pPCI (p <0.0001). The rate of successful reperfusion rate, expressed by the reduction in ISSTE score, was 83.8% in Group 1, compared to 55.3% in Group 2 (p <0.0001), indicating that the absence of an efficient reperfusion after pPCI is associated with a higher mortality in STEMI patients, and could be evaluated using regression of the ISSTE score, which proved to be directly associated with mortality.

Conclusion: The ISSTE score is shown to be an effective ECG-derived marker of myocardial damage in STEMI patients. A high ISSTE score is associated with higher mortality, while a reduction in the ISSTE score after pPCI may indicate an efficient reperfusion and a decrease in mortality in the first days after infarction.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Is Related to Electrocardiographic Sign of Spontaneous Reperfusion in Patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

ST-segment resolution ≥70% on consecutive electrocardiograms (ECGs) before administration of definitive reperfusion therapy is considered as an electrocardiographic sign of spontaneous reperfusion (SR) in STEMI patients and it indicates not only the patency of the infarct-related artery (IRA) but also the microvascular and myocardial reperfusion. Neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio has been demonstrated to be associated with the patency of the IRA and no-reflow in patients with STEMI before mechanical reperfusion therapy. However, the association between N/L ratio and ST-segment resolution in STEMI patients with SR was not investigated. The aim of this study was to focus on the relation between N/L ratio and ST-segment resolution in STEMI patients with SR.

METHODS

One hundred sixty two consecutive patients with their first diagnosed STEMI were enrolled in this study. ECGs of all the patients at admission and 1 h later were obtained. According to electrocardiographic sign of SR, the patients were divided into two groups as SR group and non-SR group. Clinical data between two groups were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients in SR group had lower neutrophil counts, higher lymphocyte counts, and lower N/L ratio than patients in non-SR group. Moreover, after undertaking primary PCI, patients in SR group had lower peak cTnT value and higher LVEF than patients in non-SR group. Furthermore, N/L ratio was an independent predictor of electrocardiographic sign of SR in patients with STEMI.

CONCLUSION

N/L ratio, an easily available laboratory data, may be related to microvascular reperfusion in STEMI patients with electrocardiographic sign of SR.

Immediate response to prasugrel loading in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Predictors and outcome

INTRODUCTION

Information regarding immediate response to novel P2Y12 inhibitors in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is scarce and has been associated with adequate reperfusion. Recent studies have shown that the onset of anti-platelet effects of novel P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with STEMI might be slower and more variable than in stable coronary syndrome. We aimed to assess the predictors and significance of immediate platelet response to prasugrel loading in STEMI.

METHODS

Platelet aggregation (PA) was prospectively evaluated in STEMI patients upon prasugrel loading and at primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Early platelet responsiveness was defined as percent reduction of PA from baseline to PPCI, divided by the time lapse from loading to PPCI. High- and low-platelet responsiveness was defined as above and below the median value respectively.

RESULTS

Fifty consecutive STEMI patients (age 58±8, 90% male) underwent PPCI with a mean door-to-balloon time of 42±15min. Mean PA upon prasugrel loading and at PPCI was 76±9% and 63±19%, respectively. Older age and prior aspirin use were predictors of low platelet responsiveness to prasugrel [β=(-0.33), p=0.02 and β=(-0.28), p=0.04, respectively]. Fast compared with slow responders demonstrated more frequent early ST resolution (93% vs. 72%, p=0.02) and lower peak troponin levels (76±62μg/L vs. 48±28μg/L, p=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate platelet responsiveness to prasugrel among STEMI patients is highly variable and inversely associated with older age and prior aspirin use. Fast compared with slow responders have improved reperfusion and infarct size markers.

Post thrombolytic resolution of ST elevation in STEMI patients

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of timing of thrombolytic therapy, cardiac risk factors and site of infarction on S.T. resolution post thrombolysis in STEMI patients.

METHODS

This was a descriptive hospital based study conducted at the Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. The duration of our study was 5 months from February 2015 to June 2015. Diagnosis of STEMI in symptomatic patients was based on the ECG recognized. Definition of Myocardial Infarction. Time from onset of chest pain to presentation of patients in emergency was noted through history of patients along with time of streptokinase. ECG recordings of patients were taken upon presentation in Emergency. Serial ECG monitoring was done after administration of Streptokinase (SK). ST resolution was observed in the lead with the maximum ST elevation. Data were presented as frequencies and percentages, chi square test was applied.

RESULTS

Among 83 patients with STEMI 50.6% were males and 49.4% were females with the age group range of 30-83 years. Fifty nine patients (71.08%) with STEMI underwent thrombolysis within 12 hours of onset of chest pain while 24 patients (28.92%), underwent thrombolysis after 12 hours of onset of chest pain. Out of the 59 patients who received thrombolytic therapy before 12 hours, 43 (72.88%)completely resolved, while those who received thrombolytic therapy after 12 hours none of them completely resolved as per ECG findings. By applying chi-square test it gives us value of 36.470, and p-value <0.001. In our study 28 patients were diabetic and out of these six (21.43%) completely resolved as per ECG post thrombolysis, 9 (32.14%) partially resolved and 13 (46.43%) failed to resolve. On the other hand, in non-diabetics out of 55, 37 (67.27%) completely resolved, 12 (21.82%) partially resolved and 6 (10.91%) failed to resolve. Among 61 hypertensive, 26 (42.62%) had complete resolution and in 22 who were non-hypertensive, 17 (77.27%)had complete resolution on ECG. Hyperlipidemia and site of infarction didn't have statistically significant effect on the resolution of ECG post thrombolysis in STEMI patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with diabetes, hypertension and those who receive thrombolysis after 12 hours of onset of chest pain respond poorly to thrombolytic therapy as per ECG findings whereas hyperlipidemia and site of infarction don't affect the response of STEMI patients to thrombolysis.

Impact of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Myocardial Perfusion in Nondiabetic Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Limited data exist on the role of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (FLD) as a potential independent risk factor in the setting of acute coronary syndromes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of FLD on myocardial perfusion and inhospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the setting of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We examined 186 consecutive nondiabetic patients (mean age 58 ± 11 years and 76% men) who underwent primary PCI for STEMI by ultrasound within 72 hours of admission. FLD was graded according to a semiquantitative severity score as mild (score <3) or moderate to severe (score ≥3). Myocardial perfusion was determined by measuring myocardial blush grade (MBG) and ST-segment resolution (STR) analysis. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to FLD score (<3 or ≥3). There were no differences with regard to postprocedural Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 flow grade between the 2 groups (89% vs 83%, p = 0.201). Patients with FLD score ≥3 were more likely to have absent myocardial perfusion (MBG 0/1, 37% vs 12%, p <0.0001), absent STR (27% vs 9%, p = 0.001), and higher inhospital MACE rate (31% vs 8%, p <0.0001). By multivariate analysis, FLD ≥3 score was found to be an independent predictor of absent MBG 0/1 (odds ratio [OR] 2.856, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.214 to 6.225, p = 0.033), absent STR (OR 2.862, 95% CI 1.242 to 6.342, p = 0.031), and inhospital MACE (OR 2.454, 95% CI 1.072 to 4.872, p = 0.048). In conclusion, we found that despite similar high rates of Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 after primary PCI, patients with FLD score ≥3 are more likely to have impaired myocardial perfusion which may contribute to adverse inhospital outcome.

Effect of Hematologic Parameters on Microvascular Reperfusion in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

OBJECTIVES

Despite the significant role of certain hematologic parameters in reperfusion injury, their relationship with microvascular reperfusion remains not well understood. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the relationship between hematologic parameters at admission and microvascular reperfusion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (primary PCI).

METHODS

A total of 213patients (mean age: 57.5 ± 11 years) with STEMI were included. Blood samples were obtained from all patients prior to primary PCI. Electrocardiographic recordings were made for the evaluation of ST-segment resolution (STR) before and after primary PCI. Angiographic assessment in the infarct-related artery was performed using the myocardial blush grade (MBG) and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow. Patients were categorized into 2 groups as those with impaired microvascular reperfusion (STR <70%, TIMI: 0-1, and MBG: 0-1) and those with normal microvascular reperfusion (STR >70%, TIMI: 2-3, and MBG: 2-3).

RESULTS

Of the overall study group, 139, 105, and 69 patients had an STR of <70%, MBG of 0-1, and TIMI of 0-1, respectively. Demographic parameters in both groups are shown in the tables. Patients with impaired microvascular reperfusion were found to have higher white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and mean platelet volume (MPV). Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet count were similar between the 2 groups. Correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between lymphocyte count and STR (r: -.195, P: .004), lymphocyte count and TIMI flow(r: -.09, P: .14), and lymphocyte count and MBG (r: -.211, P: .002).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that higher WBC count and MPV at admission are independent predictors of impaired microvascular perfusion in patients with STEMI. On the other hand, a negative correlation was found between lymphocyte count and impaired microvascular perfusion. Specifically, elevated lymphocyte count seemed to indicate the presence of impaired microvascular reperfusion in patients with STEMI.

Long-term mortality after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients with insulin-treated versus non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus

AIMS

We investigated the impact of preadmission diabetic status on long-term outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), to improve risk stratification.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between 1997 and 2007, 4,402 STEMI patients were admitted to our hospital and stratified as having insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) (n=176), non-ITDM (NITDM) (n=354) and non-DM (n=3,872). Five-year mortality was significantly higher in patients with DM compared to non-DM (29% vs. 18%, p<0.01). After stratification for preadmission glucose-lowering therapy, five-year mortality was significantly higher in ITDM patients compared to NITDM (36% vs. 25%, p=0.01) and in NITDM patients compared to non-DM patients (25% vs. 18%, p<0.01). After adjustment for age and gender the mortality risk between patients with NITDM versus non-DM was comparable (HR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.9-1.4, p=0.38), in contrast to patients with ITDM (HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.5-2.5, p<0.01) and ITDM versus NITDM (HR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.4, p<0.01). After adjustment for all baseline characteristics, the results were comparable to the age and gender adjusted model.

CONCLUSIONS

ITDM was a strong predictor for long-term mortality when compared to non-DM and NITDM. The mortality between patients without DM and NITDM was comparable after adjustment for age and gender.

Pre-angiography total ST-segment resolution is not a reliable predictor of an open infarct-related artery

BACKGROUND

While the cutoffs of predictive value for ST-segment elevations resolution (STSR) following thrombolysis and/or primary PCI were well documented, the impact of pre-angiography STSR has not been established yet.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to assess prognostic utility of pre-angiography STSR to predict pre-procedural TIMI flow in the infarct-related artery (IRA) and infarct size in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed, including 310 patients, admitted within 12h of symptom onset and who underwent primary PCI. ST-segment elevations were measured in: (1) qualifying ECG, (2) ECG before angiography, and (3) ECG post PCI. STSR was defined as: total (≥70%), partial (between 70% and 30%) and none (<30%). Relationships between pre-angiography STSR, initial TIMI flow and troponin T level (TnT) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Pre-angiography STSR correlated with initial TIMI flow in the IRA (rS=0.619; p<0.001). Pre-angiography total STSR was observed in 23.2% patients. It was noted in 79.2% of patients with pre-procedural TIMI flow ≥2 and in 20.8% with TIMI flow ≤1 (p<0.001). Although the sensitivity of pre-angiography total STSR to detect pre-procedural TIMI flow ≥2 was 93%, its specificity was only 56% and the likelihood ratio was 2.1. Pre-angiography total STSR was associated with lower peak TnT level (2.2±2.5ng/ml vs. 6.4±5.0ng/ml, p<0.0001) when compared to the remaining patients.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Pre-angiography STSR correlates with preprocedural TIMI flow. 2. The sensitivity of pre-angiography total STSR in detection of pre-procedural TIMI flow ≥2 is high, but low specificity of only 56% makes it an unreliable predictor of an open IRA.