Prospective, multicenter study of the safety and feasibility of primary stenting in acute myocardial infarction: in-hospital and 30-day results of the PAMI stent pilot trial. Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction Stent Pilot Trial Investigators

Circle packing charts generated by ChatGPT to identify the characteristics of articles by anesthesiology authors in 2022: Bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

The ChatGPT (Open AI, San Francisco, CA), denoted by the Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer, has been a hot topic for discussion over the past few months. A verification of whether the code for drawing circle packing charts (CPCs) with R can be generated by ChatGPT and used to identify characteristics of articles by anesthesiology authors is needed. This study aimed to provide insights into article characteristics in the field of anesthesiology and to highlight the potential of ChatGPT for data visualization techniques (e.g., CPCs) in bibliometric analysis.

METHODS

A total of 23,012 articles were indexed in PubMed in 2022 by authors in the field of anesthesiology. The code for drawing CPCs with R was generated by ChatGPT and then modified by the authors to identify the characteristics of articles in 2 forms: 23,012 and 100 top-impact factors in journals (T100IF). Using CPCs and 3 other visualizations-network charts, impact beam plots, and Sankey diagrams-we were able to display article features commonly used in bibliometric analysis. The author-weighted scheme and absolute advantage coefficient were used to assess dominant entities, such as countries, institutes, authors, and themes (defined by PubMed and MeSH terms).

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that: further modifications should be made to the code generated by ChatGPT for drawing CPCs in R; publications in the field of anesthesiology are dominated by China, followed by the United States and Japan; Capital Medical University (China) and Showa University Hospital (Japan) dominate research institutes in terms of publications and IF, respectively; and COVID-19 is the most frequently reported theme in T100IF, accounting for 29%.

CONCLUSIONS

No such articles with CPCs regarding bibliometrics have ever been found in PubMed. The code for drawing CPCs with R can be generated by ChatGPT, but further modification is required for implementation in bibliometrics. CPCs should be used in future studies to identify the characteristics of articles in other areas of research rather than limiting them to anesthesiology, as we did in this study.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitions and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Acute Myocardial Infarction With Renal Impairment

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction with renal impairment (AMI-RI) treated with either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in real-world clinical settings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 4790 consecutive patients with AMI-RI between November 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, were subdivided into ACEI (n=2845) and ARB (n=1945) treatment groups. The primary end points were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, including all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, any revascularization, cerebrovascular accident, rehospitalization, and stent thrombosis. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for group differences.

RESULTS

The ARB group had a significantly higher incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (at 3-year follow-up) than the ACEI group according to the unadjusted analysis (3-year hazard ratio [HR], 1.60; 95% CI, 1.43 to 1.78) and the PSM-adjusted analysis (3-year HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.56). However, any revascularization (3-year HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.54) and rehospitalization (3-year HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.67) were not significantly different between groups in the PSM-adjusted analysis. Compared with the ARB group, the ACEI group had lower rates of all-cause mortality at estimated glomerular filtration rates of at least 15 or less than 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the unadjusted data and at least 60 or less than 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the PSM-adjusted analysis.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with ACEIs seemed to be more beneficial than treatment with ARBs for patients with AMI-RI; further prospective studies are required to confirm these results.

Comparison of SGLT2 inhibitors with DPP-4 inhibitors combined with metformin in patients with acute myocardial infarction and diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Although sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, real-world evidence regarding their benefits to diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is insufficient. This study evaluated cardiovascular outcomes by comparing SGLT2i with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) in combination with metformin in diabetic patients with AMI.

METHODS

This study involved 779 diabetic participants with AMI from a Korean nationwide multicenter observational cohort, who were divided into two groups: (1) metformin plus SGLT2i group (SGLT2i group, n = 186) and (2) metformin plus DPP-4i (DPP-4i group, n = 593). The primary endpoint was one year of major adverse composite events (MACEs), a composite outcome of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, any revascularization, cerebrovascular accident, and stent thrombosis. To balance the baseline differences, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed.

RESULTS

After IPTW, the rate of MACEs in the SGLT2i group was not significantly lower than that in the DPP-4i group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.99; 95% confidence interval [Cl], 0.46 to 2.14, p = 0.983). In the unadjusted and adjusted analyses, all items for clinical outcomes were comparable between the two groups. In our exploratory analysis, the left ventricular ejection fraction showed a significant improvement in the SGLT2i group than in the DPP-4i group before achieving statistical balancing (6.10 ± 8.30 versus 2.95 ± 10.34, p = 0.007) and after IPTW adjustment (6.91 ± 8.91 versus 3.13 ± 10.41, p = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that SGLT2i did not influence the rate of MACEs compared with DPP-4i in combination with metformin in diabetic patients with AMI but did improve left ventricular ejection fraction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable (retrospectively registered).

The Effect of Adipose Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction on Flap Viability in Experimental Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Renal Disease

BACKGROUND

The presence of chronic renal disease(CRD) concurrently with diabetes mellitus(DM) increases the flap failure. Adipose derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is known to enhance skin flap viability in both healthy and diabetic individuals. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of SVF on skin flap viability in rats with DM and CRD.

METHODS

48 Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into four groups as follows: group I (control), group II (diabetes mellitus), group III (chronic renal disease), and group IV (diabetes with chronic renal disease).Two dorsal flaps were elevated. Flaps on left side of all groups received 0.5 cc of SVF, while same amount of plasma-buffered saline (PBS) was injected into right side. On postoperative day 7, flaps were harvested for macroscopic, histopathologic and biochemical assessments. Areas of flap survival were measured macroscopically. Blood level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured after injection of SVF.

RESULTS

Macroscopically, SVF has significantly improved flap viability (p < 0.05). Flap viability percentage was lower in DM and CRD groups when compared with healthy control group. In respect of new capillary formation, there was a statistically significant difference between SVF injected flaps and PBS injected sides (p < 0.05). Similarly, VEGF levels were higher in all study groups and there was a significant difference in comparison to control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that injection of SVF increased flap viability via endothelial differentiation and neovascularization. In vivo function of stem cells might be impaired due to uremia and diabetes-related microenviromental changes.

Religious Affiliations and Clinical Outcomes in Korean Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective

Although religion is expected to have a direct or indirect effect on various aspects of human life, information on the association between religion and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is inadequate. Hence, in this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical effect of religion on clinical outcomes in patients with AMI.

Methods

A total of 2,348 patients with AMI who were treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled in the study, and they were categorized into two groups depending on their religious belief: religious and non-religious groups. The characteristics and clinical outcomes of both groups were compared.

Results

Compared with the religious group, the non-religious group was younger, included mostly men, was more likely to smoke, and was more likely to be diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, the non-religious group was less likely to have a history of hypertension and tended to receive PCI more quickly with shorter door-to-balloon time. Regarding 1-year clinical outcomes, no differences were found between the two groups.

Conclusion

Despite a growing body of evidence that religious activities have positive effects on human physical health, our results showed a lack of significant differences in 1-year clinical outcomes in patients with AMI irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Perceived Heart Attack Likelihood in Adults with a High Diabetes Risk

BACKGROUND

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men in the United States. Yet, little is known about the motivation for care-seeking behavior for heart attack and the perception of self-risk of a heart attack in individuals, especially those at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe knowledge and awareness of heart attacks and perceived risk for future heart attacks and evaluate factors associated with a low perceived risk of a heart attack in adults with a high risk for type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

In this secondary data, cross-sectional study, the screening/baseline data of 80 adults participating in the mobile phone-based diabetes prevention program trial were analyzed. Validated measures assessed knowledge, self-efficacy, and heart attack risk perception were used. Logistic regressions were performed.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 55.4 (9.0) years. 32.5% of the sample failed to identify any heart attack symptoms. Half of the sample did not perceive their risk of having a heart attack in their lifetime. Older age, lower body mass index, not having a family history of heart attack, and current smokers were significantly associated with a lower perceived risk of heart attack (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare providers need to assess the discrepancies between the individual's risk perception and the presence of actual risk factors of a heart attack in adults with a high risk for type 2 diabetes.

Treatment of In-Stent Stenosis Following Flow Diversion of Intracranial Aneurysms with Cilostazol and Clopidogrel

In-stent stenosis is a feared complication of flow diversion treatment for cerebral aneurysms. We present 2 cases of patients treated with pipeline flow diversion for unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Initial perioperative dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) consisted of standard aspirin plus clopidogrel. At 6-month follow-up cerebral angiography, the patients were noted to have developed significant in-stent stenosis (63% and 53%). The patients were treated with cilostazol and clopidogrel for at least 6 months. Subsequent angiography at 1-year post-treatment showed significant improvement of the in-stent stenosis from 63% to 34% and 53% to 21%. The role of cilostazol as treatment of intracranial in-stent stenosis has not been previously described. Cilostazol’s vasodilatory effect and suppression of vascular smooth muscle proliferation provides ideal benefits in this setting. Cilostazol plus clopidogrel may be a safe and effective alternative to standard DAPT for treatment of in-stent stenosis following flow diversion and warrants further consideration and investigation.

Demographic description and outcomes of a metropolitan network for myocardial infarction treatment

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to describe the myocardial infarction treatment network and compare in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing either primary angioplasty or pharmacoinvasive strategy in Mexico City and a broad metropolitan area.

METHODS

Cohort study including patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. We recorded demographic and clinical data, laboratory tests and in-hospital mortality in patients that underwent primary angioplasty and pharmacoinvasive strategy. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess mortality and Cox-regression assessed mortality risk factors.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty patients from a network of 60 hospitals and 9 states were analyzed. Of the total population, 166 were treated with pharmacoinvasive strategy and 174 with primary angioplasty. Door to thrombolytic time was 54 min and door to wire crossing time was 72.5 min; no differences in total ischemia time were demonstrated. No differences for in-hospital mortality (6.3% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.49) were found when comparing pharmacoinvasive and primary angioplasty groups. The main predictors for in-hospital mortality were: glucose > 180 mg/dl (HR 3.73), total ischemia time > 420 min (HR 3.18), heart rate > 90 bpm (HR 5.46), Killip and Kimball > II (HR 11.03), and left ventricle ejection fraction < 40% (HR 3.21).

CONCLUSIONS

This myocardial infarction network covers a large area and constitutes one of the biggest in the world. There were no differences regarding in-hospital mortality between pharmacoinvasive strategy and primary angioplasty. Pharmacoinvasive strategy is an effective and safe option for prompt reperfusion in Mexico.

L-Arginine-Nitric Oxide-Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Pathway and the Coronary Circulation: Translation of Basic Science Results to Clinical Practice

By 1980, it was thought that we already knew most of the major mechanisms regulating vascular tone. However, after the somewhat serendipity discovery that endothelium is involved in mediation of relaxation to acetylcholine, a whole new world opened up and we had to rewrite our concept regarding vascular function and its regulation (not to mention many other fields). The new player was an endothelium derived relaxing factor, which molecular constitution has been identified to be nitric oxide (NO). This review summarizes the major molecular steps concerning how NO is synthetized from L-arginine. Also, the fate of L-arginine is described via the arginase and methylation pathways; both of them are affecting substantially the level and efficacy of NO. In vitro and in vivo effects of L-arginine are summarized and controversial clinical findings are discussed. On the basis of the use of methylated L-arginines, the vasomotor effects of endothelial NO released to agonists and increases in flow/wall shear stress (a major biological stimulus) is summarized. In this review the role of NO in the regulation of coronary vascular resistance, hence blood flow, is delineated and the somewhat questionable clinical use of NO donors is discussed. We made an attempt to summarize the biosynthesis, role, and molecular mechanisms of endogenously produced methylated L-arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in modulating vascular resistance, affecting the function of the heart. Additionally, the relationship between ADMA level and various cardiovascular diseases is described, such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemia/reperfusion injuries, and different types of coronary revascularization. A novel aspect of coronary vasomotor regulation is identified in which the pericardial fluid ADMA and endothelin play putative roles. Finally, some of the open possibilities for future research on L-arginine-NO-ADMA signaling are highlighted.

Observational study comparing pharmacoinvasive strategy with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction to a tertiary care centre in India

Objective:

The objective was to study whether the incidence of composite end points (mortality, cardiogenic shock and re-myocardial infarction [re-MI]) in pharmacoinvasive strategy was noninferior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods:

This was an observational study which included 138 patients. The study included patients admitted with a diagnosis of STEMI within 24 h of symptom onset, who underwent primary PCI or pharmacoinvasive therapy in a single center over a 9-month period. Primary end points (death within 30 days, re-MI within 30 days, and cardiogenic shock) and secondary end points (arrhythmias, bleeding manifestations, ischemic stroke, ejection fraction, mechanical complications, and duration of hospital stay) were compared between the two groups at 1 month after intervention.

Results:

At one month follow-up, the incidence rate for primary end points was 5 events per 43 patients (11.6%) in pharmacoinvasive arm and 18 events per 95 patients (18.9%) in primary PCI arm, a difference of - 7.3% (95% confidence interval: 18.5, 7.1). This finding shows that pharmacoinvasive strategy as compared with primary PCI in the management of STEMI was equivalent in terms of composite primary outcome. There was no significant difference between the secondary outcomes between the two groups. Use of thrombus aspiration device and in turn the thrombus burden was significantly lower in the pharmacoinvasive arm.

Conclusion:

This observational study showed that pharmacoinvasive strategy was as good as primary PCI in STEMI, in our setting, where primary PCI may be delayed or not possible at all due to financial and logistic constraints.

Comparison of effects of thrombolytic therapy and primary percutaneous coronary intervention in elderly patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction on in-hospital, six-month, and one-year mortality

Introduction

This study aims to evaluate the effect of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and thrombolytic therapy (TT) on the in-hospital adverse events, in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients over 65 years of age with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Material and methods

A total of 111 retrospectively screened patients (73 males, mean age: 73.4 ±5.9 years) over 65 years of age with STEMI, who underwent TT or primary PCI, were included in the study. Patients' characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and 6-month and 1-year mortalities were recorded.

Results

Our study was conducted with 111 patients over 65 years of age with STEMI (73 males, 38 females). Of the patients, 66 (59.5%) were treated with thrombolytics, and 45 (40.5%) patients underwent primary PCI. Door-to-needle time was 25.9 ±7.8 min in the TT group, whereas door-to-balloon time was 84.4 ±20.0 min in the PCI group. Time from symptom onset to hospital admission was 213.6 ±158.4 min in the thrombolytic group, and 166.8 ±112.8 min in the PCI group. Rescue PCI was performed in 7 (10.6%) patients in the TT group due to lack of reperfusion. Recurrent infarction was observed in 5 (7.6%) patients in the TT group and in 2 (4.4%) patients in the PCI group. Non-haemorrhagic stroke was observed in 1 (1.5%) patient in the thrombolytic-administered group and in 4 (8.9%) patients in the PCI group. No intracranial haemorrhage was observed in any patient. Major haemorrhage was observed in 4 (6.1%) patients in the TT group and in 4 (8.9%) patients in the PCI group. Six-month and 1-year mortalities were present in 15 (22.7%) patients and 19 patients in thrombolytic group, and 8 (17.8%) and 8 (17.8%) patients in the PCI group, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the patient's age was the only predictor for 1-year mortality (odds ratio (OR) = 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.019-1.188, p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Considering the in-hospital adverse outcomes, in-hospital mortality, and 6-month mortality rates, TT and primary PCI have similar effects in STEMI patients aged 65 years and over according to the results of our study. Although 1-year mortality was higher in the TT group, it was not statistically significant.

Relative survival and excess mortality following primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND:

High survival rates are commonly reported following primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction, with most contemporary studies reporting overall survival.

AIMS:

The aim of this study was to describe survival following primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction corrected for non-cardiovascular deaths by reporting relative survival and investigate clinically significant factors associated with poor long-term outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS:

Using the prospective UK Percutaneous Coronary Intervention registry, primary percutaneous coronary intervention cases ( n=88,188; 2005-2013) were matched to mortality data for the UK populace. Crude five-year relative survival was 87.1% for the patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention and 94.7% for patients <55 years. Increasing age was associated with excess mortality up to four years following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (56-65 years: excess mortality rate ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 1.46-1.79; 66-75 years: 2.49, 2.26-2.75; >75 years: 4.69, 4.27-5.16). After four years, there was no excess mortality for ages 56-65 years (excess mortality rate ratio 1.27, 0.95-1.70), but persisting excess mortality for older groups (66-75 years: excess mortality rate ratio 1.72, 1.30-2.27; >75 years: 1.66, 1.15-2.41). Excess mortality was associated with cardiogenic shock (excess mortality rate ratio 6.10, 5.72-6.50), renal failure (2.52, 2.27-2.81), left main stem stenosis (1.67, 1.54-1.81), diabetes (1.58, 1.47-1.69), previous myocardial infarction (1.52, 1.40-1.65) and female sex (1.33, 1.26-1.41); whereas stent deployment (0.46, 0.42-0.50) especially drug eluting stents (0.27, 0.45-0.55), radial access (0.70, 0.63-0.71) and previous percutaneous coronary intervention (0.67, 0.60-0.75) were protective.

CONCLUSIONS:

Following primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction, long-term cardiovascular survival is excellent. Failure to account for non-cardiovascular death may result in an underestimation of the efficacy of primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

[Therapy of cardiogenic shock : A success story of German cardiology]

In contrast to the situation in the 1960s and 1970s, the mortality risk for patients with myocardial infarction has been clearly reduced, particularly for those with myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (MICS). Approximately 5‑10 % of patients with a myocardial infarction are affected by a MICS and the mortality risk is between 30 % and 50 %. The primary percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation should be carried out as quickly as possible in order to reduce the mortality to around 20 %. This article gives an overview of the currently available options for conservative and fibrinolytic treatment of MICS, of the interventional treatment of cardiogenic shock in the era of intravenous and intracoronary infarct treatment as well as without thrombolysis. In addition, the currently available mechanical support systems and the possibilities for surveillance and monitoring of patients are presented.

Nicorandil alleviates myocardial injury and post-infarction cardiac remodeling by inhibiting Mst1

BACKGROUND

Cardiomyocyte autophagy and apoptosis are crucial events underlying the development of cardiac abnormalities and dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI). A better understanding of the cell signaling pathways involved in cardiac remodeling may support the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of heart failure (HF) after MI.

METHODS

A cardiac MI injury model was constructed by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Neonatal cardiomyocytes were isolated and cultured to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of nicorandil on MI-induced injury.

RESULTS

Nicorandil reduced cardiac enzyme release, mitigated left ventricular enlargement and cardiac dysfunction after MI, as evaluated by echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements. According to the results of the western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining, nicorandil enhanced autophagic flux and reduced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxic injury. Interestingly, nicorandil increased Mst1 and p-Mst1 levels in cardiomyocytes subjected to MI injury. Mst1 knockout abolished the protective effects of nicorandil on cardiac remodeling and dysfunction after MI. Mst1 knockout also abolished the beneficial effects of nicorandil on cardiac enzyme release and cardiomyocyte autophagy and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Nicorandil alleviates post-MI cardiac dysfunction and remodeling. The mechanisms were associated with enhancing autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis through Mst1 inhibition.

Impact of Double Loading Regimen of Clopidogrel on Final Angiographic Results, Incidence of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with STEMI Undergoing Primary Coronary Intervention

This study tested the therapeutic impact of double-loading dose (i.e., 600 mg) versus standard-loading dose (i.e., 300 mg) of clopidogrel on ST-segment-elevation-myocardial-infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary-coronary-intervention (PCI).Between January 2005 and December 2013, a total of 1461 STEMI patients undergoing PCI were consecutively enrolled into the study and categorized into group 1 (600 mg/clopidogrel; n = 508) and group 2 (300 mg/clopidogrel; n = 953). We assessed angiographic thrombolysis-in-myocardial-infarction (TIMI) flow in the infarct-related-artery, 30-day mortality and upper-gastrointestinal-bleeding (UGIB) within 30 days as primary-endpoints and later incidents of UGIB as secondary-endpoints.The results showed that the incidences of advanced Killip score (defined as ≥ score 3) upon presentation (23.8% versus 24.6%) and advanced heart failure (defined as ≥ NYHAFc-3) (10.2% versus 10.4%) did not differ between groups 1 and 2 (all P > 0.4). Primary-endpoints, which were final TIM-3 flow (91.3% versus 91.7%) in the infarct-related-artery, incidences of 30-day mortality (5.8% vs. 7.1%), and UGIB ≤ 30 day (7.8% versus 8.9%) did not differ between group 1 and group 2 (all P > 0.33). The secondary-endpoints which were incidences of ≥ 30-day < one-year (5.2% versus 4.7) and > one-year (8.9% versus 10.1%) UGIB did not differ between groups 1 and 2 (all P > 0.45). One-year mortality did not differ between two groups (10.74% versus 12.9%) (P > 0.25). Multiple-stepwise-logistic-regression analysis showed that age and advanced-Killip score were independently predictive of 30-day mortality (all P < 0.001).Double-loading dose of clopidogrel did not confer an additional benefit to the final angiograph results, 30-day/one-year clinical outcomes; and age and advanced Killip-score were powerful predictors of 30-day mortality.

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.

Effect of supplementation of lecithin and carnitine on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in pigs fed high-fat diet

Aim:

To study the effect of dietary supplementation of lecithin and carnitine on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in pigs fed high-fat diet.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 30 weaned female large white Yorkshire piglets of 2 months of age were selected and randomly divided into three groups allotted to three dietary treatments, T1 - Control ration as per the National Research Council nutrient requirement, T2 - Control ration plus 5% fat, and T3 - T2 plus 0.5% lecithin plus 150 mg/kg carnitine. The total dry matter (DM) intake, fortnightly body weight of each individual animal was recorded. Digestibility trial was conducted toward the end of the experiment to determine the digestibility coefficient of various nutrients.

Results:

There was a significant improvement (p<0.01) observed for pigs under supplementary groups T2 and T3 than that of control group (T1) with regards to growth parameters studied such as total DM intake, average final body weight and total weight gain whereas among supplementary groups, pigs reared on T3 group had better intake (p<0.01) when compared to T2 group. Statistical analysis of data revealed that no differences were observed (p>0.05) among the three treatments on average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency, and nutrient digestibility during the overall period.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that the dietary inclusion of animal fat at 5% level or animal fat along with lecithin (0.5%) and carnitine (150 mg/kg) improved the growth performance in pigs than non-supplemented group and from the economic point of view, dietary incorporation of animal fat at 5% would be beneficial for improving growth in pigs without dietary modifiers.

The Effect of Interventional Treatment in Acute Myocardial Infarction on ST Resolution: A Comparison of Coronary Angioplasty with Excimer Laser Angioplasty

The treatment methods for acute myocardial infarction (MI) have started to change in the new millennium. Myocardial perfusion (ST-segment resolution) is the target rather than achieving TIMI-III flow in the infarct-related artery. In this study the authors compared the effect of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and excimer laser angioplasty (ELCA), which was accepted as one of the thrombolysis methods, on ST-segment resolution. A stent was applied after ELCA to 36 patients (4 women, 32 men; mean age 50.44 ±9.8 years) in group I and a stent was applied after balloon angioplasty to 44 patients (5 women, 39 men; mean age 50.77 ±12.2 years) in group II. Fisher’s exact test was used in the analysis of data, and p<0.05 was accepted as significant. There was no difference between the groups with respect to symptom duration, time to angioplasty, risk factors, infarct localization, stent diameter, and length. TIMI-III flow was achieved in 33 patients (92%) in group I and in 40 patients (91%) in group II. There was no statistical difference in TIMI flow between the groups. In group I, complete ST resolution was observed in 75% (27/36) of the patients, partial resolution in 22% (8/36), and resolution was unsuccessful in 3% (1/36). In group II, complete, partial, and unsuccessful ST resolution were 41% (18/44), 45% (20/44), and 14% (6/44), respectively. The mean ST resolution was 82.78 ±11.8% in group I and 66.36 ±10% in group II (p=0.001). ST segment resolution, which is a good predictor of tissue perfusion, was higher with ELCA than with balloon angioplasty. These findings should be supported by large randomized studies.

Abciximab during Rescue Angioplasty after Failed Thrombolysis

Abciximab (a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor) was assessed in 16 of 36 patients with acute myocardial infarction who were referred for rescue angioplasty after failed thrombolysis. Baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were comparable in the abciximab and non-abciximab groups. Coronary stenting was carried out in all patients in the non-abciximab group and in 13 in the abciximab group. Angiographic success was achieved in all patients. Persistence of slow flow was encountered more frequently in the non-abciximab group (30% versus 6.25%, p < 0.05). Stent thrombosis occurred in 2 patients (10%) who were successfully redilated and there was one case of bleeding requiring transfusion in the non-abciximab group; neither of these complications occurred in the abciximab group. Predischarge left ventricular ejection fraction was better in the abciximab group (44% ± 3% versus 36% ± 3%, p < 0.01). All patients were discharged alive and were asymptomatic at the one-month follow-up. Use of abciximab during angioplasty after failed thrombolysis improved angiographic and clinical results without increasing the risk of bleeding, and reduced the incidence of in-hospital complications. Larger studies are warranted to confirm this important observation.

A novel marker of inflammation in patients with slow coronary flow: lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio

AIM

Recently, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) has emerged as a new indirect marker of inflammation which is associated with adverse outcomes in oncology and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between LMR and slow coronary flow (SCF).

PATIENTS & METHODS

A total of 100 consecutive patients with SCF and 100 consecutive patients with normal coronary flow were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

LMR was significantly lower in patients with SCF than in patients with normal coronary flow (p < 0.001). Also, LMR was negatively correlated with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and CRP levels (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005). LMR was found to be significantly and independently associated with SCF (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

LMR was negatively correlated with serum C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio levels.

Fluoroscopy Assisted Scoring of Myocardial Hypoperfusion (FLASH) ratio as a novel predictor of mortality after primary PCI in STEMI patients

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate whether Fluoroscopy Assisted Scoring of Myocardial Hypoperfusion (FLASH) enabled a more accurate assessment of coronary blood flow and prediction of cardiac mortality after primary PCI (pPCI), than the presently used angiographic scores of reperfusion.

METHODS

We included 453 STEMI patients who received pPCI at our hospital. Using the novel FLASH algorithm, based on contrast passage time and quantitative coronary analysis, FLASH flow was measured after pPCI and was used to calculate FLASH ratio of culprit and reference artery. In 28 of the 453 patients, FLASH flow was compared to Doppler-derived-flow.

RESULTS

FLASH flow had a good correlation with Doppler derived flow (Pearson's R=0.65, p<0.001) and had a high inter-observer agreement (ICC=0.83). FLASH flow was significantly lower in patients that died of cardiac death within six months (25.9±17.7 ml/min vs. 38.2±18.8 ml/min, p=0.004). FLASH ratio had a high accuracy of predicting cardiac mortality with a significant higher area under the curve as compared with CTFC and QuBe (p=0.041 and p=0.008). FLASH ratio was an independent predictor of mortality at 6 months (HR=0.98 per 1% increase, p=0.014).

CONCLUSION

FLASH is a simple non-invasive method to estimate coronary blood flow and predict mortality directly following pPCI in STEMI patients, with a higher accuracy compared to the presently used angiographic scores.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in the elderly

Our population dynamics are changing. The number of octogenarians and older people in the general population is increasing and therefore the number of older patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome or stable angina is increasing. This group has a larger burden of coronary disease and also a greater number of concomitant comorbidities when compared to younger patients. Many of the studies assessing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to date have actively excluded octogenarians. However, a number of studies, both retrospective and prospective, are now being undertaken to reflect the, "real" population. Despite being a higher risk group for both elective and emergency PCIs, octogenarians have the greatest to gain in terms of prognosis, symptomatic relief, and arguably more importantly, quality of life. Important future development will include assessment of patient frailty, encouraging early presentation, addressing gender differences on treatment strategies, identification of culprit lesion(s) and vascular access to minimise vascular complications. We are now appreciating that the new frontier is perhaps recognising and risk stratifying those elderly patients who have the most to gain from PCI. This review article summarises the most relevant trials and studies.

Atypical risk factor profile and excellent long-term outcomes of young patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have examined the relationship between age and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The majority of studies have concentrated on describing elderly patients and there has been less focus on the profile and outcome of young patients suffering from STEMI. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical profile and outcomes of young patients compared with an older cohort and to establish what risk factors were associated with young patients having PPCI for STEMI.

METHODS

This was an observational cohort study of 3618 patients with STEMI treated by PPCI at a regional heart attack centre in London between January 2004 and September 2012. Clinical characteristics and outcomes in (young) patients aged ≤ 45 years were compared with those in (older) patients aged >45 years. The primary and main secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event rates, respectively, at a median follow-up of 3.0 (interquartile range 1.2-4.6) years.

RESULTS

Of the 3618 patients, 367 (10.1%) were aged ≤ 45 years and 3251 (89.9%) were aged >45 years. The proportion of patients aged ≤ 45 years increased from 8.5% to 11.5% (p=0.04) during the study period. Compared with older patients, those aged ≤ 45 years were more likely to be male, smokers, of South Asian ethnicity and to have a family history of premature coronary artery disease. Young patients were less likely to have a history of hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularisation, or to have left ventricular systolic impairment or renal impairment. Over the follow-up period, mortality (2.7% vs. 7.6%; p<0.0001) and major adverse cardiovascular event rates (7.0% vs. 13.5%; p<0.0001) were significantly lower in patients aged ≤ 45 years compared with older patients. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, young age remained a predictor of reduced all cause mortality when compared with older patients (hazard ratio 0.12 (95% confidence interval 0.04-0.38)), including after incorporation of a propensity score (hazard ratio: 0.14 (95% confidence interval 0.04-0.36)).

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of patients with STEMI treated by PPCI there was an increasing incidence of young patients aged ≤ 45 years throughout the study period. These patients were more often male, smokers and of South Asian ethnicity. Outcomes in younger patients was good. Focusing preventative strategies on smokers and high risk ethnic groups may help reduce the incidence of premature coronary artery disease.

Sudden cardiac death from the perspective of coronary artery disease

Sudden cardiac death accounts for approximately 50% of all deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease in the United States. It is most commonly associated with coronary artery disease and can be its initial manifestation or may occur in the period after an acute myocardial infarction. Decreasing the rate of sudden cardiac death requires the identification and treatment of at-risk patients through evidence-based pharmacotherapy and interventional strategies aimed at primary and secondary prevention. For this review, we searched PubMed for potentially relevant articles published from January 1, 1970, through March 1, 2014, using the following key search terms: sudden cardiac death, ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest. Searches were enhanced by scanning bibliographies of identified articles, and those deemed relevant were selected for full-text review. This review outlines various mechanisms for sudden cardiac death in the setting of coronary artery disease, describes risk factors for sudden cardiac death, explores the management of cardiac arrest, and outlines optimal practice for the monitoring and treatment of patients after an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction to decrease the risk of sudden death.

Stem cell therapy for chronic ischaemic heart disease and congestive heart failure

BACKGROUND

A promising approach to the treatment of chronic ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure is the use of stem cells. The last decade has seen a plethora of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) developed worldwide which have generated conflicting results.

OBJECTIVES

The critical evaluation of clinical evidence on the safety and efficacy of autologous adult bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSC) as a treatment for chronic ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, 2013, Issue 3), MEDLINE (from 1950), EMBASE (from 1974), CINAHL (from 1982) and the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1980), together with ongoing trial databases, for relevant trials up to 31st March 2013.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Eligible studies included RCTs comparing autologous adult stem/progenitor cells with no autologous stem/progenitor cells in participants with chronic IHD and heart failure. Co-interventions such as primary angioplasty, surgery or administration of stem cell mobilising agents, were included where administered to treatment and control arms equally.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened all references for eligibility, assessed trial quality and extracted data. We undertook a quantitative evaluation of data using fixed-effect meta-analyses. We evaluated heterogeneity using the I² statistic; we explored considerable heterogeneity (I² > 75%) using a random-effects model and subgroup analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

We include 23 RCTs involving 1255 participants in this review. Risk of bias was generally low, with the majority of studies reporting appropriate methods of randomisation and blinding, Autologous bone marrow stem cell treatment reduced the incidence of mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.53, P = 0.0001, 8 studies, 494 participants, low quality evidence) and rehospitalisation due to heart failure (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.94, P = 0.04, 2 studies, 198 participants, low quality evidence) in the long term (≥12 months). The treatment had no clear effect on mortality (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.41, P = 0.30, 21 studies, 1138 participants, low quality evidence) or rehospitalisation due to heart failure (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.06, P = 0.06, 4 studies, 236 participants, low quality evidence) in the short term (< 12 months), which is compatible with benefit, no difference or harm. The treatment was also associated with a reduction in left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) (mean difference (MD) -14.64 ml, 95% CI -20.88 ml to -8.39 ml, P < 0.00001, 3 studies, 153 participants, moderate quality evidence) and stroke volume index (MD 6.52, 95% CI 1.51 to 11.54, P = 0.01, 2 studies, 62 participants, moderate quality evidence), and an improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (MD 2.62%, 95% CI 0.50% to 4.73%, P = 0.02, 6 studies, 254 participants, moderate quality evidence), all at long-term follow-up. Overall, we observed a reduction in functional class (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class) in favour of BMSC treatment during short-term follow-up (MD -0.63, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.19, P = 0.005, 11 studies, 486 participants, moderate quality evidence) and long-term follow-up (MD -0.91, 95% CI -1.38 to -0.44, P = 0.0002, 4 studies, 196 participants, moderate quality evidence), as well as a difference in Canadian Cardiovascular Society score in favour of BMSC (MD -0.81, 95% CI -1.55 to -0.07, P = 0.03, 8 studies, 379 participants, moderate quality evidence). Of 19 trials in which adverse events were reported, adverse events relating to the BMSC treatment or procedure occurred in only four individuals. No long-term adverse events were reported. Subgroup analyses conducted for outcomes such as LVEF and NYHA class revealed that (i) route of administration, (ii) baseline LVEF, (iii) cell type, and (iv) clinical condition are important factors that may influence treatment effect.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis found moderate quality evidence that BMSC treatment improves LVEF. Unlike in trials where BMSC were administered following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we found some evidence for a potential beneficial clinical effect in terms of mortality and performance status in the long term (after at least one year) in people who suffer from chronic IHD and heart failure, although the quality of evidence was low.

Direct implantation versus platelet-rich fibrin-embedded adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in treating rat acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

This study tested whether adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) embedded in platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) scaffold is superior to direct ADMSC implantation in improving left ventricular (LV) performance and reducing LV remodeling in a rat acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation.

METHODS

Twenty-eight male adult Sprague Dawley rats equally divided into group 1 [sham control], group 2 (AMI only), group 3 (AMI+direct ADMSC implantation), and group 4 (AMI+PRF-embedded autologous ADMSC) were sacrificed on day 42 after AMI.

RESULTS

LV systolic and diastolic dimensions and volumes, and infarct/fibrotic areas were highest in group 2, lowest in group 1 and significantly higher in group 3 than in group 4, whereas LV performance and LV fractional shortening exhibited a reversed pattern (p<0.005). Protein expressions of inflammation (oxidative stress, IL-1β, MMP-9), apoptosis (mitochondrial Bax, cleaved PARP), fibrosis (Smad3, TGF-β), and pressure-overload biomarkers (BNP, MHC-β) displayed a pattern similar to that of LV dimensions, whereas anti-inflammatory (IL-10), anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2), and anti-fibrotic (Smad1/5, BMP-2) indices showed a pattern similar to that of LV performance among the four groups (all p<0.05). Angiogenesis biomarkers at protein (CXCR4, SDF-1α, VEGF), cellular (CD31+, CXCR4+, SDF-1α+), and immunohistochemical (small vessels) levels, and cardiac stem cell markers (C-kit+, Sca-1+) in infarct myocardium were highest in group 4, lowest in group 1, and significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2 (all p<0.005).

CONCLUSION

PRF-embedded ADMSC is superior to direct ADMSC implantation in preserving LV function and attenuating LV remodeling.

Innate immune response after acute myocardial infarction and pharmacomodulatory action of tacrolimus in reducing infarct size and preserving myocardial integrity

Background

This study investigated the association between innate immune reaction and myocardial damage after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and anti-inflammatory role of tacrolimus in reducing infarct size. Male mini-pigs (n=18) were equally categorized into sham control (SC), untreated AMI (by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery), and AMI-Tacrolimus (AMI-Tac) (0.5 mg intra-coronary injection 30 minutes post-AMI). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at post-AMI days 2, 5 and 21 before sacrificing the animals.

Results

By post-AMI day 21, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was lowest in untreated AMI animals, significantly higher in SC than in AMI-Tac group (all p<0.003). Infarct areas at basal, middle, and apical levels, numbers of CD14+ and iNOS+ cells in infarct area (IA) and peri-IA, and protein expression of CD14, CD68, and Ly6g from circulating inflammatory cells showed an opposite pattern compared with that of LVEF in all groups (all p<0.005). Protein expressions of MCP-1, MIP-1, TNF-α, NF-κB, iNOS, and IL-12 in IA and peri-IA exhibited an identical pattern compared to that of CD14, CD68, and Ly6g from circulating inflammatory cells (all p<0.01). Expressions of myocardial damage biomarkers in IA and peri-IA [γ-H2AX, β-myosin heavy chain (MHC), Smad3, TGF-β] were highest in AMI and higher in AMI-Tac than in SC, whereas expressions of myocardial integrity biomarkers (connexin43, mitochondrial cytochrome-C, α-MHC, BMP-2, Smad1/5) were opposite to those of damage biomarkers (all p<0.001).

Conclusion

Innate immune responses were markedly augmented and LVEF was significantly reduced after AMI but were remarkably improved after tacrolimus treatment.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of intracoronary administration of tirofiban for no-reflow phenomenon

Background

Currently, there is still a lack of an optimal treatment for no-reflow phenomenon (NR). The aim of this simple meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracoronary (IC) administration of tirofiban compared with other conventional drugs during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for NR.

Methods

Systematic literature search was done from PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Springer and CNKI databases without language or time limitation. Randomized controlled trials were enrolled for analyzing if they investigated the treatment of IC administration of tirofiban versus other conventional drugs for NR.

Results

Ten studies with 702 patients were included. Significantly, the treatment of tirofiban was more effective in improving the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.15-0.37, P < 0.00001) and reducing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.05-0.18, P < 0.00001). There was a trend to increase the risk of bleeding, but the data of the result did not reach the statistical significance (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.69-3.00, P = 0.32).

Conclusions

Tirofiban is more effective than conventional drugs for NR during PCI, but the potential risk of bleeding complication induced by tirofiban shouldn’t be ignored during clinical practices.

Intracoronary infusion of allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cells directly after experimental acute myocardial infarction reduces infarct size, abrogates adverse remodeling, and improves cardiac function

RATIONALE

Mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) are a specific Stro-3+ subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from bone marrow. MPCs exert extensive cardioprotective effects, and are considered to be immune privileged.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of intracoronary delivery of allogeneic MPCs directly after acute myocardial infarction in sheep.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Initially, intracoronary delivery conditions were optimized in 20 sheep. These conditions were applied in a randomized study of 68 sheep with an anterior acute myocardial infarction. Coronary flow was monitored during MPC infusion, and cardiac function was assessed using invasive hemodynamics and echocardiography at baseline and during 8 weeks follow-up. Coronary flow remained within thrombolysis in myocardial infarction III definitions in all sheep during MPC infusion. Global left ventricular ejection fraction as measured by pressure-volume loop analysis deteriorated in controls to 40.7±2.6% after 8 weeks. In contrast, MPC treatment improved cardiac function to 52.8±0.7%. Echocardiography revealed significant improvement of both global and regional cardiac functions. Infarct size decreased by 40% in treated sheep, whereas infarct and border zone thickness were enhanced. Left ventricular adverse remodeling was abrogated by MPC therapy, resulting in a marked reduction of left ventricular volumes. Blood vessel density increased by >50% in the infarct and border areas. Compensatory cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was reduced in border and remote segments, accompanied by reduced collagen deposition and apoptosis. No microinfarctions in remote myocardial segments or histological abnormalities in unrelated organs were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracoronary infusion of allogeneic MPCs is safe, feasible, and markedly effective in a large animal model of acute myocardial infarction.

Outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction with unprotected left main coronary artery occlusion

BACKGROUND

We determined the in-hospital and the long-term outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute left main coronary artery (LMCA) occlusion.

METHODS

Between 1988 and 2009, 72 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) underwent primary PCI for unprotected LMCA occlusion. The short- and the long-term outcomes of primary PCI in these patients were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Upon arrival, cardiogenic shock was observed in 33 (46%) patients and cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) in 12 (17%). Twenty-three (32%) required extracorporeal life support and 64 (89%) intra-aortic balloon pumping. Although successful reperfusion was achieved in 60 (83%) patients, in-hospital death was observed in 32 (44%). Multivariate analysis revealed predictors of in-hospital death to be CPA on arrival (RR, 7.05; 95% CI: 1.28-39.0; P = 0.025). During 1.7 ± 2.9 years of follow-up, 10 of the 40 hospital survivors died. All presenting CPA on arrival died within 2 years. Although the estimated survival of the all study patients was only 26.2% at 8 years by the Kaplan-Meier methods, those without shock/CPA on arrival showed nearly flat survival curve after 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite performance of primary PCI, patients with AMI due to LMCA occlusion were associated with >50% in-hospital mortality. Hemodynamic deficit upon arrival was the major determinant of their poor hospital outcomes. The hospital survivors, however, were associated with favorable long-term outcomes.

Percutaneous coronary interventions in facilities without cardiac surgery on site

Prior to the widespread adoption of intracoronary stent implantation, potential complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) necessitated the presence of backup cardiac surgery. However, as stent implantation has become the predominant form of PCI, the incidence of emergent cardiac surgery has declined exponentially. Despite this, current guidelines recommend against the performance of elective PCI at hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery and recommend that primary PCI for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) might be considered at hospitals without backup cardiac surgery. These recommendations are based predominantly on two principles: (1) hospital volume for PCI is strongly associated with clinical outcomes, and (2) results from a large registry study, in which the authors reported a substantial increase in mortality among patients undergoing non-primary/rescue PCI at hospitals without backup cardiac surgery. Since that time, evidence from multiple studies has suggested that performance of PCI at hospitals without backup cardiac surgery is feasible, safe, and both clinically and cost effective. Among STEMI patients, in particular, performance of primary PCI at hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery reduces time to reperfusion and subsequent adverse cardiovascular events as well as likely reducing infarct size. In this review, we will examine the evidence surrounding the performance of PCI for stable and unstable coronary disease at hospitals without on-site backup cardiac surgery.

Coronary artery bypass grafting for acute myocardial infarction in stent ERA

PURPOSE

We evaluated a treatment strategy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is performed on a culprit lesion unless the culprit is an unprotected left main trunk. Emergent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is done when the culprit is a left main trunk and a mechanical complication exists.

METHODS

From 1997 to 2008, 22 and 232 patients underwent CABG for AMI and non-AMI, respectively. Of the 22 patients of AMI, PCI was performed in 12 patients and not performed in 10 patients before surgery. We investigated complication, intubation period, in-hospital mortality and hospitalization period.

RESULTS

No in-hospital mortality was observed in all 22 AMI patients. There was no difference in in-hospital mortality and complication between the AMI and the non-AMI patients. No significant difference was found in hospital stay, complication, intubation period, in-hospital mortality and hospitalization period between patients who received preceding PCI and not.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that our treatment strategy is reasonable. Further studies will be warranted to clarify the role of preceding PCI.

Shock wave-pretreated bone marrow cells further improve left ventricular function after myocardial infarction in rabbits

BACKGROUND

We tested whether shock wave (SW) offers additional benefits in improving left ventricular (LV) function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rabbits receiving SW-treated autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMDMNCs) transplantation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Saline (750 microL; group 2), BMDMNCs (1.0 x 10(7); group 3), or preimplant SW-treated BMDMNCs (group 4) were implanted into the infarct area of male rabbits 15 minutes after left coronary artery ligation, whereas eight rabbits without AMI served as controls (group 1; n = 8 per group). The results showed that in infarct area of LV, protein expressions of Cx43 and cytochrome C in mitochondria and endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression were lower in group 2 than in other groups, and decreased in group 3 as compared with groups 1 and 4 (all p values < 0.01). Conversely, mRNA expressions of endothelin-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and total fibrotic area were higher in group 2 than in other groups (all p values < 0.05). Furthermore, 6-month LV function by 2-D echo/angiogram showed significant impairment in group 2 than in other groups and in group 3 than in groups 1 and 4 (all p values < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Application of SW-treated autologous BMDMNCs is superior to BMDMNCs alone for preserving LV function after AMI.

Incidence, predictors and outcomes of subacute stent thrombosis following primary stenting for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Knowledge concerning subacute stent thrombosis (SST) following primary stenting for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is not widely available. We studied the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcomes of SST following STEMI.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 455 consecutive patients who underwent primary stenting for STEMI. Baseline clinical characteristics, coronary angiographic features, medication and outcome were compared in patients with and without SST.

RESULTS

SST occurred in 17 patients, and the incidence was 3.7%. Univariate predictors of SST were being a current smoker (53.0%vs. 82.4%, p = 0.01), Killip class >or= II (38.4%vs. 58.8%, p = 0.05), no coronary re-flow after stenting (6.2%vs. 17.6%, p = 0.05) and lack of coprescription with a statin (39.5%vs. 5.9%, p<0.01). After multivariate analysis, being a current smoker (odds ratio = 4.76; 95% confidence interval 1.20-18.95) and using statin therapy (odds ratio = 0.09; 95% confidence interval = 0.01-0.75) were independent correlates of SST. Patients with SST were associated with higher 30-day mortality (37.5%vs. 3.1%, p<0.01) and all-cause mortality (23.5%vs. 5.3%, p = 0.01) at long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Although SST is rare in patients with STEMI treated by primary stenting, it imparts a significantly higher mortality at short-term and long-term follow-up. Being a current smoker and the lack of co-prescription with a statin were associated with higher incidence of SST. Our results suggest initiation of statin therapy in patients with STEMI should be considered before discharge.

Decision-making: stenting in acute myocardial infarction

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) plays a pivotal role in the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Rapid revascularization of the patient with evolving AMI results in reduced rates of mortality, reinfarction and greater myocardial salvage with smaller infarct size. Since the performance of the first balloon angioplasty in 1977, remarkable advances have improved the safety and efficacy of PCI. Advances in stent technology and adjunct pharmacology have improved the outcomes for patients with AMI undergoing primary PCI. Drug-eluting stents result in a significant reduction in the clinical and angiographic rates of restenosis. Early concerns of stent thrombosis in the AMI setting have been allayed by recent results from numerous randomized clinical trials and observational studies. Reduced ischemic and hemorrhagic complications from new antithrombin and antiplatelet agents have further reduced mortality and improved event-free survival after primary PCI.

ST-segment resolution prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention is a poor indicator of coronary artery patency in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of ST-segment resolution (STR) after initiation of reperfusion therapy has been established by various studies conducted in both the thrombolytic and mechanic reperfusion era. However, data regarding the value of STR immediately prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to predict infarct-related artery (IRA) patency remain limited. We investigated whether STR prior to primary PCI is a reliable, noninvasive indicator of IRA patency in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

The study population consisted of STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI at our institution between 2000 and 2007. STR was analyzed in 12-lead electrocardiograms recorded at first medical contact and immediately prior to primary PCI and defined as complete (> or =70%), partial (70%- 30%), or absent (<30%).

RESULTS

In 1253 patients with a complete data set, STR was inversely related to the probability of impaired preprocedural flow (P(for trend) < 0.001). Although the sensitivity of incomplete (<70%) STR to predict a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow of <3 was 96%, the specificity was 23%, and the negative predictive value of incomplete STR to predict normal coronary flow was only 44%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study establishes the correlation between STR prior to primary PCI and preprocedural TIMI flow in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. However, the negative predictive value of incomplete STR for detection of TIMI-3 flow is only 44% and therefore should not be a criterion to refrain from immediate coronary angiography in STEMI patients.

ST deviation pattern and infarct related artery in acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction (MI) may be classified as ST-elevation MI (STEMI) or non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI). There is little data regarding the relationship between the infarct related artery (IRA), clinical characteristics of the patients, and the ST deviation pattern (ie, STEMI or NSTEMI).

HYPOTHESIS

There is a predilection of any coronary artery to a particular ST deviation pattern of acute MI.

METHODS

We reviewed our institutional database and selected patients who presented with an acute MI and underwent coronary angiography within 7 days of admission. The analysis included 830 patients of whom 563 had STEMI and 267 had NSTEMI. The culprit lesion was defined by reviewing each patient's angiographic report, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram. TIMI flow rate was determined.

RESULTS

The IRA in STEMI was most frequently the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) followed by the right coronary artery (RCA) and then the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX), a statistically significant difference. In patients with NSTEMI there were no significant differences in IRA. Patients with STEMI and LCX as the IRA were significantly younger and had a higher percentage of TIMI grade 3 flow then patients with STEMI and LAD or RCA as IRAs. These differences were not noted in patients with NSTEMI regardless of IRA.

CONCLUSIONS

In STEMI there were significant differences in age and TIMI flow depending on the IRA. These findings were not demonstrated in patients with NSTEMI.

Stem cell-related therapies for vascular diseases

The therapeutic potential of 'adult' or at least non-embryonic stem cells and their progeny has developed gradually over the past half century as a consequence of the wealth of knowledge derived from stem cell research. Translational research coupled with clinical trials and derived from basic research has led the way to the clinic. This commenced with the use of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), to treat haematological malignancies, to be followed by the most recent clinical trials to treat a variety of coronary and peripheral artery diseases. Stem cells and their progeny isolated from bone marrow or blood appear to exert an ameliorating effect in certain vascular disorders. Although promising, some of these treatments remain controversial and further research and, where indicated, appropriately powered trials are required to confirm the safety and determine the efficacy of these novel therapies.

Safety and efficacy of transradial vs transfemoral arterial primary coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction: single-center experience

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the transradial arterial approach (TRA) is not inferior to the transfemoral arterial approach (TFA) for <or=Killip 3 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study enrolled 506 AMI patients undergoing primary PCI using the TRA (group 1) between March 2002 and May 2007, and 810 AMI patients undergoing primary PCI using TFA (group 2) between May 1993 and February 2002. The results demonstrated that puncture to first balloon-inflation time was similar in both groups; however, the procedure time was shorter in group 1 than in group 2 (P<0.0001). Additionally, the incidences of stenting, tirofiban therapy and final normal coronary blood flow of the infarct-related artery were higher, whereas the frequency of intra-aortic balloon pump support was lower in group 1 than in group 2 (all P<0.02). Although the 30-day mortality rate did not differ between the 2 groups (P=0.341), the rate of combined major vascular and bleeding complications was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Initial selection of TRA is not inferior to initial selection of TFA for AMI patients undergoing primary PCI. However, in the present study, the incidence of combined vascular and bleeding complications was lower with the TRA than with the TFA approach.

Clinical Predictors of Incomplete ST-Segment Resolution in the Patients With Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background and Objectives

The failure of ST-segment resolution (STR) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. However, the clinical predictors on admission for incomplete STR are poorly known.

Subjects and Methods

Patients undergoing pPCI (n=101, 79 males and 22 females, mean age 60.0 years) were divided into complete STR group (≥70%, n=58) and incomplete STR group (<70%, n=43). The groups were compared according to clinical factors including history, electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns, angiographic features and laboratory data.

Results

The incomplete STR group contained more frequent hypertensive patients (p=0.04) and patients displaying longer tendency in total chest pain duration (p=0.08). This group was associated with worse clinical factors such as low ejection fraction (p=0.06), higher Killip class (p=0.08) and more death (p=0.042). Grade 3 ischemia pattern of ECG and precordial ST elevation (i,e anterior myocardial infarction) at admission were more frequent in the incomplete STR group (p=0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Initial troponin I, creatinin kinase -MB and brain natriuretic peptide levels were higher in the incomplete STR group (p=0.001, 0.002, and 0.043, respectively). Coronary angiography showed that culprit lesions were more frequent in left anterior descending artery than other arteries in the incomplete STR group of patients (p=0.002). Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grades 2 or less before PCI was more frequent in the incomplete STR group (p=0.029). However, TIMI flow grade after PCI was not appreciably different between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that TIMI flow grade 2 or less was most powerful predictor for incomplete STR {odds ratio (OR)=12.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23-119.35, p=0.032}. Other independent predictors were anterior infarction (OR=3.39, CI 1.46-10.57, p=0.007), ischemia grade 3 ECG at admission (OR=3.87, CI 1.31-11.41, p=0.014), and hypertensive patients (OR=3.03, CI 1.13-8.15, p=0.027).

Conclusion

Incomplete STR after pPCI is associated with poor prognostic clinical factors. TIMI flow grade 2 or less before pPCI, ST elevation on precordial leads, ischemia grade 3 pattern of initial ECG, and hypertensive patients are independent predictors for incomplete STR in the early stage.

Reduced incidence of clinical restenosis with newer generation stents, stent oversizing, and high-pressure deployment: single-operator experience

BACKGROUND

Over the last 4 years, several newer generation stents have become available, promising to change the scenery of coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with its attendant restenosis rate.

HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to review prospectively the results of a single operator adopting a uniform approach with approximately 0.5 mm stent oversizing and high-pressure (> or = 12-16 bar) deployment and compare them with conventional PTCA in a series of 244 consecutive patients.

METHODS

The study included 203 men and 41 women, aged 59 +/- 11 years, who presented with stable angina and/or positive exercise testing (n = 75), unstable angina (n = 161), or acute myocardial infarction (n = 8). Dilated vessels included the left anterior descending artery (n = 139), the right coronary artery (n = 86), the left circumflex artery (n = 47), the ramus branch (n = 4), or venous grafts (n = 2). Stents were implanted for dissection, suboptimal PTCA result, and electively. Two groups were compared: 83 patients who underwent balloon PTCA alone and 161 patients who also received stent(s).

RESULTS

The two groups had similar demographics, age (58 +/- 10 vs. 59 +/- 11 years), initial vessel stenosis (92 +/- 7 vs. 93 +/- 6%), and left ventricular ejection fraction (51 +/- 9 vs. 51 +/- 8%). Procedural success was also similar (97.6 vs. 99.4%), but as expected the residual stenosis was much lower in the stent group (< or = 0 vs. 17%). The following stents were employed: J & J (n = 1), NIR (n = 117), ACS (n = 59), AVE (n = 9), Inflow GoldFlex (n = 9), Crossflex (n = 5), Wictor (n = 1), Jostent (n = 16), R stent (n = 9), Seaquence (n = 2) and Wallstent (n = 1). Single stents were used in 118 patients, two stents in 31 patients, three in 6 patients, and four in 6 patients. There was one in-hospital death at 3 days unrelated to the procedure. There were no events of subacute stent thrombosis; all patients in the stent group received combined therapy with aspirin and ticlopidine, the latter for 1 month. During 18 +/- 14 months, the clinical restenosis rate was significantly lower in the stent group (6.9%) than in the PTCA group (28.4%) (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In a series of 244 consecutive patients, newer generation stents and a consistent approach of stent oversizing and high-pressure stent deployment by a single operator resulted in high procedural success (99%), lack of stent thrombosis (0%), and a very low clinical restenosis rate (7%).

Prognostic factors and outcomes in young chinese patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary coronary angioplasty

We investigated the prognostic risk and the clinical outcome of young-adult patients with ST-segment elevation (ST-se) acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Between May 1999 and September 2007, primary PCI was performed in 1680 consecutive patients with AMI of onset < 12 hours (cardiogenic shock within 18 hours) at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Of these patients, 163 (9.7%) young-age patients (defined as male of < 45 years old and female of < 55 years old) were enrolled into this study. A comparable number (n = 175) of patients > or = 55 years old, who presented with AMI of < 12 hours duration having undergone primary PCI between November 2004 and May 2006, were retrospectively reviewed and enrolled as control subjects. The procedural success (defined as normal blood flow achieved in the infract-related artery) was similar between the young-age and old-age patients (P = 1.0). Additionally, the incidence of an advanced Killip score (defined as > or = score 3 upon presentation), 30-day and 6-month cumulative mortality did not differ between these two groups of patients (P > 0.1). However, the 30-day major adverse clinical outcome (MACO) (defined as New York Heart Association Functional Classification > or = 3 or 30-day mortality) was significantly lower in the young-age than in the old-age patients (P < 0.001). Further, multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that an advanced Killip score along with the peak level of CK-MB was independently predictive of 30-day MACO (P < 0.05) in young-age patients. In conclusion, the prognostic outcome is favorable in young-adult ST-se AMI undergoing primary PCI. Traditional risk factors remain effective for stratification of young-adult AMI patients into high- or low-risk subgroups.

Myocardial salvage for ST-elevation myocardial infarction with terminal QRS distortion and restoration of brisk epicardial coronary flow

Recently, it has been reported that large infarcts associated with terminal QRS distortion (QRSDIS) on the admission electrocardiograms of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs) may be caused by a failure to achieve thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the relationship between QRSDIS and final infarct size when TIMI grade 3 flow could be achieved by primary PCI is still unclear. Sixty-two consecutive patients with first anterior STEMI and who achieved TIMI grade 3 flow by primary PCI were classified into two groups according to the presence (Group A, n = 18) or absence (Group B, n = 44) of QRSDIS. Two weeks after the onset of acute myocardial infarction, Group A had a larger left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) and a lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF) than Group B (LVESVI: 38 +/- 13 vs 31 +/- 12 ml/m(2), P = 0.025: LVEF: 42% +/- 10% vs 51% +/- 10%, P = 0.004). Through multivariate analysis, independent predictors of poor LV systolic function (LVEF < 40%) were determined to be the presence of QRSDIS (odds ratio 21.04, P = 0.021) and proximal left anterior descending artery occlusion (odds ratio 16.15, P = 0.033). Myocardial damage could not be reduced in patients experiencing STEMI with QRSDIS, even when TIMI grade 3 flow could be achieved by primary PCI, as much as in patients experiencing STEMI without QRSDIS.