Prognostic Value of Access and Non–Access Sites Bleeding After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Impact of body mass index on mortality, limb amputation, and bleeding in patients with lower extremity artery disease undergoing endovascular therapy

The relation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and adverse outcomes after endovascular therapy (EVT) for patients with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) remains incompletely understood. From April 2010 to March 2020, 199 consecutive patients who underwent EVT for LEAD were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups based on BMI; underweight < 18.5 kg/m2, normal weight ≥ 18.5 and < 25.0 kg/m2, and overweight ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. The endpoint of this study was a composite of all-cause mortality, major amputation, and major bleeding. Patients who were underweight often exhibited anemia (53.3 vs. 22.3 vs. 15.4%, respectively; p = 0.001) and severe chronic kidney disease (50.0 vs. 30.8 vs. 20.5%, respectively; p = 0.03). Furthermore, these patients had higher incidences of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus class C or D lesions (40.0 vs. 20.0 vs. 10.3%, respectively; p = 0.01). During the median follow-up duration of 3.6 years (interquartile range: 1.2 to 6.7 years), there were 73 incidents of the composite endpoint. When the overweight group was assigned as the reference group, the adjusted hazard ratios for the composite endpoint for the underweight and normal weight patients were 3.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-10.83, p = 0.008) and 2.35 (95% CI 1.06-6.23, p = 0.03), respectively. Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated that the freedom from the composite endpoint for underweight, normal weight, and overweight patients was 41.6%, 60.0%, 83.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). These results suggest that there was an inverse association between BMI and adverse outcomes composed of mortality, limb amputation, and bleeding in patients with LEAD undergoing EVT.

The prevalence of bleeding after percutaneous coronary interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Bleeding is a common complication associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of bleeding after PCI through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The systematic review and meta-analysis covered the period from 1989 to 2023. Multiple databases, including Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences (WoS), MagIran, Scientific Information Database (SID), and Google Scholar, were searched using validated keywords with MeSH and Emtree. The I2 index was used to check for heterogeneity among studies.

RESULTS

The review of 8 studies, with a sample size of 397,298 participants, showed high heterogeneity (I2: 97.8 %). Therefore, the random effects method was used to analyze the results. The prevalence of bleeding after intervention in percutaneous coronary arteries was reported to be 4.4 % (95%CI: 2-9.1).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis showed a significant prevalence of bleeding after PCI, highlighting the need for health policymakers to pay more attention to the complications associated with PCI. Interventional cardiologists should consider the effective factors in these bleeding and how to treat and control them due to the importance of this complication.

Assessment Framework for Recognizing Clinical Deterioration in Patients With ACS Undergoing PCI

TOPIC

Patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention are at risk of clinical deterioration that results in similar general signs and symptoms regardless of its cause. However, specific causes and forms of clinical deterioration are associated with key differences in assessment findings. Focused clinical assessments using a modified primary survey enable nurses to rapidly identify the cause and form of clinical deterioration, facilitating targeted treatment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinical deterioration during percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Previous studies identified nursing inconsistencies when recognizing clinical deterioration, with inconsistent collection of cues and prioritization of cues related to cardiac performance over more sensitive indicators of clinical deterioration.

PURPOSE OF PAPER

To describe a framework to help nurses optimize physiological cue collection to improve recognition of clinical deterioration during periprocedural care of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for unstable acute coronary syndrome.

CONTENT COVERED

Literature analysis revealed 7 forms of clinical deterioration in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: coronary artery occlusion, stroke, ventricular rupture, valvular insufficiency, lethal cardiac arrhythmias, access-site and non-access-site bleeding, and anaphylaxis. Evidence for the pathophysiology, incidence, severity, and clinical features of each form of clinical deterioration is identified. A framework is proposed to help nurses conduct highly focused patient assessments, enabling prompt recognition of and response to the specific forms of clinical deterioration that occur in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Intracranial Bleeding After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Time-Dependent Incidence, Predictors, and Impact on Mortality

Background

Limited data are available on intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods and Results

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we identified 219 274 patients without prior ICH and who underwent a first PCI procedure between 2007 and 2016 and analyzed nontraumatic ICH and all‐cause mortality. ICH after PCI occurred in 4171 patients during a median follow‐up of 5.6 years (overall incidence rate: 3.32 cases per 1000 person‐years). The incidence rate of ICH showed an early peak of 21.66 cases per 1000 person‐years within the first 30 days, followed by a sharp decrease to 3.68 cases per 1000 person‐years between 30 days and 1 year, and to <1 case per 1000 patient‐years from the second year until 10 years after PCI. The 1‐year mortality rate was 38.2% after ICH, with most deaths occurring within 30 days (n=999, mortality rate: 24.2%). No significant difference in mortality risk was observed between patients who had ICH within and after 1 year following PCI (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.95–1.14; P=0.43). The predictors of post‐PCI ICH were age ≥75 years, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, end‐stage renal disease, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, dementia, and use of vitamin K antagonists.

Conclusions

New ICH most frequently occurs in the early period after PCI and is associated with a high risk of early death, regardless of the occurrence time of ICH. Careful implementation of antithrombotic strategies is needed in patients at an increased risk for ICH, particularly in the peri‐PCI period.

Antithrombotic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing coronary angioplasty: rational convincement and supporting evidence

BACKGROUND

The management of antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with an indication for long-term oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) is still a matter of debate. We aim to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of dual therapy (DT) compared to triple therapy (TT) in this clinical setting.

METHODS

A study level meta-analysis and a review of randomized trials selected using PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, Web of Science, and abstract from major cardiology congresses. Six randomized trials with 12,156 patients evaluating the strategy of DT vs. TT in patients treated with PCI with indication for long-term OAT were included.

RESULTS

Patients treated with DT demonstrated a 45% relative reduction in the risk of TIMI major bleeding (1.71% vs. 2.99%; OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.71; P<0.0001) and TIMI minor bleeding compared to TT arm (4.67% vs 7.83%, OR 0.55 95% CI 0.39-0.78, P = 0.0007). All-cause mortality was similar in two arms (3.95% vs 3.77%, P = 0.92), as well as cardiovascular mortality (2.21% vs 2.19%, P = 0.97). DT was associated with a borderline increase of ST (1.02% vs 0.67%, P = 0.07). No significant differences were observed in occurrence of MI and stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that DT is safer than TT with regard to occurrence of major bleeding. DT with a direct oral anticoagulant plus clopidogrel at discharge could be effective in most patients, maintaining aspirin in periprocedural phase and as longer "tailored" treatment for patients at higher ischemic risk.

Bleeding Severity in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Its Impact on Short-Term Clinical Outcomes

Bleeding severity in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), defined by the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC), portends adverse prognosis. We analysed data from 37,866 Australian patients undergoing PCI enrolled in the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (VCOR), and investigated the association between increasing BARC severity and in-hospital and 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (a composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularisation, or stroke). Independent predictors associated with major bleeding (BARC groups 3&5), and MACCE were also assessed. There was a stepwise increase in in-hospital and 30-day MACCE with greater severity of bleeding. Independent predictors of bleeding included female sex (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.34), age (OR 1.02), fibrinolytic therapy (OR 1.77), femoral access (OR 1.51), and ticagrelor (OR 1.42), all significant at the p < 0.001 level. Following adjustment of clinically important variables, BARC 3&5 bleeds (OR 4.37) were still predictive of cumulative in-hospital and 30-day MACCE. In conclusion, major bleeding is an uncommon but potentially fatal PCI complication and was independently associated with greater MACCE rates. Efforts to mitigate the occurrence of bleeding, including radial access and judicious use of potent antiplatelet therapies, may ameliorate the risk of short-term adverse clinical outcomes.

Impact of vascular access on outcome after PCI in patients at high bleeding risk: a pre-specified sub-analysis of the LEADERS FREE trial

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The prognostic impact of bleeding in high bleeding risk (HBR) patients depending on the location of bleeding and prognosis in nonaccess site bleeding is unknown. We aimed to assess the impact of vascular access site on bleeding complications after percutaneous coronary interventions for HBR patients at 30-day and 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

The LEADERS FREE trial included 2432 HBR PCI patients. A Biolimus A9 drug-coated stent was superior to a bare-metal stent for safety and efficacy. This is a predefined sub-analysis of the LEADERS FREE trial.

RESULTS

Transradial access (TRA) was used in 1454 patients (59.8%) and transfemoral access (TFA) in 978 (40.2%), according to operator preference. The safety and benefits of drug-coated stents over bare-metal stents were independent of vascular access. At 30 days and 2 years, major bleeding had occurred in 2.4% and 7.5% of TRA patients and 4.6% and 10.9% of TFA patients (P=.003), respectively. Most of these events in both groups (2.1% and 7.0% for TRA; 3.2% and 9.4% for TFA, respectively) were nonaccess site-related. TRA was associated with a significant reduction in adjusted rates of major bleeding both at 30 days (HR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.25-3.11; P=.003) and at 2 years of follow-up (HR, 1.51; 95%CI, 1.14-2.01; P=.003). This difference was driven by both access and nonaccess bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Operators preferred TRA for most HBR patients, which was associated with a significant reduction in major bleeding events. However, most of these events in this population are unrelated to vascular access.

Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Incidence, Determinants, and Outcomes as Recorded by the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society

BACKGROUND

Retroperitoneal hemorrhage (RH) is a rare bleeding complication of percutaneous coronary intervention, which can result as a consequence of femoral access or can occur spontaneously. This study aims to evaluate temporal changes in RH, its predictors, and clinical outcomes in a national cohort of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the United Kingdom.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed RH events in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention between 2007 and 2014. Multiple logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with RH and to quantify the association between RH and 30-day mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events. A total of 511 106 participants were included, and 291 in hospital RH events were recorded (0.06%). Overall, rates of RH declined from 0.09% to 0.03% between 2007 and 2014. The strongest independent predictors of RH events were femoral access (odds ratio [OR], 19.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.22-34.43), glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.99-3.47), and warfarin use (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.07-5.99). RH was associated with a significant increase in 30-day mortality (OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 2.19-5.90) and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (OR, 5.76; 95% CI, 3.71-8.95). A legacy effect was not observed; patients with RH who survived 30 days did not have higher 1-year mortality compared with those without this complication (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.49-1.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that RH is a rare event that is declining in the United Kingdom, related to transition to transradial access site utilization, but remains a clinically important event associated with increased 30-day mortality but no long-term legacy effect.

Impact on long-term mortality of access and non-access site bleeding after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVES

The influence of the bleeding site on long-term survival after the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is poorly understood. This study sought to investigate the relationship between in-hospital access site versus non-access site bleeding and very late mortality in unselected patients treated with primary PCI.

METHODS

Data of the 2715 consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary PCI, enrolled in a prospective registry of a high volume tertiary centre, were analysed. Bleeding events were assessed according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria. The primary outcome was 4-year mortality.

RESULTS

The BARC type ≥2 bleeding occurred in 171 patients (6.3%). Access site bleeding occurred in 3.8%, and non-access site bleeding in 2.5% of patients. Four-year mortality was significantly higher for patients with bleeding (BARC type ≥2) than in patients without bleeding (BARC type 0+1), (36.3% vs 16.2%, p<0.001). Patients with non-access site bleeding had higher 4 year mortality (50.7% vs 26.5%, p=0.001). After multivariable adjustment, BARC type ≥2 bleeding was the independent predictor of 4 year mortality (HR 2.01; 95% CI 1.49 to 2.71, p<0.001). Patients with a non-access site bleeding were at 2-fold higher risk of very late mortality than patients with an access site bleeding (HR 2.62; 1.78 to 3.86, p<0.001 vs HR 1.57; 1.03 to 2.38, p=0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Both access and non-access site BARC type ≥2 bleeding is independently associated with a high risk of 4-year mortality after primary PCI. Patients with non-access site bleeding were at higher risk of late mortality than patients with access site bleeding.

Impact of Access Site on Bleeding and Ischemic Events in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Prasugrel: The ACCOAST Access Substudy

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed whether the choice of vascular access site influenced outcomes among non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients enrolled in the ACCOAST (A Comparison of prasugrel at the time of percutaneous Coronary intervention Or as pre-treatment At the time of diagnosis in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction NCT01015287).

BACKGROUND

Transfemoral access (TFA) has been associated with the risk of bleeding and increased mortality that is elevated compared to transradial access (TRA) in acute coronary syndromes, although less consistently in NSTE acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) than in STE-ACS.

METHODS

The ACCOAST study evaluated a prasugrel loading dose of 60 mg given at the start of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus a split loading dose of 30 mg given at the time of diagnosis of NSTE-ACS (prior to coronary angiography), followed by 30 mg given at the start of PCI. In the study, choice of access site was at the investigator's discretion. We compared ischemic and bleeding outcomes with TFA versus those with TRA, using propensity score correction.

RESULTS

Of 4,033 patients, 1,711 (42%) underwent TRA. Use of TRA varied widely by country. TFA was not associated with significant increases in noncoronary bypass graft (CABG)-related thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) (hazard ratio [HR] for TFA = 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59 to 3.62; p = 0.42), nor in GUSTO (Global Utilization Of Streptokinase and Tpa for Occluded arteries) or STEEPLE (Safety and Efficacy of Enoxaparin in PCI) major bleeding after propensity score correction. TFA, however, increased combined non-CABG TIMI major or minor bleeding (HR for TFA = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.17 to 4.69; p = 0.017). Primary ischemic outcomes did not differ by access site, albeit individual endpoint analysis suggested an association between TFA with an increase in urgent revascularizations and reduced risk of procedure-related stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

In the ACCOAST trial, TFA did not significantly increase TIMI major bleeding, although TRA was associated with a reduction in TIMI major or minor bleeding. Further study is needed to determine whether wider application of radial approach to NSTE-ACS patients at high risk for bleeding improves overall outcomes. (A Comparison of Prasugrel at PCI or Time of Diagnosis of Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction [ACCOAST]; NCT01015287).

Association of spontaneous and procedure-related bleeds with short- and long-term mortality after acute coronary syndromes: an analysis from the PLATO trial

AIMS

We sought to describe the differential effect of bleeding events in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) on short- and long-term mortality according to their type and severity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The PLATO trial randomised 18,624 ACS patients to clopidogrel or ticagrelor. Post-randomisation bleeding events were captured according to bleeding type (spontaneous or procedure-related), with PLATO, TIMI, and GUSTO definitions. The association of bleeding events with subsequent short-term (<30 days) and long-term (>30 days) all-cause mortality was assessed using time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models. A model was fitted to compare major and minor bleeding for mortality prediction. Of 18,624 patients, 2,189 (11.8%) had at least one PLATO major bleed (mean follow-up 272.2±123.5 days). Major bleeding was associated with higher short-term mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 9.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.50-11.48) but not with long-term mortality (adjusted HR 1.28; 95% CI: 0.93-1.75). Spontaneous bleeding was associated with short-term (adjusted HR 14.59; 95% CI: 11.14-19.11) and long-term (adjusted HR 3.38; 95% CI: 2.26-5.05) mortality. Procedure-related bleeding was associated with short-term mortality (adjusted HR 5.29; 95% CI: 4.06-6.87): CABG-related and non-coronary-procedure-related bleeding were associated with a higher short-term mortality, whereas PCI or angiography-related bleeding was not associated with either short- or long-term mortality. Similar results were obtained using the GUSTO and TIMI bleeding definitions.

CONCLUSIONS

Major bleeding is associated with high subsequent mortality in ACS. However, this association is much stronger in the first 30 days and is strongest for spontaneous (vs. procedure-related) bleeding.

Radial access in patients with acute coronary syndrome without persistent ST-segment elevation: Systematic review, collaborative meta-analysis, and meta-regression

BACKGROUND

Consistent evidence of benefit exists for radial access (RA) in ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients with non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) have a more varied ischemic and bleeding profile. No randomized trial of vascular access ever focused on NSTE-ACS and landmark studies did not provide conclusive results in this heterogeneous subset of patients.

METHODS

We assessed in a meta-analysis whether RA is associated with improved outcomes in NSTE-ACS patients. Included studies had to meet the following criteria: 1) enrolling patients with NSTE-ACS undergoing invasive management; 2) reporting outcomes with respect to RA as compared with femoral access (FA); 3) reporting short-term (procedural, in-hospital and up to 30-day) or long-term clinical outcomes. Studies were pooled with fixed and random effects models and heterogeneity was investigated by weighted meta-regression.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included encompassing 131.339 patients, 46.451 receiving RA and 84.888 receiving FA. Thirty-day mortality and MACE were lower with RA (p<0.001 with fixed effects, p=NS with random effects model), but these results depended on one large observational database. Major bleeding was consistently reduced by RA (p<0.001), albeit an inverse relationship with the proportion of patients in each study receiving FA and experiencing major bleeding was evident. The association of RA with reduced long-term mortality was of borderline significance (p=0.054 with random-effects, p=0.001 with fixed-effect model) and also depended on major bleeding in FA patients.

CONCLUSIONS

RA is associated with better outcomes as compared with FA in NSTE-ACS, although this observation is influenced by nonrandomized comparisons. Large heterogeneity exists among studies.

REGISTRATION

This study is registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42015029459).

Frequency and prognostic significance of access site and non-access site bleeding and impact of choice of antithrombin therapy in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The EUROMAX trial

BACKGROUND

The overall impact of post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) bleeding on long term prognosis after acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has been established, but it may differ between access and non-access related bleeding events. The impact of antithrombin choice on bleeding may also differ according to the origin of the bleed. We sought to determine the origin of bleeding relative to the access site, its prognostic significance and the respective impact of antithrombin therapy in the EUROMAX trial.

METHODS

We performed a blinded review of the case records of all TIMI major or minor bleeds in the EUROMAX trial and assigned them in one of 2 categories: access site bleeds (ASB), or rest of bleeds (ROB). Incidence of bleeding for each category was assessed according to randomization to antithrombotic treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 231 out of 2198 patients suffered a TIMI major/minor bleed (10.5%) and ASB accounted for 48.5%, while ROB for 51.5% of the bleeds. Thirty day mortality was 2.5% (50/1967) for patients without a bleed, 2.7% (3/112, p=0.76 vs. no bleed) for patients with ASB, and 10.9% (13/119, p<0.0001 vs. no bleed) for ROB patients. The use of bivalirudin reduced both ASB and ROB with relative risk reductions of 34% and 46% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In contemporary primary PCI, bleeding originates with equal frequency either at or away from the access site. Access site bleeds were not associated with an excess in 30day mortality, but the rest of the bleeds were. Bivalirudin is associated with a lower risk of bleeding irrespective of origin.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01087723.

Access and non-access site bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention and risk of subsequent mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The prognostic impact of site-specific major bleeding complications after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has yielded conflicting data. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of site-specific major bleeding events in contemporary PCI and study their impact on mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a meta-analysis of PCI studies that evaluated site-specific periprocedural bleeding complications and their impact on major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality outcomes. A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase was conducted to identify relevant studies and random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the risk of adverse outcomes with site-specific bleeding complications. Twenty-five relevant studies including 2,400,645 patients that underwent PCI were identified. Both non-access site (risk ratio [RR], 4.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.21-5.14) and access site (RR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.37-2.13) related bleeding complications were independently associated with an increased risk of periprocedural mortality. The prognostic impact of non-access site-related bleeding events on mortality related to the source of anatomic bleeding, for example, gastrointestinal RR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.25 to 6.18; retroperitoneal RR, 5.87; 95% CI, 1.63 to 21.12; and intracranial RR, 22.71; 95% CI, 12.53 to 41.15.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognostic impact of bleeding complications after PCI varies according to anatomic source and severity. Non-access site-related bleeding complications have a similar prevalence to those from the access site but are associated with a significantly worse prognosis partly related to the severity of the bleed. Clinicians should minimize the risk of major bleeding complications during PCI through judicious use of bleeding avoidance strategies irrespective of the access site used.

Radial Versus Femoral Access in Invasively Managed Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing invasive management showed conflicting conclusions regarding the effect of access site on outcomes.

PURPOSE

To summarize evidence from recent, high-quality trials that compared clinical outcomes occurring with radial versus femoral access in invasively managed adults with ACS.

DATA SOURCES

English-language publications in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases between January 1990 and August 2015.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized trials of radial versus femoral access in invasively managed patients with ACS.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two investigators independently extracted the study data and rated the risk of bias.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of 17 identified randomized trials, 4 were high-quality multicenter trials that involved a total of 17 133 patients. Pooled data from the 4 trials showed that radial access reduced death (relative risk [RR], 0.73 [95% CI, 0.59 to 0.90]; P = 0.003), major adverse cardiovascular events (RR, 0.86 [CI, 0.75 to 0.98]; P = 0.025), and major bleeding (RR, 0.57 [CI, 0.37 to 0.88]; P = 0.011). Radial procedures lasted slightly longer (standardized mean difference, 0.11 minutes) and had higher risk for access-site crossover (6.3% vs. 1.7%) than did femoral procedures.

LIMITATION

Heterogeneity in outcomes definitions and potential treatment modifiers across studies, including operator experience in radial procedures and concurrent anticoagulant regimens.

CONCLUSION

Compared with femoral access, radial access reduces mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, and major bleeding in patients with ACS undergoing invasive management.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

None. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42015022031).

[A case review: About a STEMI in the very elderly]

Because of the demographic growth of our societies and the increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease with age, we will be increasingly faced with the treatment of myocardial ST+ very elderly patients (>90 years?). If evidence-based medicine does not exist within this framework, there are many registries that can guide us in their care. First, age should not in itself be an indication against reperfusion conventional techniques. In fact recommendations put no upper age limit. The primary angioplasty technical success, which is identical to the younger populations, is the treatment of choice and should be performed preferably by radial arterial access. The thrombolytic alternative, validated for octogenarians, has not been studied for older. Bleeding, neurological, ischemic complications and hospital mortality are more common than in younger populations, especially as the initial hemodynamic alteration is important, but the survivors have the same life-threatening or even better than that of a same reference population ages. Which in itself even justifies maximum adhesion to the therapeutic recommendations taking into account the co-morbidities and possible visceral shortcomings.

Editor's Choice- Gender difference in prognostic impact of in-hospital bleeding after myocardial infarction - data from the SWEDEHEART registry

BACKGROUND

Bleeding complications increase mortality in myocardial infarction patients. Potential gender difference in bleeding regarding prevalence and prognostic impact is still controversial.

OBJECTIVES

Gender comparison regarding incidence and prognostic impact of bleeding in patients hospitalised with myocardial infarction during 2006-2008.

METHODS

Observational study from the SWEDEHEART register. Outcomes were in-hospital bleedings, in-hospital mortality and one-year mortality in hospital survivors.

RESULTS

A total number of 50,399 myocardial infarction patients were included, 36.6% women. In-hospital bleedings were more common in women (1.9% vs. 3.1%, p<0.001) even after multivariable adjustment (odds ratio (OR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.37). The increased risk for women was found in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.10-1.94) and in those who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.45-2.24). In contrast the risk was lower in medically treated women (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.62-1.00). After adjustment, in-hospital bleeding was associated with higher risk of one-year mortality in men (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.04-1.74), whereas this was not the case in women (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.72-1.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Female gender is an independent risk factor of in-hospital bleeding after myocardial infarction. A higher bleeding risk in women appeared to be restricted to invasively treated patients and ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients. Even though women have higher short- and long-term mortality, there was no difference between the genders among bleeders. After multivariable adjustment the prognostic impact of bleeding complications was higher in men.

Safety of an abbreviated duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (≤6 months) following second-generation drug-eluting stents for coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is recommended for ≥12 months following coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) to reduce risk of major adverse ischemic events. Randomized trials suggest an abbreviated DAPT duration (≤6 months) is adequately protective. However, these trials are individually underpowered to detect differences in rare but serious events such as stent thrombosis (ST).

OBJECTIVES

We performed a meta-analysis of published randomized trials to define the impact of abbreviated DAPT (≤6 months) on death, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST), and bleeding complications compared to standard-duration DAPT (≥12 months).

METHODS

Seven randomized controlled trials comparing abbreviated vs. standard DAPT regimens following DES use were identified by two independent investigators. Study characteristics were reviewed and clinical endpoint data were abstracted and analyzed in aggregate using fixed and random-effects models.

RESULTS

The seven trials included 15,874 randomized patients. Second-generation DES were used in most patients. Compared to standard-duration DAPT, abbreviated DAPT was not associated with an increase in mortality (OR 0.93; CI: 0.73 to 1.17; P = 0.52), MI (OR 1.14; CI: 0.89 to 1.45; P = 0.30) or ST (OR 1.25; CI: 0.81 to 1.93; P = 0.31). Abbreviated DAPT was associated with significantly fewer major bleeding complications (OR 0.52; CI: 0.34 to 0.82; P = 0.005). The results were consistent between fixed and random-effects models, with no heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses adjusting for inclusion of bare metal stents, 1st generation DES and/or abbreviated DAPT regimens of 3 months resulted in similar conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

In a meta-analysis of >15,000 patients primarily treated with second-generation DES, abbreviated-duration DAPT (≤6 months) was associated with a significant reduction in major bleeding complications with no evidence of a significant increase in risk of death, MI or ST. Accordingly, abbreviated DAPT should be strongly considered for patients receiving second generation DES.

Long-term ischaemic and bleeding outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in the elderly

Background

The population is ageing rapidly and the proportion of patients aged ≥ 80 years undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is rising, but clinical trials have primarily been performed in younger patients.

Methods

Patients undergoing primary PCI between 2003 and 2008 were subdivided into 3 groups: < 60, 60-79, and ≥ 80 years. Endpoints at 3-year follow-up included all-cause mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction (reMI), stent thrombosis, target lesion revascularisation (TLR), bleeding (BARC bleeding ≥ 3), stroke, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, a composite of cardiac mortality, reMI, stroke and TLR).

Results

2002 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were included, 885 (44.2 %) aged < 60, 921 (46.0 %) 60–79, and 196 (9.7 %) ≥ 80 years. Comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, prior stroke, malignant disease, anaemia, and chronic kidney disease were more prevalent in patients ≥ 80 years. The incidence of both ischaemic and bleeding events strongly increased with age. Age ≥ 80 years was an independent predictor of mortality (HR 2.56, 95 % CI1.69–3.87, p < 0.001), a borderline non-significant predictor of overall bleeding (HR 1.38, 95 %CI 0.95–2.00, p = 0.088), and a significant predictor of non-access site bleeding (HR 2.26, 95 %CI 1.46–3.51, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients ≥ 80 years experienced high rates of ischaemic and bleeding complications; especially in this high-risk patient group individualised therapy is needed to optimise clinical outcomes.

Electronic Supplementary Material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12471-015-0733-2 contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of access site, gender, and indication on clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS)

BACKGROUND

Gender is a strong predictor of periprocedural major bleeding complications after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The access site represents an important site of such bleeding complications, which has driven adoption of the transradial access (TRA) use during PCI, although female gender is an independent predictor of transradial PCI failure. This study sought to define gender differences in access site practice and study associations between access site choice and clinical outcomes for PCI over a 6-year period, through the analysis of the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society observational database.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (a composite of in-hospital mortality and in-hospital myocardial reinfarction and target vessel revascularization), in-hospital bleeding complications, and 30-day mortality were studied based on gender and access site choice (transfemoral access, TRA) in 412,122 patients who underwent PCI between 2007 and 2012 in the United Kingdom. Use of TRA increased in both genders over time, although this lagged behind in women (21% in 2007 to 58% in 2012) compared with men (24% in 2007 to 64% in 2012). In both men and women, TRA was independently associated with a lower in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular event (odds ratio [OR] 0.82, 95% CI 0.76-0.90; OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66-0.84), in-hospital major bleeding (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.44-0.66; OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.20-0.33), and 30-day mortality (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.73-0.89; OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.94), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Where possible, TRA should be considered as the preferred access site choice for PCI, particularly in women in whom the greatest reductions bleeding end points were observed across all indications.

Procedure-related bleeding in elective percutaneous coronary interventions

BACKGROUND

Prognostic impact of procedure-related bleeding in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains incompletely investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between peri-PCI bleeding and 1-year outcome of patients with stable CAD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 9035 patients with stable CAD who underwent elective PCI. Bleeding within 30 days of PCI was defined using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

Bleeding occurred in 844 patients (9.3%). Actionable bleeding (BARC class ≥ 2) occurred in 442 patients (4.9%). There were 210 deaths (2.3%) at 1 year following PCI: 41 deaths among patients with bleeding and 169 deaths among patients without bleeding [Kaplan-Meier estimates of mortality, 4.9% and 2.1%; odds ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.73-3.36, P < 0.001]. The association between bleeding and mortality remained significant after adjustment for baseline risk variables (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.87, 95% CI 1.27-2.76, P = 0.002). Bleeding increased the discriminatory power of the model regarding prediction of 1-year mortality (absolute and relative integrated discrimination improvement, 0.006% and 16.3%, respectively, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stable CAD undergoing elective PCI, the occurrence of bleeding within 30 days of the procedure was associated with increased risk of death at 1 year after PCI. These findings suggest that procedure-related bleeding may contribute to less than optimal results of PCI in terms of mortality reduction in patients with stable CAD.

Relation of body mass index to bleeding during percutaneous coronary interventions

The relation between body mass index (BMI) and bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to assess the association between BMI and bleeding and mortality after PCI. The study included 14,178 patients with coronary artery disease treated by PCI. Bleeding within 30 days of PCI was defined using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria. The primary outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality. BMI quartiles were 14.1 to 24.8 kg/m(2) (first quartile [Q1]), >24.8 to 27.1 kg/m(2) (second quartile [Q2]), >27.1 to 29.8 kg/m(2) (third quartile [Q3]), and >29.8 to 56.3 kg/m(2) (fourth quartile [Q4]). In BMI Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, the frequency of bleeding was 13.8%, 10.1%, 10.8%, and 7.7%, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63 to 2.23, p <0.001, for Q1 vs Q4). Multiple logistic regression showed that BMI was independently associated with bleeding (adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.07, p <0.001, for any bleeding; adjusted OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.09, p <0.001, for access site bleeding; and adjusted OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05, p = 0.039, for non-access site bleeding with all 3 risk estimates calculated per 1 kg/m(2) decrease in BMI). Analysis by sex showed an increase in the frequency of bleeding with the decrease in BMI for women and men (p for trend <0.001 for women and men) with no sex-by-BMI interaction (p = 0.90). The Cox proportional hazards model showed that bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.17, 95% CI 1.67 to 2.82, p <0.001) and BMI (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.06, p = 0.048, per 1 kg/m(2) decrease in the BMI) were independently associated with increased risk of 1-year mortality with no bleeding-by-BMI interaction (p = 0.81). In conclusion, BMI is inversely associated with the increased risk of bleeding and mortality after PCI.

Cangrelor: a novel intravenous antiplatelet agent with a questionable future

Current percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guidelines recommend the use of a P2Y12 inhibitor with aspirin and an injectable anticoagulant. However, available oral P2Y12 inhibitor therapy is limited by significant drug interactions, unclear oral absorption in selected clinical conditions, and delayed onset and offset of activity that may be cumbersome for patients requiring coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Cangrelor, a novel intravenous P2Y12 inhibitor, offers potential advantages compared with currently available oral agents, particularly in regard to rapid onset and offset of platelet inhibition. The Cangrelor versus Standard Therapy to Achieve Optimal Management of Platelet Inhibition (CHAMPION) trials compared cangrelor versus an oral loading dose of clopidogrel, given before or after PCI, in patients with both stable and acute coronary syndromes. The results were conflicting, but some evidence demonstrated a lower rate of stent thrombosis compared with clopidogrel and lower rates of a composite cardiovascular end point, with comparable bleeding rates. The BRIDGE study assessed cangrelor as a replacement for oral P2Y12 inhibitors in patients awaiting CABG surgery and demonstrated that cangrelor maintained platelet inhibition during the preoperative period and enabled a rapid return to baseline platelet function upon cessation of the infusion. A new drug application was submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use during PCI to prevent thrombotic events and as bridging therapy for patients awaiting surgery who require therapy with P2Y12 inhibitors. In February 2014, the FDA's Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee recommended against approval due to concerns over an appropriate risk-benefit ratio for use during PCI and a lack of evidence supporting the bridging indication. On April 30, 2014, the FDA issued a Complete Response letter for the PCI and bridging indications, denying approval and requesting further data. The future of this once promising novel intravenous antiplatelet agent is now in question.

Femoral versus radial access in primary angioplasty. Analysis of the ACCEPT registry

BACKGROUND

The radial access provides a lower risk of bleeding and vascular complications related to the puncture site in comparison to the femoral access. Recent studies have suggested a reduction in mortality associated with the radial access in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular ischemic and hemorrhagic events in patients undergoing primary angioplasty according to the type of arterial access route.

METHODS

From August 2010 to December 2011, 588 patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention during acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were assessed; they were recruited from 47 centers participating in the ACCEPT registry. Patients were grouped and compared according to the arterial access used for the procedure.

RESULTS

The mean age was 61.8 years; 75% were males and 24% had diabetes mellitus. There was no difference between groups as regards the procedure success rate, as well as regards the occurrence of death, reinfarction, or stroke at six months of follow-up. Severe bleeding was reported in 1.1% of the sample analyzed, with no statistical difference related to the access used.

CONCLUSIONS

The femoral and radial accesses are equally safe and effective for the performance of primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The low rate of cardiovascular events and of hemorrhagic complications reflects the quality of the participating centers and the operators expertise with the use of both techniques.

Prognostic value of access site and nonaccess site bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention: a cohort study in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and comprehensive meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate the prognostic value of access site bleeding (ASB) and non-ASB for recurrent ischemic outcomes and mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of ASB-related complications after STEMI is subject to debate.

METHODS

The prognostic value of ASB and non-ASB for 1-year mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis, and stroke was investigated in 2,002 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. In addition, we performed a meta-analysis of studies investigating the prognostic value of ASB and non-ASB in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients (3.7%) were treated by radial access. ASB developed in 124 patients (6.3%) and non-ASB developed in 102 (5.2%). By multivariable analysis, ASB was not associated with a higher risk of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.03; p = 0.89), recurrent MI (HR: 1.16; p = 0.64), stent thrombosis (HR: 0.55; p = 0.42), or stroke (HR: 0.47; p = 0.31). Non-ASB was independently associated with 1-year mortality (HR: 2.77; p < 0.001) and stent thrombosis (HR: 3.10; p = 0.021), but not with recurrent MI and stroke. In a meta-analysis including 495,630 patients, non-ASB was associated with a greater adjusted risk of subsequent 1-year mortality than ASB (HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.56 to 1.76 and HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.31).

CONCLUSIONS

In STEMI, ASB was not significantly associated with 1-year clinical outcomes, whereas non-ASB was significantly associated with 1-year mortality and stent thrombosis. These results taken together with those of previous studies indicate a greater risk of subsequent mortality in patients with non-ASB.

Trends in major entry site complications from percutaneous coronary intervention (from the Dynamic Registry)

Several factors contribute to the risk of percutaneous coronary intervention-related major entry site (MES) complications. We sought to examine the trends in MES among unselected patients during the stent era. Data from the Dynamic Registry including 5 distinct recruitment waves from 1997 to 2006 (n = 10,932) were used to assess baseline characteristics and MES among consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. MES was defined as bleeding requiring transfusion, pseudoaneurysm, arterial thrombosis or dissection, vascular complication requiring surgery, or retroperitoneal bleed. Uncomplicated hematomas were not included. Several trends were observed in baseline characteristics including an increase from wave 1 to wave 5 in body mass index >30 kg/m(2) (30.2% to 40.4%), renal disease (3.5% to 9.1%), diabetes (28.0% to 34.1%), and hypertension (59.4% to 78%; ptrend <0.001 for all). The use of a thienopyridine increased significantly from wave 1 (49.7%) to wave 5 (84%), whereas glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use peaked in wave 3 (53.1%) and then decreased (p <0.001). Access site was predominately femoral, but radial access increased over time (0.3% wave 1, 6.6% wave 5, p ≤0.0001). The rates of MES (2.8% to 2.2%, ptrend = 0.01) and MES requiring transfusion (2.0% to 0.74%, ptrend <0.001) were low and decreased with time. The trend in less risk for MES in later time periods remained after adjustment. In conclusion, MES has decreased over time; however, opportunity for bleeding avoidance strategies still exists.

Incidence and impact on prognosis of bleeding during percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Limited information exists on the prognostic impact of bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the impact of bleeding after PCI on the outcome of these patients.

METHODS

The study included 2,934 patients with estimated creatinine clearance <60 ml/min. Bleeding events within 30 days after PCI were assessed using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

Bleeding events occurred in 485 patients (16.5 %). BARC classes were: class 1 (n = 155), class 2 (n = 73), class 3a (n = 182), class 3b (n = 68), class 3c (n = 6) and class 4 (n = 1). There were 212 deaths over the first year after PCI: 60 deaths in patients who bled and 152 deaths in patients who did not bleed (Kaplan-Meier [KM] estimates, 12.5 and 6.3 %; odds ratio [OR] = 2.11, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.57-2.83, P < 0.001). Nonfatal myocardial infarction occurred in 71 patients who bled and in 141 patients who did not bleed (KM estimates, 14.8 and 5.8 %; OR = 2.70 [2.05-3.55], P < 0.001). After adjustment, bleeding was independently associated with increased risk of 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.90 [1.33-2.72], P < 0.001) and myocardial infarction (adjusted HR = 2.74 [1.99-3.78], P < 0.001). Bleeding improved the discriminatory power of the multivariable model for prediction of mortality (absolute and relative integrated discrimination improvement [IDI], 0.011 and 15.4 %; P = 0.004) or myocardial infarction (absolute and relative IDI, 0.017 and 70.8 %; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Peri-PCI bleeding in patients with CKD is independently associated with the increased risk of 1-year mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction.