Implications of bleeding in acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention

Ischaemic and haemorrhagic risk distribution in real-life patients with acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

Effective treatment of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) requires careful assessment of both ischaemic and bleeding risks. We aimed to analyse risk distribution and evaluate antiplatelet prescription behaviours in real-life settings.

METHODS

Data from 1100 NSTEACS patients in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from the Buenos Aires I Registry, with a 15-month follow-up, were analysed. In-hospital and 6-month GRACE scores, CRUSADE, and Precise DAPT scores were calculated.

RESULTS

The mean age was 65.4 ± 11.5 years with a majority being male (77.2%). In-hospital mortality was 2.7%, primarily due to cardiovascular causes (1.8%). Bleeding events occurred in 20.9% of patients, with 4.9% classified as ≥ BARC 3. Predominance of low bleeding (71.3%) and ischaemic (55.8%) risks on admission was observed. At 6 months, the low-risk Precise category (70.9%) and GRACE (44.1%) categories prevailed. Linear correlation analysis showed a moderately positive correlation (r = 0.61, p < .05) between ischaemic-haemorrhagic risks. Regarding the prescription of antiplatelet agents, in the low ischaemic-haemorrhagic risk group, there was a predominance of aspirin + clopidogrel (41.2%) over other high-potency antiplatelet regimens (aspirin + ticagrelor or prasugrel). In the low ischaemic and high haemorrhagic risk group, aspirin and clopidogrel were also predominant (58%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis underscores the significant relationship between ischaemic and haemorrhagic risks during NSTEACS hospitalisation. Despite the majority of patients falling into the low-intermediate risk category, the prescription of P2Y12 inhibitors in real-life settings does not consistently align with these risks.

Novel Dual Therapy: A Paradigm Shift in Anticoagulation in Patients of Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) on long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) either have underlying coronary artery disease or suffer from acute coronary syndromes necessitating a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In such a scenario, an amalgamation of antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy (conventionally called as "triple therapy") is obligatory for preventing coronary ischemia and stroke. But such ischemic benefits are accrued at the cost of increased bleeding. We also now know that bleeding events following PCI are related to increased mortality. Balancing the bleeding and ischemic risks is often a clinical dilemma. With the advent of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC's) with preserved efficacy and attenuated bleeding rates, anticoagulation in AF is undergoing paradigm shift. The spotlight is now shifting from conventional triple therapy (vitamin-K antagonist + dual antiplatelet therapy [VKA + DAPT]) to novel dual therapy (NOAC + single antiplatelet therapy [SAPT]) in situation of anticoagulated AF patients undergoing PCI. Such a strategy aims to ameliorate the higher bleeding risk with conventional VKA's while retaining the ischemic benefits. In this review, we briefly discuss the need for combination therapy, trials of novel dual therapy, strategies for mitigating bleeding, the current guidelines, and the future perspectives in AF undergoing PCI with stent(s).

Susceptibility-directed anticoagulation after pancreas transplantation: A single-center retrospective study

Pancreas transplant achieves consistent long-term euglycemia in type 1 diabetes. Allograft thrombosis (AT) causes the majority of early graft failure. We compared outcomes of four anticoagulation regimens administered to 95 simultaneous kidney-pancreas or isolated pancreas transplanted between 1/1/2015 and 11/20/2018. Early postoperative anticoagulation regimens included the following: none, subcutaneous heparin/aspirin, with or without dextran, and heparin infusion. The regimens were empirically selected based on each surgeon's assessment of hemostasis of the operative field and personal preference. A sonographic-based global scoring system of AT is presented. The 47-month recipients and graft survival were 95% and 86%, respectively. Recipients with or without AT had similar survival. Five and four grafts were lost due to death and AT, respectively. Outcomes of prophylaxis regimens correlated with intensity of anticoagulation. Compared with no anticoagulation, an increase in hemorrhagic complications occurred exclusively with iv heparin. The higher arterial AT score found in regimens lacking antiplatelet therapy highlights the importance of early antiaggregants therapy. Abnormal fibrinolysis was associated with an increase in AT score. Platelet dysfunction, warm ischemia time, and enteric drainage were predictive of AT and, along with other known risk factors, were incorporated into an algorithm that matches intensity of early postoperative anticoagulation to the thrombotic risk.

Incidence and predictors of bleeding among Egyptian patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome: Using CRUSADE risk score

Background

Early invasive strategies; in management of acute coronary syndrome; has led to improvement of patient outcomes. However, these invasive therapies have their own risks, namely bleeding and blood transfusion.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of bleeding, its location and severity among the study population, to correlate between the patients' characteristics and the risk profile of the patients based upon the CRUSADE risk score and increased bleeding events, and lastly; to identify the predictors of increased bleeding risk among Egyptian patients who presented with acute coronary syndrome.

Methods

The study had included eight hundred and twenty-three patients referred to coronary care unit (CCU), to (Ain Shams University hospital, Specialized Ain Shams hospital, and 6th October insurance hospital) with diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome “ACS” within a period from 1/2014 till 7/2014, and they were followed up for additional three months following discharge with assessment of their bleeding risk and risk scores.

Results

More bleeding events had been witnessed among the study population who were older, diabetics, had renal impairment, had peripheral vascular disease, had congestive heart failure picture at presentation; more among female sex category and more among patients receiving GPIIbIIIa antagonists. Those bleeding events had been experienced during hospital stay.

Conclusion

Risk of bleeding can be evaluated using a simple risk score in both STEMI & NSTEMI patients, and across anti-coagulant strategies, providing important prognostic information. Variability in the rates of bleeding is likely based on differences in baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and invasive treatment strategies rather than specific anti-coagulation regimens. Patients at highest risk of bleeding are also at highest risk of ischaemia and thrombotic complications. Thus higher risk patients need a more careful treatment approach to maximize the efficacy of therapy and to reduce thrombotic risk while reducing the bleeding risk.

Major bleeding events in Jordanian patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): Incidence, associated factors, impact on prognosis, and predictability of the CRUSADE bleeding risk score. Results from the First Jordanian PCR (PCR1)

Objective:

Determine the incidence of major bleeding events, their risk factors, and their impact on prognosis in Jordanian patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Evaluate the ability of the CRUSADE bleeding risk score (BRS) to predict major bleeding.

Methods:

Major bleeding events were defined according to the CRUSADE classification and their incidence was evaluated from hospital admission to one year of follow up. The CRUSADE bleeding risk score was calculated for each patient during the index admission. Incidence of major bleeding events was evaluated in each of the bleeding score quintiles. JoPCR1 is a prospective, observational, multicenter registry of consecutive patients who underwent PCI at 12 tertiary care centers in Jordan. A case report form was used to record data prospectively at hospital admission, at discharge, and at 1 and 12 months of follow-up.

Results:

The study included 2426 consecutive patients who underwent PCI. During the index hospitalization, major and minor bleeding events occurred in 0.95% and 2.6% of patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that only two variables were significantly associated with major bleeding: female gender (OR=3.7; 95% CI 1.6, 8.5; p=0.002) and past history of cardiovascular disease (OR=2.6; 95% CI 1.1, 5.9; p=0.026). Patients who had in-hospital major bleeding events had higher cardiac mortality during index hospitalization (13.0% vs. 0.7%, p<0.005) and at one year of follow up (13.0% vs. 1.8%, p<0.005) compared to those who had no such events. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the CRUSADE BRS has a high ability to predict major bleeding.

Conclusion:

Major bleeding events were uncommon in this ME registry of a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing PCI but were associated with a higher mortality rate compared with those who did not have major bleeding events. CRUSADE BRS was highly predictive of the incidence of major bleeding events.

The effect of in-hospital acquired thrombocytopenia on the outcome of patients with acute coronary syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In-hospital acquired thrombocytopenia (TP) is relatively common among patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, its effect on short-term and long-term outcomes has yet to be reviewed systematically.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies assessing the relationship between new-onset in-hospital TP and adverse outcomes among ACS patients. MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies published before March 20, 2016.

RESULTS

Ten studies reporting on a total of 142,161 ACS patients were identified. 8133 patients showed evidence of new-onset TP during the course of their hospitalization. Compared with patients with normal platelet counts, patients with new-onset TP had a prolonged in-hospital stay, significantly higher risk of both short-term mortality (<30days) (Odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 5.58 [3.63-8.57]) and late death (6months to 1year) (OR [95% CI]: 3.45 [2.35-5.07]), as well as a significantly higher risk of major bleeding events in the first 30days (OR [95% CI]: 6.93 [5.13-9.38]). In addition, risk for other secondary cardiovascular endpoints, including recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, in-hospital heart failure, stent thrombosis and unplanned revascularization was also significantly higher in the TP versus the no TP group.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of TP during the in-hospital management of ACS patients is a significant predictor of both short- and long-term adverse events, including mortality. In the light of this evidence, clinicians should be cautious and closely monitor abnormal platelet counts that present early following an ACS.

The role of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in acute coronary syndromes and the interference with anemia

The role played by glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) has continuously evolved until the most recent Guidelines whereby they were stepped down from class I to class II recommendation for treating acute coronary syndromes (ACS). GPI compete with a wider use of ADP inhibitors and novel anticoagulant drugs although GPI use has greatly narrowed. However, GPI may still have a role. Several criteria were proposed to define post-PCI anemia which is strictly related to bleeding and transfusion. In ACS, it should be important to define anemia in comparative terms versus baseline levels: ≥ 15% of red blood cell decrease should be a practical cut-off value. If one wishes to concentrate on hemoglobin (Hb), a≥2g/dl Hb decrease from baseline should be considered. It is important to recognize post-PCI anemia in the setting of ACS. There are sub-populations exposed to short-term hemorrhagic and/or long-term ischemic risks. Ischemic and hemorrhagic risks need to be carefully evaluated along with thrombocytopenia and its prognostic significance in order to put all these blood and rheological parameters into a clinically oriented perspective on which therapeutical decisions should be based. Definition of high risk procedures (complexity, angiographic characteristics and patient's risk profile, regardless whether STEMI or NSTEMI) may help selecting GPI. There are positive elements in GPI use: efficacy, rapid onset and reversibility of action, absence of pharmacogenomic variability, pharmacoeconomic considerations and the possibility of intracoronary administration. All these elements should be evaluated when selecting these agents for therapeutics.

Influence of heart failure on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction in southwestern China

The impact of heart failure (HF) on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients from southwestern China remains unclear. The present study aimed to compare in-hospital cardiovascular events, mortality and clinical therapies in AMI patients with or without HF in southwestern China. In total, 591 patients with AMI hospitalized between February 2009 and December 2012 were examined; those with a history of HF were excluded. The patients were divided into four groups according to AMI type (ST-elevated or non-ST-elevated AMI) and the presence of HF during hospitalization. Clinical characteristics, in-hospital cardiovascular events, mortality, coronary angiography and treatment were compared. Clinical therapies, specifically evidence-based drug use were analyzed in patients with HF during hospitalization, including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and β-blockers (BBs). AMI patients with HF had a higher frequency of co-morbidities, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, longer length of hospital stay and a greater risk of in-hospital mortality compared with AMI patients without HF. AMI patients with HF were less likely to be examined by cardiac angiography or treated with reperfusion therapy or recommended medications. AMI patients with HF co-treated with ACEIs and BBs had a significantly higher survival rate (94.4 vs. 67.5%; P<0.001) compared with untreated patients or patients treated with either ACEIs or BBs alone. Logistic regression analysis revealed that HF and cardiogenic shock in patients with AMI were the strongest predictors of in-hospital mortality. AMI patients with HF were at a higher risk of adverse outcomes. Cardiac angiography and timely standard recommended medications were associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Bleeding risk stratification in an era of aggressive management of acute coronary syndromes

Major bleeding is currently one of the most common non-cardiac complications observed in the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Hemorrhagic complications occur with a frequency of 1% to 10% during treatment for ACS. In fact, bleeding events are the most common extrinsic complication associated with ACS therapy. The identification of clinical characteristics and particularities of the antithrombin therapy associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic complications would make it possible to adopt prevention strategies, especially among those exposed to greater risk. The international societies of cardiology renewed emphasis on bleeding risk stratification in order to decide strategy and therapy for patients with ACS. With this review, we performed an update about the ACS bleeding risk scores most frequently used in daily clinical practice.

Safety of therapeutic hypothermia combined with primary percutaneous coronary intervention after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Background:

The safety of therapeutic hypothermia combined with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has been challenged after reports of high risk of stent thrombosis.

Methods:

We searched the Western Denmark Heart Registry to identify patients with an acute coronary angiography due to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest performed at our institution between September 2010 and September 2013. We identified 68 unconscious patients, who were resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and underwent acute PCI with stent implantation and immediate therapeutic hypothermia, and followed these for 30 days. Target temperature of 32-34°C was achieved by either an invasive or a non-invasive cooling system.

Results:

All patients had elevated myocardial biomarkers and 37 patients had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Bare metal stents were implanted in 14 and drug-eluting stents in 54 patients. All patients received antithrombotic treatment with a standard loading dose of 300 mg acetylsalicylic acid and 10,000 units heparin intravenously prior PCI. Clopidogrel or ticagrelor was administered orally through a gastric tube immediately after PCI. During the procedure abciximab or bivalirudin was administered in 44 patients. Electrocardiographic and clinical signs of stent thrombosis were found in one patient.

Conclusions:

We observed one stent thrombosis in this cohort of 68 consecutive patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who were treated with PCI and therapeutic hypothermia. This suggests that PCI with stent implantation can be performed with acceptable safety in these patients.