Predictors of delayed pre-hospital presentation among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Diagnosis and Management of Late-presentation ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction and Complications

The incidence of late presentation of myocardial infarction varies between 8.5% and 40%. Late revascularization of an infarct-related artery may limit infarct size and remodeling, reduce electrical instability, and may provide supplemental blood supply to that area via collaterals. Randomized clinical trials have shown a benefit of revascularization in symptomatic and hemodynamically unstable latecomers. Image stress testing can be beneficial to guide management of asymptomatic late presenters. Higher rates of myocardial infarction complications occur with late presentations, so a high level of suspicion is required for early diagnosis. Surgical repair remains the gold standard for management of mechanical complications.

Pre-hospital delay among patients with acute myocardial infarction in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the pre-hospital delay time among patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction and to determine factors associated with pre-hospital delay.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 patients with myocardial infarction at Madinah Cardiac Center, Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia between November 2019 and March 2020. Data were collected by direct physician-subject interviews. We used the validated version of the modified response to symptoms questionnaire. Chi-square test, t test, and multivariate analysis were used to examine factors associated with pre-hospital delay.

RESULTS

The median pre-hospital delay time was 3.7 hours. Among all the patients, 126 patients (63%) arrived at the hospital later than 2 hours from the onset of symptoms. Factors that were significantly associated with pre-hospital delay included a previous information on acute coronary syndrome (adjusted odds ratio [adj OR]=0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1-0.6), history of hypercholesteremia (adj OR=2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.7), arrived by ambulance (adj OR=0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8), and increased pain intensity (adj OR=0.7, 95% CI 0.6-0.9).

CONCLUSION

Approximately two-thirds of the patients arrived later than 2 hours from the onset of symptoms. A previous information about acute coronary syndrome, history of hypercholesteremia, arrived by ambulance, and increased pain intensity were associated with pre-hospital delay. The study recognizes the need for educational programs about acute myocardial infarction symptoms and the bene ts of availing an ambulance service.

Barriers and facilitators to implementing coronary care networks in South Africa: a qualitative study

Background

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa consistently fails to deliver timely reperfusion to these patients, possibly due to under-developed coronary care networks (CCN).

Objectives

To determine the current perceived state of CCNs, to determine the barriers to optimising CCNs and to suggest facilitators to optimising CCNs within the South African context.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, by performing two structured in-depth and two focus group interviews (n=4 and 5, respectively), inviting a purposely heterogeneous sample of 11 paramedics (n=4), doctors (n=5), and nurses (n=2) working within different settings in South African CCNs. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to content analysis.

Results

Participants described an under-resourced, unprioritised and fragmented CCN with significant variation in performance. Barriers to CCN optimisation resided in recognition and diagnosis of STEMI, transport and treatment decisions, and delays. Participants suggested that thrombolysing all STEMI patients could facilitate earlier reperfusion and that pre-hospital thrombolysis should be considered. Participants highlighted the need for regionalised STEMI guidelines, and the need for further research.

Conclusion

Numerous barriers were highlighted. Healthcare policy-makers should prioritise the development of CCNs that is underpinned by evidence and that is contextualised to each specific region within the South African health care system.