Prevalence of illicit drugs use and association with in-hospital major adverse events in patients hospitalised for acute cardiac events: the ADDICT-ICCU Trial

Background

The prevalence and short-term cardiovascular consequences of illicit drug use in patients admitted to the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) for acute cardiovascular events are not well established.

Purpose

The Addiction in Intensive Cardiac Care Units (ADDICT-ICCU) study was designed to assess prospectively the prevalence of illicit drugs use, and their association with the occurrence of in-hospital major adverse events (MAEs) in consecutive patients admitted to ICCUs for acute cardiovascular events.

Methods

From 7 to 22 April 2021, screening for illicit drug was performed by systematic urinary testing in a prospective study including all consecutive patients admitted to ICCU in 39 centres throughout France. The primary outcome was the prevalence of the illicit drugs detected. The secondary clinical outcome was in-hospital Major Adverse cardiac Events (MAEs) defined by death, resuscitated cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock.

Results

Among 1,499 consecutive patients screened (age 63.3±14.9 years, 69.6% male), 161 (10.7%) had a positive test for illicit drugs (cannabis: 9.1%, opioids: 2.1%, cocaine: 1.7%, amphetamines: 0.7%, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine: 0.6%). Patients who used illicit drugs were young (33.0% at age <40 vs. 5.9% at age ≥60 years), and more frequently male (11.9% vs. 8.1%, p<0.001). Self-reported current use was 56.5% in patients with a positive test. After a median duration of hospitalisation of five days, there were 61 in-hospital MAEs (4.1%).

The detection of illicit drugs was associated with a higher rate of MAEs after adjustment for known predictors of severity (OR=8.84; 95% CI: 4.68–16.7, p<0.001) or after using a propensity score adjustment (OR=5.81; 95% CI: 4.14–8.14, p<0.001). After adjustment for age and sex, detection of cannabis or cocaine was significantly associated with MAEs (OR=3.53; 95% CI: 1.25–9.95, p<0.001; OR=5.12; 95% CI: 1.48–17.2, p=0.004 respectively). Multiple drug detection (28% of positive patients) was associated with a higher incidence of MAEs than single drug detection.

Conclusions

The prevalence of illicit drugs use in patients hospitalised in the ICCUs for acute cardiovascular events was 10.7% and was under-reported. Illicit drugs detection was independently associated with a higher occurrence of in-hospital MAEs.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Fondation Coeur et Recherche

Post TAVR coronary revascularization guided by stress cardiac imaging and impact on cardiovascular events

Background

The prognostic impact of systematic revascularization of asymptomatic coronary artery stenosis before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is still debated

Purpose

The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and the safety of a functional evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) followed by a selective ischemia-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after TAVR.

Methods

This prospective, bi-centric, one-arm, open-label trial included patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) eligible for TAVR and with significant CAD defined as one or more coronary stenosis ≥70%. Patients with left main stenosis ≥50%, proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) stenosis ≥90% or > class 2 Canadian cardiovascular society angina pectoris were excluded. Coronary revascularization was not performed before TAVR and myocardial ischemia was evaluated by stress cardiac imaging one month after the procedure using Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging or Stress Echocardiography using dobutamine infusion. The primary endpoint was the composite of all cause of death, stroke, major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) ≥3), major vascular complication (Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 criteria), myocardial infarction (MI) and hospitalization for cardiac causes at 6 months following TAVR.

Results

Between June 2016 and March 2019, 71 patients were included with a complete follow-up in 66 patients. The mean age was 84±5.2 years and the mean Euroscore was 13±8.6. Stress cardiac imaging could be achieved in 70% (n=46) of the patients and the main causes to not perform it were patient refusal or secondary impaired medical condition. Significant myocardial ischemia was observed in only 3 patients (4.5%), of whom 2 patients had successful PCI. The primary endpoint occurred at 6 months in 15 patients (23%) including death in 6 patients (9%), stroke in 3 patients (5%) and major bleedings in 3 patients (5%). Acute MI was observed in only 2 patients (3%) that had not-LAD proximal and severe coronary stenosis (≥90%). Hospital readmission (n=27, 41%) was mostly related to non-cardiac causes (n=18, 27%).

Conclusions

In patients scheduled to TAVR and with significant coronary disease, a strategy of selective ischemia-guided coronary revascularization after TAVR appears safe with a low rate of myocardial infarction and myocardial ischemia requiring revascularization during follow-up. However, the poor adherence of elderly patients to stress test could suggest to perform PCI of proximal and severe coronary lesions. Large-scale and randomized trials are warranted to validate this strategy.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Interleukin-1Beta and risk of premature death and MACE in patients with myocardial infarction

Background

Inhibition of the interleukin-1β (IL-1β) innate immunity pathway is associated with anti-inflammatory effects and a reduced risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in stable patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI) and elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). However, the prognosis value of IL-1β level in acute myocardial infarction patients has never been evaluated. We aim to assess the association between IL-1β level with all-cause mortality in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention and the interplay between IL-1β and hs-CRP concentrations on the risk of premature death.

Methods

IL-1β concentration was measured among 1398 STEMI patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Crude and hazard ratios for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were analyzed at 90-days and one-year using a multivariate-cox proportional regression analysis. Major cardiovascular events (MACE) were also analyzed.

Results

In a STEMI population, IL-1β concentration measured at admission was independently associated with all-cause mortality at 90 days (adjusted hazard ratio [adjHR], 1.43 per 1SD increase; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.83; p<0.005). The relation was nonlinear, and we identified a threshold of IL-1β >10 pg/mL that was markedly associated with higher mortality rates at 90 days (adjHR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.63–4.80, p=0.0002) and one-year (adjHR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.09–2.78, p=0.019), regardless of the hs-CRP concentration. The relationship was even stronger when considering cardiovascular mortality and MACE at 90 days (adjHR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.30–4.10, p=0.004 and 2.17; 95% CI: 1.24–3.80, p=0.006) and at one year (adjHR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.31–3.87, p=0.03 and 2.25; 95% CI: 1.33–3.79, p=0.004).

Conclusion

IL-1β measured at admission in acute MI patients is associated with the risk of mortality and recurrent major cardiovascular events, regardless of the CRP level. A threshold of 10 pg/mL identifies patients at higher risk of events.

Survival

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Long-term efficacy and safety of newer generation ultrathin strut drug-eluting stents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Recent trials have demonstrated that short-term efficacy and safety of ultrathin strut drug-eluting stents (DES) were non-inferior to contemporary stents but long-term benefit remains uncertain.

Purpose

The main objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate efficacy and safety of ultrathin strut DES with an extended follow-up in comparison to 2nd and 3rd generations DES.

Methods

A double-blind review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing ultrathin strut DES to contemporary DES was performed from MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases and from cardiological congresses. The primary efficacy endpoint was target vessel failure (TLF) defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI) and target lesion revascularization (TLR) and the primary safety endpoint was occurrence of stent thrombosis (ST). Short (1 year) and long term (≥2 years) effects were estimated separately. This analysis was pre-specified in PROSPERO (CRD42019142206).

Results

The meta-analysis included 13 RCT including 19,490 patients. In short term, we found TLF decrease with ultrathin strut DES (RR 0.85, CI [0.75–0.97], p=0.01), driven by lower TV-MI (RR 0.83, CI [0.66–1.03], p=0.1) and TLR (RR 0.77, CI [0.58–1.01], p=0.1) rates, and a non-significant downward trend in ST (RR 0.85 CI [0.64–1.14]).

In long term, from the 5 trials with extended follow-up, there was no significant difference between ultrathin strut DES and thicker strut stents in rate of TLF at the longest available follow-up (RR 0.90, CI [0.76–1.06], p=0.2), despite a numerically reduction of TV-MI (RR 0.81, CI [0.61–1.08], p=0.05) and TLR (RR 0.85, CI [0.69–1.04], p=0.1) in favor of ultrathin strut stents. However, we observed a persistent numerically reduction in ST (RR 0.79, CI [0.61–1.02], p=0.01).

Conclusion

Ultrathin strut DES was associated with a lower target lesion failure rate at one year but not beyond 2-years follow-up. Nevertheless, the safety of the ultrathin strut stents was sustained over time with a numerically reduction of ST.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Early aspirin discontinuation following acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

The respective ischemic and bleeding risks of early aspirin discontinuation following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains uncertain.

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early aspirin discontinuation in ACS or PCI patients treated with P2Y12 inhibitors with or without anticoagulants.

Methods

We performed a review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a P2Y12 inhibitor-based single antiplatelet strategy following early aspirin discontinuation to a strategy of sustained dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in ACS or PCI patients requiring or not anticoagulation for another indication. The primary safety endpoint was major bleeding while non-major bleeding and all bleeding were secondary safety endpoints. The primary efficacy endpoint was all-cause mortality while secondary efficacy endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), myocardial infarction (MI), definite stent thrombosis (ST) or any stroke. We estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random effect models. The study is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019139576).

Results

We included 9 RCTs comprising 40,621 patients.Compared to prolonged DAPT, major bleeding (2.2% vs. 2.8%; RR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.87; p=0.002; I2: 63%), non-major bleeding (5.0% vs. 6.1%; RR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.94; p=0.02; I2:87%) and all bleeding (7.4% vs. 9.9%; RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.79; p<0.0001; I2: 88%) were significantly reduced with early aspirin discontinuation (Figure 1), without significant difference for all-cause death (p=0.60), MACCE (p=0.60), MI (p=0.77), definite ST (p=0.63), and any stroke (p=0.59). Results were consistent in patients with or without anticoagulation, without significant interaction for any outcomes but MI (p=0.04).

Conclusions

In patients on DAPT after an ACS or a PCI, early aspirin discontinuation prevents bleeding events with no effect on the ischemic risk or mortality.

Figure 1. Central illustration

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

[Which patient for TAVI in 2019?]

The therapeutic management of aortic stenosis has been drastically changed by the advent of percutaneous valve replacement (TAVI). Since the first implantation, the indications have progressively been extended from the inoperable patient to the patient at low surgical risk. The main objective of this review is to describe the currently recommended main indications of TAVI depending on an individualized assessment of each patient's risk, technical characteristics and anatomical valvular criteria.

P6454Antithrombotic therapy and cardiovascular events in patients with left ventricular thrombus

Background

Left Ventricular Thrombus (LVT) is associated with a high risk of thromboembolic complications such as stroke. Contemporary data are lacking on the management, prognosis and treatment of LVT, particularly with the emergence of the non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (NOACs).

Purpose

To study the time and predictive factors associated with thrombus regression on treatment and its association with survival, embolic and bleeding complications.

Methods

From January 2011 to January 2018, a computerized case sensitive search of LVT was performed on 90 065 consecutive echocardiogram reports. All patients with a confirmed LVT were included in this analysis after imaging review by two independent experts. Repeated echocardiographic data, treatment management and clinical outcomes were collected during follow-up. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of death, ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction (MI) or embolic peripheral artery occlusion were analyzed as well as major bleeding events (BARC ≥3) and the predictive factors and impact of LVT regression.

Results

We identified 174 patients with a suspected LVT of whom 159 had confirmed LVT on two different cardiac imaging exams. Ischemic cardiomyopathy was the main cause of LVT (n=125, 78.6%) including 56 (35.2%) patients with an acute ST segment elevation MI. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 31.9±12.5% with predominant (98.1%) apical location of the LVT.

Anticoagulation therapy was achieved with vitamin K antagonists, NOACs and parenteral heparins in 48.7%, 22.8% and 27.8% of patients, respectively. Concomitant antiplatelet therapy was prescribed in 67.9% of patients. Total LVT regression was reached in two third of patients (62.3%, n=99) within a median time of 103 [32–392] days. Independent predictors of total LVT regression were an ischemic cardiomyopathy (HR: 0.36 [0.19–0.70], p=0.002), a larger baseline thrombus area (HR=0.66 [0.45–0.96], p<0.031) and a prolonged anticoagulation therapy over 3 months (HR=0.11 [0.05–0.22], p<0.0001).

During a median follow-up of 632 [187–1126] days, MACE occurred in 59 (37.1%) patients with a 18.9% rate of mortality and 13.2% of major bleeding. Patients with a total LVT regression had a non-significant lower rate of MACE as compared with patients without total LVT regression (35.4% vs. 40.0%; HR=0.71 [0.42–1.21]; p=0.20), and a significant lower rate of mortality (15.2% vs. 25.0%; HR=0.48 [0.23–0.98]; p=0.039).

Occurence of mortality (A) and MACE (B)

Conclusions

The prognosis of LVT remains severe with a high risk of major cardiovascular event and mortality. Total LVT regression, mostly reached in 3 months, can be obtained with both vitamin K antagonists and NOACs and is associated with a better prognosis.

P1843Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with uninterrupted vitamin k antagonist

Background

Bridging of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) with heparin is usually not promoted during interventional or surgical procedures related to increased risk of bleeding and thrombotic events but this strategy has not been evaluated during TAVI.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of major bleeding and vascular complications after TAVI performed in patients with uninterrupted VKA.

Methods

From January 2016 to October 2017, consecutive patients who underwent TAVI with uninterrupted VKA (INR between 1.5 and 3.5) were prospectively included in a monocentric registry. TAVI were performed according to current guidelines and a 50UI/kg bolus of heparin was injected at the beginning of the procedure for all patients. Vascular and bleeding complications were assessed using the Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 (VARC2) and the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) definitions at 30 day follow-up.

Results

A total of 88 patients were included with a median age of 84 years [81.8–87], 42% being female, the median STS score was 5.1 [4.1–7.5], the median CHADS2-VASc was 5.5 [5–6] and 60.2% had a chronic kidney failure. Median INR at time of implantation was at 2.1 [1.8–2.6]. VKA were used for atrial fibrillation (89.8%), mechanic mitral prosthesis (5.7%) or venous thromboembolic disease (4.5%). Trans femoral access was used in 88.6% of the patients. Major bleeding (BARC ≥3b) occurred in 5 patients (5,7%) and major vascular complications occurred in 7 patients (8%). Peripheral arterial disease (RR = 10.95; 95% CI: 1.63 to 73.75; p=0.014) and carotid access (RR=8.56; 95% CI: 1.19 to 61.51; p=0.033) were significantly associated with major bleeding. INR >2.5 was significantly associated with vascular complications (RR=7.14; 95% CI: 1.29 to 39.63; p=0.025). In multivariate analysis, Body mass index (OR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.57; p=0.032) and INR >2.5 (OR=18.91; 95% CI: 1.62 to 221.26; p=0.010) were independent factor significantly associated with vascular complications or major bleeding. Mortality rate at 30 days follow-up was 2.3%, there was no myocardial infarction and stroke rate was 4.5%.

Figure 1. Study flowchart

Conclusion

TAVI with uninterrupted VKA treatment seems to be feasible and safe with low risk of bleeding and vascular complications in this first single centre experience. Particular caution is advocated in low BMI patients and to keep INR<2.5.

P1793Eight-year clinical outcome and valve durability after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

With the growing indications of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) worldwide and among lower risk patients, valve durability has become a crucial issue.

Purpose

To assess mid and long-term evolution of different generations of percutaneous balloon-expandable prostheses, predictive factors of valve deterioration and its correlation with long-term mortality.

Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing TAVI for severe aortic stenosis with balloon-expandable prosthesis between 2009 and 2014 and with a minimum follow-up of one-year were included in this monocentric prospective study. All echocardiograms were reviewed by two independent experts. Clinical events were defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria. Valve deterioration was defined according to the 2017 EAPCI-ESC-EACTS international consensus statement at the longest follow-up.

Results

A total of 160 patients were included with a median follow-up of 3.4 years [1.5–4.9] and a maximum of 8 years. Patients were mostly implanted with the first generation Sapien XT valve (n=138, 86.2%). Median age was 85 [79–86] years, with 42.5% of women and a median logistic Euro-SCORE of 14.2% [10.6–23.2]. Immediately after TAVI, mean aortic gradient decreased dramatically from 51±12mmHg to 9±2.6mmHg (p<0.0001) and remained overall stable with a mean gradient of 12±1mmHg at 8 years. Valve deterioration occurred in 5.6% (n=9) of patients, of which 3.7% (n=6) with severe deterioration. Moderate or severe peri-prosthetic aortic regurgitation was observed in 2.5% (n=4) of patients. The eight-year survival rate was 12.9%. During follow-up, hospitalization for acute heart failure was required for 23.7% (n=38) of patients, a myocardial infarction or a stroke occurred respectively among 1.9% (n=3) and 5% (n=8) of patients. After multivariate analysis, size or generation of valves were not independent predictive factors of valve deterioration.

Evolution of mean aortic gradient

Conclusions

After a maximal 8-year follow-up, valve deterioration after balloon-expandable TAVI is very low. In this high-risk population, TAVI seems to be a safe and durable alternative to surgery in severe aortic stenosis regardless of prosthesis generation.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Edwards Lifesciences

Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in acute coronary syndrome: Routine screening in intensive coronary care units

INTRODUCTION

Increased evidence has shown that, despite the maximum care afforded to patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), a residual risk of mortality remains, in which obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) appears to be a largely undiagnosed factor, particularly in the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU). The purpose of this study is to determine whether the systematic screening for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is feasible and may be recommended. The aims of our study are to determine: (1) The estimated prevalence of OSA in patients admitted to the ICCU for ACS determined by a validated, user-friendly portable screening device; (2) The feasibility of the screening in this context; (3) To assess any negative impact of OSA on the severity of ACS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is an observational study of 101 patients admitted to the ICCU for ACS showing no clinical evidence of heart failure (HF). In the 24-72hours following admission, they underwent an overnight sleep study using a 3-channel portable screening device with automatic analysis.

RESULTS

Sixty-two out of the 101 patients proved positive to the screening test, and its feasibility was acceptable. OSA patients tended to have greater peak levels of hs-cTnT (3685±3576ng/L versus 2830±3333ng/L, P=0.08) than the non-OSA group. Compared with the non-OSA group, OSA patients presented more severe ACS, with a greater average GRACE score at admission of 112.2±26.3 (versus 98.4±19.2, P<0.001). In the OSA group, we found a statistically significant inverse correlation between the apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the linear regression analysis (r=-0.26; P=0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

A systematic screening of patients in the ICCU is acceptable. OSA is frequently found in the acute phase of ischaemic heart disease and its presence is associated with more severe ACS and a poorer left ventricle systolic function.

[What is the place of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction?]

A 50-year-old woman was admitted for an inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; immediate coronary angiogram revealed a subocclusive stenosis of the right coronary artery. After optimal antithrombotic treatment, the type of stent could be discussed. The latest generation of drug-eluting stents showed excellent efficacy and safety in the long-term but has limitations such as potential chronic inflammation of the arterial wall and no recovery of vasoactive function. Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds, with complete resorption within several months, may reduce these limitations. Implantation of bioresorbable scaffold in the context of myocardial infarction may be interesting. However, very few studies are currently available in this setting. Preliminary results and perspectives are presented in this review.