Peri-procedural, 30-day and 1 year-outcomes in chronic dialysis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

Patients on chronic dialysis (CD) due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis eligible for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) were excluded from randomized clinical trials. Our study aimed to investigate the outcomes of patients with chronic dialysis who underwent TAVI.

Methods

Single center analysis on prospectively collected data of all consecutive patients who underwent TAVI between January 2011 and December 2020 according to baseline renal function: chronic dialysis group (CD) and control group (CTRL). Procedural, 30-day and 1-year outcomes were assessed. Outcomes were defined in accordance with the VARC-3 criteria.

Results

A total of 875 patients underwent TAVI during the study period, of whom 22 (2.5%) were on chronic dialysis. Patients on CD were younger (median age 80 years, [IQR 73–84] vs 84 years, [IQR 80–87]; p<0.001), more likely to be men [365/863 (42.8%) vs 18/22 (81.8%); p<0.001] and more likely to have peripheral vascular disease [41/853 (4.8%) vs 7/22 (31.8%); p=0.031] and lower body mass index (median 24.1 kg/m2, [IQR 21.5–26.5] vs 26.3 kg/m2, [IQR 23.7–29.3]). Short-term major or life-threatening bleeding were significantly higher in CD patients (odds ratio [95% confidential interval]: 3.67 [1.50–8.96], p 0.005). In contrast, no differences were found regarding rates of vascular complications requiring intervention (OR [95% CI]: 1.35 [0.31–5.90], p=0.662), permanent pacemaker implantation (OR [95% CI]: 0.87 [0.25–2.98], p=1.000) or stroke (OR [95% CI]: 1.51 [0.20–11.64], p=0.504). Importantly, dialysis patients had significantly higher rates of in-hospital, 30-day and 1-year mortality rates (13.6 vs 2.1%, p<0.001; 18.9% vs 2.9, p<0.001 and 26.4% vs 10.7%, p<0.001, respectively). On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, gender, relevant co-morbidities, and procedure-related complications, CD remained independently associated with mortality at 1-year. Survival curves during follow up are presented in Figure 1.

Conclusions

Chronic dialysis patients submitted to TAVI had significantly higher rates of short-term life threatening and/or major bleeding, short-term and long-term mortality. Careful selection of patients who would benefit from TAVI among patients with ERDS requiring dialysis is necessary to prevent high rates of postprocedural complications and improve outcomes of this high-risk population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Vascular closure device in TAVI with a dedicated endovascular plug-based device – experience from a high-volume tertiary center

Background

Vascular complications at the access site are important adverse events during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Effective, reproducible, and safe closure of large bore arteriotomies remains challenging as management strategies vary among centers and operators. MANTAÒ is a dedicated plug-based vascular closure device (VCD) recently approved for percutaneous access site closure. This study aimed to describe our experience and to determine the safety and effectiveness of MANTAÒ for large bore arteriotomies during transfemoral TAVI.

Methods

Single center retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data of all consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI from 2018 to 2020. The primary safety outcomes were access-related vascular injury and bleeding complications according to VARC-3 criteria. Technical success was defined as puncture closure obtained with MANTAÒ without the use of unplanned endovascular or surgical intervention. A secondary analysis according to center experience was performed.

Results

Of the 535 patients that underwent transfemoral TAVI during the study period (median age = 84 [IQR 80–87], 39.4% male; median EuroSCORE II of 3.89% [IQR 2.62–5.39]), MANTAÒ VCD was deployed in 320 (59.8%). Overall, 32 (10.0%) patients suffered an access-related vascular injury and 22 (6.6%) had a bleeding complication (Figure 1A). Technical success was achieved in most cases (n=298; 93.1%). 30-day mortality rate was 1.6% (n=5). Since the first deployment in mid-2018, the rates of MANTA-related complications decreased with increasing experience and a steep learning curve effect was noted (Figure 1B).

Conclusions

MANTAÒ was rapidly adopted as the default strategy for vascular access site closure after TAVI at our center. A relatively steep learning was observed, suggesting that few procedures are required to acquire device proficiency. In addition, our results suggest that MANTA Ò can effectively close large bore arteriotomies with a low risk of severe complications.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

TAVI via alternative access routes: patient selection and 10-year center experience

Background

Femoral access is considered the gold standard for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, this route might be precluded due to the presence of tortuosity, small vessel diameter and/or peripheral artery disease. We aimed to investigate TAVI through an alternative access (AA), focusing on the selection criteria and clinical outcomes compared to the femoral route (TF).

Methods

We conducted an all-comers longitudinal single-centre prospective registry in whom a TAVI was performed. The feasibility, safety and efficacy of TAVI by means of an access route other than standard TF was assessed, according to the VARC-2 criteria. The prospective surgical criteria used at our institution to accept an AA route were: a) TF deemed inappropriate; b) acceptable haemorrhagic risk; c) acceptable general anaesthesia risk; and d) adequate anatomy and diameter within acceptable range (subclavian, axillar, transaortic) or e) age <85 years and non-frail patient (transapical). The primary endpoint was all-cause death at 1-year.

Results

From 2008 to 2018, there were 548 patients submitted to TAVI [median age 84 (79–87) years, males 45.4%]. An AA route was used in 100 patients (79 trans-apical, 9 trans-aortic, and 12 trans-subclavian), with a decreasing rate over follow-up (−11% per year). Compared to TF, these patients were younger [80 (77–84) vs. 85 (80–87) years; p<0.001) with a similar baseline surgical risk as per EuroSCORE II [5.1 (3.3–9.0) vs. 4.7 (3.3–7.0); p=0.410). AA patients presented a higher burden of atherosclerotic disease, namely coronary (54.0 vs. 41.3%; p<0.001) and peripheral artery disease (35.0 vs. 16.5%, p<0.001) despite a lower number of other comorbidities (e.g. glomerular filtration rate <50mL/min: 53.1 vs. 64.8%; p=0.030). Left ventricular ejection fraction (56±13 vs 55±12%; p=0.203) and aortic stenosis severity (e.g. valve area: 0.70±0.19 vs. 0.67±0.18cm2; p=0.302) were similar between groups. Haemorrhagic events (minor or major) following TAVI were less often documented in the AA group (11.0 vs 21.7%; p=0.015), contrasting with de novo atrial fibrillation (18.5 vs 7.6%; p=0.048). Overall, 67 patients met the primary endpoint (18.8 vs 16.2%; p=0.584). After adjusted multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of one-year mortality did not include the TAVI access route.

Conclusion

In the first 10 years of experience, 1 in every 6 patients was treated with a TAVI by means of an AA, most often trans-apically initially and, nowadays, via a trans-subclavian approach. The use of meticulous prospective selection criteria seems to explain the one-year similar results, regardless of the access route.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Predicting pacemaker dependency after TAVI with pre-procedural MSCT

Background and aim

High degree conduction disturbances is a burdensome complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). There is limited data whether such disorders are permanent or reversible. Anatomic surrogates, such as membranous septum [MS, a distance marker from aortic annulus to His-bundle surge] and calcium distribution within aortic valve have been associated with pacemaker (PM) implantation. The aim of our study was to assess predictors of long-term pacemaker dependency following TAVI.

Methods

Single center prospectively included patients that underwent pacemaker implantation following TAVI (March 2017 to September 2020). Patients who were lost to follow up, with bicuspid aortic valve, previously implanted PM and non-available or low quality MSCT exam were excluded. On MSCT, MS length was measured on modified coronal view, the aortic-valvular complex (AVC) was characterized by leaflet sector and calcium distribution was assessed on a J-score threshold of 850-Hounsfield units. Pacemaker dependency was assessed by reducing ventricular pacing to 30 bpm and defined by subsequent complete AV dissociation in patients in sinus rhythm or an escape rhythm <50 bpm in atrial fibrillation, in addition of >90% pacing percentage since implantation.

Results

From the 352 patients with inclusion criteria, 67 underwent PM implantation (19%) and 55 included in the analysis (male 33.9%, median age=85) (Figure). Median time for pacemaker implantation was 3 days [interquartile range (IQR) 3–5 days], mostly due to complete auriculo-ventricular block (76.4%, N=42). PM dependency occurred in 14 out of 55 (25.5%) patients at mean follow up of 500±363 days. Patients with PM dependency tended to have deeper implantation depth, (6.2 mm vs 5.5 mm, p=0.096) and a significantly shorter MS (5.8 mm vs 6.8 mm, P-value = 0.031) (Table). Increasing MS length was independently associated with a lower risk of PM dependency [odds ratio (OR) 0.58 per mm; 95% CI: 0.35–0.98, p=0.04] regardless prosthesis choice. MS length under 5 mm had 97.6% specificity (95% CI: 87.1–99.9) and 85.7% positive predictive value for pacemaker dependency (AUC=76.7; 95% CI 63.3–87).

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of MSCT-derived MS length to stratify the risk of long term need for pacemaker. Patients with short MS (<5mm) in addition to conduction abnormality following TAVI had a high likelihood of PM dependency on the long term and should be considered for prompt PM implantation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ST-elevation myocardial infarction: data from two Portuguese centers

Introduction

Recently during the COVID-19 pandemic there was a general belief in a reduction of hospital admissions due to non-infectious causes, namely cardiovascular diseases.

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of the pandemic in the admissions by ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), during the first pandemic wave.

Methods

Multicentric and retrospective analysis of consecutive patients presenting in two Portuguese hospital centers with STEMI in two sequential periods – P1 (1st March to 30th April) and P2 (1st May to 30th June). A comparison of patient's clinical and hospital outcomes data was performed between the year 2020 and 2017 to 2019 for both periods.

Results

A total of 347 consecutive STEMI patients were included in this study. The patient's baseline characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors were similar across the considered periods. During P1 of 2020, in comparison with previous years, a reduction in the number of STEMI patients was observed (26.0±4.2 vs 16.5±4.9 cases per month; p=0.033), contrary to what was observed during P2 (19.5±0.7 vs 20.5±0.7 cases per month; p=0.500). Percutaneous coronary interventions in the setting of failed thrombolysis were more frequent (1.9% vs 9.1%; p=0.033). A global trend in longer delays in time-key bundles of STEMI care was noted, namely pain to first medical contact, door to needle, door to wire crossing and symptoms to wire crossing times, however without statistical significance. Mortality rate was six-fold higher during P1 comparing to previous years (1.9% vs 12.1%; p=0.005), and also an increase in the number of mechanical complications (0.0% vs 3.0%; p=0.029) was observed.

Conclusions

During the first COVID-19 pandemic wave there were fewer patients presenting with STEMI at catheterization laboratory for coronary angioplasty. These patients presented more mechanical complications and higher mortality rates.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography after a positive single-photon emission computed tomography or a positive stress cardiac magnetic resonance - What to expect at the cath lab

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

 Randomized controlled trials comparing stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) suggest similar diagnostic accuracy for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there are few data on whether or not this remains true in routine clinical practice.

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) after a positive stress CMR or positive SPECT, and to compare their positive predictive value with published results from the CE-MARC trial.

Methods

In this retrospective tertiary-center analysis, we included 429 patients (mean age 67 ± 10 years, 28% women, 42% diabetic) undergoing ICA between January 2016 and December 2020, after a positive stress CMR or positive SPECT. Regarding stress test, an adenosine protocol was performed in all stress CMR and in 76.4% (n = 272) of stress SPECT. 

Stress test results, including ischemia location and severity, were classified as reported by their primary readers. Patients with missing data on key variables, and those in whom microvascular disease was considered likely in the original stress test report were excluded. Obstructive CAD was defined as any coronary artery stenosis ≥ 50% in a vessel compatible with the ischemic territory on stress testing.

Results

Out of the total 429 patients, 356 (83%) were referred after a positive SPECT, and 73 (17%) after a positive stress CMR. Patients did not differ regarding age, cardiovascular risk factors, previous revascularization or left ventricular dysfunction, but patients with SPECT were more frequently male (p = 0.046). Overall, 320 patients (75%) had obstructive CAD on ICA. The prevalence of obstructive CAD was similar in patients with positive SPECT vs. positive stress CMR (76.1% vs. 80.8%, respectively, p = 0.385). There were also no significant differences in the prevalence of left main or 3-vessel disease (9.0% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.871, and 19.7% vs. 23.3% p = 0.483, respectively). Revascularization was performed or planned in 59.3% of patients in the SPECT group, and 52.1% of those in the stress CMR group (p = 0.255). The positive predictive values of both techniques were similar to those reported in the CE-MARC trial (Figure), and would increase to 88.1% and 89.4% for SPECT and stress CMR, respectively, if patients reported as having only mild ischemia were excluded.

Conclusion

In this tertiary center analysis, stress CMR and SPECT showed similar positive predictive values, comparable to those reported in the CE-MARC trial.

Vascular closure devices in TAVI: MANTA versus ProGlide in a propensity-matched population

Background

Vascular complications increase morbidity and mortality in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). A collagen plug-based closure device - MANTA® was recently introduced as an alternative to the suture-mediated ProGlide® vascular closure device (VCD). Data regarding the efficacy and safety comparing both VCD is scarce. The present study sought to compare the effectiveness of both devices.

Methods

Single center retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data of 300 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI using MANTA® or ProGlide® since 2018. A 1:1 propensity-score matched population derived by a multivariate logistic regression model based on age, sex, body mass index, pre-procedural haemoglobin, EuroSCORE II, main access calcification and the sheath-to-artery ratio. The primary endpoint was the composite of major or life-threatening bleeding (VARC-2 definition), femoral artery stenosis/dissection, pseudoaneurysm and need for endovascular/surgical bailout intervention.

Results

The propensity score matching resulted in 129 matched pairs. The median age was 84 years old [IQR 80–87], 42% males with a median EuroSCOREII of 4.29% [IQR 3.05–6.24].

There were no differences in the primary endpoint between MANTA ® and ProGlide® cohorts (3.9% vs 7.8%, p=0.287, respectively). The rates of the primary endpoint with the MANTA® device decreased with center experience, with relatively steep learning curve effect concerning device success.

Major or life-threatening bleeding (3.1% vs 5.4%, p=0.540) and pseudoaneurysm (0.8% vs 2.3%, p=0.622) occurred less frequently in MANTA® cohort, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Endovascular (stent or balloon) or surgical rescue intervention (9.3% vs 5.4%, p=0.341) and femoral artery stenosis/dissection (6.2% vs 3.1%, p=0.376), were also similar rates. In ProGlide® cohort, to achieve VCD success (without primary endpoint events), 15.5% needed more than 2 devices, significantly different from MANTA ® (p<0,001).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing transfemoral TAVI, the MANTA® VCD showed a similar efficacy and safety compared to the ProGlide® device and it reduced significantly the need of additional VCDs for completion of hemostasis. These results were obtained despite a clear learning curve associated with MANTA.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Risk stratification in unprotected left main coronary disease: do we have the tools?

Introduction

The evolution of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) techniques made the choice of the optimal revascularization strategy of unprotected left main coronary disease (ULMD) challenging. Scoring systems are useful tools for the decision-making process and for risk stratification.

Purpose

To evaluate 1) the performance of the SYNTAX score I (SSI) and II (SSII) and Euroscore II (EII) in risk stratification and 2) the outcome predictors of patients (pts) with ULMD, according to the treatment strategy chosen (PCI or CABG).

Methods

Retrospective single centre cohort study of 440 consecutive pts (age 68±11 years; 76.6% male) with significant ULMD (defined as left main coronary artery stenosis >50%, with no patent arterial or venous bypass graft to left anterior descending artery), who were submitted to PCI (n=135) or CABG (n=307), between January 2006 and December 2018. Median follow-up (FU) was 4.0±1.8 years.

The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and target lesion revascularization (TLR).

Results

During the FU period, there were 112 (25.5%) CV deaths, 26 (5,9%) non-fatal MI and 53 (12.0%) TLR.

Multivariate analysis of pts submitted to PCI showed that SSII and anatomical complete revascularization were independent predictors of the primary outcome (HR 1.045, CI 1.015–1.075, p=0.003 and HR 3,014, CI 1.655–5.489, p<0.0001, respectively). The 63 pts submitted to PCI, who had a SSII favoring CABG, had slightly more adverse events (42.9% vs 41.7%, p=0.889).

In the CABG cohort, only SSII was an independent predictor of the outcome by multivariate analysis (HR 1.061, CI 1.035–1.086, p<0.0001).

The ROC curve analysis for all cohort presented no discriminative capacity for SSI (AUC 0.538, CI 0.482–0.593, p=0.186) and a weak discrimination for SSII (AUC 0.659, CI 0.605–0.713, p<0.0001) and EII (AUC 0.653, CI 0.599–0.707, p<0.0001; Figure 1). The difference between SSII and EII was not statistically significant (DeLong test p=0.828). Similar results were found when analysing the CAGB group, however, in PCI cohort, SII and EII showed an acceptable discriminative capacity (AUC 0.722, CI 0.636–0.809, p<0.0001 and AUC 0.700, CI 0.610–0.791, p<0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion

In a real-world ULMD population, the most common risk scores, mainly those integrating anatomical and clinical features, presented a very modest role in the risk stratification, both in chronic and acute coronary syndromes. However, in pts with ULMD submitted to PCI, those risk scores had a more significant role in the risk stratification of these pts.

Figure 1. SSI, SSII, EII ROC curves for all cohort

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

P3382Vascular calcium Index: an imaging tool to predict vascular complications and major bleeding in TF-TAVI

Introduction

Vascular calcification has been associated with worse outcomes in transfemoral TAVI (TF-TAVI). However, there is currently no simple method to assess it and identify different patterns of calcification in an objective and quantitative manner. The purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative score of aortic (Ao) and ileofemural (IF) calcification and to assess its ability to predict life-threatening bleeding (LTB) and major vascular complications during TF-TAVI.

Methods

Case-control single center retrospective study of patients undergoing TF-TAVI between Nov2015 and Aug2018 including 183 consecutive patients (99 women, mean age 83±3 years, mean Euroscore II - ESII - 6.0±4.1). The Vascular Calcium Score was calculated for the entire Ao and IF vessels using a modified Agatston score derived from contrast-enhanced CT images, with calcium threshold locally adjusted for luminal attenuation (mean attenuation + 5x SD). A luminal attenuation threshold >600UH impaired vascular calcium evaluation and patients were excluded. LTB and major vascular complications were adjudicated according to the VARC-2 classification and identified by chart review by and independent team.

Results

Thirty patients (16%) suffered major bleeding and 13 (7%) experienced LTB. Major vascular injury occurred in 11 patients (6%). The median total vascular calcium score (TCS) was 11752 AU (IQR: 6388–19844) and median IF score (IFS) was 2210AU (IQR: 865–4170). TCS indexed for body surface area (TCSi) was predictor of LTB (AUC: 0.78±0.07, p<0.05) and of major vascular complications (AUC: 0.85±0.05, p<0.05). After multivariate analysis, iTCS and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) remained as predictors of LTB with an HR of 1.11 for each increase in 1000UA/m2 of TCSi (95% CI: 1.03–1.18) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88–0.985) respectively, independently of the ESII. iTCS and GFR were also independently associated with major vascular complications (p<0.05). Patients with an iTCS above 9750AU/m2 have an odds ratio of 7.7 (95% CI: 2.0 - 29.2) for LTB. This cut-off has a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 70% for LTB. Similarly, patients with an iTCS above 9750AU/m2 have an odds ratio of 10.3 (95% CI: 22 - 49.3) for major vascular injury.

Conclusions

A quantitative score for vascular calcification in contrast-enhanced CT images was developed. iTCS was independently associated with life-threatening bleeding and major vascular complications.

P4575UA and NSTEMI in the era of high-sensitivity Troponin: impact on patient risk profile and management

Aim

High-sensitivity troponin assays (HST) entered the clinical arena to facilitate exclusion of ACS in the emergency department (ER) in patients presenting with chest pain. Due to its higher sensitivity there is the potential for an overestimation of the diagnosis of NSTEMI, and possibly ACS overall. We assessed the impact of HST in the classification of ACS (NSTEMI vs UA) and its ability to predict obstructive coronary disease (CAD), in a population of pts referred to coronary angiography (ICA).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 1844 pts with suspected NSTEMI or UA referred for ICA from a single ER between Feb 2013 and Nov 2018. Standard Troponin-I was used until Feb 2016 and HST thereafter. The characteristics of UA and NSTEMI pts before and after the introduction of HST were compared. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to access the association of different troponin assays with CAD (>50% for LM and >70% for the remaining). Sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV for angiographic CAD were also determined.

Results

The relative proportion of patients with UA and NSTEMI was similar between study periods: 31% vs 29% and 69% vs 71%, respectively (p=0.3). Clinical and angiographic characteristics did not differ in UA pts before and after the use of HST. NSTEMI patients in the HST era were less frequently women (39% vs 32%, p=0.026), had higher creatinine (0.93 IQR 0.75–1.3 vs 1.0 IQR 0.82–1.38), higher number of lesions (2 IQR 1–4 vs 3 IQR 1–4) and a lower rate of normal coronary arteries (10.5% vs 3.9%, p<0.001). The prevalence of significant CAD in this population, before and after HST, was 65% and 73%, respectively (p=0.001). However, when clinically relevant characteristics and judgement were accounted for, both standard troponin (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.01) and HST (1.0, 95% CI 1.0–1.0) were poor predictors of significant CAD. Sensitivity was 69% vs 72%, specificity 30% vs 30%, PPV 65% vs 73% and NNP 34% vs 28%, respectively. Finally, rates of percutaneous intervention did not differ between the two periods (30% vs 33.5%, p=0.157), nor between ACS types within each period.

CAD/PCI in ACS within each period

Conclusion

The introduction of HST did not result in an increase of the diagnosis of NSTEM vs UA, suggesting that clinical judgment remains an important determinant of the diagnosis of ACS. Also there was no evidence of an increase in PCI rates, despite worse CAD severity in NSTEMI patients.

Impact of time from symptom onset to drug administration on outcome in patients undergoing glycoprotein IIb-IIIa facilitated primary angioplasty (from the EGYPT cooperation)

Contrasting data have been so far reported on facilitation with glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors (GpIIbIIIa) in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention. However, it has been demonstrated a time-dependent composition of coronary thrombus in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, with more platelets in the first hours. Subsequently, the benefits of early administration of GpIIbIIIa may be affected by the time from symptoms onset to GpIIbIIIa, that therefore is the aim of this study. Our population is represented by 814 patients who underwent GpIIbIIIa facilitated primary angioplasty included in the Early glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors in primary angioplasty database. Patients were divided according to quartiles of time from symptom onset to GpIIbIIIa administration (≤65 minutes; 65 to 100 minutes; 101 to 178 minutes; and >178 minutes). Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution. Time from symptoms onset to GpIIbIIIa was linearly associated with hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and previous myocardial infarction but inversely associated with smoking. Abciximab was more often administrated later from symptoms onset. Time from symptoms onset to GpIIbIIIa was significantly associated with the rate of preprocedural recanalization (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction [TIMI] 2 to 3; p <0.001), postprocedural TIMI 3 flow (p <0.001), the rate of complete ST-segment resolution (p <0.001), and the rate of myocardial blush grade 2 to 3 (p <0.001) and inversely associated with the occurrence of distal embolization (p <0.001). Follow-up data were collected at a median (twenty-fifth to seventy-fifth) of 360 (30 to 1,095) days. A total of 52 patients had died. Time to GpIIbIIIa had a significant impact on mortality (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.46 [1.11 to 1.92], p = 0.007) that was confirmed after correction for baseline confounding factors (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.41 [1.02 to 2.21], p = 0.042). In conclusion, this study showed that in patients who underwent primary angioplasty with upstream GpIIbIIIa, time from symptoms onset to GpIIbIIIa strongly impacts on preprocedural recanalization, distal embolization, myocardial perfusion, and long-term survival.

Impact of hypertension on distal embolization, myocardial perfusion, and mortality in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty

Hypertension is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, data on the impact of hypertension in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are inconsistent and mainly related to studies performed in the thrombolytic era, with very few data on patients undergoing primary angioplasty. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of hypertension on distal embolization, myocardial perfusion, and mortality in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Our population is represented by 1,662 patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI included in the Early Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors in Primary angioplasty database. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by myocardial blush grade and ST segment resolution. Follow-up data were collected within 1 year after primary angioplasty. Hypertension was observed in 700 patients (42.1%). Hypertension was associated with more advanced age (p <0.001), female gender (p <0.001), diabetes (p <0.001), hypercholesterolemia (p <0.001), previous revascularization (p <0.001), anterior myocardial infarction (p = 0.006), longer ischemia time (p = 0.03), more extensive coronary artery disease (p = 0.002), more often treated with abciximab (p <0.001), and less often smokers (p <0.001). Hypertension was associated with impaired postprocedural myocardial blush grade 2 to 3 (68.2% vs 74.2%, p = 0.019) and complete ST segment resolution (51.7% vs 61.1%, p = 0.001). By a mean follow-up of 206 ± 158 days, 70 patients (4.3%) had died. Hypertension was associated with a greater mortality (6.2% vs 2.9%, hazard ratio 2.31, 95% confidence interval 1.42 to 3.73, p <0.001), confirmed after correction for baseline confounding factors (hazard ratio 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 3.22, p <0.001). In conclusion, this study showed that among patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty, hypertension is associated with impaired reperfusion and independently predicts 1-year mortality.

Impact of preprocedural TIMI flow on myocardial perfusion, distal embolization and mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Despite optimal epicardial recanalization, primary angioplasty for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is still associated with suboptimal reperfusion in a relatively large proportion of patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of preprocedural TIMI flow on myocardial perfusion, distal embolization, and survival among STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty with glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors.

METHODS

Our population is represented by a total of 1637 patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI treated with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution. Follow-up data were collected between 30 days and 1 year after primary angioplasty.

RESULTS

Poor preprocedural TIMI flow (TIMI 0-1) was observed in 1039 patients (63.5%), and was associated with higher Killip class at presentation (P=.006), longer time-to-treatment (P=.03), less often with early administration of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors (P<.001), impaired postprocedural epicardial (P=.001) and myocardial perfusion (determined by myocardial blush grade, P<.001 and/or ST-segment resolution (P<.001), and distal embolization (P=.041). At 206 ± 158 days follow-up, poor preprocedural recanalization was associated with a significantly higher mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34-0.96; P=.034).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that among patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, poor preprocedural TIMI flow is associated with higher incidence of distal embolization and impaired epicardial and myocardial perfusion, and significantly higher mortality.

Early glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors in primary angioplasty-abciximab long-term results (EGYPT-ALT) cooperation: individual patient's data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Even although time to treatment has been shown to be a determinant of mortality in primary angioplasty, the potential benefits are still unclear from early pharmacological reperfusion by glycoprotein (Gp) IIb-IIIa inhibitors. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to combine individual data from all randomized trials conducted on upstream as compared with late peri-procedural abciximab administration in primary angioplasty.

METHODS

The literature was scanned using formal searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) from January 1990 to December 2010. All randomized trials on upstream abciximab administration in primary angioplasty were examined. No language restrictions were enforced.

RESULTS

We included a total of seven randomized trials enrolling 722 patients, who were randomized to early (n = 357, 49.4%) or late (n = 365, 50.6%) peri-procedural abciximab administration. No difference in baseline characteristics was observed between the two groups. Follow-up data were collected at a median (25th-75th percentiles) of 1095 days (720-1967). Early abciximab was associated with a significant reduction in mortality (primary endpoint) [20% vs. 24.6%; hazard ratio (HR) 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.65 (0.42-0.98) P = 0.02, P(het) = 0.6]. Furthermore, early abciximab administration was associated with a significant improvement in pre-procedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow (21.6% vs. 10.1%, P < 0.0001), post-procedural TIMI 3 flow (90% vs. 84.8%, P = 0.04), an improvement in myocardial perfusion as evaluated by post-procedural myocardial blush grade (MBG) 3 (52.0% vs. 43.2%, P = 0.03) and ST-segment resolution (58.4% vs. 43.5%, P < 0.0001) and significantly less distal embolization (10.1% vs. 16.2%, P = 0.02). No difference was observed in terms of major bleeding complications between early and late abciximab administration (3.3% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis shows that early upstream administration of abciximab in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with significant benefits in terms of pre-procedural epicardial re-canalization and ST-segment resolution, which translates in to significant mortality benefits at long-term follow-up.

Association between advanced Killip class at presentation and impaired myocardial perfusion among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty and adjunctive glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Although primary angioplasty has been shown to improve survival as compared with thrombolysis, the outcome is still unsatisfactory in subsets of patients such as those with signs of heart failure at presentation. In fact, although primary angioplasty is able to restore TIMI 3 flow in most patients, suboptimal myocardial reperfusion is observed in a relatively large proportion of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty the association between heart failure at presentation and myocardial perfusion and its implications in terms of survival.

METHODS

Our population is represented by patients undergoing primary angioplasty who are included in the EGYPT database. Congestive heart failure was defined as Killip class >1 at admission. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution. Follow-up data were collected between 30 days and 1 year after primary angioplasty.

RESULTS

Detailed data on Killip class at presentation were available in 1,427 of 1,662 patients (86% of the initial population) who represent the final population of this study. Killip class was associated with myocardial perfusion, distal embolization, enzymatic infarct size, predischarge ejection fraction, and 1-year mortality rate. Myocardial blush was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 7.44, 95% CI 1.82-30.4, P = .005) in patients with advanced Killip class at presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that patients with heart failure complicating ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction have impaired myocardial perfusion, which accounts for the poor outcome observed in these patients. Further efforts should be aimed at improving myocardial perfusion, beyond epicardial recanalization, to further improve the outcome of these high-risk patients.

Early glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors in primary angioplasty (EGYPT) cooperation: an individual patient data meta-analysis

Background:

Even though time-to-treatment has been shown to be a determinant of mortality in primary angioplasty, the potential benefits from early pharmacological reperfusion by glycoprotein (Gp) IIb–IIIa inhibitors are still unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to combine individual data from all randomised trials conducted on facilitated primary angioplasty by the use of early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors.

Methods and results:

The literature was scanned by formal searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE) from January 1990 to October 2007. All randomised trials on facilitation by the early administration of Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were examined. No language restrictions were enforced. Individual patient data were obtained from 11 out of 13 trials, including 1662 patients (840 patients (50.5%) randomly assigned to early and 822 patients (49.5%) to late Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitor administration). Preprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Study (TIMI) grade 3 flow was more frequent with early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Postprocedural TIMI 3 flow and myocardial blush grade 3 were higher with early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors but did not reach statistical significance except for abciximab, whereas the rate of complete ST-segment resolution was significantly higher with early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Mortality was not significantly different between groups, although early abciximab demonstrated improved survival compared with late administration, even after adjustment for clinical and angiographic confounding factors.

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis shows that pharmacological facilitation with the early administration of Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI is associated with significant benefits in terms of preprocedural epicardial recanalisation and ST-segment resolution, which translated into non-significant mortality benefits except for abciximab.

Role of abciximab in the treatment of coronary artery disease

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex is a crucial membrane receptor for platelet aggregation, binding platelets to fibrinogen and establishing interplatelet bridges. This receptor is the common end point of the multiple activation pathways of a platelet. Antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin or thienopyridines, including ticlopidine and clopidogrel, inhibit one or more but not all, of these pathways. Inhibitors of the receptor are powerful platelet antiaggregants and include two groups of agents: non-competitive receptor blockers, such as abciximab, and competitive antagonists, such as tirofiban and eptifibatide. Abciximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex, thus blocking the interaction with fibrinogen. It is used for treatment of coronary artery disease, being well-studied in the setting of acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary intervention, in which a rapid and effective antiaggregation is clinically important.

Early administration of abciximab bolus in the emergency department improves angiographic outcome after primary PCI as assessed by TIMI frame count: Results of the early ReoPro administration in myocardial infarction (ERAMI) trial

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the safety and efficacy of early administration of abciximab prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients.

BACKGROUND

Research suggests that platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, e.g. abciximab, may improve myocardial perfusion. In particular, early administration in the emergency department, prior to PCI, may result in more effective reperfusion.

METHODS

Eighty AMI patients with planned PCI were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive a 0.25 mg/kg abciximab bolus either "early" in the emergency department or "late" in the catheterization laboratory after angiographic assessment. In total, 74 patients underwent PCI after diagnostic angiography, all of which then received an abciximab infusion of 0.125 microg/kg/min for 12 hr.

RESULTS

Prior to PCI, no significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the angiographic endpoints or ST-segment resolution. After PCI, thrombolysis in MI (TIMI) frame count (TFC) was significantly improved in patients treated early rather than in those treated late (23 +/- 10 vs. 41 +/- 35; P = 0.02). Consistent trends, also favoring early treatment, were observed for TIMI flow grade 3 (TFG 3), corrected TFC (CTFC), and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3 (TMPG 3). Nine deaths (4 early, 5 late) and six significant bleeds (4 early, 2 late) were observed at 30 days after randomization.

CONCLUSIONS

Early administration of abciximab is both feasible and safe in patients planned for primary PCI, increasing coronary flow and myocardial reperfusion after PCI, as demonstrated by significantly decreased TFC scores and trends toward improvements in TFG, CTFC, and TMPG.

Myocardial perfusion and angioplasty. Comparison of myocardial contrast echocardiography and scintigraphy

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the efficacy of myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) by harmonic power imaging (HPI), in evaluation of perfusion in one-vessel coronary disease treated by angioplasty, using myocardial scintigraphy as gold standard.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective comparative study.

SETTING

Ambulatory.

POPULATION

We included 33 patients (pts), aged 53.5 +/- 9 years, 27 male.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

pts with one-vessel coronary disease (> or = 70% stenosis), with indication for angioplasty; sinus rhythm; good echocardiographic window with harmonic imaging. Exclusion criterion: previous myocardial infarction.

METHODS

All patients underwent myocardial scintigraphy and HPI together with stress echocardiography, both followed by angioplasty (stenting in ten). HPI and myocardial scintigraphy were repeated, in all patients, at three months after intervention. Ten patients were re-assessed by coronary angiography for ischemia on the scintigraphic study. For the HPI exam, Levovist was selected as contrast and dipyridamole as stress agent (0.56 mg/kg). Perfusion was assessed visually and classified by HPI and scintigraphy studies as: 1 (normal), 2 (reduced), or 3 (absent). For analysis, the left ventricle was divided into 16 segments.

RESULTS

Of the 43 coronary angiograms performed (ten at three months after angioplasty), 38 showed 70% stenosis, none occlusive or subocclusive. We analyzed 1056 left ventricle segments, from 66 HPI and myocardial scintigraphy studies (before and after angioplasty). Analysis was impossible or doubtful in 4.9%. Baseline and stress HPI detected 216 perfusion abnormalities. Global concordance between the segmental perfusion score obtained by HPI and scintigraphy was 66.2%, which became 76.3% when two groups were considered: a) score 1 b) score 2 and 3 together. In comparison with scintigraphy, HPI sensitivity for detection of perfusion abnormalities was 79.3% (higher for anterior septum, anterior and lateral wall) and specificity was 91.4% (higher for septum, inferior wall and apical segments). HPI correctly identified the location of coronary stenosis in 73.5% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, HPI was a feasible and promising method for assessment of perfusion in one-vessel coronary disease and chronic ischemia. In comparison with myocardial scintigraphy, a high concordance for perfusion score was found, as well as high sensitivity and specificity for detection of perfusion abnormalities.

Testing the inhibitory effects of Mascara Life on bacterial growth in mascara

BACKGROUND

Mascara Life is a liquid additive that claims to reconstitute mascara consistency while retarding bacterial and fungal growth in tubes of used mascara. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of mascara alone versus mascara with the addition of Mascara Life against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterial contaminant responsible for potentially serious ocular infections.

METHOD

To simulate 3 to 6 months of use, 12 new tubes of Maybelline Great Lash mascara were dried for 5 consecutive days with the applicator wands removed. Mascara Life was added to a set of six tubes and an equal amount of saline was added to another set of six tubes. Equal amounts of eugonic broth were added to each tube to provide nutrients for the organisms and to further dilute the mascara. One tube from each set served as a negative control. The ten remaining tubes were inoculated with a standardized suspension of Staphylococcus aureus. Two calibrated samples from each tube were plated onto blood agar at 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after initial inoculation. The number of viable organisms was determined after 24 hours of incubation by the plate-count method.

RESULTS

The concentration of viable bacteria was reduced to zero by day 7, and remained at this level through day 28 in all inoculated tubes. The negative control tubes showed no growth throughout the study.

CONCLUSION

The preservatives in both mascara and mascara with the addition of Mascara Life are effective in retarding growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

[Time's paradigm in primary angioplasty]

The use of primary angioplasty in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), as opposed to fibrinolysis, is well established, as long as performed by an experienced team. The benefits are "time-dependent", hense the rational for the sentence "Time is Muscle". It is very important to assess the time factor, mainly if the therapeutic option is primary angioplasty, since it is necessary to set up a full range of conditions related to this type of specific treatment (human, material and logistical). In the current study was analysed the in and out of hospital time sequence of 99 patients with AMI that underwent primary PTCA during the year of 1999. The main goal was to assess if the performance of this procedure outside regular working hours could have any significant impact on the "time of in-hospital ischemia". The different time durations were prospectively recorded according to a protocol that was previously established and filled for each patient by the lab team. The authors conclude that: a) the average in-hospital time delay in the treatment of AMI by PTCA was not significantly influenced by the fact that the procedure was performed outside the regular working hours of the lab; b) the main component of the "ischemic in hospital time" corresponds to the time between the patient's admission and the decision making time for PTCA. Although the average decision making time for PTCA is too long and must be optimized, the average total in hospital ischemic time (99-105 minutes) compares favorably with other previous reports in the literature.

[Prognosis of postoperative aortic dissection. Assessment with magnetic resonance]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate operated type A aortic dissection by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), in order to detect long-term complications and identify prognostic indexes of evolution.

DESIGN

Prospective study with a three-year period of follow-up. Prognosis evaluation.

SETTINGS

Outpatient Clinic at Hospital de Santa Maria and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center at Hospital da Cruz Vermelha.

PATIENTS

A sample of 37 patients submitted to type A aortic dissection surgery, included sequentially, after exclusion of those with contraindication to MRI.

METHODS

Initial evaluation (clinical and MRI study) at 3 to 4 months and at 1, 2 and 3 years after surgery. The mean follow-up time was 39.3 +/- 2.9 months. We evaluated the following complications over the aorta (aortic graft and five segments of residual aorta) and the aortic valve: aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, rupture, re-dissection, progressive aortic valve regurgitation, reoperation and death. The prognostic indexes analysed were: presence of residual flap; false lumen patency; presence of re-entry points; false lumen to aorta dimension ratio; initial aortic dimension; increase of aortic dimension.

RESULTS

All patients, with the exception of three that died, remained asymptomatic.

COMPLICATIONS

Aneurysm was detected in 45.9% of patients, located in one or more segments; rupture occurred in three patients, preceded by aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm development; moderate or severe aortic regurgitation was detected in 47.8% of patients. Prognostic indexes: 1. Aneurysm development in each segment yeilded a significant association with: presence of residual flap in the same and other segments; higher initial dimension of the same and other segments, with the exception of the abdominal segment; higher increase in dimension of the same and other segments, with the exception of the abdominal segment; 2. Moderate or severe aortic regurgitation development showed a tendency to association with higher increase in dimension of proximal ascending aorta. 3. No association was found between aneurysm and aortic regurgitation development.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients operated for type A aortic dissection had a high incidence of late complications which lead to reoperation and in some cases death. The presence of a residual flap, increased aortic dimensions and higher increase rate of aortic dimensions were associated with a complicated evolution. MRI was a very useful technique for long-term monitoring and to identify prognostic indexes of evolution.

Preseptal cellulitis secondary to Proteus species: a case report and review

BACKGROUND

Preseptal cellulitis is a serious ocular condition that--if left untreated--has the potential to cross the septal barrier, spread to the posterior orbit, and may result in fatal complications. Because it is difficult to determine the pathogen responsible for any cellulitis without aspirating a culture sample, treatment is usually instituted by an assumption of the most common causative organisms, Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.

CASE REPORT

A 42-year-old black woman manifested signs and symptoms consistent with right preseptal cellulitis. Throughout treatment, visual acuity remained 20/20 for both eyes, extraocular muscles were unrestricted without pain, and anterior globe structures were clear. The patient was started on a regimen of 250-mg oral dicloxacillin four times a day. When no response was seen at 36 hours, the patient was changed to 500-mg oral ciprofloxacin every 12 hours. She responded to the 500-mg ciprofloxacin and recovered with no sequelae. An abscess, which had formed during the cellulitis, self expressed and this material was cultured. The cultures identified the responsible organism as Proteus species, an unexpected pathogen in a well-groomed patient.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates the need to consider alternate pathogens when treating preseptal cellulitis, change medications accordingly, and consider alternate treatments as needed.

[Thrombolytic treatment of acute myocardial infarct. 2]

V-Effects of thrombolytic therapy on coronary reperfusion and left ventricular function VI-Noninvasive markers of reperfusion. VII-Timing of thrombolysis. VIII-Side effects and adverse outcomes.

[Coronary angioplasty in the acute phase of myocardial infarct]

Primary coronary angioplasty is a reperfusion method increasingly used for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Several studies are reviewed, demonstrating a reduction in mortality and morbidity, namely due to recurrent ischaemia and haemorrhagic stroke, in comparison to thrombolysis. This benefit seems larger in high risk patients, such as those with cardiogenic shock, anterior wall infarction, elderly patients and those with contraindications thrombolysis or with a non diagnostic electrocardiogram.

[Thrombolytic treatment of acute myocardial infarct. 1]

I-Rationale of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). II-Thrombolytic drugs. III-Effects of thrombolytic therapy on mortality. IV-Studies comparing the effects of various thrombolytic agents on mortality.

[A false incisional hernia during coumarin anticoagulation]

This short clinical report presents a case of giant pelvic hematoma with infiltration of the abdominal wall, initially misdiagnosed as incisional hernia by means of the old McBurney laparotomy. The patient, a 56-year-old female, was under chronic coumarin anticoagulation to prevent systemic embolism recurrence (rheumatic polyvalvular disease, atrial fibrillation, and previous brain embolism). On admission, the I.N.R. was 6.6. The risks versus benefits dilemma of chronic oral anticoagulation is briefly commented.

Cardioprotection by ICRF187 against high dose anthracycline toxicity in children with malignant disease

OBJECTIVE

A pilot study to assess the efficacy of ICRF187 as a protective agent against the cardiotoxic effects of anthracycline drugs used to treat childhood malignancies.

DESIGN

A study of cardiac function in children treated receiving ICRF187 ((s)-(+)-1,2 bis (3,5-dioxopiperazenyl) propane) in addition to anthracycline therapy compared with contemporary controls selected retrospectively on the basis of anthracycline dose matching.

PATIENTS

Five children in whom recurrence of malignant disease was re-treated with chemotherapy containing anthracycline drugs and additional ICRF187 (supplied on a compassionate-use basis) (cumulative anthracycline doses 550-1650 mg/m2). Five more children with recurrence of malignant disease were re-treated to similar cumulative anthracycline doses (600-1150 mg/m2) without ICRF187.

METHODS

Cardiac function was assessed clinically and echocardiographically throughout treatment. Clinical and echocardiographic state were compared before treatment and after completion of therapy within and between groups treated with and without ICRF187.

RESULTS

Two patients treated without ICRF187 developed symptomatic congestive cardiac failure from which one died. Another developed considerable but as yet asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. No patient receiving additional ICRF187 developed cardiac failure or left ventricular dysfunction. There were no significant differences in cumulative anthracycline dose, dose increase, type of anthracycline used, survival rate, or length of survival between groups. Left ventricular shortening fraction fell by a mean of 1.0% in patients receiving ICRF187 and by a mean of 11% in the patients treated without it (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

ICRF187 seems to have provided highly effective cardioprotection to this small group of children with end-stage malignancy. Severe cardiotoxicity was seen in a similar group treated with comparable anthracycline doses but without ICRF187.