Widespread non-joint pain in early rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the development of widespread non-joint pain (WNP) in a cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the associated health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and clinical and demographic risk factors for WNP.Method: Incident cases with RA, from the Swedish population-based study Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis (EIRA), with a follow-up of at least 3 years, constituted the study population. WNP was defined as pain outside the joints in all four body quadrants and was assessed at the 3 year follow-up. Patients who reported WNP were compared to patients without WNP regarding HRQoL, measured by the Short Form-36, at 3 years, and clinical and demographic characteristics at the time of RA diagnosis.Results: A total of 749 patients constituted the study sample, of whom 25 were excluded after reporting already having severe pain before RA diagnosis. At the 3 year follow-up, 8% of the patients reported having WNP as well as statistically significant worse HRQoL. At the time of RA diagnosis, the patients with WNP had worse pain and pain-related features, while no difference was seen in the inflammatory parameters.Conclusion: WNP occurs in a substantial subset of patients with RA, also early in the course of the disease, and the HRQoL for these patients is significantly reduced. Patients who develop WNP at 3 years are already distinguishable at the time of diagnosis by displaying more pronounced pain ratings together with an average level of inflammatory disease activity.

OP0018 A MULTICENTER RANDOMIZED STUDY IN EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TO COMPARE ACTIVE CONVENTIONAL THERAPY VERSUS THREE BIOLOGICAL TREATMENTS: 24 WEEK EFFICACY RESULTS OF THE NORD-STAR TRIAL

Background:

The optimal first-line treatment of patients (pts) with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is yet to be established.

Objectives:

The primary aim was to assess and compare the proportion of pts who achieved remission with active conventional therapy (ACT) and with three different biologic therapies after 24 wks. Secondary aims were to assess and compare other efficacy measures.

Methods:

The investigator-initiated NORD-STAR trial (NCT01491815) was conducted in the Nordic countries and Netherlands. In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded-assessor study pts with treatment-naïve, early RA with DAS28>3.2, and positive RF or ACPA, or CRP >10mg/L were randomized 1:1:1:1. Methotrexate (25 mg/week after one month) was combined with: 1) (ACT): oral prednisolone (tapered quickly);or: sulphasalazine, hydroxychloroquine and mandatory intra-articular (IA) glucocorticoid (GC) injections in swollen joints <wk 20; 2) certolizumab 200 mg EOW SC (CZP); 3) abatacept 125 mg/wk SC (ABA); tocilizumab 162 mg/wk SC (TCZ). IA GC was allowed in all arms <wk 20. Primary outcome was clinical disease activity index remission (CDAI≤2.8) at wk 24. Secondary outcomes included CDAI remission over time and other remission criteria. Dichotomous outcomes were analyzed by adjusted logistic regression with non-responder imputation (NRI). Non-inferiority analyses had a pre-specified margin of 15%.

Results:

812 pts were randomized. Age was 54.3±14.7 yrs (mean±SD), 31.2% were male, DAS28 5.0±1.1, 74.9% were RF and 81.9% ACPA positive. Fig 1 shows the adjusted CDAI remission rates over time with 95% CI. Table shows crude remission and response rates and absolute differences in adjusted remission and response rates (superiority analysis). Differences in remission and response rates with CZP and TCZ, but not with ABA, remained within the pre-defined non-inferiority margin versus ACT, Fig 2.

Figure 1.

CDAI remission over time (adj. estimates with 95% CI)

Figure 2.

Non-inferiority analysis of protocol population. Estimated differences in CDAI remission rates between Arm 1 (active conventional therapy) and Arms 2, 3, and 4 (biologic arms) as reference with 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for gender, ACPA status, country, age, body-mass index and baseline DAS28-CRP. ABA, abatacept; CZP, certolizumab-pegol; MTX, methotrexate; TCZ, tocilizumab.

Conclusion:

High remission rates were found across all four treatment arms at 24 wks. Higher CDAI remission rate was observed for ABA versus ACT (+9%) and for CZP (+4%), but not for TCZ (-1%). With the predefined 15% margin, ACT was non-inferior to CZP and TCZ, but not to ABA. This underscores the efficacy of active conventional therapy based on MTX combined with glucocorticoids and may guide future treatment strategies for early RA.

Table.

Primary and key secondary outcomes at 24 weeks (ITT)

Active conventional therapy (ACT)Certolizumab+MTXAbatacept+MTXTocilizumab+MTXNo of pts (ITT)200203204188§Crude remission and response ratesCDAI remission42.0%47.8%52.5%41.0%ACR/EULAR Boolean remission34.0%38.4%37.3%31.4%DAS28 remission63.5%68.5%69.6%63.3%SDAI remission41.5%49.8%51.5%42.6%EULAR good response71.5%76.9%79.9%71.3%Difference (95% CI) in rates with Arm 1 as reference (adjusted)CDAI remissionRef4% (-5 to 13%)9% (0.1 to 19%)-1% (-10 to 9%)ACR/EULAR Boolean remissionRef4% (-6 to 13%)5% (-5 to 14%)-4% (-13 to 6%)DAS28 remissionRef3% (-6 to 11%)5% (-4 to 13%)-1% (-10 to 8%)SDAI remissionRef6% (-3 to 18%)9% (-0.3 to 18%)1% (-8 to 11%)EULAR good responseRef4% (-4 to 14%)8% (-2 to 18%)0.4% (-10 to 11%)

§17 patients allocated to Tocilizumab did not receive it due to its unavailability and were excluded from ITT.

Acknowledgments:

Manufacturers provided CZP and ABA.

Disclosure of Interests:

Merete L. Hetland Grant/research support from: BMS, MSD, AbbVie, Roche, Novartis, Biogen and Pfizer, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Speakers bureau: Orion Pharma, Biogen, Pfizer, CellTrion, Merck and Samsung Bioepis, Espen A Haavardsholm Grant/research support from: AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Pfizer Inc, MSD Norway, Roche Norway, Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Janssen-Cilag, Gilead, UCB Pharma, Celgene, Lilly, Paid instructor for: UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, UCB Pharma, Celgene, Lilly, Roche, MSD, Anna Rudin Consultant of: Astra/Zeneca, Dan Nordström Consultant of: Abbvie, Celgene, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB., Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB., Michael Nurmohamed Grant/research support from: Not related to this research, Consultant of: Not related to this research, Speakers bureau: Not related to this research, Björn Gudbjornsson Speakers bureau: Novartis and Amgen, Jon Lampa Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Janssen, Novartis, Kim Hørslev-Petersen: None declared, Till Uhlig Consultant of: Lilly, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Grünenthal, Novartis, Gerdur Gröndal: None declared, Mikkel Ǿstergaard Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Merck, and Novartis, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Orion, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi, and UCB, Marte Heiberg: None declared, Jos Twisk: None declared, Simon Krabbe: None declared, Kristina Lend: None declared, Inge Olsen: None declared, Joakim Lindqvist: None declared, Anna-Karin H Ekwall Consultant of: AbbVie, Pfizer, Kathrine L. Grøn Grant/research support from: BMS, Meliha C Kapetanovic: None declared, Francesca Faustini: None declared, Riitta Tuompo: None declared, Tove Lorenzen: None declared, Giovanni Cagnotto: None declared, Eva Baecklund: None declared, Oliver Hendricks Grant/research support from: Pfizer, MSD, Daisy Vedder: None declared, Tuulikki Sokka-Isler: None declared, Tomas Husmark: None declared, Maud-Kristine A Ljosa: None declared, Eli Brodin: None declared, Torkell Ellingsen: None declared, Annika Soderbergh: None declared, Milad Rizk Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Åsa Reckner: None declared, Per Larsson: None declared, Line Uhrenholt Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Novartis (not related to the submitted work), Søren Andreas Just: None declared, David Stevens: None declared, Trine Bay Laurberg Consultant of: UCB Pharma (Advisory Board), Gunnstein Bakland Consultant of: Novartis, UCB, Ronald van Vollenhoven Grant/research support from: BMS, GSK, Lilly, UCB, Pfizer, Roche, Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Biogen, Biotest, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Pfizer, Servier, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, UCB

Abstract 3827: Antitumor activity of ODM-207, a novel BET bromodomain inhibitor, in nonclinical models of ER+ breast cancer as single agent and as a combination treatment

Introduction: The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins are chromatin readers that promote the transcription of several important cell identity genes. BET proteins also control expression of many genes that play an essential role in the pathogenesis of human cancer, including cell-cycle and proliferation-regulating genes. The small-molecule BET inhibitors block BET binding to chromatin and have shown antitumor activity in a variety of pre-clinical cancer models. In this study, we evaluated the anticancer activity of the novel BET inhibitor, ODM-207, in ER+ breast cancer models as a single agent and in combination with other cancer drugs.

Methods: ER+ breast cancer cell lines were studied for sensitivity to ODM-207 and the in vivo efficacy was assessed using the ER+ Ma3366 patient-derived xenograft model. For gene expression analyses, breast cancer cells were treated with ODM-207 or reference BET inhibitor JQ1 and differentially expressed genes were analyzed by RNA-sequencing. The ability of ODM-207 to regulate anticancer signaling pathways was validated by western blotting. Synergistic drug interactions were profiled using five-concentration dose response matrices.

Results: ODM-207 is a novel BET inhibitor structurally distinct from JQ1 that shows antiproliferative activity in a broad panel of cancer cell lines. The strongest antitumor activity could be observed in hormone-dependent prostate and breast cancer models. In this study, we show that ODM-207 effectively inhibits the proliferation of ER+ breast cancer cell lines by inducing cell cycle arrest in G0/G1-phase. Additionally, ODM-207 suppresses the growth of ER+ patient-derived breast cancer xenograft tumors. ODM-207 as well as JQ1 targeted several pathways important for cancer progression such as MYC, estrogen response and cell cycle gene signatures. The inhibition of key cell cycle regulators, such as CDK4 and Cyclin D1, were further verified. The cyclin D1:CDK4/6 axis plays a significant role in the development, and currently, treatment of ER+ breast cancer together with endocrine therapy. Interestingly, ODM-207 was shown to synergize with palbociclib in vitro in ER+ breast cancer cell lines: the combination of ODM-207 and CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib achieved greater cell proliferation inhibition than either drug alone at sub IC50 concentrations. Notably, the ODM-207 and palbociclib combination did not cause the induction of an obvious senescent-like phenotype as compared to palbociclib alone, but rather affected cell survival cellular assays.

Conclusions: In summary, ODM-207, which is currently in Phase I clinical trials for treating solid tumors, causes significant growth inhibition in pre-clinical models of ER+ breast cancer and enhances antiproliferative activity of palbociclib, providing a rationale for development of a combination therapy.

Citation Format: Julia Lindqvist, Mari Björkman, Reetta Riikonen, Daniel Nicorici, Elina Mattila, Mahaboobi Jaleel, Chandrasekhar Abbineni, Anu-Maarit Moilanen. Antitumor activity of ODM-207, a novel BET bromodomain inhibitor, in nonclinical models of ER+ breast cancer as single agent and as a combination treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3827.

Abstract 3970: Therapeutic targeting of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer with the BET bromodomain inhibitor ODM-207

Introduction: The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins are chromatin readers that recognize and bind to specific acetylated histones and promote the transcription of several important cell identity genes. BET bromodomain inhibitors have shown promising antitumor activity in a variety of pre-clinical cancer models, as BET inhibition abrogates the transcription of several key oncogenes in a cell type-specific manner. It is known that inhibition of BET proteins effectively inhibits the proliferation of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells, at least in part through repression of ER and MYC signaling. However, many additional cancer-associated genes are likely to underlie the growth inhibitory effects of BET inhibitors in breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the anticancer activity of the novel BET bromodomain inhibitor ODM-207 in pre-clinical ER+ breast cancer models, and further, to look for cancer-associated signaling pathways suppressed by BET inhibitors.

Methodology and results: ODM-207 is a novel, highly selective BET bromodomain inhibitor structurally distinct from JQ1 and its benzodiazepine-related derivatives. In this study, we show that ODM-207 effectively inhibits the proliferation of ER+ breast cancer cell lines when measured by cell viability assays as well as suppresses the growth of patient-derived xenograft tumors. Furthermore, we wanted to investigate the anticancer signaling pathways regulated by ODM-207 as well as the prototypical BET inhibitor JQ1 in breast cancer cells. For this purpose, we performed RNA sequencing on two ER+ breast cancer cell lines after 24h treatment with the aforementioned BET inhibitors. We found that both BET inhibitors targeted several genes and pathways important for breast cancer progression. For example, the targets included CDK4 and CDK6, two cell cycle kinases fundamental for the development and treatment of ER+ breast cancer. The RNA sequencing results were further validated in vitro, and were utilized as a basis for combination therapy assessment.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that the novel BET bromodomain inhibitor ODM-207, which is currently in Phase I clinical trials for treating solid tumors, causes significant growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest in pre-clinical models of ER+ breast cancer, and regulates multiple crucial signaling pathways involved in breast cancer cell cycle and survival.

Citation Format: Julia Lindqvist, Mari Björkman, Reetta Riikonen, Daniel Nicorici, Elina Mattila, Chandrasekhar Abbineni, Mahaboobi Jaleel, John Eriksson, Pekka Kallio, Anu-Maarit Moilanen. Therapeutic targeting of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer with the BET bromodomain inhibitor ODM-207 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3970.

Internal epithelia in Drosophila display rudimentary competence to form cytoplasmic networks of transgenic human vimentin

Cytoplasmic intermediate filaments (cIFs) are found in all eumetazoans, except arthropods. To investigate the compatibility of cIFs in arthropods, we expressed human vimentin (hVim), a cIF with filament-forming capacity in vertebrate cells and tissues, transgenically in Drosophila Transgenic hVim could be recovered from whole-fly lysates by using a standard procedure for intermediate filament (IF) extraction. When this procedure was used to test for the possible presence of IF-like proteins in flies, only lamins and tropomyosin were observed in IF-enriched extracts, thereby providing biochemical reinforcement to the paradigm that arthropods lack cIFs. In Drosophila, transgenic hVim was unable to form filament networks in S2 cells and mesenchymal tissues; however, cage-like vimentin structures could be observed around the nuclei in internal epithelia, which suggests that Drosophila retains selective competence for filament formation. Taken together, our results imply that although the filament network formation competence is partially lost in Drosophila, a rudimentary filament network formation ability remains in epithelial cells. As a result of the observed selective competence for cIF assembly in Drosophila, we hypothesize that internal epithelial cIFs were the last cIFs to disappear from arthropods.-Gullmets, J., Torvaldson, E., Lindqvist, J., Imanishi, S. Y., Taimen, P., Meinander, A., Eriksson, J. E. Internal epithelia in Drosophila display rudimentary competence to form cytoplasmic networks of transgenic human vimentin.

Nestin contributes to skeletal muscle homeostasis and regeneration

Nestin, a member of the cytoskeletal family of intermediate filaments, regulates the onset of myogenic differentiation through bidirectional signaling with the kinase Cdk5. Here, we show that these effects are also reflected at the organism level, as there is a loss of skeletal muscle mass in nestin^-/- (NesKO) mice, reflected as reduced lean (muscle) mass in the mice. Further examination of muscles in male mice revealed that these effects stemmed from nestin-deficient muscles being more prone to spontaneous regeneration. When the regeneration capacity of the compromised NesKO muscle was tested by muscle injury experiments, a significant healing delay was observed. NesKO satellite cells showed delayed proliferation kinetics in conjunction with an elevation in p35 (encoded by Cdk5r1) levels and Cdk5 activity. These results reveal that nestin deficiency generates a spontaneous regenerative phenotype in skeletal muscle that relates to a disturbed proliferation cycle that is associated with uncontrolled Cdk5 activity.

Studying Nestin and its Interrelationship with Cdk5

Current research utilizes the specific expression pattern of intermediate filaments (IF) for identifying cellular state and origin, as well as for the purpose of disease diagnosis. Nestin is commonly utilized as a specific marker and driver for CNS progenitor cell types, but in addition, nestin can be found in several mesenchymal progenitor cells, and it is constitutively expressed in a few restricted locations, such as muscle neuromuscular junctions and kidney podocytes. Alike most other members of the IF protein family, nestin filaments are dynamic, constantly being remodeled through posttranslational modifications, which alter the solubility, protein levels, and signaling capacity of the nestin filaments. Through its interactions with kinases and other signaling executors, resulting in a complex and bidirectional regulation of cell signaling events, nestin has the potential to determine whether cells divide, differentiate, migrate, or stay in place. In this review, the broad and similar roles of IFs as dynamic signaling scaffolds, is exemplified by observations of nestin functions and its interaction with the cyclin- dependent kinase 5, the atypical kinase in the family of cyclin-dependent kinases.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 acts as a critical determinant of AKT-dependent proliferation and regulates differential gene expression by the androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells

CDK5 acts as a signaling hub in prostate cancer cells by controlling androgen responses through AR stabilization and specific gene targeting, maintaining and accelerating cell proliferation through activation of the oncogenic AKT kinase, and releasing cell cycle breaks in a variety of prostate cancer cell lines.

Contrary to cell cycle–associated cyclin-dependent kinases, CDK5 is best known for its regulation of signaling processes in differentiated cells and its destructive activation in Alzheimer's disease. Recently, CDK5 has been implicated in a number of different cancers, but how it is able to stimulate cancer-related signaling pathways remains enigmatic. Our goal was to study the cancer-promoting mechanisms of CDK5 in prostate cancer. We observed that CDK5 is necessary for proliferation of several prostate cancer cell lines. Correspondingly, there was considerable growth promotion when CDK5 was overexpressed. When examining the reasons for the altered proliferation effects, we observed that CDK5 phosphorylates S308 on the androgen receptor (AR), resulting in its stabilization and differential expression of AR target genes including several growth-priming transcription factors. However, the amplified cell growth was found to be separated from AR signaling, further corroborated by CDK5-depdent proliferation of AR null cells. Instead, we found that the key growth-promoting effect was due to specific CDK5-mediated AKT activation. Down-regulation of CDK5 repressed AKT phosphorylation by altering its intracellular localization, immediately followed by prominent cell cycle inhibition. Taken together, these results suggest that CDK5 acts as a crucial signaling hub in prostate cancer cells by controlling androgen responses through AR, maintaining and accelerating cell proliferation through AKT activation, and releasing cell cycle breaks.

Factors influencing the decision to ICD implantation in survivors of OHCA and its influence on long term survival

BACKGROUND

Knowledge is insufficient of the long-term benefit of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) after out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

AIM

To describe the use and factors of importance for outcome in relation to ICD use among survivors of ventricular fibrillation (VF).

METHODS

In consecutive patients discharged alive after OHCA in Gothenburg between 1988 and 2008 the long-term prognosis was followed.

RESULTS

In all, there were 5443 OHCAs of which 1489 (27%) were hospitalized alive. Of those, 495 (33%) were discharged alive, of which 390 (79%) had shockable rhythm. The use of ICDs increased, but only 58 of 390 (15%) had an ICD. Among patients who received an ICD, the 2-year mortality was 2%, versus 25% of those who did not (p<0.0001). In follow-up (mean 5.5 years; maximum 10 years), the use of an ICD showed a borderline association with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 024-1.01; p=0.052). Patients who had ICD were younger and had better cerebral function compared with patients without. Predictors for mortality were cerebral function at discharge, age, history of heart failure and myocardial infarction and no coronary angiography during hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Among survivors of OHCA caused by VT/VF who had ICD during hospitalization only 2% died during the subsequent 2 years. The use of ICDs was low but increasing. Factors of importance for mortality were cerebral function at the time of discharge, age, history of heart failure and myocardial infarction and no coronary angiography during hospitalization.

Nestin as a regulator of Cdk5 in differentiating myoblasts

Many types of progenitor cells are distinguished by the expression of the intermediate filament protein nestin, a frequently used stem cell marker, the physiological roles of which are still unknown. Whereas myogenesis is characterized by dynamically regulated nestin levels, we studied how altering nestin levels affects myoblast differentiation. Nestin determined both the onset and pace of differentiation. Whereas depletion of nestin by RNAi strikingly accelerated the process, overexpression of nestin completely inhibited differentiation. Nestin down-regulation augmented the early stages of differentiation, at the level of cell-cycle withdrawal and expression of myogenic markers, but did not affect proliferation of undifferentiated dividing myoblasts. Nestin regulated the cleavage of the Cdk5 activator protein p35 to its degradation-resistant form, p25. In this way, nestin has the capacity to halt myoblast differentiation by inhibiting sustained activation of Cdk5 by p25, which is critical for the progress of differentiation. Our results imply that nestin regulates the early stages of myogenesis rather than maintains the undifferentiated state of progenitor cells. In the bidirectional interrelationship between nestin and Cdk5, Cdk5 regulates the organization and stability of its own nestin scaffold, which in turn controls the effects of Cdk5. This nestin-Cdk5 cross-talk sets the pace of muscle differentiation.

Five-year mortality in patients with acute chest pain in relation to smoking habits

BACKGROUND

Smoking is one of the major risk indicators for development of coronary artery disease, and smokers develop acute myocardial infarction (AMI) approximately a decade earlier than nonsmokers. In smokers with established coronary artery disease, quitting smoking has been associated with a more favorable prognosis. However, most of these studies comprised younger patients, the majority of whom were males.

HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of the study was to determine mortality, mode of death, and risk indicators of death in relation to smoking habits among consecutive patients admitted to the emergency department with acute chest pain.

METHODS

In all, 4,553 patients admitted with acute chest pain to the emergency department at Sahlgrenska University Hospital during a period of 21 months were included in the analyses and were prospectively followed for 5 years.

RESULTS

Of these patients, 36% admitted current smoking. They were younger and had a lower prevalence of previous cardiovascular diseases than did nonsmokers. The 5-year mortality was 19.4% among smokers and 24.9% among non-smokers (p < 0.0001). However, when adjusting for difference in age, smoking was associated with an increased risk [relative risk (RR) 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32-1.74; p < 0.0001]. Among patients presenting originally with chest pain, the increased mortality for smokers was more pronounced in patients with non-acute than acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Among patients who died, death in smokers was less frequently associated with new-onset myocardial infarction (MI) and congestive heart failure. Among those who smoked at onset of symptoms and were alive 1 year later, 25% had stopped smoking. Patients with a confirmed AMI who continued smoking 1 year after onset of symptoms had a higher mortality (28.4%) during the subsequent 4 years than patients who stopped smoking (15.2%; p = 0.049).

CONCLUSION

In consecutive patients admitted to the emergency department with acute chest pain, current smoking was significantly associated with an increased risk of death during 5 years of follow-up. Among patients who died, death in smokers was less frequently associated with new-onset MI and congestive heart failure than was death in nonsmokers.

Predictors of death and mode of death during long-term follow-up among patients with unconfirmed acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Among patients hospitalized with a suspected acute coronary syndrome, a minority will eventually develop a confirmed acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In the remaining patients, coronary artery disease is the underlying cause in a large proportion.

HYPOTHESIS

The aim of the study was to determine risk indicators for death and the mode of death during 5 years of follow-up among patients hospitalized and surviving hospitalization, who presented with initially suspected AMI, but in whom infarction was not confirmed.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who fulfilled the above criteria and were discharged from Sahlgrenska Hospital alive during 1986 and 1987 were followed for 5 years.

RESULTS

In all, 1,227 patients, of whom 396 (34%) died during the 5 years of follow-up, fulfilled the criteria. The following factors appeared to be independent risk indicators for death: age (p < 0.001); male gender (p < 0.001); a history of either current smoking (p < 0.001), congestive heart failure (p < 0.01), or myocardial infarction (p < 0.05); congestive heart failure during hospital stay (p < 0.01); and prescription of digitalis at discharge (p < 0.05). Among patients who died, only 63% were judged to have been dying a cardiac death.

CONCLUSION

Among patients hospitalized with suspected acute coronary syndrome and discharged from hospital without a confirmed AMI, one third had died during the 5 years of follow-up. Risk indicators for death were related to age, male gender, history of current smoking, congestive heart failure or previous AMI, congestive heart failure in hospital, and digitalis medication at discharge.

An evaluation of post-resuscitation care as a possible explanation of a difference in survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

A recently published study has shown that survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Göteborg is almost three times higher than in Stockholm. The aim of this study was to investigate whether in-hospital factors were associated with outcome in terms of survival.

METHODS

All patients suffering from OHCA in Stockholm and Göteborg between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2002 were included. The two groups were compared with reference to patient characteristics, medical history, pre-hospital and hospital course (including in-hospital investigations and interventions) and mortality. All medical charts from patients admitted alive to the different hospitals were studied. Data from the Swedish National Register of Deaths regarding long-term survival were analysed. Pre-hospital data were collected from the Swedish Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Register.

RESULTS

In all, 1542 OHCA in Stockholm and 546 in Göteborg were registered during the 30-month study period. In Göteborg, 28% (153 patients) were admitted alive to the two major hospitals whereas in Stockholm 16% (253 patients) were admitted alive to the seven major hospitals (p<0.0001). On admission to the emergency rooms, a larger proportion of patients in Stockholm was unconscious (p=0.006), received assisted breathing (p=0.008) and ongoing CPR (p=0.0002). Patient demography, medical history, in-hospital investigations and interventions and in-hospital mortality (78% in Göteborg, 80% in Stockholm) did not differ between the two groups. Various pre-hospital time intervals were significantly longer in Stockholm than in Göteborg. Total survival to discharge after OHCA was 3.3% in Stockholm and 6.1% in Göteborg (p=0.01).

CONCLUSION

An almost 2-fold difference in survival after OHCA between Stockholm and Göteborg appears to be associated with pre-hospital factors only (predominantly in form of prolonged intervals in Stockholm), rather than with in-hospital factors or patient characteristics.

Difference in survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between the two largest cities in Sweden: a matter of time?

BACKGROUND

Dramatic differences in survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) reported from different geographical locations require analysis. We therefore compared patients with OHCA in the two largest cities in Sweden with regard to various factors at resuscitation and outcome.

SETTING

All patients suffering an OHCA in Stockholm and Goteborg between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2001, in whom cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was attempted were included in this retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

All together, 969 OHCA in Stockholm and 398 in Goteborg were registered during the 18-month study period. There were no differences in terms of age, gender, and percentage of witnessed cases or percentage of patients who had received bystander CPR. However, the percentage of patients with ventricular fibrillation (VF) at arrival of the ambulance crew was 18% in Stockholm versus 31% in Goteborg (P <0.0001). The percentage of patients who were alive 1 month after cardiac arrest was 2.5% in Stockholm versus 6.8% in Goteborg (P=0.0008). Various time intervals such as cardiac arrest to calling for an ambulance, cardiac arrest to the start of CPR and calling for an ambulance to its arrival were all significantly longer in Stockholm than in Goteborg.

CONCLUSION

Survival was almost three times higher in Goteborg than in Stockholm amongst patients suffering an OHCA. This is primarily explained by a higher occurrence of VF at the time of arrival of the ambulance crew, which in turn probably is explained by shorter delays in Goteborg. The reason for the difference in time intervals is most likely multifactorial, with a significantly higher ambulance density in Goteborg as one possible explanation.

Factors associated with survival to hospital discharge among patients hospitalised alive after out of hospital cardiac arrest: change in outcome over 20 years in the community of Göteborg, Sweden

OBJECTIVE

To describe the change in survival and factors associated with survival during a 20 year period among patients suffering from out of hospital cardiac arrest and being hospitalised alive.

PATIENTS

All patients hospitalised alive in the community of Göteborg after out of hospital cardiac arrest between 1 October 1980 and 1 October 2000 were included.

METHODS

Patient data were prospectively computerised with regard to factors at resuscitation. Data on medical history and hospitalisation were retrospectively recorded. Patients were divided into two groups (the first and second 10 year periods).

SETTING

Community of Göteborg, Sweden.

RESULTS

5505 patients suffered from cardiac arrest during the time of the survey. Among them 1310 patients (24%) were hospitalised alive. Survival (discharged alive) was 37.5% during the first part and 35.1% during the second part (NS). The following were independent predictors of an increased chance of survival: ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia as the first recorded rhythm (odds ratio (OR) 3.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.36 to 5.07); witnessed arrest (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.52 to 4.10); bystander initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.80); the patient being conscious on admission to hospital (OR 6.43, 95% CI 3.61 to 11.45); sinus rhythm on admission to hospital (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.10); and treatment with lidocaine in the emergency department (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.31). The following were independent predictors of a low chance of survival: age > 70 years (median) (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.88); atropine required in the emergency department (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.75); and chronic treatment with diuretics before hospital admission (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.81).

CONCLUSION

There was no improvement in survival over time among initial survivors of out of hospital cardiac arrest during a 20 year period. Major indicators for an increased chance of survival were initial ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, arrest being witnessed, and the patient being conscious on admission. Major indicators for a lower chance were high age, requirement for atropine in the emergency department, and chronic treatment with diuretics before cardiac arrest.

Long-term mortality among patients discharged alive after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest does not differ markedly compared with that of myocardial infarct patients without out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

The aim of our research was to study the long-term prognosis among patients discharged alive after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in comparison with patients discharged alive after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) without OHCA, and also to study the long-term influence of AMI in connection with OHCA. Our research was conducted in the municipality of Göteborg. We retrospectively studied patients discharged from hospital 1990-91 after an OHCA of cardiac aetiology and patients discharged after an AMI without prehospital cardiac arrest. During 1980-98, we studied all patients discharged alive after OHCA of cardiac aetiology, divided into groups of precipitating AMI and no AMI. The study includes 48 patients discharged alive after an OHCA 1990-91, 30 (62%) of whom had a simultaneous AMI and 1425 patients with an AMI without OHCA. Compared with AMI survivors, survivors of an OHCA of cardiac origin were younger but had more frequently a history of congestive heart failure. Their mortality rate during the subsequent 5 years was 46%, compared with 40% among survivors of an AMI (NS). The 5-year mortality rate among patients with an OHCA precipitated by an AMI was 40%. When correcting for differences at baseline, the adjusted risk ratio for death among patients with an OHCA of cardiac origin was 1.2 (95% CI 0.8-1.8) compared with patients with an uncomplicated AMI. During 1980-98, 215 patients were judged as having an OHCA precipitated by an AMI and 115 patients had an OHCA of cardiac aetiology but no simultaneous AMI. Five-year mortality was 54% and 50% respectively (NS). It is concluded that survivors of an OHCA of cardiac origin differed from survivors of an uncomplicated AMI in that they were younger and more frequently had a history of cardiovascular disease. Their 5-year mortality after discharge was similar to that of survivors of an AMI without a prehospital cardiac arrest, even after adjusting for differences at baseline.

Factors affecting short- and long-term prognosis among 1069 patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and pulseless electrical activity

AIMS

To describe the epidemiology, resuscitation factors and prognosis among a consecutive population of patients suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) where pulseless electrical activity (PEA) was the first arrhythmia recorded on emergency medical services (EMS) arrival.

METHODS

Analysis of data collected prospectively on all patients regardless of age succumbing to OHCA during 1980-1997 in the community of Gothenburg where EMS initiated resuscitative measures.

RESULTS

4662 patients with OHCA were attended by the EMS during the study period. Of these, 1069 (23%) were judged as having PEA as the first recorded arrhythmia; 158 (15%) of these were admitted alive to hospital and 26 (2.4%) were discharged alive. Survivors to discharge had a significantly larger share of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (28 vs. 8%, P=0.008), significantly higher levels of consciousness (8% awake vs. 0%, P<0.001) and higher median systolic blood pressure (145 vs. 106 mmHg, P<0.001) on arrival at hospital. No patient with unwitnessed cardiac arrest and PEA over 80 years old survived.

CONCLUSION

Survival among patients suffering from OHCA and PEA is poor, especially among the elderly unwitnessed cases and those who do not receive bystander CPR. The latter seems to be of utmost importance among these patients.

Ten year mortality in subsets of patients with an acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To describe the mortality during the subsequent 10 years for subsets of patients hospitalised for suspected acute coronary syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients who were admitted to the emergency department in one hospital during 21 months for chest pain or other symptoms raising suspicion of an acute coronary syndrome were registered. From this baseline population three subgroups were defined among those being hospitalised: patients who developed a Q wave acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (n = 306); patients who developed a non-Q wave AMI (n = 527); and patients who developed confirmed or possible myocardial ischaemia (unstable angina pectoris) (n = 1274). These three groups were compared in terms of 10 year mortality.

RESULTS

Patients who developed a non-Q wave AMI had the highest 10 year mortality (70.3%), significantly higher than those who developed a Q wave AMI (60.1%; p = 0.004) and those who had confirmed or possible myocardial ischaemia (50.1%; p < 0.0001). There was no difference between patients with confirmed and those with possible myocardial ischaemia (50.0% and 50.1%, respectively). After correction for dissimilarities in age, sex, and history the adjusted risk ratio for death in patients with a non-Q wave AMI compared with Q wave AMI was 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82 to 1.25). The corresponding risk ratio for death in patients with a non-Q wave AMI compared with confirmed or possible myocardial ischaemia was 1.91 (95% CI 1.64 to 2.23). There was also an imbalance in drug regimens among groups.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that in a non-selected population of patients hospitalised with a suspected acute coronary syndrome, the highest risk of death is found in those with a non-Q wave AMI and the lowest in those with confirmed or possible myocardial ischaemia. Thus, patients with a Q wave AMI have a long term mortality risk intermediate between the two fractions defined as having unstable coronary artery disease. However, adjusting these results for age and history of cardiovascular disease eliminated the observed difference in mortality between non-Q wave and Q wave AMI. Furthermore, an imbalance in drug regimens might have affected the outcome.

Important factors for the 10-year mortality rate in patients with acute chest pain or other symptoms consistent with acute myocardial infarction with particular emphasis on the influence of age

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to describe the mortality rate and mode of death over 10 years and factors associated with death among patients admitted to the emergency department with acute chest pain or other symptoms consistent with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

All patients who came to the emergency department at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg, Sweden, with acute chest pain or other symptoms consistent with AMI during a 21-month period were studied.

RESULTS

In all, 5362 patients were registered, for whom information on 10-year mortality was available in 5158 (96.2%). In all, there were 2126 deaths (41.2%). Fifty-two percent of patients were </=65 years old. Independent predictors of death registered on admission to hospital during the subsequent 10 years were age (relative risk 1.08, 95% CI 1.07-1.09), male sex (1.38, 1.25-1.52), initial degree of suspicion of AMI (1.13, 1.06-1.19), a pathologic initial electrocardiogram (1.76, 1.56-1.98), symptoms of congestive heart failure (1.66, 1.39-1.98), "other" nonspecific symptoms (1.22, 1.07-1.39), a history of diabetes mellitus (1.65, 1.44-1.88), a history of congestive heart failure (1.42, 1.26-1.60), a history of previous myocardial infarction (1.26, 1.12-1.40), and a history of hypertension (1.14, 1.03-1.26). For all these predictors there was a strong interaction with age, thus a much more marked influence on outcome among patients </=65 years old than among patients >65 years old. When the above risk indicators were simultaneously considered, development of AMI during the first 3 days after hospital admission was still an independent predictor of death (1.63, 1.43-1.86).

CONCLUSION

For patients admitted to the emergency department with acute chest pain or other symptoms consistent with AMI, several predictors based on clinical history and clinical presentation are related to the 10-year prognosis. They are more strongly associated with outcome among patients aged </=65 years. However, whether the patients have an AMI during the subsequent days will independently influence the long-term prognosis from observations on admission.

Ten-year mortality rate in relation to observations at a bicycle exercise test in patients with a suspected or confirmed ischemic event but no or only minor myocardial damage: influence of subsequent revascularization

AIM

Our purpose was to describe symptoms and electrocardiographic findings at a bicycle exercise test 4 weeks after hospitalization for a suspected or confirmed acute ischemic event but either no or only minor myocardial necrosis and its relationship to long-term prognosis and subsequent revascularization.

METHODS

In all patients a symptom-limited bicycle exercise test was performed 4 weeks after discharge from the hospital. The total mortality rate over 10 years was registered.

RESULTS

In all, 770 patients participated in the evaluation. The median age was 63 years, and 34% were women. The most frequent reason for stopping the exercise test was fatigue (69%) followed by dyspnea (33%) and angina pectoris (15%). Angina pectoris was observed in 24% of the patients. ST-segment depression >or=1 mm was observed in 50% and ST-segment depression >or=2 mm was observed in 15% of the patients. The 10-year mortality rate in patients with ST-segment depression >or=2 mm was 24.7%, in patients with ST-segment depression 1.0 to 1.9 mm 33.5%, and in patients with ST-segment depression <1 mm 26.9% (not significant [NS]). Patients with symptoms of angina pectoris had a 10-year mortality rate of 29.4% compared with 27.9% among patients without such symptoms (NS). Patients who had either a drop in systolic blood pressure or failure to raise systolic blood pressure (13%) had a 10-year mortality rate of 36.2% compared with 27.2% among patients without such signs (NS). However, there was a significant association between maximum exercise capacity (in watts) and mortality (P < .0001): 53.8% in the lowest quartile (30-70 W) and 10.2% in the highest (>120 w). When clinical history was considered simultaneously, a low exercise capacity remained as a strong independent predictor of death together with age and a history of either acute myocardial infarction, smoking, or diabetes mellitus. Mechanical revascularization during the subsequent 5 years interacted only with angina pectoris and prognosis; thus patients who had angina during the exercise test had a worse prognosis than those without if they were not being revascularized.

CONCLUSION

Among patients hospitalized with a suspected or confirmed acute ischemic event but either no or only minor myocardial necrosis, we found the maximum working capacity at a symptom-limited bicycle exercise test to be independently associated with the long-term prognosis but not other signs of myocardial ischemia. Further predictors for long-term prognosis were age, a history of acute myocardial infarction, current smoking, and diabetes mellitus. Mechanical revascularization during the subsequent 5 years interacted with the influence of symptoms of angina during test and prognosis.

Which factors determine the long-term outcome among patients with a very small or unconfirmed AMI

AIM

To describe various factors associated with the very long-term prognosis for patients with a very small or an unconfirmed acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

Patients below 76 years of age, hospitalized due to suspected AMI who either developed a very small AMI (enzyme elevation<twice upper normal limit and maximum serum (S) aspartate aminotransferase (S-ASAT)<1.4 ukat/l) or an unconfirmed AMI (a suspected ischemic event with no signs of myocardial necrosis) were evaluated at our out-patient clinic. The 10-year mortality was related to the clinical history, age and sex, metabolic factors, diagnosis at hospital discharge, various psychosocial factors, use of medication, current symptoms, underlying reason to the symptoms, maximal working capacity and other observations at bicycle exercise test including signs of myocardial ischemia.

RESULTS

In all, 714 patients (33% women) with a median age of 63 years were included in the analyses. The following appeared as independent risk indicators for 10-year mortality: S-gammaglutamyl transpeptidase (GT) (P<0.0001), age (P<0.0001), current smoking (P<0.0001), a history of previous AMI (P<0.0001), maximal working capacity at bicycle exercise test (P=0.002), and current treatment with digitalis (borderline significance; P=0.022).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with a suspected acute myocardial ischemic event with no or minimal myocardial necrosis, various factors reflecting their age, history of cardiac disease and smoking, liver function, working capacity and possibly use of medication affected their very long-term prognosis.

Changes in the use of medications after acute myocardial infarction: possible impact on mortality after myocardial infarction and long-term outcome

OBJECTIVE

To describe the change in the use of medication after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and discuss its possible impact on risk and risk indicators for death.

PATIENTS

All patients discharged alive after hospitalization for AMI at Sahlgrenska Hospital (covering half the community of Göteborg, i.e. 250,000 of 500,000 inhabitants) during 1986-1987 (period I) and at Sahlgrenska Hospital and Ostra Hospital (covering the whole community of Göteborg, 500,000 inhabitants) during 1990-1991 (period II).

METHODS

Overall mortality was retrospectively evaluated during 5 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

In all, 740 patients were included in the study during period I and 1448 during period II. The 5-year mortalities were 44.1% for period I patients and 39.3% for period II patients (P = 0.036). The relative risk of death for period II patients was 0.78 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.89, P = 0.0005] after adjustment for differences at baseline. There was a significant interaction with a history of congestive heart failure; improvement in duration of survival was found only for patients without such a history. During period I, only 3% of patients were administered fibrinolytic agents, compared with 33% of patients during period II (P < 0.0001). During period I, aspirin was prescribed for 13% of patients discharged from hospital compared with 79% during period II. Other changes in treatment on going from period I to period II included increases in prescription of beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. After adjustment for various risk indicators for death, relative risk of death for those administered fibrinolytic agents was 0.60 (95% CI 0.18-2.02) for patients in the period-I cohort and 0.68% (95% CI 0.51-0.91) for those in the period-II cohort. Adjusted relative risk of death for those prescribed aspirin upon discharge from hospital was 0.81 (95% CI 0.52-1.25) for period-I patients and 0.71 (95% CI 0.56-0.91) for period-II patients. The adjusted relative risk of death for those administered beta-blockers was 0.72 (95% CI 0.55-0.96) for period-I patients and 0.70 (95% CI 0.55-0.90) for period-II patients.

CONCLUSION

Increased use of fibrinolytic agents and aspirin for AMI as well as a moderate increase in use of beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors was associated with a parallel reduction in age-adjusted mortality during the 5 years after discharge from hospital. However, this improvement was seen only for patients without histories of congestive heart failure.

Long-term mortality after acute myocardial infarction in relation to prescribed dosages of a beta-blocker at hospital discharge

This study was designed to describe the 5-year mortality rate in relation to the dose of metoprolol prescribed at hospital discharge after hospitalisation for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). All patients discharged alive after being hospitalized for AMI at Sahlgrenska Hospital (covering half of the community of Göteborg, with 500,000 inhabitants) during 1986-1987 (period I) and all patients discharged alive after hospitalization for AMI at Sahlgrenska Hospital and Ostra Hospital (covering the whole area of the community of Göteborg) in 1990-1991 (period II) were included. Overall mortality was retrospectively evaluated over 5 years of follow-up. In all there were 2161 patients who were discharged after AMI. Seventy-three percent of these patients were prescribed a beta-blocker and 59% were prescribed metoprolol. Of the patients prescribed metoprolol, 34% were on 200 mg, 46% on 100 mg, and 20% on 50 mg or less. Information on 5-year mortality was available for 2142 of the 2161 patients (99.1%). The 5-year mortality was 24% among patients prescribed 200 mg, 33% among patients prescribed 100 mg, and 43% among patients prescribed 50 mg (P < 0.0001). Patients prescribed another beta-blocker had a 5-year mortality of 39%, and patients prescribed no beta-blocker at all had a 5-year mortality of 61%. When correcting for dissimilarities at baseline, patients who were prescribed < or =100 mg had an adjusted risk ratio for death of 0.79 (95% confidence limit 0.64-0.96; P = 0.021) as compared with patients not prescribed a beta blocker. The corresponding figure for patients prescribed >100 mg was 0.63 (95% confidence limit 0.48-0.84; P = 0.001). Both patients prescribed high and low doses of metoprolol after AMI appeared to benefit from treatment. There was a trend indicating more benefit when larger doses were prescribed.

Can we define patients with no and those with some chance of survival when found in asystole out of hospital?

We describe the epidemiology, prognosis, and circumstances at resuscitation among a consecutive population of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with asystole as the arrhythmia first recorded by the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), and identify factors associated with survival. We included all patients in the municipality of Göteborg, regardless of age and etiology, who experienced an OHCA between 1981 and 1997. There were a total of 4,662 cardiac arrests attended by the EMS during the study period. Of these, 1,635 (35%) were judged as having asystole as the first-recorded arrhythmia: 156 of these patients (10%) were admitted alive to hospital, and 32 (2%) were discharged alive. Survivors were younger (median age 58 vs 68 years) and had a witnessed cardiac arrest more often than nonsurvivors (78% vs 50%). Survivors also had shorter intervals from collapse to arrival of ambulance (3.5 vs 6 minutes) and the mobile coronary care unit (MCCU) (5 vs 10 min), and they received atropine less often on scene. There were also a greater proportion of survivors with noncardiac etiologies of cardiac arrest (48% vs 27%). Survivors to discharge also displayed higher degrees of consciousness on arrival to the emergency department in comparison to nonsurvivors. Multivariate analysis among all patients with asystole indicated age (p = 0.01) and witnessed arrest (p = 0.03) as independent predictors of an increased chance of survival. Multivariate analysis among witnessed arrests indicated short time to arrival of the MCCU (p < 0.001) and no treatment with atropine (p = 0.05) as independent predictors of survival. Fifty-five percent of patients discharged alive had none or small neurologic deficits (cerebral performance categories 1 or 2). No patients > 70 years old with unwitnessed arrests (n = 211) survived to discharge.

Characteristics and outcome for patients with acute chest pain in relation to whether or not they were transported by ambulance

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and long-term outcome for patients suffering from acute chest pain in relation to whether or not they were transported to hospital by ambulance. All patients with acute chest pain who were admitted over a 21-month period to the emergency department at Sahlgrenska Hospital in Göteborg with symptoms of acute chest pain were included in the study. Consecutive patients were prospectively registered and followed with regard to mortality and morbidity over 5 years. In all, 4270 patients took part in the evaluation, of whom 1445 (34%) were transported by ambulance. Patients transported by ambulance were older (p < 0.0001) and had a higher prevalence of previous myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and congestive heart failure (p < 0.0001 for all) than the others. They more frequently developed acute myocardial infarction (28% vs. 11%; p < 0.0001) and there was a final diagnosis of either confirmed or possible myocardial infarction/ischaemia in 69% compared with 38% for patients not transported by ambulance (p < 0.0001). The 5-year mortality among ambulance-transported patients was 41% vs. 16% among those who were not (p < 0.0001). When correcting for dissimilarities at baseline including final diagnosis the adjusted risk ratio for death among ambulance transported patients was 1.44 (95% confidence limit 1.26-1.65). However, we did not correct for severe non-cardiac diseases. It is concluded that among patients admitted to the emergency department with acute chest pain, those transported by ambulance had a much higher mortality during the subsequent 5 years than those who were not transported by ambulance. This was not entirely explained by observed differences at baseline. This information should be considered when ambulance organizations are being constructed.

Long-term prognosis among survivors after in-hospital cardiac arrest

AIM

To describe mortality and morbidity in the 2 years after discharge from hospital among patients surviving an in-hospital cardiac arrest.

PATIENTS

All patients over a 2-year period who survived in-hospital cardiac arrest and could be discharged from hospital.

SETTING

Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg.

METHODS

The patients were followed prospectively for 2 years after discharge from hospital and evaluated in terms of mortality and morbidity and cerebral performance categories (CPC) score. CPC score was estimated by reference to the case notes.

RESULTS

In all, 216 patients suffered in-hospital cardiac arrest and the resuscitation team was alerted: 79 patients (36.6%) were discharged alive. Among these 79 patients, 26.6% died, 7.8% developed a confirmed myocardial infarction and 1.3% developed a stroke during the subsequent 2 years. Among patients with a CPC score >1 at discharge (n=15), mortality was 66.7% as compared with 17.5% among patients with a CPC score of 1 (P=0.0008). Among patients aged >68 years (median) mortality was 39.5 versus 14.6% among patients < or =68 years of age (P=0.002). In all, 71% required rehospitalization for any reason and 51% required rehospitalization due to a cardiac cause. At hospital discharge 81% of all survivors had a CPC score of 1 and among survivors 2 years later 89% had a CPC score of 1.

CONCLUSION

Among survivors of in-hospital arrest approximately 75% survived the subsequent 2 years. Survival was related to age and CPC score at discharge. Among survivors after 2 years the vast majority had a relatively good cerebral performance.

A comparison between patients suffering in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in terms of treatment and outcome

AIM

To compare treatment and outcome amongst patients suffering in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the same community.

PATIENTS

All patients suffering in-hospital cardiac arrest in Sahlgrenska University Hospital covering half the catchment area of the community of Göteborg (500 000 inhabitants) and all patients suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the community of Göteborg. Criteria for inclusion were that resuscitation efforts should have been attempted. TIME OF SURVEY: From 1 November 1994 to 1 November 1997.

METHODS

Data were recorded both prospectively and retrospectively.

RESULTS

In total, 422 patients suffered in-hospital cardiac arrest and 778 patients suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest included more women and were more frequently found in ventricular fibrillation. The median interval between collapse and defibrillation was 2 min in in-hospital cardiac arrest compared with 7 min in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (< 0.001). The proportion of patients being discharged from hospital was 37.5% after in-hospital cardiac arrest, compared with 8.7% after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (P < 0.001). Corresponding figures for patients found in ventricular fibrillation were 56.9 vs. 19.7% (P < 0.001) and for patients found in asystole 25.2 vs. 1.8% (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In a survey evaluating patients with in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in whom resuscitation efforts were attempted, we found that the former group had a survival rate more than four times higher than the latter. Possible strong contributing factors to this observation are: (i) shorter time interval to start of treatment, and (ii) a prepared selection for resuscitation efforts.

Ten-year mortality amongst patients with a very small or unconfirmed acute myocardial infarction in relation to clinical history, metabolic screening and signs of myocardial ischaemia

AIM

To evaluate the long-term prognosis amongst patients with a very small or unconfirmed acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in relation to clinical history, metabolic screening and signs of myocardial ischaemia at exercise test.

METHODS

Patients with a very small or unconfirmed AMI, aged < 76 years, were selected and given a clinical evaluation, metabolic screening and checked for ischaemia at an exercise test 4 weeks after admittance. The 10-year mortality was related to age, sex, clinical history, body weight, serum (S) cholesterol, S-triglycerides, S-gammaglutamyltranspeptidase (GT), S-glucose and various indices of myocardial ischaemia at exercise test.

RESULTS

In all, 714 patients participated in the evaluation. The median age was 63 years and 33% were women. The overall 10-year mortality was 33%. In univariate analysis, the following factors appeared as risk indicators for death: age (P < 0.0001), a history of previous AMI (P < 0.0001), angina pectoris (P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (P < 0.0001), congestive heart failure (P < 0.0001), smoking (P = 0.030), S-triglycerides (P < 0.0001), S-gamma GT (P < 0. 0001) and S-glucose (P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, the following remained as independent risk indicators for death: age (P < 0.0001), S-gamma GT (P < 0.0001), previous AMI (P < 0.0001), smoking (P < 0.0001) and S-glucose (P = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

Amongst patients with a very small or a unconfirmed AMI, factors reflecting their clinical history, including age, a history of AMI and current smoking, as well as factors reflecting their metabolic status, including S-gamma GT and S-glucose, were important predictors for the long-term outcome.

Is hospital care of major importance for outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest? Experience acquired from patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitated by the same Emergency Medical Service and admitted to one of two hospitals over a 16-year period in the municipality of Göteborg

AIM

To describe patient characteristics, hospital investigations and interventions and early mortality among patients being hospitalized after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in two hospitals.

SETTING

Municipality of Göteborg, Sweden.

PATIENTS

All patients suffering an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who were successfully resuscitated and admitted to hospital between 1 October 1980 and 31 December 1996. All patients were resuscitated by the same Emergency Medical Service and admitted alive to one of the two city hospitals in Göteborg.

RESULTS

Of 579 patients admitted to Sahlgrenska Hospital, 253 (44%) were discharged alive and of 459 patients admitted to Ostra Hospital, 152 (33%) were discharged alive (P < 0.001). More patients in Sahlgrenska Hospital were still receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) treatment (P = 0.03), but patients in Ostra had a lower systolic blood pressure and higher heart rate on admission. A larger percentage of patients admitted to Sahlgrenska Hospital underwent coronary angiography (P < 0.001), electrophysiological testing (P < 0.001), Holter recording (P < 0.001), echocardiography (P = 0.004), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA, P = 0.009), implantation of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD, P = 0.03) and exercise stress tests (P = 0.003). Inhabitants in the catchment area of Ostra Hospital had a less favourable socio-economic profile.

CONCLUSION

Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest may be affected by the course of hospital management. Other variables that might influence survival are socio-economic factors and cardiorespiratory status on admission to hospital. Further investigation is called for as more patients are being hospitalised alive after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Long-term survival after development of acute myocardial infarction has improved after a more widespread use of thrombolysis and aspirin

We describe the mortality during the subsequent 5 years after development of acute myocardial infarction prior to and after the introduction of a more widespread use of thrombolytic agents and aspirin in the community of Göteborg. During period I, 4% received thrombolysis as compared with 32% during period II (p < 0.0001). The corresponding figures for prescription of aspirin at discharge were 14 and 84%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The overall 5-year mortality was 48% during period I and 46% during period II (p = 0.09). However, the age-adjusted mortality during period II was significantly reduced (risk ratio 0.86; 95% confidence interval 0.78-0.95; p = 0. 004). There was no significant interaction between improvement in survival and sex or any other parameter reflecting patients' clinical history.

Outcomes of patients hospitalized after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in relation to sex

OBJECTIVE

To describe characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in relation to sex.

PATIENTS

All patients in the community of Göteborg who between 1980 and 1996 suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and were hospitalized alive.

METHODS

We calculated age-adjusted P values.

RESULTS

In all 1038 patients were hospitalized alive of whom 29% were women. Women differed from men by being older and there being lower prevalences of previous acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and smoking and a higher prevalence of bronchial asthma among them. They had less commonly received cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from bystanders (16 versus 25% of cases; P = 0.002) and were less commonly found to be in ventricular fibrillation when the ambulance crew arrived (55 versus 73% of cases; P < 0.0001). They were less commonly judged to have a cardiac etiology behind the arrest (87 versus 92% of cases; P = 0.016). Of women 31.3% could be discharged alive from hospital, compared with 41.8% of men (P = 0.001). While they were in hospital, women were less commonly subjected to exercise tests, coronary angiography, and coronary artery bypass grafting.

CONCLUSION

Among patients who suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and were hospitalized alive, women had less commonly received CPR from bystanders, were less commonly found in ventricular fibrillation, less commonly underwent coronary angiography and coronary artery bypass grafting and had a lower survival rate than did men.

Evaluation of dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (CA) following cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) initiated by dispatcher-provided telephone instructions (T-CPR) in the area of Gothenburg, Sweden was studied. During a period of 27 months, 475 cases categorized by the dispatchers at the Emergency Co-ordination and Dispatch Centre as being suspected CA were offered T-CPR and were included in one of the following groups: (1) T-CPR completed (caller without previous CPR training); (2) T-CPR completed (caller with previous CPR training); (3) T-CPR started, but not completed; (4) T-CPR declined by caller due to previous CPR training; (5) T-CPR declined by caller due to other reasons; or, (6) T-CPR not offered. Of the patients, 473 could be followed up and of them 427 fulfilled the criteria for CA on ambulance arrival. Among the latter cases, 10% were hospitalized alive, 4% could be discharged from hospital, and the distribution among groups was: (1) 7%; (2) 18%; (3) 5%; (4) 11%; (5) 3%; and (6) 1%. The study concludes that although more attention should be paid to the detection of CA patients by the dispatchers, when the dispatchers suspected CA, their accuracy was high. Half of the witnesses accepted the offer of T-CPR and one-third completed T-CPR. More efforts and research are needed, however, to increase the percentages of callers completing CPR. The impact of T-CPR on survival might be limited. Indeed, the comparison of 'resuscitable' patients in whom T-CPR played an important role in supporting bystanders (i.e. groups 1 and 2) with 'resuscitable' patients in whom T-CPR was not performed (i.e. groups 3, 5 and 6) suggests an increase in survival from 6% (groups 3, 5 and 6) to 9% (groups 1 and 2).

Inheritance of the ApoE epsilon4 allele increases the rate of brain atrophy in dementia patients

We investigated the influence of the apolipoprotein (ApoE) epsilon4 allele on the rate of brain atrophy in patients with clinical dementia and in subjects at risk for dementia. Eighty-one subjects, consecutively referred to a memory clinic due to symptoms of dementia, went through a comprehensive examination, including cerebral magnetic resonance imaging. After an initial investigation these subjects were divided into one of six diagnostic groups; Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 23), objective cognitive impairment (OCI, n = 27), subjective cognitive impairment (SCI, n = 17), vascular dementia (VaD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and unspecified dementia (USD). The last three groups were joined into one diagnostic group designated 'other dementia' (OD, altogether n = 14). In order to study the progression of cognitive impairment as well as the rate of atrophy in different brain regions all subjects were reinvestigated after an average period of 16 months. Interest was focused on investigating if those subjects with one or two epsilon4 alleles differed in either dementia progression or rate of brain atrophy compared to those without the epsilon4 allele. We found that the ApoE epsilon4 carriers had a statistically significantly larger increase in ventricular volume as compared with the ApoE epsilon4 noncarriers. In all diagnostic groups the ApoE epsilon4 carriers showed a greater rate of ventricular volume increase, as compared to the noncarriers. However, this difference was statistically significant only for the OD subjects. No statistical significant changes over time were seen for whole brain volume or volume of the temporal lobes and the medial temporal lobes. The diagnostic groups differed in dementia progression with the AD subjects having the most pronounced reduction in MMSE scores as compared to subjects at risk for AD (OCI and SCI subjects). The presence of ApoE epsilon4 allele did not influence the change in MMSE in any of the diagnostic groups.

Visual assessment of medical temporal lobe atrophy in demented and healthy control subjects: correlation with volumetry

The present study evaluated the validity of visual rating of medial temporal lobe atrophy on coronal magnetic resonance imaging scans in a population of demented and non-demented individuals. Medial temporal lobe atrophy in 194 subjects was visually rated from hard copies, using a 0-4 rating scale, and a comparison was made with the absolute volumes (ccm) of the medial temporal lobe as estimated with volumetry, using a stereological method. We found a highly significant correlation between the estimated and stereologically measured volumes. There was a 10-fold difference in time spent on rating medial temporal lobe atrophy (1-2 min) vs. time spent calculating the medial temporal lobe volume (10-12 min) on a single subject. The diagnostic accuracy of both methods showed that visual rating was more efficient than volumetry in differentiating Alzheimer's disease from control subjects, We conclude that visual rating is a reliable and fast method to estimate medial temporal lobe atrophy in demented subjects in a clinical setting.

There is a difference in characteristics and outcome between women and men who suffer out of hospital cardiac arrest

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether there is a difference in characteristics and outcome in relation to gender among patients who suffer out of hospital cardiac arrest.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

The community of Göteborg.

PATIENTS

All patients in the community of Göteborg who suffered out of hospital cardiac arrest between 1980 and 1996, and in whom cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Factors at resuscitation and the proportion of patients being hospitalized and discharged from hospital. P values were corrected for age.

RESULTS

The women were older than the men (median of 73 vs. 69 years; P < 0.0001), they received bystander-CPR less frequently (11 vs. 15%; P = 0.003), they were found in ongoing ventricular fibrillation less frequently (28 vs. 44%; P < 0.0001), and their arrests were judged to be of cardiac origin less frequently. In a multivariate analysis considering age, gender, arrest being due to a cardiac etiology, initial arrhythmia and by-stander initiated CPR, female gender appeared as an independent predictor for patients being brought to hospital alive (odds ratio 1.37; P = 0.001) but not for patients being discharged from hospital.

CONCLUSION

Among patients who suffer out of hospital cardiac arrest with attempted CPR women differ from men being older, receive bystander CPR less frequently, have a cardiac etiology less frequently and are found in ventricular fibrillation less frequently. Finally female gender is associated with an increased chance of arriving at hospital alive.

Similar risk reduction of death of extended-release metoprolol once daily and immediate-release metoprolol twice daily during 5 years after myocardial infarction

The pooled results from five placebo-controlled postinfarction studies with metoprolol have shown a significant reduction in total mortality. All five studies used immediate-release metoprolol twice daily. An extended-release formulation of metoprolol for once-daily use has since been developed. The aim of the present study was to compare the two different forms of metoprolol with regard to the risk reduction of death for 5 years postinfarction and to analyze whether treatment with the beta-blocker metoprolol is associated with a reduced mortality after the introduction of modern therapies such as thrombolysis, aspirin, and ACE inhibitors. All patients discharged after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) from Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SU) during 1986-1987 (n = 740, Period I) and during 1990-1991 (n = 1446, Period II) from both SU and Ostra Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden, were included in the study. During Period I, 56% were prescribed immediate-release metoprolol compared with 61% prescribed extended-release metoprolol during Period II. Immediate-release metoprolol was not available for outpatient use during Period II. In a multivariate analysis, all variables significantly associated with either increased or decreased postinfarction mortality during Periods I and II (univariate analysis of patient characteristics, medical history, complications during the AMI medication at discharge) studied were with Cox's proportional hazards model. Treatment with immediate-release metoprolol was significantly associated with reduced mortality over 5 years during Period I (relative risk reduction for total mortality, -34%, P = 0.003; 95% CI for RR, 0.51-0.87), and treatment with extended-release metoprolol was significantly associated with reduced mortality during Period II (-34%, P < 0.0001; 95% CI for RR, 0.53-0.82). Thrombolysis and the use of aspirin and ACE inhibitors were more frequently used during Period II. The results showed that postinfarction treatment with extended-release metoprolol given once daily was associated with a similar risk reduction of death over 5 years as immediate-release metoprolol given twice daily. The data, furthermore, indicate that the beta-blocker metoprolol is associated with a reduced risk of death after the introduction of modern therapy such as thrombolysis, aspirin, and ACE inhibitors.

Characteristics and outcome among patients with a suspected in-hospital cardiac arrest

AIM

To describe the characteristics and outcome among patients with a suspected in-hospital cardiac arrest.

METHODS

All the patients who suffered from a suspected in-hospital cardiac arrest during a 14-months period, where the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) team was called, were recorded and described prospectively in terms of characteristics and outcome.

RESULTS

There were 278 calls for the CPR team. Of these, 216 suffered a true cardiac arrest, 16 a respiratory arrest and 46 neither. The percentage of patients who were discharged alive from hospital was 42% for cardiac arrest patients, 62% for respiratory arrest and 87% for the remaining patients. Among patients with a cardiac arrest, those found in ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia had a survival rate of 64%, those found in asystole 24% and those found in pulseless electrical activity 10%. Among patients who were being monitored at the time of arrest, the survival rate was 52%, as compared with 27% for non-monitored patients (P= 0.001). Among survivors of cardiac arrest, a cerebral performance category (CPC) of 1 (no major deficit) was observed in 81% at discharge and in 82% on admission to hospital prior to the arrest.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that, during a 14-month period at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg, almost half the patients with a cardiac arrest in which the CPR team was called were discharged from hospital. Among survivors, 81% had a CPC score of 1 at hospital discharge. Survival seems to be closely related to the relative effectiveness of the resuscitation organisation in different parts of the hospital.

Predictors of death during 5 years after hospital discharge among patients with a suspected acute coronary syndrome with particular emphasis on whether an infarction was developed

AIM

To describe predictors of death after hospital discharge during 5 years of follow-up in a consecutive series of patients surviving hospitalization for symptoms and signs of a confirmed or suspected acute coronary syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients who between February 15, 1986 and November 9, 1987, were hospitalized at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg, Sweden, and fulfilled the above given criteria.

RESULTS

In all, 1948 patients were included of whom 731 (38%) had a confirmed acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Independent risk indicators for death were: age (P=0.0001); male sex (P=0.005); a history of previous AMI (P=0.0001), diabetes mellitus (P=0.003) and smoking (P=0.0001); development of AMI during first 3 days in hospital (P=0.0001); in-hospital signs of congestive heart failure (P=0.0001); prescription of digitalis (P=0.001) and diuretics (P=0.02) at hospital discharge. A history of smoking interacted significantly (P=0.02) with the relationship between development of AMI and prognosis. Thus, the difference between patients who did and who did not develop an AMI was more pronounced among non-smokers than smokers. Other factors which interacted significantly with this relationship were a history of angina pectoris, and development of ventricular fibrillation and hypotension while in hospital.

CONCLUSION

Among hospital survivors of a confirmed or suspected acute coronary syndrome predictors of death during 5 years were: age, male sex, history of AMI, diabetes mellitus and smoking, development of AMI and congestive heart failure while in hospital and prescription of digitalis and diuretics at hospital discharge. A history of smoking and angina pectoris as well as development of hypotension and ventricular fibrillation while in hospital interacted significantly with the relationship between development of AMI and prognosis.

Prognosis during five years of follow-up among patients admitted to the emergency department with acute chest pain in relation to a history of hypertension

AIM

To describe the mortality, mode and place of death and risk indicators of death during 5 years of follow-up among patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain or other symptoms raising a suspicion of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in relation to a history of hypertension.

METHODS

All the patients admitted to the ED at Sahlgrenska University Hospital during a period of 21 months with acute chest pain or other symptoms raising a suspicion of AMI were followed up prospectively for 5 years.

RESULTS

Of 5,355 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 22% had a history of hypertension. Hypertensive patients differed from non-hypertensive patients in that there were more females, they were older and had a higher prevalence of previous cardiovascular disease. Patients with a history of hypertension had a 5-year mortality rate of 37.4% as compared with 22.2% among non-hypertensive patients (p < 0.001). The difference in mortality appeared to be more marked among patients without a history of cardiovascular disease. A history of hypertension was an independent predictor of death. Risk indicators of death appeared to be relatively similar among patients with and without a history of hypertension. Of the patients who died, those with a history of hypertension were more frequently judged to have suffered a cardiac death and died more frequently in association with an AMI.

CONCLUSION

Among patients admitted to the ED with acute chest pain and with a history of hypertension, 37% died during the following 5 years. A history of hypertension was an independent predictor of death.

Experience with the use of automated external defibrillators in out of hospital cardiac arrest

AIM

To describe the sequences of arrhythmias, number of shocks delivered and the number of failures in a consecutive series of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest attended by our emergency medical service (EMS) and in whom cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated and in whom automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were used.

PATIENTS

All patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest attended by the EMS and in whom AEDs were used. Time for inclusion in the study: January 1st, 1987 to December 31st, 1992.

RESULTS

In all there were 1781 out of hospital cardiac arrests during the study period. Among them AEDs were used in 383 cases (22%). The total number of interpreted rhythms delivered in these patients was 2719. Among all rhythm sequences coarse ventricular fibrillation (VF) was found on 375 occasions (14%); fine VF on 107 occasions (4%) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) on 12 occasions (0.4%). In ten cases with coarse VF (nine patients) the AED did not advise a shock (2.7%). In five of those nine patients a human error was interpreted as the explanation and in four there was a possible technical error. In these four patients defibrillation was delayed by 33-43 s, respectively. Among the 2225 rhythm sequences not judged as VF/VT the AED advised a shock on one occasion (0.04%).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with coarse VF AED gave inaccurate instructions in 2.7%. However, the majority of the failures were judged to be caused by human errors.

Factors surrounding cardiopulmonary resuscitation influencing bystanders' psychological reactions

The incidence of Sweden's out-of-hospital cardiac arrests averages 10000 annually. Each year bystanders initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) approximately 2000 times prior to arrival of emergency medical service (EMS). The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing the bystanders psychological reactions to performing CPR. We mailed a questionnaire to all bystanders who reported performing CPR to the CPR Centre of Sweden from autumn 1992 to 1995. The study included 544 bystander reports. Nine factors were found to be associated with bystanders experience in a univariate analysis. Among these were victim outcome (p < 0.0001), CPR duration (p = 0.0009) and their experience of the attitude of the EMS personnel (p = 0.004). In a multivariate logistic regression model, lack of debriefing following the intervention (p = 0.0001) and fatal victim outcome (p = 0.03) were independent predictors of a negative bystander psychological reaction. The importance of having someone to talk to following an intervention and the EMS personnel concern for the rescuer should be emphasised. The goal should be that critical incident debriefing is available to every bystander following his or her CPR attempt.

Rate and mode of death during five years of follow-up among patients with acute chest pain with and without a history of diabetes mellitus

In order to determine the effect of diabetes on the mortality rate and mode of death during 5 years of follow-up among patients who came to the emergency department with acute chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), all patients thus presenting to one single hospital during a period of 21 months were followed for 5 years. In total 5230 patients were included, of whom 402 (8%) had a history of diabetes. Patients with diabetes differed from those without by being older, having a higher prevalence of previously diagnosed cardiovascular diseases, having less symptoms of chest pain and more symptoms of acute severe heart failure, and more electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities on admission. Diabetic patients had a 5-year mortality of 53.5% as compared with 23.3% among non-diabetic patients (p < 0.001; adjusted risk ratio 1.60; 95% confidence limits 1.35-1.90). Among diabetic patients the following appeared as independent predictors of death: age (p < 0.001), ST-segment elevation on admission (P < 0.001), a history of myocardial infarction (p < 0.05), and a non-pathological ECG on admission (p < 0.001). We conclude that among diabetic patients admitted to the emergency department with acute chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of AMI more than 50% are dead 5 years later. Future research should focus on interventions in order to reduce their mortality.

Impact of a chest pain clinic on recurrency of symptoms and readmissions among patients early discharged from hospital after acute myocardial infarction was ruled out

This paper evaluates the impact of an early revisit including symptom evaluation and an exercise electrocardiogram on recurrency of symptoms and readmissions during 1 year of follow-up among patients coming to hospital with chest pain or an initial suspicion of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) but in whom the suspicion was quickly ruled out. Patients below the age of 65 admitted to the emergency department (ED) at Sahlgrenska Hospital due to chest pain or other symptoms raising a suspicion of AMI who were either directly discharged from the ED or discharged within 1 day after having AMI ruled out. Patients were allocated to two groups: (1) patients being re-evaluated in a chest pain clinic less than a week after discharge from hospital (intervention group) and (2) patients handled routinely with no formalized follow-up (control group). The intervention group (n=484) and the control group (n=374) were comparable at baseline. During 1 year of follow-up, patients in the intervention group had a lower rate of readmissions to the ED than patients in the control group (17.4% versus 24.9%, p < 0.05) and a lower rate of rehospitalizations (15.9% versus 23.3%, p < 0.05). The proportion of patients being on sick leave at any time during the follow-up did not differ and neither did the recurrency of symptoms. The introduction of a chest pain clinic for patients early discharged from hospital after having AMI ruled out indicated beneficiency in terms of a lower rate of readmissions to the ED and a lower requirement of rehospitalizations. However, a methodological weakness in the randomization procedure suggest carefulness in interpretation.

Predictors and mode of death over 5 years amongst patients admitted to the emergency department with acute chest pain or other symptoms raising suspicion of acute myocardial infarction

AIM

To describe the mortality and mode of death over 5 years, and factors associated with death amongst patients with acute chest pain.

PATIENTS

All patients who came to the emergency department at Sahlgrenska Hospital in Göteborg with acute chest pain or other symptoms raising suspicion of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during a 21-month period.

RESULTS

In all, 5241 patients were evaluated, of whom 1345 (26%) died during the 5 years of follow-up. The following factors were independent predictors male sex (P < 0.001); symptoms of acute congestive heart failure (P < 0.001) or unspecific symptoms on admission (P < 0.05); smoking (P < 0.001); a history of either congestive heart failure (P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001), previous myocardial infarction (P < 0.001) or hypertension (P < 0.05); initial degree of suspicion of AMI (P < 0.001) and presence of pathological electrocardiogram (P < 0.001) on admission to hospital. Amongst patients who died, 66% died a cardiac death and 35% died in association with a myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSION

Amongst patients admitted to the emergency department due to chest pain or other symptoms raising suspicion of AMI, several predictors based on clinical history and clinical presentation can be defined, which are strongly related to the long-term prognosis.

Long-term prognosis in men and women coming to the emergency department with chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial infarction

The aim of this study was to describe mortality, mode of death and risk indicators for death during 5 years of follow-up among men and women coming to the emergency department with chest pain or other symptoms raising suspicion of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). During the 21 months of the study, all patients who came to the medical emergency department of one single hospital with chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of AMI were prospectively followed for 5 years. A total of 5362 patients came on 7157 occasions; men accounted for 55% of the admissions. The 5-year mortality rate was 25.6% for men compared with 25.7% for women. The women were older and had a higher prevalence of known congestive heart failure and hypertension, whereas the prevalence of previous myocardial infarction was higher in men. When correcting for dissimilarities in age and clinical history, male gender appeared as an independent predictor of death. In terms of mode of death men differed from women: more frequently dying at home, more frequently dying in association with ventricular fibrillation and less frequently dying in association with congestive heart failure. However, these differences were to some extent explained by differences in age. Independent risk indicators for death during 5 years of follow-up differed in men and women. It was concluded that in a consecutive series of patients with chest pain or other symptoms suggesting AMI in the emergency department, male gender was an independent risk indicator for death during a 5-year follow-up. This might be explained by a higher occurrence of coronary artery disease in men than in women in this patient population.

Effect of metoprolol on the prognosis for patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction and indirect signs of congestive heart failure (a subgroup analysis of the Göteborg Metoprolol Trial)

The aim of this study is to describe the impact of early treatment with metoprolol on prognosis during 1 year of follow-up in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and indirect signs of congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients aged 40-74 years who presented within 48 hours of onset of symptoms raising suspicion of AMI were assessed for inclusion. All patients participated in the Göteborg Metoprolol Trial and had indirect indices of CHF according to various clinical criteria. As soon as possible after hospital admission, patients received either placebo or metoprolol (15 mg) divided into 3 intravenous injections, then oral treatment, 200 mg daily for 3 months. Thereafter, most patients in both treatment groups received metoprolol in an open manner. Among the 1,395 randomized patients, 262 (19%) had signs of mild-to-moderate CHF before randomization. Of these, 131 were randomized to metoprolol and 131 to placebo. During the first 3 months, mortality was 10% among patients randomized to metoprolol versus 19% among patients randomized to placebo (p = 0.036). The corresponding figures for the first year were 14% and 27%, respectively (p = 0.0099). Patients randomized to placebo who showed signs of CHF had a 1-year mortality rate of 28% compared with 10% among patients without such signs (p <0.001). The results suggest that early treatment with metoprolol markedly reduces mortality in patients having suspected AMI and signs of CHF.

Predictors of death and mode of death among patients with acute chest pain in various age groups

AIM

To describe predictors of death and mode of death among consecutive patients in various age groups admitted to the emergency department with acute chest pain.

METHODS

All such patients admitted to Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg, Sweden, between February 1986 and November 1987 were prospectively registered. These patients were divided into three age groups: i.e. those aged less than 50 years; those aged 50-75 years; and those aged more than 75 years.

RESULTS

In all, 5016 patients participated in the evaluation, of whom 24% died during 5 years of follow-up. One factor was independently associated with death in all three age groups: a normal electrocardiogram in the emergency department (better prognosis). Whereas a history of hypertension or smoking were associated with a worse prognosis in the two lower age groups (age < or = 75 years), a history of diabetes mellitus or congestive heart failure and male sex were associated with a worse prognosis in the two higher age groups (age > or = 50 years).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with acute chest pain various risk indicators for death during long-term follow up can be defined in various age groups. However, a normal electrocardiogram on admission to hospital was an independent predictor of a low death rate in all age groups.

Survivors of out of hospital cardiac arrest: their prognosis, longevity and functional status

This paper reports, consistent with Utstein Style definitions, 13 years experience observing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors' prognosis, longevity and functional status. We report for all patients, available outcome information for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors in Göteborg Sweden between 1980 and 1993. Patients were followed for at least 1 year and some for over 14 years. From 1980 to 1993 Göteborg EMS treated 3754 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. 9% (n = 324) were discharged from the hospital alive. Survivors' median age was 67 and 21% (n = 67) were women. Mortality rate was: 21% (n = 61) at 1 year; 56% (n = 78) by 5 years; and 82% (n = 32) by 10 years following the arrest. During the first 3 years, 16% (n = 46) experienced another cardiac arrest, 19% (n = 53) had an acute myocardial infraction and a total of 81% (n = 232) were rehospitalized for various conditions. 14% (n = 40) returned to previous employment, and 74% (n = 229) had retired before their arrest occurred. Cerebral performance categories (CPC) scores were: At hospital discharge N = 324; Data available for 320-1 = 53% (n = 171), 2 = 21% (n = 66), 3 = 24% (n = 77), 4 = 2% (n = 6). One year post arrest N = 263; Data available for 212-1 = 73% (n = 156), 2 = 9% (n = 18), 3 = 17% (n = 36), 4 = 1% (n = 2). Overall, 21% (n = 61) of cardiac arrest survivors died during the first year, and an additional 16% (n = 46) experienced another arrest. 73% of those patients who were still alive after 1 year returned to pre-arrest function.