Patients Aged 90 Years and Above With Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: Management and Outcomes

Limited data exist regarding outcomes after coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients aged ≥90 years admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We studied sequential CICU patients ≥90 years admitted with ACS from 2007 to 2018. Three therapeutic approaches were defined: (1) No CAG; (2) CAG without PCI (CAG/No PCI); and (3) CAG with PCI (CAG/PCI). In-hospital mortality was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. All-cause 1-year mortality was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. The study included 239 patients with a median age of 92 (range 90 to 100) years (57% females; 45% ST-elevation myocardial infarction; 8% cardiac arrest; 16% shock). The No CAG group had higher Day 1 Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, more co-morbidities, worse kidney function, and fewer ST-elevation myocardial infarctions. In-hospital mortality was 20.8% overall and did not differ between the No CAG (n = 103; 21.4%), CAG/No PCI (n = 47; 21.3%), and CAG/PCI (n = 90; 20.0%) groups, before or after adjustment. Overall 1-year mortality was 52.5% and did not differ between groups before or after adjustment. Median survival was 6.9 months overall and 41.2% of hospital survivors died within 1 year of CICU admission. CICU patients aged ≥90 years with ACS have a substantial burden of illness with high in-hospital and 1-year mortality that was not lower in those who underwent CAG or PCI. These results suggest that careful patient selection for invasive coronary procedures is essential in this vulnerable population.

Acute coronary occlusion and percutaneous coronary intervention after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

OBJECTIVES

Early coronary angiography (CAG) has been recommended in selected patients following out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest (OHCA). We aimed to identify clinical features associated with acute coronary occlusion (ACO) and evaluate the associations between ACO, successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and outcomes in this population.

METHODS

We included comatose OHCA patients treated with targeted temperature management (TTM) between December 2005 and September 2016 who underwent early CAG within 24 hours. The co-primary outcomes were all-cause 30-day mortality and good neurological outcome (modified Rankin Score [mRS] ≤2) at hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Among 155 patients (93% shockable arrest rhythm, 55% with ST elevation), 133 (86%) had coronary artery stenosis ≥50% and 65 (42%) had ACO. ST elevation (sensitivity 74%, specificity 59%, OR 4.0, 95% CI 2.0-8.1) and elevated first troponin (sensitivity 88%, specificity 26%, OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.1) had limited sensitivity and specificity for ACO. Unadjusted 30-day mortality did not differ significantly by coronary disease severity or ACO. Successful PCI was associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality (adjusted HR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2-0.9, P=.03), especially among patients with ACO (adjusted HR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1-0.9, P=0.03). After adjustment, ACO and PCI were not associated with the probability of good neurological outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In this select cohort of resuscitated OHCA patients undergoing CAG, unstable coronary disease is highly prevalent and successful PCI was associated with a higher probability of 30-day survival, especially among those with ACO. Neither ACO nor successful PCI were independently associated with good neurological outcome.

Genetic-Guided Oral P2Y12 Inhibitor Selection and Cumulative Ischemic Events After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Genetic-guided P2Y12 inhibitor selection has been proposed to reduce ischemic events by identifying CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) carriers at increased risk with clopidogrel treatment after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A prespecified analysis of TAILOR-PCI (Tailored Antiplatelet Therapy Following PCI) evaluated the effect of genetic-guided P2Y12 inhibitor therapy on cumulative ischemic and bleeding events.

OBJECTIVES

Here, the authors detail a prespecified analysis of cumulative endpoints. The primary endpoint was cumulative incidence rate of ischemic events at 12 months. Cumulative incidence of major and minor bleeding was a secondary endpoint. Cox proportional hazards models as adapted by Wei, Lin, and Weissfeld were used to estimate the effect of this strategy on all observed events.

METHODS

The TAILOR-PCI trial was a prospective trial including 5,302 post-PCI patients with acute and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) who were randomized to genetic-guided P2Y12 inhibitor or conventional clopidogrel therapy. In the genetic-guided group, LOF carriers were prescribed ticagrelor, whereas noncarriers received clopidogrel. TAILOR-PCI's primary analysis was time to first event in LOF carriers.

RESULTS

Among 5,276 patients (median age 62 years; 25% women; 82% acute CAD; 18% stable CAD), 1,849 were LOF carriers (903 genetic-guided; 946 conventional therapy). The cumulative primary endpoint was significantly reduced in the genetic-guided group compared with the conventional therapy (HR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.41-0.89; P = 0.011) with no significant difference in cumulative incidence of major or minor bleeding (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 0.67-2.76; P = 0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

Among CYP2C19 LOF carriers undergoing PCI, a genetic-guided strategy resulted in a statistically significant reduction in cumulative ischemic events without a significant difference in bleeding. (Tailored Antiplatelet Therapy Following PCI [TAILOR-PCI]; NCT01742117).

Multimorbidity and Mortality Models to Predict Complications Following Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

BACKGROUND

Previous percutaneous coronary intervention risk models were focused on single outcome, such as mortality or bleeding, etc, limiting their applicability. Our objective was to develop contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention risk models that not only determine in-hospital mortality but also predict postprocedure bleeding, acute kidney injury, and stroke from a common set of variables.

METHODS

We built risk models using logistic regression from first percutaneous coronary intervention for any indication per patient (n=19 322, 70.6% with acute coronary syndrome) using the Mayo Clinic registry from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2016. Approval for the current study was obtained from the Mayo Foundation Institutional Review Board. Patients with missing outcomes (n=4183) and those under 18 (n=10) were removed resulting in a sample of 15 129. We built both models that included procedural and angiographic variables (Models A) and precatheterization model (Models B).

RESULTS

Death, bleeding, acute kidney injury, and stroke occurred in 247 (1.6%), 650 (4.3%), 1184 (7.8%), and 67 (0.4%), respectively. The C statistics from the test dataset for models A were 0.92, 0.70, 0.77, and 0.71 and for models B were 0.90, 0.67, 0.76, and 0.71 for in-hospital death, bleeding, acute kidney injury, and stroke, respectively. Bootstrap analysis indicated that the models were not overfit to the available dataset. The probabilities estimated from the models matched the observed data well, as indicated by the calibration curves. The models were robust across many subgroups, including women, elderly, acute coronary syndrome, cardiogenic shock, and diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The new risk scoring models based on precatheterization variables and models including procedural and angiographic variables accurately predict in-hospital mortality, bleeding, acute kidney injury, and stroke. The ease of its application will provide useful prognostic and therapeutic information to both patients and physicians.

Management and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction-Cardiogenic Shock in Uninsured Compared With Privately Insured Individuals

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on uninsured patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). This study sought to compare the management and outcomes of AMI-CS between uninsured and privately insured individuals.

METHODS

Using the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2016), a retrospective cohort of adult (≥18 years) uninsured admissions (primary payer-self-pay or no charge) were compared with privately insured individuals. Interhospital transfers were excluded. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, temporal trends in admissions, use of cardiac procedures, do-not-resuscitate status, palliative care referrals, and resource utilization.

RESULTS

Of 402 182 AMI-CS admissions, 21 966 (5.4%) and 93 814 (23.3%) were uninsured and privately insured. Compared with private insured individuals, uninsured admissions were younger, male, from a lower socioeconomic status, had lower comorbidity, higher rates of acute organ failure, ST-segment elevation AMI-CS (77.3% versus 76.4%), and concomitant cardiac arrest (33.8% versus 31.9%; all P<0.001). Compared with 2000, in 2016, there were more uninsured (adjusted odds ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.13-1.17]; P<0.001) and less privately insured admissions (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.83-0.87]; P<0.001). Uninsured individuals received less frequent coronary angiography (79.5% versus 81.0%), percutaneous coronary intervention (60.8% versus 62.2%), mechanical circulatory support (54% versus 55.5%), and had higher palliative care (3.8% versus 3.2%) and do-not-resuscitate status use (4.4% versus 3.2%; all P<0.001). Uninsured admissions had higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.55-1.68]; P<0.001) and resource utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Uninsured individuals have higher in-hospital mortality and lower use of guideline-directed therapies in AMI-CS compared with privately insured individuals.

Outcomes Associated With Cardiac Arrest in Patients in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit With Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiac arrest (CA) is common and has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). We sought to determine the prevalence, patient characteristics, and outcomes of CA in cardiovascular intensive care unit patients with CS. We queried cardiovascular intensive care unit admissions from 2007 to 2018 with an admission diagnosis of CS and compared patients with and without CA. Temporal trends were assessed using linear regression. The primary and secondary outcomes of in-hospital and 1-year mortality were analyzed using logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazards analysis, respectively. We included 1,498 patients, and CA was present in 510 patients (34%), with 258 (50.6% of patients with CA) having ventricular fibrillation (VF). Mean age was 68 ± 14 years, and 37% were females. The prevalence of CA decreased over time (from 43% in 2007 to 24% in 2018, p <0.001). Hospital mortality was 33.3% and decreased over time in patients without CA (from 30% in 2007 to 22% in 2018, p = 0.05), but not in patients with CA (p = 0.71). CA was associated with a higher risk of hospital mortality (51.0% vs 24.2%, adjusted odds ratio 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52 to 3.05, p <0.001), with no difference between VF CA and non-VF CA (p = 0.64). CA was associated with higher 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.53, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.89, p <0.001). In conclusion, CA is present in 1 of 3 of CS hospitalizations and confers a substantially higher risk of hospital and 1-year mortality with no improvement during our 12-year study period contrary to prevailing trends.

Cardiogenic Shock Complicating ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: An 18-Year Analysis of Temporal Trends, Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the temporal trends, incidence, and outcomes of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS).

METHODS

Adult (>18 years) STEMI-CS admissions were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2017) and classified by tertiles of admission year (2000-2005, 2006-2011, 2012-2017). Outcomes of interest included temporal trends, acute organ failure, cardiac procedures, in-hospital mortality, hospitalization costs, and length of stay.

RESULTS

In ∼4.3 million STEMI admissions, CS was noted in 368,820 (8.5%). STEMI-CS incidence increased from 5.8% in 2000 to 13.0% in 2017 (patient and hospital characteristics adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.45 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.40-2.49]; P < 0.001). Multiorgan failure increased from 55.5% (2000-2005) to 74.3% (2012-2017). Between 2000 and 2017, coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention use increased from 58.8% to 80.1% and 38.6% to 70.6%, whereas coronary artery bypass grafting decreased from 14.9% to 10.4% (all P < 0.001). Over the study period, the use of intra-aortic balloon pump (40.6%-37.6%) decreased, and both percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (0%-12.9%) and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (0%-2.8%) increased (all P < 0.001). In hospital mortality decreased from 49.6% in 2000 to 32.7% in 2017 (aOR 0.29 [95% CI 0.28-0.31]; P < 0.001). During the 18-year period, hospital lengths of stay decreased, hospitalization costs increased and use of durable left ventricular assist device /cardiac transplantation remained stable (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, incidence of CS in STEMI has increased 2.5-fold between 2000 and 2017, while in-hospital mortality has decreased during the study period. Use of coronary angiography and PCI increased during the study period.

Cardiogenic shock complicating non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: An 18-year study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the epidemiology and outcomes of non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (NSTEMI-CS) in the United States.

METHODS

Adult (>18 years) NSTEMI-CS admissions were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2017) and classified by tertiles of admission year (2000-2005, 2006-2011 and 2012-2017). Outcomes of interest included temporal trends of prevalence and in-hospital mortality, use of cardiac procedures, in-hospital mortality, hospitalization costs, and length of stay.

RESULTS

In over 7.3 million NSTEMI admissions, CS was noted in 189,155 (2.6%). NSTEMI-CS increased from 1.5% in 2000 to 3.6% in 2017 (adjusted odds ratio 2.03 [95% confidence interval 1.97-2.09]; P < .001). Rates of non-cardiac organ failure and cardiac arrest increased during the study period. Between 2000 and 2017, coronary angiography (43.9%-63.9%), early coronary angiography (13.6%-25.6%), percutaneous coronary intervention (14.8%-31.6%), and coronary artery bypass grafting use (19.0%-25.8%) increased (P < .001). Over the study period, the use of intra-aortic balloon pump remained stable (28.6%-28.8%), and both percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (0%-9.1%) and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (0.1%-1.6%) increased (all P < .001). In hospital mortality decreased from 50.2% in 2000 to 32.3% in 2017 (adjusted odds ratio 0.27 [95% confidence interval 0.25-0.29]; P < .001). During the 18-year period, hospital lengths of stay decreased, and hospitalization costs increased.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, prevalence of CS in NSTEMI has increased 2-fold between 2000 and 2017, while in-hospital mortality has decreased during the study period. Use of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention increased during the study period.

Minnesota COVID-19 Lockdowns - The Effect on Acute Myocardial Infarctions and Revascularizations in the Community

Objective

To study associations between the Minnesota coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mitigation strategies on incidence rates of acute myocardial infarction (MI) or revascularization among residents of Southeast Minnesota.

Methods

Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, all adult residents of a nine-county region of Southeast Minnesota who had an incident MI or revascularization between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, were identified. Events were defined as primary in-patient diagnosis of MI or undergoing revascularization. We estimated age- and sex-standardized incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) stratified by key factors, comparing 2020 to 2015–2019. We also calculated IRRs by periods corresponding to Minnesota’s COVID-19 mitigation timeline: “Pre-lockdown” (January 1–March 11, 2020), “First lockdown” (March 12–May 31, 2020), “Between lockdowns” (June 1–November 20, 2020), and “Second lockdown” (November 21–December 31, 2020).

Results

The incidence rate in 2020 was 32% lower than in 2015–2019 (24 vs 36 events/100,000 person-months; IRR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.62-0.74). Incidence rates were lower in 2020 versus 2015–2019 during the first lockdown (IRR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.44-0.66), in between lockdowns (IRR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.61-0.79), and during the second lockdown (IRR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.41-0.72). April had the lowest IRR (IRR 0.48; 95% CI, 0.34-0.68), followed by August (IRR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.40-0.76) and December (IRR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.41-0.77). Similar declines were observed across sex and all age groups, and in both urban and rural residents.

Conclusion

Mitigation measures for COVID-19 were associated with a reduction in hospitalizations for acute MI and revascularization in Southeast Minnesota. The reduction was most pronounced during the lockdown periods but persisted between lockdowns.

Safe Triage of STEMI Patients to General Telemetry Units After Successful Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective

To analyze outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) triaged to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) vs a general telemetry unit by a Zwolle risk score–based algorithm.

Methods

We introduced a quality improvement protocol in 2014 encouraging admission of STEMI patients with Zwolle score of 3 or less to general telemetry units unless they were hemodynamically unstable. We subsequently conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study of consecutive STEMI patients who had undergone primary PCI from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018. Outcomes studied include immediate complications, need for urgent unplanned intervention, need for CICU care, length of hospitalization, and survival.

Results

We identified 547 patients, 406 with a Zwolle score of 3 or less. Of these, 192 (47.3%) were admitted to general telemetry and 214 (52.7%) to the CICU. Reasons for CICU admission included persistent chest pain, late presentation, and procedural complications. The average hospital length of stay was 2.1±1.4 days for non-CICU patients and 3.3±2.8 days for low-risk CICU patients (P<.001). Two patients initially admitted to general telemetry required transfer to the CICU. There were 26 patients who required unplanned cardiovascular intervention within 30 days, 5 from the general telemetry unit; 540 patients survived to discharge. One in-hospital death occurred among those initially triaged to the general telemetry unit, and this was due to a noncardiac cause.

Conclusion

A Zwolle score–based algorithm can be used to safely triage post-PCI STEMI patients to a general telemetry unit.

The Mayo Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Admission Risk Score is Associated with Medical Resource Utilization During Hospitalization

Objective

To determine whether the Mayo Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) Admission Risk Score (M-CARS) is associated with CICU resource utilization.

Patients and Methods

Adult patients admitted to our CICU from 2007 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed, and M-CARS was calculated from admission data. Groups were compared using Wilcoxon test for continuous variables and χ² test for categorical variables.

Results

We included 12,428 patients with a mean age of 67±15 years (37% female patients). The mean M-CARS was 2.1±2.1, including 5890 (47.4%) patients with M-CARS less than 2 and 644 (5.2%) patients with M-CARS greater than 6. Critical care restricted therapies were frequently used, including mechanical ventilation in 28.0%, vasoactive medications in 25.5%, and dialysis in 4.8%. A higher M-CARS was associated with greater use of critical-care therapies and longer CICU and hospital length of stay. The low-risk cohort with M-CARS less than 2 was less likely to require critical-care–restricted therapies, including invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation (8.0% vs 46.1%), vasoactive medications (10.1% vs 38.8%), or dialysis (1.0% vs 8.2%), compared with patients with M-CARS greater than or equal to 2 (all P<.001).

Conclusion

Patients with M-CARS less than 2 infrequently require critical-care resources and have extremely low mortality, suggesting that the M-CARS could be used to facilitate the triage of critically ill cardiac patients.

Predicting 1-Year Mortality on Admission Using the Mayo Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Admission Risk Score

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the Mayo Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) Admission Risk Score (M-CARS) accurately predicts 1-year mortality.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed adult CICU patients admitted from January 1, 2007, through April 30, 2018, and calculated M-CARS using admission data. We examined the association between admission M-CARS, as continuous and categorical variables, and 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

This study included 12,428 unique patients with a mean age of 67.6±15.2 years (4686 [37.7%] female). A total of 2839 patients (22.8%) died within 1 year of admission, including 1149 (9.2%) hospital deaths and 1690 (15.0%) of the 11,279 hospital survivors. The 1-year survival decreased incrementally as a function of increasing M-CARS (P<.001), and all components of M-CARS were significant predictors of 1-year mortality (P<.001). The 1-year survival among hospital survivors decreased incrementally as a function of increasing M-CARS for scores below 3 (all P<.001); however, there was no further decrease in 1-year survival for hospital survivors with M-CARS of 3 or more (P=.99). The M-CARS components associated with 1-year mortality among hospital survivors included blood urea nitrogen, red blood cell distribution width, Braden skin score, and respiratory failure (all P<.001).

CONCLUSION

M-CARS predicted 1-year mortality among CICU admissions, with a plateau effect at high M-CARS of 3 or more for hospital survivors. Significant added predictors of 1-year mortality among hospital survivors included markers of frailty and chronic illness.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Management and Outcomes of Cardiac Arrest Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background The role of race and ethnicity in the outcomes of cardiac arrest (CA) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is incompletely understood. Methods and Results This was a retrospective cohort study of adult admissions with AMI-CA from the National Inpatient Sample (2012-2017). Self-reported race/ethnicity was classified as White, Black, and others (Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander, Native American, Other). Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention, palliative care consultation, do-not-resuscitate status use, hospitalization costs, hospital length of stay, and discharge disposition. Of the 3.5 million admissions with AMI, CA was noted in 182 750 (5.2%), with White, Black, and other races/ethnicities constituting 74.8%, 10.7%, and 14.5%, respectively. Black patients admitted with AMI-CA were more likely to be female, with more comorbidities, higher rates of non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, and higher neurological and renal failure. Admissions of patients of Black and other races/ethnicities underwent coronary angiography (61.9% versus 70.2% versus 73.1%) and percutaneous coronary intervention (44.6% versus 53.0% versus 58.1%) less frequently compared to patients of white race (p<0.001). Admissions of patients with AMI-CA had significantly higher unadjusted mortality (47.4% and 47.4%) as compared with White patients admitted (40.9%). In adjusted analyses, Black race was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99; P=0.007) whereas other races had higher in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.08-1.15; P<0.001) compared with White race. Admissions of Black patients with AMI-CA had longer length of hospital stay, higher rates of palliative care consultation, less frequent do-not-resuscitate status use, and fewer discharges to home (all P<0.001). Conclusions Racial and ethnic minorities received less frequent guideline-directed procedures and had higher in-hospital mortality and worse outcomes in AMI-CA.

Temporal Trends, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcomes of Emergent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Acute Myocardial Infarction in the United States

Background There are limited contemporary data on the use of emergent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in acute myocardial infarction. Methods and Results Adult (aged >18 years) acute myocardial infarction admissions were identified using the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (2000-2017) and classified by tertiles of admission year. Outcomes of interest included temporal trends of CABG use; age-, sex-, and race-stratified trends in CABG use; in-hospital mortality; hospitalization costs; and hospital length of stay. Of the 11 622 528 acute myocardial infarction admissions, emergent CABG was performed in 1 071 156 (9.2%). CABG utilization decreased overall (10.5% [2000] to 8.7% [2017]; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.98 [95% CI, 0.98-0.98]; P<0.001), in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (10.2% [2000] to 5.2% [2017]; adjusted OR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.95-0.95]; P<0.001) and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (10.8% [2000] to 10.0% [2017]; adjusted OR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.99-0.99]; P<0.001), with consistent age, sex, and race trends. In 2012 to 2017, compared with 2000 to 2005, admissions receiving emergent CABG were more likely to have non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (80.5% versus 56.1%), higher rates of noncardiac multiorgan failure (26.1% versus 8.4%), cardiogenic shock (11.5% versus 6.4%), and use of mechanical circulatory support (19.8% versus 18.7%). In-hospital mortality in CABG admissions decreased from 5.3% (2000) to 3.6% (2017) (adjusted OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.88-0.89 [P<0.001]) in the overall cohort, with similar temporal trends in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. An increase in lengths of hospital stay and hospitalization costs was seen over time. Conclusions Utilization of CABG has decreased substantially in acute myocardial infarction admissions, especially in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Despite an increase in acuity and multiorgan failure, in-hospital mortality consistently decreased in this population.

Red blood cell transfusion threshold and mortality in cardiac intensive care unit patients

BACKGROUND

The benefit of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in anemic critically-ill patients with cardiovascular disease is uncertain, as is the optimal threshold at which RBC transfusion should be considered. We sought to examine the association between RBC transfusion and mortality stratified by nadir Hgb level and admission diagnosis among cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients.

METHODS

Retrospective single-center cohort of 11,754 CICU patients admitted between 2007 and 2018. The association between RBC transfusion and hospital mortality at each nadir Hgb (<8 g/dL, 8-9.9 g/dL, ≥10 g/dL) was assessed using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for the propensity to receive RBC transfusion.

RESULTS

The study population had a mean age of 68±15 years, including 38% females; 1,134 (11.4%) received RBC transfusion. Admission diagnoses included: acute coronary syndrome , 42%; heart failure, 50%; cardiac arrest , 12%; and cardiogenic shock , 12%. Patients who received RBC transfusion had higher crude hospital mortality (19% vs. 8%, P<.001). RBC transfusion was associated with lower adjusted hospital mortality in patients with nadir Hgb <8 g/dL after propensity adjustment, including subgroups with acute coronary syndrome, cardiac arrest, or cardiogenic shock (all P <.01). RBC transfusion was not associated with lower adjusted hospital mortality in any subgroup of patients with nadir Hgb ≥8 g/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

These observational data suggest the use of a Hgb threshold <8 g/dL for RBC transfusion in most CICU patients, although we could not exclude a potential benefit of RBC transfusion at a nadir Hgb of 8 to 9.9 g/dL; we did not observe any benefit from RBC transfusion at a nadir Hgb ≥10 g/dL.

Effect of CYP2C19 Genotype on Ischemic Outcomes During Oral P2Y12 Inhibitor Therapy: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of CYP2C19 genotype on clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who predominantly underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), comparing those treated with ticagrelor or prasugrel versus clopidogrel.

BACKGROUND

The effect of CYP2C19 genotype on treatment outcomes with ticagrelor or prasugrel compared with clopidogrel is unclear.

METHODS

Databases through February 19, 2020, were searched for studies reporting the effect of CYP2C19 genotype on ischemic outcomes during ticagrelor or prasugrel versus clopidogrel treatment. Study eligibility required outcomes reported for CYP2C19 genotype status and clopidogrel and alternative P2Y₁₂ inhibitors in patients with CAD with at least 50% undergoing PCI. The primary analysis consisted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A secondary analysis was conducted by adding non-RCTs to the primary analysis. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis, and severe recurrent ischemia. Meta-analysis was conducted to compare the 2 drug regimens and test interaction with CYP2C19 genotype.

RESULTS

Of 1,335 studies identified, 7 RCTs were included (15,949 patients, mean age 62 years; 77% had PCI, 98% had acute coronary syndromes). Statistical heterogeneity was minimal, and risk for bias was low. Ticagrelor and prasugrel compared with clopidogrel resulted in a significant reduction in ischemic events (relative risk: 0.70; 95% confidence interval: 0.59 to 0.83) in CYP2C19 loss-of-function carriers but not in noncarriers (relative risk: 1.0; 95% confidence interval: 0.80 to 1.25). The test of interaction on the basis of CYP2C19 genotype status was statistically significant (p = 0.013), suggesting that CYP2C19 genotype modified the effect. An additional 4 observational studies were found, and adding them to the analysis provided the same conclusions (p value of the test of interaction <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of ticagrelor or prasugrel compared with clopidogrel in reducing ischemic events in patients with CAD who predominantly undergo PCI is based primarily on the presence of CYP2C19 loss-of-function carrier status. These results support genetic testing prior to prescribing P2Y₁₂ inhibitor therapy.

Fibrinolysis vs. primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock

AIMS

There are limited contemporary data on the use of initial fibrinolysis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS). This study sought to compare the outcomes of STEMI-CS receiving initial fibrinolysis vs. primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

METHODS

Using the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample from 2009 to 2017, a comparative effectiveness study of adult (>18 years) STEMI-CS admissions receiving pre-hospital/in-hospital fibrinolysis were compared with those receiving PPCI. Admissions with alternate indications for fibrinolysis and STEMI-CS managed medically or with surgical revascularization (without fibrinolysis) were excluded. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, development of non-cardiac organ failure, complications, hospital length of stay, hospitalization costs, use of palliative care, and do-not-resuscitate status.

RESULTS

During 2009-2017, 5297 and 110 452 admissions received initial fibrinolysis and PPCI, respectively. Compared with those receiving PPCI, the fibrinolysis group was more often non-White, with lower co-morbidity, and admitted on weekends and to small rural hospitals (all P < 0.001). In the fibrinolysis group, 95.3%, 77.4%, and 15.7% received angiography, PCI, and coronary artery bypass grafting, respectively. The fibrinolysis group had higher rates of haemorrhagic complications (13.5% vs. 9.9%; P < 0.001). The fibrinolysis group had comparable all-cause in-hospital mortality [logistic regression analysis: 28.8% vs. 28.5%; propensity-matched analysis: 30.8% vs. 30.3%; adjusted odds ratio 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.90-1.05); P = 0.50]. The fibrinolysis group had comparable rates of acute organ failure, hospital length of stay, rates of palliative care referrals, do-not-resuscitate status use, and lesser hospitalization costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of initial fibrinolysis had comparable in-hospital mortality than those receiving PPCI in STEMI-CS in the contemporary era in this large national observational study.

Shock in the cardiac intensive care unit: Changes in epidemiology and prognosis over time

There are few studies documenting the changing epidemiology and outcomes of shock in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. We sought to describe the changes in shock epidemiology and outcomes over time in a CICU population.

METHODS

We included 1859 unique patients admitted to the Mayo Clinic Rochester CICU from 2007 through 2018 with an admission diagnosis of shock. Temporal trends, including mortality, were assessed across 3-year periods.

RESULTS

Shock comprised 15.1% of CICU admissions during the study period, increasing from 8.8% of CICU admissions in 2007 to 21.6% in 2018 (P < .01 for trend). Mean age was 68 ± 14 years (38% females). Shock was cardiogenic in 65%, septic in 10% and mixed cardiogenic-septic in 15%. Concomitant diagnoses in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) included acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in 17%, heart failure (HF) in 35% and both in 40%. There was no significant change in the prevalence of individual shock subtypes over time (P > .1). Among patients with CS, the prevalence of ACS decreased and the prevalence of HF increased over time (P < .01). Hospital mortality was highest among patients with mixed shock (39%; P = .05). Among patients with CS, hospital mortality was lower among those with HF compared to those without HF (31% vs. 40%, P < .01). Hospital mortality decreased over time among patients with shock (P < .01) and CS (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of shock in the CICU has increased over time, with a substantial prevalence of mixed CS. The etiology of CS has changed over the last decade with HF overtaking ACS as the most common cause of CS in the CICU.

Defining Shock and Preshock for Mortality Risk Stratification in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have defined preshock as isolated hypotension or isolated hypoperfusion, whereas shock has been variably defined as hypoperfusion with or without hypotension. We aimed to evaluate the mortality risk associated with hypotension and hypoperfusion at the time of admission in a cardiac intensive care unit population.

METHODS

We analyzed Mayo Clinic cardiac intensive care unit patients admitted between 2007 and 2015. Hypotension was defined as systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg or mean arterial pressure <60 mm Hg, and hypoperfusion as admission lactate >2 mmol/L, oliguria, or rising creatinine. Associations between hypotension and hypoperfusion with hospital mortality were estimated using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 10 004 patients with a median age of 69 years, 43.1% had acute coronary syndrome, and 46.1% had heart failure. Isolated hypotension was present in 16.7%, isolated hypoperfusion in 15.3%, and 8.7% had both hypotension and hypoperfusion. Stepwise increases in hospital mortality were observed with hypotension and hypoperfusion compared with neither hypotension nor hypoperfusion (3.3%; all P<0.001): isolated hypotension, 9.3% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.4-2.2]); isolated hypoperfusion, 17.2% (adjusted odds ratio, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.9-3.0]); both hypotension and hypoperfusion, 33.8% (adjusted odds ratio, 2.8 [95% CI, 2.1-3.6]). Adjusted hospital mortality in patients with isolated hypoperfusion was higher than in patients with isolated hypotension (P=0.02) and not significant different from patients with both hypotension and hypoperfusion (P=0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypotension and hypoperfusion are both associated with increased mortality in cardiac intensive care unit patients. Hospital mortality is higher with isolated hypoperfusion or concomitant hypotension and hypoperfusion (classic shock). We contend that preshock should refer to isolated hypotension without hypoperfusion, while patients with hypoperfusion can be considered to have shock, irrespective of blood pressure.

Influence of age and shock severity on short-term survival in patients with cardiogenic shock

AIMS

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with poor outcomes in older patients, but it remains unclear if this is due to higher shock severity. We sought to determine the associations between age and shock severity on mortality among patients with CS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with a diagnosis of CS from Mayo Clinic (2007-15) and University Clinic Hamburg (2009-17) were subdivided by age. Shock severity was graded using the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention (SCAI) shock stages. Predictors of 30-day survival were determined using Cox proportional-hazards analysis. We included 1749 patients (934 from Mayo Clinic and 815 from University Clinic Hamburg), with a mean age of 67.6 ± 14.6 years, including 33.6% females. Acute coronary syndrome was the cause of CS in 54.0%. The distribution of SCAI shock stages was 24.1%; C, 28.0%; D, 33.2%; and E, 14.8%. Older patients had similar overall shock severity, more co-morbidities, worse kidney function, and decreased use of mechanical circulatory support compared to younger patients. Overall 30-day survival was 53.3% and progressively decreased as age or SCAI shock stage increased, with a clear gradient towards lower 30-day survival as a function of increasing age and SCAI shock stage. Progressively older age groups had incrementally lower adjusted 30-day survival than patients aged <50 years.

CONCLUSION

Older patients with CS have lower short-term survival, despite similar shock severity, with a high risk of death in older patients with more severe shock. Further research is needed to determine the optimal treatment strategies for older CS patients.

Influence of primary payer status on the management and outcomes of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the United States

Background

There are limited contemporary data on the influence of primary payer status on the management and outcomes of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Objective

To assess the influence of insurance status on STEMI outcomes.

Methods

Adult (>18 years) STEMI admissions were identified using the National Inpatient Sample database (2000–2017). Expected primary payer was classified into Medicare, Medicaid, private, uninsured and others. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, use of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), hospitalization costs, hospital length of stay and discharge disposition.

Results

Of the 4,310,703 STEMI admissions, Medicare, Medicaid, private, uninsured and other insurances were noted in 49.0%, 6.3%, 34.4%, 7.2% and 3.1%, respectively. Compared to the others, the Medicare cohort was older (75 vs. 53–57 years), more often female (46% vs. 20–36%), of white race, and with higher comorbidity (all p<0.001). The Medicare and Medicaid population had higher rates of cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest. The Medicare cohort had higher in-hospital mortality (14.2%) compared to the other groups (4.1–6.7%), p<0.001. In a multivariable analysis (Medicare referent), in-hospital mortality was higher in uninsured (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.14 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.11–1.16]), and lower in Medicaid (aOR 0.96 [95% CI 0.94–0.99]; p = 0.002), privately insured (aOR 0.73 [95% CI 0.72–0.75]) and other insurance (aOR 0.91 [95% CI 0.88–0.94]); all p<0.001. Coronary angiography (60% vs. 77–82%) and PCI (45% vs. 63–70%) were used less frequently in the Medicare population compared to others. The Medicare and Medicaid populations had longer lengths of hospital stay, and the Medicare population had the lowest hospitalization costs and fewer discharges to home.

Conclusions

Compared to other types of primary payers, STEMI admissions with Medicare insurance had lower use of coronary angiography and PCI, and higher in-hospital mortality.

Sex Disparities in the Management and Outcomes of Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Young

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on how sex influences the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) in young adults.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of AMI-CS admissions aged 18 to 55 years, during 2000 to 2017, was identified using the National Inpatient Sample. Use of coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention, mechanical circulatory support and noncardiac interventions was identified. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, use of cardiac interventions, hospitalization costs, and length of stay.

RESULTS

A total 90 648 AMI-CS admissions ≤55 years of age were included, of which 26% were women. Higher rates of CS were noted in men (2.2% in 2000 to 4.8% in 2017) compared with women (2.6% in 2000 to 4.0% in 2017; P<0.001). Compared with men, women with AMI-CS were more frequently of Black race, from a lower socioeconomic status, with higher comorbidity, and admitted to rural and small hospitals (all P<0.001). Women had lower rates of ST-segment elevation presentation (73.0% versus 78.7%), acute noncardiac organ failure, cardiac arrest (34.3% versus 35.7%), and received less-frequent coronary angiography (78.3% versus 81.4%), early coronary angiography (49.2% versus 54.1%), percutaneous coronary intervention (59.2% versus 64.0%), and mechanical circulatory support (50.3% versus 59.2%; all P<0.001). Female sex was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (23.0% versus 21.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.07-1.16]; P<0.001). Women had lower hospitalization costs ($156 372±$198 452 versus $167 669±$208 577; P<0.001) but comparable lengths of stay compared with men.

CONCLUSIONS

In young AMI-CS admissions, women are treated less aggressively and experience higher in-hospital mortality than men.

Sex and Gender Disparities in the Management and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction-Cardiogenic Shock in Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes by sex in older adults with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort of older (≥75 years) AMI-CS admissions during January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2014, was identified using the National Inpatient Sample. Interhospital transfers were excluded. Use of angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), mechanical circulatory support (MCS), and noncardiac interventions was identified. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality stratified by sex, and secondary outcomes included temporal trends of prevalence, in-hospital mortality, use of cardiac and noncardiac interventions, hospitalization costs, and length of stay.

RESULTS

In this 15-year period, there were 134,501 AMI-CS admissions 75 years or older, of whom 51.5% (n=69,220) were women. Women were on average older, were more often Hispanic or nonwhite race, and had lower comorbidity, acute organ failure, and concomitant cardiac arrest. Compared with older men (n=65,281), older women (n=69,220) had lower use of coronary angiography (55.4% [n=35,905] vs 49.2% [n=33,918]), PCI (36.3% [n=23,501] vs 34.4% [n=23,535]), MCS (34.3% [n=22,391] vs 27.2% [n=18,689]), mechanical ventilation, and hemodialysis (all P<.001). Female sex was an independent predictor of higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08; P<.001) and more frequent discharges to a skilled nursing facility. In subgroup analyses of ethnicity, presence of cardiac arrest, and those receiving PCI and MCS, female sex remained an independent predictor of increased mortality.

CONCLUSION

Female sex is an independent predictor of worse in-hospital outcomes in older adults with AMI-CS in the United States.

Association between mean arterial pressure during the first 24 hours and hospital mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock

Background

The optimal MAP target for patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) remains unknown. We sought to determine the relationship between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and mortality in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients with CS.

Methods

Using a single-center database of CICU patients admitted between 2007 and 2015, we identified patients with an admission diagnosis of CS. MAP was measured every 15 min, and the mean of all MAP values during the first 24 h (mMAP₂₄) was recorded. Multivariable logistic regression determined the relationship between mMAP₂₄ and adjusted hospital mortality.

Results

We included 1002 patients with a mean age of 68 ± 13.7 years, including 36% females. Admission diagnoses included acute coronary syndrome in 60%, heart failure in 74%, and cardiac arrest in 38%. Vasoactive drugs were used in 72%. The mMAP₂₄ was higher (75 vs. 71 mmHg, p < 0.001) among hospital survivors (66%) compared with non-survivors (34%). Hospital mortality was inversely associated with mMAP₂₄ (adjusted OR 0.9 per 5 mmHg higher mMAP₂₄, p = 0.01), with a stepwise increase in hospital mortality at lower mMAP₂₄. Patients with mMAP₂₄ < 65 mmHg were at higher risk of hospital mortality (57% vs. 28%, adjusted OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4–3.0, p < 0.001); no differences were observed between patients with mMAP₂₄ 65–74 vs. ≥ 75 mmHg (p > 0.1).

Conclusion

In patients with CS, we observed an inverse relationship between mMAP₂₄ and hospital mortality. The poor outcomes in patients with mMAP₂₄ < 65 mmHg provide indirect evidence supporting a MAP goal of 65 mmHg for patients with CS.

Acute Upper-Limb Complications Following Radial Artery Catheterization for Coronary Angiography

PURPOSE

The radial artery is becoming the vessel of choice for performing cardiac catheterization. Transradial catheterization can impose risks on the upper extremity, and hand surgeons should be aware of the most frequent complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency, timing, and scope of upper-limb complications shortly after transradial catheterization.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of patients who underwent catheterization between 2009 and 2016. Complications were assessed for up to 60 days. The Cox model was used to assess risk factors for complications.

RESULTS

A total of 10,540 patients were included in the analysis (68.5% male), median age 67 years. There were 79 patients who experienced at least one complication within 60 days (0.84% of procedures; 95% confidence interval, 0.65% to 1.02%). The most common complications were hematoma (n = 39) and radial artery occlusion (n = 28). Other complications included pseudoaneurysm (n = 7), arteriovenous fistula (n = 3), carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 4), arterial perforation (n = 3), persistent vasospasm (n = 2), and compartment syndrome (n = 1). The complications were diagnosed a median of 1 day after catheterization. Female sex was at increased risk for developing a complication. Diabetes, age, body mass index, and catheter size were not associated with an increased risk for developing a complication. Ten patients underwent surgical management of a complication. Reasons for surgery included symptomatic radial artery occlusions, pseudoaneurysm formation, arteriovenous fistulas, and compartment syndrome. No identifiable risk factors were associated with patients who underwent surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of upper-limb complications after radial artery catheterization is small. They include arterial occlusion, bleeding, compartment syndrome, arteriovenous fistula, and pseudoaneurysm. Most complications presented within 1 week of the procedure and occurred more frequently in the female sex. Operative management of complications was infrequent.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Weekend Effect in the Management and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction in the United States, 2000-2016

Objective

To assess the effects of weekend admission vs weekday admission on the management and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

Adult ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) hospital admissions were identified using the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (2000-2016). Interhospital transfers were excluded. Timing of coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) relative to the day of admission was identified. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, receipt of early CA, timing of CA and PCI, resource utilization, and discharge disposition for weekend vs weekday admissions.

Results

Of the 9,041,819 AMI admissions, 2,406,876 (26.6%) occurred on weekends. Compared with 2000, in 2016 there was an increase in weekend STEMI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.12; 95% CI, 1.08-1.16; P<.001) but not NSTEMI (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98-1.02; P=.21) admissions. Compared with weekday admissions, weekend admissions received comparable CA (59.9% vs 58.8%) and PCI (38.4% vs 37.6%) and specifically lower rates of early CA (hospital day 0) (26.0% vs 20.8%; P<.001). There was a steady increase in CA and PCI use during the 17-year period. Mean ± SD time to CA was higher in the weekend group vs the weekday group (1.2±1.8 vs 1.0±1.8 days; P<.001). Weekend admission did not influence in-hospital mortality (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01; P=.05) but had fewer discharges to home (58.7% vs 59.7%; P<.001).

Conclusion

Despite small differences in CA and PCI, there were no differences in in-hospital mortality of AMI admissions on weekdays vs weekends in the United States in the contemporary era.

Utility and Challenges of an Early Invasive Strategy in Patients Resuscitated From Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is frequently triggered by acute myocardial ischemia. Coronary angiography is an important component of post-resuscitation care for patients with OHCA without an evident noncardiac cause, to identify underlying coronary artery disease and allow revascularization. Most patients undergoing coronary angiography after OHCA have obstructive coronary artery disease, and nearly one-half of patients have acute coronary occlusion. Early coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention after OHCA have been associated with improved survival in observational studies, but these studies demonstrate selection bias, and randomized trials are lacking. Selection of patients for coronary angiography after OHCA can be challenging, particularly in comatose patients whose outcomes are driven primarily by anoxic brain injury. As for other patients with acute coronary syndromes, patients with ST-segment elevation after OHCA have a high probability of acute coronary occlusion warranting emergent coronary angiography. Patients with cardiogenic shock after OHCA are a high-risk population also requiring emergent coronary angiography. Among patients in stable condition after OHCA without ST-segment elevation, other clinical predictors can be used to identify those needing early coronary angiography to identify obstructive coronary artery disease. Despite the challenges with early neurological prognostication in comatose patients with OHCA, those with multiple objective markers of poor prognosis appear less likely to benefit from revascularization, and early coronary angiography may be reasonably deferred in appropriately selected patients meeting these criteria. The authors propose an algorithm to guide patient selection for coronary angiography after OHCA that combines clinical predictors of acute coronary occlusion and early clinical predictors of severe brain injury.

Sex Disparities in the Use and Outcomes of Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support for Acute Myocardial Infarction-Cardiogenic Shock

Background

There are limited sex-specific data on patients receiving temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS).

Methods

All admissions with AMI-CS with MCS use were identified using the National Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2016. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, discharge disposition, use of palliative care and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status, and receipt of durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and cardiac transplantation.

Results

In AMI-CS admissions during this 12-year period, MCS was used more frequently in men-50.4% vs 39.5%; P < 0.001. Of the 173,473 who received MCS (32% women), intra-aortic balloon pumps, percutaneous LVAD, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and ≥ 2 MCS devices were used in 92%, 4%, 1%, and 3%, respectively. Women were on average older (69 ± 12 vs 64 ± 13 years), of black race (10% vs 6%), and had more comorbidity (mean Charlson comorbidity index 5.0 ± 2.0 vs 4.5 ± 2.1). Women had higher in-hospital mortality than men (34% vs 29%, adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.23; P < 0.001) overall, in intra-aortic balloon pumps users (OR: 1.20 [95% CI: 1.16-1.23]; P < 0.001), and percutaneous LVAD users (OR: 1.75 [95% CI: 1.49-2.06]; P < 0.001), but not in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or ≥ 2 MCS device users (P > 0.05). Women had higher use of palliative care, DNR status, and discharges to skilled nursing facilities.

Conclusions

There are persistent sex disparities in the outcomes of AMI-CS admissions receiving MCS support. Women have higher in-hospital mortality, palliative care consultation, and use of DNR status.

In unprotected left main CAD, revascularization with PCI and DES increased risk for MACCE vs CABG at 5 years

Holm NR, Mäkikallio T, Lindsay MM, et al. Percutaneous coronary angioplasty versus coronary artery bypass grafting in the treatment of unprotected left main stenosis: updated 5-year outcomes from the randomised, non-inferiority NOBLE trial. Lancet. 2019;395:191-9. 31879028.

Abstract 322: The Mayo Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Admission Risk Score Predicts Resource Utilization During Hospitalization

Background: With the rising cost of critical care and limited availability of critical care resources, improvements are need in the current cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) triage process. We sought to determine whether the Mayo Clinic Intensive Care Unit Admission Risk Score (M-CARS) could be used to predict which CICU patients will require critical care resources.

Methods: Adult patients admitted to our CICU from 2007 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The M-CARS was calculated using data from the time of admission. Groups were compared using Wilcoxon test for continuous variables and chi-squared test for categorical variables.

Results: We included 12,428 patients with a mean age of 67 ± 15 years (37% females). The mean M-CARS was 2.1 ± 2.1, including 5,890 (47.4%) patients with M-CARS <2 and 644 (5.2%) patients with M-CARS >6. Critical care therapies were frequently used, including mechanical ventilation in 28.0%, vasoactive medications in 25.5%, dialysis in 4.8% and invasive lines in 44.3%. The low-risk cohort with M-CARS <2 was less likely to require invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation (8.0% vs. 46.1%), vasoactive medications (10.1% vs. 38.8%), dialysis (1.0% vs. 8.2%) or invasive lines (34.6% vs. 53.0%), as compared to patients with M-CARS ≥2 (all p<0.001). A higher M-CARS was associated with greater use of critical care therapies and longer CICU and hospital length of stay.

Conclusions: In addition to predicting hospital mortality, the M-CARS predicts resource utilization during CICU admission and could be used in the triage of critically ill cardiac patients. Patients with M-CARS <2 infrequently require critical care resources and have extremely low mortality, yet account for nearly half of all CICU admissions, suggesting a potential to avoid CICU admission in many patients.

Pulmonary artery catheter use in acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate the contemporary use of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) in acute myocardial infarction‐cardiogenic shock (AMI‐CS).

Methods and results

A retrospective cohort of AMI‐CS admissions using the National Inpatient Sample (2000–2014) was identified. Admissions with concomitant cardiac surgery or non‐AMI aetiology for cardiogenic shock were excluded. The outcomes of interest were in‐hospital mortality, resource utilization, and temporal trends in cohorts with and without PAC use. In the non‐PAC cohort, the use and outcomes of right heart catheterization was evaluated. Multivariable regression and propensity matching was used to adjust for confounding. During 2000–2014, 364 001 admissions with AMI‐CS were included. PAC was used in 8.1% with a 75% decrease during over the study period (13.9% to 5.4%). Greater proportion of admissions to urban teaching hospitals received PACs (9.5%) compared with urban non‐teaching (7.1%) and rural hospitals (5.4%); P < 0.001. Younger age, male sex, white race, higher comorbidity, noncardiac organ failure, use of mechanical circulatory support, and noncardiac support were independent predictors of PAC use. The PAC cohort had higher in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.07 [95% confidence interval 1.04–1.10]), longer length of stay (10.9 ± 10.9 vs. 8.2 ± 9.3 days), higher hospitalization costs ($128 247 ± 138 181 vs. $96 509 ± 116 060), and lesser discharges to home (36.3% vs. 46.4%) (all P < 0.001). In 6200 propensity‐matched pairs, in‐hospital mortality was comparable between the two cohorts (odds ratio 1.01 [95% confidence interval 0.94–1.08]). Right heart catheterization was used in 12.5% of non‐PAC admissions and was a marker of greater severity but did not indicate worse outcomes.

Conclusions

In AMI‐CS, there was a 75% decrease in PAC use between 2000 and 2014. Admissions receiving a PAC were a higher risk cohort with worse clinical outcomes.

Regional Variation in the Management and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction With Cardiogenic Shock in the United States

BACKGROUND

There are few studies evaluating regional disparities in the care of acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2000 to 2016, we identified adults with a primary diagnosis of AMI and concomitant CS admitted to the United States census regions of Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. Interhospital transfers were excluded. End points of interest included in-hospital mortality, use of coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention, mechanical circulatory support, hospitalization costs, length of stay, and discharge disposition. Multivariable regression was used to adjust for potential confounding. Of the 402 825 AMI-CS admissions, 16.8%, 22.5%, 39.3%, and 21.4% were admitted to the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West, respectively. Higher rates of ST-elevation AMI-CS were noted in the Midwest and West. Admissions to the Northeast were on average characterized by a higher frequency of whites, Medicare beneficiaries, and lower rates of cardiac arrest. Admissions to the Northeast were less likely to receive coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention, and mechanical circulatory support, despite the highest rates of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use. Compared with the Northeast, in-hospital mortality was lower in the Midwest (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.96 [95% CI, 0.93-0.98]; P<0.001) and West (aOR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.94-0.98]; P=0.001) but higher in the South (aOR, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01-1.06]; P=0.002). The Midwest (aOR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.62-1.74]; P<0.001), South (aOR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.80-1.92]; P<0.001), and West (aOR, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.86-2.00]; P<0.001) had higher discharges to home.

CONCLUSIONS

There remain significant regional disparities in the management and outcomes of AMI-CS.

Admission Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention shock stage stratifies post-discharge mortality risk in cardiac intensive care unit patients

BACKGROUND

The five-stage Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention (SCAI) cardiogenic shock classification scheme can stratify hospital mortality risk in patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). We sought to evaluate the SCAI shock classification for prediction of post-discharge mortality in CICU survivors.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed hospital survivors admitted to a single CICU between 2007 and 2015. SCAI CS stages A through E were classified using CICU admission data using a previously published algorithm. All-cause post-discharge mortality was compared across SCAI stages using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Among 9096 unique hospital survivors, 43.2% had acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 44.6% had heart failure (HF), and 8.7% had cardiac arrest (CA) on admission. The proportion of patients in each SCAI shock stage was: A, 49.1%; B, 30.6%; C, 15.2; D/E 5.2%. Kaplan-Meier survival at 5 years in each SCAI shock stage was: A, 88.2%; B, 81.6%; C, 76.7%; D/E, 71.7% (P < .001 by log-rank). Each higher SCAI shock stage was associated with increased adjusted post-discharge mortality compared to SCAI shock stage A (all P < .001); results were consistent among patients with ACS or HF. Late hemodynamic deterioration after 24 hours, but not an admission diagnosis of CA, was associated with higher post-discharge mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The SCAI shock classification assessed at the time of CICU admission was predictive of post-discharge mortality risk among hospital survivors, although an admission diagnosis of CA was not. The SCAI shock classification can be used for post-discharge mortality risk stratification.

Cardiac Risk of Noncardiac Surgery After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents

BACKGROUND

Noncardiac surgery (NCS) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting is sometimes associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) were developed to decrease the incidence of MACE seen with bare metal and first-generation DES.

METHODS

The medical records of all adult patients who underwent second-generation DES placement between July 29, 2008 and July 28, 2011 followed by NCS between September 22, 2008 and July 1, 2013 were reviewed. All episodes of MACE following surgery were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 282 patients (74.8% male) were identified who underwent NCS after PCI with second-generation DES. MACE occurred in 15 patients (5.3%), including 11 deaths. The incidence of MACE changed significantly with time from PCI to NCS: 17.1%, 10.0%, 0.0%, and 3.1% for patients undergoing NCS at 0-90, 91-180, 181-365, and ≥366 days, respectively. Compared with those having NCS ≥366 days after PCI, the odds ratio for MACE (95% confidence interval) was 6.4 (1.9 to 21.3) at 0-90 days and 3.4 (0.8 to 15.3) at 91-180 days. Seven days prior to NCS, 146 (52%) patients were on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), 106 (38%) were on aspirin, and 30 (11%) did not receive antiplatelet therapy. Excessive surgical bleeding occurred in 19 cases (6.7%). While observed bleeding rates were lowest in those not receiving antiplatelet therapy, there were no statistically significant differences based on the presence or absence of antiplatelet therapy (3% [1/30] for no antiplatelet therapy compared to 6% [6/106] for aspirin monotherapy and 8% [12/146] for DAPT; Fisher exact test: P = .655).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of MACE in patients with second-generation DES undergoing NCS was 5.3% and was highest in the first 180 days following DES implantation. The rate of excessive surgical bleeding was 6.7% with the highest observed rate in those on DAPT. However, differences by the presence or absence of antiplatelet therapy were not significant, and future large observational studies will be necessary to further define bleeding risk with continued DAPT.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Use in Acute Myocardial Infarction in the United States, 2000 to 2014

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used in acute myocardial infarction (AMI); however, there are limited large-scale national data.

METHODS

Using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2000 to 2014, a retrospective cohort of AMI utilizing ECMO was identified. Use of percutaneous coronary intervention, intra-aortic balloon pump, and percutaneous left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was also identified in this population. Outcomes of interest included temporal trends in utilization of ECMO alone and with concomitant procedures (percutaneous coronary intervention, intra-aortic balloon pump, and percutaneous LVAD), in-hospital mortality, and resource utilization.

RESULTS

In ≈9 million AMI admissions, ECMO was used in 2962 (<0.01%) and implanted a median of 1 day after admission. ECMO was used in 0.5% and 0.3% AMI admissions complicated by cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest, respectively. ECMO was used more commonly in admissions that were younger, nonwhite, and with less comorbidity. ECMO use was 11× higher in 2014 as compared with 2000 (odds ratio, 11.37 [95% CI, 7.20-17.97]). Same-day percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 23.1%; intra-aortic balloon pump/percutaneous LVAD was used in 57.9%, of which 30.3% were placed concomitantly. In-hospital mortality with ECMO was 59.2% overall but decreased from 100% (2000) to 45.1% (2014). Durable LVAD and cardiac transplantation were performed in 11.7% as an exit strategy. Of the hospital survivors, 40.8% were discharged to skilled nursing facilities. Older age, male sex, nonwhite race, and lower socioeconomic status were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality with ECMO use.

CONCLUSIONS

In AMI admissions, a steady increase was noted in the utilization of ECMO alone and with concomitant procedures (percutaneous coronary intervention, intra-aortic balloon pump, and percutaneous LVAD). In-hospital mortality remained high in AMI admissions treated with ECMO.

Temporal Trends and Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Nonagenarians: A National Perspective

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess temporal trends and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in nonagenarians.

BACKGROUND

With increasing life expectancy, nonagenarians requiring PCI are increasing even though outcomes data are limited.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify all hospitalizations for PCI in patients aged ≥90 years from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2014. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Nonagenarians (n = 69,271) constituted 0.9% of all PCI hospitalizations, increasing from 0.6% in 2003 to 2004 to 1.4% in 2013 to 2014 (p_trend < 0.001). From 2003-2004 to 2013-2014, the proportion of PCIs performed for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (23.1% to 30.9%) and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (49.6% to 52.6%) increased, whereas those for stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) decreased (27.3% to 16.5%), respectively (p_trend < 0.001 for all). Overall in-hospital mortality after PCI for STEMI, non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, and SIHD were 16.4%, 4.2%, and 1.8%, respectively. After multivariable risk adjustment for demographics, comorbidities, and hospital-level characteristics, in-hospital mortality remained unchanged in STEMI (odds ratio: 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 0.98 to 1.11; p_trend = 0.20) and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (odds ratio: 0.99; 95% confidence interval: 0.91 to 1.08; p_trend = 0.82), but increased in SIHD (odds ratio: 1.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.44; p_trend = 0.04) from 2003 to 2004 to 2013 to 2014. The rates of bleeding and vascular complications decreased or remained stable in all 3 subgroups, whereas risk-adjusted incidence of stroke increased in patients with STEMI or SIHD.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of in-hospital mortality, major bleeding, vascular complications, and stroke after PCI in nonagenarians changed significantly from 2003 to 2014. This study provides a benchmark for discussion of PCI-related risks among physicians, patients, and families.

Intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and fractional flow reserve use in acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fractional flow reserve (FFR) during acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the temporal trends of IVUS, OCT, and FFR use in AMI.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study from the National Inpatient Sample (2004-2014) was designed to include AMI admissions that received coronary angiography. Administrative codes were used to identify percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), IVUS, OCT, and FFR. Outcomes included temporal trends, inhospital mortality and resource utilization stratified by IVUS, OCT, or FFR use.

RESULTS

In 4,419,973 AMI admissions, IVUS, OCT, and FFR were used in 2.6%, 0.1%, and 0.6%, respectively. There was a 22-fold, 118-fold, and 33-fold adjusted increase in IVUS, OCT, and FFR use, respectively, in 2014 compared to the first year of use. Non-ST-elevation AMI presentation, male sex, private insurance coverage, admission to a large urban hospital, and absence of cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock were associated with higher IVUS, OCT, or FFR use. PCI was performed in 83.2% of the IVUS, OCT, or FFR cohort compared to 64.2% of the control group (p < .001). The cohort with IVUS/OCT/FFR use had lower inhospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 0.53 [95% confidence interval 0.50-0.56]), more frequent discharges to home (83.7% vs. 76.8%), shorter hospital stays (4.3 ± 4.4 vs. 5.0 ± 5.5 days) and higher hospitalization costs ($90,683 ± 74,093 vs. $74,671 ± 75,841).

CONCLUSIONS

In AMI, the use of IVUS, OCT, and FFR has increased during 2004-2014. Significant patient and hospital-level disparities exist in the use of these technologies.

Transradial Artery Access Complications

Transradial access (TRA) is favored over transfemoral access for performing coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention due to the reduced risk for vascular and bleeding complications and the documented survival benefit in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention. TRA complications can be categorized as intra- or postprocedural and further categorized as related to bleeding or nonbleeding issues. Major intra- and postprocedural complications such as radial artery perforation and compartment syndrome are rare following TRA. Their occurrence, however, can be associated with morbid consequences, including requirement for surgical intervention if not identified and treated promptly. Nonbleeding complications such as radial artery spasm and radial artery occlusion are typically less morbid but occur much more frequently. Strategies to prevent TRA complications are essential and include the use of contemporary access techniques that limit arterial injury. This document summarizes contemporary techniques to prevent, identify, and manage TRA complications.

A Dangerous Dilemma: Thrombus in Transit During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is associated with venous thromboembolism. Occasionally, thrombus can become entrapped across a patent foramen ovale, with risk of systemic embolism. This report presents a case of a pregnant woman who had thrombus in transit diagnosed by echocardiography, which was successfully removed by surgical thrombectomy. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Repeat Coronary Bypass Surgery or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Previous Surgical Revascularization

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term survival with repeat coronary artery bypass grafting (RCABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with previous CABG.

METHODS

From January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2013, 1612 Mayo Clinic patients underwent RCABG (n=215) or PCI (n=1397) after previous CABG. The RCABG cohort was grouped by use of saphenous vein grafts only (n=75), or with additional arterial grafts (n=140); the PCI cohort by, bare metal stents (BMS; n=628), or drug-eluting stents (DES; n=769), and by the treated target into native coronary artery (n=943), bypass grafts only (n=338), or both (n=116). Multivariable regression and propensity score analysis (n=280 matched patients) were used.

RESULTS

In multivariable analysis, the 30-day mortality was increased in RCABG versus PCI patients (hazard ratio [HR], 5.32; 95%CI, 2.34-12.08; P<.001), but overall survival after 30 days improved with RCABG (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.94; P=.01). Internal mammary arteries were used in 61% (129 of 215) of previous CABG patients and improved survival (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69-0.98; P=.03). Patients treated with drug-eluting stent had better 10-year survival (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59-0.91; P=.001) than those with bare metal stent alone. In matched patients, RCABG had improved late survival over PCI: 48% vs 33% (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35-0.91; P=.02). Compared with RCABG, patients with PCI involving bypass grafts (n=60) had increased late mortality (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.10-2.37; P=.01), whereas those having PCI of native coronary arteries (n=80) did not (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.75-1.59; P=.65).

CONCLUSION

RCABG is associated with improved long-term survival after previous CABG, especially compared with PCI involving bypass grafts.

Changes in comorbidities, diagnoses, therapies and outcomes in a contemporary cardiac intensive care unit population

Prior studies have demonstrated that the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patient population has evolved over time. We sought to describe the temporal changes in comorbidities, illness severity, diagnoses, procedures and adjusted mortality within our CICU practice in recent years.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed unique CICU admissions at the Mayo Clinic from January 2007 to April 2018. Comorbidities, severity of illness scores, discharge diagnosis codes and CICU procedures and therapies were recorded, and temporal trends were assessed using linear regression and Cochran-Armitage trend tests. Trends in adjusted hospital mortality over time were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

We included 12,418 patients with a mean age of 67.6 years (including 37.7% females). Temporal trends in the prevalence of several comorbidities and discharge diagnoses were observed, reflecting an increase in the prevalence of non-coronary cardiovascular diseases, critical care diagnoses, and organ failure (all P ≪ .05). The use of several CICU therapies and procedures increased over time, including mechanical ventilation, invasive lines and vasoactive drugs (all P ≪ .05). A temporal decrease in adjusted hospital mortality was observed among the subgroup of patients with (adjusted OR per year 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-0.99, P = .023) and without (adjusted OR per year 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.96, P = .002) a critical care discharge diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed an increasing prevalence of critical care and organ failure diagnoses as well as increased utilization of critical care therapies in this CICU cohort, associated with a decrease in risk-adjusted hospital mortality over time.

Derivation and Validation of a Novel Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Admission Risk Score for Mortality

Background

There are no risk scores designed specifically for mortality risk prediction in unselected cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. We sought to develop a novel CICU‐specific risk score for prediction of hospital mortality using variables available at the time of CICU admission.

Methods and Results

A database of CICU patients admitted from January 1, 2007 to April 30, 2018 was divided into derivation and validation cohorts. The top 7 predictors of hospital mortality were identified using stepwise backward regression, then used to develop the Mayo CICU Admission Risk Score (M‐CARS), with integer scores ranging from 0 to 10. Discrimination was assessed using area under the receiver‐operator curve analysis. Calibration was assessed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow statistic. The derivation cohort included 10 004 patients and the validation cohort included 2634 patients (mean age 67.6 years, 37.7% females). Hospital mortality was 9.2%. Predictor variables included in the M‐CARS were cardiac arrest, shock, respiratory failure, Braden skin score, blood urea nitrogen, anion gap and red blood cell distribution width at the time of CICU admission. The M‐CARS showed a graded relationship with hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.84 for each 1‐point increase in M‐CARS, 95% CI 1.78–1.89). In the validation cohort, the M‐CARS had an area under the receiver‐operator curve of 0.86 for hospital mortality, with good calibration (P=0.21). The 47.1% of patients with M‐CARS <2 had hospital mortality of 0.8%, and the 5.2% of patients with M‐CARS >6 had hospital mortality of 51.6%.

Conclusions

Using 7 variables available at the time of CICU admission, the M‐CARS can predict hospital mortality in unselected CICU patients with excellent discrimination.