Safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents for patients at high risk of bleedings: A network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Among different coronary stents implanted in High Bleeding Risk (HBR) patients with an indication for short antiplatelet therapy, no comparisons in terms of efficacy have been provided.

METHODS

A Network Meta Analysis was performed including all randomized controlled trials comparing different coronary stents evaluated in HBR patients. Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACEs) as defined by each included trial were the primary end point, whereas TLR (target lesion revascularization), TVR (target vessel revascularization), stent thrombosis and total and major (BARC3-5) bleedings were the secondary ones.

RESULTS

A total of four studies (ONYX ONE, LEADERS FREE, SENIOR and HBR in BIO-RESORT) including 6637 patients were analyzed with different kind of stents and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) length (1 or 6 months) on 12 months follow-up. About one-third of these patients were defined HBR due to indication for oral anticoagulation. All drug eluting stents (DESs) reduced risk of MACE compared to Bare Metal Stents (BMSs) when followed by a 1-month DAPT. At SUCRA analysis, Orsiro was the device with the highest probability of performing best. Rates of TLR and TVR were significantly lower when using Resolute Onyx, Synergy and BioFreedom stents in comparison to BMS when followed by 1-month DAPT, with Synergy ranking best. Synergy also showed a significantly lower number of stent thrombosis compared to BMS (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.06-0.93), while Orsiro and Resolute Integrity showed the highest probability of performing best.

CONCLUSION

In HBRs patients, all DESs were superior to BMSs in terms of efficacy and safety. Among DESs, Orsiro was the one with the highest ranking in terms of MACE, mainly driven by a reduced incidence of repeated revascularization and stent thrombosis.

Impact of statin adherence and interruption within 6 months after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): Results from the real-world regional registry FAST-STEMI

BACKGROUND

The impact of statin therapy on cardiovascular outcomes after ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) in real- world patients is understudied.

AIMS

To identify predictors of low adherence and discontinuation to statin therapy within 6 months after STEMI and to estimate their impact on cardiovascular outcomes at one year follow-up.

METHODS

We evaluated real-world adherence to statin therapy by comparing the number of bought tablets to the expected ones at 1 year follow-up through pharmacy registries. A total of 6043 STEMI patients admitted from 2012 to 2017 were enrolled in the FAST STEMI registry and followed up for 4,7 ± 1,6 years; 304 patients with intraprocedural and intrahospital deaths were excluded. The main outcomes evaluated were all-cause death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, major and minor bleeding events, and ischemic stroke. The compliance cut-off chosen was 80% as mainly reported in literature.

RESULTS

From a total of 5744 patients, 418 (7,2%) patients interrupted statin therapy within 6 months after STEMI, whereas 3337 (58,1%) presented >80% adherence to statin therapy. Statin optimal adherence (>80%) resulted as protective factor towards both cardiovascular (0.1% vs 4.6%; AdjHR 0.025, 95%CI 0.008-0.079, p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (0.3% vs 13.4%; Adj HR 0.032, 95%CI 0.018-0.059, p < 0.001) at 1 year follow-up. Further, a significant reduction of ischemic stroke incidence (1% vs 2.5%, p = 0.001) was seen in the optimal adherent group. Statin discontinuation within 6 months after STEMI showed an increase of both cardiovascular (5% vs 1.7%; AdjHR 2.23; 95%CI 1.37-3.65; p = 0,001) and all-cause mortality (14.8% vs 5.1%, AdjHR 2.32; 95%CI 1.73-3.11; p 〈0,001) at 1 year follow-up. After multivariate analysis age over 75 years old, known ischemic cardiopathy and female gender resulted as predictors of therapy discontinuation. Age over 75 years old, chronic kidney disease, previous atrial fibrillation, vasculopathy, known ischemic cardiopathy were found to be predictors of low statin adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

n our real-world registry low statin adherence and discontinuation therapy within 6 months after STEMI were independently associated to an increase of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality at 1 year follow-up. Low statin adherence led to higher rates of ischemic stroke.

Increased prevalence of high-risk coronary plaques in metabolic dysfunction associated stetatotic liver disease patients: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography (CTCA) can assess both the extent and the features of coronary plaques. We aimed to gather evidence about the prevalence and features of coronary plaques among MASLD patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched for randomized controlled trials and adjusted observational studies assessing the prevalence and features of coronary plaques by means of CTCA in MASLD patients as compared with a control group. The prevalence of coronary stenosis (defined as >30% and >50% diameter of stenosis), of increasing coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and of high-risk features (namely low-attenuation plaques, napkin ring sign, spotty calcification and positive remodelling) in MASLD patients were the endpoints of interest.

RESULTS

Twenty-four observational studies were included. MASLD was associated with an increased prevalence of critical coronary stenosis compared with controls (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95%CI 1.23-1.93). Increased values of CAC score were observed in MASLD patients (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.02-1.78 and OR 2.26, 95%CI 1.57-3.23 for CAC score 0-100 and >100, respectively). An increased risk of 'high-risk' coronary plaques was observed in MASLD patients (OR 2.13, 95%CI 1.42-3.19). As high-risk features plaques, a higher prevalence of positive remodelling and spotty calcification characterize MASLD patients (OR 2.92, 95%CI 1.79-4.77 and OR 2.96, 95%CI 1.22-7.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MASLD are at increased risk of developing critical coronary stenosis and coronary plaques characterized by high-risk features as detected by CTCA.

Safety and efficacy of bempedoic acid: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Bempedoic Acid (BA) is a novel Lipid-Lowering Therapy (LLT). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of BA in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases were searched for randomised controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and/or safety of BA compared with placebo. Trials investigating dosages other than 180 mg/die were excluded. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were the primary efficacy endpoint. LDL-cholesterol reduction was the primary laboratory endpoint. Pre-specified safety endpoints included muscle-related adverse events, new-onset diabetes, and gout. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (temporary ID:399,867).

RESULTS

Study search identified 275 deduplicated results. 11 studies, encompassing 18,315 patients (9854 on BA vs 8461 on placebo/no treatment) were included. BA was associated with a reduced risk of MACE (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79-0.95), myocardial infarction (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.88) and unstable angina (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.54-0.88) compared to control, over a median follow up of 87 (15-162) weeks. BA was associated with a reduction of LDL-Cholesterol (mean difference [MD]-22.42,95% CI - 24.02% to - 20.82%), total cholesterol (- 16.50%,95% - 19.21% to - 13.79%), Apo-B lipoprotein (- 19.55%, - 22.68% to - 16.42%) and high-sensitivity CRP (- 27.83%, - 31.71% to - 23.96%) at 12 weeks. BA was associated with a higher risk of gout (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.27-1.90) as compared with placebo. Efficacy on laboratory endpoints was confirmed, with a variable extent, across patients on statin or ezetimibe background therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The improved cholesterol control achieved with BA translates into a reduced risk of MACE, including myocardial infarction and coronary revascularisation. The drug has a satisfactory safety profile except for an increased risk of gout.

Sonographic evaluation of digital annular pulley tears

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the sonographic (US) appearance of digital annular pulley (DAP) tears in high-level rock climbers.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the US examinations of 16 high-level rock climbers with clinical signs of DAP lesions. MRI and surgical evaluation were performed in five and three patients respectively. The normal US and MRI appearances of DAP were evaluated in 40 and three normal fingers respectively.

RESULTS

Nine of 16 patients presented a DAP tear. In eight subjects (seven with complete tears involving the fourth finger and one the fifth finger), US diagnosis was based on the indirect sign of volar bowstringing of the flexor tendons. Injured pulleys were not appreciated by US. Tears concerned the A2 and A3 in six patients and the A3 and A4 in two patients. A2 pulley thickening and hypoechogenicity compatible with a partial tear was demonstrated in one patient. MRI and surgical data correlated well with the US findings. Four patients had tenosynovitis of the flexor tendons but no evidence of pulley disruption. US examinations of three patients were normal. In the healthy subjects US demonstrated DAP in 16 of 40 digits.

CONCLUSION

US can diagnose DAP tears and correlates with the MRI and surgical data. Because of its low cost and non-invasiveness we suggest US as the first imaging modality in the evaluation of injuries of the digital pulley.

Double-blind placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and tolerability of suprofen suppositories in patients with osteoarthritic pain

In a placebo-controlled double-blind trial analgesic effectiveness and tolerability of alpha-methyl-4-(2-thienyl-carbonyl)phenylacetic acid (suprofen, Suprol) 300 mg suppositories were evaluated for 45 informed patients suffering from chronic pain due to osteoarthritis; the subjects were treated rectally, t.i.d., for 10 days. Suprofen proved to be statistically significantly superior to placebo in all the variables considered for evaluation of the analgesic effect, i.e., pain intensity and relief scores, sum of pain intensity differences (SPID), total pain relief (TOTPAR), global assessments by investigator and patient. In particular, the efficacy of suprofen was judged by the physician good or very good in 86.3% of the patients. Similar frequencies of rectal side-effects were observed in both treatment groups, with slightly but not significantly higher incidence in the group treated with suprofen. Haematologic and clinical chemistry laboratory tests showed no statistically significant alterations due to the treatment.