D-dimer and fibrinogen indicate ischemic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation after percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the association of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and conventional markers of coagulation with ischemic and bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

In this prospective two-center observational cohort study, patients with AF and an indication for oral anticoagulation (OAC) were enrolled after PCI. Blood was drawn on day 1-3 after PCI. Dilute Russell's viper venom time was used to determine lupus anticoagulant (LA) in OAC-free plasma. Anti-cardiolipin (aCL) IgG, IgM, and anti-β2-Glycoprotein 1 (aβ2GP1) IgG were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fibrinogen (FIB), d-dimer, and prothrombin fragment 1 and 2 (PF 1 + 2) were measured in citrated plasma. The primary ischemic outcome was time to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) assessed at 6 months. Bleeding was defined according to International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

RESULTS

158 patients were enrolled between May 2020 and May 2021 on day 1-3 after PCI. The median age was 78 years (interquartile range [IQR] 72-82), 111 (70%) were male, and 39 (25%) presented with acute coronary syndrome. D-dimer was elevated in 74 (47%) patients, FIB was increased in 40 (25%) and PF1 + 2 in 68 (43%) patients. 32 (20%) patients had ≥ 1 antiphospholipid antibody elevated (aPL; LA: 19 [12%], aCL: 14 [9%], aβ2GP1: 2 [1%]). The presence of aPL was neither significantly associated with MACE (HR 1.46, 95% CI [0.39-5.49], p = 0.579), nor bleeding (HR 1.07 [0.30-3.84], p = 0.917). Elevated d-dimer was significantly associated with higher risk for MACE (HR 5.06 [1.09-23.41], p = 0.038) and major bleeding (HR 7.04 [1.58-31.47], p = 0.011). Elevated D-dimer increased the predictive capacity of HAS-BLED for major bleedings (HAS-BLED: AUC 0.71 [0.60-0.83] vs. HAS-BLED + d-dimer: AUC 0.79 [0.70-0.88]; p = 0.025). Increased levels of FIB were associated with higher risk for MACE (HR 3.65 [1.11-11.96], p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Biomarkers of coagulation might be suitable to assess ischemic and bleeding risk in patients with AF following PCI.

Accuracy of Event Rate and Effect Size Estimation in Major Cardiovascular Trials: A Systematic Review

Importance

For the design of a randomized clinical trial (RCT), estimation of the expected event rate and effect size of an intervention is needed to calculate the sample size. Overestimation may lead to an underpowered trial.

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of published estimates of event rate and effect size in contemporary cardiovascular RCTs.

Evidence Review

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE for multicenter cardiovascular RCTs associated with MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms for cardiovascular diseases published in the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, or the Lancet between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. Identified trials underwent abstract review; eligible trials then underwent full review, and those with insufficiently reported data were excluded. Data were extracted from the original publication or the study protocol, and a random-effects model was used for data pooling. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guideline. The primary outcome was the accuracy of event rate and effect size estimation. Accuracy was determined by comparing the observed event rate in the control group and the effect size with their hypothesized values. Linear regression was used to determine the association between estimation accuracy and trial characteristics.

Findings

Of the 873 RCTs identified, 374 underwent full review and 30 were subsequently excluded, resulting in 344 trials for analysis. The median observed event rate was 9.0% (IQR, 4.3% to 21.4%), which was significantly lower than the estimated event rate of 11.0% (IQR, 6.0% to 25.0%) with a median deviation of -12.3% (95% CI, -16.4% to -5.6%; P < .001). More than half of the trials (196 [61.1%]) overestimated the expected event rate. Accuracy of event rate estimation was associated with a higher likelihood of refuting the null hypothesis (0.13 [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.25]; P = .03). The median observed effect size in superiority trials was 0.91 (IQR, 0.74 to 0.99), which was significantly lower than the estimated effect size of 0.72 (IQR, 0.60 to 0.80), indicating a median overestimation of 23.1% (95% CI, 17.9% to 28.3%). A total of 216 trials (82.1%) overestimated the effect size.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review of contemporary cardiovascular RCTs, event rates of the primary end point and effect sizes of an intervention were frequently overestimated. This overestimation may have contributed to the inability to adequately test the trial hypothesis.

Low on-clopidogrel ADP- and TRAP-6-induced platelet aggregation in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: an observational pilot study

High on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity (HPR) associates with ischemic risk in patients after percutaneous intervention (PCI). This study aimed to evaluate the association of HPR as assessed by multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) with ischemic, thromboembolic, and bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing PCI. Patients with AF and an indication for oral anticoagulation (OAC) were included in this prospective cohort study on day 1-3 after PCI. Platelet aggregation [U] was analyzed by MEA. HPR and low platelet reactivity (LPR) were defined as ADP-induced aggregation ≥ 46 U and ≤ 18 U, respectively. TRAP-6-induced aggregation reference was 94-156 U. The primary outcome was time to all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke at 6 months. The secondary outcome was time to non-major clinically relevant bleedings or major bleedings. 159 patients were enrolled between May 2020 and May 2021. The median age was 78 years (interquartile range 72-82) and 111 (70%) were male. Median ADP- and TRAP-induced aggregation were 12 (6-17) and 49 (35-68) U, respectively. 147 (93%) patients had a low overall aggregability. HPR was detected in 2 patients (1%) and 125 (79%) had LPR. ADP-induced aggregation did not significantly associate with the primary outcome (r = 0.081, p = 0.309) but correlated inversely with bleeding risk (r = - 0.201, p = 0.011). HPR status as assessed by MEA among patients with AF after PCI was rare and overall aggregability was low. Conventional cut-off values for HPR might be inappropriate for these patients. ADP-induced aggregation might be helpful to identify patients at risk for bleeding.

The German CaRe high registry for familial hypercholesterolemia - Sex differences, treatment strategies, and target value attainment

Background and aims

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is among the most common genetic disorders in primary care. However, only 15% or less of patients are diagnosed, and few achieve the goals for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In this analysis of the German Cascade Screening and Registry for High Cholesterol (CaRe High), we examined the status of lipid management, treatment strategies, and LDL-C goal attainment according to the ESC/EAS dyslipidemia guidelines.

Methods

We evaluated consolidated datasets from 1501 FH patients diagnosed clinically and seen either by lipid specialists or general practitioners and internists. We conducted a questionnaire survey of both the recruiting physicians and patients.

Results

Among the 1501 patients, 86% regularly received lipid-lowering drugs. LDL-C goals were achieved by 26% and 10% of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) according to the 2016 and 2019 ESC/EAS dyslipidemia guidelines, respectively. High intensity lipid-lowering was administered more often in men than in women, in patients with ASCVD, at higher LDL-C and in patients with a genetic diagnosis of FH.

Conclusions

FH is under-treated in Germany compared to guideline recommendations. Male gender, genetic proof of FH, treatment by a specialist, and presence of ASCVD appear to be associated with increased treatment intensity. Achieving the LDL-C goals of the 2019 ESC/EAS dyslipidemia guidelines remains challenging if pre-treatment LDL-C is very high.

Comparison of phenprocoumon with direct oral anticoagulants in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Aims

In patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are as effective and safe as the vitamin K antagonist (VKA) warfarin. Phenprocoumon has a different pharmacokinetic profile compared with warfarin and is the most used VKA in Germany. The aim of the study was to compare DOAC with phenprocoumon.

Methods and results

In this retrospective single-centre cohort study, 1735 patients who underwent 2219 consecutive catheter ablations for AF between January 2011 and May 2017 were included. All patients were in-hospital for at least 48 h after catheter ablation. The primary outcome was defined as peri-procedural thrombo-embolic events. The secondary outcome was any bleeding according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). The mean age of the patients was 63.3 years. Phenprocoumon was prescribed in 929 (42%) of the cases, and in 697 (31%) dabigatran, 399 (18%) rivaroxaban, and 194 (9%) apixaban. During hospitalization, 37 (1.6%) thrombo-embolic events occurred, including 23 transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs). Compared with the use of phenoprocoumon, the use of DOAC was significantly associated with a lower thrombo-embolic risk [16 (1.2%) vs. 21 (2.2%), odds ratio (OR)], 0.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-0.9], P = 0.04. No statistically significant association with bleeding risk was observed [phenprocomoun: 122 (13%); DOAC: 163 (12.6%); OR 0.9 (95% CI 0.7-1.2); P = 0.70]. Interruption of oral anticoagulation (OAC) was associated with an increased risk for thrombo-embolic complications [OR 2.2 (1.1-4.3); P = 0.031], and bleeding [OR 2.5 (95% CI 1.8-3.2), P = 0.001].

Conclusion

In patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF, the use of DOAC was associated with a reduced risk of thrombo-embolic events compared with phenprocoumon. Non-interrupted oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy was associated with a reduced risk of peri-procedural thrombo-embolic and any bleeding complications.

Time from blood draw to multiple electrode aggregometry and association with platelet reactivity

Results from multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) may vary according to pre-analytic factors. This study aimed to analyze the association of time from blood draw to MEA in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this observational single-center cohort study, platelet aggregation (aggregation units, U) was quantified by MEA (Multiplate Analyzer) after stimulation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP; final concentration [Fc] 6.4 μM), thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP; Fc 32 μM), or arachidonic acid (AA; Fc 0.5 mM) in patients treated with ASA and clopidogrel following PCI. High on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity (HPR) was defined as ADP-induced platelet aggregation ≥ 46 U. The manufacturer recommends performing the analysis within 30-180 min after blood draw. Patients were grouped according to the time from blood draw to MEA: 30-180 min, < 30 min, or > 180 min. Platelet function of 273 patients with coronary artery disease undergoing PCI with dual antiplatelet therapy was analyzed. The median age was 72 years (interquartile range, IQR 62-79) and 179 (66%) were male. Median ADP-, TRAP-, and AA-induced aggregation was 25 (IQR 18-36) U, 79 (IQR 63-96) U, and 12 (IQR 7-18) U, respectively. For those analyzed within 30-180 min from blood draw, no significant correlation of time from blood draw to MEA was observed 1) ADP (r = - 0.04, p = 0.51); 2) TRAP (r = - 0.06, p = 0.32); 3) AA (r = - 0.03, p = 0.67). In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and treated with dual antiplatelet therapy, the time from blood draw to multiple electrode aggregometry does not correlate with ADP- induced aggregation when the measurement occurred within the recommended time interval of 30-180 min after blood draw.

Accuracy of event rate and effect size estimation in major cardiovascular trials

Background

During the design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), the estimation of the expected event rate (ER) and effect size (ES) of an intervention is an essential step to calculate the sample size, which determines the scope of the trial. Overestimation of ER and ES might lead to an underpowered trial design.

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of the estimation of ER and ES in contemporary cardiovascular RCTs.

Methods

We searched “Medline” for cardiovascular RCTs published in the New England Journal of Medicine, The Journal of the American Medical Association, or The Lancet between 2010 and 2019. Only multicenter RCTs with a dichotomous primary endpoint and with not more than 2 study arms were included. Data were extracted from the original publication or the associated study protocol. For trials that tested superiority of an intervention, the effect size measurements hazard ratio, odds ratio, or risk ratio were summarized as the effect size ratio (ESR). To determine the accuracy of estimation, we compared the observed to the hypothesized ER and ESR, respectively. The association of the accuracy of estimation with trial characteristics was determined by linear regression.

Results

Of 875 identified publications, 374 underwent full review. After exclusion of trials with insufficiently reported data for this analysis, data from 344 trials were analyzed. 145 trials (42.2%) were industry sponsored, 122 (35.5%) were investigator-initiated with industry-co funding, and 77 (22.1%) with government or public funding. The majority (186; 54.1%) tested a drug as the intervention. 263 (76.5%) were designed to test for superiority of the intervention. The primary endpoint consisted of at least 2 components in 247 (71.8%) trials. The median estimated sample size was 2386 (interquartile range [IQR] 800, 6000).

The median observed event rate was 9.0% (IQR 4.3, 21.4%) and was significantly lower compared with the estimated ER (11.0% [IQR 6.0, 25.0%]; median deviation from estimation −6.9% [95% confidence interval, CI −10.0, −3.7%]; p&lt;0.001). 196 trials (61%) overestimated the event rate (Figure 1A). The overestimation was consistent across several subgroups (Figure 2A). The median observed ESR was 0.910 (IQR 0.740, 0.990) and was significantly higher compared with the estimated ESR (0.724 [IQR 0.600, 0.795]; median deviation from estimated effect size 26.0% [95% CI, 19.0, 33.0%]). 216 (82.1%) trials overestimated the effect size (Figure 1B). This overestimation was consistent across all analyzed subgroups (Figure 2B) and was less pronounced in trials with use of a composite primary outcome.

Conclusion

6 of 10 contemporary cardiovascular RCTs overestimated the event rate for the primary endpoint and 8 of 10 trials overestimated the effect sizes of an intervention. Overestimation may lead to inability to answer the trial hypothesis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Association of coagulation markers and antiphospholipid antibodies with ischemic and bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Antiphospholipid antibodies and other coagulation markers are associated with ischemic risk in patients with coronary artery disease without oral anticoagulation (OAC).

Aim

To assess the association of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and conventional markers of coagulation with ischemic and bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Patients and methods

In this prospective single center observational cohort study, patients with AF and an indication for OAC were enrolled after PCI. Dilute Russell's viper venom time (DRVVT) was used to determine lupus anticoagulants (LA) in direct OAC-free plasma. Anti-cardiolipin IgG (aCL), IgM and anti-beta2GP-1-IgG (aβ2GP1) were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fibrinogen C (FIBC), d-dimers and prothrombin fragments 1 and 2 (PF1+2) were measured in citrated plasma. Immature platelet fraction (IPF [%]) and absolute (IPF abs. [103/μl]) were measured in EDTA-blood. The primary ischemic outcome was defined as time to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) assessed at 6 months. Bleeding was defined according to the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) and the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC).

Results

158 patients were enrolled between May 2020 and May 2021. The median age was 78 years (interquartile range, IQR 72–82), 111 (70%) were male, and 39 (25%) presented with acute coronary syndrome. All Patients were treated with clopidogrel and OAC, 145 (92%) in addition with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). 32 patients (20%) had ≥1 antiphospholipid antibody (aPL; LA: 19 [12%], aCL: 14 [9%], aβ2GP1: 2 [1%]). D-dimers were elevated in 74 patients (47%), FIBC was increased in 40 (25%) and PF1+2 in 68 patients (43%). IPF [%] was elevated in 28 (18%) and IPF abs. [103/μl] in 11 (7%). The presence of aPL was neither significantly associated with MACE, nor with bleeding risk. Elevated d-dimers were significantly associated with higher risk for MACE (HR=5.1, 95% CI [1.1; 23.4], p=0.04), major ISTH bleeding events (HR= 6.9, 95% CI [1.5; 30.8], p=0.01) and BARC bleeding type 3 or 5 (HR=6.4, 95% CI [1.4; 28.7], p=0.02). Increased levels of FIBC were associated with risk of MACE (HR= 3.6, 95% CI [1.1; 12.0], p=0.03 (Table 1).

Conclusion

In patients with AF undergoing PCI, high levels of d-dimers and fibrinogen C indicate an increased ischemic risk. Elevated d-dimers are associated with higher risk for bleeding. aPL positivity was not significantly associated with outcome possibly due to low sample size. A combined panel of biomarkers might be suitable to assess ischemic and bleeding risk in patients with AF following PCI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg

Medical history of coronary artery disease and time to electrocardiogram in the emergency department: a real-life, single-center, retrospective analysis

Background

Timely acquisition of 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) in the emergency department (ED) is crucial and recommended by current guidelines.

Objectives

To evaluate the association of medical history of coronary artery disease (hCAD) on door-to-ECG time in the ED.

Methods

In this single center, retrospective cohort study, patients admitted to ED for cardiac evaluation were grouped according to hCAD and no hCAD. The primary outcome was door-to-ECG time. A multivariate analysis adjusted for the cofounders sex, age, type of referral and shift was performed to evaluate the association of hCAD with door-to-ECG time.

Results

1101 patients were included in this analysis. 362 patients (33%) had hCAD. Patients with hCAD had shorter door-to-ECG time (20 min. [Inter Quartile Range [IQR] 13–30] vs. 22 min. [IQR 14–37]; p < 0.001) when compared to patients with no hCAD. In a multivariable regression analysis hCAD was significantly associated with a shorter door-to-ECG time (− 3 min [p = 0.007; 95% confidence Interval [CI] − 5.16 to − 0.84 min]).

Conclusion

In this single center registry, hCAD was associated with shorter door-to-ECG time. In patients presenting in ED for cardiac evaluation, timely ECG diagnostic should be facilitated irrespective of hCAD.

Early platelet dysfunction in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is associated with mortality

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for patients with cardiopulmonary failure and is associated with severe bleeding and poor outcome. Platelet dysfunction may be a contributing factor. The aim of this prospective observational study was to characterize platelet dysfunction and its relation to outcome in ECMO patients. Blood was sampled from thirty ECMO patients at three timepoints. Expression of CD62P, CD63, activated GPIIb/IIIa, GPVI, GPIbα and formation platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLA) were analyzed at rest and in response to stimulation. Delta granule storage-pool deficiency and secretion defects were also investigated. Fifteen healthy volunteers and ten patients with coronary artery disease served as controls. Results were also compared between survivors and non-survivors. Compared to controls, expression of platelet surface markers, delta granule secretion and formation of PLA was reduced, particularly in response to stimulation. Baseline CD63 expression was higher and activated GPIIb/IIIa expression in response to stimulation was lower in non-survivors on day 1 of ECMO. Logistic regression analysis revealed that these markers were associated with mortality. In conclusion, platelets from ECMO patients are severely dysfunctional predisposing patients to bleeding complications and poor outcome. Platelet dysfunction on day 1 of ECMO detected by the platelet surface markers CD63 and activated GPIIb/IIIa is associated with mortality. CD63 and activated GPIIb/IIIa may therefore serve as novel prognostic biomarkers, but future studies are required to determine their true potential.

Platelet Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 Mediates Vascular Inflammation and Neointima Formation after Arterial Injury

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of platelet bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)-4 during vascular inflammation and remodeling in a mouse model of carotid wire injury. Transgenic mice with a platelet-specific deletion of BMP-4 (BMP4Plt-/-) were generated. Intravital microscopy was performed to evaluate leukocyte adhesion to the vessel wall. Expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines were analyzed. Platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLAs) were evaluated using flow cytometry. For carotid wire injury, BMP4Plt-/- mice were further crossed with LDLr-/- mice (BMP4Plt-/-/LDLr-/-) and fed with a high cholesterol diet for 2-weeks. Carotid wire injury was performed, and re-endothelialization and neointimal formation were evaluated. In comparison to the control mice, stimulation with TNFα resulted in fewer rolling and adherent leukocytes to the vessel wall in the BMP4Plt-/- mice. mRNA and protein expression of P-selectin and adhesion molecules were reduced in the aorta of the BMP4Plt-/- mice. In platelets from the BMP4Plt-/- mice, the expression of P-selectin was reduced, and fewer PLA formations were measured than in the control mice. Loss of platelet BMP-4 further prevented neointima formation after carotid wire injury. Endothelial regeneration after injury was decelerated in the BMP4Plt-/- mice, and confirmed in-vitro, where the deletion of platelet BMP-4 inhibited endothelial cell proliferation and migration. We demonstrate for the first time that platelet BMP-4 is involved during vascular inflammation and remodeling. This is partially mediated by the inhibition of platelet activation, reduced expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory responses. Our findings identify platelet BMP-4 as a mediator of vascular inflammation in early atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Why digital health trials can fail: Lessons learned from a randomized trial of health coaching and virtual cardiac rehabilitation

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Dual-Pathway Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Stable Coronary Artery Disease: A Single-Center, Single-Operator, Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: There is limited data evaluating the prescription practices for antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) following elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Objective: This single-center, single-operator, retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate trends of antithrombotic treatment strategies in patients with AF undergoing elective PCI.

Methods: Patients with AF who electively underwent PCI performed by a single interventionalist between April 2013 and May 2018 were identified. The primary outcome was the antithrombotic therapy at discharge assessed by chart review: triple (TAT, triple antithrombotic therapy) or dual (DAT, dual antithrombotic therapy) antithrombotic therapy and vitamin K antagonist (VKA) or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC), respectively.

Results: Of 6,135 screened patients, 259 met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 133 (51%) patients received NOAC- and 126 (49%) VKA-therapy. Compared with patients on NOAC therapy, patients treated with VKA had higher bleeding risk (mean HAS-BLED-Score; 2.3 vs. 2.0; p = 0.02) and more co-morbidities (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min, 11 vs. 4%; p = 0.04; diabetes mellitus, 33 vs. 20%; p = 0.03; history of previous PCI, 37 vs. 21%; p < 0.01). TAT was prescribed more frequently if the prescription included VKA compared with NOAC (61 vs. 41%; p < 0.01). Prescription of TAT and VKA decreased throughout the observed period (2013: 100% vs. 2018: 6%; p < 0.01 and 2013: 91% vs. 2018: 28%; p < 0.01).

Conclusion: These observational data from a single center registry show a decrease of TAT- and VKA- prescription in favor of DAT with NOAC. Whether these observations are consistent with national or global trends should to be evaluated in further studies.

Anticoagulation and anaemia: old opponents from the era of VKA?

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Incidence, Characteristics, and Outcomes of Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: Insights From the EUCLID Trial

Importance

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are at high risk for myocardial infarction (MI).

Objective

To characterize the incidence and types of MI in a PAD population, identify factors associated with MI, and determine the association of MI with cardiovascular mortality and acute limb ischemia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Study Comparing Cardiovascular Effects of Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease (EUCLID) was a double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted at 811 sites in 28 countries that randomized 13 885 patients with symptomatic PAD to monotherapy with ticagrelor or clopidogrel. Participants had an ankle-brachial index (ABI) of 0.80 or less or previous lower extremity revascularization. Median follow-up was 30 months. For these analyses, patients were evaluated for MI occurrence during follow-up irrespective of treatment. Data were analyzed from June 2017 to September 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

An adjudication clinical events committee classified MI as type 1 (spontaneous), type 2 (secondary), type 3 (sudden cardiac death), type 4a (less than 48 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention), type 4b (definite stent thrombosis), or type 5 (less than 72 hours after coronary artery bypass graft). A multivariate regression model was developed by stepwise selection to identify factors associated with MI, and a time-dependent multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the association of MI with cardiovascular death and acute limb ischemia requiring hospitalization.

Results

Of the 13 885 patients included in this analysis, 9997 (72.0%) were male, and the median (interquartile range) age was 66 (60-73) years. Myocardial infarction occurred in 683 patients (4.9%; 2.4 events per 100 patient-years) during a median follow-up of 30 months. Patients experiencing MI were older (median [interquartile range] age, 69 [62-75] vs 66 [60-72] years), more likely to have diabetes (349 of 683 [51.1%] vs 4996 of 13 202 [37.8%]) or a previous lower extremity revascularization (466 of 683 [68.2%] vs 7409 of 13 202 [56.1%]), and had a lower ABI (if included by ABI) compared with censored patients. Of the 683 patients with MI during follow-up, the most common MI type was type 1 (405 [59.3%]), followed by type 2 (236 [34.6%]), type 4a (14 [2.0%]), type 3 (12 [1.8%]), type 4b (11 [1.6%]), and type 5 (5 [0.7%]). Postrandomization MI was independently associated with cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio, 9.0; 95% CI, 7.3-11.2; P < .001) and acute limb ischemia requiring hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-5.0; P = .008).

Conclusions and Relevance

Approximately 5% of patients with symptomatic PAD had an MI during a median follow-up of 30 months. Type 1 MI (spontaneous) was the most common MI type; however, one-third of MIs were type 2 MI (secondary). More research is needed to identify therapies to reduce the risk of MI in patients with PAD and to improve management of type 2 MI.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01732822.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial to evaluate safety and efficacy of vorapaxar on arteriovenous fistula maturation

BACKGROUND

Protease-activated receptor-1 antagonism by vorapaxar could facilitate arteriovenous fistula maturation but may increase bleeding risk.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of the Vorapaxar Study for Maturation of arteriovenous fistula for Hemodialysis Access (VorapAccess) was to determine if vorapaxar improves arteriovenous fistula functional maturation in patients with end-stage renal disease.

METHODS

VorapAccess was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial comparing 2.5 mg vorapaxar per day with placebo for twelve weeks starting on day two after arteriovenous fistula creation. The primary outcome was time to functional maturation defined as successful cannulation for six hemodialysis sessions within three weeks. The planned sample size was 50 participants. The study was terminated early after withdrawal of planned financial support. Given the small number of randomized patients, we performed descriptive analyses without inference testing.

RESULTS

A total of 13 participants were randomly allocated study drug (six vorapaxar and seven placebo). The median age was 56 years and seven participants (54%) were female. The median (minimum-maximum) days to functional maturation were 169 (77-287) days in the vorapaxar group and 145 (48-198) days in the placebo group. Six of the 13 (46%) participants had arteriovenous fistula functional maturation within 180 days; two of six (33%) in the vorapaxar group and four of seven (57%) in the placebo group. There was one bleeding event in the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

Fewer than half of participants had functional maturation within 180 days after surgery, suggesting a major need for agents or strategies that enhance arteriovenous fistula maturation.

Site Variation and Outcomes for Antithrombotic Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background:

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) require multiple antithrombotic therapies. The optimal strategy is debated suggesting increased treatment variation. This study sought to characterize site-level variation in antithrombotic therapies in AF patients after PCI and determine the association with outcomes.

Methods:

Using the retrospective TREAT-AF study (The Retrospective Evaluation and Assessment of Therapies in AF) from the Veterans Health Administration, patients with newly diagnosed, nonvalvular AF between 2004 and 2015 followed by a PCI with a P2Y 12 -antagonist prescription were identified. Patients were grouped according to the therapy dispensed 7 days before until 30 days after the PCI: oral anticoagulation plus platelet inhibition (OAC+PI) or platelet inhibition only. A combined outcome of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or major bleeding was assessed 1 year after PCI and Cox regression was performed to estimate hazard ratios.

Results:

Of 230 762 patients with newly diagnosed AF, 4042 (1.8%) underwent PCI and received a P2Y 12 -antagonist during the observation period (age, 67±9 years; CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc, 2.7±1.7; HAS-BLED, 2.6±1.2). Among these, 47% were prescribed OAC+PI, and 53% platelet inhibition only 7 days before until 30 days after the PCI. Across 63 sites, the use of OAC+PI ranged from 19% to 66%. Prescription of OAC+PI was independently associated with a reduction in the combined outcome of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or major bleeding compared with platelet inhibition only (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73–0.99; P =0.033).

Conclusions:

In patients with established AF undergoing PCI, the use of OAC+PI varied substantially across sites in the 30 days post-PCI. Anticoagulation appeared to be underutilized but was associated with improved outcomes. Strategies to promote OAC+PI and minimize site variation may be useful, particularly in light of recent randomized trials.

Central Adjudication Identified Additional and Prognostically Important Myocardial Infarctions in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

In the CHAMPION PHOENIX trial, cangrelor reduced the primary composite end point of death, myocardial infarction (MI), ischemia-driven revascularization, or stent thrombosis at 48 hours. This study aimed to explore the impact of event adjudication and the prognostic importance of MI reported by a clinical events committee (CEC) or site investigators (SIs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data from the CHAMPION PHOENIX trial of patients undergoing elective or nonelective percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed. A CEC systematically identified and adjudicated MI using predefined criteria, a computer algorithm to identify suspected events, and semilogarithmic plots to review biomarker changes. Thirty-day death was modeled using baseline characteristics. Of 10 942 patients, 462 (4.2%) patients had at least 1 MI by 48 hours identified by the CEC (207 [3.8%] cangrelor; 255 [4.7%] clopidogrel; odds ratio [OR] 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67-0.97; P=0.022), and 143 patients had at least 1 MI by 48 hours reported by the SI (60 [1.1%] cangrelor; 83 [1.5%] clopidogrel; OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52-1.01; P=0.053). Of the 462 MIs identified by the CEC, 92 (20%) were reported by SI, and 370 (80%) were not. Of the 143 MI reported by the SI, 51 (36%) were not confirmed by CEC. All categories were associated with an increased adjusted risk for 30-day death (CEC: OR, 5.35; 95% CI, 2.56-11.2; P<0.001; SI: 9.08 [4.01-20.5]; P<0.001; CEC and SI: 10.9 [3.23-36.6]; P<0.001; CEC but not SI: 4.69 [1.94-11.3]; P<0.001; SI but not CEC: 15.4 [5.26-44.9]; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, CEC procedures identified 3 times as many MIs as the SI reported. Compared with clopidogrel, cangrelor significantly reduced MIs identified by the CEC with a qualitatively similar relative risk reduction in MIs reported by the SI. MIs identified by CEC or reported by SI were independently associated with worse 30-day death. Central adjudication identified additional, prognostically important events.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01156571.

The efficacy and safety of cangrelor in single vessel vs multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from CHAMPION PHOENIX

BACKGROUND

The intravenous, rapidly acting P2Y12 inhibitor cangrelor reduces the rate of ischemic events during PCI with no significant increase in severe bleeding. However, the efficacy and safety of cangrelor compared with clopidogrel in patients treated with single vessel (SV)-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or multivessel (MV)-PCI remains unexplored.

METHODS

We studied the modified intention-to-treat population of patients from the CHAMPION PHOENIX trial who were randomized to either cangrelor or clopidogrel. We used logistic regression and propensity score matching to evaluate the effect of cangrelor compared with clopidogrel on the primary efficacy outcome (composite of death, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, or stent thrombosis) at 48 hours. The safety outcome was moderate or severe Global Utilization of Streptokinase and tPA for Occluded Arteries bleeding at 48 hours.

HYPOTHESIS

Cangrelor is as efficacious and safe as clopidogrel in both SV and MV PCI.

RESULTS

Among 10 854 patients, 9204 (85%) underwent SV- and 1650 (15%) MV-PCI. After adjustment, cangrelor was associated with similar reductions vs clopidogrel in the primary efficacy outcome in patients undergoing SV-PCI (4.5% vs 5.2%; odds ratio [OR] 0.81 [0.66-0.98]) or MV-PCI (6.1% vs 9.8%, OR 0.59 [0.41-0.85]; Pint 0.14). Similar results were observed after propensity score matching (SV-PCI: 5.5% vs 5.9%, OR 0.93 [0.74-1.18]; MV-PCI: 6.2% vs 8.9%, OR 0.67 [0.44-1.01]; Pint 0.17). There was no evidence of heterogeneity in the treatment effect of cangrelor compared with clopidogrel for the safety outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing SV- or MV-PCI, cangrelor was associated with similar relative risk reductions in ischemic complications and no increased risk of significant bleeding compared with clopidogrel, which highlights the expanding repertoire of options for use in complex PCI.

Appropriateness of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Dosing in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From the Veterans Health Administration

BACKGROUND

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have strict dosing guidelines, but recent studies indicate that inappropriate dosing is common, particularly in chronic kidney disease (CKD), for which it has been reported to be as high as 43%. Since 2011, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) has implemented anticoagulation management programs for DOACs, generally led by pharmacists, which has previously been shown to improve medication adherence.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the prevalence of overdosing and underdosing of DOACs in the VA.

METHODS

Using data from the TREAT-AF cohort study (The Retrospective Evaluation and Assessment of Therapies in AF), we identified VA patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) and receipt of a DOAC between 2003 and 2015. We classified dosing as correct, overdosed, or underdosed based on the Food and Drug Administration-approved dosing criteria.

RESULTS

Of 230 762 patients, 5060 received dabigatran (77.3%) or rivaroxaban (22.7%) within 90 days of AF diagnosis (age 69 [10[ years; CHA₂DS₂-VASc 1.6 [1.4]), of which 1312 (25.9%) had CKD based on estimated glomerular filtration rate <60. Overall, 93.6% of patients, 83.2% with CKD, received appropriate DOAC dosing. Incorrect dosing increased with worsening renal function.

CONCLUSION

Compared to recent studies of commercial payers and health-care systems, incorrect dosing of DOACs is less common across the VA. Pharmacist-led DOAC management or similar anticoagulation management interventions may reduce the risk of incorrect dosing across health-care systems.

Definitions of peri-procedural myocardial infarction and the association with one-year mortality: Insights from CHAMPION trials

BACKGROUND

Controversies exist over the appropriate definition for peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PPMI) and its association with mortality. This study aims to evaluate one-year survival following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the association of different definitions of PPMI with survival among patients with stable angina (SA) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the contemporary era.

METHODS

We used data from the CHAMPION PLATFORM and CHAMPION PCI trials of patients undergoing PCI and conducted univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models to evaluate mortality risk during the first year after PCI. A blinded events committee adjudicated suspected PPMI defined by biomarker elevations ≥3× the upper limit of normal (ULN) or new Q-waves. We further analyzed PPMI by the magnitude of CK-MB elevation ([a] 3 to <5× ULN, [b] 5 to <10× ULN, [c] ≥10× ULN) or by the 2^nd universal definition of myocardial infarction (UDMI_CK-MB) excluding patients with evidence of myocardial infarction (MI) prior to PCI.

RESULTS

Of 13,968 patients, 11% initially presented with SA, and 89% with ACS. One-year mortality was 3.4% (SA: 1.5%; ACS: 3.6%). PPMI occurred in 6.3% of the patients (3 to <5× ULN: 2.5%; 5 to <10× ULN: 2.1%; ≥10× ULN: 1.6%; UDMI_CK-MB: 2.7%). After multivariable adjustment, a significantly higher risk of one-year mortality was observed for patients with PPMI compared with patients without PPMI (HR 2.35 [1.74-3.18], p < 0.001; 3 to <5× ULN: 1.55 [0.92-2.62], p = 0.10; 5 to <10× ULN: 1.22 [0.67-2.20], p = 0.52; ≥10× ULN: 4.78 [3.06-7.47], p < 0.001; UDMI_CK-MB: 2.19 [1.29-3.73], p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

PPMI occurred in 6.3% of the patients and was associated with increased risk of death within one year. Survival was not significantly impacted by PPMI if defined by periprocedural CK-MB elevations <10× ULN alone and without additional evaluation of symptoms or evidence of ischemia. These findings highlight the importance of PPMI for long-term outcome in the contemporary era and of its definition in the planning and interpretation of clinical trials.

Moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation: coronary artery bypass grafting with versus without simultaneous treatment of the mitral valve

BACKGROUND

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is a frequent complication of coronary artery heart disease and is associated with increased mortality. Controversies exists whether patients with moderate IMR may benefit from a combined procedure with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and treatment of mitral regurgitation.

METHODS

451 patients with moderate IMR (grade 2) receiving either CABG alone (CABG only) or additional mitral valve repair or replacement (CABG+MV) were included in this observational single-centre study. Patients were matched according to the number of bypass grafts, preoperative NYHA functional class and age. In total, 42 patients (21 CABG only, 21 CABG+MV) were analysed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 4.3±1.9 years. CABG alone reduced the IMR grade to 1.2±0.5, whereas the combined procedure resulted in a decrease to 0.6±0.7 (P=0.039). NYHA functional class was reduced from grade 2.8±0.6 to 1.6±0.5 (CABG only) and 2.0±1.1 (CABG+MV, P=0.55). Three- and five-year survival rates were 71% and 53% in the CABG only group compared to 60% both after 3 and 5 years in the CABG+MV group (P=0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

In this observational study, combined CABG and surgical treatment of moderate IMR was associated with a more effective reduction of IMR than CABG alone. No statistically significant differences in survival or NYHA functional class were observed. Further studies will need to investigate the value of additional mitral valve surgery in moderate IMR.

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy choices for patients with atrial fibrillation one year after coronary stenting or acute coronary syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Guidelines recommend a combined anticoagulant and antiplatelet approach for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary stenting (CS) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Finding the optimal balance of reducing ischemic risk and minimizing bleeding risk is challenging. Recent trials have evaluated a variety of regimens for up to one year for AF patients after CS/ACS. Little empiric evidence exists about the best antithrombotic strategy beyond one year.

AREAS COVERED

In this review two key areas are covered. First, a summary of the overall risk and benefits of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in patients with AF and CS or ACS is provided. Second, despite limited empiric evidence to guide therapeutic decisions for combined anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in patients with AF one year after CS/ACS we provide guidance for shared patient-physician decision making.

EXPERT OPINION

The evidence is limited. For all patients with AF and stable CAD (≥1 year after CS or ACS) the risk for thromboembolism, cardiovascular events and bleeding should be assessed individually. For patients with low bleeding risk and high risk for cardiovascular events, antiplatelet therapy might be added to anticoagulant therapy.

Dabigatran and rivaroxaban do not affect AA- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation in patients receiving concomitant platelet inhibitors

Dabigatran and rivaroxaban are novel, vitamin K-independent oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and act via antagonism of the coagulation factor (F) IIa (dabigatran) or FXa (rivaroxaban), respectively. Compared to vitamin-K-antagonists, NOACs have shown non-inferiority of risk and benefit in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). In clinical practice there is increasing use of NOACs combined with platelet inhibitors in patients with AF and coronary artery disease. However, whether NOACs affect the function of platelet inhibitors remains incompletely known. This observational study aimed to assess the platelet function in patients receiving dabigatran or rivaroxaban and concomitant platelet inhibitors. A single centre observational study was performed analysing the platelet aggregation of patients treated with dabigatran or rivaroxaban with or without concomitant platelet inhibitors. Measurements before the initiation of NOAC therapy served as the respective control group. Platelet aggregation was measured by multiple electrode aggregometry and was induced with adenosine diphosphate (ADP, 6.5 µM) and arachidonic acid (AA, 0.5 mM), respectively. In order to evaluate whether NOACs interact with platelet inhibition by ASA or the P2Y12-antagonist clopidogrel, 87 patients were grouped according to their concomitant antiplatelet medication. Comparing the ADP- and AA-induced platelet aggregation in patients without concomitant platelet inhibitors (n = 45) no significant differences under therapy with dabigatran (d) or rivaroxaban (r) compared to the control group (c) were observed. In patients taking clopidogrel as a concomitant platelet inhibitor (n = 21), neither dabigatran nor rivaroxaban affected the ADP-induced platelet aggregation (c 20 ± 11, d 21 ± 14, r 18 ± 8 AU*min, p = 0.200). Patients receiving dabigatran or rivaroxaban in combination with ASA (n = 42; 21 ASA only, 21 ASA + clopidogrel) showed no significant differences of the AA-induced aggregation compared to the control group (c 10 ± 8, d 9 ± 7, r 10 ± 8 AU*min, p = 0.810). The antiplatelet effects of ASA and clopidogrel monitored by AA- or ADP-induced platelet aggregation were not affected by NOAC therapy.