Cohort profile: the ESC EURObservational Research Programme Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (NSTEMI) Registry

AIMS

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) Registry aims to identify international patterns in NSTEMI management in clinical practice and outcomes against the 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without ST-segment-elevation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutively hospitalised adult NSTEMI patients (n = 3620) were enrolled between 11 March 2019 and 6 March 2021, and individual patient data prospectively collected at 287 centres in 59 participating countries during a two-week enrolment period per centre. The registry collected data relating to baseline characteristics, major outcomes (in-hospital death, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and 30-day mortality) and guideline-recommended NSTEMI care interventions: electrocardiogram pre- or in-hospital, pre-hospitalization receipt of aspirin, echocardiography, coronary angiography, referral to cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation advice, dietary advice, and prescription on discharge of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibition, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), beta-blocker, and statin.

CONCLUSION

The EORP NSTEMI Registry is an international, prospective registry of care and outcomes of patients treated for NSTEMI, which will provide unique insights into the contemporary management of hospitalised NSTEMI patients, compliance with ESC 2015 NSTEMI Guidelines, and identify potential barriers to optimal management of this common clinical presentation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Epidemiology and impact of frailty in patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a medical syndrome characterised by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. Data regarding the relationship between frailty and atrial fibrillation (AF) are still inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to perform a comprehensive evaluation of frailty in a large European cohort of AF patients.

METHODS

A 40-item frailty index (FI) was built according to the accumulation of deficits model in the AF patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Association of baseline characteristics, clinical management, quality of life, healthcare resources use and risk of outcomes with frailty was examined.

RESULTS

Among 10,177 patients [mean age (standard deviation) 69.0 (11.4) years, 4,103 (40.3%) females], 6,066 (59.6%) were pre-frail and 2,172 (21.3%) were frail, whereas only 1,939 (19.1%) were considered robust. Baseline thromboembolic and bleeding risks were independently associated with increasing FI. Frail patients with AF were less likely to be treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.89), especially with non-vitamin K antagonist OACs and managed with a rhythm control strategy, compared with robust patients. Increasing frailty was associated with a higher risk for all outcomes examined, with a non-linear exponential relationship. The use of OAC was associated with a lower risk of outcomes, except in patients with very/extremely high frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of AF patients, there was a high burden of frailty, influencing clinical management and risk of adverse outcomes. The clinical benefit of OAC is maintained in patients with high frailty, but not in very high/extremely frail ones.

3M™ Petrifilm™ Staph Express Count Plate Method for the Enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in Selected Types of Meat, Seafood, and Poultry: Collaborative Study

The 3M™ Petrifilm™ Staph Express Count plate method was compared with AOAC Official Method 975.55 for the enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in selected foods. Four foods—cooked, diced chicken; cured ham; smoked salmon; and pepperoni—were analyzed for S. aureus by 12 collaborating laboratories. For each food tested, the collaborators received 8 blind test samples consisting of a control sample, a low inoculation level, a medium inoculation level, and a medium inoculation level with background flora, each in duplicate. The mean log10 counts for the methods were comparable for all 4 foods. The repeatability and reproducibility variances of the 24 h Petrifilm Staph Express Count plate method were similar to those of the 72 h standard method.

Use and Yield of Baseline Imaging and Laboratory Testing in Stage II Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite guideline recommendations, baseline laboratory testing and advanced imaging are widely ordered in clinical practice to stage asymptomatic patients with clinical stage II breast cancer (BC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study at two academic centers in Boston, Massachusetts, between 2006 and 2007 explored the use, results, and implications of laboratory tests, tumor markers, and imaging in patients with clinical stage II BC.

RESULTS

Among 411 patients, 233 (57%) had liver function testing, 134 (33%) had tumor marker tests, and 237 (58%) had computed tomography (CT) as part of their initial diagnostic workup. Median age was 52 (range, 23-90 years). On multivariable analysis, young age, more advanced stage, and tumor subtype (human epidermal growth receptor-positive [HER2+] and triple-negative breast cancer [TNBC]) were significantly associated with baseline CT. The rate of detection of true metastatic disease with use of baseline staging imaging was 2.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.7%-5%). It was 2.2% (3 of 135) for estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor-positive disease, 1.9% (1 of 54) for HER2+ disease, and 2.1% (1 of 48) for TNBC. At 5 years of follow-up, 46 of 406 patients were diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Thirty-four of 46 (73.9%) who developed recurrent disease had imaging at their initial diagnosis, and of these, five had abnormalities on their initial imaging that was correlated with where they developed metastatic disease.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of women with stage II BC, staging imaging at diagnosis had a low yield in detecting distant metastases (2.1%). The detection rate was not higher with HER2+ disease or TNBC, despite the trend that patients with these subtypes were more likely to undergo imaging.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Despite guideline recommendations, asymptomatic patients with stage II breast cancer (BC) often undergo staging imaging with computed tomography, bone scanning, or positron emission tomography. Physicians have often reported that they order imaging despite recommendations because they believe that younger patients or patients with more aggressive BC phenotypes, such as human epidermal receptor 2-positive BC or triple-negative BC, benefit from staging imaging. In this cohort of women younger than those in prior studies, the yield of detecting distant metastatic disease in patients with clinical stage II BC was very low and the detection rate was not higher in the presence of HER2-positive or triple-negative BC.

GPs views and understanding of PSA testing, screening and early detection; survey

BACKGROUND

There is currently no national prostate cancer screening programme in the UK. However, patients 50 years and older are entitled to a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, if informed on the advantages and disadvantages of testing and their risk of cancer. The Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme (PCRMP) provides this guidance.

AIM

The aim of this study was to access GPs' views and understanding of PSA testing, prostate cancer screening and early detection.

METHOD

A total of 708 questionnaires were returned by GPs across two English regions in 2013 and the GP questionnaire responses were quantitatively analysed.

RESULTS

In the 699 completed questionnaires, the majority of GPs were well informed about PSA testing, screening and early detection. Only 32% used guidelines for referral, 14% knew all age-specific PSA referral levels, 71% that Black men have a higher prostate cancer risk than White men (22% correctly answered threefold increase) and 82% that family history is a risk factor. A further 78% thought electronic prompts during consultation would encourage PCRMP guideline usage and 75% had never been offered a PSA test and prostate cancer educational course, of which 73% would like to attend a course. Only 23% were aware of the latest PSA screening evidence and 94% would like an update.

CONCLUSIONS

Participating GPs seem to be well informed but need more information and tools to help follow recommended guidance. In particular, increased awareness of PCRMP guidelines especially by automated methods, further educational courses and evidence updates would be beneficial.

Prostate-specific antigen testing rates and referral patterns from general practice data in England

BACKGROUND

There is currently no national screening programme for prostate cancer in England, but eligible men can request a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test from their general practitioner (GP). There are no routinely available data to monitor the extent of PSA testing and referral.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of PSA testing in general practice and subsequent patterns of referral.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Data obtained from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) for men aged 45-84 years who had a PSA test during 2010-2011, registered in practices in England with linked Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data.

METHOD

Patient data were linked to previous tests and consultations. Rates of PSA testing and proportions of men retested and referred to secondary care were calculated.

RESULTS

Overall, 8.74 (95% CI 8.67-8.82) of men per 100 person-years were tested at least once in 2010, and 9.45 (95% CI 9.37-9.53) in 2011. Rates increased with age and decreased with increasing level of deprivation. Of the 53,069 men tested in 2010, 11,289 (21.3%) had a previous PSA test within the past 12 months. Of men with raised PSA according to age specific guidelines, 22.4% (2113/9425) were referred to secondary care within 14 days, with 36% of the remainder retested within 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of PSA testing have increased compared with earlier studies; the data suggest that many GPs are retesting men with raised PSA rather than referring immediately. More routine data on PSA testing, including reasons for testing, and subsequent management and outcomes, are required.

Motor function levels and pelvic parameters in walking or ambulating children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

In children with cerebral palsy, spinal equilibrium and pelvic strategies may vary according to the functional status.

OBJECTIVES

To study the relationship between motor function and pelvic and spinal parameters in a population of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (rated from level I to level IV on Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS]). A sagittal X-ray of the spine in the standing position was analyzed with Optispine(®) software.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 114 children and adolescents (mean [range] age: 12.35 [4-17]). For the study population as a whole, there were significant overall correlations between the GMFCS level on one hand and pelvic incidence and pelvic tilt (PT) on the other (P=0.013 and 0.021, respectively).

DISCUSSION

Pelvic parameters vary according to the GMFCS level but do not appear to affect spinal curvature. The sacrum is positioned in front of the head of the femur (i.e. negative PT) in GMFCS level I and progressively moves backwards (i.e. positive PT) in GMFCS levels II, III and IV.

A comparison of epidural and cerebrospinal fluid glucose in parturients at term: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Detecting inadvertent dural puncture during labour epidural insertion can be difficult when using a loss of resistance to saline technique. Testing fluid for glucose that leaks from a Tuohy needle may confirm the presence of cerebrospinal fluid and infer inadvertent dural puncture. This study compared the glucose content of intrathecal fluid obtained during spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean delivery with that of fluid from a Tuohy needle or epidural catheter when establishing epidural analgesia for labour.

METHODS

Women aged ≥18 years undergoing elective caesarean delivery and labouring parturients who requested epidural analgesia were recruited prospectively in a tertiary referral centre over a three-month period. Fluid was collected into a sterile container either during spinal anaesthesia or from a labour epidural needle. Glucose content was evaluated using a bedside blood glucometer and laboratory colorimetric analyzer.

RESULTS

Of the 118 women approached, 115 participated. All 40 women having spinal anaesthesia and 2/75 (2.7%) women having epidural analgesia, in whom inadvertent dural puncture was subsequently confirmed, had fluid samples testing positive for glucose. Median [range] laboratory glucose readings were 2.9 [1.3-5.1] mmol/L for cerebrospinal fluid and <0.3 mmol/L in fluid that leaked from a Tuohy needle (P=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

When using a loss of resistance to saline technique for epidural catheter placement, bedside glucometer testing of fluid leaking from the epidural needle may be of value in the early detection of inadvertent dural puncture.

Clinical vignettes in Parkinson's disease: a collection of unusual medication-induced hallucinations, delusions, and compulsive behaviours

Hallucinations, delusions, and compulsive behaviors are frequent iatrogenic complications of the treatment of motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD). Although these have been studied, and the phenomenology described, there are few detailed descriptions of the various psychiatric problems our treated PD patients live with that allow physicians who do not have a great deal of experience with PD patients to appreciate the extent of their altered lives. This report is a compilation of vignettes describing these behavioral problems that the treating neurologist or psychiatrist attributed to the medications used for treating PD.

Characterisation of bacteria in ascites--reporting the potential of culture-independent, molecular analysis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication of liver disease. A significant proportion of patients have culture-negative ascites, despite having similar signs, symptoms and mortality to those with SBP. Therefore, empirical antibiotic treatment for infection is often started without knowledge of the causative organisms. Here, we investigated the potential of molecular techniques to provide rapid and accurate characterisation of the bacteria present in ascitic fluid. Ascites samples were obtained from 29 cirrhotic patients undergoing clinically indicated therapeutic paracentesis. Bacterial content was determined by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 16S ribosomal clone sequence analysis. Bacterial signal was detected in all samples, compared to three out of ten using standard methods. Bacterial loads ranged from 5.5 x 10(2) to 5.4 x 10(7) cfu/ml, with a mean value of 1.9 x 10(6) cfu/ml (standard deviation +/- 9.6 x 10(6) cfu/ml). In all but one instance, bacterial species identified by culture were also confirmed by molecular analyses. Preliminary data presented here suggests that culture-independent, molecular analyses could provide rapid characterisation of the bacterial content of ascites fluid, providing a basis for the investigation of SBP development and allowing early and targeted antibiotic intervention.

"It's crucial they're treated as patients": ethical guidance and empirical evidence regarding treating doctor-patients

Ethical guidance from the British Medical Association (BMA) about treating doctor-patients is compared and contrasted with evidence from a qualitative study of general practitioners (GPs) who have been patients. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 GPs who had experienced a significant illness. Their experiences were discussed and issues about both being and treating doctor-patients were revealed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to evaluate the data. In this article data extracts are used to illustrate and discuss three key points that summarise the BMA ethical guidance, in order to develop a picture of how far experiences map onto guidance. The data illustrate and extend the complexities of the issues outlined by the BMA document. In particular, differences between experienced GPs and those who have recently completed their training are identified. This analysis will be useful for medical professionals both when they themselves are unwell and when they treat doctor-patients. It will also inform recommendations for professionals who educate medical students or trainees.

A 12-week, placebo-controlled study (6002-US-006) of istradefylline in Parkinson disease

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy of istradefylline, a selective adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist, was evaluated in a 12-week, double-blind study in levodopa-treated Parkinson disease (PD) subjects with motor complications.

METHODS

Levodopa-treated PD subjects (n = 395) received istradefylline 20 mg/day (n = 163), istradefylline 60 mg/day (n = 155), or placebo (n = 77) at 40 sites. The primary efficacy variable was the change in the percentage of time per day spent in the OFF state. Secondary measurements assessed change in ON time, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, and Clinical Global Impression. Safety monitoring included clinical laboratory, electrocardiograms, vital signs, physical/neurologic examinations, and adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

Changes from baseline to endpoint in the percentage OFF time in the active groups compared with placebo were -4.35% (95% CI -8.16 to -0.54; p = 0.026) for istradefylline 20 mg/day and -4.49% (95% CI -8.35 to -0.62; p = 0.024) for 60 mg/day; these changes were significant (analysis of covariance). For total hours, istradefylline demonstrated mean differences from placebo of -0.64 hours (95% CI -1.30 to 0.01) for 20 mg/day and -0.77 hours (95% CI -1.44 to -0.11) for 60 mg/day (p = 0.065; overall treatment effect). Clinical response occurred by the second week and was maintained throughout the study. Istradefylline was well tolerated. The common AEs were dyskinesia, nausea, dizziness, and hallucinations.

CONCLUSIONS

Istradefylline demonstrated a significant reduction in the percentage of awake time per day spent in the OFF state, which resulted in a clinically meaningful reduction in OFF time, without an increase in ON time with troublesome dyskinesia, and was well tolerated as adjunctive treatment to levodopa in Parkinson disease.

Extensive myofascial necrosis: a delayed complication of botulinum toxin therapy

Botulinum toxin is now an important therapeutic agent in various clinical specialties. Although a lot is known about its short-term effects, little is known about the long-term effects or delayed complications. Most of the therapeutic effects appear within a week and last for 10-12 weeks. In most cases, the side effects are mild and often self-limiting and tend to occur within the first week. Myofascial necrosis and delayed onset of side effects are rarely reported and present a new challenge for a drug that has been proclaimed as an anti-ageing drug by the lay press and is widely used outside the licensed indications.

Developing clinically relevant and reproducible symptom-defined populations for cancer diagnostic research in general practice using a community survey

BACKGROUND

In developing cancer diagnostic studies, there is a particular need for the population of patients with symptoms of possible oncological significance who consult the GP in 'real life' to be comparable with the group of individuals with symptoms constructed as part of a research project.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to seek to assess whether a community-based symptom survey can be harnessed in order to produce clinically relevant and reproducible populations within which studies of more detailed indicants could be undertaken.

METHOD

A total of 3629 patients registered with a general practice at Winterton, UK, were sent a questionnaire enquiring about 10 symptoms of possible oncological significance together with their consultation intention in relation to these symptoms. Up to 1 month later, an identical questionnaire was applied to all patients reporting at least one symptom, and more detailed information was obtained by research nurses on each symptom.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 64.4%, and 850 patients reported one or more symptoms. For the majority of symptom reports, there was moderate to substantial agreement between the two applications of the questionnaire. The question on blood in the motions/toilet pan or on the toilet paper demonstrated almost perfect agreement. Slight agreement was found for abdominal pain for longer than 4 weeks and for black/tarry motions. In relation to the reliability of the patient consultation intention, there was substantial/moderate agreement for actions related to the majority of symptoms. For all symptoms, there was also a greater level of agreement for past activity than future intent.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study provide some support for a community survey as a mechanism to develop 'clinically relevant' populations for the iatrotropic symptoms rectal bleeding or indigestion/heartburn within which studies of more detailed indicants could be undertaken. There is also consistency with the work of others in relation to the numbers and characteristics of patients within the 'clinically relevant' population.

Comparison between HIV- and CMV-specific T cell responses in long-term HIV infected donors

The mechanisms underlying non-progression in HIV-1 infection are not well understood; however, this state has been associated previously with strong HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cell responses and the preservation of proliferative CD4+ T cell responses to HIV-1 antigens. Using a combination of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) ELISpot assays and tetramer staining, the HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cell populations were quantified and characterized in untreated long-term HIV-1-infected non-progressors and individuals with slowly progressive disease, both in relation to CD4+ T cell responses, and in comparison with responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens. High levels of CD8+ T cell responses specific for HIV-1 or CMV were observed, but neither their frequency nor their phenotype seemed to differ between the two patient groups. Moreover, while CMV-specific CD4+ T cell responses were preserved in these donors, IFN-gamma release by HIV-1-specific CD4+ T cells was generally low. These data raise questions with regard to the role played by CD8+ T cells in the establishment and maintenance of long-term non-progression.

Rapid (partial) prescreening of cervical smears: the quality control method of choice?

Rapid rescreening of all negative and inadequate smears is the quality control method of choice in the UK. The sensitivity of primary screening of laboratory and individual screeners are major indicators of screening quality and are dependent on the number of false negative smears found by rapid screening for their calculation. High sensitivity may indicate good quality primary screening or poor quality rapid review. Quantifiably high quality rapid rescreening is essential if these sensitivity figures are to be meaningful. A 12-month study was undertaken in routine practice using the prescreening mode to ascertain the sensitivity of rapid (partial) screening in our department. The final results of smears were compared with those of rapid prescreening. The calculated sensitivity ranged from 92-54% for high-grade abnormalities and 75-33% for all grades, revealing a wide range of performance between individual prescreeners. Rapid prescreening can identify individuals best suited to rapid screening in routine practice. By using these prescreeners only, the sensitivity of cervical screening could be raised. Rapid (partial) prescreening should be considered as the quality control method of choice.

Signals that initiate somatic hypermutation of B cells in vitro

Somatic hypermutation is initiated as B lymphocytes proliferate in germinal centers. The signals that switch on the mutation process are unknown. We have derived an in vitro system to define signals that will initiate mutation in normal, naive splenic B cells. We find that three signals are required to allow detection of somatic mutation in vitro; these are anti-Ig, anti-CD40, and anti-CD38. If any one of these is omitted, mutation remains off. We show that CD40 is obligatory in vivo, as CD40 knockout mice exhibit no Ag-driven mutation. In contrast, CD38 is not, as CD38 knockout mice mutate normally. We believe that, in vitro, CD38, in combination with other stimuli, drives extensive cell division, allowing the detection of mutated sequences. However, in germinal centers in vivo, proliferative activity is instigated by a different molecule. This is the first demonstration of the initiation of hypermutation in vitro with normal splenic B cells using defined stimuli.

Social competition in school: relationships with bullying, Machiavellianism and personality

BACKGROUND

Bullying is investigated as part of the individual's general framework of attitudes towards interpersonal relationships, social competition and motivation in school.

AIMS

It was hypothesised that bullying behaviour and pro-bullying attitudes would be associated with socially competitive attitudes in the classroom, Machiavellianism, and the personality constructs of Psychoticism and Extraversion.

SAMPLES

198 9- to 12-year-old children from two Glasgow primary schools.

METHODS

Children completed several measures: a newly developed questionnaire assessing motivations behind social competition and effort in class, the Kiddie-Mach scale, the Pro-Victim scale, items from the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire, and the Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire.

RESULTS

A 'Desire for social success' factor (incorporating a deliberate lack of effort) was negatively correlated with support for victims of bullying, even after partialling out Machiavellianism, Psychoticism, and social desirability. Pro-victim attitudes were in turn negatively correlated with Machiavellianism and Psychoticism, and positively correlated with Lie score. Finally, children categorised as bullies scored significantly higher than controls on Machiavellianism, and significantly lower in terms of pro-victim attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS

Results are discussed in terms of further study and implications for classroom practice and anti-bullying policy.

Analysis of 4070A envelope levels in retroviral preparations and effect on target cell transduction efficiency

A number of stable producer cell lines for high-titer Mo-MuLV vectors have been constructed. Development has previously centered on increasing end-point titers by producing maximal levels of Mo-MuLV Gag/Pol, envelope glycoproteins, and retroviral RNA genomes. We describe the production yields and transduction efficiency characteristics of two Mo-MuLV packaging cell lines, FLYA13 and TEFLYA. Although they both produce 4070A-pseudotyped retroviral vectors reproducibly at >1 x 10(6) LFU ml(-1), the transduction efficiency of unconcentrated and concentrated virus from FLYA13 lines is poor compared with vector preparations from TEFLYA lines. A powerful inhibitor of retroviral transduction is secreted by FLYA13 packaging cells. We show that the inhibitory factor does not affect transduction of target cells by RD114-pseudotyped vectors. This suggests that the inhibitory factor functions at the level of envelope-receptor interactions. Phosphate starvation of target cells shows a two-fold increase in Pit2 receptor mRNA and causes some improvement in FLYA13 virus transduction efficiency. Western blots show that FLYA13 viral samples contain an eight-fold higher ratio of 4070A envelope to p30gag than that of virus produced by TEFLYA producer cell lines. This study correlates overexpression of 4070A envelope glycoprotein in retroviral preparations with a reduction of transduction efficiency at high multiplicities of infection. We suggest that TEFLYA packaging cells express preferable levels of 4070A compared with FLYA13, which not only enables high-titer stocks to be generated, but also facilitates a high efficiency of transduction of target cells.

Acute results, complications, and effect of lesion characteristics on outcome with the solid-state, pulsed-wave, mid-infrared laser angioplasty system: final multicenter registry report. Holmium:YAG Laser Multicenter Investigators

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The solid-state, mid-infrared holmium:YAG laser (2.1 microm wavelength) is a relatively new percutaneous device that has recently been evaluated in a multicenter study. Because of its unique wavelength and photoacoustic effects on atherosclerotic plaques, this laser may be useful in treatment of symptomatic patients with coronary artery disease. This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mid-infrared laser angioplasty in the treatment of coronary artery lesions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Laser angioplasty was performed on 2,038 atherosclerotic lesions in 1,862 consecutive patients with a mean age of 61 +/- 11 years. Clinical indications included unstable angina (69%), stable angina (20%), acute infarction (6%), and positive exercise test (5%). Complex lesion morphology included eccentricity (62%), thrombus (30%), total occlusion (27%), long lesions (14%), and saphenous vein grafts (11%).

RESULTS

This laser catheter alone successfully reduced stenosis (>20%) in 87% of lesions. With adjunct balloon angioplasty, 93% procedural success was achieved. The presence of thrombus within the target lesion was a predictor of procedural success (OR = 2.0 [95% confidence interval 2.0, 4.0], P = .04). Bifurcation lesions (OR = 0.5 [95% confidence interval 0.2, 1.0], P = .05) and severe tortuosity of the treated vessel (OR = 0.4 [95% confidence interval 0.2, 0.9], P = .02) were identified as significant predictors of decreased laser success. Calcium within the lesion was associated with reduced procedural success (OR = 0.57 [95% confidence interval 0.34, 0.97], P = .03), and calcified lesions required significantly more energy pulses than noncalcified lesions (119 +/- 91 pulses vs. 101 +/- 86 pulses, respectively, P = .0002). Complications included in-hospital bypass surgery 2.5%, Q-wave myocardial infarction 1.2%, and death 0.8%. Perforation occurred in 2.2% of patients; major dissection in 5.8% of patients, and spasm in 12% of patients. No predictor of major complications was identified. Six-month angiographic restenosis was documented in 54% of patients, and clinical restenosis occurred in 34% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Mid-infrared laser has a safety profile similar to that of other debulking devices. This laser may be useful in select patients presenting with acute ischemic syndromes associated with intracoronary thrombus; however, like other coronary lasers, it is limited by the need for adjunctive balloon angioplasty and/or stenting to achieve adequate final luminal diameter. No beneficial effects on reducing 6-month restenosis rates were observed.