Merging machine learning and patient preference: a novel tool for risk prediction of percutaneous coronary interventions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Predicting personalized risk for adverse events following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains critical in weighing treatment options, employing risk mitigation strategies, and enhancing shared decision-making. This study aimed to employ machine learning models using pre-procedural variables to accurately predict common post-PCI complications.

METHODS

A group of 66 adults underwent a semiquantitative survey assessing a preferred list of outcomes and model display. The machine learning cohort included 107 793 patients undergoing PCI procedures performed at 48 hospitals in Michigan between 1 April 2018 and 31 December 2021 in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium (BMC2) registry separated into training and validation cohorts. External validation was conducted in the Cardiac Care Outcomes Assessment Program database of 56 583 procedures in 33 hospitals in Washington.

RESULTS

Overall rate of in-hospital mortality was 1.85% (n = 1999), acute kidney injury 2.51% (n = 2519), new-onset dialysis 0.44% (n = 462), stroke 0.41% (n = 447), major bleeding 0.89% (n = 942), and transfusion 2.41% (n = 2592). The model demonstrated robust discrimination and calibration for mortality {area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.930 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.920-0.940]}, acute kidney injury [AUC: 0.893 (95% CI 0.883-0.903)], dialysis [AUC: 0.951 (95% CI 0.939-0.964)], stroke [AUC: 0.751 (95%CI 0.714-0.787)], transfusion [AUC: 0.917 (95% CI 0.907-0.925)], and major bleeding [AUC: 0.887 (95% CI 0.870-0.905)]. Similar discrimination was noted in the external validation population. Survey subjects preferred a comprehensive list of individually reported post-procedure outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Using common pre-procedural risk factors, the BMC2 machine learning models accurately predict post-PCI outcomes. Utilizing patient feedback, the BMC2 models employ a patient-centred tool to clearly display risks to patients and providers (https://shiny.bmc2.org/pci-prediction/). Enhanced risk prediction prior to PCI could help inform treatment selection and shared decision-making discussions.

Stingray CART (K14 technique): A novel antegrade dissection reentry strategy

A novel device based CART technique (K14 technique) has been described with 2 case examples to illustrate the same. This CART has been performed after ADR and Reverse-CART were unsuccessful.

Government Regulation and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Volume, Access and Outcomes: Insights From the Washington State Cardiac Care Outcomes Assessment Program

Background

It is unclear how to geographically distribute percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) programs to optimize patient outcomes. The Washington State Certificate of Need program seeks to balance hospital volume and patient access through regulation of elective PCI.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all non‐Veterans Affairs hospitals with PCI programs in Washington State from 2009 to 2018. Hospitals were classified as having (1) full PCI services and surgical backup (legacy hospitals, n=17); (2) full services without surgical backup (new certificate of need [CON] hospitals, n=9); or (3) only nonelective PCI without surgical backup (myocardial infarction [MI] access hospitals, n=9). Annual median hospital‐level volumes were highest at legacy hospitals (605, interquartile range, 466–780), followed by new CON, (243, interquartile range, 146–287) and MI access, (61, interquartile range, 23–145). Compared with MI access hospitals, risk‐adjusted mortality for nonelective patients was lower for legacy (odds ratio [OR], 0.59 [95% CI, 0.48–0.72]) and new‐CON hospitals (OR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.45–0.65]). Legacy hospitals provided access within 60 minutes for 90% of the population; addition of new CON and MI access hospitals resulted in only an additional 1.5% of the population having access within 60 minutes.

Conclusions

Many PCI programs in Washington State do not meet minimum volume standards despite regulation designed to consolidate elective PCI procedures. This CON strategy has resulted in a tiered system that includes low‐volume centers treating high‐risk patients with poor outcomes, without significant increase in geographic access. CON policies should re‐evaluate the number and distribution of PCI programs.

Potential Impact of the 2019 ACC/AHA Guidelines on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Recommendations on the Inappropriate Routine Use of Aspirin and Aspirin Use Without a Recommended Indication for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Cardiology Practices: Insights From the NCDR PINNACLE Registry

BACKGROUND

Aspirin is recommended in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease for secondary prevention. In patients without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and not at high 10-year risk, there is no evidence aspirin reduces adverse cardiovascular events and it could increase bleeding. The 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease state that aspirin may be considered for primary prevention (class IIb) in patients 40 to 70 years that are at higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and that routine use of aspirin should be avoided (class III:Harm) for patients >70 years. We examined the frequency of patients on aspirin for primary prevention that would have been considered unindicated or potentially harmful per the recent guideline where aspirin discontinuation may be beneficial.

METHODS

To assess the potential impact, within the National Cardiovascular Disease Registry Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence Registry, we assessed 855 366 patients from 400 practices with encounters between January 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019, that were receiving aspirin for primary prevention. We defined inappropriate use as the use of aspirin in patients <40 or >70 years and use without a recommended indication as use of aspirin in patients 40 to 70 years with low, borderline, or intermediate 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Frequency of inappropriate use and use without a recommended indication were calculated and practice-level variation was evaluated using the median rate ratio.

RESULTS

Inappropriate use occurred in 27.6% (193 674/701 975) and use without a recommended indication in 26.0% (31 810/122 507) with significant practice-level variation in inappropriate use (predicted median practice-level rate 33.5%, interquartile range, 24.1% to 40.8%; median rate ratio, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.67-1.76]).

CONCLUSIONS

Immediately before the 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, over one-fourth of patients in this national registry were receiving aspirin for primary prevention inappropriately or without a recommended indication with significant practice-level variation. These findings help to determine the potential impact of guideline recommendations on contemporary use of aspirin for primary prevention.

Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Familial Hypercholesteremia

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of contemporary data regarding the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction among patients with familial hypercholesteremia.

METHODS

We queried the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016-2018) for hospitalizations with acute myocardial infarction. Multivariable regression analysis was used to compare in-hospital outcomes and 30-day readmissions among patients with and without familial hypercholesteremia.

RESULTS

The analysis included 1,363,488 hospitalizations with acute myocardial infarction. The prevalence of familial hypercholesteremia was 0.07% among acute myocardial infarction admissions. Compared with those without familial hypercholesteremia, admissions with familial hypercholesteremia were younger and had less comorbidities but were more likely to have had prior infarct and revascularization. Admissions with familial hypercholesteremia were more likely to present with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and undergo revascularization. After multivariable adjustment, there was no difference in in-hospital case fatality among patients with hypercholesteremia compared with those without it (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-1.39). Admissions with acute myocardial infarction and familial hypercholesteremia had higher adjusted rates of cardiac arrest and utilization of mechanical support. There were no group differences in overall 30-day readmission (aOR 0.75; 95% CI 0.51-1.10) or 30-day readmission for acute myocardial infarction. However, a nonsignificant trend toward higher readmission for percutaneous coronary intervention was observed among patients with familial hypercholesteremia (aOR 1.89; 95% CI 0.98-3.64).

CONCLUSION

In this contemporary nationwide observational analysis, patients with familial hypercholesteremia represent a small proportion of the overall population with acute myocardial infarction and have a distinctive clinical profile but do not appear to have worse in-hospital case fatality compared with those without familial hypercholesteremia.

Intravascular coronary brachytherapy combined with a drug-coated balloon

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease leads to stenosis of the major cardiac vessels, resulting in ischemia and infarction. Percutaneous intervention (PCI) with balloon angioplasty can re-open stenosed vessels. Drug eluting stents (DES) and intravascular brachytherapy (IVBT) and drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are proven to decrease the likelihood of another restenosis after PCI, but neither is completely effective. Due to the limited long-term effectiveness of IVBT or DCB used separately for salvage PCI, we combined the two in some poor prognosis patients.

METHODS

Combined IVBT+DCB was intended for a total of 36 patients from 2015-2020. PCI with some combination of ballooning, laser and directional/rotational atherectomy was used to maximally open the stenotic region prior to IVBT+DCB. Beta-radiation brachytherapy for all patients was done with a Novoste Beta-Cath. Lutonix 4.0 x 40 mm paclitaxel-coated balloons (Bard, Murray Hill, NJ) were employed.

RESULTS

Overall survival at two years was 88%. Nine patients had follow-up angiograms, all for cardiac symptoms. Time from IVBT+DCB to follow-up angiography ranged from 4 to 33 months. The average months PCI-free interval before brachy therapy was 11.1 mos (95% CI 1.03-23.25) versus 23.3 mos after VBT (23.3 95% CI 12.3-32.3). The mean difference was 11.2 mos (95% CI 1.06-21.4, p < 0.031). None of the follow-up angiographic procedures displayed evidence of what could be interpreted as radiation damage.

CONCLUSIONS

In this uncontrolled series, IVBT plus DCB appeared to lengthen the ISR-free interval relative to what had been achieved prior to the combined intervention. We view these results as mildly encouraging, worthy of further study.

Interventional cardiologists' perceptions of percutaneous coronary intervention quality measurement and feedback

BACKGROUND

Interventional cardiologists receive feedback on their clinical care from a variety of sources including registry-based quality measures, case conferences, and informal peer interactions. However, the impact of this feedback on clinical care is unclear.

METHODS

We interviewed interventional cardiologists regarding the use of feedback to improve their care of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients. Interviews were assessed with template analysis using deductive and inductive techniques.

RESULTS

Among 20 interventional cardiologists from private, academic, and Department of Veterans Affairs practice, 85% were male, 75% performed at least 100 PCIs annually, and 55% were in practice for 5 years or more. All reported receiving feedback on their practice, including formal quality measures and peer learning activities. Many respondents were critical of quality measure reporting, citing lack of trust in outcomes measures and poor applicability to clinical care. Some respondents reported the use of process measures such as contrast volume and fluoroscopy time for benchmarking their performance. Case conferences and informal peer feedback were perceived as timelier and more impactful on clinical care. Respondents identified facilitators of successful feedback interventions including transparent processes, respectful and reciprocal peer relationships, and integration of feedback into collective goals. Hierarchy and competitive environments inhibited useful feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite substantial resources dedicated to performance measurement and feedback for PCI, interventional cardiologists perceive existing quality measures to be of only modest value for improving clinical care. Catherization laboratories should seek to integrate quality measures into a holistic quality program that emphasizes peer learning, collective goals and mutual respect.

Association Between 90-Minute Door-to-Balloon Time, Selective Exclusion of Myocardial Infarction Cases, and Access Site Choice: Insights From the Cardiac Care Outcomes Assessment Program (COAP) in Washington State

BACKGROUND

For patients presenting with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, national quality initiatives monitor hospitals' proportion of cases with door-to-balloon (D2B) time under 90 minutes. Hospitals are allowed to exclude patients from reporting and may modify behavior to improve performance. We sought to identify whether there is a discontinuity in the number of cases included in the D2B time metric at 90 minutes and whether operators were increasingly likely to pursue femoral access in patients with less time to meet the 90-minute quality metric.

METHODS

Adult patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention from 2011 to 2018 were identified from the Cardiac Care Outcomes Assessment Program, a quality improvement registry in Washington state. We used the regression discontinuity framework to test for discontinuity at 90 minutes among the included cases. We defined a novel variable, remaining D2B as 90 minutes minus the time between hospital arrival and catheterization laboratory arrival. We estimated multivariable logistic regression models to assess the relationship between remaining D2B time and access site.

RESULTS

A total of 19 348 patients underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and were included in the analysis. Overall, 7436 (38.4%) were excluded from the metric. There appeared to be a visual discontinuity in included cases around 90 minutes; however, local quadratic regression around the 90-minute cutoff did not reveal evidence of a significant discontinuity (P=0.66). Multivariable analysis showed no significant relationship between remaining D2B time and the odds of undergoing femoral access (P=0.73).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, we did not find evidence of a statistically significant discontinuity in the frequency of included cases around 90 minutes or an increased preference for femoral access correlated with decreasing time to meet the 90-minute D2B time quality metric. Together, these findings indicate no evidence of widespread inappropriate methods to improve performance on D2B time metrics.

Eligibility for Low-Dose Rivaroxaban Based on the COMPASS Trial: Insights from the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System

INTRODUCTION

Low-dose rivaroxaban reduced major adverse cardiac and limb events among patients with stable atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASCVD) in the COMPASS trial. The objective of our study was to evaluate the eligibility and budgetary impact of the COMPASS trial in a real-world population.

METHODS

The VA administrative and clinical databases were utilized to conduct a cross-sectional study to identify patients eligible for low-dose rivaroxaban receiving care at all 141 facilities between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015. Proportion of patients with stable ASCVD eligible for low-dose rivaroxaban and prevalence of multiple risk enrichment criteria among eligible patients. Pharmaceutical budgetary impact using VA pharmacy pricing. Chi-squared and Student's t tests were used to compare patients eligible versus ineligible patients.

RESULTS

From an initial cohort of 1,248,214 patients with ASCVD, 488,495 patients (39.1%) met trial eligibility criteria. Eligible patients were older (74.2 vs 64.5 years) with higher proportion of hypertension (84.1% vs 82.1%) and diabetes (46.2% vs 32.9) compared with ineligible patients (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). A median of 38.7% (IQR 4.6%) of total ASCVD patients per facility were rivaroxaban eligible. Estimated annual VA pharmacy budgetary impact would range from $0.47 billion to $1.88 billion for 25% to 100% treatment penetration. Annual facility level pharmaceutical budgetary impact would be a median of $12.3 million (IQR $8.0-$16.3 million) for treatment of all eligible patients. Among eligible patients, age greater than 65 years was the most common risk enrichment factor (86.9%). Prevalence of eligible patients with multiple enrichment factors varied from 34.2% (one factor) to 6.2% (four or more).

CONCLUSION

Over one third of patients with stable ASCVD may qualify for low-dose rivaroxaban within the VA. Additional studies are needed to understand eligibility in other populations and a formal cost-effectiveness analysis is warranted.

Management of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Complications: Algorithms From the 2018 and 2019 Seattle Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Complications Conference

Complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may have significant impact on patient survival and healthcare costs. PCI procedural complexity and patient risk are increasing, and operators must be prepared to recognize and treat complications, such as perforations, dissections, hemodynamic collapse, no-reflow, and entrapped equipment. Unfortunately, few resources exist to train operators in PCI complication management. Uncertainty regarding complication management could contribute to the undertreatment of patients with high-complexity coronary disease. We, therefore, coordinated the Learning From Complications: How to Be a Better Interventionalist courses to disseminate the collective experience of high-volume PCI operators with extensive experience in chronic total occlusion and high-risk PCI. From these conferences in 2018 and 2019, we developed algorithms that emphasize early recognition, effective treatment, and team-based care of PCI complications. We think that an algorithmic approach will result in a logical and systematic response to life-threatening complications. This construct may be useful for operators who plan to perform complex PCI procedures.

Temporal Trends in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Insights From the Washington Cardiac Care Outcomes Assessment Program

Background

Patient selection and outcomes for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have changed over the past decade. However, there is limited information on outcomes for both revascularization strategies in the same population. The study evaluated temporal changes in risk profile, procedural characteristics, and clinical outcomes for PCI‐ and CABG‐treated patients.

Methods and Results

We analyzed all PCI and isolated CABG between 2005 and 2017 in nonfederal hospitals in Washington State. Descriptive analysis was performed to evaluate temporal changes in risk profile and, risk‐adjusted in‐hospital mortality. Over the study period, 178 474 PCI and 36 592 CABG procedures were performed. PCI and CABG volume decreased by 2.9% and 22.6%, respectively. Compared with 2005–2009, patients receiving either form of revascularization between 2014 and 2017 had a higher prevalence of comorbidities including diabetes mellitus and hypertension and dialysis. Presentation with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (17% versus 20%) and cardiogenic shock (2.4% versus 3.4%) increased for patients with PCI compared with CABG. Conversely, clinical acuity decreased for patients receiving CABG over the study period. From 2005 to 2017, mean National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI mortality score increased for patients treated with PCI (20.1 versus 22.4, P<0.0001) and decreased for patients treated with CABG (18.8 versus 17.8, P<0.0001). Adjusted observed/expected in‐hospital mortality ratio increased for PCI (0.98 versus 1.19, P<0.0001) but decreased for CABG (1.21 versus 0.74, P<0.0001) over the study period.

Conclusions

Clinical acuity increased for patients treated with PCI rather than CABG. This resulted in an increase in adjusted observed/expected mortality ratio for patients undergoing PCI and a decrease for CABG. These shifts may reflect an increased use of PCI instead of CABG for patients considered to be at high surgical risk.

Abstract 259: Association Between 90-minute Door-to-balloon Time and Selective Exclusion of Myocardial Infarction Cases: Insights From the Cardiac Care Outcomes Assessment Program From Washington State

Background: For patients presenting with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), shorter door-to-balloon (D2B) times are associated with lower mortality, and national quality improvement initiatives encourage hospitals to reduce D2B time to ≤90 minutes. Hospitals can exclude patients from public reporting for various non-system reasons. This raises the possibility that cases with D2B time marginally over 90 minutes may be excluded inappropriately to avoid detrimental effects of not meeting the cutoff.

Methods: All adult patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI in 2011-2018 in Washington State were identified from the Cardiac Care Outcomes Assessment Program, a statewide public reporting program. We compared the proportion of cases excluded from public reporting above and below the 90-minute D2B cutoff using Chi-Square analysis. We then plotted histograms of frequency of cases by D2B time and used a regression discontinuity framework to test for a discontinuity in the frequency of reported cases at 90 minutes, with a sharp cutoff at 90 minutes and 5-minute bandwidth around the cutoff.

Findings: Of 19,348 patients, 7,436 (38.4%) were excluded from the D2B metric. Among patients with D2B time 85-90 minutes, 47.9% (477/996) were excluded, versus 54.4% (345/634) of patients with D2B time 90-95 minutes (p < 0.01). Patient and procedural characteristics were similar for those with D2B time 85-90 versus 90-95 minutes. After application of exclusion criteria, there appeared to be a visible discontinuity in the distribution of cases around 90 minutes (Figure). However, local quadratic regression with bandwidths of 5 minutes above and below the 90-minute cutoff did not find a significant discontinuity (p = 0.66).

Conclusions: Among patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI in Washington State, a higher proportion of patients with D2B time of 90-95 minutes were excluded from public reporting compared with 85-90 minutes; however, there was no evidence of a discontinuity in the frequency of reported cases around the 90-minute cutoff. Together, these findings suggest that although more patients are excluded above the cutoff, there is no evidence of systemic manipulation or inappropriate exclusion of cases near the cutoff.

Figure: An overlaid distribution centered at 90 minutes of included and excluded cases

Management of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Complicating Acute Coronary Syndromes

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) complicating acute coronary syndromes (ACS) continues to carry a high rate of morbidity and mortality despite significant advances in EMS and interventional cardiology services. In this review, we discuss an evidence-based approach to the initial care and management of patients with OHCA complicating ACS from the pre-hospital response and initial resuscitation strategy, to advanced therapies such as coronary angiography, targeted-temperature management, neuro-prognostication, and care of the post-arrest patient.

RECENT FINDINGS

Early recognition of cardiac arrest and prompt initiation of bystander CPR are the most important factors associated with improved survival. A comprehensive and coordinated approach to in-hospital management, including PCI, targeted temperature management, critical care, and hemodynamic support represents a significant critical link in the chain of survival. OHCA complicated by ACS continues to be one of the most challenging disease states facing healthcare practitioners and maintains a high mortality rate despite substantial advancements in healthcare delivery. A comprehensive approach to in-hospital management and further exploration of novel interventions, including ECMO, may yield opportunities to optimize care and improve outcomes for cardiac arrest patients.

Meta-Analysis of Catheter Directed Ultrasound-Assisted Thrombolysis in Pulmonary Embolism

Ultrasound-assisted catheter directed thrombolysis (USAT) has been shown to improve hemodynamic function and reduce bleeding complications in patients with acute massive or submassive pulmonary embolism. We performed a meta-analysis to better evaluate the efficacy and safety of USAT. We conducted an extensive literature search in PUBMED, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018. Efficacy outcomes of interest were pulmonary artery systolic pressure, mean pulmonary pressure, ratio of right ventricular to left ventricular diameter, cardiac index, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, Miller Index Score, and Qanadli Score. Safety outcomes were in-hospital mortality, long-term mortality, major and minor bleeding complications, and recurrent pulmonary embolism. Meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager (version 5.1). Effect size was estimated using random effects model, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Twenty-eight studies (n = 2,135) met inclusion criteria. Compared with pretreatment parameters, post-USAT was associated with a reduction in the mean Miller Index Score and Qanadli Score by 10.55 (95% CI -12.98 to -8.12) and 15.64 (95% CI -19.08 to -12.20), respectively. Cardiac index and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion improved by 0.68 L/m² (95% CI 0.49 to 0.87) and 3.68 mm (95% CI 2.43 to 4.93), respectively. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure and mean pulmonary pressure after therapy were reduced by a mean difference of 16.69 mm Hg (95% CI -19.73 to -13.65) and 12.13 mm Hg (95% CI -14.67 to -9.59) respectively. The right ventricular to left ventricular diameter dimension ratio decreased by 0.35 (95% CI -0.40 to -0.30) after therapy. In-hospital mortality in patients who underwent USAT was 2.9%, and total long-term mortality was 4.1%. Major and minor bleeding complications were seen in in 5.4% and 6.0% of patients, respectively. Recurrent events occurred in 0.2% of patients after USAT. In conclusion, USAT is a safe and effective procedure associated with significant hemodynamic and clinical improvement in patients with massive and submassive pulmonary embolism.

Effect of increasing age on percutaneous coronary intervention vs coronary artery bypass grafting in older adults with unprotected left main coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis and meta-regression

Background

Older adults (≥70‐year‐old) are under‐represented in the published data pertaining to unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCAD). Hypothesis: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) might be comparable to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for revascularization of ULMCAD.

Methods

We compared PCI versus CABG in older adults with ULMCAD with an aggregate data meta‐analyses (4880 patients) of clinical outcomes [all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), repeat revascularization, stroke and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events(MACCE)] at 30 days, 12‐24 months & ≥36 months in patients with mean age ≥70 years and ULMCAD. A meta‐regression analysis evaluated the effect of age on mortality after PCI. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using random‐effects model.

Results

All‐cause mortality between PCI and CABG was comparable at 30‐days (OR0.77, 95% CI 0.42‐ 1.41) and 12‐24‐months (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.78‐1.93). PCI was associated with a markedly lower rate of stroke at 30‐day follow‐up in octogenarians (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02‐0.76) but an overall higher rate of repeat revascularization. At ≥36‐months, MACCE (OR 1.26,95% CI 0.99‐1.60) and all‐cause mortality (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.00‐1.93) showed a trend favoring CABG but did not reach statistical significance. On meta‐regression, PCI was associated with a higher mortality with advancing age (coefficient=0.1033, p=0.042).

Conclusions

PCI was associated with a markedly lower rate of early stroke in octogenarians as compared to CABG. All‐cause mortality was comparable between the two arms with a trend favoring CABG at ≥36‐months.PCI was however associated with increasing mortality with advancing age as compared to CABG.

Care of Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Presenting With Acute Coronary Syndrome: Improved, But Not Good Enough

See Article by Bagai et al

Trends and Outcomes of Off-label Use of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights From the NCDR STS/ACC TVT Registry

Importance

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for severe aortic stenosis in patients who cannot undergo surgery and for patients at high operative risk. Use of TAVR for off-label indications has not been previously reported.

Objective

To evaluate patterns and adverse outcomes of off-label use of TAVR in US clinical practice.

Design, Setting and Participants

Patients receiving commercially funded TAVR in the United States are included in the Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry. A total of 23 847 patients from 328 sites performing TAVR between November 9, 2011, and September 30, 2014, were assessed for this study. Off-label TAVR was defined as TAVR in patients with known bicuspid valve, moderate aortic stenosis, severe mitral regurgitation, severe aortic regurgitation, or subaortic stenosis. Data were linked with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for 15 397 patients to evaluate 30-day and 1-year outcomes.

Exposure

Off-label use of TAVR.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Frequency of off-label TAVR use and the association with in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year adverse outcomes.

Results

Among the 23 847 patients in the study (11 876 women and 11 971 men; median age, 84 years [interquartile range, 78-88 years]), off-label TAVR was used in 2272 patients (9.5%). In-hospital mortality was higher among patients receiving off-label TAVR than those receiving on-label TAVR (6.3% vs 4.7%; P < .001), as was 30-day mortality (8.5% vs 6.1%; P < .001) and 1-year mortality (25.6% vs 22.1%; P = .001). Adjusted 30-day mortality was higher in the off-label group (hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.04-1.55; P = .02), while adjusted 1-year mortality was similar in the 2 groups (hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.98-1.25; P = .11). The median rate of off-label TAVR use per hospital was 6.8% (range, 0%-34.7%; interquartile range, 3.4%-12.1%), with hospitals in the highest tertile of off-label use associated with increased 30-day adverse cardiovascular events compared with the lowest tertile. However, this difference was not observed in adjusted 30-day or 1-year outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

Approximately 1 in 10 patients in the United States have received TAVR for an off-label indication. After adjustment, 1-year mortality was similar in these patients to that in patients who received TAVR for an on-label indication. These results reinforce the need for additional research on the efficacy of off-label TAVR use.

Adoption of the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Cholesterol Management Guideline in Cardiology Practices Nationwide

Importance

The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Cholesterol Management Guideline recommends moderate-intensity to high-intensity statin therapy in eligible patients.

Objective

To examine adoption of the 2013 ACC/AHA guideline in US cardiology practices.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Among 161 cardiology practices, trends in the use of moderate-intensity to high-intensity statin and nonstatin lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) were analyzed before (September 1, 2012, to November 1, 2013) and after (February 1, 2014, to April 1, 2015) publication of the 2013 ACC/AHA guideline among 4 mutually exclusive risk groups within the ACC Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence Registry. Interrupted time series analysis was used to evaluate for differences in trend in use of moderate-intensity to high-intensity statin and nonstatin LLT use in hierarchical logistic regression models. Participants were a population-based sample of 1 105 356 preguideline patients (2 431 192 patient encounters) and 1 116 472 postguideline patients (2 377 219 patient encounters). Approximately 97% of patients had atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Exposures

Moderate-intensity to high-intensity statin and nonstatin LLT use before and after publication of the 2013 ACC/AHA guideline.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Time trend in the use of moderate-intensity to high-intensity statin and nonstatin LLT.

Results

In the study cohort, the mean (SD) age was 69.6 (12.1) years among 1 105 356 patients (40.2% female) before publication of the guideline and 70.0 (11.9) years among 1 116 472 patients (39.8% female) after publication of the guideline. Although there was a trend toward increasing use of moderate-intensity to high-intensity statins overall and in the ASCVD cohort, such a trend was already present before publication of the guideline. No significant difference in trend in the use of moderate-intensity to high-intensity statins was observed in other groups. The use of moderate-intensity to high-intensity statin therapy was 62.1% (before publication of the guideline) and 66.6% (after publication of the guideline) in the overall cohort, 62.7% (before publication) and 67.0% (after publication) in the ASCVD cohort, 50.6% (before publication) and 52.3% (after publication) in the cohort with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (ie, ≥190 mg/dL), 52.4% (before publication) and 55.2% (after publication) in the diabetes cohort, and 41.9% (before publication) and 46.9% (after publication) in the remaining group with 10-year ASCVD risk of 7.5% or higher. In hierarchical logistic regression models, there was a significant increase in the use of moderate-intensity to high-intensity statins in the overall cohort (4.8%) and in the ASCVD cohort (4.3%) (P < .01 for slope for both). There was no significant change for other risk cohorts. Nonstatin LLT use remained unchanged in the preguideline and postguideline periods in the hierarchical logistic regression models for all of the risk groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

Adoption of the 2013 ACC/AHA Cholesterol Management Guideline in cardiology practices was modest. Timely interventions are needed to improve guideline-concordant practice to reduce the burden of ASCVD.

Association of Body Mass Index With Risk Factor Optimization and Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy in US Veterans With Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a growing epidemic that has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Guideline-directed medications for secondary prevention and risk factor control are recommended for patients with all forms of CVD. The association of body mass index (BMI) with use of medications for secondary prevention and risk factor control in patients with CVD are poorly understood.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We identified 1 122 567 patients with CVD receiving care in 130 Veterans Affairs facilities from October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2014. Five groups were stratified by BMI-underweight (BMI, <18.5 kg/m²), normal (BMI, 18.5-24.9 kg/m²), overweight (BMI, 25-29.9 kg/m²), obese (BMI, 30-39.9 kg/m²), and extremely obese (BMI, ≥40 kg/m²). A composite of 4 measures-blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg, hemoglobin A1c ≤9% in diabetic patients, statin use, and antiplatelet use-termed optimal medial therapy (OMT) was compared among groups. Multivariable logistic regression was performed with normal BMI as the referent category. Underweight patients comprised 12 623 (1.1%), normal BMI 230 471 (20.5%), overweight 413 590 (36.8%), obese 404 105 (36%), and extremely obese 61 778 (5.5%) of the cohort. Only 43.7% of the entire cohort received OMT, and this was the highest in the overweight group. Adjusted odds ratios for receiving OMT were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.77-0.85), 1.11 (95% CI, 1.10-1.13), 1.08 (95% CI, 1.06-1.09), and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.85-0.89), for patients who were underweight, overweight, obese, and extremely obese, respectively, compared with normal BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

OMT was low in the entire cohort. There is an inverse U-shaped relationship between OMT and BMI with patients who are underweight and extremely obese less likely to receive OMT compared with patients with normal BMI.

Concomitant Use of Antiplatelets and Anticoagulants in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and Atrial Fibrillation: What Do Recent Clinical Trials Teach Us?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Coronary heart disease (CHD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are among the most common cardiovascular diseases. A significant proportion of patients have both CHD and AF and are at increased risk for thrombotic complications. Current therapy for CHD and AF includes antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications, respectively. Patients with concurrent CHD and AF may be prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in addition to anticoagulation, which increases their bleeding risk. Controversy remains on how to balance risks and benefits in patients with CHD and AF in which multiple antithrombotic therapies may be indicated.

RECENT FINDINGS

We review clinical trials and current guidelines for antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in CHD and AF. Aspirin and P2Y₁₂ inhibitors are the mainstay of antiplatelet therapy. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are the most commonly used anticoagulant, although the use of non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with AF is increasing. Recent studies provide guidance on how to address antithrombotic therapies in patients with concomitant CHD and AF. To date, we have evidence that in patients with AF who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), clopidogrel with VKA may be used safely without aspirin. Also, low-dose rivaroxaban in combination with either clopidogrel only or DAPT is as effective as the traditional regimen of triple therapy with VKA and DAPT with lower bleeding risk. Dabigatran with a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor was also found to be safe with less bleeding compared to triple therapy with VKA and DAPT. Use of a single antiplatelet agent with anticoagulation has become a viable choice in patients with CHD and AF, but more clinical trial data is needed to confirm therapy and duration regimens.

Meta-Analysis of Comparison of 5-Year Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery in the Era of Drug-eluting Stents

Patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease are increasingly being treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using drug-eluting stents (DES), but long-term outcomes comparing PCI with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remain limited. We performed aggregate data meta-analyses of clinical outcomes (all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, repeat revascularization, cardiac death, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events) in studies comparing 5-year outcomes of PCI with DES versus CABG in patients with ULMCA disease. A comprehensive literature search (January 1, 2003 to December 10, 2016) identified 9 studies (6,637 patients). Effect size for individual clinical outcomes was estimated using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random effects model. At 5 years, PCI with DES was associated with equivalent cardiac (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.46) and all-cause mortality (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.33), lower rates of stroke (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.84), and higher rates of repeat revascularization (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.63 to 3.91); compared with CABG, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events showed a trend favoring CABG but did not reach statistical significance (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.54). In conclusion, for ULMCA disease, PCI can be considered as a comparably effective and yet less invasive alternative to CABG given the comparable long-term mortality and lower incidences of stroke.

Status of Early-Career Academic Cardiology: A Global Perspective

Early-career academic cardiologists, who many believe are an important component of the future of cardiovascular care, face myriad challenges. The Early Career Section Academic Working Group of the American College of Cardiology, with senior leadership support, assessed the progress of this cohort from 2013 to 2016 with a global perspective. Data consisted of accessing National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute public information, data from the American Heart Association and international organizations, and a membership-wide survey. Although the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute increased funding of career development grants, only a small number of early-career American College of Cardiology members have benefited as funding of the entire cohort has decreased. Personal motivation, institutional support, and collaborators continued to be positive influential factors. Surprisingly, mentoring ceased to correlate positively with obtaining external grants. The totality of findings suggests that the status of early-career academic cardiologists remains challenging; therefore, the authors recommend a set of attainable solutions.

Multivessel Revascularization in Shock and High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

This review explores the usefulness of multivessel revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with multivessel obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting with and without cardiogenic shock. We also evaluate the literature regarding complete versus incomplete revascularization for patients with cardiogenic shock, acute coronary syndromes, and stable coronary artery disease.

Abstract 060: Association of Body Mass Index With Risk Factor Optimization and Guideline Directed Medical Therapy in Veterans With Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Obesity is an epidemic in the United States and has been linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including atherosclerosis, heart failure and hypertension. However, obesity has been associated with better survival once CVD is established and has been referred to as the “obesity paradox”. Medical management and risk factor optimization are recommended for patients with all forms of CVD. The association of body mass index (BMI) with performance measure compliance is not known.

Methods: In a large national cohort, we identified 1,242,015 patients with CVD receiving care in 130 Veterans Affairs facilities between 10/1/2013 and 9/30/2014. CVD was defined as the presence of ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, or ischemic cerebrovascular disease. We assessed the frequency of compliance with performance measures in patients divided into 5 groups: underweight (BMI <18.5 Kg/m 2 ), normal BMI (18.5-24.9 Kg/m 2 ), overweight (25-29.9 Kg/m 2 ), obese (30-39.9 Kg/m 2 ), and extremely obese (>=40 Kg/m 2 ). We compared compliance with hypertension control (BP <140/90 mmHg), diabetes control (HbA1C <=9% among diabetics), use of statin, and use of antiplatelet therapy among the 5 groups. A composite of all 4 measures (BP control, statin use, antiplatelet use, HbA1C <=9% among diabetics) termed optimal medical therapy (OMT) was also compared among the groups. Multivariable logistic regression was performed with normal BMI as the referent category.

Results (Table): Underweight comprised 12,623 (1.1%), normal BMI 230,471 (20.5%), overweight 413,590 (36.8%), obese 404,105 (36%), and extremely obese 61,778 (5.5%). Compliance with risk factor control (hypertension and diabetes control) was higher in the underweight and normal BMI group and lowest in the extremely obese group. However, statin and antiplatelet use was lowest in the underweight group and highest in the obese and extremely obese groups. Overall, only 32.7%-45.5% received OMT (i.e. met the composite measure) and was highest in the overweight group.

Conclusions: Compliance with OMT was low in all patients. Patients that were underweight and extremely obese were least likely to receive OMT. Our results suggest potential for improvement in OMT for all CVD patients especially those that are underweight and extremely obese.

Risk Factor Optimization and Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy in US Veterans With Peripheral Arterial and Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease Compared to Veterans With Coronary Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a systemic process involving multiple vascular beds and includes coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD), and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). All these manifestations are associated with an increased risk of subsequent myocardial infarction, stroke, and death. Guideline-directed medical therapy is recommended for all patients with CVD. In a cohort of US veterans, we identified 1,242,015 patients with CVD receiving care in 130 Veterans Affairs facilities from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014. CVD included diagnoses of CHD, PAD, or ICVD. We assessed the frequency of risk factor optimization and the use of guideline-directed medical therapy in patients with CHD, PAD alone, ICVD alone, and PAD + ICVD groups. A composite of 4 measures (blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg, A1c <7% in diabetics, statin use, and antiplatelet use in eligible patients), termed optimal medical therapy (OMT) was compared among groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed with CHD as the referent category. CHD comprised 989,380 (79.7%), PAD alone 70,404 (5.7%), ICVD alone 163,730 (13.2%), and PAD + ICVD 18,501 (1.5%) of the cohort. Overall, only 36% received OMT with adjusted odds ratios of 0.54 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.55), 0.77 (0.76 to 0.78), and 0.97 (0.94 to 1.00) for patients with PAD alone, ICVD alone, and PAD + ICVD, respectively, compared with patients with CHD. In conclusion, OMT was low in all groups. Patients with PAD alone and ICVD alone were less likely to receive OMT than those with CHD and PAD + ICVD.

Temporal Trends in Care and Outcomes of Patients Receiving Fibrinolytic Therapy Compared to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the Get With The Guidelines Coronary Artery Disease (GWTG-CAD) Registry

Background

Timely reperfusion after ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) improves survival. Guidelines recommend primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) within 90 minutes of arrival at a PCI‐capable hospital. The alternative is fibrinolysis within 30 minutes for those in those for whom timely transfer to a PCI‐capable hospital is not feasible.

Methods and Results

We identified STEMI patients receiving reperfusion therapy at 229 hospitals participating in the Get With the Guidelines—Coronary Artery Disease (GWTG‐CAD) database (January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2008). Temporal trends in the use of fibrinolysis and PPCI, its timeliness, and in‐hospital mortality outcomes were assessed. We also assessed predictors of fibrinolysis versus PPCI and compliance with performance measures. Defect‐free care was defined as 100% compliance with all performance measures. We identified 29 190 STEMI patients, of whom 2441 (8.4%) received fibrinolysis; 38.2% of these patients achieved door‐to‐needle times ≤30 minutes. Median door‐to‐needle times increased from 36 to 60 minutes (P=0.005) over the study period. Among PPCI patients, median door‐to‐balloon times decreased from 94 to 64 minutes (P<0.0001) over the same period. In‐hospital mortality was higher with fibrinolysis than with PPCI (4.6% vs 3.3%, P=0.001) and did not change significantly over time. Patients receiving fibrinolysis were less likely to receive defect‐free care compared with their PPCI counterparts.

Conclusions

Use of fibrinolysis for STEMI has decreased over time with concomitant worsening of door‐to‐needle times. Over the same time period, use of PPCI increased with improvement in door‐to‐balloon times. In‐hospital mortality was higher with fibrinolysis than with PPCI. As reperfusion for STEMI continues to shift from fibrinolysis to PPCI, it will be critical to ensure that door‐to‐needle times and outcomes do not worsen.

Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty in the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Era

BACKGROUND

The introduction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has renewed interest in balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) for severe aortic stenosis (AS). It is unclear whether technical advances and increased operator experience associated with TAVR development have resulted in improved BAV outcomes. We performed a systematic review encompassing all published BAV studies and examined the evolution in indications, outcomes, and complications of BAV procedures since its inception.

METHODS

A literature search from 1986 through June 2013 was conducted for all studies reporting BAV outcomes. Studies with <50 BAV procedures were excluded. BAV outcomes and complications were compared in studies enrolling patients in the early/pre-TAVR and contemporary/TAVR periods (before vs after 2005).

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies representing 4123 patients were included. In the contemporary era, BAV was performed as a bridge to TAVR in 23.4% of patients. Significant and comparable improvement in transaortic valvular gradients, aortic valve area, and cardiac output following BAV were observed in both time periods. There was, however, a significant reduction in procedural death (1.5% vs 2.9%; P<.01), in-hospital mortality (4.6% vs 8.5%; P<.001), and major vascular complications (4.0% vs 10.2%; P<.001) associated with BAV procedures in the contemporary/TAVR era.

CONCLUSION

BAV is increasingly used as a bridge to TAVR, continues to impart significant hemodynamic improvement in patients with severe AS, and has an improved safety profile in the contemporary era.

Fork in the road: Are all bifurcations created equal?

The TRYTON study evaluated routine side branch (SB) stenting with a novel bare metal stent (BMS) designed for true bifurcation lesions (Medina 1,1,1; 1,0,1; 0,1,1) and compared it to a strategy of balloon angioplasty with provisional stenting. It failed to meet the primary endpoint of non-inferiority in target vessel failure mainly driven by peri-procedural myocardial infarction (MI) with elevated CK-MB > 3× the upper limit of normal. In this substudy, 41% of patients who had a SB diameter > 2.25 mm were evaluated and the new stent was found to be non-inferior in the primary outcome of target vessel failure with no difference in post-procedural MI. This substudy suggests that appropriately sized SB stents with TRYTON may be useful when the SB is >2.25 mm in diameter. However, further studies could evaluate routine use of FFR for SBs; drug eluting versions of the stent as well as stents designed for vessels 2.25 mm in diameter which are frequently felt to be clinically larger when not subjected to core lab analysis.

Ischemia reperfusion injury as a modifiable therapeutic target for cardioprotection or neuroprotection in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation

AIMS

We sought to review cellular changes that occur with reperfusion to try to understand whether ischemia-reperfusion injury (RI) is a potentially modifiable therapeutic target for cardioprotection or neuroprotection in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

DATA SOURCES

Articles written in English and published in PubMed.

RESULTS

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) involves brief episodes of non-lethal ischemia and reperfusion applied to an organ or limb distal to the heart and brain. Induction of hypothermia involves cooling an ischemic organ or body. Both have pluripotent effects that reduce the potential harm associated with RI in the heart and brain by reduced opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Recent trials of RIC and induced hypothermia did not demonstrate these treatments to be effective. Assessment of the effect of these interventions in humans to date may have been modified by use of concurrent medications including propofol.

CONCLUSIONS

Ongoing research is necessary to assess whether reduction of RI improves patient outcomes.

STAR in CTO PCI: When is STAR not a star?

Subintimal tracking and reentry (STAR) has been used as a bailout strategy and involves an uncontrolled dissection and recanalization into the distal lumen to reestablish vessel patency. In the current study, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow < 3 was the only variable which they found to be significantly associated with restenosis and reocclusion after stent placement. It may be reasonable to consider second generation drug eluting stent placement in patients receiving STAR that have TIMI 3 flow, however, this should only be done if there is no compromise of major side branches. If unsure, we recommend to perform balloon angioplasty without stenting.

Statin Use and Its Facility-Level Variation in Patients With Diabetes: Insight From the Veterans Affairs National Database

We sought to determine use of any and at least moderate-intensity statin therapy in a national sample of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), with the hypothesis that nationwide frequency and facility-level variation in statin therapy are suboptimal. We sampled patients with DM age 40 to 75 years receiving primary care between October 1, 2012, and September 30, 2013, at 130 parent facilities and associated community-based outpatient clinics in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System. We examined frequency and facility-level variation in use of any or at least moderate-intensity statin therapy (mean daily dose associated with ≥30% low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering). In 911 444 patients with DM, 68.3% and 58.4% were receiving any and moderate- to high-intensity statin therapy, respectively. Patients receiving statin had higher burden of cardiovascular disease, were more likely to be on nonstatin lipid-lowering therapy and to receive care at a teaching facility, and had more frequent primary-care visits. Median facility-level uses of any and at least moderate-intensity statin therapy were 68.7% (interquartile range, 65.9%-70.8%) and 58.6% (interquartile range, 55.8%-61.4%), respectively. After adjusting for several patient-related and some facility-related characteristics, the median rate ratios for any and moderate- to high-intensity statin therapy were 1.20 (95% confidence interval: 1.18-1.22) and 1.29 (95% confidence interval: 1.24-1.33) respectively, indicating 20% to 29% variation in statin use between 2 identical patients receiving care at 2 random facilities. Statin use was suboptimal in a national sample of patients with DM with modest facility-level variation, likely indicating differences in statin-prescribing patterns.

Guideline-Directed Medication Use in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction in India: American College of Cardiology's PINNACLE India Quality Improvement Program

Little is known about the use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in outpatients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF; ≤40%) in India. Our objective was to understand the use of GDMT in outpatients with HFrEF in India. The Practice Innovation And Clinical Excellence (PINNACLE) India Quality Improvement Program (PIQIP) is a registry for cardiovascular quality improvement in India supported by the American College of Cardiology Foundation. Between January 2008 and September 2014, we evaluated documentation of use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and β-blockers, or both, among outpatients with HFrEF seeking care in 10 centers enrolled in the PIQIP registry. Among 75 639 patients in the PIQIP registry, 34 995 had EF reported, and 15 870 had an EF ≤40%. The mean age was 56 years; 23% were female. Hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction were present in 37%, 23%, 27%, and 17%, respectively. Use of ACEIs/ARBs, β-blockers, and both were documented in 33.5%, 34.9%, and 29.6% of patients, respectively. The documentation of GDMT was higher in men, in patients age ≥65 years, and in those with presence of hypertension, diabetes, or coronary artery disease. Documentation of GDMT gradually increased over the study period. Among patients enrolled in the PIQIP registry, about two-thirds of patients with EF ≤40% did not have documented receipt of GDMT. This study is an initial step toward improving adherence to GDMT in India and highlights the feasibility of examining quality of care in HFrEF in a resource-limited setting.

Cardiovascular Disease Performance Measures in the Outpatient Setting in India: Insights From the American College of Cardiology's PINNACLE India Quality Improvement Program (PIQIP)

BACKGROUND

India has a growing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet data on the quality of outpatient care for patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation in India are very limited. We collected data on performance measures for 68 196 unique patients from 10 Indian cardiology outpatient departments from January 1, 2011, to February 5, 2014, in the American College of Cardiology's PINNACLE (Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence) India Quality Improvement Program (PIQIP). PIQIP is India's first national outpatient CVD quality-improvement program.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the PIQIP registry, we estimated the prevalence of CVD risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and current tobacco use) and CVD among outpatients. We examined adherence with performance measures established by the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the American Medical Association Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement for coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. There were a total of 68 196 patients (155 953 patient encounters), with a mean age of 50.6 years (SD 18.2 years). Hypertension was present in 29.7% of patients, followed by diabetes (14.9%), current tobacco use (7.6%), and dyslipidemia (6.5%). Coronary artery disease was present in 14.8%, heart failure was noted in 4.0%, and atrial fibrillation was present in 0.5% of patients. Among eligible patients, the reported use of medications was as follows: aspirin in 48.6%, clopidogrel in 37.1%, and statin-based lipid-lowering therapy in 50.6% of patients with coronary artery disease; RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) antagonist in 61.9% and beta-blockers in 58.1% of patients with heart failure; and oral anticoagulants in 37.0% of patients with atrial fibrillation.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study, initiated to improve outpatient CVD care in India, presents our preliminary results and barriers to data collection and demonstrates that such an initiative is feasible in a resource-limited environment. In addition, we attempted to outline areas for further improvement in outpatient CVD care delivery in India.

Abstract 11: Compliance With Risk Factor Optimization and Medical Therapy in Patients With Peripheral Vascular Disease (Peripheral Artery and Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease) Compared to Ischemic Heart Disease

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a systemic process with patients developing atherosclerosis in multiple vascular beds including ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD and ICVD are associated with increased risk of subsequent myocardial infarction, stroke and death. Medical management and risk factor optimization are recommended for all patients with CVD. Compliance with measures in patients with ICVD and PAD compared to IHD is not known.

Methods: In a large national cohort, we identified 1,242,015 patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) receiving care in 130 Veterans Affairs facilities between 10/1/2013 and 9/30/2014. CVD was defined as the presence of IHD, PAD, or ICVD. We assessed the frequency of compliance with performance measures in patients with IHD (with or without concomitant PAD or ICVD), PAD only, ICVD only, and PAD+ICVD groups. We compared compliance with hypertension control (BP <140/90 mmHg), diabetes control (HbA1C<7.0% among diabetics), and the use of statin therapy between IHD and PAD, ICVD, or PAD+ICVD groups. A composite of all 3 measures (BP control, statin use, HbA1C <7% among diabetics) termed optimal medical therapy (OMT) was also compared between groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed with IHD group as the referent category.

Results (Table): IHD patients comprised 989,380 (79.7%), PAD only 70,404 (5.7%), ICVD only 163,730 (13.2%) and PAD + ICVD 18,501 (1.5%) of the cohort. Compliance with most measures (hypertension control, statin use) as well as OMT was lower for PAD or ICVD patients compared with IHD patients with minimal differences between IHD and PAD +CVD group. Overall, only 32.3%-41.8% received OMT (i.e. met the composite measure).

Conclusions: Compliance with OMT was low in all patients. Patients with PAD or ICVD were less likely to receive OMT compared with IHD. Our results suggest potential for improvement in OMT for all CVD patients especially those with PAD and ICVD.

Frequency and practice-level variation in inappropriate aspirin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: insights from the National Cardiovascular Disease Registry's Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence registry

BACKGROUND

Among patients without cardiovascular disease (CVD) and low 10-year CVD risk, the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic strokes associated with aspirin use outweigh any potential atheroprotective benefit. According to the guidelines on primary prevention of CVD, aspirin use is considered appropriate only in patients with 10-year CVD risk ≥6% and inappropriate in patients with 10-year CVD risk <6%.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to examine the frequency and practice-level variation in inappropriate aspirin use for primary prevention in a large U.S. nationwide registry.

METHODS

Within the National Cardiovascular Disease Registry's Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence registry, we assessed 68,808 unique patients receiving aspirin for primary prevention from 119 U.S. practices. The frequency of inappropriate aspirin use was determined for primary prevention (aspirin use in those with 10-year CVD risk <6%). Using hierarchical regression models, the extent of practice-level variation using the median rate ratio (MRR) was assessed.

RESULTS

Inappropriate aspirin use frequency was 11.6% (7,972 of 68,808) in the overall cohort. There was significant practice-level variation in inappropriate use (range 0% to 71.8%; median 10.1%; interquartile range 6.4%) for practices; adjusted MRR was 1.63 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47 to 1.77). Results remained consistent after excluding 21,052 women age ≥65 years (inappropriate aspirin use 15.2%; median practice-level inappropriate aspirin use 13.8%; interquartile range 8.2%; adjusted MRR 1.61 [95% CI: 1.46 to 1.75]) and after excluding patients with diabetes (inappropriate aspirin use 13.9%; median practice-level inappropriate aspirin use 12.4%; interquartile range 7.6%; adjusted MRR 1.55 [95% CI: 1.41 to 1.67]).

CONCLUSIONS

More than 1 in 10 patients in this national registry were receiving inappropriate aspirin therapy for primary prevention, with significant practice-level variations. Our findings suggest that there are important opportunities to improve evidence-based aspirin use for the primary prevention of CVD.