Different association of atherogenic index of plasma with the risk of high platelet reactivity according to the presentation of acute myocardial infarction.

This study evaluated the association of atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) with platelet reactivity and clinical outcomes according to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The composite of 3-year adverse outcomes of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accident was evaluated in 10,735 patients after successful percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents. AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. High platelet reactivity (HPR) was defined as ≥ 252 P2Y12 reactivity unit. An increase of AIP (per-0.1 unit) was related to the decreased risk of HPR [odds ratio (OR) 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-0.99; P = 0.001] in non-AMI patients, not in AMI patients (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.01; P = 0.138). The HPR was associated with the increased risk of composite outcomes in both non-AMI and AMI patients (all-P < 0.05). AIP levels were not independently associated with the risk of composite outcomes in both patients with non-AMI and AMI. In conclusion, an inverse association between AIP and the risk of HPR was observed in patients with non-AMI. This suggests that the association between plasma atherogenicity and platelet reactivity may play a substantial role in the development of AMI.Trial registration: NCT04734028.

Association of Age- and Body Mass Index-Stratified High On-Treatment Platelet Reactivity With Coronary Intervention Outcomes in East Asian Patients.

BACKGROUND: Although age and body mass index (BMI) significantly affect platelet reactivity units and clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention, there are limited data on the relationship between high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) and clinical outcomes on age and BMI differences. Thus, we investigated the association of HPR with clinical outcomes according to age and BMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study analyzed 11 714 patients who underwent platelet function tests after percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary end point was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), whereas the secondary end point was major bleeding. HPR was defined as platelet reactivity units ≥252. Patients were categorized by age (<67 years of age or ≥67 years of age) and BMI (≤22.6 kg/m2 or >22.6 kg/m2). Patients <67 years of age with HPR had increases in both MACCEs (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.436 [95% CI, 1.106-1.867]; P=0.007) and major bleeding (adjusted HR, 1.584 [95% CI, 1.095-2.290]; P=0.015) compared with the those with non-HPR, respectively. In patients ≥67 years of age with HPR, there were no differences in MACCEs, but there was a decrease in major bleeding (adjusted HR, 0.721 [95% CI, 0.542-0.959]; P=0.024). Meanwhile, patients with HPR with BMI >22.6 kg/m2 had increases in MACCEs (adjusted HR, 1.387 [95% CI, 1.140-1.688]; P=0.001). No differences were shown in major bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: HPR was linked to an increase in MACCEs or a decrease in major bleeding in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention, depending on age and BMI. This study is the first to observe that clinical outcomes in patients with HPR after percutaneous coronary intervention may vary based on age and BMI. Because the study is observational, the results should be viewed as hypothesis generating and emphasize the need for randomized clinical trials.

Long-acting cilostazol versus isosorbide mononitrate for patients with vasospastic angina: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cilostazol has a vasodilatory function that may be beneficial for patients with vasospastic angina (VSA). We conducted a randomized, open-label, controlled trial to compare the efficacy and safety of long-acting cilostazol and isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) for VSA. METHODS: The study included patients with confirmed VSA between September 2019 and May 2021. Participants were randomly assigned to receive long-acting cilostazol (test group, 200 mg once daily) or conventional ISMN therapy (control group, 20 mg twice daily) for 4 weeks. The clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated using weekly questionnaires. RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled in the study (long-acting cilostazol, n = 20; ISMN, n = 20). Baseline characteristics were balanced between the two groups. Long acting cilostazol showed better angina symptom control within the first week compared to ISMN [reduction of pain intensity score, 6.0 (4.0-8.0) vs. 4.0 (1.0-5.0), P = 0.005; frequency of angina symptom, 0 (0-2.0) vs. 2.0 (0-3.0), P = 0.027, respectively]. The rate of neurological adverse reactions was lower in the cilostazol group than in the ISMN group (headache or dizziness, 40 vs. 85%, P = 0.009; headache, 30 vs. 70%, P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Long-acting cilostazol provided comparable control of angina and fewer adverse neurologic reactions within 4 weeks compared to ISMN. Long-acting cilostazol provides more intensive control of angina within 1 week, suggesting that it may be an initial choice for the treatment of VSA.

Timing of fractional flow reserve-guided complete revascularization in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel disease: Rationale and design of the OPTION-STEMI trial.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend complete revascularization (CR) in hemodynamically stable patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD). With regard to the timing of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for non-infarct-related artery (non-IRA), recent randomized clinical trials have revealed that immediate CR was non-inferior to staged CR. However, the optimal timing of CR remains uncertain. The OPTION-STEMI trial compared immediate CR and in-hospital staged CR guided by fractional flow reserve (FFR) for intermediate stenosis of the non-IRA. METHODS: The OPTION-STEMI is a multicenter, investigator-initiated, prospective, open-label, non-inferiority randomized clinical trial. The study included patients with at least 1 non-IRA lesion with ≥50% stenosis by visual estimation. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomized into 2 groups at a 1:1 ratio: immediate CR (i.e., PCI for the non-IRA performed during primary angioplasty) or in-hospital staged CR. In the in-hospital staged CR group, PCI for non-IRA lesions was performed on another day during the index hospitalization. Non-IRA lesions with 50%-69% stenosis by visual estimation were evaluated by FFR, whereas those with ≥70% stenosis was revascularized without FFR. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and all unplanned revascularization at 1 year after randomization. Enrolment began in December 2019 and was completed in January 2024. The follow-up for the primary endpoint will be completed in January 2025, and primary results will be available in the middle of 2025. CONCLUSIONS: The OPTION-STEMI is a multicenter, non-inferiority, randomized trial that evaluated the timing of in-hospital CR with the aid of FFR in patients with STEMI and MVD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov. Unique identifier: NCT04626882; and URL: https://cris.nih.go.kr. Unique identifier: KCT0004457.

High platelet reactivity strongly predicts early stent thrombosis in patients with drug-eluting stent implantation.

Stent thrombosis (ST) is a fatal complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The association between P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) level and stent thrombosis occurrence remains unclear. Based on the multicenter, observational PTRG-DES (Platelet function and genoType-Related long-term proGnosis in DES-treated patients) registry of patients with drug-eluting stents (DES) implantation, a total of 11,714 patients with PRU values were analyzed. We sought to identify the predictors of early stent thrombosis (EST) and compared the primary outcome, a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization, between EST and non-EST groups. EST, defined as definite ST within 1 month after index PCI, occurred in 51 patients. PRU values were significantly higher in the EST group (263.5 ± 70.8 vs. 217.5 ± 78.7, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, PRU ≥ 252 (OR, 5.10; 95% CI 1.58-16.46; p = 0.006) and aspirin reaction unit ≥ 414 (OR 4.85; 95% CI 1.07-21.97; p = 0.040) were independent predictors of EST. The cumulative incidence of primary composite outcome at one year was significantly higher in the EST group (38.2% vs. 3.9%, Log-rank p < 0.001). In patients treated with clopidogrel after successful DES implantation, EST was associated with higher platelet reactivities, and a greater risk of cardiovascular events.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04734028.

Prognostic Implication of Platelet Reactivity According to Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Status in Patients Treated With Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation: Analysis of the PTRG-DES Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) often exhibit reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, the impact of LV dysfunction status in conjunction with platelet reactivity on clinical outcomes has not been previously investigated. METHODS: From the multicenter PTRG-DES (Platelet function and genoType-Related long-term prognosis in DES-treated patients) consortium, the patients were classified as preserved-EF (PEF: LVEF ≥ 50%) and reduced-EF (REF: LVEF< 5 0%) group by echocardiography. Platelet reactivity was measured using VerifyNow P2Y12 assay and high platelet reactivity (HPR) was defined as PRU ≥ 252. The major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) were a composite of death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis and stroke at 5 years after PCI. Major bleeding was defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium bleeding types 3-5. RESULTS: A total of 13,160 patients from PTRG-DES, 9,319 (79.6%) patients with the results of both PRU and LVEF were analyzed. The incidence of MACCE and major bleeding was higher in REF group as compared with PEF group (MACCEs: hazard ratio [HR] 2.17, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85-2.55; major bleeding: HR 1.78, P < 0.001, 95% CI 1.39-2.78). The highest rate of MACCEs was found in patients with REF and HPR, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (HR 3.14 in REF(+)/HPR(+) vs. PEF(+)/HPR(-) group, P < 0.01, 95% CI 2.51-3.91). The frequency of major bleeding was not associated with the HPR in either group. CONCLUSION: LV dysfunction was associated with an increased incidence of MACCEs and major bleeding in patients who underwent PCI. The HPR status further exhibited significant increase of MACCEs in patients with LV dysfunction in a large, real-world registry. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04734028.

Implication of diabetic status on platelet reactivity and clinical outcomes after drug-eluting stent implantation: results from the PTRG-DES consortium.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with thrombogenicity, clinically manifested with atherothrombotic events after percutaneous cutaneous intervention (PCI). This study aimed to investigate association between DM status and platelet reactivity, and their prognostic implication in PCI-treated patients. METHODS: The Platelet function and genoType-Related long-term Prognosis-Platelet Function Test (PTRG-PFT) cohort was established to determine the linkage of platelet function test (PFT) with long-term prognosis during dual antiplatelet therapy including clopidogrel in patients treated with drug-eluting stent (DES). We assessed platelet reactivity using VerifyNow and 'high platelet reactivity (HPR)' was defined as ≥ 252 P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU). Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis or stroke. RESULTS: Between July 2003 and Aug 2018, DES-treated patients with available PFT were enrolled (n = 11,714). Diabetic patients demonstrated significant higher levels of platelet reactivity (DM vs. non-DM: 225.7 ± 77.5 vs. 213.6 ± 79.1 PRU, P < 0.001) and greater prevalence of HPR compared to non-diabetic patients (38.1% vs. 32.0%, P < 0.001). PRU level and prevalence of HPR were significantly associated with insulin requirement and HbA1c level, as well as diabetic status. DM status and HPR phenotype had a similar prognostic implication, which showed the synergistic clinical impact on MACCE. Association between PRU level and MACCE occurrence seemed higher in diabetic vs. non-diabetic patients. In non-DM patients, HPR phenotype did not significantly increase the risk of MACCE (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj]: 1.073; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.869-1.325; P = 0.511), whereas HPR was an independent determinant for MACCE occurrence among diabetic patients (HRadj: 1.507; 95% CI: 1.193-1.902; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The levels of on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity are determined by diabetic status and the severity of DM. In addition, HPR phenotype significantly increases the risk of MACCE only in diabetic patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov . Unique identifier: NCT04734028.

High Platelet Reactivity Combined with CYP2C19 Genotype in Predicting Outcomes in East Asian Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Loss-of-function (LoF) alleles of cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19), which are prevalent in East Asians, are linked to high platelet reactivity (HPR) phenotype and poor prognosis. We aimed to investigate the incremental predictive value of HPR combined with CYP2C19 genotype in predicting outcomes after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. The patients treated with platelet function and genotype-related long-term prognosis in drug-eluting stent (PTRG-DES) consortium enrolled a total of 13,160 Korean patients treated with DES who had platelet function test (PFT) or CYP2C19 genotype, of which, 6,717 patients with PFT and genotype together were categorized. HPR was defined as VerifyNow ≥ 252 P2Y12 reaction unit. The primary outcome was the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) 5 years after treatment. The patients with both HPR and CYP2C19 LoF/LoF had the highest MACCE rates (6.2%) and increased MACCE risk (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.89, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-2.91, P = 0.006) compared with those without both HPR and CYP2C19 LoF/LoF. There was no effect of interaction between HPR and CYP2C19 genotype on the primary outcome (P = 0.424). Adding combined HPR and CYP2C19 genotype to the conventional model had an incremental influence in predicting MACCE and stent thrombosis. Compared to the model including HPR or CYP2C19 genotype alone, a combination model significantly improved the risk stratification for stent thrombosis but not MACCE. In DES-treated East Asian patients, the combined evaluation of PFT results and CYP2C19 genotyping might improve risk prediction of ischemic events during clopidogrel treatment.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment for De Novo Coronary Lesions.

PURPOSE: Data are limited on the long-term efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment in comparison to drug-eluting stent (DES) for de novo coronary lesions. We investigated the long-term clinical outcomes of DCB treatment in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for de novo coronary lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 103 patients scheduled for elective PCI for de novo non-small coronary lesions (≥2.5 mm) who were successfully treated with DCB alone were retrospectively compared with 103 propensity-matched patients treated with second-generation DES from the PTRG-DES registry (n=13160). All patients were followed for 5 years. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events [MACE; cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, target lesion thrombosis, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and major bleeding] at 5 years. RESULTS: At 5-year clinical follow-up, Kaplan-Meier estimates of the rate of MACE were significantly lower in the DCB group [2.9% vs. 10.7%; hazard ratio (HR): 0.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07-0.96; log-rank p=0.027]. There was a significantly lower incidence of TVR in the DCB group (1.0% vs. 7.8%; HR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.01-0.98; long-rank p=0.015), and there was major bleeding only in the DES group (0.0% vs. 1.9%; log-rank p=0.156). CONCLUSION: At 5-year follow-up, DCB treatment was significantly associated with reduced incidences of MACE and TVR, compared with DES implantation, for de novo coronary lesions.

Drug-coated balloon-based versus drug-eluting stent-only revascularization in patients with diabetes and multivessel coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Data on drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment in the context of diabetes mellitus (DM) and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) are limited. We aimed to investigate the clinical impact of DCB-based revascularization on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with DM and multivessel CAD. METHODS: A total of 254 patients with multivessel disease (104 patients with DM) successfully treated with DCB alone or combined with drug-eluting stent (DES) were retrospectively enrolled (DCB-based group) and compared with 254 propensity-matched patients treated with second-generation DES from the PTRG-DES registry (n = 13,160 patients) (DES-only group). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) comprised cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, stent or target lesion thrombosis, target vessel revascularization, and major bleeding at 2 years. RESULTS: The DCB-based group was associated with a reduced risk of MACE in patients with DM (hazard ratio [HR] 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05-0.68, p = 0.003], but not in those without DM (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.20-1.38, p = 0.167) at the 2-year follow-up. In patients with DM, the risk of cardiac death was lower in the DCB-based group than the DES-only group, but not in those without DM. In both patients with or without DM, the burdens of DES and small DES (less than 2.5 mm) used were lower in the DCB-based group than in the DES-only group. CONCLUSIONS: In multivessel CAD, the clinical benefit of a DCB-based revascularization strategy appears to be more evident in patients with DM than in those without DM after 2 years of follow-up. (Impact of Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment in De Novo Coronary Lesion; NCT04619277).

Efficacy and safety of moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe combination therapy in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: a post-hoc analysis of the RACING trial.

Background: Moderate-intensity statin role with ezetimibe combination therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been thoroughly investigated, particularly compared to high-intensity statin monotherapy. We aimed to investigate the effect of ezetimibe combination with moderate-intensity statin in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease following PCI. Methods: This was a post-hoc analysis of a subset of patients who underwent PCI in the RACING trial. At 26 centres in South Korea, patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) were randomly assigned to receive either moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe combination therapy (rosuvastatin 10 mg with ezetimibe 10 mg) or high-intensity statin monotherapy (rosuvastatin 20 mg). The prespecified endpoints of the RACING trial were used. The primary endpoint was the 3-year composite of cardiovascular death, major cardiovascular events, and nonfatal stroke. Event rates between the two groups were compared using log-rank tests, and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox regression analysis. Consistent with the RACING trial, the primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were evaluated using an intention-to-treatment approach, and the safety endpoints were assessed in the safety population. The RACING trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03044665). Findings: Between Feb 14, 2017, and Dec 18, 2018, 3780 participants were enrolled in the RACING trial. Prior history of PCI was found in 2497 patients (67%, median 64 years, 79% male), and was associated with higher rates of the primary endpoint (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.69; p = 0.014). Among patients with prior PCI, moderate-intensity statin therapy with ezetimibe combination versus high-intensity statin therapy did not increase the risk of the primary endpoint (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.74-1.24; p = 0.781). The proportion of patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) <70 mg/dL at 1, 2, and 3 years was 74%, 76%, and 73%, respectively, in the combination therapy group, and was significantly higher than that in the high-intensity statin monotherapy group (57%, 62%, and 59%, respectively, all p < 0.001). Discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs occurred less frequently in the combination group (4.2% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.001). Interpretation: The effects of ezetimibe combination therapy observed in the RACING trial were consistently preserved among patients with ASCVD following PCI. Ezetimibe combination could be considered as a suitable therapeutic strategy to achieve strict control of LDL-C and reduce drug intolerance in patients who underwent PCI. Funding: Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Seoul, South Korea.

Clinical Impact of CYP2C19 Genotype on Clopidogrel-Based Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Although there is a growing body of evidence that CYP2C19 genotyping can be beneficial when considering treatment with clopidogrel after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), whether a genotype-guided strategy can be generally adopted in routine practice remains unclear among East Asians. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate long-term outcomes of patients undergoing clopidogrel-based antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation according to CYP2C19 genotypes. METHODS: From the nationwide multicenter PTRG-DES (Platelet function and genoType-Related long-term proGnosis in DES-treated patients) consortium, patients who underwent CYP2C19 genotyping were selected and classified according to CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele: rapid metabolizers (RMs) or normal metabolizers (NMs) vs intermediate metabolizers (IMs) or poor metabolizers (PMs). The primary outcome was a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis at 5 years after the index procedure. RESULTS: Of 8,163 patients with CYP2C19 genotyping, 56.7% presented with acute coronary syndrome. There were 3,098 (37.9%) in the RM or NM group, 3,906 (47.9%) in the IM group, and 1,159 (14.2%) in the PM group. IMs or PMs were associated with an increased risk of 5-year primary outcome compared with RMs or NMs (HRadj: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.01-1.98; P = 0.041), and the effect was more pronounced in the first year (HRadj: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.10-2.55; P = 0.016). The prognostic implication of being an IM and PM was significant in acute coronary syndrome patients (HRadj: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.20-2.93; P = 0.005) but not in those with stable angina (HRadj: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.54-1.55; P = 0.751) (interaction P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Among East Asians with clopidogrel-based antiplatelet therapy after DES implantation, CYP2C19 genotyping could stratify patients who were likely to have an increased risk of atherothrombotic events. (Platelet Function and genoType-Related Long-term progGosis in DES-treated Patients: A Consortium From Multi-centered Registries [PTRG-DES]; NCT04734028).

Sex Differences in Midterm Prognostic Implications of High Platelet Reactivity After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Drug-Eluting Stents in East Asian Patients: Results From the PTRG-DES (Platelet Function and Genotype-Related Long-Term Prognosis in Drug-Eluting Stent-Treated Patients With Coronary Artery Disease) Consortium.

Background Although high platelet reactivity (HPR) on clopidogrel is associated with higher ischemic events and lower bleeding events in patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents, the differential risk of HPR in East Asian women versus men is unknown. Methods and Results We compared 11 714 patients enrolled in the PTRG-DES (Platelet Function and Genotype-Related Long-Term Prognosis in Drug-Eluting Stent-Treated Patients With Coronary Artery Disease) Consortium according to sex and the presence/absence of HPR on clopidogrel (defined as ≥252 P2Y12 reactivity units). The primary study end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs; comprising all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, and stent thrombosis). HPR was more common in women (46.7%) than in men (28.1%). In propensity-adjusted models, HPR was an independent predictor of MACCEs (men with HPR: hazard ratio [HR], 1.60 [95% CI, 1.20-2.12]; women with HPR: HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.69-1.42]) and all-cause mortality (men with HPR: HR, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.07-2.44]; women with HPR: HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.57-1.50]) in men, although those associations were insignificant among women. In addition, a significant interaction between sex was noted in the associations between HPR and MACCE (Pinteraction=0.013) or all-cause mortality (Pinteraction=0.025). Conclusions In this study, HPR was a differential risk factor for 1-year MACCEs and all-cause mortality in women and men. And it was an independent predictor of 1-year MACCEs and all-cause mortality in men but not in women. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04734028. Registered July 9, 2003, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04734028.

Influence of an abnormal ankle-brachial index on ischemic and bleeding events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Bleeding events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have important prognostic implications. Data on the influence of an abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) on both ischemic and bleeding events in patients undergoing PCI are limited. METHODS: We included patients who underwent PCI with available ABI data (abnormal ABI, ≤ 0.9 or > 1.4). The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and major bleeding. RESULTS: Among 4,747 patients, an abnormal ABI was observed in 610 patients (12.9%). During follow-up (median, 31 months), the 5-year cumulative incidence of adverse clinical events was higher in the abnormal ABI group than in the normal ABI group: primary endpoint (36.0% vs. 14.5%, log-rank test, p < 0.001); all-cause death (19.4% vs. 5.1%, log-rank test, p < 0.001); MI (6.3% vs. 4.1%, log-rank test, p = 0.013); stroke (6.2% vs. 2.7%, log-rank test, p = 0.001); and major bleeding (8.9% vs. 3.7%, log-rank test, p < 0.001). An abnormal ABI was an independent risk factor for all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 3.05; p < 0.001), stroke (HR, 1.79; p = 0.042), and major bleeding (HR, 1.61; p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: An abnormal ABI is a risk factor for both ischemic and bleeding events after PCI. Our study findings may be helpful in determining the optimal method for secondary prevention after PCI.

Prognostic impact of hypercoagulability and impaired fibrinolysis in acute myocardial infarction.

AIMS: Atherothrombotic events are influenced by systemic hypercoagulability and fibrinolytic activity. The present study evaluated thrombogenicity indices and their prognostic implications according to disease acuity. METHODS AND RESULTS: From the consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), those with thrombogenicity indices (n = 2705) were grouped according to disease acuity [acute myocardial infarction (AMI) vs. non-AMI]. Thrombogenicity indices were measured by thromboelastography (TEG). Blood samples for TEG were obtained immediately after insertion of the PCI sheath, and TEG tracing was performed within 4 h post-sampling. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke) were evaluated for up to 4 years. Compared with non-AMI patients, AMI patients had higher platelet-fibrin clot strength [maximal amplitude (MA): 66.5 ± 7.8 vs. 65.3 ± 7.2 mm, P < 0.001] and lower fibrinolytic activity [clot lysis at 30 min (LY30): 0.9 ± 1.8% vs. 1.1 ± 1.9%, P < 0.001]. Index AMI presentation was associated with MA [per one-mm increase: odds ratio (OR): 1.024; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.013-1.036; P < 0.001] and LY30 (per one% increase: OR: 0.934; 95% CI: 0.893-0.978; P = 0.004). The presence of high platelet-fibrin clot strength (MA ≥68 mm) and low fibrinolytic activity (LY30 < 0.2%) was synergistically associated with MACE occurrence. In the multivariable analysis, the combined phenotype of 'MA ≥ 68 mm' and 'LY30 < 0.2%' was a major predictor of post-PCI MACE in the AMI group [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.744; 95% CI: 1.135-2.679; P = 0.011], but not in the non-AMI group (adjusted HR: 1.031; 95% CI: 0.499-2.129; P = 0.935). CONCLUSION: AMI occurrence is significantly associated with hypercoagulability and impaired fibrinolysis. Their combined phenotype increases the risk of post-PCI atherothrombotic event only in AMI patients. These observations may support individualized therapy that targets thrombogenicity for better outcomes in patients with AMI. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Gyeongsang National University Hospital (G-NUH) Registry, NCT04650529.

Post-PCI Risk Assessment by Inflammation Activity According to Disease Acuity and Time from Procedure.

BACKGROUND: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been proposed as an indicator of inflammation and cardiovascular risk. However, little is known of the comparative temporal profile of hs-CRP and its relation to outcomes according to the disease acuity. METHODS: We enrolled 4,263 East Asian patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stable disease. hs-CRP was measured at baseline and 1 month post-PCI. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: the composite occurrence of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) and major bleeding were followed up to 4 years. RESULT: The AMI group (n = 2,376; 55.7%) had higher hs-CRPbaseline than the non-AMI group (n = 1,887; 44.3%) (median: 1.5 vs. 1.0 mg/L; p < 0.001), which remained higher at 1 month post-PCI (median: 1.0 vs. 0.9 mg/L; p = 0.001). During 1 month, a high inflammatory-risk phenotype (upper tertile: hs-CRPbaseline ≥ 2.4 mg/L) was associated with a greater MACE in the AMI group (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj]: 7.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.29-25.59; p < 0.001), but not in the non-AMI group (HRadj: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.12-4.40; p = 0.736). Between 1 month and 4 years, a high inflammatory-risk phenotype (upper tertile: hs-CRP1 month ≥ 1.6 mg/L) was associated with greater MACE compared to the other phenotype in both the AMI (HRadj: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.73-3.45; p < 0.001) and non-AMI groups (HRadj: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.80-3.94; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: AMI patients have greater inflammation during the early and late phases than non-AMI patients. Risk phenotype of hs-CRPbaseline correlates with 1-month outcomes only in AMI patients. However, the prognostic implications of this risk phenotype appears similar during the late phase, irrespective of the disease acuity.

Clinical Impact of Drug-Coated Balloon-Based Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Data on drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment in the context of multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) are limited. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of DCB-based treatment on percutaneous coronary intervention for multivessel CAD. METHODS: A total of 254 patients with multivessel disease successfully treated with DCBs or in combination with drug-eluting stents (DES) were retrospectively enrolled (DCB-based group) and compared with 254 propensity-matched patients treated with second-generation DES from the PTRG-DES (Platelet Function and Genotype-Related Long-Term Prognosis in Drug-Eluting Stent-Treated Patients With Coronary Artery Disease) registry (n = 13,160) (DES-only group). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) comprised cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization, and major bleeding at 2 years. RESULTS: Baseline clinical characteristics were comparable between the groups. In the DCB-based group, 34.3% of patients were treated with DCBs only and 65.7% were treated with the DES hybrid approach. The number of stents and total stent length were significantly reduced by 65.4% and 63.7%, respectively, in the DCB-based group compared with the DES-only group. Moreover, the DCB-based group had a lower rate of MACE than the DES-only group (3.9% and 11.0%; P = 0.002) at 2-year follow-up. The DES-only group had a higher risk for cardiac death and major bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The DCB-based treatment approach showed a significantly reduced stent burden for multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention and led to a lower rate of MACE than the DES-only treatment. This study shows that DCB-based treatment approach safely reduces stent burden in multivessel CAD, and improved long-term outcomes may be expected by reducing stent-related events. (Impact of Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment in De Novo Coronary Lesion; NCT04619277).

Moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe vs. high-intensity statin in patients with diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the RACING trial.

AIMS: This study evaluated the effect of moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe combination therapy vs. high-intensity statin monotherapy among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a pre-specified, stratified subgroup analysis of the DM cohort in the RACING trial. The primary outcome was a 3-year composite of cardiovascular death, major cardiovascular events, or non-fatal stroke. Among total patients, 1398 (37.0%) had DM at baseline. The incidence of the primary outcome was 10.0% and 11.3% among patients with DM randomized to ezetimibe combination therapy vs. high-intensity statin monotherapy (hazard ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.64-1.22; P = 0.460). Intolerance-related discontinuation or dose reduction of the study drug was observed in 5.2% and 8.7% of patients in each group, respectively (P = 0.014). LDL cholesterol levels <70 mg/dL at 1, 2, and 3 years were observed in 81.0%, 83.1%, and 79.9% of patients in the ezetimibe combination therapy group, and 64.1%, 70.2%, and 66.8% of patients in the high-intensity statin monotherapy group (all P < 0.001). In the total population, no significant interactions were found between DM status and therapy regarding primary outcome, intolerance-related discontinuation or dose reduction, and the proportion of patients with LDL cholesterol levels <70 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: Ezetimibe combination therapy effects observed in the RACING trial population are preserved among patients with DM. This study supports moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe combination therapy as a suitable alternative to high-intensity statins if the latter cannot be tolerated, or further reduction in LDL cholesterol is required among patients with DM and ASCVD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier:NCT03044665.

Prevalence of adverse events during ticagrelor versus clopidogrel treatment and its association with premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy in East Asian patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Background: Clinical evidence raises the issues regarding the high risk of adverse events and serious bleeding in East Asian patients receiving standard-dose ticagrelor treatment. We sought to evaluate the association between adverse events and their associations with premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Methods: We enrolled East Asian patients presented with acute coronary syndrome who took DAPT with 90-mg ticagrelor (n = 270) or 75-mg clopidogrel (n = 674). During 1-month treatment, antiplatelet effect was evaluated with the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay, and the occurrence of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea was assessed with the dedicated questionnaire. Results: During 1-month follow-up, patients on ticagrelor showed the higher risks of bleeding (any BARC type: 45.6% vs. 23.6%; odds ratio [OR], 2.71 and BARC 1 or 2 type: 45.2% vs. 22.1%; OR, 2.90, respectively) and dyspnea (26.3% vs. 13.6%; OR, 2.25) compared with those on clopidogrel. In a receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis to predict bleeding risk, ticagrelor showed a lower cutoff of low platelet reactivity (LPR) (P2Y12 reaction unit [PRU] ≤ 20) than clopidogrel (PRU ≤ 110). Early occurrence of bleeding episode was significantly associated with LPR phenotype (OR, 2.68), not type of P2Y12 inhibitor. In multivariate analysis, type of P2Y12 inhibitor (ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel: OR, 2.19) and bleeding episode (OR, 2.94) were independent predictors for dyspnea occurrence. During 1-year follow-up, DAPT with ticagrelor showed a higher risk of premature discontinuation compared to DAPT with clopidogrel (27.8% vs. 4.7%; adjusted HR, 8.84), which risk appeared frequent during the first month (14.4%) during DAPT with ticagrelor. Early occurrence of bleeding and dyspnea synergistically increased a risk of DAPT non-adherence, irrespective of type of P2Y12 inhibitor. Conclusion: This analysis is the first evidence to show the different cutoff of low platelet reactivity during the reversible (ticagrelor) versus irreversible P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel). Early occurrence of bleeding and dyspnea is very common during standard-dose ticagrelor treatment in East Asian patients, which show a close association with premature DAPT discontinuation. Clinical trial registration: [https://www.clinicaltrials.gov], identifier[NCT046 50529].

Platelet Reactivity and Clinical Outcomes After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation: Results From the PTRG-DES Consortium.

BACKGROUND: The long-term prognostic implication of platelet reactivity after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not clearly known. OBJECTIVES: The impacts of platelet reactivity from the PTRG-DES consortium were assessed. METHODS: The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, or stroke. Key secondary endpoints were all-cause mortality, major bleeding, and net adverse clinical events (NACE), including MACCE and bleeding. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2018, a total of 11,714 patients were enrolled and grouped into tertiles according to P2Y12 reaction units (PRUs): high PRUs (≥253), intermediate PRUs (188-252), and low PRUs (<188). The Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimates of the primary outcome were significantly different across the groups; the high-PRU group showed the highest MACCE rate at 5 years (12.9%, 11.1%, and 7.0% in high-, intermediate-, and low-PRU groups, respectively; P < 0.001), as well as at 1 year (P < 0.001). The high-PRU group had the greatest KM estimates of all-cause death (8.2%, 5.9%, and 3.7%, respectively; P < 0.001) at 5 years without significant differences of major bleeding, and resultant of a higher KM estimates of NACE (15.7%, 13.6%, and 9.7%, respectively; P < 0.001). A PRU ≥252, the best cutoff value, was strongly related to MACCE (HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.11-1.74; P = 0.003) and all-cause death at 5 years after PCI (HR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.04-1.94; P = 0.026). The optimal cutoff value of aspirin reaction units predicting the MACCE occurrence was ≥414 and was significantly associated with 5-year MACCE occurrence or all-cause death (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this large-scale cohort, high PRU was significantly associated with occurrence of MACCE, all-death death, and NACE at 5 years, as well as 1 year after PCI. (PTRG-DES Consortium [PTRG]; NCT04734028).