Lessons learned in attempting catheter-based interatrial electrical disconnection for nonpharmacologic rate control of atrial fibrillation or flutter.

PURPOSE: Ablation of atrioventricular (AV) conduction and pacemaker implantation is the therapy of last resort for symptomatic atrial tachyarrythmias when rhythm and rate control fail, but is far from ideal. To evaluate whether interatrial electrical disconnection as a result of catheter ablation is feasible and of potential clinical utility as a means of non-pharmacological heart rate control. METHODS: Eleven patients with medically refractory atrial fibrillation or left atrial flutter and symptomatic rapid ventricular response were included. The ablation strategy consisted primarily of right atrial ablation of the interatrial electrical connections, which were located by electroanatomical activation maps performed during coronary sinus stimulation. Successive activation maps were performed as each connection was blocked. If the procedure was considered unsuccessful AV nodal ablation was performed. RESULTS: The coronary sinus ostium was earliest in 10/11 and could be ablated in 5/10 patients. Interatrial conduction block was only achieved in one patient (9.1%). An unexpected AV nodal modulation with an increase in the Wenckebach cycle length (> 50 ms) occurred in 8/11 patients. These patients remained without pacemaker implantation and only 1/8 required AV nodal ablation during the 1-year follow-up. Quality of life questionnaires indicated significant improvement in patients with AV nodal modulation. CONCLUSION: Interatrial electrical disconnection by right atrial catheter ablation is a not feasible with present day technology. The extensive right atrial septal ablation performed resulted in significant AV nodal modulation in most patients, which persisted and resulted in improvement in quality of life.

Is the ORBIT Bleeding Risk Score Superior to the HAS-BLED Score in Anticoagulated Atrial Fibrillation Patients?

BACKGROUND: Several bleeding risk scores have been validated in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The ORBIT score has been recently proposed as a simple score with the best ability to predict major bleeding. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that the ORBIT score was superior to the HAS-BLED score for predicting major bleeding and death in "real world" anticoagulated AF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed the predictive performance for bleeding and death of 406 AF patients who underwent 571 electrical cardioversion procedures and 1,276 patients with permanent/persistent AF from the FANTASIIA registry. In the cardioversion population, 21 patients had major bleeding events and 26 patients died. The predictive performance for major bleeding of HAS-BLED and ORBIT were not significantly different (c-statistics 0.77 (95% CI 0.66-0.88) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.77-0.93), respectively; P=0.080). For the FANTASIIA population, 46 patients had major bleeding events and 50 patients died. The predictive performances for major bleeding of HAS-BLED and ORBIT were not significantly different (c-statistics 0.63 (95% CI 0.56-0.71) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.62-0.77), respectively; P=0.116). For death, the predictive performances of HAS-BLED and ORBIT were not significantly different in both populations. The ORBIT score categorized most patients as "low risk". CONCLUSIONS: Despite the original claims in its derivation paper, the ORBIT score was not superior to HAS-BLED for predicting major bleeding and death in a "real world" oral anticoagulated AF population. (Circ J 2016; 80: 2102-2108).

The HAS-BLED score predicts long-term major bleeding and death in anticoagulated non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients undergoing electrical cardioversion.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients eligible for cardioversion tend to be younger and are at lower risk than 'general' AF clinic populations. We evaluated the incidence of major bleeding and death, as well as the predictive value of the HAS-BLED score in non-valvular AF patients who underwent electrical cardioversion (ECV). METHODS: Consecutive non-valvular AF patients who underwent ECV were recruited. Major bleeding episodes and mortality were recorded. Factors associated with both endpoints and the predictive value of the HAS-BLED score were analysed. RESULTS: 406 patients (281 males; age 66.9±10.9years) undergoing 571 ECV were included. After a follow-up of nearly 3years, 20 patients presented with major bleeding (1.9%/year;) and 26 patients died (2.4%/year). The HAS-BLED score predicted both major bleeding [c-statistics: 0.77; 95%CI: 0.71-0.83; p<0.001] and mortality [c-statistics: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.79-0.87; p<0.001]. Variables associated with bleeding were: renal impairment (HR: 4.35; 95%CI: 1.22-15.52; p=0.02), poor quality anticoagulation (HR: 3.21; 95%CI: 1.11-9.32; p=0.03), previous bleeding-predisposition (HR: 5.43; 95%CI: 1.76-16.75; p=0.003) and the HAS-BLED score (HR: 1.88; 95%CI: 1.34-2.64; p<0.001). Factors associated with mortality were: age (HR: 1.08; 95%CI: 1.03-1.14; p=0.004), poor quality anticoagulation (HR: 3.11; 95%CI: 1.15-8.36; p=0.02), previous bleeding-predisposition (HR: 5.90; 95%CI: 1.41-24.65; p=0.01), liver impairment (HR: 9.27; 95%CI:1.64-52.34; p=0.01), the CHA2DS2-VASc score (HR: 1.63; 95%CI: 1.18-2.26; p=0.003) and the HAS-BLED score (HR: 2.74; 95%CI: 1.86-4.04); p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In AF patients undergoing ECV, major bleeding episodes and mortality were independently associated with poor quality anticoagulation control and previous bleeding-predisposition. The HAS-BLED score successfully predicted major bleeding and mortality.

Evaluation of a 'color coding' system for the assessment of patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

AIMS: The reduction of delay times as well as the rate of false alarms (FA) have become some of the main points of the different infarction networks. We propose a simple way of classifying patients derived for primary PCI (pPCI) into well-defined simple groups by colors, where we can assess real delays of each clinical presentation, define the FA and, furthermore, establish their immediate and short term prognosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective study of STEMI consecutive patients derived for pPCI during 2014. Patients were categorized into one of the 3 predesigned groups [(i) Green: diagnostic-ECG with compatible clinical presentation for pPCI; (ii) Yellow: LBBB, pacemaker rate or non-diagnostic ECG; and (iii) Red: very complex patients], always before performing the angiography in 518 patients. Delay times were highest in the Yellow group, with much longer first medical contact (FMC) to balloon time (median Green 118'; Yellow 163'; Red 130'; p<0.001) mainly due to higher times from the first medical contact to the diagnosis and team activation (median Green 30'; Yellow 70'; Red 39'; p<0.001). In the whole cohort, pPCI was performed in 80.2% of patients, with 11.9% of FA. The Green group had only a 2.5% FA rate, in contrast to the Yellow group where FA were 43.2%. CONCLUSIONS: This simple classification differentiates the 3 very clear groups in which delay times and prognosis are very different. This classification allows us to measure, evaluate and compare the performance of each of our pPCI networks with others and within different periods of times.

Effects of Body Mass Index on the Lipid Profile and Biomarkers of Inflammation and a Fibrinolytic and Prothrombotic State.

AIM: Both an overweight status and obesity are associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of obesity on different underlying mechanisms, i.e. inflammation, fibrinolysis and a prothrombotic state, in a young high-risk population in the Mediterranean area. METHODS: The study population included 237 subjects (median age: 44 years). We recorded the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and premature ischaemic heart disease and performed weight stratification using the body mass index (BMI) according to the established World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. We also measured the serum/plasma lipid, fibrinogen, D-dimer, von Willebrand factor, tissue plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 antigen (PAI-1) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP-hs) levels in samples of peripheral blood. RESULTS: The subjects with premature ischaemic heart disease and hypertension had higher BMI values (p＜0.01), and the subjects with an increased weight showed an unadjusted detrimental lipid profile, with a proinflammatory, prothrombotic state and abnormal fibrinolytic parameters. According to a multivariate analysis, the HDL-cholesterol (r(2)=0.176; p＜0.001), t-PA antigen (r(2)=0.235; p＜0.001), PAI-1 antigen (r(2)=0.164; p＜0.001) and CRP-hs (r(2)=0.096; p=0.019) levels were significantly related to the weight stratification. CONCLUSIONS: A high BMI is a common finding in young populations at high risk of cardiovascular disease. In the current study, the patients with an increased BMI demonstrated an unhealthy lipid profile, as well as a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state and abnormal fibrinolytic parameters.

Oral anticoagulation improves the prognosis of octogenarian patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting.

BACKGROUND: a significant proportion of octogenarian patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting. Dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended in these patients, requiring a period of triple therapy with dual antiplatelet agent plus oral anticoagulation (OAC). Concerns remain regarding the appropriateness of OAC in octogenarians. METHODS: we reviewed 604 patients (15.7% ≥80 years) with AF undergoing PCI. Clinical follow-up was performed, recording any bleeding episode, thrombo-embolism and major adverse cardiac events (MACE = death, acute myocardial infarction and/or revascularisation of target lesion). We compared octogenarian patients in relation to treatment with OAC at discharge. A secondary aim was to compare octogenarian patients with non-octogenarian patients in terms of their clinical and demographic characteristics, management and clinical outcome. RESULTS: among the 604 patients, 95(15.7%) were aged ≥80 years. Octogenarians had a higher median CHADS2 score (2.78 versus 2.01; P < 0.001) and HAS-BLED score (3.05 versus 2.84; P = 0.028). After a follow-up of 17 ± 14 months, all-cause death occurred in 33%, MACE in 44%, and major bleeding in 21%. OAC was associated with less MACE (28.9 versus 58.3%; P = 0.012) and a similar rate of major bleeding. On multivariable analysis, non-use of OAC at discharge was associated with increased MACE (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 1.3-14.6; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: octogenarian AF patients undergoing PCI/stenting have a high mortality rate and MACE, which can be reduced by means of OAC therapy.

Should we recommend oral anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing coronary artery stenting with a high HAS-BLED bleeding risk score?

BACKGROUND: Recent European guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation recommend oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes, history of previous stroke, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, and sex category [female]) ≥1. The HAS-BLED score (Hypertension, Abnormal renal/liver function, Stroke, Bleeding history or predisposition, Labile international normalized ratio, Elderly [>65 years], Drugs/alcohol concomitantly) has been suggested to assess bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (score ≥3 indicates high risk of bleeding). Despite the guidelines, this approach has never been tested in a cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 590 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention/stenting and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASC score >1 (ie, OAC recommended). We compared patients with low-intermediate bleeding risk (HAS-BLED 0-2) and high risk (HAS-BLED ≥3), the relation between CHA(2)DS(2)-VASC and HAS-BLED, and the benefit and risks of the use of OAC in patients with high bleeding risk. The development of any bleeding episode, thromboembolism, mortality, cardiac events, and the composite major adverse cardiac events (ie, death, acute myocardial infarction, and/or target lesion revascularization) end point was recorded as well as the composite major adverse events (ie, major adverse cardiac events, major bleeding, or thromboembolism) end point at 1-year follow-up. Of the study cohort, 420 (71%) had a HAS-BLED score ≥3, and patients who were on OAC at discharge had lower mortality rate (9.3% versus 20.1%; P<0.01) and major adverse cardiac events (13.0% versus 26.4%; P<0.01) but with a similar major adverse event (20.5% versus 27.6%; P=0.11) and higher major bleeding rate (11.8% versus 4.0%; P<0.01). In a Cox multivariable analysis in patients with HAS-BLED ≥3, predictors of increased death were chronic renal failure and heart failure (both P<0.05), whereas OAC at discharge was associated with a reduced death rate (P<0.01). Predictors of major bleeding were chronic renal failure and the use of drug-eluting stents (both P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention/stenting have a high risk for major bleeding (HAS-BLED score ≥3). Even in these patients, OAC improves prognosis in these patients (reduced mortality and major adverse cardiac events) with an increase in major bleeding.

Oxidative damage is present in plasma and circulating neutrophils 4 weeks after a high mountain expedition.

It is well known that exposure to extreme environments, such as in high-mountain expeditions, is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species and related oxidative damage. However, there is little information concerning antioxidant recovery after this type of expedition. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the antioxidant recovery status at sea level of five expert alpinists 4 weeks after climbing Cho-Oyu (8,201 m). Body composition, cardiorespiratory capacity, and circulating parameters were almost similar to the values obtained at the beginning of the study. However, the alpinists presented high erythrocyte number, related hemogram values, and ferritin. Sodium, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyltransferase plasma levels were lower. Concerning oxidative stress, plasma uric acid levels were significantly increased, as well as malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls. Neutrophils displayed significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde and lower catalase activity. Therefore, these data indicate that the oxidative stress during a high mountain expedition is the most probable cause to explain an incomplete recovery in plasma and neutrophil antioxidant status.

[Minimum salvaged myocardium after rescue percutaneous coronary intervention: quantification by cardiac magnetic resonance]. / Miocardio rescatado tras angioplastia coronaria de rescate: cuantificación mediante resonancia magnética cardiaca.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: When fibrinolysis fails in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction, they are referred for a rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, there is still no evidence of how much myocardium potentially at risk we can actually salvage after rescue PCI. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance was performed within 6 days. Myocardial necrosis was defined by the extent of abnormal late enhancement, myocardium at risk by extent of edema, and the amount of salvaged myocardium by the difference between myocardium at risk and myocardial necrosis. Finally, myocardial salvage index (MSI) resulted from the fraction (area-at-risk minus infarct-size)/area-at-risk. RESULTS: The mean time elapsed between pain onset and fibrinolitic agent administration was 176 ± 113 min; time lysis-rescue=PCI 209 ± 122 min; time pain onset-PCI = 390 ± 152 min. The area at risk was 37% ± 13% and infarct size 34.5% ± 13%. Salvaged myocardium was 3% ± 4% and MSI 9 ± 8. Salvaged myocardium and MSI were similar between patients with the artery open on arrival at the catheterization lab (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] 3) and those with TIMI flow ≤ 2 (3.3% ± 3.6% and 8.2 ± 6.9 in TIMI 0-2 vs 3.0% ± 3.7% and 10.8 ± 10.9 in TIMI 3; P=.80 and 0.31, respectively). No significant difference was observed between patients who went through rescue PCI within a shorter time and those with longer delay times. CONCLUSIONS: The myocardial salvage after rescue PCI quantified by cardiac magnetic resonance is very small. The long delay times between pain onset and the opening of the infarct-related artery with PCI are most probably the reason for such a minimal effect of rescue PCI.

An evaluation of the CHADS2 stroke risk score in patients with atrial fibrillation who undergo percutaneous coronary revascularization.

BACKGROUND: There are various schemas designed to stratify the risk of thromboembolism (TE) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), of which the CHADS(2) (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 y, diabetes, stroke [doubled]) score is the most widely studied. We evaluated whether the CHADS(2) score was adequate for TE risk stratification while assessing cardiac risk in patients with AF revascularized with coronary artery stents. METHODS: We reviewed 604 consecutive patients with AF treated with at least one stent between 2001 and 2008 in relation to TE risk using CHADS(2) score. We stratified our patients with a CHADS(2) score ≤ 1 as low-moderate thromboembolic risk (group 1: n = 193, 32%) and > 1 as high risk (and, hence, requiring anticoagulation; group 2: n = 411, 68%). We determined the benefits and/or risks of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy in both cohorts. RESULTS: Completed follow-up was achieved in 90.4% (mean 642.2 days). Group 1 event-free survival was better than group 2 (major adverse cardiovascular events [MACEs], log-rank test P = .03; and death, log-rank test P = .03). In group 1, event-free survival was better on OAC vs non-OAC use (death 5% vs 15%, P = .04; MACE 10% vs 26%, P < .01) with a trend for more major hemorrhages (12% vs 4%, P = .08). Stroke rate was 4.1% per 100 patient-years in patients without OAC therapy and 1.38% in patients on OAC therapy. Group 2 had a lower incidence of death (20% vs 34%, P < .01) and MACE (26% vs 43%, P < .01) among those on OAC therapy on discharge, with a higher incidence of major hemorrhages (18% vs 8%, P < .01). CONCLUSION: In a population of patients with AF revascularized with stents, even those with CHADS(2) ≤ 1 should be regarded as being at high risk. OAC should be considered as thromboprophylaxis in patients with AF revascularized with coronary stents.

Rescue angioplasty: characteristics and results in a single-center experience.

PURPOSE AND METHODS: Rescue angioplasty (RA) has demonstrated its efficacy for the treatment of failed thrombolysis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We analyzed clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics, and prognosis at 30 days of prospective cohort of unselected patients admitted for RA. RESULTS: From August 2004 to August 2009, 361 patients were included in a single center. The median time pain to the thrombolysis was 140 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 90-210), delay transfer 100 minutes (IQR 65-120); pain to PCI was 330 minutes (IQR 270-400). Initial flow TIMI 3 (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) was presented in 102 (28.3%) of cases and blush grade 3 in 88 (24.4%). After the procedure, TIMI 3 flow was achieved in 286 (79.2%) and blush grade 3 in 256 (71%) (P < 0.001 and P < 0,001, respectively). A glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor (Abciximab) was used in 115 patients (32%). Stents were implanted in 339 (94%) of patients, 137 (38%) of which were drug-eluting stent. Complete ST segment resolution was observed in 202 (64.5%) patients in 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and procedural success was 77.6%. Adverse cardiac events and death after 30 days follow-up were 13.6% and 10.7%, respectively. Target vessel revascularization at 30 days was 1.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Routine application of RA in patients with persistent ST elevation 90 minutes after thrombolysis is a useful technique for achieving revascularization of the affected artery. In-hospital mortality remains high especially in patients with cardiac shock, despite new interventional techniques available, and adjunctive antithrombotic therapy.

Evolution in the management of acute myocardial infarction in the autonomous community of valencia (Spain): ten years of the primvac registry (1995-2004).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Several registries of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have been carried out in Spain, but few remain active. This work analyses the evolution of the characteristics and control of patients with AMI during the first 10 years of the PRIMVAC registry, initiated in 1995. METHODS: The demographical and clinical characteristics, therapeutic-diagnostic procedures and pharmacological treatment of patients admitted with AMI between January 1995 and December 2004, were analysed in 17 coronary centres in the Autonomous Community of Valencia (South eastern Spain). RESULTS: The mean age of the 19,719 patients recruited was of 65. The percentage of women, hypertension, hypercholestrolemia and diabetes increased during registry period. The median time of symptoms onset-hospital arrival was 151 minutes, without a decrease over the time, and the delay of thrombolysis fell from 200 to 154 minutes (p<0.01). Percentage of thrombolytic treatment oscillated between 39% and 48%. The mortality in the coronary units decreased (14.1% vs. 8.9%; p<0.001). The number of coronary angiography and percutaneous revascularisation performed increased up to 61% and 32%, respectively, of patients included. On discharge, the use of beta-blockers (29.3% vs. 66.7%), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (41.7% vs. 57.9%) and statins (29.3% vs. 71%) went up. CONCLUSIONS: Overall mortality in the coronary unit decreased, without any variation in the incidence of serious complications. Time to thrombolysis was reduced over the time, with no significant increment in its use. The performance of coronary angiography and percutaneous revascularisation increased, with a low use of primary angioplasty. The use of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and statins increased at discharge.

The prognostic value of biomarkers after a premature myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular thrombogenesis is influenced by a complex interplay of factors related to a procoagulant state, fibrinolysis, endothelial damage/dysfunction and inflammation. We hypothesised that abnormalities of these biological systems would contribute to outcome of coronary artery disease presenting at a young age. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 142 subjects presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at a young age (defined as age ≤45 years), to determine the clinical and laboratory predictors of cardiovascular events during 36 months of follow-up. We assessed conventional risk factors and abnormalities of thrombophilia [total homocysteine (tHcy), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], antiphospholipid antibodies (APA)], as well as lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides), fibrinogen and fibrin D-dimer (as indices of a hypercoagulable state and thrombogenesis), von Willebrand factor (vWF, an index of endothelial damage/dysfunction), tissue plasminogen activator [t-PA antigen] and its inhibitor [PAI-1 antigen] (as indices of fibrinolysis), and C-reactive protein [CRP] (an index of inflammation). RESULTS: In a multivariate analysis, the variables independently associated with cardiovascular events at follow-up were levels of homocysteine (OR 3.73, 95% CI (1.54-9.02); p=0.003), left ventricle systolic dysfunction (OR 3.04, 95% CI (1.00-9.25); p=0.050), and smoking habit (OR 2.79, 95% CI (1.09-7.14) p=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Prognostic markers associated with cardiovascular events in premature CAD (young AMI subjects) were cigarette smoking and EF<50% of left ventricle as conventional clinical risk factors, as well as higher levels of homocysteine.

Does pacemaker implantation provide long-term benefits in severe obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: About 25% of patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remain symptomatic despite optimal medical treatment. Some may benefit from pacemaker implantation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pacemaker implantation on the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient, the maximum thickness of the left ventricle, and functional capacity. METHODS: In total, 72 patients with obstructive HCM and incapacitating symptoms underwent pacemaker implantation. Clinical examination, echocardiography (in 61 patients) and treadmill testing (in 34 patients) were performed before and after implantation. RESULTS: Subjective functional capacity, as assessed using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, improved in 43.1% of patients, but treadmill testing showed no change. There were significant reductions in subaortic gradient, from a median of 87.0 mmHg (interquartile range [IQR] 61.5-115.2 mmHg) to 30.0 mmHg (IQR 18.0-54.5 mmHg; P< .001), and maximum left ventricular thickness, from 22.1+/-4.5 mm to 19.8+/-3.6 mm (P=.001). Univariate analysis identified two factors associated with clinical improvement: female sex (odds ratio [OR]=3.43; P=.020) and functional class III/IV (OR=4.17; P=.009). On multivariate analysis, only functional class III/IV remained a significant predictor (OR=3.12; P=.048). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with obstructive HCM and incapacitating symptoms, pacemaker implantation reduced the LVOT gradient and the maximum left ventricular thickness, but only 43.1% of patients experienced clinical improvement. The only factor predictive of improvement was advanced NYHA functional class.

Efficacy and safety of drug-eluting stent use in patients with atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Drug-eluting stents (DES) have never been sufficiently studied in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The latter are considered as a high-risk population with uncertainty over the optimal antithrombotic therapy strategy to prevent stroke, stent thrombosis, and recurrent cardiac ischaemia, balanced against the high risk of haemorrhage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the use of DES vs. bare-metal stents (BMS) in a cohort of patients with AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed 604 patients with AF who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention with stent over a period of 7 years (January 2001-January 2008). After a propensity score selection, we identified two matched cohorts who received DES (n = 207) or BMS (n = 207). Clinical follow-up was performed, and all bleeding episodes, thrombo-embolism, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE; i.e. death, acute myocardial infarction, target vessel failure) were recorded. Complete follow-up was achieved in 95.9% of the cohort (mean: 693 +/- 427 days, median: 564). The incidence density of MACE as well as the incidence of all-cause mortality in both groups was similar. There was a higher incidence of major bleeding in DES group (2.26 vs. 1.19 per 10 000 days of exposure; P = 0.03). In a multivariate analysis, age, chronic AF, chronic renal failure, and non-use of dicoumarin were predictors of MACE and of all-cause mortality. The use of DES was not a predictor of reduced events. CONCLUSION: On the basis of this study, the routine use of DES in patients with AF does not seem to be justified. A higher risk of major bleeding with DES in comparison with BMS raises the possibility that DES should be limited to lesions or patients with a high risk of restenosis.

Premature coronary artery disease in young (age <45) subjects: interactions of lipid profile, thrombophilic and haemostatic markers.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular thrombogenesis is influenced by a complex interplay of procoagulant, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, endothelial damage/dysfunction and inflammatory factors. We hypothesised that abnormalities of these biological systems would contribute to coronary artery disease presenting at a young age. METHODS: We performed a case-control study of 142 subjects presenting with MI at a young age (

Observance of antiplatelet therapy after stent implantation in patients under chronic oral anticoagulant treatment.

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing coronary stenting must take dual antiplatelet therapy during a variable period. The combination of chronic oral anticoagulants (COA) with antiplatelet therapy has been related to an increased risk of hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of the antiplatelet therapy observance in those patients and the incidence of adverse events after 1 year. METHODS: Patients with prior COA treatment with coronary lesions suitable for stenting were included. Clinical assessment was performed on admission, with follow-up at 1, 6, and 12 months. Antiplatelet and COA treatment, adverse cardiac events, and hemorrhagic episodes were registered. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were included. Mean age was 70.5 +/- 8.7 years. The most common cause of COA was atrial fibrillation. Conventional stents were used in 40% and drug-eluting stents (DES) in 60%. Treatment at discharge was: ASA + clopidogrel + COA 64.2%, ASA + clopidogrel 25.4%, COA + clopidogrel 7.5%, and COA + ASA 3%. Observance of antiplatelet and COA therapy at 1-6-12 month follow-up after conventional stent was: COA 73.1-70.8-69.6%; ASA 92.3-75.4-65.2%; clopidogrel 92.3-62.5-43.5%. In patients receiving DES, it was: COA 76.9-78.9-80.6%, ASA 79.5-65.8-55.7%, and clopidogrel 94.9-84.2-61.1%. Dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with DES over these periods was taken in 79.5-51.4-27.8%, respectively. The incidence of adverse events was minor bleeding 11.4%, major bleeding 8.6%, myocardial infarction 4.3%, stent thrombosis 1.4%, and death 12.8%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a great variability in the treatment prescribed at discharge. Low observance with dual antiplatelet therapy has been detected in these patients, particularly after DES implantation, and they present a very high rate of complications in the follow-up.

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy use in 426 patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and stent implantation implications for bleeding risk and prognosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to review outcomes in relation to antithrombotic therapy management strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting. BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on the optimal antithrombotic therapy management strategies for patients with AF who undergo PCI with stenting. METHODS: We reviewed 426 patients (70.9% men, mean age 71.5 +/- 8.5 years) with AF undergoing PCI with stenting between 2001 and 2006. We recorded clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients, stroke risk factors, and antithrombotic therapy use before PCI and at discharge. Clinical follow-up was performed, and all bleeding episodes, thromboembolism, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (i.e., death, acute myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization) were recorded. RESULTS: The most commonly associated comorbidities were hypertension (74.5%), diabetes mellitus (40.2%), chronic renal failure (14.9%), and congestive heart failure (26.7%); 80% of patients had >or=2 stroke risk factors. Of the drugs prescribed at discharge, aspirin plus clopidogrel were used in 174 patients (40.8%), whereas 213 patients (50%) were discharged with triple therapy (coumarins, aspirin, and clopidogrel). Complete follow-up was achieved in 87.5% (median 594 days; range 0 to 2,190). The incidence of adverse events was high (36.6%), with major bleeding in 12.3%, thromboembolic events in 4.2%, and MACE in 32.3%. All-cause mortality was high (22.6%). In a multivariate analysis, non-anticoagulation with coumarins increased mortality (17.8% vs. 27.8%; hazard ratio [HR] = 3.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.61 to 7.54; p = 0.002) and MACE (26.5% vs. 38.7%; HR = 4.9; 95% CI 2.17 to 11.1; p < 0.01) In a Cox-regression analysis, non-anticoagulation (p < 0.01) and age (p = 0.02) were independent predictors of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AF undergoing PCI with stenting represent a high-risk population because of age, comorbidities, and presence of stroke risk factors. These patients have a high mortality and MACE rate, which is reduced by anticoagulation therapy.

Premature myocardial infarction: clinical profile and angiographic findings.

Cardiovascular disease is a major global cause of mortality, and its fundamental underlying substrate is atherosclerosis. Young and old patients have different risk factor profiles, clinical presentations, angiographic findings and prognosis. We performed a retrospective case-control study in a cohort (cases) of premature coronary disease (45 years, n=200). The proportion of premature coronary disease in our geographic area was 9%. The average age of the case group was 41 and 64 years in controls (p<0.001). The male sex, though majority in both groups, was significantly more prevalent in the young group (92.5%) than in the older group (76.0%, p<0.001). The presence of smoking habit, hyperlipidemia and family history was significantly higher in the case group as well, with smoking habit being the most prevalent risk factor. In contrast, hypertension and diabetes were more frequent in controls. The number of affected vessels in cases was significantly less than the control group (1.4+/-0.8 vs. 1.7+/-0.9; p=0.013). Premature coronary disease affects predominantly the male sex and shows high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, mainly tobacco, hyperlipidemia, and family history of ischemic heart disease. In addition, it is characterised by a less extensive coronary atherosclerosis, mainly with the higher presence of single-vessel disease in contrast to older patients, as well as lower initial mortality.

Plasma angiogenin levels in acute coronary syndromes: implications for prognosis.

AIMS: Angiogenin is a member of the ribonuclease superfamily, which has been implicated as a mitogen of endothelial cells and activator of matrix metalloproteinases and plasminogen-activated plasmin pathways. We hypothesized abnormalities of angiogenin levels in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), with prognostic implications for predicting adverse events. METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured plasma angiogenin levels (ELISA) in 396 consecutive patients (63.4% males; mean age 67 years, SD 13) admitted with ACS, who were compared with 44 'disease controls' (patients with stable coronary artery disease) and 76 healthy controls. Clinical follow-up at 6 months was performed for adverse endpoints (cardiovascular death, recurrent ACS, revascularization and heart failure). ACS patients had significantly elevated plasma angiogenin levels compared with both disease controls and healthy controls (P < 0.001). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, raised troponin T levels and electrocardiographic changes, raised angiogenin levels were independently associated with more adverse events at 6 months' follow-up [HR 1.44 (95% CI: 1.10-1.89); P = 0.008]. CONCLUSION: Plasma angiogenin levels are significantly increased in ACS, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. High angiogenin levels were predictive of adverse events during follow-up.