A comparison of the assessment and management of cardiometabolic risk in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus in Canadian primary care.

AIM: To investigate the cardiometabolic risk (CMR) assessment and management patterns for individuals with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Canadian primary care practices. METHODS: Between April 2011 and March 2012, physicians from 9 primary care teams and 88 traditional non-team practices completed a practice assessment on the management of 2461 patients >40 years old with no clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease and diagnosed with at least one of the following risk factor-T2DM, dyslipidaemia or hypertension. RESULTS: There were 1304 individuals with T2DM and 1157 without. Pharmacotherapy to manage hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and hypertension was widely prescribed. Fifty-eight percent of individuals with T2DM had a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≤7.0%. Amongst individuals with dyslipidaemia, median low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was 1.8 mmol/l for those with T2DM and 2.8 mmol/l for those without. Amongst individuals with hypertension, 30% of those with T2DM achieved the <130/80 mmHg target, whereas 60% of those without met the <140/90 mmHg target. The composite glycaemic, LDL-C and blood pressure (BP) target outcome was achieved by 12% of individuals with T2DM. Only 17% of individuals with T2DM and 11% without were advised to increase their physical activity. Dietary modifications were recommended to 32 and 10% of those with and without T2DM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients at elevated CMR were suboptimally managed in the primary care practices surveyed. There was low attainment of recommended therapeutic glycaemic, lipid and BP targets. Advice on healthy lifestyle changes was infrequently dispensed, representing a missed opportunity to educate patients on the long-term benefits of lifestyle modification.

Poor achievement of guidelines-recommended targets in type 2 diabetes: findings from a contemporary prospective cohort study.

AIMS: To prospectively evaluate diabetes management in the primary care setting and explore factors related to guideline-recommended triple target achievement [blood pressure (BP) ≤ 130/80 mmHg, A1C ≤ 7% and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol < 2.5 mmol/l]. METHODS: Baseline, 6 and 12 month data on clinical and laboratory parameters were measured in 3002 patients with type 2 diabetes enrolled as part of a prospective quality enhancement research initiative in Canada. A generalised estimating equation model was fitted to assess variables associated with triple target achievement. RESULTS: At baseline, 54%, 53% and 64% of patients, respectively, had BP, A1C and LDL-cholesterol at target; all three goals were met by 19% of patients. The percentage of individuals achieving these targets significantly increased during the study [60%, 57%, 76% and 26%, respectively, at the final visit, p < 0.0001 except for A1C, p = 0.27]. A much smaller proportion of patients had adequate control during the entire study period [30%, 39%, 53% and 7%, respectively]. In multivariable analysis, women, patients younger than 65 years and patients of Afro-Canadian origin were less likely to achieve the triple target. DISCUSSION: As part of a quality enhancement research initiative, we observed important improvements in the attainment of guidelines-recommended targets in patients with type 2 diabetes followed for a 12-month period in the primary care setting; however, many individuals still failed to achieve and especially maintain optimal goals for therapy, particularly the triple target. Results of the multivariable analysis reinforce the need to address barriers to improve diabetes care, particularly in more susceptible groups.

Late assessment of thrombolytic efficacy (LATE) study: prognosis in patients with non-Q wave myocardial infarction. (LATE Study Investigators)

OBJECTIVES: We examined the impact of thrombolytic therapy and the prognosis of patients with non-Q wave myocardial infarction in a randomized placebo-controlled trial known as the Late Assessment of Thrombolytic Efficacy (LATE) study. BACKGROUND: Patients with non-Q wave as compared with Q wave myocardial infarction in the era before thrombolytic therapy were traditionally thought to have a higher rate of reinfarction and death between hospital discharge and 1 year such that the overall prognosis for outcome at 1 year was similar in the two groups. METHODS: The study patients began treatment with either recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) or matching placebo, 6 to 24 h after the onset of chest pain. Post hoc analysis of mortality and reinfarction was carried out by comparing rt-PA and placebo in various subsets of patients based on the presenting electrocardiogram (ECG) and the evolution of the ECG with respect to the development of Q waves. RESULTS: Among 5,711 participants, 4,759 had a confirmed myocardial infarction, including 1,309 classified as having a non-Q wave infarction at hospital discharge. Irrespective of treatment assignment, all patients with non-Q wave versus Q wave infarction had a lower 1-year mortality rate (13.3% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.001) and a similar 1-year reinfarction rate (8.6% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.7). Of the 4,759 patients with confirmed myocardial infarction, 2,973 presented with ST segment elevation or bundle branch block, 528 with ST depression and 1,258 with neither ST elevation nor depression. No overall benefit from rt-PA versus placebo with respect to mortality rate at 1 year was seen among patients presenting with ST elevation (21.2% vs. 22.4%, p = 0.5 [90% power to detect 20% relative difference]). Patients with ST elevation who were treated with rt-PA versus placebo <3 h after hospital admission had a lower mortality rate at 1 year (15.8% vs. 19.6%, p = 0.028) than did those treated after 3 h (17.6% vs. 13.0%, p = 0.055). Patients presenting initially with ST depression >2 mm had significant benefit from treatment with rt-PA with respect to 1 year mortality rate (20.1% vs. 31.9%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with non-Q wave myocardial infarction constitute a heterogeneous group of patients. Although the observations presented here are limited by post hoc analysis, it is apparent that patients classified as having a non-Q wave infarction after thrombolytic therapy have a better prognosis than do those given placebo. Late admission of thrombolytic therapy (after 6 h) may also be beneficial in patients presenting with ST depression >2 mm and confirmed myocardial infarction. These hypotheses require prospective testing in a larger number of patients.

Low molecular weight heparin decreases rebound ischemia in unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction: the Canadian ESSENCE ST segment monitoring substudy.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to determine whether enoxaparin was more effective than heparin in reducing recurrent ischemic episodes. BACKGROUND: Continuous ST segment monitoring is a simple tool for assessment of ischemia and identifies patients with a worse prognosis. Little is known about the impact of low molecular weight heparin on ST segment shift. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive enoxaparin or heparin (mean 3.4 days). Three-lead ST segment monitoring was performed for the first 48 h (n = 220) and an additional 48 h (n = 174) after intravenous study drug discontinuation (mean 1.9 days later). RESULTS: During initial monitoring, ischemia rates were similar among the heparin and enoxaparin groups (27.2% vs. 22.6%, p = 0.44); however, the time to first ischemic episode was earlier among heparin-treated patients (11 +/- 11 vs. 25 +/- 18 min, p = 0.001). After drug discontinuation, ischemic episodes occurred more frequently (44.6% vs. 25.6%, p = 0.009), and the total ischemic duration was greater among heparin patients (18 +/- 39 vs. 5 +/- 12 min/24 h, p = 0.005). Recurrent ischemia occurred more frequently after discontinuation in the heparin (46% vs. 31%, p = 0.043), but not the enoxaparin, group (18.4% vs. 25%, p = 0.33). Regardless of treatment, patients with ischemia were more likely to die or experience (re)infarction at one year (18.4% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: ST segment shift occurs frequently in unstable angina/non-Q-wave myocardial infarction despite antithrombotic therapy and is associated with worse one-year prognosis. Enoxaparin is a more effective antithrombotic treatment than unfractionated heparin and leads to greater prevention of rebound ischemia.

Prognostic value of ST segment depression in acute coronary syndromes: insights from PARAGON-A applied to GUSTO-IIb. PARAGON-A and GUSTO IIb Investigators. Platelet IIb/IIIa Antagonism for the Reduction of Acute Global Organization Network.

OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to develop a risk-stratification model addressing the importance of the magnitude and distribution of ST segment depression in predicting long-term outcomes and to validate the model in an analogous patient population. BACKGROUND: Although patients without ST segment elevation presenting with acute coronary syndromes represent an increasingly frequent population admitted to coronary care units, little attention has been paid to quantifying their ST segment abnormalities. METHODS: ST segment depression was categorized into three groups: 1) no ST segment depression; 2) 1-mm ST segment depression in two contiguous leads; and 3) ST segment depression > or =2 mm in two contiguous leads. A logistic regression model was developed using Platelet IIb/IIIa Antagonism for the Reduction of Acute coronary syndrome events in a Global Organization Network (PARAGON-A) data to assess the prognostic value of the extent and distribution of ST segment depression in predicting one-year mortality. The model was validated using the non-ST segment elevation population in Global Use of Strategies To Open occluded arteries in acute coronary syndromes (GUSTO-IIb). RESULTS: ST segment depression was the strongest predictor of one-year mortality, accounting for 35% of the model's predictive power. Patients with ST segment depression > or =2 mm were approximately 6 times (odds ratio [OR] 5.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8 to 11.6) more likely to die within one year than patients with no ST segment depression. On validation, the model showed good discriminatory power (c-index = 0.75). Patients with ST segment depression > or =2 mm in more than one region were almost 10 times more likely to die within one year than patients with no ST segment depression. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide new evidence supporting the powerful prognostic value of the baseline electrocardiogram and, in particular, the magnitude and distribution of ST segment depression in predicting unfavorable events.

Randomized trial of low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) versus unfractionated heparin for unstable coronary artery disease: one-year results of the ESSENCE Study. Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Enoxaparin in Non-Q Wave Coronary Events.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether the observed benefits of enoxaparin were maintained beyond the early phase; a one-year follow-up survey was undertaken for patients enrolled in the Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Enoxaparin in Non-Q wave Coronary Events (ESSENCE) study. BACKGROUND: We have previously reported a significant benefit of low molecular weight as compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH) in the 14- and 30-day incidence of a composite end point of death, myocardial infarction (MI) or recurrent angina in patients with unstable angina or non-Qwave MI. METHODS: The study recruited 3,171 patients with recent-onset rest angina and underlying ischemic heart disease. All patients received oral aspirin daily and were randomized to receive enoxaparin subcutaneously every 12 h or UFH (intravenous bolus followed by continuous infusion) in a double-blind, double-dummy fashion for a median of 2.6 days. RESULTS: The incidence of the composite triple end point at one year was lower among patients receiving enoxaparin as compared with those receiving UFH (32.0% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.022), with a trend toward a lower incidence of the secondary composite end point of death or MI (11.5% vs. 13.5%, p = 0.082). At one year, the need for diagnostic catheterization and coronary revascularization was lower in the enoxaparin group (55.8% vs. 59.4%, p = 0.036 and 35.9% vs. 41.2%, p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with unstable angina or non-Qwave MI, enoxaparin therapy significantly reduced the rates of recurrent ischemic events and invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the short term with sustained benefit at one year.

Thrombolysis and Q wave versus non-Q wave first acute myocardial infarction: a GUSTO-I substudy. Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Arteries Investigators.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the outcomes of patients with a first myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation, with and without the development of abnormal Q waves after thrombolysis. BACKGROUND: Prethrombolytic era studies report conflicting short-versus long-term mortality in the overall non-Q wave population, probably related to its heterogeneity. METHODS: Patients with no electrocardiographic (ECG) confounding factors or evidence of previous infarction were included. Q wave infarction was defined as a Q wave duration > or = 30 ms in lead aVF; R wave > or = 40 ms in lead V1; any Q wave or R wave < or = 10 ms and < or = 0.1 mV in lead V2; or Q wave > or = 40 ms in at least two of the following leads: I, aVL, V4, V5 or V6. In-hospital clinical events and mortality at 30 days and 1 year were assessed. RESULTS: No Q waves developed in 4,601 (21.3%) of the 21,570 patients. This group comprised more women and had a lower Killip class, lower weight and less anterior baseline ST elevation. The non-Q wave group had less in-hospital cardiogenic shock (2.1% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.0001), less heart failure (8.5% vs. 13.9%, p < 0.0001) and a trend toward less stroke (0.7% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.07) but an increased use of angioplasty (28% vs. 24%, p = 0.0001). The unadjusted mortality rate in the non-Q wave group was lower at 30 days (0.9% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.0001) and 1 year (2.7% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.0001), as was the adjusted 30-day mortality rate (4.8% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with no ECG confounding factors or evidence of previous infarction who do not develop Q waves after thrombolysis have a better 30-day and 1-year prognosis than patients with a Q wave infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction and complete bundle branch block at hospital admission: clinical characteristics and outcome in the thrombolytic era. GUSTO-I Investigators. Global Utilization of Streptokinase and t-PA [tissue-type plasminogen activator] for Occluded Coronary Arteries.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and bundle branch block in the thrombolytic era. BACKGROUND: Studies of patients with acute MI and bundle branch block have reported high mortality rates and poor overall prognosis. METHODS: The North American population with acute MI and bundle branch block enrolled in the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and t-PA [tissue-type plasminogen activator] for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO-I) trial was matched by age and Killip class with an equal number of GUSTO-I patients without conduction defects. RESULTS: Of all 26,003 North American patients in GUSTO-I, 420 (1.6%) had left (n = 131) or right (n = 289) bundle branch block. These patients had higher 30-day mortality rates than matched control subjects (18% vs. 11%, p = 0.003, odds ratio [OR] 1.8) and were more likely to experience cardiogenic shock (19% vs. 11%, p = 0.008, OR 1.78) or atrioventricular block/asystole (30% vs. 19%, p < 0.012, OR 1.57) and to require ventricular pacing (18% vs. 11%, p = 0.006, OR 1.73). Bundle branch block also carried an independent 53% higher risk for 30-day mortality. Thirty-day mortality rates for patients with complete, partial and no reversion of the bundle branch block were 8%, 12% and 20%, respectively (two-tailed chi-square test for trend 5.61, p = 0.02, OR 0.34 for complete reversion, OR 0.55 for partial reversion). CONCLUSIONS: Bundle branch block at hospital admission in patients with acute MI predicts in-hospital complications and poor short-term survival.

Does ambulatory monitoring contribute to exercise testing and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the prediction of the extent of coronary artery disease in stable angina?

The role of ambulatory myocardial ischemia detection, in addition to exercise testing and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, in the prediction of the angiographic severity of coronary artery disease in patients with stable angina was examined. Ninety-seven patients underwent ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, exercise testing with scintigraphy, and coronary angiography. In addition to the number of diseased vessels involved, proximal arterial segment and coronary artery jeopardy scores were calculated to evaluate the extent of disease and amount of myocardium at risk. Thirty patients (31%) had 1.8 +/- 1.8 episodes/24 hours of ambulatory ischemia (94% of episodes were asymptomatic) and were similar to 67 without ambulatory ischemia in regard to clinical characteristics, left ventricular function and mean number of diseased vessels involved. Proximal arterial segment and coronary artery jeopardy scores were greater in: (1) 30 patients with versus 67 without ambulatory ischemia (3.3 +/- 1.8 vs 1.9 +/- 1.5 [p = 0.0002] and 6.6 +/- 3.6 vs 5.0 +/- 3.4 [p = 0.03], respectively); (2) 78 with versus 19 without a positive exercise test (2.6 +/- 1.8 vs 1.4 +/- 0.8 [p = 0.0001] and 6.1 +/- 3.5 vs 3.0 +/- 2.5 [p = 0.0003], respectively); and (3) 69 with versus 6 without a positive perfusion scan (2.4 +/- 1.8 vs 1.0 +/- 0 [p = 0.0008] and 5.5 +/- 3.6 vs 2.3 +/- 2.0 [p = 0.03], respectively). In multivariate analysis, ambulatory ischemia was the best predictor of the proximal segment score, whereas exercise testing and myocardial perfusion imaging were predictive of the coronary jeopardy score.

Safety and anticoagulation effect of a low-dose combination of warfarin and aspirin in clinically stable coronary artery disease. Coumadin Aspirin Reinfarction (CARS) Pilot Study Group.

The hypothesis that the combination of low-dose aspirin and warfarin therapy is more effective than aspirin alone in secondary prophylaxis after myocardial infarction is to be examined in the Coumadin Aspirin Reinfarction Study. This pilot study addressed the safety and anticoagulation effect of a fixed, low-dose combination in 114 patients (aged 64 +/- 8 years, 85% men) with stable coronary artery disease receiving 3 mg of warfarin plus 80 mg of aspirin daily for 8 weeks. The international normalized ratio (INR) was measured within 72 hours of initial therapy, and weekly. Of the 110 patients with evaluable INRs, 87 patients (79%) maintained the 3 + 80 mg combination, 19 (17%) had the dose reduced to 1 mg warfarin + 80 mg aspirin, and 4 (4%) discontinued therapy because of a confirmed INR of > or = 4.5. At steady state, patients had INRs of 1.48 +/- 0.41 (3 + 80 mg group) and 1.21 +/- 0.23 (1 + 80 mg group), and inter- and intra-patient variability (estimated by the mean of the between- and within-patient SDs at steady state) was 0.49 +/- 0.08 and 0.13 +/- 0.14, respectively. There was no apparent effect of age on INR distribution. Microscopic hematuria was the most frequent (20%) adverse clinical event, but was unrelated to the INR. Three patients required discontinuation of therapy because of bleeding events (persistent hematuria and epistaxis). A fixed low-dose combination of warfarin and aspirin results in a predictable and stable increase in the INR in a large proportion of patients with coronary artery disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Use of resources, quality of life, and clinical outcomes in patients with and without new Q waves after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (from the GUSTO-I trial).

Previous reports indicate that patients who do not develop Q waves after thrombolytic therapy are a different population with a better long-term survival than those who do develop Q waves. However, the use of resources, quality of life, and health status of this population have not been fully evaluated. Using data from the Economics and Quality of Life subset of the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and tPA for Occluded Arteries study, we examined 30-day and 1-year mortality, use of resources, and quality-of-life measures among 1,830 of 3,000 patients with acute myocardial infarction and ST-segment elevation treated with thrombolytic therapy. At hospital discharge, 555 patients (30.2%) had not developed Q waves. These patients had lower mortality than patients with Q waves at 30 days (1.6% vs 4.5%, p <0.01) and at 1 year (4.7% vs 6.8%, p <0.04). Recurrent chest pain and dyspnea were similar at 30 days and 1 year. Patients without Q waves had significantly more angiography and trends toward higher readmission, revascularization, and use of calcium antagonists at 30 days. Angiography, revascularization, readmission, and quality of life were equivalent from 30 days to 1 year, with no sign of late instability. Logistic regression analysis showed an association between in-hospital revascularization and better survival and quality of life at 1 year. Conversely, there was no association between in-hospital use of calcium antagonists and outcome to explain the lower mortality in non-Q-wave patients. The absence of Q waves after thrombolytic therapy is a marker of success, implying better prognosis and equivalent quality of life, use of resources, and health status than for patients with Q-wave acute myocardial infarction and no sign of long-term unstable clinical course.

Higher T-wave amplitude associated with better prognosis in patients receiving thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (a GUSTO-I substudy). Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries.

Increased T-wave amplitude is one of the earliest electrocardiographic (ECG) changes following coronary artery occlusion. Therefore, higher T waves in the presenting electrocardiogram should represent earlier time to treatment and thus be associated with lower mortality following thrombolytic therapy. However, T-wave amplitude has never been evaluated as a prognostic marker in this setting. We examined clinical outcomes in 3,317 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent thrombolysis in the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and t-PA for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO-I) Study. Patients were classified as either those with high T waves or those with low T waves. Higher T waves were defined as those >98th percentile of the upper limit of normal. T-wave amplitude was also evaluated as a continuous variable according to infarct location (maximum T-wave amplitude) and as the amount of excess T-wave amplitude above normal (excess T-wave amplitude). Patients with higher T waves had lower 30-day mortality than those without (5.2% vs 8.6%, p = 0.001) and were less likely to develop congestive heart failure (15% vs 24%, p <0.001) or cardiogenic shock (6.1% vs 8.6%, p = 0.023). Higher maximum T-wave amplitude and excess T-wave amplitude were predictive of lower 30-day mortality (chi-square = 67, p <0.001 and chi-square = 33, p <0.001, respectively). These differences remain significant after controlling for other prognostic baseline ECG variables. In addition, T-wave amplitude added prognostic significance after controlling for time to treatment. T-wave amplitude, an often-overlooked component of the electrocardiogram, can add significant prognostic information in initial evaluation of patients with AMI.

Low-molecular-weight heparin in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: role in the emergency department.

Intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) has been shown to be an effective therapy in reducing the risk of death or myocardial infarction in patients with unstable angina. Low molecular weight heparins demonstrate improved pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties relative to standard heparin, and these advantages have been translated into similar or even greater clinical efficacy in several large-scale clinical trials evaluating their use. The simple mode of administration and lack of dependency on anticoagulation monitoring make low-molecular-weight heparins an extremely attractive option in the treatment of patients with acute ischemic coronary syndromes presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with development of ocular GVHD defined by NIH consensus criteria.

We studied 172 patients for development of ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) from 2002 to 2009. Ocular GVHD was diagnosed in 60 patients (38%), with 27 (16%) being diagnosed at days 100 and 33 (23%) beyond day 100 for a 2-year cumulative incidence of 35% (95% confidence interval (CI), 28-43). The positive and negative predictive values of a Schirmer I test score (using 5 mm as a cutoff) in predicting ocular GVHD (day 100) were 41 and 82%, respectively. In patients with ocular GVHD beyond day 100, extraocular manifestations of GVHD preceded the development of ocular GVHD in most patients (27 of 33, 81%). Prior acute skin GVHD (odds ratio 2.57, 95% CI 1.17-5.64, P=0.019) and male recipients of female donors (odds ratio 2.57, 95% CI 1.09-6.06, P=0.03) were independent risk factors for ocular GVHD. We recommend comprehensive ocular evaluation rather than a screening Schirmer's test to establish the diagnosis of ocular GVHD. Early diagnosis and preventive strategies in high-risk populations need to be studied in clinical trials to prevent devastating impact on quality of life in patients with prolonged ocular GVHD.

Delay to angiography and outcomes following presentation with high-risk, non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes: results from the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events.

OBJECTIVE: To test if delay-to-angiography (>72 hours from admission) in patients presenting with high-risk non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) is associated with adverse outcomes. DESIGN: GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) is a multinational registry of patients admitted with NSTE-ACS. SETTING: 14 countries with varying healthcare systems. PATIENTS: 23 396 high-risk NSTE-ACS patients with complete initial data collection entered into GRACE between 1999 and 2006 were analysed. INTERVENTIONS: Data were analysed according to delay-to-angiography and subsequent in-hospital or post-discharge adverse outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes recorded included death, myocardial infarction, recurrent ischaemia, stroke, new heart failure and composite major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) comprising death, cerebrovascular accident and myocardial infarction. Revascularisation procedures were recorded. RESULTS: 10 089 (43.1%) had no in-hospital angiography. Median delay-to-angiography was 46 hours; 3680 (34%) patients waited >72 hours. 9.3% waited >7 days before angiography. Patients waiting longest were more often older, diabetic, women and had a history of heart failure, previous myocardial infarction or hypertension. Recurrent in-hospital ischaemia (33% vs 22%), reinfarction (8.4% vs 5.0%) and heart failure (14% vs 9.1%) were more common with delayed angiography. Delayed angiography was associated with better outcomes than no angiography (MACE 18.9% vs 22.2%, p = 0.015). MACE rates within six months of admission were higher with longer delay-to-angiography and highest of all with no angiography. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk NSTE-ACS is suboptimally managed with 43% not undergoing angiography. One-third of those undergoing angiography are delayed >72 hours. Longer delays were more likely with higher risk, sicker patients. These delays were associated with adverse outcomes at six months. Very long delay was associated with lower MACE, but not mortality, compared to conservative management.

Temporal trends in the use of invasive cardiac procedures for non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes according to initial risk stratification.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines support an early invasive strategy in the management of high-risk non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). Although studies in the 1990s suggested that highrisk patients received less aggressive treatment, there are limited data on the contemporary management patterns of NSTE-ACS in Canada. OBJECTIVE: To examine the in-hospital use of coronary angiography and revascularization in relation to risk among less selected patients with NSTE-ACS. METHODS: Data from the prospective, multicentre Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (main GRACE and expanded GRACE2) were used. Between June 1999 and September 2007, 7131 patients from across Canada with a final diagnosis of NSTE-ACS were included the study. The study population was stratified into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups, based on their calculated GRACE risk score (a validated predictor of in-hospital mortality) and according to time of enrollment. RESULTS: While rates of in-hospital death and reinfarction were significantly (P<0.001) greater in higher-risk patients, the in-hospital use of cardiac catheterization in low- (64.7%), intermediate- (60.3%) and highrisk (42.3%) patients showed an inverse relationship (P<0.001). This trend persisted despite the increase in the overall rates of cardiac catheterization over time (47.9% in 1999 to 2003 versus 51.6% in 2004 to 2005 versus 63.8% in 2006 to 2007; P<0.001). After adjusting for confounders, intermediate-risk (adjusted OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.70 to 0.92], P=0.002) and high-risk (adjusted OR 0.38 [95% CI 0.29 to 0.48], P<0.001) patients remained less likely to undergo in-hospital cardiac catheterization. CONCLUSION: Despite the temporal increase in the use of invasive cardiac procedures, they remain paradoxically targeted toward low-risk patients with NSTE-ACS in contemporary practice. This treatment-risk paradox needs to be further addressed to maximize the benefits of invasive therapies in Canada.

Risk stratification in ST-elevation myocardial infarction is enhanced by combining baseline ST deviation and subsequent ST-segment resolution.

BACKGROUND: The baseline sum of ST deviation (SigmaSTD) and ST segment resolution after fibrinolysis for ST-elevation myocardial infarction are prognostically useful. OBJECTIVES: To examine the prognostic impact of ST resolution after fibrinolysis and influence of baseline ST deviation in ASSENT-3. METHODS: ST resolution was determined in 4565 patients at 180 minutes after fibrinolysis. 30-Day and 1-year mortality was assessed in patients with complete (ie, > or =50%) versus incomplete ST resolution according to absolute baseline SigmaSTD. RESULTS: Patients with complete ST resolution had lower 30-day and 1-year mortality than those with incomplete ST resolution (3.7% vs 7.3%, p<0.001, and 6.1% vs 10.0%, p<0.001, respectively). After multivariable adjustment for key baseline risk factors, patients with anterior myocardial infarction (MI) in the highest quartile of SigmaSTD had a greater risk of 30-day and 1-year mortality than those in the lowest quartile in both complete (odds ratio (OR) = 2.34, 95% CI 1.14 to 4.80, and OR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.34, respectively) and incomplete ST resolution groups (OR = 4.97, 95% CI 1.82 to 13.61, and OR = 3.61, 95% CI 1.55 to 8.4, respectively). However, in patients with inferior MI this pattern only existed when ST resolution was incomplete (OR = 4.88, 95% CI 1.65 to 14.39, and OR = 4.34, 95% CI 1.66 to 11.37, respectively). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that percentage ST resolution alone is an incomplete guide to 30-day and 1-year mortality. The integration of both the baseline and post-fibrinolysis ECG provides better risk assessment and can assist in the triage and treatment of such patients.

Intervention in acute coronary syndromes: do patients undergo intervention on the basis of their risk characteristics? The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether revascularisation is more likely to be performed in higher-risk patients and whether the findings are influenced by hospitals adopting more or less aggressive revascularisation strategies. METHODS: GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) is a multinational, observational cohort study. This study involved 24,189 patients enrolled at 73 hospitals with on-site angiographic facilities. RESULTS: Overall, 32.5% of patients with a non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI; 53.7% in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)) and 7.2% underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; 4.0% in STEMI). The cumulative rate of in-hospital death rose correspondingly with the GRACE risk score (variables: age, Killip class, systolic blood pressure, ST segment deviation, cardiac arrest at admission, serum creatinine, raised cardiac markers, heart rate), from 1.2% in low-risk to 3.3% in medium-risk and 13.0% in high-risk patients (c statistic = 0.83). PCI procedures were more likely to be performed in low- (40% non-STEMI, 60% STEMI) than medium- (35%, 54%) or high-risk patients (25%, 41%). No such gradient was apparent for patients undergoing CABG. These findings were seen in STEMI and non-ST elevation ACS, in all geographical regions and irrespective of whether hospitals adopted low (4.2-33.7%, n = 7210 observations), medium (35.7-51.4%, n = 7913 observations) or high rates (52.6-77.0%, n = 8942 observations) of intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A risk-averse strategy to angiography appears to be widely adopted. Proceeding to PCI relates to referral practice and angiographic findings rather than the patient's risk status. Systematic and accurate risk stratification may allow higher-risk patients to be selected for revascularisation procedures, in contrast to current international practice.

Relation between baseline risk and treatment decisions in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes: an examination of international practice patterns.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the interaction between ST segment depression on the baseline ECG and subsequent in-hospital revascularisation on six month mortality among patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes. To examine whether ST segment depression influenced clinical decision making and whether there was international variation in the use of cardiac procedures across ST segment depression categories. METHODS: 11 453 patients enrolled in GUSTO-IIB (global use of strategies to open occluded coronary arteries), PARAGON (platelet IIb/IIIa antagonism for the reduction of acute coronary syndrome events in a global organisation network) -A, and PARAGON-B were studied. Patients were categorised as having no ST segment depression, 1 mm ST segment depression in two contiguous leads, and ST segment depression > or = 2 mm in two contiguous leads. International practice across four geographic regions was examined: USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand. RESULTS: Revascularisation appeared to have no impact on survival among patients with no ST segment depression; however, revascularisation was associated with a significant survival benefit among patients with ST segment depression > or = 1 mm. There was an inverse relation between the extent of ST segment depression and the use of angiography as well as angioplasty (p < 0.01). However, patients with ST segment depression > or = 2 mm were more likely to undergo bypass surgery. The only significant trend of increasing use of revascularisation procedures with increasing ST segment depression was observed in the USA. CONCLUSIONS: International practice patterns in procedure use appear to be insensitive to the extent of ST segment depression. Major opportunities for more efficient delivery of care exist in all regions.

Acute coronary thrombotic occlusion following exercise testing 6 weeks after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Exercise stress testing is often performed following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in order to evaluate the efficacy of the procedure. Together with thallium-201 (Tl-201) scintigraphy, these noninvasive tests provide valuable data for predicting the recurrence of angina and restenosis. However, concerns regarding the safe timing of exercise testing post-PTCA have been raised in 3 previous case reports. Each case documents acute coronary occlusion shortly after stress testing performed within several days of successful angioplasty, leading to the recommendation that such testing be deferred up to 4 weeks following PTCA. This paper reports a patient in whom acute thrombotic occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occurred immediately after a mildly abnormal exercise Tl-201 stress test done 6 weeks after PTCA.