PCSK9 Inhibitor Added to High-Intensity Statin Therapy to Prevent Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Randomized, Double- Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter SHAWN Study.

BACKGROUND: It is currently uncertain whether the combination of a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor and high-intensity statin treatment can effectively reduce cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for culprit lesions. METHODS: This study protocol describes a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study aiming to investigate the efficacy and safety of combining a PCSK9 inhibitor with high-intensity statin therapy in patients with ACS following PCI. A total of 1212 patients with ACS and multiple lesions will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either PCSK9 inhibitor plus high-intensity statin therapy or high-intensity statin monotherapy. The randomization process will be stratified by sites, diabetes, initial presentation and use of stable (≥4 weeks) statin treatment at presentation. PCSK 9 inhibitor or its placebo is injected within 4 hours after PCI for the culprit lesion. The primary endpoint is the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, re-hospitalization due to ACS or heart failure, or any ischemia-driven coronary revascularization at one-year follow-up between two groups. Safety endpoints mean PCSK 9 inhibitor and statin intolerance. CONCLUSION: The SHAWN study has been specifically designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of adding a PCSK9 inhibitor to high-intensity statin therapy in patients who have experienced ACS following PCI. The primary objective of this study is to generate new evidence regarding the potential benefits of combining a PCSK9 inhibitor with high-intensity statin treatment in reducing cardiovascular events among these patients.

The relative and combined ability of stress hyperglycemia ratio and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide to predict all-cause mortality in diabetic patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are independently associated with increased mortality risk in diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the role of these biomarkers in patients with diabetes and multivessel disease (MVD) remains unknown. The present study aimed to assess the relative and combined abilities of these biomarkers to predict all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes and MVD. METHODS: This study included 1148 diabetic patients with MVD who underwent coronary angiography at Tianjin Chest Hospital between January 2016 and December 2016. The patients were divided into four groups according to their SHR (SHR-L and SHR-H) and NT-proBNP (NT-proBNP-L and NT-proBNP-H) levels. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of SHR and NT-proBNP levels with all-cause mortality. RESULTS: During a mean 4.2 year follow-up, 138 patients died. Multivariate analysis showed that SHR and NT-proBNP were strong independent predictors of all-cause mortality in diabetic patients with MVD (SHR: HR hazard ratio [2.171; 95%CI 1.566-3.008; P < 0.001; NT-proBNP: HR: 1.005; 95%CI 1.001-1.009; P = 0.009). Compared to patients in the first (SHR-L and NT-proBNP-L) group, patients in the fourth (SHR-H and NT-proBNP-H) group had the highest mortality risk (HR: 12.244; 95%CI 5.828-25.721; P < 0.001). The areas under the curve were 0.615(SHR) and 0.699(NT-proBNP) for all-cause mortality. Adding either marker to the original models significantly improved the C-statistic and integrated discrimination improvement values (all P < 0.05). Moreover, combining SHR and NT-proBNP levels into the original model provided maximal prognostic information. CONCLUSIONS: SHR and NT-proBNP independently and jointly predicted all-cause mortality in diabetic patients with MVD, suggesting that strategies to improve risk stratification in these patients should incorporate SHR and NT-porBNP into risk algorithms.

Association of D-dimer with long-term prognosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) accounts for more and more individuals worldwide. D-dimer has been demonstrated to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. The aim is to study the potential impact of D-dimer on the long-term prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the special population with type 2 DM. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 2265 consecutive patients with DM and ACS were eligible in the study. Patients were divided into four groups according to quartiles of D-dimer concentration. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were conducted to explore the prognostic value of D-dimer for future outcomes. Patients with higher level of D-dimer presented with higher percentage of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (23.7%), all-cause death (18.3%) and cardiovascular (CV) death (9.4%) in Quartile 4. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, D-dimer was demonstrated to be independently associated with MACEs, all-cause death and CV death. The prognostic value of D-dimer is still significant in subgroups of HbA1C <7% and ≥7%. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, higher D-dimer showed poorer prognosis in MACEs, all-cause death and CV death (all log rank p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis is 0.609 for MACEs, 0.708 for all-cause death, 0.747 for CV death (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated the independent predictive value of D-dimer for outcomes in DM patients with ACS. In addition, for the first time, we explored the prognostic value in different glucose control status.

The de Winter electrocardiographic pattern evolves to ST elevation in acute total left main occlusion: A case series.

The de Winter electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern was characterized by upsloping ST-segment depressions, tall and positive symmetrical T waves in precordial leads. This rare ECG pattern was recognized as an indication of proximal left anterior descending artery occlusion. Less commonly, this ECG pattern was reported in association with occlusion of other coronary artery segments. We present three cases of the de Winter pattern associated with acute total left main occlusion. This pattern may evolve to ST elevation within hours of presentation. Widespread upsloping ST-segment depressions from V2 -V6 , centered on V5 were observed in these patients.

Triglyceride-glucose index predicts adverse cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) has been regarded as a reliable alternative marker of insulin resistance and an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. Whether the TyG index predicts adverse cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the TyG index in patients with diabetes and ACS. METHODS: A total of 2531 consecutive patients with diabetes who underwent coronary angiography for ACS were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into tertiles according to their TyG index. The primary outcomes included the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke. The TyG index was calculated as the ln (fasting triglyceride level [mg/dL] × fasting glucose level [mg/dL]/2). RESULTS: The incidence of MACE increased with TyG index tertiles at a 3-year follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant differences in event-free survival rates among TyG index tertiles (P = 0.005). Multivariate Cox hazards regression analysis revealed that the TyG index was an independent predictor of MACE (95% CI 1.201-1.746; P < 0.001). The optimal TyG index cut-off for predicting MACE was 9.323 (sensitivity 46.0%; specificity 63.6%; area under the curve 0.560; P = 0.001). Furthermore, adding the TyG index to the prognostic model for MACE improved the C-statistic value (P = 0.010), the integrated discrimination improvement value (P = 0.001) and the net reclassification improvement value (P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The TyG index predicts future MACE in patients with diabetes and ACS independently of known cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting that the TyG index may be a useful marker for risk stratification and prognosis in patients with diabetes and ACS.

A simple preprocedural score for risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury after percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a simple scoring system based on preprocedural clinical features that is capable of predicting contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: CI-AKI is associated with increased in-hospital morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and long-term renal impairment. Although several scoring methods have been developed to determine risk of CI-AKI, no simple scoring method based on PCI preprocedural clinical features yet exists for Chinese patients. METHODS: A total of 2,500 Chinese patients were randomly and retrospectively assigned in a 3:2 manner to create a training and validation dataset, respectively. CI-AKI was defined as an increase of ≥25% or ≥0.5 mg/dL serum creatinine within 5 days after PCI. Preprocedural clinical variables showing independent correlation to CI-AKI were used to derive the risk score from the training dataset and then subsequently tested in the validation dataset. The odds ratios from multivariate logistic regression were used to assign a weighted integer to age ≥70 years = 4, history of myocardial infarction = 5, diabetes mellitus = 4, hypotension = 6, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% = 4, anemia = 3, creatinine clearance rate <60 mL/min = 7, decreased high-density lipoprotein <1 mmol/L= 3, and urgent PCI = 3. Summation of the integers represented the total risk score. RESULTS: The overall incidence of CI-AKI in the training dataset was 16.4% [246/1500; 5.4% for low (≤7) and 61.3% for very high (≥17) risk scores]. The rates of CI-AKI, 1-year dialysis, and 1-year mortality increased significantly with each group (Cochran-Armitage test of trend, P < 0.001). The risk score facilitated appropriate classification of patients with low and high risk for CI-AKI after PCI in the validation dataset (c-statistic = 0.82). CONCLUSION: Risk classification based on the most significantly correlated parameters is useful for predicting CI-AKI before contrast exposure. The simple preprocedural score showed excellent predictive ability for identifying patients at high risk of nephropathy and those with deteriorative prognosis after PCI.

[Influence of CETP gene -629C/A polymorphism on the efficacy of atorvastatin treatment and clinical outcome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene polymorphism -629C/A among Han Chinese patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in Tianjin region, and to assess the influence of genetic factors on therapeutic effect of atorvastatin and clinical outcome in order to provide a pharmacogenomic basis for personalized treatment. METHODS: From October 2010 to July 2011, 232 patients with angiographically confirmed CHD were recruited. Polymorphism of position -629 of CETP gene promoter was determined with polymerase chain reaction - restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Serum level of CETP was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lipid level in all patients was determined at baseline and after 12 months of treatment with 20 mg/d atorvastatin. Clinical follow-up was carried out for more than a year (12-23 months). Major adverse cardiac events including death, non-fatal infarction, revascularization and stroke (MACE) were recorded. A Kaplan-Meier log-rank test was used to compare MACE-free survival for individuals with various genotypes. RESULTS: The frequency of -629A allele was 0.408. Compared with CC or CA genotypes, individuals with AA genotype had lower CETP levels and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, albeit without statistical significance (F = 0.893, P = 0.411 and F = 1.279, P = 0.282, respectively). There also appeared to be a negative correlation between serum HDL-C and CETP levels, though no statistical significance was detected (r = -0.151, P = 0.081). After 12 months atorvastatin therapy, individuals with CC genotype had greater reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), reduced LP(a) and elevated HDL-C compared with CA or AA genotypes. LDL-C level has decreased by 35.41% in CC homozygotes, 18.84% in CA heterozygotes and 8.15% in AA homozygotes (P = 0.001). HDL-C level has increased by 14.37% in CC homozygotes, 10.48% in CA heterozygotes and 6.64% in AA homozygotes, respectively. However, above changes did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.470). The incidence of MACE after a mean follow-up of (18.66 ± 5.99) months was 7.76%, which included 2 (0.86%) deaths, 5 (2.16%) non-fatal infarctions, 9 (3.88%) revascularizations and 2 (0.86%) strokes. The cumulative MACE-free survival rates were 92.4%, 85.3% and 65.0% for CC, CA and AA genotypes, respectively (Log-rank P = 0.444). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that AA variant for the -629A allele of CETP gene had higher HDL-C levels and reduced CETP levels, though patients with CC genotype appeared to have better benefited from statin therapy with reduction in LDL-C and LP(a) levels. Long-term clinical prognosis was however not affected by the 3 genotypes.

[Autopsy clinicopathologic comparison in different age groups of patients with coronary atherosclerosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the features of coronary atherosclerosis among the patients at different ages and examine their risk factors and pathological characteristics. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed for the clinicopathologic data of 87 patients with coronary atherosclerosis confirmed through autopsy from February 1986 to December 2011 at our hospital. They were divided into 3 groups according to age (20 - < 40 years, n = 12; 40 - < 60 years, n = 24; ≥ 60 years, n = 51). Comparative analysis was performed for the degree of coronary artery stenosis and cardiac pathological changes, vulnerable plaque occurrence and morphological features of acute coronary syndrome among different patient groups. RESULTS: There were 56 males and 31 females with a mean age of 66.8 years (range: 23 - 80). Great statistical differences existed in the degree of coronary artery stenosis between different genders (P < 0.05) while there was no significant difference among the above age groups (P > 0.05). In the above age groups of patients with acute coronary syndrome, the incidence of big lipid core was 23.5%, 38.5% and 53.8% (χ(2) = 6.282, P = 0.043), that of thin fibrous cap 29.4%, 41.0% and 58.8% (χ(2) = 6.589, P = 0.037), that of inflammatory cell in 2 filtration 58.8%, 69.2% and 85.0% (χ(2) = 7.435, P = 0.024) and that of calcification formation 35.3%, 56.4% and 71.3% respectively (χ(2) = 8.599, P = 0.014). And the incidence of vulnerable plaque occurrence was 76.5%, 84.6% and 88.8% (χ(2) = 1.850, P = 0.397) in the above age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The features and risk factors of coronary atherosclerosis are different according to different ages and genders. Thus we should pay more attention to the early diagnosis and reasonable treatments of young patients and those with both mild coronary stenosis and vulnerable plaque.

[Effects of genetic variations of cholesteryl ester transfer protein on atorvastatin treatment efficacy and clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the polymorphism of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene -629C/A among the coronary heart disease (CHD) Han population of Tianjin area and evaluate the influences of genetic factors on atorvastatin therapeutic effects and clinical outcomes in pharmacogenomics and provide theoretical rationales for individualized treatment. METHODS: A total of 332 angiographically confirmed CHD patients at Tianjin Chest Hospital were recruited from October 2010 to July 2011. The CETP gene promoter polymorphism at position -629 was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The serum level of CETP was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Lipid levels were determined at baseline and 12 months post-treatment with 20 mg/d atorvastatin in all patients. Clinical follow-up were performed for more than 1 year (range, 12-23 months). And major adverse cardiac events (MACE, including death, non-fatal infarction, revascularization and stroke) were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier Log-rank test was used to compare MACE-free survival between different genotypes. RESULTS: (1) The frequencies of variant -692A allele was 0.476, AA genotype showed reduced CETP levels and higher HDL-C levels compared with CC and CA genotypes. But it did not reach statistical significance (F = 0.893, P = 0.411 and F = 1.279, P = 0.282 respectively). Although a negative trend correlation existed between serum levels of HDL-C and CETP, it did not reach statistical significance (r = -0.151, P = 0.081) . (2) After 12-month therapy of atorvastatin, CC genotype was shown to be associated with higher LDL-C, LP(a) reduction and HDL-C elevation in response to atorvastatin compared with CA and AA genotype.LDL-C levels decreased 43.5% in CC homozygotes, 25.5% in CA heterozygotes and 11.7% in AA homozygotes (P = 0.001).HDL-C levels increased 9.2% in CC homozygotes, 6.8% in CA heterozygotes and 5.5% in AA homozygotes.However the changes of HDL-C levels in three genotypes showed no significant difference (P = 0.412). (3) There was a 7.83% incidence of MACE after a mean follow-up of (18.66 ± 5.99) months. The outcomes were death (n = 3, 0.90%), non-fatal infarction (n = 7, 2.11%), revascularization (n = 13, 3.92%) and stroke (n = 3, 0.90%). The cumulative MACE free survival rates were 96.2% , 92.1% and 87.3% in CC, CA and AA genotypes respectively (Log-rank P = 0.444). CONCLUSION: Variant AA genotype shows a higher level of HDL-C s and a lowered level of CETP.However CC genotype offers a better benefit of statin therapy associated with lowered levels of LDL-C and LP(a). And the long-term clinical prognosis is not affected among three genotypes.

[Risk factors and scoring system in the prediction of contrast induced nephropathy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a simplified risk scoring system of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 1500 patients in the development set undergoing PCI from January 2008 to December 2009. And 1000 patients treated from January 2010 to May 2011 were selected for the validation set. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the risk factors of CIN. Based on the odds ratio, the sum of integers was a total risk score for each patient. RESULTS: (1) Among them, CIN occurred in 246 patients with an overall incidence of 16.4%. (2) Eleven identified variables were identified as the risk factors of CIN (with weighted integer): diabetes (3 scores), hypotension (3 scores), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 45%) (3 scores), eGFR < 60 [ml×min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1)] (3 scores), age >70 years (2 scores), myocardial infarction (2 scores), emergency PCI (2 scores), anemia (2 scores), decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration (< 1 mmol/L) (2 scores), contrast agent dose > 200 ml (2 scores) and low permeability contrast agent (1 score). (3) The sum of integers was a total risk score for each patient. The incidence of CIN was 5.2% in the low-risk group (≤ 4), 13.6% in the moderate-risk group (5 - 10), 32.3% in the high-risk group (11 - 14) and 59.0% in the very-high-risk group (≥ 15). (4) Good discriminative power was found in the validation population. And the risk score was strongly correlated with CIN (c-statistic = 0.82). CONCLUSION: This scoring system provides a good estimate of the risk of CIN after PCI. It may be used for the prevention and treatment of CIN.

[Impact of depression on prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease undergoing revascularization].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of depression on clinical outcome of patients undergoing revascularization. METHODS: Self-rating depression scale (SDS) assessment was made before and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, n = 345) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, n = 308) procedure. Patients were divided into depression and non-depression group. All patients were followed up for 12 months after procedure for the occurrence of rehospitalization and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction or target lesion revascularization. RESULTS: Depression was present in 40.9% (n = 141) of patients after CABG, which was significantly higher than before procedure (24.3%, P < 0.01). The MACE rate was significantly higher in patients with post-procedure depression [8.5% (12/141)] than in patients without depression [2.9% (6/204), P < 0.05] and the incidences of target lesion revascularization and rehospitalization were also significantly higher in depression patients than in non-depression patients during the 12 months follow-up (all P < 0.05). Depression was present in 36.4% (n = 112) of patients after PCI, which was significantly higher than that before procedure (28.6%, P < 0.05). The MACE rate [8.0% (9/112) vs. 2.0% (4/196)] and rehospitalization rate [12.5% (14/112) vs. 4.6% (9/196)] were significantly higher in depression patients than in patients without depression during the 12 months follow-up (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference on SDS score between the PCI and CABG before the procedure. However, after the procedure, the SDS score for patients undergoing CABG was significantly higher than in patients undergoing PCI (48.9 ± 9.8 vs. 45.7 ± 10.5 P = 0.01). The level of serum IL-6 was significantly higher in depression patients than in patients without depression (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of depression is high in patients treated with revascularization procedures and is linked with poor post-procedure prognosis.

Prognostic performance of multiple biomarkers in patients with acute coronary syndrome without standard cardiovascular risk factors.

Background and aims: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs) represents a special case of ACS. Multiple biomarkers have been shown to improve risk stratification in patients with ACS. However, the utility of biomarkers for prognostic stratification in patients with ACS without SMuRFs remains uncertain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of various biomarkers in patents with ACS without SMuRFs. Methods: Data of consecutive patients with ACS without SMuRFs who underwent coronary angiography in Tianjin Chest Hospital between January 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively collected. The primary outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke. Seven candidate biomarkers analyses were analyzed using models adjusted for established risk factors. Results: During a median 5-year follow-up, 81 of the 621 patients experienced a MACE. After adjustment for important covariates, elevated fibrinogen, D-dimer, N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] were found to be individually associated with MACE. However, only D-dimer, NT-proBNP and Lp(a) significantly improved risk reclassification for MACE (all P < 0.05). The multimarker analysis showed that there was a clear increase in the risk of MACE with an increasing number of elevated biomarkers and a higher multimarker score. The adjusted hazard ratio- for MACE (95% confidential intervals) for patients with 4 elevated biomarkers was 6.008 (1.9650-18.367) relative to those without any elevated biomarker-. Adding- the 4 biomarkers or the multimarker score to the basic model significantly improved the C-statistic value, the net reclassification index and the integrated discrimination index (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Fibrinogen, D-dimer, NT-proBNP and Lp(a) provided valuable prognostic information for MACE when applied to patients with ACS without SMuRFs. The multimarker strategy, which combined multiple biomarkers reflecting different pathophysiological process with traditional risk factors improved the cardiovascular risk stratification.

[The clinicopathologic analysis in autopsy patients with cardiovascular disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical autopsy results of patients died of cardiovascular disease or other disease complicated with cardiac damage. METHODS: Complete autopsy was performed on 86 cases with uncertain cause of death. Through integrating clinical diagnosis and treatment with gross autopsy findings and microscopic observations, 86 autopsies were determined the major cause of death. RESULTS: In 86 autopsies, 69 cases were heart disease. Differences between pathological diagnosis and clinical diagnosis were compared. Twenty-seven cases were cardiac deaths, with diagnosis accordance rate of 81.5%. Forty-two cases died of non-cardiac disease but complicated with heart disease or involving the heart which accelerated the death in patients, with accordance rate of 78.6%. CONCLUSION: Scientific and correct performance of autopsy was important to determine the causes of death, to promote development of related disciplines and to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases.

[Evaluation of shensongyangxin capsules in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a randomized, double-blind and controlled multicenter trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicinal shensongyangxin capsules in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. METHODS: From August 2007 to July 2008, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital conducted a multicenter study, select the eleven hospital's outpatient subjects, aged 18 to 75 years old, male or female, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (at least one electrocardiogram diagnosis) seizure frequency ≥ 2 times/month, according to the ratio 1:1:1, subjects were randomly divided into three groups: a. shensongyangxin group, taking shensongyangxin capsule 4 + propafenone analogues 150 mg, 3 times a day; b. propafenone group, taking propafenone tablets 150 mg + 4 shensongyangxin analogues, 3 times a day; shensongyangxin capsule + propafenone group, taking shensongyangxin capsule 4 + propafenone 150 mg, 3 times a day. The treatment course is 8 weeks, with 3 times of follow-up. RESULTS: Total of 349 cases of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which 117 cases in shensongyangxin group, 115 cases in propafenone group; 117 cases in shensongyangxin + propafenone group. The baseline data analysis showed that there were no significantly difference (P > 0.05) among the three groups of atrial fibrillation seizure frequency, vital signs, general condition, medical history, 24-hour ambulatory ECG, 12-lead normal electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound and symptoms. The comparison before and after (8 weeks) treatment showed that the frequency (from 6 times/m to 2 times/m in each group, P < 0.01), number of cases [from 46 (43.3%) to 22 (20.8%), 43 (43.4%) to 25 (25.3%), and 40 (40.6%) to 31 (29.2%), respectively P < 0.01] and duration time of attack of atrial fibrillation (from 4 h to 0.5 h, 4 h to 0.5 h, and 4.25 h to 0.5 h, respectively P < 0.01) all decreased in three groups. No significant difference among the three groups comparing the overall effect (62.3%, 58.6%, and 58.5%, respectively, P > 0.05), while the efficacy of TCM symptoms in shensongyangxin group (80.2%) was better than that of propafenone group (67.7%) (P < 0.05). Safety evaluation showed that adverse reaction rate was 1.8% in shensongyangxin group, and 8.2% and 5.4% in propafenone group and shensongyangxin + propafenone group. CONCLUSION: Shensongyangxin capsules and propafenone have comparable efficacies in the treatment of PAF. The efficacy of TCM symptoms is better than propafenone. Shensongyangxin capsules have an excellent profile of safety.

Bivalirudin in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and independent predictors of postoperative adverse events in these patients: A real world retrospective study.

ABSTRACT: The efficacy and safety of bivalirudin in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has always been a hot topic in perioperative antithrombotic therapy, but there are still some controversies. So studies are needed to provide more evidence, especially the real world study which includes patients excluded from previous RCT studys. Our study aimed to investigate these information and analyze the independent predictors of postoperative adverse events.A retrospective study enrolled 1416 patients underwent PCI in Tianjin Chest Hospital from May 2016 to October 2017. The incidence of stent-thrombosis and net clinical adverse events, including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, urgent target-vessel revascularization and bleeding, were followed up for 30 days and 1 year. Logistic regression and COX regression were respectively used to analyze independent predictors of bleeding events within 30-days, and independent predictors of Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients with stent implantation within 1-year.Seven hundred six patients were treated with bivalirudin while 710 with unfractionated heparin (UFH). The proportions of diabetes, hypertension, anemia, myocardial-infarction history, PCI history, moderate-to-severe renal-impairment, gastrointestinal-bleeding history in the bivalirudin group were significantly higher (P < .05). Women, anemia were independent risk factors for bleeding within 30-days (P < .05). Among 682 patients with stent implantation in bivalirudin group, anemia, Body Mass Index (BMI) >25 kg/m2, KILLIP ≥2, ejection fraction (EF) <45%, eGFR <60 ml/minutes were independent risk factors for MACCE, while Statins, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) were independent protective factors for MACCE with-in 1-year (P < .05).Bivalirudin have good anticoagulant effect and lower bleeding risk during PCI, especially in patients with higher bleeding risk. In patients treated with bivalirudin, female, anemia were independent predictors of bleeding within 30-days, BMI >25 kg/m2, anemia, KILLIP ≥2, EF <45%, eGFR <60 ml/minutes were independent risk factors and Statins, PPI were independent protective factors of MACCE within 1-year.

Prognostic Significance of Preprocedural N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Assessment in Diabetic Patients With Multivessel Coronary Disease Undergoing Revascularization.

Background and Aims: The N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes. However, its prognostic value in patients with multivessel disease (MVD) undergoing coronary revascularization remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of preprocedural NT-proBNP levels in diabetic patients with MVD undergoing coronary revascularization. Methods: A total of 886 consecutive diabetic patients with MVD who underwent coronary revascularization were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into quartiles according to their pre-procedural NT-proBNP levels. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular events, including all-cause death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), according to the NT-proBNP quartiles. Results: During a median follow-up period of 4.2 years, 111 patients died (with 82 being caused by cardiovascular disease), 133 had MI, 55 suffered from stroke, and 250 experienced MACE. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that NT-proBNP levels were significantly associated with higher incidences of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, MI, and MACE (log-rank test, P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that NT-proBNP level was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes, including all-cause death (HR, 1.968; 95% CI, 1.377-2.812; P < 0.001), cardiovascular death (HR, 1.940; 95% CI, 1.278-2.945; P = 0.002), MI (HR, 1.722; 95% CI, 1.247-2.380; P = 0.001), and MACE (HR, 1.356; 95% CI, 1.066-1.725; P = 0.013). The role of NT-proBNP in predicting adverse outcomes was similar in patients with stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndrome. Moreover, preprocedural NT-proBNP alone discriminated against the SYNTAX II score for predicting all-cause death [area under the curve (AUC), 0.662 vs. 0.626, P = 0.269], cardiovascular death (AUC, 0.680 vs. 0.622, P = 0.130), MI (AUC, 0.641 vs. 0.579, P = 0.050), and MACE (AUC, 0.593 vs. 0.559, P = 0.171). The addition of NT-proBNP to the SYNTAX II score showed a significant net reclassification improvement, integrated discrimination improvement, and improved C-statistic (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: NT-proBNP levels were an independent prognostic marker for adverse outcomes in diabetic patients with MVD undergoing coronary revascularization, suggesting that preprocedural NT-proBNP measurement might help in the risk stratification of high-risk patients.

Real world effectiveness of PCSK-9 inhibitors combined with statins versus statins-based therapy among patients with very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in China (RWE-PCSK study).

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) inhibitors were confirmed by several clinical trials, but its effectiveness in routine clinical practice in China has not been evaluated. This study aims to describe the real world effectiveness of PCSK-9 inhibitors combined with statins compared with statins-based therapy among patients with very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). METHODS: This is a multi-center observational study, enrolled patients from 32 hospitals who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January to June in 2019. There are 453 patients treated with PCSK-9 inhibitors combined with statins in PCSK-9 inhibitor group and 2,610 patients treated with statins-based lipid lowering therapies in statins-based group. The lipid control rate and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) over six months were compared between two groups. A propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was used to balance two groups on confounding factors. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier methods was applied for MACE. RESULTS: In a total of 3,063 patients, 89.91% of patients had received moderate or high-intensity statins-based therapy before PCI, but only 9.47% of patients had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels below 1.4 mmol/L at baseline. In the PSM selected patients, LDL-C level was reduced by 42.57% in PCSK-9 inhibitor group and 30.81% (P < 0.001) in statins-based group after six months. The proportion of LDL-C ≤ 1.0 mmol/L increased from 5.29% to 29.26% in PCSK-9 inhibitor group and 0.23% to 6.11% in statins-based group, and the proportion of LDL-C ≤ 1.4 mmol/L increased from 10.36% to 47.69% in PCSK-9 inhibitor group and 2.99% to 18.43% in statins-based group ( P < 0.001 for both). There was no significant difference between PCSK-9 inhibitor and statins-based treatment in reducing the risk of MACE (hazard ratio = 2.52, 95% CI: 0.49-12.97, P = 0.250). CONCLUSIONS: In the real world, PCSK-9 inhibitors combined with statins could significantly reduce LDL-C levels among patients with very high risk of ASCVD in China. The long-term clinical benefits for patients received PCSK-9 inhibitor to reduce the risk of MACE is still unclear and requires further study.

NEAT1 knockdown suppresses endothelial cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by regulating miR­638/AKT/mTOR signaling in atherosclerosis.

Long non­coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been validated to mediate the development of atherosclerosis (AS). In the present study, the molecular mechanisms and functions of lncRNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) in the advancement of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were investigated. The levels of lncRNA­NEAT1 and miR­638 expression in clinical samples and cells were explored via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Colony formation and CCK­8 assays were performed to determine the proliferative capacity of cells, and the apoptotic capacity of cells was analyzed on the basis of apoptotic cell proportion and caspase­3 activity. Then, the proportion of cells and correlations among phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), NEAT1, and miR­638 were determined through RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays and bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, the expression levels of Ki­67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PGK1, Bax, Bcl­2, (p)­mTOR, (p)­AKT, and ß­catenin were analyzed via western blot analysis. In the serum of patients with AS and HAECs induced by oxidized low­density lipoprotein (ox­LDL), the expression level of miR­638 was decreased, whereas that of NEAT1 was increased. After ox­LDL therapy, NEAT1 knockdown suppressed HAEC proliferation and stimulated HAEC apoptosis, which could be reversed by the miR­638 inhibitor. NEAT1 inhibited miR­638 expression through direct mutual action. The following mechanical investigations revealed that PGK1 was a miR­638 target, whose expression was increased by NEAT1, a competing endogenous RNA of miR­638. Additionally, the miR­638 inhibitor contributed to proliferation and suppressed apoptosis through the activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in ox­LDL­induced HAECs. NEAT1 adjusted the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway via miR­638 in ox­LDL­induced HAECs to accelerate their proliferation and impede their apoptosis. This result revealed that NEAT1 may be valuable in the treatment of AS.

Long-term treatment effect of a modified jailed-balloon technique for de Winter syndrome: a case report.

Timely recognition of the characteristic electrocardiographic pattern of de Winter syndrome is important for providing immediate reperfusion therapy for acute anterior myocardial infarction. In this case, an electrocardiogram showed 1- to 3-mm upsloping ST-segment depression at the J point in leads V1 to V6, with loss of R wave progression in leads V1 to V4. Urgent angiography showed occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery and 70% stenosis in the ostial first diagonal branch (Medina type 1.1.1.). For this bifurcation lesion, we successfully performed a modified jailed-balloon technique to protect the side branch during percutaneous coronary intervention stenting. Thereafter, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 3 flow was restored in both branches. This modified jailed-balloon technique is safe and effective in stent placement for de Winter syndrome without any loss of side branches.

Preventive Effects of Nicorandil Against Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With Moderate Renal Insufficiency Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

We investigated the preventive effect of nicorandil on contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with moderate renal insufficiency undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 250 patients with a creatinine clearance (crCl) ≤60 mL/min undergoing PCI were randomly assigned to either a nicorandil group (nicorandil 10 mg 3 times/d and hydration; n = 125) or a control group (hydration only; n = 125). The first end point was the incidence of CIN defined as an increase in serum creatinine (Scr) levels by ≥0.5 mg/dL or ≥25% within 72 hours after exposure to the contrast medium. The secondary end points were (1) changes in Scr, blood urea nitrogen, and crCl and (2) the incidence of major adverse events during hospitalization. The incidence of CIN was 1.6% (2/125) in the nicorandil group and 9.6% (12/125) in the control group (P = .011). There was no obvious difference in the incidence of major adverse events during hospitalization between the nicorandil and the control group (4.0% vs 4.8%, P = 1.000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that nicorandil was a protective factor for CIN (odds ratios = 0.126, 95% confidence interval: -19.996 to -0.932, P = .012). Prophylactic administration of nicorandil may prevent against CIN in patients with moderate renal insufficiency undergoing PCI.