Thrombocytopenia after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Thrombocytopenia frequently occurs after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) but its impact is poorly understood. We aimed to analyze the incidence, clinical impact, and predictors of acquired thrombocytopenia after TAVI. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter registry included 3913 patients undergoing TAVI with a baseline platelet count of ≥ 100 *109/L. Acquired thrombocytopenia was defined as a decrease in baseline platelet count of ≥ 50% (early nadir ≤ 3 days and late nadir ≥ 4 days) post-TAVI. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality and secondary endpoints were procedural safety and 2-year all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The incidence of acquired thrombocytopenia was 14.8% (early nadir: 61.5%, late nadir: 38.5%). Thirty-day mortality occurred in 112 (3.0%) patients and was significantly higher in those with thrombocytopenia (8.5% vs 2.0%, adjusted OR, 2.3; 95%CI, 1.3-4.2). Procedural safety was lower and 2-year mortality was higher in patients with thrombocytopenia vs those without (47.9 vs 33.0%; P < .001, and 30.2% vs 16.8%; HR, 2.2, 95%IC, 1.3-2.7) and especially in those with late nadir thrombocytopenia (54.2% vs 45.5%; P = .056, and 38.6% vs 23.8%, HR, 2.1; 95%CI, 1.5-2.9). Independent predictors of thrombocytopenia comprised baseline and procedural factors such as body surface area, absence of diabetes, poorer renal function, peripheral vascular disease, nontransfemoral access, vascular complications, type of transcatheter heart valve, and earlier TAVI procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Acquired thrombocytopenia was common (15%) after TAVI and was associated with increased short- and mid-term mortality and decreased procedural safety. Moreover, late thrombocytopenia compared with early thrombocytopenia was associated with significantly worse clinical outcomes. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the etiologic mechanisms behind these findings.

Early and late hospital readmissions after percutaneous left atrial appendage closure.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has emerged as a nonpharmacological alternative for the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. However, there are few data on readmissions after LACC. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of early (≤ 30 days) and late (31-365 days) readmission after LAAC, and to assess the predictors and clinical impact of rehospitalization. METHODS: This multicenter study included 1419 consecutive patients who underwent LAAC. The median follow-up was 33 [17-55] months, and follow-up was complete in all but 54 (3.8%) patients. The primary endpoint was readmissions for any cause. Logistic regression and Cox regression analysis were performed to determine the predictors of readmission and its clinical impact. RESULTS: A total of 257 (18.1%) patients were readmitted within the first year after LAAC (3.2% early, 14.9% late). The most common causes of readmission were bleeding (24.5%) and heart failure (20.6%). A previous gastrointestinal bleeding event was associated with a higher risk of early readmission (OR, 2.65; 95%CI, 1.23-5.71). The factors associated with a higher risk of late readmission were a lower body mass index (HR, 0.96-95%CI, 0.93-0.99), diabetes (HR, 1.38-95%CI, 1.02-1.86), chronic kidney disease (HR, 1.60; 95%CI, 1.21-2.13), and previous heart failure (HR, 1.69; 95%CI, 1.26-2.27). Both early (HR, 2.12-95%CI, 1.22-3.70) and late (HR, 1.75; 95%CI, 1.41-2.17) readmissions were associated with a higher risk of 2-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Readmissions within the first year after LAAC were common, mainly related to bleeding and heart failure events, and associated with patients' comorbidity burden. Readmission after LAAC confered a higher risk of mortality during the first 2 years after the procedure.

A comparison of simplified or conventional antithrombotic regimens after left atrial appendage closure in patients at high bleeding risk: the PLATEBRISK study.

BACKGROUND: Antithrombotic treatment (ATT) post-left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) remains controversial. Furthermore, most of the patients undergoing LAAO are at a very high bleeding risk. AIMS: This study aimed to compare a simplified versus conventional ATT after LAAO in very high bleeding risk patients. METHODS: This is a multicentre, retrospective study including very high bleeding risk patients, according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) definition, who underwent LAAO. These included patients at >4% risk of BARC 3 to 5 bleeding or >1% risk of intracranial bleeding after the procedure. Two groups were established based on the discharge ATT. The simplified group included single antiplatelet treatment or no treatment, and the conventional group comprised dual antiplatelet treatment or anticoagulation (combined or not with antiplatelet therapy). RESULTS: A total of 1,135 patients were included. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4.5±1.5 and 3.7±1.0, respectively. There were no differences in the composite endpoint (death, stroke, transient ischaemic attack, device-related thrombus or major bleeding) between the 2 groups (hazard ratio [HR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-1.11; p=0.188). Although the rate of major bleeding during the first year was numerically lower in the simplified group, it did not reach statistical significance (HR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.41-1.10; p=0.104). Nonetheless, patients with previous major bleeding presented a significantly lower rate of major bleeding when using the simplified treatment (HR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.36-0.99; p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with very high bleeding risk, a simplified ATT after LAAO seems to be as effective as conventional protocols. Furthermore, patients with a history of major bleeding experienced a lower risk of major bleeding with the simplified ATT.

Low-Dose Direct Oral Anticoagulation vs Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: The ADALA Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Optimal antithrombotic therapy after percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is not well established as no randomized evaluation has been performed to date. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose direct oral anticoagulation (low-dose DOAC) vs dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 3 months after LAAO. Design, Setting, and Participants: The ADALA (Low-Dose Direct Oral Anticoagulation vs Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion) study was an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective, open-label, randomized clinical trial enrolling participants from June 12, 2019, to August 28, 2022 from 3 European sites. Patients who underwent successful LAAO were randomly assigned 1:1 to low-dose DOAC vs DAPT for 3 months after LAAO. The study was prematurely terminated when only 60% of the estimated sample size had been included due to lower recruitment rate than anticipated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions: The low-dose DOAC group received apixaban, 2.5 mg every 12 hours, and the DAPT group received aspirin, 100 mg per day, plus clopidogrel, 75 mg per day, for the first 3 months after LAAO. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was a composite of safety (major bleeding) and efficacy (thromboembolic events including stroke, systemic embolism, and device-related thrombosis [DRT]) within the first 3 months after successful LAAO. Secondary end points included individual components of the primary outcome and all-bleeding events. Results: A total of 90 patients (mean [SD] age, 76.6 [8.1] years; 60 male [66.7%]; mean [SD] CHADS-VASc score, 4.0 [1.5]) were included in the analysis (44 and 46 patients in the low-dose DOAC and DAPT groups, respectively). A total of 53 patients (58.8%) presented with previous major bleeding events (60 gastrointestinal [66.7%] and 16 intracranial [17.8%]). At 3 months, low-dose DOAC was associated with a reduction of the primary end point compared with DAPT (2 [4.5%] vs 10 [21.7%]; hazard ratio, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04-0.88; P = .02). Patients in the low-dose DOAC group exhibited a lower rate of DRT (0% vs 6 [8.7%]; P = .04) and tended to have a lower incidence of major bleeding events (2 [4.6%] vs 6 [13.0%]; P = .17), with no differences in thromboembolic events such as stroke and systemic embolism between groups (none in the overall population). Conclusions and Relevance: This was a small, randomized clinical trial comparing different antithrombotic strategies after LAAO. Results show that use of low-dose DOAC for 3 months after LAAO was associated with a better balance between efficacy and safety compared with DAPT. However, the results of the study should be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample size and will need to be confirmed in future larger randomized trials. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05632445.

Incidence, Predictors, and Prognostic Impact of Neurologic Events After TAVR According to VARC-3 Criteria.

BACKGROUND: The Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 definition for neurologic events after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) lacks clinical validation. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of neurologic events following TAVR as defined by VARC-3 criteria. METHODS: This was a multicenter study including 2,924 patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR. Based on Neurologic Academic Research Consortium (NeuroARC) classification, neurologic events were classified as NeuroARC type 1 (stroke), NeuroARC type 2 (covert central nervous system injury), and NeuroARC type 3 (transient ischemic attack and delirium). Baseline, procedural, and follow-up data were prospectively collected in a dedicated database. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 13 (7-37) months, neurologic events occurred in 471 patients (16.1%), NeuroARC type 1, 2, and 3 in 37.4%, 4.7%, and 58.0% of cases, respectively, and the majority (58.6%) were periprocedural. Advanced age, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, major vascular complications, and in-hospital bleeding determined an increased risk of periprocedural events (P < 0.03 for all). Neurologic events occurring during the periprocedural time frame were independently associated with a substantial increase in mortality at 1 year after the intervention (HR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.23-2.97; P = 0.004). However, although NeuroARC type 1 was associated with an increased mortality risk (IRR: 3.38; 95% CI: 2.30-5.56; P < 0.001 and IRR: 21.7; 95% CI: 9.63-49.1; P < 0.001 for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, respectively), the occurrence of NeuroARC type 3 events had no impact on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Neurologic events after TAVR were associated with poorer short- and long-term survival. This correlation was related to the type of NeuroARC event defined by the VARC-3 criteria. Given the negative impact on clinical outcomes, every attempt should be made to reduce the risk of neurologic complications after TAVR.

Combined Use of MITRACLIP and Ventricular ASSIST Devices in Cardiogenic Shock: MITRA-ASSIST Registry.

Background: Patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) and mitral regurgitation (MI) have a prohibitive risk that contraindicates surgical treatment. Although the feasibility of transcatheter edge-to-edge therapy (TEER) has been demonstrated in this setting, the benefit of the combined use of TEER with mechanical circulatory support devices (MCS) has not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of TEER in patients with MCS. Methods: The MITRA-ASSIST study is a retrospective multicentre Spanish registry that included patients with MR and CS who underwent TEER in combination with MCS. The primary endpoint was death from any cause at 12 months. The secondary endpoint was a composite of death from any cause or hospitalisation for heart failure at 12 months. Results: A total of twenty-four patients in nine high-volume Spanish centres (66.2 (51-82) years, 70.8% female, EuroSCORE II 20.4 ± 17.8) were included. Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction was the main CS aetiology (56%), and the most implanted MCS was the intra-aortic balloon pump (82.6%), followed by ECMO (8.7%), IMPELLACP® (4.3%), or a combination of both (4.3%). Procedural success was 95.8%, with 87.5% in-hospital survival. At 12-month follow-up, 25.0% of patients died, and 33.3% had a composite event of death from any cause or hospitalisation for heart failure. Conclusions: TEER in patients with concomitant CS and MR who require MCS appears to be a promising therapeutic alternative with a high device procedural success rate and acceptable mortality and heart failure readmission rates at follow-up.

Current Management of Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Cardiovascular disease constitutes the leading cause of morbimortality worldwide. Non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) is a common cardiovascular condition, closely related to the ageing population and significantly affecting survival and quality of life. The management of NSTE-ACS requires specific diagnosis and therapeutic strategies, thus highlighting the importance of a personalized approach, including tailored antithrombotic therapies and regimens, combined with timely invasive management. Moreover, specific and frequent populations in clinical practice, such as the elderly and those with chronic kidney disease, pose unique challenges in the management of NSTE-ACS due to their increased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic complications. In this scenario, comprehensive management strategies and multidisciplinary care are of great importance. Cardiac rehabilitation and optimal management of cardiovascular risk factors are essential elements of secondary prevention since they significantly improve prognosis. This review highlights the need for a personalized approach in the management of NSTE-ACS, especially in vulnerable populations, and emphasizes the importance of precise antithrombotic management together with tailored revascularization strategies, as well as the role of cardiac rehabilitation in NSTE-ACS patients.

Paravalvular leak closure after TAVI with plugs: A literature review with a specific focus on arterio-arterial loop.

More than mild paravalvular leak (PVL) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is associated with a twofold increase in all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and the need for reintervention. Successfully addressing PVL in TAVIs is more challenging than in surgical valves. The arterial-arterial (A-A) rail technique emerges as a valuable strategy for post-TAVI PVL closure, enhancing success rates by enabling the effective use of lower-profile vascular plug devices. When standard approach is ineffective, generating an A-A loop for post-TAVI PVL closure is probably the most recommended strategy to ensure procedural success.

The Association of Hematological Markers with Occurrence of Thrombotic and Bleeding Events following Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) are at increased risk for bleeding or thromboembolic events. Concurrently, biomarkers are of growing importance in risk stratification for atrial fibrillation patients. We aimed to evaluate the association of hematological markers and clinical characteristics with the occurrence of thromboembolic and bleeding events following LAAO. METHODS: Seven implanting centers retrospectively gathered data on hematological markers (i.e., platelet count [PC], mean platelet volume [MPV], and fibrinogen) prior to LAAO. Prespecified thromboembolic and major bleeding outcomes were collected and the association with pre-procedural hematological markers and clinical characteristics was evaluated using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 1,315 patients were included (74 ± 9 years, 36% female, CHA2DS2-VASc 4.3 ± 1.5, HAS-BLED 3.3 ± 1.1). Over a total follow-up duration of 2,682 patient years, 77 thromboembolic events and 107 major bleeding events occurred after LAAO. Baseline PC was the only biomarker showing a signal for a relation to thromboembolic events (HR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.00-1.39) per 50*109 increment, p = 0.056). Thrombotic event rates, including device-related thrombus, increased within higher PC quartiles. Thromboembolism was associated with age (HR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.10, per year increase) and prior thromboembolism (HR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.07-4.03), but with none of the biomarkers in multivariate analysis. No association of any of the hematological markers with major bleeding was observed. Major bleeding following LAAO was associated with prior major bleeding (HR 5.27, 95% CI: 2.71-10.22), renal disease (HR 1.93, 95% CI: 1.17-3.18), and discharge on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) (HR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.05-2.77). CONCLUSION: Most thrombotic events occurred in the highest PC quartile, but no association of any of the hematological markers with thromboembolism or major bleeding was observed in our analysis. In multivariate analysis, older age and prior thromboembolism were associated with thromboembolism. Prior major bleeding, renal disease and discharge on DAPT were multivariate predictors of major bleeding after LAAO.

Early Nonprocedural Bleeding After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Patients treated with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) are at high bleeding risk. Intensive antithrombotic treatment is recommended after the procedure to prevent device-related thrombosis. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the incidence, consequences, and predictors of early nonprocedural bleeding after LAAO. METHODS: This was a multicenter study including 1,649 patients undergoing LAAO in 9 centers. Early nonprocedural bleeding was defined as bleeding unrelated to the procedure occurring within 3 months after device implantation. The severity of bleeding was defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 classification. A sensitivity analysis was performed at 45 days. RESULTS: A total of 121 (7.3%) patients experienced early nonprocedural bleeding events, and 69 (57.0%) were classified as major bleeding (4.2% of patients). Independent predictors of early nonprocedural bleeding were dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) at discharge (adjusted HR [aHR]: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.12-2.33; P = 0.01), prior gastrointestinal bleeding (aHR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.38-3.35; P < 0.001), and multiple locations of prior bleeding (aHR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.34-4.05; P < 0.001). DAPT at discharge was predictive of both all and major nonprocedural bleeding at 3 months and 45 days. After a median follow-up of 2.3 years (Q1-Q3: 1.1-4.1 years), early nonprocedural bleeding was independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause death (aHR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.15-2.06; P < 0.001). This heightened mortality risk was similar at 45 days. CONCLUSIONS: Early nonprocedural bleeding after LAAO occurred in ∼7% of patients within 3 months, with more than one-half being classified as major bleeding. Regardless of severity, early nonprocedural bleeding was associated with increased mortality. DAPT at discharge determined an increased risk of early nonprocedural bleeding after LAAO. These results emphasize the importance of bleeding risk for determining antithrombotic strategies after LAAO.

Five-year outcomes of transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Transcarotid transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TC-TAVR) has emerged as an alternative access route for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, scarce data exist on long-term outcomes following TC-TAVR. This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes at 5 years after TC-TAVR. METHODS: A total of 110 consecutive patients who underwent TC-TAVR were included. Baseline, procedural, and follow-up data were collected prospectively in a dedicated database. The primary endpoint was the incidence of a composite outcome of all-cause mortality, stroke, and repeat hospitalization at 5-year follow-up. Echocardiography results, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and quality of life (QoL) as assessed with the EuroQol visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) were examined over the 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: The median patient age was 77 years (interquartile range [IQR], 72-82.2 years), 42.3% were women, and the median Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score was 5.02% (IQR, 3.4%-7.5%). The incidence of the composite primary endpoint was 54.5%. Death from any cause occurred in 45.6% of patients (11.9 per 100 patient-years); stroke in 8.2% (1.9 per 100 patient-years); disabling stroke in 2.7% (0.7 per 100 patient-years); and rehospitalization in 27.2%. The improvements in valve hemodynamics, NYHA class, and EQ-VAS following the procedure persisted at 5-year follow-up (P < .001). The incidence of bioprosthetic valve failure was 0.9%. CONCLUSIONS: About half of the moderate-to high-risk patients undergoing TC-TAVR survived with no major cardiovascular events at the 5-year follow-up. The yearly incidence of stroke events was low, and early improvements in valve hemodynamics, functional status, and QoL persisted at 5 years. These results suggest the long-term safety and efficacy of TC-TAVR and would support this approach as an alternative to surgery in non-transfemoral candidates.

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Patients With Anticoagulation Failure vs Anticoagulation Contraindication.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) provides mechanical cardioembolic protection for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who cannot use oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT). Patients with a thrombotic event despite OAT are at high risk for recurrence and may also benefit from LAAO. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate the efficacy of LAAO in AF patients with a thrombotic event on OAT compared to: 1) LAAO in AF patients with a contraindication for OAT; and 2) historical data. METHODS: The international LAAO after stroke despite oral anticoagulation (STR-OAC LAAO) collaboration included patients who underwent LAAO because of thrombotic events on OAT. This cohort underwent propensity score matching and was compared to the EWOLUTION (Evaluating Real-Life Clinical Outcomes in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Receiving the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Technology) registry, which represents patients who underwent LAAO because of OAT contraindications. The primary outcome was ischemic stroke. Event rates were compared between cohorts and with historical data without OAT, yielding relative risk reductions based on risk scores. RESULTS: Analysis of 438 matched pairs revealed no significant difference in the ischemic stroke rate between the STR-OAC LAAO and EWOLUTION cohorts (2.5% vs 1.9%; HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 0.72-2.61). STR-OAC LAAO patients exhibited a higher thromboembolic risk (HR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.04-2.83) but lower bleeding risk (HR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18-0.88) compared to EWOLUTION patients. The mortality rate was slightly higher in EWOLUTION (4.3% vs 6.9%; log-rank P = 0.028). Relative risk reductions for ischemic stroke were 70% and 78% in STR-OAC LAAO and EWOLUTION, respectively, compared to historical data without OAT. CONCLUSIONS: LAAO in patients with a thrombotic event on OAT demonstrated comparable stroke rates to the OAT contraindicated population in EWOLUTION. The thromboembolic event rate was higher and the bleeding rate lower, reflecting the intrinsically different risk profile of both populations. Until randomized trials are available, LAAO may be considered in patients with an ischemic event on OAT.

Impact of coronary calcium morphology on intravascular lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND: Coronary calcification negatively impacts optimal stenting. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is a new calcium modification technique. AIMS: We aimed to assess the impact of different calcium morphologies on IVL efficacy. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicentre study (13 tertiary referral centres). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed before and after IVL, and after stenting. OCT-defined calcium morphologies were concentric (mean calcium arc >180°) and eccentric (mean calcium arc ≤180°). The primary outcomes were angiographic success (residual stenosis <20%) and the presence of fracture by OCT in concentric versus eccentric lesions. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included with a total of 95 lesions: 47 concentric and 48 eccentric. The median number of pulses was 60 (p=1.00). Following IVL, the presence of fracture was not statistically different between groups (79.0% vs 66.0% for concentric vs eccentric; p=0.165). The number of fractures/lesion (4.2±4.4 vs 2.3±2.8; p=0.018) and ≥3 fractures/lesion (57.1% vs 34.0%; p=0.029) were more common in concentric lesions. Angiographic success was numerically but not statistically higher in the concentric group (87.0% vs 76.6%; p=0.196). By OCT, no differences were noted in final minimum lumen area (5.9±2.2 mm2 vs 6.2±2.1 mm2; p=0.570), minimum stent area (5.9±2.2 mm² vs 6.25±2.4 mm2; p=0.483), minimum stent expansion (80.9±16.7% vs 78.2±19.8%), or stent expansion at the maximum calcium site (100.6±24.2% vs 95.8±27.3%) (p>0.05 for all comparisons of concentric vs eccentric, respectively). Calcified nodules were found in 29.5% of lesions; these were predominantly non-eruptive (57%). At the nodule site, dissection was more common than fracture with stent expansion of 103.6±27.2%. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective, multicentre study, the effectiveness of IVL followed by stenting was not significantly affected by coronary calcium morphology.

Influence of sex on the timing of coronary angiography and the prescription of antiplatelet therapy in patients with nonST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. / Impacto del sexo en los tiempos de cateterismo y en el uso de pretratamiento antiagregante plaquetario en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST).

OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in the clinical management of nonST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), including in-hospital events, according to biological sex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational multicenter study of patients diagnosed with NSTEMI and atherosclerosis who underwent coronary angiography. RESULTS: We enrolled 1020 patients in April and May 2022; 240 (23.5%) were women. Women were older than men on average (72.6 vs 66.5 years, P .001), and more women were frail (17.1% vs 5.6%, P .001). No difference was observed in pretreatment with any P2Y12 inhibitor (prescribed in 68.8% of women vs 70.2% of men, P = .67); however, more women than men were prescribed clopidogrel (56% vs 44%, P = .009). Women prescribed clopidogrel were more often under the age of 75 years and not frail. Coronary angiography was performed within 24 hours less corooften in women (29.8% vs 36.9%, P = .03) even when high risk was recognized. Frailty was independently associated with deferring coronary angiography in the adjusted analysis; biological sex by itself was not related. The frequency and type of revascularization were the same in both sexes, and there were no differences in in-hospital cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION: Women were more often prescribed less potent antithrombotic therapy than men. Frailty, but not sex, correlated independently with deferral of coronary angiography. However, we detected no differences in the frequency of coronary revascularization or in-hospital events according to sex.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar las diferencias en el manejo clínico y eventos intrahospitalarios en una cohorte de pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST) en función del sexo. METODO: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico que incluyó pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de SCASEST sometidos a coronariografía con enfermedad ateroesclerótica responsable. RESULTADOS: Entre abril y mayo de 2022 se incluyeron 1.020 pacientes; de ellos, 240 eran mujeres (23,5%). En comparación con los hombres, las mujeres fueron mayores (72,6 años vs 66,5 años; p 0,001) y más frágiles (17,1% vs 5,6%; p 0,001). No hubo diferencias en el pretratamiento con un inhibidor del receptor P2Y12 (68,8% vs 70,2%, p = 0,67), aunque las mujeres recibieron más pretratamiento con clopidogrel (56% vs 44%, p = 0,009), principalmente aquellas de edad 75 años y sin fragilidad. En las mujeres se realizaron menos coronariografías precoces (# 24 h) (29,8% vs 36,9%; p = 0,03) a pesar de presentar la misma indicación (criterios de alto riesgo). En el análisis ajustado, la fragilidad, pero no el sexo, se asoció de forma independiente con la realización de una coronariografía diferida. La tasa y el tipo de revascularización fue igual en ambos sexos, y no hubo diferencias en los eventos cardiovasculares intrahospitalarios. CONCLUSIONES: Las mujeres recibieron con mayor frecuencia un tratamiento antitrombótico menos potente. La fragilidad y no el sexo se asoció con la realización de coronariografía diferida. Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias en la tasa de revascularización coronaria ni en los eventos intrahospitalarios en función del sexo.

The Impact of Geriatric Conditions in Elderly Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review.

The growing geriatric population presenting with coronary artery disease poses a primary challenge for healthcare services. This is a highly heterogeneous population, often underrepresented in studies and clinical trials, with distinctive characteristics that render them particularly vulnerable to standard management/approaches. In this review, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the treatment of acute coronary syndrome in the elderly. Additionally, we contextualize frailty, comorbidity, sarcopenia, and cognitive impairment, common in these patients, within the realm of coronary artery disease, proposing strategies for each case that may assist in therapeutic approaches.

Intervention with metabolites emulating endogenous cell transitions accelerates muscle regeneration in young and aged mice.

Tissue regeneration following an injury requires dynamic cell-state transitions that allow for establishing the cell identities required for the restoration of tissue homeostasis and function. Here, we present a biochemical intervention that induces an intermediate cell state mirroring a transition identified during normal differentiation of myoblasts and other multipotent and pluripotent cells to mature cells. When applied in somatic differentiated cells, the intervention, composed of one-carbon metabolites, reduces some dedifferentiation markers without losing the lineage identity, thus inducing limited reprogramming into a more flexible cell state. Moreover, the intervention enabled accelerated repair after muscle injury in young and aged mice. Overall, our study uncovers a conserved biochemical transitional phase that enhances cellular plasticity in vivo and hints at potential and scalable biochemical interventions of use in regenerative medicine and rejuvenation interventions that may be more tractable than genetic ones.