New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Predictors and Impact on Therapy And Mortality / Fibrilação Auricular de Novo no Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio com Supradesnível do Segmento ST: Preditores e Impacto na Terapêutica e Mortalidade

Abstract Backgrund: New-onset atrial fibrillation complicating acute myocardial infarction represents an important challenge, with prognostic significance. Objective: To study the incidence, impact on therapy and mortality, and to identify predictors of development of new-onset atrial fibrillation during hospital stay for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: We studied all patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction included consecutively, between 2010 and 2017, in a Portuguese national registry and compared two groups: 1 - no atrial fibrillation and 2 - new-onset atrial fibrillation. We adjusted a logistic regression model data analysis to assess the impact of new-onset atrial fibrillation on in-hospital mortality and to identify independent predictors of its development. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: We studied 6325 patients, and new-onset atrial fibrillation was found in 365 (5.8%). Reperfusion was successfully accomplished in both groups with no difference regarding type of reperfusion. In group 2, therapy with beta-blockers and angiotensin-conversion enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) was less frequent, 20.6% received anticoagulation at discharge and 16.1% were on triple therapy. New-onset atrial fibrillation was associated with more in-hospital complications and mortality. However, it was not found as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. We identified age, prior stroke, inferior myocardial infarction and complete atrioventricular block as independent predictors of new-onset atrial fibrillation. Conclusion: New-onset atrial fibrillation remains a frequent complication of myocardial infarction and is associated with higher rate of complications and in-hospital mortality. Age, prior stroke, inferior myocardial infarction and complete atrioventricular block were independent predictors of new onset atrial fibrillation. Only 36.7% of the patients received anticoagulation at discharge.

Resumo Fundamento: A fibrilação auricular de novo no contexto de infarto agudo do miocárdio representa um importante desafio com potencial impacto prognóstico. Objetivo: Determinar a incidência, impacto na terapêutica e mortalidade, e identificar possíveis preditores do aparecimento de fibrilação auricular de novo durante o internamento por infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. Métodos: Estudamos todos os pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST inseridos consecutivamente de 2010 a 2017 num registro nacional português e comparamos dois grupos: 1 - sem fibrilação auricular; 2- com fibrilação auricular de novo. Efetuamos análise com modelo de regressão logística para avaliar o impacto de fibrilação auricular de novo na mortalidade intra-hospitalar e identificar preditores independentes para o seu aparecimento. Para teste de hipóteses, considerou-se significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: Estudamos 6325 pacientes, dos quais 365 (5.8%) apresentaram fibrilação auricular de novo. Não houve diferença no número de pacientes reperfundidos nem na estratégia de reperfusão. No grupo 2, terapêutica com betabloqueadores e IECA/ARA foi menos frequente, 20.6% tiveram alta sob anticoagulação oral e 16.1% sob terapêutica tripla. A fibrilação auricular de novo associou-se a maior incidência de complicações e mortalidade intra-hospitalar, mas não foi preditor independente de mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Identificamos idade, acidente vascular cerebral prévio, infarto inferior e bloqueio auriculoventricular completo como preditores independentes de fibrilação auricular de novo. Conclusões: A fibrilação auricular de novo continua sendo uma complicação frequente do infarto agudo do miocárdio, estando associada a aumento das complicações e mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Apenas 36.7% desses pacientes teve alta sob anticoagulação.

New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Predictors and Impact on Therapy And Mortality.

BACKGRUND: New-onset atrial fibrillation complicating acute myocardial infarction represents an important challenge, with prognostic significance. OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence, impact on therapy and mortality, and to identify predictors of development of new-onset atrial fibrillation during hospital stay for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS: We studied all patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction included consecutively, between 2010 and 2017, in a Portuguese national registry and compared two groups: 1 - no atrial fibrillation and 2 - new-onset atrial fibrillation. We adjusted a logistic regression model data analysis to assess the impact of new-onset atrial fibrillation on in-hospital mortality and to identify independent predictors of its development. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We studied 6325 patients, and new-onset atrial fibrillation was found in 365 (5.8%). Reperfusion was successfully accomplished in both groups with no difference regarding type of reperfusion. In group 2, therapy with beta-blockers and angiotensin-conversion enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) was less frequent, 20.6% received anticoagulation at discharge and 16.1% were on triple therapy. New-onset atrial fibrillation was associated with more in-hospital complications and mortality. However, it was not found as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. We identified age, prior stroke, inferior myocardial infarction and complete atrioventricular block as independent predictors of new-onset atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: New-onset atrial fibrillation remains a frequent complication of myocardial infarction and is associated with higher rate of complications and in-hospital mortality. Age, prior stroke, inferior myocardial infarction and complete atrioventricular block were independent predictors of new onset atrial fibrillation. Only 36.7% of the patients received anticoagulation at discharge.

Twenty-year trends in profile, management and outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction according to use of reperfusion therapy: Data from the FAST-MI program 1995-2015.

The increased use of reperfusion therapy in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients in the past decades is generally considered the main determinant of improved outcomes. The aim was to assess 20-year trends in profile, management, and one-year outcomes in STEMI patients in relation with use or non-use of reperfusion therapy (primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) or fibrinolysis). METHODS: We used data from 5 one-month French nationwide registries, conducted 5 years apart from 2005 to 2015, including 8579 STEMI patients (67% with and 33% without reperfusion therapy) admitted to cardiac intensive care units in France. RESULTS: Use of reperfusion therapy increased from 49% in 1995 to 82% in 2015, with a shift from fibrinolysis (37.5% to 6%) to pPCI (12% to 76%). Early use of evidence-based medications gradually increased over the period in both patients with and without reperfusion therapy, although it remained lower at all times in those without reperfusion therapy. One-year mortality decreased in patients with reperfusion therapy (from 11.9% in 1995 to 5.9% in 2010 and 2015, hazard ratio [HR] adjusted on baseline profile 0.40; 95% CI: 0.29-0.54, P < .001) and in those without reperfusion therapy (from 25.0% to 18.2% in 2010 and 8.1% in 2015, HR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.24-0.47, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In STEMI patients, one-year mortality continues to decline, both related to increased use of reperfusion therapy and progress in overall patient management. In patients with reperfusion therapy, mortality has remained stable since 2010, while it has continued to decline in patients without reperfusion therapy.

Sex Differences in In-Hospital Management and Outcomes of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of mortality among women. Systematic evaluation of the quality of care and outcomes in women hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), an acute manifestation of coronary heart disease, remains lacking in China. METHODS: The CCC-ACS project (Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Acute Coronary Syndrome) is an ongoing nationwide registry of the American Heart Association and the Chinese Society of Cardiology. Using data from the CCC-ACS project, we evaluated sex differences in acute management, medical therapies for secondary prevention, and in-hospital mortality in 82 196 patients admitted for ACS at 192 hospitals in China from 2014 to 2018. RESULTS: Women with ACS were older than men (69.0 versus 61.1 years, P<0.001) and had more comorbidities. After multivariable adjustment, eligible women were less likely to receive evidence-based acute treatments for ACS than men, including early dual antiplatelet therapy, heparins during hospitalization, and reperfusion therapy for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. With respect to strategies for secondary prevention, eligible women were less likely to receive dual antiplatelet therapy, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, statins at discharge, and smoking cessation and cardiac rehabilitation counseling during hospitalization. In-hospital mortality rate was higher in women than in men (2.60% versus 1.50%, P<0.001). The sex difference in in-hospital mortality was no longer observed in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (adjusted odds ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.41; P=0.057) and non-ST-segment elevation ACS (adjusted odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.06; P=0.147) after adjustment for clinical characteristics and acute treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Women hospitalized for ACS in China received acute treatments and strategies for secondary prevention less frequently than men. The observed sex differences in in-hospital mortality were mainly attributable to worse clinical profiles and fewer evidence-based acute treatments provided to women with ACS. Specially targeted quality improvement programs may be warranted to narrow sex-related disparities in quality of care and outcomes in patients with ACS. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02306616.

Glycemic variability determined with a continuous glucose monitoring system can predict prognosis after acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Impaired glucose metabolism is an established risk factor for coronary artery disease. Previous studies revealed that glycemic variability (GV) is also important for glucose metabolism in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We explored the association between GV and prognosis in patients with ACS. METHODS: A total of 417 patients with ACS who received reperfusion wore a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in a stable phase after admission and were monitored for at least 24 consecutive h. The mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) was calculated as a marker of GV. We divided into two groups based on the highest tertile levels of MAGE (MAGE = 52 mg/dl). The groups were followed up for a median of 39 months [IQR 24-50 months]. The primary endpoint was the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). RESULT: During follow-up, 66 patients experienced MACCE (5 patients had cardiovascular death, 14 had recurrence of ACS, 27 had angina requiring revascularization, 8 had acute decompensated heart failure, and 16 had a stroke). MACCE was more frequently observed in the high MAGE group (23.5% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, high MAGE was an independent predictive factor of poor prognosis for MACCE (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-3.36; p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Glycemic variability determined with a CGMS is a predictor of prognosis in patients with ACS without severe DM. Trial registration UMIN 000010620. Registered April 1st 2012.

Presentation, management and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome: a registry study from Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is understudied in sub-Saharan Africa despite its increasing disease burden. We sought to create an ACS registry at Kenyatta National Hospital to evaluate the presentation, management and outcomes of ACS patients. METHODS: From November 2016 to April 2017, we conducted a retrospective review of ACS cases managed at Kenyatta National Hospital between 2013 and 2016, with a primary discharge diagnosis of ACS, based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 coding (I20-I24). We compared the presentation, management and outcomes by ACS subtype using analysis of variance testing. We created multivariable logistic regression models using the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score to evaluate the association between clinical variables, including guideline-directed medical therapy and in-hospital outcomes. RESULTS: Among 196 ACS admissions, the majority (65%) was male, and the median age was 58 years. Most (57%) ACS admissions were for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In-hospital dual antiplatelet (> 85%), beta-blockade (72%) and anticoagulant (72%) therapy was common. A minority (33%) of patients with STEMI was eligible for reperfusion therapy but only 5% received reperfusion. In-hospital mortality rate was 17%, and highest among individuals presenting with STEMI (21%). After multivariable adjustment, higher serum creatinine level was associated with higher odds of in-hospital death (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.21 - 2.78), and STEMI and Killip class > 1 were associated with in-hospital composite of death, re-infarction, stroke, major bleeding or cardiac arrest (STEMI: OR = 8.70, 95% CI: 2.52 - 29.93; Killip > 1: OR = 10.7, 95% CI: 3.34-34.6). CONCLUSIONS: We describe the largest ACS registry at Kenyatta National Hospital to date and identify potential areas for improved ACS care related to diagnostics and management to optimise in-hospital outcomes.

Relationship between microvascular obstruction and adverse events following primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: an individual patient data pooled analysis from seven randomized trials.

AIMS: Microvascular obstruction (MVO) is the underlying cause for the no-reflow phenomenon in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The association between MVO assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and prognosis has not been convincingly demonstrated. We sought to determine the relationship between MVO assessed early after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in STEMI and all-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure (HF), and reinfarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a pooled analysis using individual patient data from seven randomized primary PCI trials in which MVO was assessed within 7 days after reperfusion by CMR using late gadolinium enhancement imaging (n = 1688). Clinical follow-up was performed for at least 6 months after the index event. Median time to CMR after STEMI was 3 days [interquartile range (IQR) 2-4], and median duration of clinical follow-up was 365 days (IQR 188-374). Microvascular obstruction was present in 960 (56.9%) of patients, and median MVO (percent left ventricular myocardial mass) was 0.47% (IQR 0.00-2.54). A graded response was present between the extent of MVO (per 1.0% absolute increase) and subsequent mortality [Cox adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.19, P < 0.0001] and hospitalization for HF (Cox adjusted HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.05-1.12, P < 0.0001). Microvascular obstruction remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality even after further adjustment for infarct size (Cox adjusted HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.17, P = 0.03). MVO was not significantly related to subsequent reinfarction (P = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: The presence and extent of MVO measured by CMR after primary PCI in STEMI are strongly associated with mortality and hospitalization for HF within 1 year.

Comparative efficacy and safety of reperfusion therapy with fibrinolytic agents in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fibrinolytic therapy offers an alternative to mechanical reperfusion for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in settings where health-care resources are scarce. Comprehensive evidence comparing different agents is still unavailable. In this study, we examined the effects of various fibrinolytic drugs on clinical outcomes. METHODS: We did a network meta-analysis based on a systematic review of randomised controlled trials comparing fibrinolytic drugs in patients with STEMI. Several databases were searched from inception up to Feb 28, 2017. We included only randomised controlled trials that compared fibrinolytic agents as a reperfusion therapy in adult patients with STEMI, whether given alone or in combination with adjunctive antithrombotic therapy, against other fibrinolytic agents, a placebo, or no treatment. Only trials investigating agents with an approved indication of reperfusion therapy in STEMI (streptokinase, tenecteplase, alteplase, and reteplase) were included. The primary efficacy outcome was all-cause mortality within 30-35 days and the primary safety outcome was major bleeding. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016042131). FINDINGS: A total of 40 eligible studies involving 128 071 patients treated with 12 different fibrinolytic regimens were assessed. Compared with accelerated infusion of alteplase with parenteral anticoagulants as background therapy, streptokinase and non-accelerated infusion of alteplase were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR] 1·14 [95% CI 1·05-1·24] for streptokinase plus parenteral anticoagulants; RR 1·26 [1·10-1·45] for non-accelerated alteplase plus parenteral anticoagulants). No significant difference in mortality risk was recorded between accelerated infusion of alteplase, tenecteplase, and reteplase with parenteral anticoagulants as background therapy. For major bleeding, a tenecteplase-based regimen tended to be associated with lower risk of bleeding compared with other regimens (RR 0·79 [95% CI 0·63-1·00]). The addition of glycoprotein IIb or IIIa inhibitors to fibrinolytic therapy increased the risk of major bleeding by 1·27-8·82-times compared with accelerated infusion alteplase plus parenteral anticoagulants (RR 1·47 [95% CI 1·10-1·98] for tenecteplase plus parenteral anticoagulants plus glycoprotein inhibitors; RR 1·88 [1·24-2·86] for reteplase plus parenteral anticoagulants plus glycoprotein inhibitors). INTERPRETATION: Significant differences exist among various fibrinolytic regimens as reperfusion therapy in STEMI and alteplase (accelerated infusion), tenecteplase, and reteplase should be considered over streptokinase and non-accelerated infusion of alteplase. The addition of glycoprotein IIb or IIIa inhibitors to fibrinolytic therapy should be discouraged. FUNDING: None.

Association Between Acidosis Soon After Reperfusion and Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With a First-Time ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction. However, the predictors of CIN have yet to be fully elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 273 consecutive patients with a first-time ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent reperfusion within 12 hours of symptom onset. The exclusion criteria were hemodialysis, mechanical ventilation, or previous coronary artery bypass grafting. All patients underwent arterial blood gas analysis soon after reperfusion. CIN was defined as an increase of 0.5 mg/dL in serum creatinine or a 25% increase from baseline between 48 and 72 hours after contrast medium exposure. Acidosis was defined as an arterial blood pH <7.35. CIN was observed in 35 patients (12.8%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis with forward stepwise algorithm revealed a significant association between CIN and the following: reperfusion time, the prevalence of hypertension, peak creatine kinase-MB, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein on admission, and the incidence of acidosis (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the incidence of acidosis was associated with CIN when adjusted for age, male sex, body mass index, amount of contrast medium used, estimated glomerular filtration rate on admission, glucose level on admission, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein on admission, and left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.05). Moreover, the incidence of acidosis was associated with CIN when adjusted for the Mehran CIN risk score (odds ratio: 2.229, P=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of acidosis soon after reperfusion was associated with CIN in patients with a first-time ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Performance of hospitals according to the ESC ACCA quality indicators and 30-day mortality for acute myocardial infarction: national cohort study using the United Kingdom Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project (MINAP) register.

Aims: To investigate the application of the European Society of Cardiology Acute Cardiovascular Care Association quality indicators (QI) for acute myocardial infarction for the study of hospital performance and 30-day mortality. Methods and results: National cohort study (n = 118,075 patients, n = 211 hospitals, MINAP registry), 2012-13. Overall, 16 of the 20 QIs could be calculated. Eleven QIs had a significant inverse association with GRACE risk adjusted 30-day mortality (all P < 0.005). The association with the greatest magnitude was high attainment of the composite opportunity-based QI (80-100%) vs. zero attainment (odds ratio 0.04, 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.05, P < 0.001), increasing attainment from low (0.42, 0.37- 0.49, P < 0.001) to intermediate (0.15, 0.13-0.16, P < 0.001) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of 30-day mortality. A 1% increase in attainment of this QI was associated with a 3% reduction in 30-day mortality (0.97, 0.97-0.97, P < 0.001). The QI with the widest hospital variation was 'fondaparinux received among NSTEMI' (interquartile range 84.7%) and least variation 'centre organisation' (0.0%), with seven QIs depicting minimal variation (<11%). GRACE risk score adjusted 30-day mortality varied by hospital (median 6.7%, interquartile range 5.4-7.9%). Conclusions: Eleven QIs were significantly inversely associated with 30-day mortality. Increasing patient attainment of the composite quality indicator was the most powerful predictor; a 1% increase in attainment represented a 3% decrease in 30-day standardised mortality. The ESC QIs for acute myocardial infarction are applicable in a large health system and have the potential to improve care and reduce unwarranted variation in death from acute myocardial infarction.

Myocardial Infarct Size by CMR in Clinical Cardioprotection Studies: Insights From Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to assess myocardial infarct (MI) size in reperfused patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BACKGROUND: There is limited guidance on the use of CMR in clinical cardioprotection RCTs in patients with STEMI treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: All RCTs in which CMR was used to quantify MI size in patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were identified and reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty-two RCTs (10,570 patients, January 2006 to November 2016) were included. One-third did not report CMR vendor or scanner strength, the contrast agent and dose used, and the MI size quantification technique. Gadopentetate dimeglumine was most commonly used, followed by gadoterate meglumine and gadobutrol at 0.20 mmol/kg each, with late gadolinium enhancement acquired at 10 min; in most RCTs, MI size was quantified manually, followed by the 5 standard deviation threshold; dropout rates were 9% for acute CMR only and 16% for paired acute and follow-up scans. Weighted mean acute and chronic MI sizes (≤12 h, initial TIMI [Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction] flow grade 0 to 3) from the control arms were 21 ± 14% and 15 ± 11% of the left ventricle, respectively, and could be used for future sample-size calculations. Pre-selecting patients most likely to benefit from the cardioprotective therapy (≤6 h, initial TIMI flow grade 0 or 1) reduced sample size by one-third. Other suggested recommendations for standardizing CMR in future RCTs included gadobutrol at 0.15 mmol/kg with late gadolinium enhancement at 15 min, manual or 6-SD threshold for MI quantification, performing acute CMR at 3 to 5 days and follow-up CMR at 6 months, and adequate reporting of the acquisition and analysis of CMR. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant heterogeneity in RCT design using CMR in patients with STEMI. The authors provide recommendations for standardizing the assessment of MI size using CMR in future clinical cardioprotection RCTs.

Association of Rapid Care Process Implementation on Reperfusion Times Across Multiple ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Networks.

BACKGROUND: The Mission: Lifeline STEMI Systems Accelerator program, implemented in 16 US metropolitan regions, resulted in more patients receiving timely reperfusion. We assessed whether implementing key care processes was associated with system performance improvement. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hospitals (n=167 with 23 498 ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients) were surveyed before (March 2012) and after (July 2014) program intervention. Data were merged with patient-level clinical data over the same period. For reperfusion, hospitals were grouped by whether a specific process of care was implemented, preexisting, or never implemented. Uptake of 4 key care processes increased after intervention: prehospital catheterization laboratory activation (62%-91%; P<0.001), single call transfer protocol from an outside facility (45%-70%; P<0.001), and emergency department bypass for emergency medical services direct presenters (48%-59%; P=0.002) and transfers (56%-79%; P=0.001). There were significant differences in median first medical contact-to-device times among groups implementing prehospital activation (88 minutes implementers versus 89 minutes preexisting versus 98 minutes nonimplementers; P<0.001 for comparisons). Similarly, patients treated at hospitals implementing single call transfer protocols had shorter median first medical contact-to-device times (112 versus 128 versus 152 minutes; P<0.001). Emergency department bypass was also associated with shorter median first medical contact-to-device times for emergency medical services direct presenters (84 versus 88 versus 94 minutes; P<0.001) and transfers (123 versus 127 versus 167 minutes; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Accelerator program increased uptake of key care processes, which were associated with improved system performance. These findings support efforts to implement regional ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction networks focused on prehospital catheterization laboratory activation, single call transfer protocols, and emergency department bypass.

Reperfusion injury in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: the final frontier.

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Reperfusion injury (RI) following the opening of an occluded coronary artery mitigates the effect of reperfusion by further accentuating ischemic damage and increasing infarct size. Experimental studies have shown that nearly 50% of final infarct size is attributable to RI, an elusive phenomenon that remains resistant to treatment. This review proposes a hypothesis to explain the failure of strategies that have been used in an attempt to prevent RI. This hypothesis suggests that, after a certain duration of myocardial ischemia in the affected myocardium, three phases of myocardial damage occur: reversible ischemia, irreversible ischemia, and necrosis. In the reversible ischemia phase, cellular adaptive responses remain functional, and cellular repair and thus recovery of cellular functions is possible, whereas in the irreversible ischemia phase protective maneuvers fail to confer cytoprotection. Preventive therapies for RI fail because they cannot prevent cell death once cells have entered the irreversible ischemia phase, although they may succeed in postponing cell death. Failure to salvage myocardium with irreversible ischemia in addition to postponement and change in the mode of cell death (mainly from necrosis to apoptosis) by various RI preventive strategies may be the key to understanding the failure of these strategies in the clinical setting, despite their success in the reduction of infarct size in the experimental setting. Early reperfusion before large amounts of myocardium at risk reach the stage of irreversible ischemia is the best strategy for reduction of RI-related myocardial damage.

Prognostic impact of non-compliance with guidelines-recommended times to reperfusion therapy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The FAST-MI 2010 registry.

AIMS: Current guidelines recommend short time delays from qualifying ECG to reperfusion therapy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Recently, however, it has been suggested that shortening door-to-balloon times might not result in lower mortality, thereby questioning the relevance of current guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess in-hospital and one-year mortality in patients with fibrinolysis or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) according to guidelines-recommended times to reperfusion therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: FAST-MI 2010 is a nationwide French registry including 4169 patients, of whom 1580 had ST-elevation myocardial infarction and had PPCI ( n=1289) or fibrinolysis ( n=291) as part of a pharmaco-invasive strategy. Four groups were constituted: Gr1 (within recommended times from ECG to PPCI; n=708), Gr2 (beyond recommended times from ECG to PPCI; n=581), Gr3 (time from ECG to lysis ⩽30 min, n=196), and Gr4 (time from ECG to lysis >30 min, n=95). In-hospital mortality was 3.6% in Gr2 vs. 1.0% in Gr1 and 3.2% in Gr4 vs. 1.0% in Gr3. After adjustment, hospital mortality was higher for reperfusion therapy beyond recommended times: odds ratio (OR) 3.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32-8.18; for PPCI, OR: 4.13; 95% CI: 1.50-11.35 and for fibrinolysis, OR: 2.72; 95% CI: 0.34-21.96. Likewise, one-year mortality was higher in patients with reperfusion beyond recommended times (hazard ratio 2.13, 95% CI:1.29-3.50). The results were confirmed by propensity score analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Early and one-year mortality were lower for ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients when the recommended timelines for reperfusion therapy were met, suggesting that, in spite of recent interrogations, compliance with current guidelines remains a clinically relevant objective.

Predictors of Late Reperfusion in STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary Angioplasty. Impact of the Place of First Medical Contact.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The benefit of primary angioplasty may be reduced if there are delays to reperfusion. Identification of the variables associated with these delays could improve health care. METHODS: Analysis of the Codi Infart registry of Catalonia and of the time to angioplasty depending on the place of first medical contact. RESULTS: In 3832 patients analyzed, first medical contact took place in primary care centers in 18% and in hospitals without a catheterization laboratory in 37%. Delays were longer in these 2 groups than in patients attended by the outpatient emergency medical system or by hospitals with a catheterization laboratory (P < .0001, results in median): first medical contact to reperfusion indication time was 42minutes in both (overall 35minutes); first medical contact to artery opening time was 131 and 143minutes, respectively (overall 121minutes); total ischemia time was 230 and 260minutes (overall 215minutes). First medical contact to artery opening time > 120minutes was strongly associated with first medical contact in a center without a catheterization laboratory (OR, 4.96; 95% confidence interval, 4.14-5.93), and other factors such as age, previous coronary surgery, first medical contact during evening hours, nondiagnostic electrocardiogram, and Killip class ≥ III. Mortality at 30 days and 1 year was 5.6% and 8.7% and was independently associated with age, longer delay to angioplasty, Killip class ≥ II, and first medical contact in a center with a catheterization laboratory. CONCLUSIONS: In more than 50% of patients requiring primary angioplasty, the first medical contact occurs in centers without a catheterization laboratory, which is an important predictor of delay from diagnosis to artery opening.

Impact of Coronary Collaterals on Long-term Prognosis in Patients Treated With Primary Angioplasty.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The beneficial effect of coronary collateral circulation (CC) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CC before reperfusion with primary angioplasty (PA) on the long-term prognosis of these patients. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of a cohort of 947 patients treated with PA and TIMI grade ≤ 1 flow in a single center from 2005 to 2013. Propensity score matching was used to create 2 groups of 175 patients each, matched by the degree of CC (Rentrop 0-1 vs Rentrop 2-3). In the matched cohort, we determined the impact of CC on total mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and a combined adverse cardiovascular event endpoint for a median follow-up of 864 (interquartile range, 396-1271) days. RESULTS: Of a total of 947 patients included, 735 (78%) had Rentrop 0 to 1 and 212 (22%) had Rentrop 2 to 3. During follow-up, 105 patients died, 71 from cardiovascular causes. In the matched cohort, the total mortality rate was similar between the 2 groups (Rentrop 0-1 [8.8%] vs Rentrop 2-3 [6.3%]; HR = 1.22; 95%CI, 0.50-2.94; P = .654). There were no differences in cardiovascular mortality (Rentrop 0-1 [4.6%] vs Rentrop 2-3 [2.3%]; sHR = 0.49; 95%CI, 0.14-1.62; P = .244) or the composite endpoint including cardiovascular death, reinfarction, target vessel revascularization, and coronary artery bypass surgery (Rentrop 0-1 [18.8%] vs Rentrop 2-3 [13.1%]; sHR = 0.68; 95%CI, 0.40-1.15; P = .157). CONCLUSIONS: In this contemporary series, the presence of good CC before PA was not associated with better long-term clinical outcomes.

Impact on Mortality of Different Network Systems in the Treatment of ST-segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction. The Spanish Experience.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between the development of network systems of care for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the autonomous communities (AC) of Spain and the regional rate of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and in-hospital mortality. METHODS: From 2003 to 2012, data from the minimum basic data set of the Spanish taxpayer-funded health system were analyzed, including admissions from general hospitals. Diagnoses of STEMI and related procedures were codified by the International Diseases Classification. Discharge episodes (n = 302 471) were distributed in 3 groups: PCI (n = 116 621), thrombolysis (n = 46 720), or no reperfusion (n = 139 130). RESULTS: Crude mortality throughout the evaluation period was higher for the no-PCI or thrombolysis group (17.3%) than for PCI (4.8%) and thrombolysis (8.6%) (P < .001). For the aggregate of all communities, the PCI rate increased (21.6% in 2003 vs 54.5% in 2012; P < .001) with a decrease in risk-standardized mortality rates (10.2% in 2003; 6.8% in 2012; P < .001). Significant differences were observed in the PCI rate across the AC. The development of network systems was associated with a 50% increase in the PCI rate (P < .001) and a 14% decrease in risk-standardized mortality rates (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: From 2003 to 2012, the PCI rate in STEMI substantially increased in Spain. The development of network systems was associated with an increase in the PCI rate and a decrease in in-hospital mortality.

Predictors, treatment, and outcomes of STEMI occurring in hospitalized patients.

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is most commonly caused by an acute thrombotic occlusion of a coronary artery. For patients in whom the onset of STEMI occurs outside of hospital (outpatient STEMI), early reperfusion therapy with either fibrinolysis or primary percutaneous coronary intervention reduces complications and improves survival, compared with delayed reperfusion. STEMI systems of care are defined as integrated groups of separate entities focused on reperfusion therapy for STEMI, generally including emergency medical services, emergency medicine, cardiology, nursing, and hospital administration. These systems of care have been successful at reducing total ischaemia time and outpatient STEMI mortality. By contrast, much less is known about STEMI that occurs in hospitalized patients (inpatient STEMI), which has unique clinical features and much worse outcomes than outpatient STEMI. Inpatient STEMI is associated with older age, a higher female:male ratio, and more comorbidities than outpatient STEMI. Delays in diagnosis and infrequent use of reperfusion therapy probably also contribute to unfavourable outcomes for inpatient STEMI.

Prognostic significance of infarct core pathology revealed by quantitative non-contrast in comparison with contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction survivors.

AIMS: To assess the prognostic significance of infarct core tissue characteristics using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in survivors of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed an observational prospective single centre cohort study in 300 reperfused STEMI patients (mean ± SD age 59 ± 12 years, 74% male) who underwent CMR 2 days and 6 months post-myocardial infarction (n = 267). Native T1 was measured in myocardial regions of interest (n = 288). Adverse remodelling was defined as an increase in left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume ≥20% at 6 months. All-cause death or first heart failure hospitalization was a pre-specified outcome that was assessed during follow-up (median duration 845 days). One hundred and sixty (56%) patients had a hypo-intense infarct core disclosed by native T1. In multivariable regression, infarct core native T1 was inversely associated with adverse remodelling [odds ratio (95% confidence interval (CI)] per 10 ms reduction in native T1: 0.91 (0.82, 0.00); P = 0.061). Thirty (10.4%) of 288 patients died or experienced a heart failure event and 13 of these events occurred post-discharge. Native T1 values (ms) within the hypo-intense infarct core (n = 160 STEMI patients) were inversely associated with the risk of all-cause death or first hospitalization for heart failure post-discharge (for a 10 ms increase in native T1: hazard ratio 0.730, 95% CI 0.617, 0.863; P < 0.001) including after adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction, infarct core T2 and myocardial haemorrhage. The prognostic results for microvascular obstruction were similar. CONCLUSION: Infarct core native T1 represents a novel non-contrast CMR biomarker with potential for infarct characterization and prognostication in STEMI survivors. Confirmatory studies are warranted. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02072850.