Characteristics, management, and outcomes of active cancer patients with cardiogenic shock.

AIMS: Characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with active cancer admitted for cardiogenic shock remain largely unknown. This study aimed to address this issue and identify the determinants of 30-day and 1-year mortality in a large cardiogenic shock cohort of all aetiologies. METHODS AND RESULTS: FRENSHOCK is a prospective multicenter observational registry conducted in French critical care units between April and October 2016. 'Active cancer' was defined as a malignancy diagnosed within the previous weeks with planned or ongoing anticancer therapy. Among the 772 enrolled patients (mean age 65.7 ± 14.9 years; 71.5% male), 51 (6.6%) had active cancer. Among them, the main cancer types were solid cancers (60.8%), and hematological malignancies (27.5%). Solid cancers were mainly urogenital (21.6%), gastrointestinal (15.7%), and lung cancer (9.8%). Medical history, clinical presentation, and baseline echocardiography were almost the same between groups. In-hospital management significantly differed: patients with cancers received more catecholamines or inotropes (norepinephrine 72% vs. 52%, P = 0.005 and norepinephrine-dobutamine combination 64.7% vs. 44.5%, P = 0.005), but had less mechanical circulatory support (5.9% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.016). They presented a similar 30-day mortality rate (29% vs. 26%) but a significantly higher mortality at 1-year (70.6% vs. 45.2%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, active cancer was not associated with 30-day mortality but was significantly associated with 1-year mortality in 30-day survivors [HR 3.61 (1.29-10.11), P = 0.015]. CONCLUSION: Active cancer patients accounted for almost 7% of all cases of cardiogenic shock. Early mortality was the same regardless of active cancer or not, whereas long-term mortality was significantly increased in patients with active cancer.

Utility and safety of coronary angiography in patients with acute infective endocarditis who required surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefit/risk ratio to perform a coronary angiography (CA) before surgery for infective endocarditis (IE). METHODS: We conducted a single-center prospective registry including 272 patients with acute IE intended for surgery and compared patients who underwent a preoperative CA (n = 160) with those who did not (n = 112). A meta-analysis of 3 observational studies was also conducted and included 551 patients: 342 who underwent a CA and 209 who did not. RESULTS: In our registry, combined bypass surgery (CABG) was performed in 17% of the patients with preoperative CA. At 2 years, the rate of the primary composite end point (all-cause death, new systemic embolism, stroke, new hemodialysis) was similar in the CA (38%) and no-CA (37%) groups. In-hospital and 2-year individual end points were all similar between groups. There were only 2 episodes of systemic embolism after CA and only one possibly related to a vegetation dislodgement. In the meta-analysis, combined CABG was performed in 18% of the patients with preoperative CA. All-cause death was similar in both groups: odds ratio, 0.98 [0.62-1.53], P = .92. Only 5 cases of systemic embolism possibly related to a vegetation dislodgement were reported. New hemodialysis was numerically more frequent in the CA group: odds ratio, 1.68 [0.79-3.58] (18% vs 14%, P = .18). CONCLUSIONS: In daily practice, two-thirds of the patients with acute IE who required surgery have a preoperative CA leading to a combined CABG in 18% of the patients. Our results suggest that to perform a preoperative CA in this context is not associated with improved prognosis.

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Management and association with prognosis during the COVID-19 pandemic in France.

BACKGROUND: Systems of care have been challenged to control progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether this has been associated with delayed reperfusion and worse outcomes in French patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unknown. AIM: To compare the rate of STEMI admissions, treatment delays, and outcomes between the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in France and the equivalent period in 2019. METHODS: In this nationwide French survey, data from consecutive STEMI patients from 65 centres referred for urgent revascularization between 1 March and 31 May 2020, and between 1 March and 31 May 2019, were analysed. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital death or non-fatal mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction. RESULTS: A total of 6306 patients were included. During the pandemic peak, a 13.9±6.6% (P=0.003) decrease in STEMI admissions per week was observed. Delays between symptom onset and percutaneous coronary intervention were longer in 2020 versus 2019 (270 [interquartile range 150-705] vs 245 [140-646]min; P=0.013), driven by the increase in time from symptom onset to first medical contact (121 [60-360] vs 150 [62-420]min; P=0.002). During 2020, a greater number of mechanical complications was observed (0.9% vs 1.7%; P=0.029) leading to a significant difference in the primary outcome (112 patients [5.6%] in 2019 vs 129 [7.6%] in 2020; P=0.018). No significant difference was observed in rates of orotracheal intubation, in-hospital cardiac arrest, ventricular arrhythmias and cardiogenic shock. CONCLUSIONS: During the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in France, there was a decrease in STEMI admissions, associated with longer ischaemic time, exclusively driven by an increase in patient-related delays and an increase in mechanical complications. These findings suggest the need to encourage the population to seek medical help in case of symptoms.

On-Ticagrelor Platelet Reactivity and Clinical Outcome in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: A strong association between on-thienopyridine platelet reactivity (PR) and the risk of both thrombotic and bleeding events in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been demonstrated. However, no study has analyzed the relationship between on-ticagrelor PR and clinical outcome in this clinical setting. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the relationship between on-ticagrelor PR, assessed by the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) index, and clinical outcome in patients with ACS undergoing PCI. METHODS: We performed a prospective, multicenter, observational study of patients undergoing PCI for ACS. PR was measured using the VASP index following ticagrelor loading dose. The primary study endpoint was the rate of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type ≥2 at 1 year. The key secondary endpoint was the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and urgent revascularization. RESULTS: We included 570 ACS patients, among whom 33.9% had ST-elevation myocardial infarction. BARC type ≥2 bleeding occurred in 10.9% and MACE in 13.8%. PR was not associated with BARC ≥2 or with MACE (p = 0.12 and p = 0.56, respectively). No relationship between PR and outcomes was observed, neither when PR was analyzed quantitatively nor when it was analyzed qualitatively (low on-treatment PR [LTPR] vs. no LTPR). CONCLUSION: On-ticagrelor PR measured by the VASP was not associated with bleeding or thrombotic events in ACS patients undergoing PCI. PR measured by the VASP should not be used as a surrogate endpoint in studies on ticagrelor.

Intensified immunosuppressive therapy in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Myocarditis is a rare but life-threatening adverse event of cancer treatments with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Recent guidelines recommend the use of high doses of corticosteroids as a first-line treatment, followed by intensified immunosuppressive therapy (IIST) in the case of unfavorable evolution. However, this strategy is empirical, and no studies have specifically addressed this issue. Therefore, we aimed to investigate and compare the clinical course, management and outcome of ICI-induced myocarditis patients requiring or not requiring IIST. METHODS: This case-control study included all patients consecutively admitted to The Mediterranean University Center of Cardio-Oncology (Aix-Marseille University, France) for the diagnosis of ICI-induced myocarditis according to Bonaca's criteria and treated with or without IIST. In addition, we searched PubMed and included patients from previously published case reports treated with IIST in the analysis. The clinical, biological, imaging, treatment, all-cause death and cardiovascular death data of patients who required IIST were compared with those of patients who did not. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients (69±12 years) were included (36 were treated with IIST and 24 were not). Patients requiring IIST were more likely to have received a combination of ICIs (39% vs 8%, p=0.01), and developed the first symptoms/signs of myocarditis earlier after the onset of ICI therapy (median, 18 days vs 60 days, p=0.002). They had a significantly higher prevalence of sustained ventricular arrhythmia, complete atrioventricular block, cardiogenic shock and troponin elevation. Moreover, they were more likely to have other immune-related adverse events simultaneously (p<0.0001), especially myositis (p=0.0002) and myasthenia gravis (p=0.009). Patients who required IIST were more likely to die from any cause (50% vs 21%, p=0.02). Among them, patients who received infliximab were more likely to die from cardiovascular causes (OR, 12.0; 95% CI 2.1 to 67.1; p=0.005). CONCLUSION: The need for IIST was more common in patients who developed myocarditis very early after the start of ICI therapy, as well as when hemodynamic/electrical instability or neuromuscular adverse events occurred. Treatment with infliximab might be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death.

Optimal Timing of Intervention in NSTE-ACS Without Pre-Treatment: The EARLY Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare a delayed and a very early invasive strategy in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) without pre-treatment. BACKGROUND: The optimal delay of the invasive strategy in patients with NSTE-ACS remains debated and has never been investigated in patients not pre-treated with P2Y12-adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonists. METHODS: A prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Altogether, 741 patients presenting with intermediate- or high-risk NSTE-ACS intended for an invasive strategy were included. The modified intention-to-treat analysis was composed of 709 patients after 32 withdrew consent. Patients were randomized 1:1 to the delayed invasive group (DG) (n = 363) with coronary angiography (CA) performed 12 to 72 h after randomization or the very early invasive group (EG) (n = 346) with CA within 2 h. No pre-treatment with a loading dose of a P2Y12-adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonist was allowed before CA. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular death and recurrent ischemic events at 1 month, as determined by a blinded adjudication committee. RESULTS: Most patients had high-risk NSTE-ACS in both groups (93% in the EG vs. 92.5% in the DG). The median time between randomization and CA was 0 h (interquartile range [IQR]: 0 to 1 h) in the EG group and 18 h (IQR: 11 to 23 h) in the DG. The primary endpoint rate was significantly lower in the EG (4.4% vs. 21.3% in the DG; hazard ratio: 0.20; 95% confidence interval: 0.11 to 0.34; p < 0.001), driven by a reduction in recurrent ischemic events (19.8% vs. 2.9%; p < 0.001). No difference was observed for cardiovascular death. CONCLUSIONS: Without pre-treatment, a very early invasive strategy was associated with a significant reduction in ischemic events at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with intermediate- and high-risk NSTE-ACS. (Early or Delayed Revascularization for Intermediate and High-Risk Non ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes; NCT02750579).

Updated Expert Consensus Statement on Platelet Function and Genetic Testing for Guiding P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitor Treatment in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor is the standard treatment for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The availability of different P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) with varying levels of potency has enabled physicians to contemplate individualized treatment regimens, which may include escalation or de-escalation of P2Y12-inhibiting therapy. Indeed, individualized and alternative DAPT strategies may be chosen according to the clinical setting (stable coronary artery disease vs. acute coronary syndrome), the stage of the disease (early- vs. long-term treatment), and patient risk for ischemic and bleeding complications. A tailored DAPT approach may be potentially guided by platelet function testing (PFT) or genetic testing. Although the routine use of PFT or genetic testing in percutaneous coronary intervention-treated patients is not recommended, recent data have led to an update in guideline recommendations that allow considering selective use of PFT for DAPT de-escalation. However, guidelines do not expand on when to implement the selective use of such assays into decision making for personalized treatment approaches. Therefore, an international expert consensus group of key leaders from North America, Asia, and Europe with expertise in the field of antiplatelet treatment was convened. This document updates 2 prior consensus papers on this topic and summarizes the contemporary updated expert consensus recommendations for the selective use of PFT or genotyping in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Dynamic iron status after acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) is common in heart failure (HF), and is associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes. Although it is recommended to screen for ID in HF, there is no clear consensus on the optimal timing of its assessment. AIM: To analyse changes in iron status during a short-term follow-up in patients admitted for acute HF. METHODS: Iron status (serum ferritin concentration and transferrin saturation) was determined in 110 consecutive patients (median age: 81 years) admitted to a referral centre for acute HF, at three timepoints (admission, discharge and 1 month after discharge). ID was defined according to the guidelines. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of ID at admission, discharge and 1 month were, respectively, 75% (95% confidence interval [CI] 67-83%), 61% (95% CI: 52-70%), and 70% (95% CI: 61-79%) (P=0.008). Changes in prevalence were significant between admission and discharge (P=0.0018). Despite a similar ID prevalence at admission and 1 month (P=0.34), iron status changed in 25% of patients. Between admission and discharge, variation in C-reactive protein correlated significantly with that of ferritin (ρ=0.30; P=0.001). Advanced age, anaemia, low ferritin concentration and low creatinine clearance were associated with the persistence of ID from admission to 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Iron status is dynamic in patients admitted for acute HF. Although ID was as frequent at admission as at 1 month after discharge, iron status varied in 25% of patients.

P2Y12-ADP Receptor Blockade in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Because of its high prevalence, chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a major health hazard throughout the world. Patients with CKD have a high prevalence and incidence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Despite decades of improved care, their higher risk profile persists and cardiovascular diseases remain their leading cause of death. Along with the reduction of glomerular filtration rate, several physiological processes are impacted and participate in the pathophysiology of ischemic and bleeding events. CKD is associated with an accelerated and severe course of atherothrombotic disease, and this relates to a modified vascular milieu with alterations on the level of the coagulation cascade and platelet aggregation. In addition, pharmacokinetics of several drugs, in particular antithrombotics, are altered and differ from that of non-CKD patients. Patients with CKD therefore represent a challenging population for both physicians and researchers. In addition to these perturbations of physiological processes, CKD patients face 2 major issues. First, there is a clear gap in scientific research as they are commonly underrepresented or excluded from major clinical trials. This is particularly true regarding antithrombotic treatment during ACS. Second, there is a gap in offering evidence-based treatment for these patients including state-of-the art options for revascularization and modern antiplatelet treatment, both of which are commonly underused. During the last decade, new potent oral P2Y12-ADP receptor antagonists, prasugrel and ticagrelor, which are more potent antiplatelet agents compared with clopidogrel, were introduced for ACS treatment. However, despite the fact that CKD patients represent a large proportion of those experiencing an ACS and are considered at high risk, there is a lack of dedicated trials and we are left with subgroup analysis of large randomized clinical trials were stage 4 and dialysis patients were rare. In the present review we summarize the mechanisms involved in the high ischemic and bleeding risk of CKD patients and the risk-benefit ratio of potent antiplatelet drugs during ACS.

Meta-Analysis of Potent P2Y12-ADP Receptor Antagonist Therapy Compared to Clopidogrel Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: The clinical benefit of anti-platelet agents in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is uncertain. In addition, the risk-benefit ratio of potent oral P2Y12-adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor antagonists (PPAs), namely, prasugrel and ticagrelor, compared with clopidogrel in CKD patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: We performed a meta-analysis of all studies comparing the clinical outcomes of PPA and clopidogrel therapy in CKD patients suffering from ACS. METHODS: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Clinical trial.org and the abstracts of international cardiology congresses from April 2000 to October 2017. Clinical studies comparing PPA with clopidogrel in ACS patients with CKD were selected. Our literature research identified five studies which were included in the meta-analysis. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) at the latest follow-up available. Secondary endpoint included bleedings. RESULTS: We included data from three sub-group analysis of randomized clinical trials and two prospective observational studies (n = 31,234). Overall, PPAs were associated with lower rates of major cardiovascular events, with a pooled hazard ratio (pHR) of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79-0.99; p = 0.03), without increased bleedings (pHR = 1.10) (95% CI: 0.95-1.27; p = 0.18). In a sensitivity analysis restricted to studies enrolling invasively managed patients, the benefit of PPA on MACE was maintained (pHR = 0.85) (95% CI: 0.77-0.93; p < 0.001), including a reduction in mortality (pHR = 0.82) (95% CI: 0.7-0.96; p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Compared with clopidogrel, PPAs were associated with a reduced rate of MACE without increased bleedings in CKD patients with ACS. Among invasively managed patients, this benefit from PPA included a reduction in mortality.

Adenosine Plasma Level and A2A Receptor Expression in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether adenosine A2A receptors lead to vasodilation and positive inotropic function under stimulation and whether they play a role in the control of blood pressure in patients with cardiogenic shock. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Monocentric, Hopital Nord, Marseille, France. SUBJECTS: Patients with cardiogenic shock (n = 16), acute heart failure (n = 16), and acute myocardial infarction (n = 16). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Arterial adenosine plasma level and A2A receptor expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated by mass spectrometry and Western blot, respectively, at admission and after 24 hours. Hemodynamic parameters, including systemic vascular resistance, were also assessed. Mean adenosine plasma level at admission was significantly higher in patients with cardiogenic shock (2.74 ± 1.03 µM) versus acute heart failure (1.33 ± 0.27) or acute myocardial infarction (1.19 ± 0.27) (normal range, 0.4-0.8 µM) (p < 0.0001). No significant correlation was found between adenosine plasma level and systemic vascular resistance. Mean adenosine plasma level decreased significantly by 24 hours after admission in patients with cardiogenic shock (2.74 ± 1.03 to 1.53 ± 0.68; p < 0.001). Mean A2A receptor expression was significantly lower in patients with cardiogenic shock (1.18 ± 0.11) versus acute heart failure (1.18 ± 0.11 vs 1.39 ± 0.08) (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: We observed high adenosine plasma level and low A2A receptor expression at admission in patients with cardiogenic shock versus acute heart failure or acute myocardial infarction. This may contribute to the physiopathology of cardiogenic shock.

Specific Pharmacological Profile of A2A Adenosine Receptor Predicts Reduced Fractional Flow Reserve in Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: The rapid and reliable exclusion of myocardial revascularization is a major unmet clinical need in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and non-contributive electrocardiography and troponin. Non-invasive tests have high rates of false positives and negatives, and there is no biomarker to assess myocardial ischemia. The presence of spare adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR)-characterized by a high dissociation constant/half maximal effective concentration (KD/EC50) ratio-expressed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) has been associated with ischemia during exercise stress testing in patients with CAD. In this work, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy of spare A2AR versus fractional flow reserve (FFR) in patients with suspected CAD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty patients with suspected CAD, but non-contributive electrocardiography and troponin, were consecutively enrolled in this prospective study. The binding (KD), functional response (cyclic adenosine monophosphate [cAMP] production; EC50) on PBMC A2AR were compared with FFR results. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 17 (group 1) with normal coronary angiography (n=13) or stenosis <20% (n=4); 21 with CAD and non-significant FFR (group 2); and 22 with CAD and significant FFR (group 3). Median KD/EC50 was 6-fold higher in group 3 (4.20; interquartile range: 2.81-5.00) than group 2 (0.66; interquartile range: 0.47-1.25) and 7-fold higher than group 1 (0.60; interquartile range: 0.30-0.66). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with suspected CAD and non-contributive electrocardiography and troponin, the absence of spare A2AR on PBMC may help to rule out myocardial ischemia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03218007.

Early versus delayed invasive strategy for intermediate- and high-risk acute coronary syndromes managed without P2Y12 receptor inhibitor pretreatment: Design and rationale of the EARLY randomized trial.

According to recent literature, pretreatment with a P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist before coronary angiography appears no longer suitable in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) due to an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio. Optimal delay of the invasive strategy in this specific context is unknown. We hypothesize that without P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist pretreatment, a very early invasive strategy may be beneficial. The EARLY trial (Early or Delayed Revascularization for Intermediate- and High-Risk Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes?) is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label, 2-parallel-group study that plans to enroll 740 patients. Patients are eligible if the diagnosis of intermediate- or high-risk NSTE-ACS is made and an invasive strategy intended. Patients are randomized in a 1:1 ratio. In the control group, a delayed strategy is adopted, with the coronary angiography taking place between 12 and 72 hours after randomization. In the experimental group, a very early invasive strategy is performed within 2 hours. A loading dose of a P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist is given at the time of intervention in both groups. Recruitment began in September 2016 (n = 558 patients as of October 2017). The primary endpoint is the composite of cardiovascular death and recurrent ischemic events at 1 month. The EARLY trial aims to demonstrate the superiority of a very early invasive strategy compared with a delayed strategy in intermediate- and high-risk NSTE-ACS patients managed without P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist pretreatment.

Prevalence and characteristics of coronary artery disease in heart failure with preserved and mid-range ejection fractions: A systematic angiography approach.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend careful screening and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in heart failure with preserved or mid-range ejection fraction (HFpEF/HFmEF). AIM: We aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of CAD using a prospective systematic coronary angiography approach. METHODS: A systematic coronary angiography protocol was applied in consecutive patients admitted for HFpEF/HFmEF during a 6-month period in a single centre. History of CAD and results of angiography, including revascularization, were reported. RESULTS: Of the 164 patients with HFpEF/HFmEF who were included, an angiography assessment was applied in 108 (66%) (median age: 79 years [interquartile range: 70-85 years]; 54% were women). In our analysis, 64% (95% confidence interval [CI] 55-73%) of patients had a significant coronary stenosis corresponding to a global CAD prevalence of 80% (95% CI 73-88%). The prevalence of CAD was similar for HFpEF and HFmEF. The left main coronary artery presented a significant stenosis in 6.5% of cases and 39% of patients had a two- or three-vessel disease. The rate of significant coronary stenosis was non-significantly higher in patients with a history of CAD. Patients with HFpEF/HFmEF with and without CAD did not differ in clinically meaningful ways, in terms of symptoms or laboratory and echocardiography results. This strategy led to complete revascularization in 36% of patients with significant stenosis and in 23% of all patients with HFpEF/HFmEF. CONCLUSIONS: Our study differs from others in that we used a systematic angiography approach. The results suggest a much higher prevalence of CAD in HFpEF/HFmEF than previously reported and should encourage clinicians to aggressively identify this co-morbidity.

International Expert Consensus on Switching Platelet P2Y12 Receptor-Inhibiting Therapies.

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor is the treatment of choice for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with acute coronary syndromes and for those undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. The availability of different oral P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) has enabled physicians to contemplate switching among therapies because of specific clinical scenarios. The recent introduction of an intravenous P2Y12 inhibitor (cangrelor) further adds to the multitude of modalities and settings in which switching therapies may occur. In clinical practice, it is not uncommon to switch P2Y12 inhibitor, and switching may be attributed to a variety of factors. However, concerns about the safety of switching between these agents have emerged. Practice guidelines have not fully elaborated on how to switch therapies, leaving clinicians with limited guidance on when and how to switch therapies when needed. This prompted the development of this expert consensus document by key leaders from North America and Europe with expertise in basic, translational, and clinical sciences in the field of antiplatelet therapy. This expert consensus provides an overview of the pharmacology of P2Y12 inhibitors, different modalities and definitions of switching, and available literature and recommendations for switching between P2Y12 inhibitors.

Impact of platelet inhibition level on subsequent no-reflow in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: High P2Y12 platelet reactivity (PR) level after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) affects prognosis and may induce the no-reflow phenomenon. AIM: To investigate the role of PR in the genesis of microvascular obstruction. METHODS: Patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI within 12hours of symptoms onset were included prospectively. All patients received a 600mg clopidogrel-loading dose before PPCI and 250mg aspirin. PR was measured thereafter during PPCI while wiring the culprit lesion and before coronary dilatation, using the P2Y12 VerifyNow® assay. No-reflow was defined as ST-segment regression<50% observed 90minutes after PPCI. RESULTS: Between January 2014 and November 2015, 140 STEMI patients were included, and divided into two groups: a low PR group (LPR) defined as PR<209P2Y12 reaction units (PRU); and a high PR group (HPR) defined as PR≥209PRU. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between LPR and HPR groups, including age (57.8±11.9 vs. 59.4±13.2 years, respectively; P=0.44) and weight (76.1±15.1 vs. 74.8±10.9kg, respectively; P=0.55). Delay to revascularization was 270.1±175.5 vs. 295.6±206.2minutes (P=0.49) and time between clopidogrel-loading and PR measurement was 53±37 vs 65±54minutes (P=0.29) in the LPR and HPR groups, respectively. No-reflow was more frequent in the HPR group (44 [47.3%] vs. 9 [19.1%]; P=0.0012). Mean PR was higher in patients with no-reflow: 268.3±53 vs. 223.8±50.1 PRU (P=0.002). In multivariable analysis, HPR was an independent predictor of no-reflow. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.745 (0.654, 0.835); the cut-off value predicting no-reflow was 254PRU. CONCLUSION: High PR level measured at PPCI is independently associated with no-reflow.