Thrombotic Risk and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Revascularization Deferral After Fractional Flow Reserve Assessment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of thrombotic risk on the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease with deferred revascularization after fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements. BACKGROUND: Deferral of revascularization on the basis of FFR is generally considered to be safe, but after deferral, some patients have cardiovascular events over time. METHODS: From J-CONFIRM registry (Long-Term Outcomes of Japanese Patients With Deferral of Coronary Intervention Based on Fractional Flow Reserve in Multicenter Registry), 1,263 patients with deferral of revascularization on the basis of FFR were evaluated. The association between thrombotic risk as assessed by CREDO-Kyoto (Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto) thrombotic score and 5-year target vessel failure (TVF) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was investigated. RESULTS: FFR and high thrombotic risk (HTR) were associated with increased risk for 5-year TVF (FFR per 0.01-unit decrease: HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.05-1.11; P < 0.001; HTR: HR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.37-3.39; P < 0.001) and MACCE (FFR per 0.01-unit decrease: HR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.06; P < 0.001; HTR: HR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.56-2.84; P = 0.001). Patients with HTR had higher risk for 5-year TVF (HR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.45-3.66; P < 0.001) and MACCE (HR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.75-3.13; P < 0.001) than those without HTR, even when they had negative FFR. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of thrombotic risk provides additional prognostic value to FFR in predicting 5-year TVF and MACCE in patients with deferral of revascularization after FFR measurements. (Long-Term Outcomes of Japanese Patients With Deferral of Coronary Intervention Based on Fractional Flow Reserve in Multicenter Registry; UMIN000014473).

Long term risk and costs of bleeding in men and women treated with triple antithrombotic therapy-An observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Bleeding is the most common non-ischemic complication in patients with coronary revascularisation procedures, associated with prolonged hospitalisation and increased mortality. Many factors predispose for bleeds in these patients, among those sex. Anyhow, few studies have characterised the population receiving triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) as well as long term bleeds from a sex perspective. We investigated the one year rate of bleeds in patients receiving TAT, potential sex disparities and premature discontinuation of TAT. We also assessed health care costs in bleeders vs non-bleeders. SETTING: Three hospitals in the County of Östergötland, Sweden during 2009-2015. PARTICIPANTS: All patients discharged with TAT registered in the SWEDEHEART registry. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: All bleeds receiving medical attention during one-year follow-up were collected by retrieving relevant information about each patient from medical records. Resource use associated with bleeds was assigned unit cost to estimate the health care costs associated with bleeding episodes. RESULTS: Among 272 patients, 156 bleeds occurred post-discharge, of which 28.8% were gastrointestinal. In total 54.4% had at least one bleed during or after the index event and 40.1% bled post discharge of whom 28.7% experienced a TIMI major or minor bleeding. Women discontinued TAT prematurely more often than men (52.9 vs 36.1%, p = 0.01) and bled more (48.6 vs. 37.1%, p = 0.09). One-year mean health care costs were EUR 575 and EUR 5787 in non-bleeding and bleeding patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The high bleeding incidence in patients with TAT, especially in women, is a cause of concern. There is a need for an adequately sized randomised, controlled trial to determine a safe but still effective treatment for these patients.

Age-Related Sex Differences in Clinical Presentation, Management, and Outcomes in ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Pooled Analysis of 15 532 Patients From 7 Arabian Gulf Registries.

Background No studies from the Arabian Gulf region have taken age into account when examining sex differences in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presentation and outcomes. We examined the relationship between sex differences and presenting characteristics, revascularization procedures, and in-hospital mortality after accounting for age in patients hospitalized with STEMI in the Arabian Gulf region from 2005 to 2017. Methods and Results This study was a pooled analysis of 31 620 patients with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome enrolled in 7 Arabian Gulf registries. Of these, 15 532 patients aged ≥18 years were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of STEMI. A multiple variable regression model was used to assess sex differences in revascularization, in-hospital mortality, and 1-year mortality. Odds ratios and 95% CIs were calculated. Women were, on average, 8.5 years older than men (mean age: 61.7 versus 53.2 years; absolute standard mean difference: 68.9%). The age-stratified analysis showed that younger women (aged <65 years) with STEMI were more likely to seek acute medical care and were less likely to receive thrombolytic therapies or primary percutaneous coronary intervention and guideline-recommended pharmacotherapy than men. Women had higher crude in-hospital mortality than men, driven mainly by younger age (46-55 years, odds ratio: 2.60 [95% CI, 1.80-3.7]; P<0.001; 56-65 years, odds ratio: 2.32 [95% CI, 1.75-3.08]; P<0.001; and 66-75 years, odds ratio: 1.79 [95% CI, 1.33-2.41]; P<0.001). Younger women had higher adjusted in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates than younger men (P<0.001). Conclusions Younger women (aged ≤65 years) with STEMI were less likely to receive guideline-recommended pharmacotherapy and revascularization than younger men during hospitalization and had higher in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates.

Sex differences in the treatment and outcomes of patients hospitalized with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: To compare mortality for women and men hospitalized with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by age and revascularization status. BACKGROUND: There is little information on the mortality of men and women not undergoing revascularization, and the impact of age on relative male-female mortality needs to be revisited. METHODS AND RESULTS: An observational database of 23,809 patients with STEMI presenting at nonfederal New York State hospitals between 2013 and 2015 was used to compare risk-adjusted inhospital/30-day mortality for women and men and to explore the impact of age on those differences. Women had significantly higher mortality than men overall (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.15, 95% CI [1.04, 1.28]), and among patients aged 65 and older. Women had lower revascularization rates in general (AOR = 0.64 [0.59, 0.69]) and for all age groups. Among revascularized STEMI patients, women overall (AOR = 1.30 [1.10, 1.53]) and over 65 had higher mortality than men. Among patients not revascularized, women between the ages of 45 and 64 had lower mortality (AOR = 0.68 [0.48, 0.97]). CONCLUSIONS: Women with STEMI, and especially older women, had higher inhospital/30-day mortality rates than their male counterparts. Women had higher mortality among revascularized patients, but not among patients who were not revascularized.

Sex-Based Differences in Presentation, Treatment, and Complications Among Older Adults Hospitalized for Acute Myocardial Infarction: The SILVER-AMI Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies of sex-based differences in older adults with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have yielded mixed results. We, therefore, sought to evaluate sex-based differences in presentation characteristics, treatments, functional impairments, and in-hospital complications in a large, well-characterized population of older adults (≥75 years) hospitalized with AMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed data from participants enrolled in SILVER-AMI (Comprehensive Evaluation of Risk Factors in Older Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction)-a prospective observational study consisting of 3041 older patients (44% women) hospitalized for AMI. Participants were stratified by AMI subtype (ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] and non-STEMI [NSTEMI]) and subsequently evaluated for sex-based differences in clinical presentation, functional impairments, management, and in-hospital complications. Among the study sample, women were slightly older than men (NSTEMI: 82.1 versus 81.3, P<0.001; STEMI: 82.2 versus 80.6, P<0.001) and had lower rates of prior coronary disease. Women in the NSTEMI subgroup presented less frequently with chest pain as their primary symptom. Age-associated functional impairments at baseline were more common in women in both AMI subgroups (cognitive impairment, NSTEMI: 20.6% versus 14.3%, P<0.001; STEMI: 20.6% versus 12.4%, P=0.001; activities of daily living disability, NSTEMI: 19.7% versus 11.4%, P<0.001; STEMI: 14.8% versus 6.4%, P<0.001; impaired functional mobility, NSTEMI: 44.5% versus 30.7%, P<0.001; STEMI: 39.4% versus 22.0%, P<0.001). Women with AMI had lower rates of obstructive coronary disease (NSTEMI: P<0.001; STEMI: P=0.02), driven by lower rates of 3-vessel or left main disease than men (STEMI: 38.8% versus 58.7%; STEMI: 24.3% versus 32.1%), and underwent revascularization less commonly (NSTEMI: 55.6% versus 63.6%, P<0.001; STEMI: 87.3% versus 93.3%, P=0.01). Rates of bleeding were higher among women with STEMI (26.2% versus 15.6%, P<0.001) but not NSTEMI (17.8% versus 15.7%, P=0.21). Women had a higher frequency of bleeding following percutaneous coronary intervention with both NSTEMI (11.0% versus 7.8%, P=0.04) and STEMI (22.6% versus 14.8%, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Among older adults hospitalized with AMI, women had a higher prevalence of age-related functional impairments and, among the STEMI subgroup, a higher incidence of overall bleeding events, which was driven by higher rates of nonmajor bleeding events and bleeding following percutaneous coronary intervention. These differences may have important implications for in-hospital and posthospitalization needs.

Sex differences in treatment and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome with interventional management.

OBJECTIVE: Female sex has been associated with differences in diagnostic and management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Our aim was to analyze sex differences in ACS with interventional management in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Patients with ACS admitted to a Spanish tertiary care referral center were included prospectively and consecutively. All patients included in the study underwent a coronary angiography. RESULTS: From the total cohort of 1214 patients, 290 (24%) were women. Women were older (71 ±â€¯12.8 vs 64 ±â€¯13.4 years, p < 0.001) and showed lower ischemic risk and higher hemorrhagic risk scores (GRACE 159 ±â€¯45 vs 171 ±â€¯42, p = 0.005; CRUSADE 41 ±â€¯19 vs 28 ±â€¯17, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in time to coronary angiography and revascularization rates between sex groups. A lower proportion of women received high-potency antiplatelet agents (29% vs 41.3%, p = 0.004). In-hospital evolution and one-year mortality were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, there were no gender differences in management and prognosis of ACS. Differences in risk profile among groups could have an influence on antiplatelet therapy.

In-Hospital Management and Outcomes After ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Medicaid Beneficiaries Compared With Privately Insured Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Medicaid expansion among previously uninsured individuals has led to improved healthcare access. However, considerably lower reimbursement rates of Medicaid have raised concerns on the unintended consequence of lower utilization of life-saving therapies and inferior outcomes compared with private insurance. We examined the rates of revascularization and in-hospital mortality among Medicaid beneficiaries versus privately insured individuals hospitalized with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS AND RESULTS: We queried the National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2015 for STEMI hospitalizations with Medicaid or private insurance as primary payer. Hospitalizations with the following criteria were excluded: (1) age <18 or ≥65 years, (2) transfer to another acute care facility, and (3) left against medical advice. Outcomes were compared in propensity score-matched cohort based on demographics, socioeconomic status (income based), clinical comorbidities, including drug and alcohol use, STEMI acuity (cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock), and hospital characteristics. A total of 42 645 and 171 545 STEMI hospitalizations were identified as having Medicaid and private insurance, respectively. In unadjusted analyses, Medicaid beneficiaries with STEMI had lower rates of coronary revascularization (88.9% versus 92.3%; odds ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.65-0.70) and higher rates of in-hospital mortality (4.9% versus 2.8%; odds ratio, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.72-1.91) compared with privately insured individuals ( P<0.001 for both). In propensity-matched cohort of 40 870 hospitalizations per group, similar results for lower rates of revascularization (89.1% versus 91.1%; odds ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.76-0.84) and higher in-hospital mortality (4.9% versus 3.7%; odds ratio, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.26-1.45) were observed in Medicaid compared with private insurance, despite extensive matching ( P<0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid beneficiaries with STEMI had lower rates of revascularization, although small absolute difference, and higher in-hospital mortality compared with privately insured individuals. Further studies are needed to identify and understand the variation in STEMI outcomes by insurance status.

Myocardial revascularization: factors intervening in the reference and counter-reference in the hospital setting / Revascularización miocárdica: factores interventores en la referencia y contrarreferencia en el escenario hospitalario / Revascularização miocárdica: fatores interventores na referência e contrarreferência no cenário hospitalar

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the intervening factors in the process of reference and counter-reference of the individual with heart disease in the scenario of high complexity in the health care network. Method: Research anchored in the Grounded Theory (Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados). It totaled 21 participants. The data collection scenario was a cardiovascular reference hospital in the south of Brazil and occurred between March and June 2014. Results: The intervening factors in the reference process were the difficulty to access the points of the network and telemedicine and the central to manage the flow of patients in the network. In the counter-reference, there was a link with the hospital and the lack of communication among network professionals. Conclusion: It reveals the need to reorganize the service flow in HCN, enhancing PHC, expanding the performance of medium complexity and increasing the capacity of high complexity in order to carry out the process of reference and counter-reference.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender los factores interventores en el proceso de referencia y contrarreferencia del individuo con cardiopatía en el escenario de la alta complejidad en la red de atención a la salud. Métodos: Investigación anclada en la Teoría Fundamentada en Datos. Totalizó a 21 participantes. El escenario de recolección de datos fue un hospital referencia cardiovascular en el sur de Brasil y ocurrió entre marzo y junio de 2014. Resultados: Se evidencia como factores interventores en el proceso de referencia la dificultad del acceso a los puntos de la red y la telemedicina y la central de regulación para gestión del flujo de pacientes en la red. En la contrarreferencia, el vínculo con el hospital y la ausencia de comunicación entre los profesionales de la red. Conclusión: Se revela la necesidad de reorganización del flujo de atención en la RAS, potenciando la APS, expandiendo la actuación de la media complejidad y ampliando la capacidad de la alta complejidad a fin de ejecutar el proceso de referencia y contrarreferencia.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender os fatores interventores no processo de referência e contrarreferência do indivíduo com cardiopatia no cenário da alta complexidade na rede de atenção à saúde. Métodos: Pesquisa ancorada na Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. Totalizou 21 participantes. O cenário de coleta de dados foi um hospital referência cardiovascular no sul do Brasil e ocorreu entre março e junho de 2014. Resultados: Evidencia-se como fatores interventores no processo de referência a dificuldade de acesso aos pontos da rede e a telemedicina e a central de regulação para gestão do fluxo de pacientes na rede. Na contrarreferência, o vínculo com o hospital e a ausência de comunicação entre os profissionais da rede. Conclusão: Revela a necessidade de reorganização do fluxo de atendimento na RAS, potencializando a APS, expandindo a atuação da média complexidade e ampliando a capacidade da alta complexidade a fim de efetivar o processo de referência e contrarreferência.

Contrast Fractional Flow Reserve (cFFR): A pragmatic response to the call for simplification of invasive functional assessment.

AIM: To review the current approaches to simplify functional assessment of coronary stenosis with particular regard for contrast Fractional Flow Reserve (cFFR). METHODS AND RESULTS: Maximal hyperaemia to assess FFR is perceived as time-consuming, costly, unpleasant for the patient and associated with side effects. Resting indexes, like Pd/Pa and iFR, have been proposed to circumvent the use of vasodilators as well as an approach based on the administration of contrast medium to induce coronary vasodilation, the cFFR. Contrast FFR can be obtained quickly, at very low cost in the absence of substantial side effects. Among these alternative indexes, cFFR shows the best correlation with FFR, reduces the use of adenosine even more than a hybrid resting approach but has not yet been tested in a randomized, controlled trial with clinical end-points. CONCLUSION: cFFR represents a cheap, safe and effective alternative to FFR, able to facilitate the dissemination of a functional approach to myocardial revascularization.

Long-Term Mortality of Older Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated in US Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information about the long-term survival of older patients after myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS AND RESULTS: CRUSADE (Can rapid risk stratification of unstable angina patients suppress adverse outcomes with early implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines) was a registry of MI patients treated at 568 US hospitals from 2001 to 2006. We linked MI patients aged ≥65 years in CRUSADE to their Medicare data to ascertain long-term mortality (defined as 8 years post index event). Long-term unadjusted Kaplan-Meier mortality curves were examined among patients stratified by revascularization status. A landmark analysis conditioned on surviving the first year post-MI was conducted. We used multivariable Cox regression to compare mortality risks between ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients. Among 22 295 MI patients ≥ age 65 years (median age 77 years), we observed high rates of evidence-based medication use at discharge: aspirin 95%, ß-blockers 94%, and statins 81%. Despite this, mortality rates were high: 24% at 1 year, 51% at 5 years, and 65% at 8 years. Eight-year mortality remained high among patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (49%), coronary artery bypass graft (46%), and among patients who survived the first year post-MI (59%). Median survival was 4.8 years (25th, 75th percentiles 1.1, 8.5); among patients aged 65-74 years it was 8.2 years (3.3, 8.9) while for patients aged ≥75 years it was 3.1 years (0.6, 7.6). Eight-year mortality was lower among ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction than non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients (53% versus 67%); this difference was not significant after adjustment (hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term mortality remains high among patients with MI in routine clinical practice, even among revascularized patients and those who survived the first year.

Pós-operatório de revascularização do miocárdio: complicações e implicações para enfermagem / Post-operatorio de revascularización del miocardio: complicaciones e implicaciones para enfermeira / Post-operative myocardial revascularization: complications and implications for nursing

Objetivo: discutir por meio da literatura sobre as complicações presentes no pós-operatório de revascularização do miocárdio. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura com busca dos artigos publicados entre 2006 a 2017, indexados nas bases de dados SciELO, Bireme, Lilacs, MEDLINE. Após a busca foi realizado a leitura, análise e descrição dos resultados. Resultados: São várias as complicações que surgem durante o pós-operatório de revascularização do miocárdio atingindo principalmente o sistema circulatório, respiratório e renal. Dentre algumas complicações estão as hemorragias, insuficiência respiratória, insuficiência renal aguda, dentre outros. O conhecimento dessas complicações direciona a assistência de enfermagem de no que se refere à rápida identificação e inicio precoce do tratamento dessas complicações. Conclusão: o conhecimento e identificação das complicações associadas ao pós-operatório de revascularização do miocárdio favorece uma melhor terapêutica aos pacientes revascularizados e contribui para redução do tem de internação e dos custos hospitalares.

Objective: to discuss through literature on complications in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting. Method: This is a review of the literature with search of articles published from 2006 to 2017, indexed in the SciELO, BIREME, LILACS, MEDLINE. After the search was performed at reading, analysis and description of the results. Results: There are several complications that arise during the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass graft surgery affecting especially the circulatory system, respiratory and renal failure. Among some of the complications are the hemorrhage, respiratory insufficiency, acute renal failure, among others. The knowledge of these complications directs nursing care for as far as the rapid identification and early treatment of these complications. Conclusion: the knowledge and identification of complications associated with post-operative coronary artery bypass graft surgery favors a best treatment to patients revascularized and contributes to reducing the need to hospitalization and hospital costs.

Objetivo: discutir a través de la literatura sobre las complicaciones en el postoperatorio de cirugía de revascularización miocárdica. Método: Se trata de una revisión de la literatura con búsqueda de artículos publicados desde 2006 a 2017, indizada en SciELO, BIREME, LILACS, MEDLINE. Después de la búsqueda se realiza en la lectura, el análisis y la descripción de los resultados. Resultados: Existen varias complicaciones que surgen durante el postoperatorio de la cirugía de injerto de derivación de la arteria coronaria que afectan especialmente al sistema circulatorio, respiratorio y fallo renal. Entre algunas de las complicaciones son la hemorragia, insuficiencia respiratoria, insuficiencia renal aguda, entre otros. El conocimiento de estas complicaciones se encarga de los cuidados de enfermería en cuanto a la rápida identificación y tratamiento precoz de estas complicaciones. Conclusión: el conocimiento y la identificación de complicaciones en el postoperatorio de la cirugía de injerto de derivación de la arteria coronaria favorece un mejor tratamiento a los pacientes revascularizada y contribuye a reducir la necesidad de hospitalización y los costos hospitalarios.

Contemporary Sex-Based Differences by Age in Presenting Characteristics, Use of an Early Invasive Strategy, and Inhospital Mortality in Patients With Non-ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have reported higher inhospital mortality in women versus men with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Whether this is because of worse baseline risk profile compared with men or sex-based disparities in treatment is not completely understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: We queried the 2003 to 2014 National Inpatient Sample databases to identify all hospitalizations in patients aged ≥18 years with the principal diagnosis of non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Complex samples multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine sex differences in use of an early invasive strategy and inhospital mortality. Of 4 765 739 patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, 2 026 285 (42.5%) were women. Women were on average 6 years older than men and had a higher comorbidity burden. Women were less likely to be treated with an early invasive strategy (29.4% versus 39.2%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.94). Women had higher crude inhospital mortality than men (4.7% versus 3.9%; unadjusted odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.25). After adjustment for age (adjusted odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-0.98) and additionally for comorbidities, other demographics, and hospital characteristics, women had 10% lower odds of inhospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.92). Further adjustment for differences in the use of an early invasive strategy did not change the association between female sex and lower risk-adjusted inhospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Although women were less likely to be treated with an early invasive strategy compared with men, the lower use of an early invasive strategy was not responsible for the higher crude inhospital mortality in women, which could be entirely explained by older age and higher comorbidity burden.

Trends in sex differences in clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Poland from 2005 to 2011.

INTRODUCTION: During the last decade, there has been an increased awareness of sex differences in the clinical characteristics, management, and mortality in myocardial infarction. Many previous studies have found that women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have a poorer baseline risk profile, are less intensively treated, and have worse outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether sex disparities in STEMI have changed in recent years. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of data on 111 148 STEMI patients enrolled in the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes between 2005 and 2011. Temporal trends in the clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and mortality rates between men and women are compared. RESULTS: Throughout the study, women were, on average, older than men, and more frequently presented with hypertension, diabetes, or obesity. These differences showed a tendency for narrowing. The percentage of smokers increased in both sexes. Despite a reduction in prehospital delays, they remained longer in women. Sex differences in prehospital cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock at admission disappeared. In 2011, women were still less likely to undergo coronary angiography with subsequent revascularization, but it was mainly driven by patients older than 70 years of age who also had a higher in-hospital mortality. Despite the greater relative risk reductions, the crude mortality rates remained significantly higher in women. Female sex was not an independent predictor of mortality. CONCLUSION: Sex differences in STEMI patients were narrowing from 2005 to 2011 in Poland. However, more attention needs to be focused on increasing smoking prevalence, the longer times from symptoms onset to hospital admission in women and the lower frequencies of the use of an invasive treatment strategy in older women, and their worse in-hospital outcomes.

Factors associated with deferred lesion failure following fractional flow reserve assessment in patients with diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictors of deferred lesion failure (DLF) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and lesions with a fractional flow reserve (FFR) >0.80 and to examine whether a predictive relationship between negative FFR values (>0.80-1.00) and DLF exists. BACKGROUND: DM is associated with rapidly progressive atherosclerosis and predictors of DLF in FFR negative lesions in this high-risk group are unknown. METHODS: All DM patients who underwent FFR-assessment between 1/01/2010 and 31/12/2013 were included, and followed until 1/7/2015. Patients carrying ≥1 FFR negative lesion(s) were assessed for DLF, and multivariate models used to identify independent factors associated with DLF. RESULTS: A total of 205 patients with 252 FFR >0.80 lesions were identified. At a mean follow-up of 3.1 ± 1.4 years, DLF occurred in 29/205 (14.1%) patients, 31/252 (12.3%) lesions. Using marginal Cox regression multivariate analysis, insulin requiring DM [HR 2.24 (95%CI; 1.01-4.95), P = 0.046] and prior revascularization [HR 2.70 (95%CI 1.21-6.01), P = 0.015] were identified as being associated with a higher incidence of DLF. Absolute FFR values in FFR negative lesions in DM patients are not predictive of DLF (receiver operating characteristics curve analysis: area under the curve: 0.57 ± 0.06, 95%CI 0.46-0.69). CONCLUSIONS: In DM patients with FFR negative lesions, insulin requiring DM and prior revascularization are predictors for DLF. In contrast to non-DM patients, no predictive relationship between absolute negative FFR values (ranging >0.80-1.00) and the risk of DLF exists in DM patients. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The STRATEGY Study (Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Versus Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography for the Management of Symptomatic Revascularized Patients): Resources and Outcomes Impact.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography coronary angiography (cTCA) and stress cardiac magnetic resonance (stress-CMR) are suitable tools for diagnosing obstructive coronary artery disease in symptomatic patients with previous history of revascularization. However, performance appraisal of noninvasive tests must take in account the consequent diagnostic testing, invasive procedures, clinical outcomes, radiation exposure, and cumulative costs rather than their diagnostic accuracy only. We aimed to compare an anatomic (cTCA) versus a functional (stress-CMR) strategy in symptomatic patients with previous myocardial revascularization procedures. METHODS AND RESULTS: Six hundred patients with chest pain and previous revascularization included in a prospective observational registry and evaluated by clinically indicated cTCA (n=300, mean age 68.2±9.7 years, male 255) or stress-CMR (n=300, mean age 67.6±9.7 years, male 263) were enrolled and followed-up in terms of subsequent noninvasive tests, invasive coronary angiography, revascularization procedures, cumulative effective radiation dose, major adverse cardiac events, defined as a composite end point of nonfatal myocardial infarction and cardiac death, and medical costs. The mean follow-up for cTCA and stress-CMR groups was similar (773.6±345 versus 752.8±291 days; P=0.21). Compared with stress-CMR, cTCA was associated with a higher rate of subsequent noninvasive tests (28% versus 17%; P=0.0009), invasive coronary angiography (31% versus 20%; P=0.0009), and revascularization procedures (24% versus 16%; P=0.007). Stress-CMR strategy was associated with a significant reduction of radiation exposure and cumulative costs (59% and 24%, respectively; P<0.001). Finally, patients undergoing stress-CMR showed a lower rate of major adverse cardiac events (5% versus 10%; P<0.010) and cost-effectiveness ratio (119.98±250.92 versus 218.12±298.45 Euro/y; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with cTCA, stress-CMR is more cost-effective in symptomatic revascularized patients.

Cost-minimization analysis of three decision strategies for cardiac revascularization: results of the "suspected CAD" cohort of the european cardiovascular magnetic resonance registry.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be one of the top public health burden. Perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is generally accepted to detect CAD, while data on its cost effectiveness are scarce. Therefore, the goal of the study was to compare the costs of a CMR-guided strategy vs two invasive strategies in a large CMR registry. METHODS: In 3'647 patients with suspected CAD of the EuroCMR-registry (59 centers/18 countries) costs were calculated for diagnostic examinations (CMR, X-ray coronary angiography (CXA) with/without FFR), revascularizations, and complications during a 1-year follow-up. Patients with ischemia-positive CMR underwent an invasive CXA and revascularization at the discretion of the treating physician (=CMR + CXA-strategy). In the hypothetical invasive arm, costs were calculated for an initial CXA and a FFR in vessels with ≥50% stenoses (=CXA + FFR-strategy) and the same proportion of revascularizations and complications were applied as in the CMR + CXA-strategy. In the CXA-only strategy, costs included those for CXA and for revascularizations of all ≥50% stenoses. To calculate the proportion of patients with ≥50% stenoses, the stenosis-FFR relationship from the literature was used. Costs of the three strategies were determined based on a third payer perspective in 4 healthcare systems. RESULTS: Revascularizations were performed in 6.2%, 4.5%, and 12.9% of all patients, patients with atypical chest pain (n = 1'786), and typical angina (n = 582), respectively; whereas complications (=all-cause death and non-fatal infarction) occurred in 1.3%, 1.1%, and 1.5%, respectively. The CMR + CXA-strategy reduced costs by 14%, 34%, 27%, and 24% in the German, UK, Swiss, and US context, respectively, when compared to the CXA + FFR-strategy; and by 59%, 52%, 61% and 71%, respectively, versus the CXA-only strategy. In patients with typical angina, cost savings by CMR + CXA vs CXA + FFR were minimal in the German (2.3%), intermediate in the US and Swiss (11.6% and 12.8%, respectively), and remained substantial in the UK (18.9%) systems. Sensitivity analyses proved the robustness of results. CONCLUSIONS: A CMR + CXA-strategy for patients with suspected CAD provides substantial cost reduction compared to a hypothetical CXA + FFR-strategy in patients with low to intermediate disease prevalence. However, in the subgroup of patients with typical angina, cost savings were only minimal to moderate.

Sex-Related Outcomes in Elderly Patients Presenting With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: Insights From the Italian Elderly ACS Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate sex-related differences in treatment and outcomes in elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS). BACKGROUND: Female sex and older age are usually associated with worse outcome in NSTEACS. The Italian Elderly ACS study enrolled NSTEACS patients aged 75 years of age and older in a randomized trial comparing an early aggressive with an initially conservative strategy and in a registry of patients with ≥1 exclusion criteria of the trial. METHODS: We compared sexes in the pooled populations of the trial and registry. RESULTS: A total of 645 patients (313 from the trial and 332 from the registry), including 301 women (47%), were enrolled. Women were slightly older than men (82.1 ± 5.0 years vs. 81.2 ± 4.5 years; p = 0.02), had lower hemoglobin levels (12.5 ± 1.6 g/dl vs. 13.3 ± 1.9 g/dl; p < 0.001), and underwent fewer coronary revascularizations during the index admission (37.2% vs. 45.0%; p = 0.04). In-hospital adverse event rates were similar in both sexes; severe bleeding was uncommon (0.3% vs. 0%). The 1-year primary endpoint (composite of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, disabling stroke, cardiac rehospitalization, and severe bleeding) occurred less often in women (27.6% vs. 38.7%; p < 0.01). Women not undergoing revascularization showed a 3-fold higher mortality, both in-hospital (8.5% vs. 2.7%; p = 0.05) and at 1 year (21.6% vs. 8.1%; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly women had a similar in-hospital outcome and better 1-year outcome compared with men. Coronary revascularization in women was associated with lower 1-year mortality, without an increase in severe bleeding. Elderly women with NSTEACS should always be considered for early revascularization.

The association of gender to cardiovascular outcomes after coronary artery revascularization in patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate recruitment of women and an exclusion of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in coronary revascularization trials have led to knowledge gaps of gender-based outcomes. HYPOTHESIS: Women have equivalent cardiovascular outcomes when compared to men. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study utilizing Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) databases and identified 1015 adults with ESRD who underwent coronary revascularization between 1996 and 2008. We ascertained baseline characteristics, primary (mortality at 5 years) and secondary (myocardial infarction [MI] and repeat revascularization) outcomes from KPNC databases, state death certificates, and Social Security Administration files. A multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association of gender to the prespecified outcomes. RESULTS: Men and women were similar in age (P = 0.23). The mean number of baseline comorbidities was higher in women (2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-2.9) compared to men (2.3, 95% CI: 2.1-2.4, P = 0.0002). The risk-adjusted odds ratios (OR) of female gender to death at 5 years (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.83-1.52), MI (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.86-1.64), and repeat revascularization (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.70-1.45) were similar to men. Age modified the effect of gender for the primary outcome death (Pinteraction < 0.048), with a trend toward worse outcomes in younger women and improved outcomes in older women. This effect was noted more in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. CONCLUSIONS: Although the overall relative risk of cardiovascular outcomes after coronary revascularization in ESRD was equivalent between men and women, age had a significant interaction with gender on overall mortality.