Tofacitinib in Patients Hospitalized with Covid-19 Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in patients who are hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pneumonia are unclear. METHODS: We randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, hospitalized adults with Covid-19 pneumonia to receive either tofacitinib at a dose of 10 mg or placebo twice daily for up to 14 days or until hospital discharge. The primary outcome was the occurrence of death or respiratory failure through day 28 as assessed with the use of an eight-level ordinal scale (with scores ranging from 1 to 8 and higher scores indicating a worse condition). All-cause mortality and safety were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 289 patients underwent randomization at 15 sites in Brazil. Overall, 89.3% of the patients received glucocorticoids during hospitalization. The cumulative incidence of death or respiratory failure through day 28 was 18.1% in the tofacitinib group and 29.0% in the placebo group (risk ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 0.97; P = 0.04). Death from any cause through day 28 occurred in 2.8% of the patients in the tofacitinib group and in 5.5% of those in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.15 to 1.63). The proportional odds of having a worse score on the eight-level ordinal scale with tofacitinib, as compared with placebo, was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.36 to 1.00) at day 14 and 0.54 (95% CI, 0.27 to 1.06) at day 28. Serious adverse events occurred in 20 patients (14.1%) in the tofacitinib group and in 17 (12.0%) in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients hospitalized with Covid-19 pneumonia, tofacitinib led to a lower risk of death or respiratory failure through day 28 than placebo. (Funded by Pfizer; STOP-COVID ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04469114.).

Predictors of bleeding and thrombotic events among patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer: insights from the ACTION randomized clinical trial.

Therapeutic anticoagulation showed inconsistent results in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and selection of the best patients to use this strategy still a challenge balancing the risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic outcomes. The present post-hoc analysis of the ACTION trial evaluated the variables independently associated with both bleeding events (major bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding) and the composite outcomes thrombotic events (venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic embolism, or major adverse limb events). Variables were assessed one by one with independent logistic regressions and final models were chosen based on Akaike information criteria. The model for bleeding events showed an area under the curve of 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53 to 0.73), while the model for thrombotic events had an area under the curve of 0.72 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.79). Non-invasive respiratory support was associated with thrombotic but not bleeding events, while invasive ventilation was associated with both outcomes (Odds Ratio of 7.03 [95 CI% 1.95 to 25.18] for thrombotic and 3.14 [95% CI 1.11 to 8.84] for bleeding events). Beyond respiratory support, creatinine level (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.01 95% CI 1.00 to 1.02 for every 1.0 mg/dL) and history of coronary disease (OR 3.67; 95% CI 1.32 to 10.29) were also independently associated to the risk of thrombotic events. Non-invasive respiratory support, history of coronary disease, and creatinine level may help to identify hospitalized COVID-19 patients at higher risk of thrombotic complications.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04394377.

Therapeutic versus prophylactic anticoagulation for patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration (ACTION): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is associated with a prothrombotic state leading to adverse clinical outcomes. Whether therapeutic anticoagulation improves outcomes in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 is unknown. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of therapeutic versus prophylactic anticoagulation in this population. METHODS: We did a pragmatic, open-label (with blinded adjudication), multicentre, randomised, controlled trial, at 31 sites in Brazil. Patients (aged ≥18 years) hospitalised with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration, and who had COVID-19 symptoms for up to 14 days before randomisation, were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either therapeutic or prophylactic anticoagulation. Therapeutic anticoagulation was in-hospital oral rivaroxaban (20 mg or 15 mg daily) for stable patients, or initial subcutaneous enoxaparin (1 mg/kg twice per day) or intravenous unfractionated heparin (to achieve a 0·3-0·7 IU/mL anti-Xa concentration) for clinically unstable patients, followed by rivaroxaban to day 30. Prophylactic anticoagulation was standard in-hospital enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin. The primary efficacy outcome was a hierarchical analysis of time to death, duration of hospitalisation, or duration of supplemental oxygen to day 30, analysed with the win ratio method (a ratio >1 reflects a better outcome in the therapeutic anticoagulation group) in the intention-to-treat population. The primary safety outcome was major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding through 30 days. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04394377) and is completed. FINDINGS: From June 24, 2020, to Feb 26, 2021, 3331 patients were screened and 615 were randomly allocated (311 [50%] to the therapeutic anticoagulation group and 304 [50%] to the prophylactic anticoagulation group). 576 (94%) were clinically stable and 39 (6%) clinically unstable. One patient, in the therapeutic group, was lost to follow-up because of withdrawal of consent and was not included in the primary analysis. The primary efficacy outcome was not different between patients assigned therapeutic or prophylactic anticoagulation, with 28 899 (34·8%) wins in the therapeutic group and 34 288 (41·3%) in the prophylactic group (win ratio 0·86 [95% CI 0·59-1·22], p=0·40). Consistent results were seen in clinically stable and clinically unstable patients. The primary safety outcome of major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding occurred in 26 (8%) patients assigned therapeutic anticoagulation and seven (2%) assigned prophylactic anticoagulation (relative risk 3·64 [95% CI 1·61-8·27], p=0·0010). Allergic reaction to the study medication occurred in two (1%) patients in the therapeutic anticoagulation group and three (1%) in the prophylactic anticoagulation group. INTERPRETATION: In patients hospitalised with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration, in-hospital therapeutic anticoagulation with rivaroxaban or enoxaparin followed by rivaroxaban to day 30 did not improve clinical outcomes and increased bleeding compared with prophylactic anticoagulation. Therefore, use of therapeutic-dose rivaroxaban, and other direct oral anticoagulants, should be avoided in these patients in the absence of an evidence-based indication for oral anticoagulation. FUNDING: Coalition COVID-19 Brazil, Bayer SA.

Patients with COVID-19 who experience a myocardial infarction have complex coronary morphology and high in-hospital mortality: Primary results of a nationwide angiographic study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore angiographic patterns and in-hospital outcomes of patients with concomitant coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and myocardial infarction (MI). BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 may experience MI during the course of the viral infection. However, this association is currently poorly understood. METHODS: This is a multicenter prospective study of consecutive patients with concomitant COVID-19 and MI who underwent coronary angiography. Quantitative and qualitative coronary angiography were analyzed by two observers in an independent core lab. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients were included, of whom 142 (93.4%) had COVID-19 diagnosis confirmation. The median time between symptom onset and hospital admission was 5 (1-10) days. A total of 83 (54.6%) patients presented with ST-elevation MI. The median angiographic Syntax score was 16 (9.0-25.3) and 69.0% had multi-vessel disease. At least one complex lesion was found in 73.0% of patients, 51.3% had a thrombus containing lesion, and 57.9% had myocardial blush grades 0/1. The overall in-hospital mortality was 23.7%. ST-segment elevation MI presentation and baseline myocardial blush grades 0 or 1 were independently associated with a higher risk of death (HR 2.75, 95%CI 1.30-5.80 and HR 3.73, 95%CI 1.61-8.61, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have a MI in the context of ongoing COVID-19 mostly present complex coronary morphologies, implying a background of prior atherosclerotic disease superimposed on a thrombotic milieu. The in-hospital prognosis is poor with a markedly high mortality, prompting further investigation to better clarify this newly described condition.

Intracranial hemorrhage in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving anticoagulation therapy.

We investigated the frequency and characteristics of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), the factors associated with the risk of ICH, and outcomes post-ICH overall and by randomized treatment. We identified patients with ICH from the overall trial population enrolled in the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation trial who received ≥1 dose of the study drug (n = 18 140). ICH was adjudicated by a central committee. Cox regression models were used to identify factors associated with ICH. ICH occurred in 174 patients; most ICH events were spontaneous (71.7%) versus traumatic (28.3%). Apixaban resulted in significantly less ICH (0.33% per year), regardless of type and location, than warfarin (0.80% per year). Independent factors associated with increased risk of ICH were enrollment in Asia or Latin America, older age, prior stroke/transient ischemic attack, and aspirin use at baseline. Among warfarin-treated patients, the median (25th, 75th percentiles) time from most recent international normalized ratio (INR) to ICH was 13 days (6, 21 days). Median INR prior to ICH was 2.6 (2.1, 3.0); 78.5% of patients had a pre-ICH INR <3.0. After ICH, the modified Rankin scale score at discharge was ≥4 in 55.7% of patients, and the overall mortality rate at 30 days was 43.3% with no difference between apixaban- and warfarin-treated patients. ICH occurred at a rate of 0.80% per year with warfarin regardless of INR control and at a rate of 0.33% per year with apixaban and was associated with high short-term morbidity and mortality. This highlights the clinical relevance of reducing ICH by using apixaban rather than warfarin and avoiding concomitant aspirin, especially in patients of older age. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00412984.

International normalized ratio control and subsequent clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation using warfarin.

We explored associations between INR measures and clinical outcomes in patients with AF using warfarin, and whether INR history predicted future INR measurements. We included patients in ARISTOTLE who were randomized to and received warfarin. Among patients who had events, we included those with ≥ 3 INR values in the 180 days prior to the event, with the most recent ≤ 60 days prior to the event, who were on warfarin at the time of event (n = 545). Non-event patients were included in the control group if they had ≥ 180 days of warfarin exposure with ≥ 3 INR measurements (n = 7259). The median (25th, 75th) number of INR values per patient was 29 (21, 38) over a median follow-up of 1.8 years. A total of 87% had at least one INR value < 1.5; 49% had at least one value > 4.0. The last INRs before events (median 14 [24, 7] days) were < 3.0 for at least 75% of patients with major bleeding and > 2.0 for half of patients with ischemic stroke. Historic time in therapeutic range (TTR) was weakly associated with future TTR (R2 = 0.212). Historic TTR ≥ 80% had limited predictive ability to discriminate future TTR ≥ 80% (C index 0.61). In patients with AF receiving warfarin, most bleeding events may not have been preventable despite careful INR control. Our findings suggest that INRs collected through routine management are not sufficiently predictive to provide reassurance about future time in therapeutic range or to prevent subsequent outcomes, and might be over-interpreted in clinical practice.

Clinical features and outcomes of patients with type 2 myocardial infarction: Insights from the Thrombin Receptor Antagonist for Clinical Event Reduction in Acute Coronary Syndrome (TRACER) trial.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 myocardial infarction (MI) is characterized by an imbalance between myocardial blood supply and demand, leading to myocardial ischemia without coronary plaque rupture, but its diagnosis is challenging. METHODS: In the TRACER trial, patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes were included. We aimed to describe provoking factors, cardiac biomarker profiles, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes of patients with type 2 MIs. MI events during trial follow-up were adjudicated by an independent clinical events classification committee (CEC) and were classified according to the Third Universal Definition of MI. Using available source documents retrieved as part of the CEC process, we performed a retrospective chart abstraction to collect details on the type 2 MIs. Cox regression models were used to explore the association between MI type (type 1 or type 2) and cardiovascular death. RESULTS: Overall, 10.3% (n=1327) of TRACER participants had a total of 1579 adjudicated MIs during a median follow-up of 502 days (25th and 75th percentiles [IQR] 349-667). Of all MIs, 5.2% (n=82) were CEC-adjudicated type 2 MIs, occurring in 76 patients. The incidence of type 2 MI was higher in the first month following randomization, after which the distribution became more scattered. The most frequent potential provoking factors for type 2 MIs were tachyarrhythmias (38.2%), anemia/bleeding (21.1%), hypotension/shock (14.5%), and hypertensive emergencies (11.8%). Overall, 36.3% had a troponin increase >10× the upper limit of normal. Coronary angiography was performed in 22.4% (n=17) of patients during hospitalizations due to type 2 MIs. The hazard of cardiovascular death was numerically higher following type 2 MI (vs. no MI, adj. HR 11.82, 95% CI 5.71-24.46; P<.0001) than that of type 1 MI (vs. no MI, adj. HR 8.90, 95% CI 6.93-11.43; P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Type 2 MIs were more prevalent in the first month after ACS, were characterized by the presence of triggers and infrequent use of an invasive strategy, and were associated with a high risk of death. Further efforts are needed to better define the role and implications of type 2 MI in both clinical practice and research.

Highlights from the Tenth International Symposium of Thrombosis and Anticoagulation (ISTA X), September 22 and 23, 2017, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

To discuss and share knowledge about advances in the care of patients with thrombotic disorders, the Tenth International Symposium of Thrombosis and Anticoagulation was held in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, on September 22 and 23, 2017. This scientific program was developed by clinicians for clinicians and was promoted by two major clinical research institutes-the Brazilian Clinical Research Institute and the Duke Clinical Research Institute of the Duke University School of Medicine. Comprising academic presentations and open discussion, the symposium had as its primary goal to educate, motivate, and inspire internists, cardiologists, hematologists, and other physicians by convening national and international visionaries, thought-leaders, and dedicated clinician-scientists. This paper summarizes the symposium proceedings.

Effect of Apixaban on All-Cause Death in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: a Meta-Analysis Based on Imputed Placebo Effect.

PURPOSE: Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are the standard of care for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); therefore, there is not equipoise when comparing newer oral anticoagulants with placebo in this setting. METHODS: To explore the effect of apixaban on mortality in patients with AF, we performed a meta-analysis of apixaban versus placebo using a putative placebo analysis based on randomized controlled clinical trials that compared warfarin, aspirin, and no antithrombotic control. We used data from two prospective randomized controlled trials for our comparison of apixaban versus warfarin (Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation) and apixaban versus aspirin (Apixaban Versus Acetylsalicylic Acid to Prevent Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Who Have Failed or Are Unsuitable for Vitamin K Antagonist Treatment). Using meta-analysis approaches, we indirectly compared apixaban with an imputed placebo with respect to the risk of death in patients with AF. We used results from meta-analyses of randomized trials as our reference for the comparison between warfarin and placebo/no treatment, and aspirin and placebo/no treatment. RESULTS: In these meta-analyses, a lower rate of death was seen both with warfarin (odds ratio [OR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.97) and aspirin (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.69-1.07) versus placebo/no treatment. Using data from ARISTOTLE and AVERROES, apixaban reduced the risk of death by 34% (95% CI 12-50%; p = 0.004) and 33% (95% CI 6-52%; p = 0.02), respectively, when compared with an imputed placebo. The pooled reduction in all-cause death with apixaban compared with an imputed placebo was 34% (95% CI 18-47%; p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AF, indirect comparisons suggest that apixaban reduces all-cause death by approximately one third compared with an imputed placebo.

Highlights from the Ninth International Symposium of Thrombosis and Anticoagulation (ISTA IX), October 15, 2016, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

To discuss and share knowledge about advances in the care of patients with thrombotic disorders, the Ninth International Symposium of Thrombosis and Anticoagulation was held in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, on October 15, 2016. This scientific program was developed by clinicians for clinicians and was promoted by two major clinical research institutes-the Brazilian Clinical Research Institute and the Duke Clinical Research Institute of the Duke University School of Medicine. Comprising academic presentations and open discussion, the symposium had as its primary goal to educate, motivate, and inspire internists, cardiologists, hematologists, and other physicians by convening national and international visionaries, thought-leaders, and dedicated clinician-scientists. This paper summarizes the symposium proceedings.

Association of standard clinical and laboratory variables with red blood cell distribution width.

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) strongly predicts clinical outcomes among patients with coronary disease and heart failure. The factors underpinning this association are unknown. METHODS: In 6,447 individuals enrolled in the Measurement to Understand the Reclassification of Disease of Cabarrus/Kannapolis (MURDOCK) Study who had undergone coronary angiography between 2001 and 2007, we used Cox proportional hazards modeling to examine the adjusted association between RDW and death, and death or myocardial infarction (MI). Multiple linear regression using the R(2) model selection method was then used to identify clinical factors associated with variation in RDW. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 4.2 (interquartile range 2.3-5.9) years, and the median RDW was 13.5% (interquartile range 12.9%-14.3%, clinical laboratory reference range 11.5%-14.5%). Red blood cell distribution width was independently associated with death (adjusted hazard ratio 1.13 per 1% increase in RDW, 95% CI 1.09-1.17), and death or MI (adjusted hazard ratio 1.12, 95% CI 1.08-1.16). Twenty-seven clinical characteristics and laboratory measures were assessed in the multivariable linear regression model; a final model containing 18 variables explained only 21% of the variation in RDW. CONCLUSIONS: Although strongly associated with death and death or MI, only one-fifth of the variation in RDW was explained by routinely assessed clinical characteristics and laboratory measures. Understanding the latent factors that explain variation in RDW may provide insight into its strong association with risk and identify novel targets to mitigate that risk.

Pooled analysis of adverse event collection from 4 acute coronary syndrome trials.

BACKGROUND: Adverse event collection in randomized clinical trials establishes drug safety. Although costly and regulated, it is rarely studied. METHODS: Adverse event data from 4 clinical trials (APPRAISE-2, PLATO, TRACER, TRILOGY ACS) comprising 48,118 participants with acute coronary syndromes were pooled to compare patterns and determinants of reporting. Events were classified as serious (SAE) or nonserious (AE) from hospital discharge to 1 year; study end points were excluded. RESULTS: In total, 84,901 events were reported. Of those, 12,266 (14.4%) were SAEs and 72,635 (85.6%) were AEs. Of all participants, 7,823 (16.3%) had SAEs, 18,124 (37.7%) had only AEs, and 22,171 (46.1%) had neither. Nonserious adverse events were distributed across system organ classes: general disorders (11%), infection (10%), gastrointestinal (10%), respiratory (9%), cardiovascular (8.4%), and other (35%). Serious adverse events had a higher proportion of cardiovascular causes (14.0%). Event reporting was highest after hospital discharge, decreasing rapidly during the following 3 months. In a Cox proportional hazards model, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (hazard ratio 1.58, 95% CI 1.44-1.74), heart failure (1.55, 1.40-1.70), older age, and female sex were independent predictors of more SAEs, whereas enrollment in Eastern Europe (0.63, 0.58-0.69) or Asia (0.84, 0.75-0.94) were independent predictors of fewer SAEs. CONCLUSIONS: Half of all participants reported adverse events in the year after acute coronary syndrome; most were AEs and occurred within 3 months. The high volume of events, as well as the variation in SAE reporting by characteristics and enrollment region, indicates that efforts to refine event collection in large trials are warranted.

Prasugrel Monotherapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Coronary Syndrome: Insights From ASET Pilot Studies.

Background: The ASET (Acetyl-Salicylic Elimination Trial) pilot studies recently investigated P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy without aspirin immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Brazil and Japan. Objectives: This comparative analysis of the 2 ASET pilot studies aimed to summarize clinical outcomes and assess geographic and ethnic differences in baseline demographics and procedures. Methods: Patients undergoing successful platinum-chromium everolimus-eluting stent implantation for chronic coronary syndrome were included. Following the index PCI, patients received prasugrel monotherapy with a maintenance dose of 10 mg/day in Brazil and 3.75 mg/day in Japan. The primary ischemic endpoint was the composite of cardiac death, spontaneous target vessel myocardial infarction, or definite stent thrombosis. The primary bleeding endpoint was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 3 and 5 bleeding at up to 3 months. Results: Of 409 enrollments, 3-month follow-up was completed in 406 patients. Mean age was 64.3 ± 8.4 years, and 73% were men. Overall, post-TIMI flow grade 3 was achieved in 99.8%. Intravascular imaging for poststent optimization was used in 16.8% and 99.6% of treated lesions in Brazil and Japan, respectively. The primary ischemic and bleeding endpoints occurred in the same patient (0.2%). No stent thrombosis events occurred. Conclusions: Prasugrel monotherapy following PCI was safe and feasible in selected low-risk chronic coronary syndrome patients after optimal platinum-chromium everolimus-eluting stent implantation regardless of the ethnic and geographic differences in baseline demographics, procedures, and prasugrel dosage. Randomized controlled trials will be needed to compare P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy without aspirin with the current standard of care.

Antithrombotic Strategies According to Age: Insights From the AUGUSTUS Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of antithrombotic strategies by age in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome and/or percutaneous coronary intervention in AUGUSTUS. METHODS: Patients were stratified into 3 age groups: <65, 65-74, and ≥75 years. Outcomes of interest were major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding, major bleeding, death or rehospitalization, and ischemic events. Treatment effects of apixaban vs. vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and aspirin vs. placebo were assessed across age groups using Cox models. RESULTS: Of 4614 patients, 1267 (27.5%) were <65, 1802 (39.0%) were 65-74, and 1545 (33.5%) were ≥75 years. Apixaban was associated with lower rates of major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding than VKA (<65: HR 0.69 [0.47-1.00]; 65-74: HR 0.57 [0.43-0.75]; ≥75: HR 0.81 [0.63-1.04]). Death or hospitalization occurred less often with apixaban, regardless of age. No differences were observed in rates of ischemic events between apixaban and VKA according to age. Aspirin was associated with higher rates of bleeding than placebo (<65: HR 1.67 [1.15-2.43]; 65-74: HR 2.32 [1.73-3.10]; ≥75: HR 1.69 [1.31-2.19]). Rates of death or rehospitalization and ischemic events were similar among patients receiving aspirin or placebo across age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Apixaban was associated with greater absolute reduction in bleeding than VKA in older age groups, reflecting their higher hemorrhagic risk. Aspirin increased bleeding in all age groups vs. placebo. Our findings support the use of apixaban plus a purinergic receptor P2Y12(P2Y12) inhibitor without aspirin in patients with atrial fibrillation and recent acute coronary syndrome/percutaneous coronary intervention, regardless of age.

Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate in HFrEF and Hyperkalemia: REALIZE-K Design and Baseline Characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) improve outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, MRAs are often underused because of hyperkalemia concerns. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess whether sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), a nonabsorbed crystal that traps and rapidly lowers potassium, enables MRA use in patients with HFrEF and prevalent hyperkalemia (or at high risk). METHODS: REALIZE-K is a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with HFrEF (NYHA functional class II-IV; left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%), optimal therapy (except MRA), and prevalent hyperkalemia (or at high risk). During the open-label run-in, all participants underwent protocol-mandated spironolactone titration (target: 50 mg daily); those with prevalent (cohort 1) or incident (cohort 2) hyperkalemia during titration started SZC. Participants achieving normokalemia while on spironolactone ≥25 mg daily were randomized to continuing SZC or matching placebo for 6 months. The primary composite endpoint was proportion of participants with optimal response (normokalemia, on spironolactone ≥25 mg daily, no rescue for hyperkalemia [months 1-6]). RESULTS: Of 365 patients (run-in), 202 were randomized. Baseline characteristics included mean age 70 years, prevalent comorbidities (78% estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, 38% atrial fibrillation/flutter), high N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (median 1,136 pg/mL), and high HFrEF therapy use (64% sacubitril/valsartan, 96% beta-blocker, 42% sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor). At randomization, 78% were receiving spironolactone 50 mg daily. CONCLUSIONS: REALIZE-K is the first trial to evaluate whether SZC can enable rapid and safe MRA optimization and long-term continuation in patients with HFrEF and prevalent/high risk of hyperkalemia. (Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of SZC for the Management of High Potassium in Patients with Symptomatic HFrEF Receiving Spironolactone; NCT04676646).

Geographic disparity of pathophysiological coronary artery disease characteristics: Insights from ASET trials.

BACKGROUND: The geographical disparity in the pathophysiological pattern of coronary artery disease (CAD) among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the geographical variance in the pathophysiological characteristics of CAD. METHODS: Physiological indices derived from angiography-based fractional flow reserve pullbacks from patients with chronic coronary syndrome enrolled in the ASET Japan (n = 206) and ASET Brazil (n = 201) studies, which shared the same eligibility criteria, were analysed. The pathophysiological patterns of CAD were characterised using Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio (µQFR)-derived indices acquired from pre-PCI angiograms. The diffuseness of CAD was defined by the µQFR pullback pressure gradient index. RESULTS: Significant functional stenoses pre-PCI (µQFR ≤0.80) were more frequent in ASET Japan compared to ASET Brazil (89.9% vs. 67.5%, p < 0.001), as were rates of a post-PCI µQFR <0.91 (22.1% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.013). In the multivariable analysis, pre-procedural µQFR and diffuse disease were independent factors for predicting a post-PCI µQFR <0.91, which contributed to the different rates of post-PCI µQFR ≥0.91 between the studies. Among vessels with a post-PCI µQFR <0.91, a consistent diffuse pattern of CAD pre- and post-PCI occurred in 78.3% and 76.7% of patients in ASET Japan and Brazil, respectively; only 6.3% (Japan) and 10.0% (Brazil) of vessels had a major residual gradient. Independent risk factors for diffuse disease were diabetes mellitus in ASET Japan, and age and male gender in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: There was geographic disparity in pre-procedural angiography-based pathophysiological characteristics. The combined pre-procedural physiological assessment of vessel µQFR and diffuseness of CAD may potentially identify patients who will benefit most from PCI.

The association of myocardial strain with cardiac magnetic resonance and clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocarditis.

Introduction: The role of myocardial strain in risk prediction for acute myocarditis (AMC) patients, measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), deserves further investigation. Our objective was to evaluate the association between myocardial strain measured by CMR and clinical events in AMC patients. Material and methods: This was a prospective single-center study of patients with AMC. We included 100 patients with AMC with CMR confirmation. The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure and AMC recurrence in 24 months. A subgroup analysis was performed on a sample of 36 patients who underwent a second CMR between 6 and 18 months. The association between strain measures and clinical events or an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was explored using Cox regression analysis. Global peak radial, circumferential and longitudinal strain in the left and right ventricles was assessed. ROC curve analysis was performed to identify cutoff points for clinical event prediction. Results: The mean follow-up was 18.7 ± 2.3 months, and the composite primary outcome occurred in 26 patients. The median LVEF at CMR at baseline was 57.5% (14.6%). LV radial strain (HR = 0.918, 95% CI: 0.858-0.982, p = 0.012), LV circumferential strain (HR = 1.177, 95% CI: 1.046-1.325, p = 0.007) and LV longitudinal strain (HR = 1.173, 95% CI: 1.031-1.334, p = 0.015) were independently associated with clinical event occurrence. The areas under the ROC curve for clinical event prediction were 0.80, 0.79 and 0.80 for LV radial, circumferential, and longitudinal strain, respectively. LV longitudinal strain was independently correlated with prognosis (HR = 1.282, CI 95%: 1.022-1.524, p = 0.007), even when analyzed together with ejection fraction and delayed enhancement. LV and right ventricle (RV) strain were not associated with an increase in LVEF. Finally, when the initial CMR findings were compared with the follow-up CMR findings, improvements in the measures of LV and RV myocardial strain were observed. Conclusion: Measurement of myocardial strain by CMR can provide prognostic information on AMC patients. LV radial, circumferential and longitudinal strain were associated with long-term clinical events in these patients.

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy versus dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing coronary stenting: rationale and design of the NEOMINDSET Trial.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is currently the standard of care after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recent studies suggest that reducing DAPT to 1-3 months followed by an aspirin-free single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) strategy with a potent P2Y12 inhibitor is safe and associated with less bleeding. However, to date, no randomised trial has tested the impact of initiating SAPT immediately after PCI, particularly in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). NEOMINDSET is a multicentre, randomised, open-label trial with a blinded outcome assessment designed to compare SAPT versus DAPT in 3,400 ACS patients undergoing PCI with the latest-generation drug-eluting stents (DES). After successful PCI and up to 4 days following hospital admission, patients are randomised to receive SAPT with a potent P2Y12 inhibitor (ticagrelor or prasugrel) or DAPT (aspirin plus a potent P2Y12 inhibitor) for 12 months. Aspirin is discontinued immediately after randomisation in the SAPT group. The choice between ticagrelor and prasugrel is at the investigator's discretion. The primary hypothesis is that SAPT will be non-inferior to DAPT with respect to the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction or urgent target vessel revascularisation, but superior to DAPT on rates of bleeding defined by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 2, 3 or 5 criteria. NEOMINDSET is the first study that is specifically designed to test SAPT versus DAPT immediately following PCI with DES in ACS patients. This trial will provide important insights on the efficacy and safety of withdrawing aspirin in the early phase of ACS. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04360720).

Effect of Alirocumab on Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation After Acute Coronary Syndromes: Insights from the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES Trial.

BACKGROUND: Using data from the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial (NCT01663402), we sought to identify factors associated with the development of incident atrial fibrillation in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome without prior atrial fibrillation and to determine whether alirocumab treatment influenced risk of incident atrial fibrillation. METHODS: ODYSSEY OUTCOMES compared alirocumab treatment with placebo in 18,924 patients with recent acute coronary syndrome and dyslipidemia despite high-intensity or maximum-tolerated statin therapy. The primary outcome of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) comprised death from coronary heart disease, non-fatal myocardial infarction, fatal or non-fatal ischemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring hospitalization. Patients were classified as having previous atrial fibrillation (present prior to or at randomization) or no previous atrial fibrillation. A multivariable model was used to determine factors associated with incident atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: Among 18,262 participants without prior atrial fibrillation at baseline, 499 (2.7%) had incident atrial fibrillation during follow-up. Older age, history of heart failure or myocardial infarction, and higher body mass index were significantly associated with incident atrial fibrillation. Treatment with alirocumab or placebo did not influence the cumulative incidence of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-1.09). Patients with vs without a history of atrial fibrillation had a higher incidence of MACE (8.8 vs 3.7 events per 100 patient-years), without significant interaction between atrial fibrillation and randomized treatment on risk of MACE (Pinteraction = .78). CONCLUSIONS: While alirocumab did not modify risk of incident atrial fibrillation after acute coronary syndrome, it did reduce the risk of MACE, regardless of prior atrial fibrillation history. History of atrial fibrillation is an independent predictor of recurrent cardiovascular events after acute coronary syndrome.