Expert Opinion on P2Y12 Inhibitors Use in Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes: Focus on Ticagrelor.

Ticagrelor is a potent, oral P2Y12 inhibitor used as a part of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). New evidence has emerged for its use in ACS, which may be crucial for the Indian context. This brought together nearly 150 experts in ACS management across the country who reviewed the current evidence and discussed the same through a series of 10 meetings on an online platform. With all experts' agreement, the key expert opinions for the P2Y12 inhibitors use in ACS management were finalized. These include the following. In ACS patients aged <75 years, with diabetes, a history of stroke/transient ischemic attack, and chronic kidney disease, ticagrelor may be preferred over other P2Y12 inhibitors. It may also be preferred in the elderly above 75 years with clopidogrel is a suitable alternative in patients at high-risk of bleeding. Rates of stent thrombosis are lower with ticagrelor than clopidogrel. In patients managed with fibrinolysis, use ticagrelor after 48 hours if streptokinase was the fibrinolytic agent or it can be used after 12 to 24 hours if fibrin-specific fibrinolytic was used. Rates of major bleeding in patients treated with fibrinolysis are similar to clopidogrel. Prehospital administration may be preferred over in-hospital administration with expected bleeding rates similar to clopidogrel. Switching among P2Y12 inhibitors should be done with due consideration of their pharmacodynamics. At present, DAPT should be continued for 12 months with discontinuation after three to six months in patients with high bleeding risk. The use of low dose ticagrelor may be considered in cases with high-bleeding risk. DAPT or ticagrelor continuation beyond one year should be individualized considering ischemic and bleeding risks. Dyspnea is a common, mild, and transient and does not necessitate ticagrelor discontinuation. Severe dyspnea should be investigated thoroughly. In conclusion, ticagrelor (180 mg, 90 mg, and 60 mg doses), a potent antiplatelet is expected to reshape the antiplatelet use in the management of ACS.

Clinical characteristics and 30-day outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: Results from Indian College of Cardiology National Heart Failure Registry (ICCNHFR).

BACKGROUND: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a challenging medical emergency with high mortality and its prevalence is increasing in India. There is paucity of data on ADHF in the country. METHODS: Indian College of Cardiology National Heart Failure Registry (ICCNHFR) is an on-going observational registry on ADHF contributed by 22 hospitals across India; and we present the in-hospital and 30-day outcomes of ADHF patients enrolled from August 2018 to July 2019. Major objective included capturing demographics, comorbid conditions, aetiology, prescription patterns and assessing clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Of 5269 patients (mean age: 61.90 ± 13.85 years) enrolled in this study, males were predominant (67.09%). Mean duration of hospitalization was 5.74 ± 4.74 days. Ischemic heart disease was the most common (75.44%) aetiology. Abnormal electrocardiogram readings were found in most patients (89.86%). LVEF of ˂40% was found in 68.29% of patients. In-hospital mortality rates were 6.98%. The 30-day cumulative mortality was 12.35% and 30-day rehospitalization rate was 7.98%. At discharge, all guideline-based medical therapy (GDMT) were prescribed only to 24.99% of patients and 23.72% adhered to the prescription until 30 days. Older age, high serum creatinine levels and poor LVEF contributed to high mortality and rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: Patients with ADHF were younger and predominantly males. Usage of GDMT in ADHF patients was low (24.99%) and the in-hospital mortality was high. Older age, high serum creatinine levels, poor LVEF contributed for 30-day mortality and rehospitalization. This data on ADHF, could help in developing strategies to improve outcomes for HF patients in India.

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) during COVID-19 pandemic-insights from South India.

AIM: This retrospective study compares admissions and outcomes due to acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) during the COVID-19 pandemic from 25 March to 25 July 2020 with the historical patient control who were admitted during the same period in 2019. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data of the participating hospitals was collected and analysed from the ICC NHFR (Indian College of Cardiology National Heart Failure Registry) for 2019 and 2020. Total number of ADHF admissions, demographics, aetiology, co-morbid conditions and in-hospital mortality was compared and analysed. A significant decrease in the number of hospital admissions due to ADHF from 2019 to 2020 (1056 vs. 526 respectively) was noted. Incidence of admissions with <40% ejection fraction (EF) reduced in 2020 (72.4% and 80.2% in2020 and 2019)and >40% (EF) increased (27.6% and 19.8% in 2019 and 2020 respectively, p = 0.0005). Ischemic heart disease (IHD) was the most common aetiology (78.59% in 2019 and 80.98% in 2020, p = 0.268). The in-hospital mortality was numerically higher in 2020 (10%) than in 2019 (8%), but not statistically significant (p = 0.161). CONCLUSION: This study from the registry shows that the incidence of ADHF admissions during COVID-19 lockdown significantly reduced compared to the previous year. Demographic patterns remained similar but patients presenting with de-novo HF increased; IHD was the most common cause. The in-hospital mortality was numerically higher during the lockdown. The impact of lockdown perhaps led to fewer hospitalisations and this is to be factored in future strategies to address health care delivery during such crises.