Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2b Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Recombinant Human Lecithin Cholesterol Acyltransferase in Acute ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Results of REAL-TIMI 63B.

BACKGROUND: High-density lipoprotein plays a key role in reverse cholesterol transport. In addition, high-density lipoprotein particles may be cardioprotective and reduce infarct size in the setting of myocardial injury. Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase is a rate-limiting enzyme in reverse cholesterol transport. MEDI6012 is a recombinant human lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase that increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Administration of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase has the potential to reduce infarct size and regress coronary plaque in acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS: REAL-TIMI 63B (A Randomized, Placebo­controlled Phase 2b Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of MEDI6012 in Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) was a phase 2B multinational, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction within 6 hours of symptom onset and planned for percutaneous intervention were randomly assigned 2:1 to MEDI6012 (2- or 6-dose regimen) or placebo and followed for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was infarct size as a percentage of left ventricular mass by cardiac MRI at 10 to 12 weeks, with the primary analysis in patients with TIMI Flow Grade 0 to 1 before percutaneous intervention who received at least 2 doses of MEDI6012. The secondary outcome was change in noncalcified plaque volume on coronary computed tomographic angiography from baseline to 10 to 12 weeks with the primary analysis in patients who received all 6 doses of MEDI6012. RESULTS: A total of 593 patients were randomly assigned. Patients were a median of 62 years old, 77.9% male, and 95.8% statin naive. Median time from symptom onset to randomization was 146 (interquartile range [IQR], 103-221) minutes and from hospitalization to randomization was 12.7 (IQR, 6.6-24.0) minutes, and the first dose of drug was administered a median of 8 (IQR, 3-13) minutes before percutaneous intervention. The index myocardial infarction was anterior in 69.6% and TIMI Flow Grade 0 to 1 in 65.1% of patients. At 12 weeks, infarct size did not differ between treatment groups (MEDI6012: 9.71%, IQR 4.79-16.38; placebo: 10.48%, [IQR, 4.92-16.61], 1-sided P=0.79. There was also no difference in noncalcified plaque volume (geometric mean ratio, 0.96 [95% CI, NA-1.10], 1-sided P=0.30). There was no significant difference in treatment emergent serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of MEDI6012 in patients with acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction did not result in a significant reduction in infarct size or noncalcified plaque volume at 12 weeks. MEDI6012 was well tolerated with no excess in overall serious adverse events. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03578809.

Effect of Dapagliflozin on Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Insights From the DECLARE-TIMI 58 Trial.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are associated with both diabetes mellitus and its related comorbidities, including hypertension, obesity, and heart failure (HF). SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce weight, have salutary effects on left ventricular remodeling, and reduce hospitalization for HF and cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We therefore investigated whether SGLT2 inhibitors could also reduce the risk of AF/AFL. METHODS: DECLARE-TIMI 58 (Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58) studied the efficacy and safety of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin versus placebo in 17 160 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and either multiple risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (n=10 186) or known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (n=6974). We explored the effect of dapagliflozin on the first and total number of AF/AFL events in patients with (n=1116) and without prevalent AF/AFL using Cox and negative binomial models, respectively. AF/AFL events were identified by search of the safety database using MedDRA preferred terms ("atrial fibrillation," "atrial flutter"). RESULTS: Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of AF/AFL events by 19% (264 versus 325 events; 7.8 versus 9.6 events per 1000 patient-years; hazard ratio [HR], 0.81 [95% CI, 0.68-0.95]; P=0.009). The reduction in AF/AFL events was consistent regardless of presence or absence of a history of AF/AFL at baseline (previous AF/AFL: HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.58-1.09]; no AF/AFL: HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67-0.98]; P for interaction 0.89). Similarly, presence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.66-1.04]) versus multiple risk factors (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.62-0.99]; P for interaction 0.72) or a history of HF (HF: HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.55-1.11]; No HF: HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.68-0.97]; P for interaction 0.88) did not modify the reduction in AF/AFL events observed with dapagliflozin. Moreover, there was no effect modification by sex, history of ischemic stroke, glycated hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, blood pressure, or estimated glomerular filtration rate (all P for interaction >0.20). Dapagliflozin also reduced the total number (first and recurrent) of AF/AFL events (337 versus 432; incidence rate ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.64-0.92]; P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Dapagliflozin decreased the incidence of reported episodes of AF/AFL adverse events in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This effect was consistent regardless of the patient's previous history of AF, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or HF. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01730534.

Long-term ticagrelor for secondary prevention in patients with prior myocardial infarction and no history of coronary stenting: insights from PEGASUS-TIMI 54.

AIMS: PEGASUS-TIMI 54 demonstrated that long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and ticagrelor reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), with an acceptable increase in bleeding, in patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI). While much of the discussion around prolonged DAPT has been focused on stented patients, patients with prior MI without prior coronary stenting comprise a clinically important subgroup. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a pre-specified analysis from PEGASUS-TIMI 54, which randomized 21 162 patients with prior MI (1-3 years) and additional high-risk features to ticagrelor 60 mg, 90 mg, or placebo twice daily in addition to aspirin. A total of 4199 patients had no history of coronary stenting at baseline. The primary efficacy outcome (MACE) was the composite of cardiovascular death, MI, or stroke. Patients without history of coronary stenting had higher baseline risk of MACE [13.2% vs. 8.0%, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-1.73, in the placebo arm]. The relative risk reduction in MACE with ticagrelor (pooled doses) was similar in patients without (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68-0.99) and with prior stenting (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.96; P for interaction = 0.76). CONCLUSION: Long-term ticagrelor reduces thrombotic events in patients with prior MI regardless of whether they had prior coronary stenting. These data highlight the benefits of DAPT in prevention of spontaneous atherothrombotic events and indicate that long-term ticagrelor may be considered in high-risk patients with prior MI even if they have not been treated with stenting. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT01225562.

Long-term use of ticagrelor in patients with prior myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The potential benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy beyond 1 year after a myocardial infarction has not been established. We investigated the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor, a P2Y12 receptor antagonist with established efficacy after an acute coronary syndrome, in this context. METHODS: We randomly assigned, in a double-blind 1:1:1 fashion, 21,162 patients who had had a myocardial infarction 1 to 3 years earlier to ticagrelor at a dose of 90 mg twice daily, ticagrelor at a dose of 60 mg twice daily, or placebo. All the patients were to receive low-dose aspirin and were followed for a median of 33 months. The primary efficacy end point was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The primary safety end point was Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) major bleeding. RESULTS: The two ticagrelor doses each reduced, as compared with placebo, the rate of the primary efficacy end point, with Kaplan-Meier rates at 3 years of 7.85% in the group that received 90 mg of ticagrelor twice daily, 7.77% in the group that received 60 mg of ticagrelor twice daily, and 9.04% in the placebo group (hazard ratio for 90 mg of ticagrelor vs. placebo, 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75 to 0.96; P=0.008; hazard ratio for 60 mg of ticagrelor vs. placebo, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.95; P=0.004). Rates of TIMI major bleeding were higher with ticagrelor (2.60% with 90 mg and 2.30% with 60 mg) than with placebo (1.06%) (P<0.001 for each dose vs. placebo); the rates of intracranial hemorrhage or fatal bleeding in the three groups were 0.63%, 0.71%, and 0.60%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a myocardial infarction more than 1 year previously, treatment with ticagrelor significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke and increased the risk of major bleeding. (Funded by AstraZeneca; PEGASUS-TIMI 54 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01225562.).

Efficacy and Safety of Vorapaxar With and Without a Thienopyridine for Secondary Prevention in Patients With Previous Myocardial Infarction and No History of Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: Results from TRA 2°P-TIMI 50.

BACKGROUND: Vorapaxar antagonizes protease-activated receptor 1, the primary receptor for thrombin on human platelets, and reduces recurrent thrombotic events in stable patients with a previous myocardial infarction (MI). We wished to determine whether the efficacy and safety of antiplatelet therapy with vorapaxar was modified by concurrent thienopyridine use. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Thrombin Receptor Antagonist in Secondary Prevention of Atherothrombotic Ischemic Events-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 50 (TRA 2°P-TIMI 50) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vorapaxar in 26,449 patients with previous atherothrombosis. This prespecified analysis included 16,897 patients who qualified with a MI in the preceding 2 weeks to 12 months and was restricted to patients without a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack given its contraindication in that population. Randomization was stratified on the basis of planned thienopyridine use. Thienopyridine was planned at randomization in 12,410 (73%). Vorapaxar significantly reduced the composite of cardiovascular death, MI, and stroke in comparison with placebo regardless of planned thienopyridine therapy (planned thienopyridine, hazard ratio, 0.80, 0.70-0.91, P<0.001; no planned thienopyridine, hazard ratio, 0.75; 0.60-0.94, P=0.011; P-interaction=0.67). Findings were similar when patients were stratified by actual thienopyridine use at baseline (P-interaction=0.82) and through 18 months (P-interaction=0.44). Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO) moderate or severe bleeding risk was increased with vorapaxar and was not significantly altered by planned thienopyridine (planned, hazard ratio, 1.50; 1.18-1.89, P<0.001; no planned, hazard ratio, 1.90, 1.17-3.07, P=0.009; P-interaction=0.37) or actual thienopyridine use (P-interaction=0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Vorapaxar reduced cardiovascular death, MI, or stroke in stable patients with a history of previous MI, whether treated concomitantly with a thienopyridine or not. The relative risk of moderate or severe bleeding was similarly increased irrespective of thienopyridine use. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00526474.

The lack of aspirin resistance in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin resistance established by different laboratory methods is still a debated problem. Using COX1 specific methods no aspirin resistance was detected among healthy volunteers. Here we tested the effect of chronic aspirin treatment on platelets from patients with stable coronary artery disease. The expression of COX2 mRNA in platelets and its influences on the effect of aspirin was also investigated. METHODS: One hundred and forty four patients were enrolled in the study. The direct measurement of COX1 acetylation was carried out by monoclonal antibodies specific to acetylated and non-acetylated COX1 (acCOX1 and nacCOX1) using Western blotting technique. Arachidonic acid (AA) induced TXB2 production by platelets was measured by competitive immunoassay. AA induced platelet aggregation, ATP secretion and VerifyNow Aspirin Assay were also performed. COX2 and COX1 mRNA expression in platelets were measured in 56 patients by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: In 138 patients only acCOX1 was detected, in the remaining six patients nacCOX1 disappeared after a compliance period. AA induced TXB2 production by platelets was very low in all patients including the 6 patients after compliance. AA induced platelet aggregation, secretion and with a few exceptions the VerifyNow Assay also demonstrated the effect of aspirin. Smoking, diabetes mellitus and inflammatory conditions did not influence the results. The very low amount of COX2 mRNA detected in 39 % of the investigated platelets did not influence the effect of aspirin. CONCLUSIONS: No aspirin resistance was detected among patients with stable coronary artery disease. COX2 expression in platelets did not influence the effect of aspirin.

Effect of Losmapimod on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-stimulated inflammation is implicated in atherogenesis, plaque destabilization, and maladaptive processes in myocardial infarction (MI). Pilot data in a phase 2 trial in non-ST elevation MI indicated that the p38 MAPK inhibitor losmapimod attenuates inflammation and may improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of losmapimod on cardiovascular outcomes in patients hospitalized with an acute myocardial infarction. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: LATITUDE-TIMI 60, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trial conducted at 322 sites in 34 countries from June 3, 2014, until December 8, 2015. Part A consisted of a leading cohort (n = 3503) to provide an initial assessment of safety and exploratory efficacy before considering progression to part B (approximately 22,000 patients). Patients were considered potentially eligible for enrollment if they had been hospitalized with an acute MI and had at least 1 additional predictor of cardiovascular risk. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to either twice-daily losmapimod (7.5 mg; n = 1738) or matching placebo (n = 1765) on a background of guideline-recommended therapy. Patients were treated for 12 weeks and followed up for an additional 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary end point was the composite of cardiovascular death, MI, or severe recurrent ischemia requiring urgent coronary revascularization with the principal analysis specified at week 12. RESULTS: In part A, among the 3503 patients randomized (median age, 66 years; 1036 [29.6%] were women), 99.1% had complete ascertainment for the primary outcome. The primary end point occurred by 12 weeks in 123 patients treated with placebo (7.0%) and 139 patients treated with losmapimod (8.1%; hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.91-1.47; P = .24). The on-treatment rates of serious adverse events were 16.0% with losmapimod and 14.2% with placebo. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among patients with acute MI, use of losmapimod compared with placebo did not reduce the risk of major ischemic cardiovascular events. The results of this exploratory efficacy study did not justify proceeding to a larger efficacy trial in the existing patient population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02145468.

Case report of multiple valve disease found in triplets.

Valvular heart disease is a multifactorial disorder. Twin studies may help to better understand both genetic and environmental determinants contributing to the development of valve lesions. We describe the case of a 45-year-old female asymptomatic triplet with multiple valvular heart lesions, with a somewhat different pattern between the dizygotic twin pairs compared with the monozygotic twin pair. After thorough assessment of medical history and physical examination, the triplet underwent two- and three-dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic examinations to assess the pathomechanism and severity of their heart valve lesions. The monozygotic twin pair (second-born twin B and third-born twin C) showed the same pattern of valvular lesions: mild mitral, tricuspidal, and aortic regurgitation of the same pathomechanism (posterior mitral valve cleft and aortosclerosis). Interestingly, the examination of first-born twin (twin A), who was dizygotic to twins B and C, revealed mild protosystolic mitral and mild tricuspidal regurgitation, but neither aortic insufficiency nor mitral cleft or indentation could be detected. Beyond the genetic effect, we presume that the intrauterine twinning process might also play a role in the development of congenital valvular heart disease. In order to verify this, further investigation should be performed on larger twin populations. Nevertheless, when one twin is affected, the other asymptomatic twin should also be examined for valvular heart disease.

Triglyceride Levels, Alirocumab Treatment, and Cardiovascular Outcomes After an Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether clinical benefit of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors is associated with baseline or on-treatment triglyceride concentrations. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to examine relations between triglyceride levels and the effect of alirocumab vs placebo on cardiovascular outcomes using prespecified and post hoc analyses of the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES (Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcomes After an Acute Coronary Syndrome During Treatment With Alirocumab) trial. METHODS: Patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n = 18,924) and elevated atherogenic lipoproteins despite optimized statin therapy were randomized to alirocumab 75 to 150 mg or matching placebo every 2 weeks subcutaneously. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were examined in relation to continuous or dichotomous triglyceride concentrations. RESULTS: Median baseline triglyceride concentration was 129 mg/dL. In both treatment groups, a 10-mg/dL higher baseline concentration was associated with an adjusted MACE HR of 1.008 (95% CI: 1.003-1.013; P < 0.005). Baseline triglycerides ≥150 vs <150 mg/dL were associated with a HR of 1.184 (95% CI: 1.080-1.297; P < 0.005). Versus placebo, alirocumab reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from baseline (average, 54.7%) and reduced MACE (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.78-0.93). At month 4, triglyceride levels were reduced from baseline by median 17.7 mg/dL (P < 0.001) and 0.9 mg/dL (P = NS) with alirocumab and placebo, respectively. A 10-mg/dL decline from baseline in triglycerides was associated with lower subsequent risk of MACE with placebo (HR: 0.988; 95% CI: 0.982-0.995; P < 0.005) but not with alirocumab (HR: 0.999; 95% CI: 0.987-1.010; P = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with recent ACS on optimized statin therapy, baseline triglycerides was associated with cardiovascular risk. However, the reduction in triglycerides with alirocumab did not contribute to its clinical benefit. (ODYSSEY Outcomes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcomes After an Acute Coronary Syndrome During Treatment With Alirocumab; NCT01663402).

Heritability of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and association with abnormal vascular parameters: a twin study.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity. However, genetic factors have an unclear role in this condition. AIMS: To analyse heritability of NAFLD and its association with abnormal vascular parameters in a large twin cohort. METHODS: Anthropometric and lipid metabolic parameters were obtained from 208 adult Hungarian twins (63 monozygotic and 41 dizygotic pairs; 58 men and 150 women; age 43.7 ± 16.7 years). B-mode ultrasonography was performed to detect steatosis and categorize severity. Brachial and aortic augmentation indices and aortic pulse wave velocity were assessed using oscillometry (TensioMed Arteriograph). Carotid intima media thickness (IMT) was measured using ultrasonography on the proximal common, distal common and internal carotid arteries. RESULTS: NAFLD was identified in 47 subjects (22.6%), of which 44 (93.6%) had mild and 3 (6.4%) had moderate steatosis. These subjects were older (age: 50.9 ± 14.3 vs. 41.5 ± 16.7 years, P < 0.001) and had a higher body mass index (BMI; 30.1 ± 5.2 vs. 24.6 ± 4.1 km/m(2) , P < 0.001) than non-NAFLD twins. Based on 91 same-sex twin pairs, heritability analysis indicated no discernible role for genetic components in the presence of NAFLD (95% confidence interval, 0.0-36.0%), while shared and unshared environmental effects accounted for 74.2% and 25.8% of variations adjusted for age and BMI. Augmentation indices and carotid IMT in twins with NAFLD were increased at most examined locations (P < 0.05-P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings do not support heritability of NAFLD, although it coexists with vascular parameters linked to increased cardiovascular risk, underscoring the importance and value of prevention in this very common disorder.

The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure: a multinational randomized trial.

The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin reduces the risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization in patients with chronic heart failure, but whether empagliflozin also improves clinical outcomes when initiated in patients who are hospitalized for acute heart failure is unknown. In this double-blind trial (EMPULSE; NCT04157751 ), 530 patients with a primary diagnosis of acute de novo or decompensated chronic heart failure regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction were randomly assigned to receive empagliflozin 10 mg once daily or placebo. Patients were randomized in-hospital when clinically stable (median time from hospital admission to randomization, 3 days) and were treated for up to 90 days. The primary outcome of the trial was clinical benefit, defined as a hierarchical composite of death from any cause, number of heart failure events and time to first heart failure event, or a 5 point or greater difference in change from baseline in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Total Symptom Score at 90 days, as assessed using a win ratio. More patients treated with empagliflozin had clinical benefit compared with placebo (stratified win ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.68; P = 0.0054), meeting the primary endpoint. Clinical benefit was observed for both acute de novo and decompensated chronic heart failure and was observed regardless of ejection fraction or the presence or absence of diabetes. Empagliflozin was well tolerated; serious adverse events were reported in 32.3% and 43.6% of the empagliflozin- and placebo-treated patients, respectively. These findings indicate that initiation of empagliflozin in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure is well tolerated and results in significant clinical benefit in the 90 days after starting treatment.

Long-Term Ticagrelor in Patients With Prior Coronary Stenting in the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 Trial.

Background Coronary stent type and risk of stent thrombosis remain important factors affecting recommended duration of dual antiplatelet therapy. We investigated the efficacy and safety of long-term ticagrelor in patients with prior coronary stenting enrolled in the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 (Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Prior Heart Attack Using Ticagrelor Compared to Placebo on a Background of Aspirin-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 54) trial. Methods and Results Patients in PEGASUS-TIMI 54 had a myocardial infarction 1 to 3 year prior and were randomized 1:1:1 to ticagrelor 60 or 90 mg BID or placebo. The primary end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (major adverse cardiovascular events). Stent thrombosis was prospectively adjudicated (Academic Research Consortium definition). Baseline characteristics were compared by most recent stent type (bare metal versus drug-eluting stent and first- versus later-generation drug-eluting stent). Treatment arms were compared using Cox proportional hazards models. Of 21 162 patients randomized, 80% (n=16 891) had prior coronary stenting. Following randomization, myocardial infarction was the most frequent ischemic event in patients with prior stenting in the placebo arm, occurring in 5.2% of patients (Type 1: 4.1%), followed by cardiovascular death (2.3%), stroke (1.7%), and stent thrombosis (0.9%). Ticagrelorpooled reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (7.0% versus 8.0%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-96) regardless of stent type (bare metal stent versus drug-eluting stent: pinteraction=0.767; first versus later generation: pinteraction=0.940). The rate of any stent thrombosis was numerically lower with ticagrelorpooled (0.7% versus 0.9%; HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.50-1.05) and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction major bleeding was increased (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.90-3.68). Conclusions Long-term ticagrelor reduces major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with prior myocardial infarction and coronary stenting regardless of stent type, with the benefit driven predominantly by reduction in de novo events. Nonfatal major bleeding is increased with ticagrelor. Registration Information clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT01225562.

A multicentre, prospective, randomised controlled trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of cooling as an adjunctive therapy to percutaneous intervention in patients with acute myocardial infarction: the COOL AMI EU Pivotal Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite primary PCI (PPCI), ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can still result in large infarct size (IS). New technology with rapid intravascular cooling showed positive signals for reduction in IS in anterior STEMI. AIMS: We investigated the effectiveness and safety of rapid systemic intravascular hypothermia as an adjunct to PPCI in conscious patients, with anterior STEMI, without cardiac arrest. METHODS: Hypothermia was induced using the ZOLL® Proteus™ intravascular cooling system. After randomisation of 111 patients, 58 to hypothermia and 53 to control groups, the study was prematurely discontinued by the sponsor due to inconsistent patient logistics between the groups resulting in significantly longer total ischaemic delay in the hypothermia group (232 vs 188 minutes; p<0.001). RESULTS: There were no differences in angiographic features and PPCI result between the groups. Intravascular temperature at wire crossing was 33.3+0.9°C. Infarct size/left ventricular (IS/LV) mass by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) at day 4-6 was 21.3% in the hypothermia group and 20.0% in the control group (p=0.540). Major adverse cardiac events at 30 days increased non-significantly in the hypothermia group (8.6% vs 1.9%; p=0.117) while cardiogenic shock (10.3% vs 0%; p=0.028) and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (43.1% vs 3.8%; p<0.001) were significantly more frequent in the hypothermia group. CONCLUSIONS: The ZOLL Proteus intravascular cooling system reduced temperature to 33.3°C before PPCI in patients with anterior STEMI. Due to inconsistent patient logistics between the groups, this hypothermia protocol resulted in a longer ischaemic delay, did not reduce IS/LV mass and was associated with increased adverse events.

Diabetes-Related Factors and the Effects of Ticagrelor Plus Aspirin in the THEMIS and THEMIS-PCI Trials.

BACKGROUND: THEMIS (The Effect of Ticagrelor on Health Outcomes in Diabetes Mellitus Patients Intervention Study) (n = 19,220) and its pre-specified THEMIS-PCI (The Effect of Ticagrelor on Health Outcomes in Diabetes Mellitus Patients Intervention Study-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) (n = 11,154) subanalysis showed, in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (median duration 10.0 years; HbA1c 7.1%) and stable coronary artery disease without prior myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke, that ticagrelor plus aspirin (compared with placebo plus aspirin) produced a favorable net clinical benefit (composite of all-cause mortality, MI, stroke, fatal bleeding, and intracranial bleeding) if the patients had a previous percutaneous coronary intervention. OBJECTIVES: In these post hoc analyses, the authors examined whether the primary efficacy outcome (cardiovascular death, MI, stroke: 3-point major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]), primary safety outcome (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction-defined major bleeding) and net clinical benefit varied with diabetes-related factors. METHODS: Outcomes were analyzed across baseline diabetes duration, HbA1c, and antihyperglycemic medications. RESULTS: In THEMIS, the incidence of 3-point MACE increased with diabetes duration (6.7% for ≤5 years, 11.1% for >20 years) and HbA1c (6.4% for ≤6.0%, 11.8% for >10.0%). The relative benefits of ticagrelor plus aspirin on 3-point MACE reduction (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.90; p = 0.04) were generally consistent across subgroups. Major bleeding event rate (overall: 1.6%) did not vary by diabetes duration or HbA1c and was increased similarly by ticagrelor across all subgroups (HR: 2.32; p < 0.001). These findings were mirrored in THEMIS-PCI. The efficacy and safety of ticagrelor plus aspirin did not differ by baseline antihyperglycemic therapy. In THEMIS-PCI, but not THEMIS, ticagrelor generally produced favorable net clinical benefit across diabetes duration, HbA1c, and antihyperglycemic medications. CONCLUSION: Ticagrelor plus aspirin yielded generally consistent and favorable net clinical benefit across the diabetes-related factors in THEMIS-PCI but not in the overall THEMIS population.

Otamixaban for the treatment of patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (SEPIA-ACS1 TIMI 42): a randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Otamixaban is an intravenous direct factor Xa inhibitor. We aimed to assess its efficacy and safety in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes and to identify the optimum dose range for further assessment in a phase 3 study. METHODS: In this double-blind, phase 2 trial undertaken in 196 sites in 36 countries, 3241 patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes were randomly assigned via a central, telephone-based interactive voice response system to one of five doses of otamixaban (0.08 mg/kg bolus followed by infusions of 0.035 [n=125], 0.070 [676], 0.105 [662], 0.140 [658], or 0.175 [671] mg/kg/h) or to a control of unfractionated heparin (60 IU/kg intravenous bolus followed by an infusion of 12 IU/kg/h) plus eptifibatide (180 microg/kg intravenous bolus followed by an infusion of 1.0-2.0 microg/kg/min [n=449]). Both investigators and patients were unaware of treatment allocation. Enrolment into the lowest dose group was stopped early at the recommendation of the Data Monitoring Committee. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, urgent revascularisation, or bailout glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use up to 7 days. The primary safety endpoint was TIMI major or minor bleeding not related to coronary-artery bypass grafting. Efficacy analyses were by intention to treat; safety analyses were in treated patients. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00317395. FINDINGS: Rates of the primary efficacy endpoint in the five otamixaban doses were 7.2% (nine of 125) with 0.035 mg/kg/h, 4.6% (31/676) with 0.070 mg/kg/h, 3.8% (25/662) with 0.105 mg/kg/h, 3.6% (24/658) with 0.140 mg/kg/h, and 4.3% (29/671) with 0.175 mg/kg/h (p=0.34 for trend). In the control group, the rate was 6.2% (28/449), yielding relative risks for the five otamixaban doses of 1.16 (95% CI 0.56-2.38), 0.74 (0.45-1.21), 0.61 (0.36-1.02), 0.58 (0.34-1.00), and 0.69 (0.42-1.15), respectively. Rates of the primary safety endpoint in the five otamixaban doses were 1.6% (two of 122), 1.6% (11/669), 3.1% (20/651), 3.4% (22/651), and 5.4% (36/664), respectively (p=0.0001 for trend); the rate in the control group was 2.7% (12/448). INTERPRETATION: In patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes, otamixaban infusions of 0.100-0.140 mg/kg/h might reduce ischaemic events and have a safety profile similar to unfractionated heparin plus eptifibatide. Further testing in a phase 3 trial is warranted. FUNDING: Sanofi-Aventis.

Outcomes in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients according to heart failure at admission: Insights from a large trial with systematic early invasive strategy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies published before the era of systematic early invasive strategy have reported a higher mortality in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with heart failure. The aim of our study was to compare the clinical characteristics, outcomes and causes of death of patients according to their heart failure status at admission in a large non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction population with planned early invasive management. METHODS: We performed a post-hoc analysis of the Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome with Otamixaban randomised trial which included non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with systematic coronary angiography within 72 h. Patients were categorised according to presence or absence of heart failure (Killip grade ≥2) at admission. RESULTS: A total of 13,172 patients were enrolled, of whom 944 (7.2%) had heart failure. At day 30, death occurred in 213 patients (1.6%) and cardiovascular death was the dominant cause of death in both groups ((with vs without heart failure) 78.8% vs 78.4%, p = 0.94). At six months, death occurred in 90/944 (9.5%) patients with heart failure and 258/12228 patients without heart failure (2.1%) (p < 0.001). After adjustment on Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score, heart failure was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality at day 30 (odds ratio: 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.36, p = 0.02) and at day 180 (odds ratio: 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.42, p < 0.001) as well as of ischaemic complications (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis or stroke at day 30 (odds ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.62, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with heart failure at admission still have worse outcomes than those without heart failure, even with systematic early invasive strategy. Further efforts are needed to improve the prognosis of these high risk patients.

Outcomes in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients according to heart failure at admission: Insights from a large trial with systematic early invasive strategy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies published before the era of systematic early invasive strategy have reported a higher mortality in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with heart failure. The aim of our study was to compare the clinical characteristics, outcomes and causes of death of patients according to their heart failure status at admission in a large non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction population with planned early invasive management. METHODS: We performed a post-hoc analysis of the Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome with Otamixaban randomised trial which included non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with systematic coronary angiography within 72 h. Patients were categorised according to presence or absence of heart failure (Killip grade ≥2) at admission. RESULTS: A total of 13,172 patients were enrolled, of whom 944 (7.2%) had heart failure. At day 30, death occurred in 213 patients (1.6%) and cardiovascular death was the dominant cause of death in both groups ((with vs without heart failure) 78.8% vs 78.4%, p = 0.94). At six months, death occurred in 90/944 (9.5%) patients with heart failure and 258/12228 patients without heart failure (2.1%) (p < 0.001). After adjustment on Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score, heart failure was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality at day 30 (odds ratio: 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.36, p = 0.02) and at day 180 (odds ratio: 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.42, p < 0.001) as well as of ischaemic complications (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis or stroke at day 30 (odds ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.62, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with heart failure at admission still have worse outcomes than those without heart failure, even with systematic early invasive strategy. Further efforts are needed to improve the prognosis of these high risk patients.

Renal Function and Outcomes With Dabigatran Dual Antithrombotic Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation Patients After PCI.

OBJECTIVES: The study sought to evaluate the effect of dabigatran dual therapy versus warfarin triple therapy across categories of renal function in the RE-DUAL PCI (Randomized Evaluation of Dual Antithrombotic Therapy with Dabigatran versus Triple Therapy with Warfarin in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) trial. BACKGROUND: The RE-DUAL PCI (NCT02164864) trial of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention reported that dabigatran dual therapy (110 or 150 mg twice daily, plus clopidogrel or ticagrelor) reduced the primary endpoint of major bleeding events (MBE) or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding events (CRNMBE) compared with warfarin triple therapy, with noninferiority in overall thromboembolic events. METHODS: Risk of a first MBE or CRNMBE and the composite of death or thromboembolic event (DTE) or unplanned revascularization were evaluated in 2,725 patients according to baseline creatinine clearance (CrCl) categories: 30 to <50, 50 to <80, and ≥80 ml/min. RESULTS: Compared with warfarin, dabigatran 110 mg dual therapy reduced risk of MBE or CRNMBE across all categories of CrCl (p for interaction = 0.19). Dabigatran 150 mg dual therapy reduced risk of MBE or CRNMBE regardless of the CrCl category (p for interaction = 0.31). Risk of DTE or unplanned revascularization was similar to warfarin triple therapy for dabigatran 110 mg dual therapy across all CrCl categories. Dabigatran 150 mg dual therapy versus warfarin triple therapy had similar risk for DTE or unplanned revascularization in patients with CrCl 30 to <80 ml/min and lower risk at CrCl ≥80 ml/min (p for interaction = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In the RE-DUAL PCI trial, dabigatran dual therapy reduced bleeding events versus warfarin triple therapy irrespective of renal function, with overall similar risks of thromboembolic events but lower risks with dabigatran 150 mg in patients with normal CrCl.

Efficacy and safety with ticagrelor in patients with prior myocardial infarction in the approved European label: insights from PEGASUS-TIMI 54.

AIMS: In PEGASUS-TIMI 54, ticagrelor significantly reduced the risk of the composite of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events by 15-16% in stable patients with a prior myocardial infarction (MI) 1-3 years earlier. We report the efficacy and safety in the subpopulation recommended for treatment in the European (EU) label, i.e. treatment with 60 mg b.i.d. initiated up to 2 years from the MI, or within 1 year after stopping previous adenosine diphosphate receptor inhibitor treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of the 21 162 patients enrolled in PEGASUS-TIMI 54, 10 779 patients were included in the primary analysis for this study, randomized to ticagrelor 60 mg (n = 5388) or matching placebo (n = 5391). The cumulative proportions of patients with events at 36 months were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method. The composite of CV death, MI, or stroke occurred less frequently in the ticagrelor group (7.9% KM rate vs. 9.6%), hazard ratio (HR) 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.91; P = 0.001]. Ticagrelor also reduced the risk of all-cause mortality, HR 0.80 (0.67-0.96; P = 0.018). Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction major bleeding was more frequent in the ticagrelor group 2.5% vs. 1.1%; HR 2.36 (1.65-3.39; P < 0.001). The corresponding HR for fatal or intracranial bleeding was 1.17 (0.68-2.01; P = 0.58). CONCLUSION: In PEGASUS-TIMI 54, treatment with ticagrelor 60 mg as recommended in the EU label, was associated with a relative risk reduction of 20% in CV death, MI, or stroke. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction major bleeding was increased, but fatal or intracranial bleeding was similar to placebo. There appears to be a favourable benefit-risk ratio for long-term ticagrelor 60 mg in this population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01225562.