First time referral reasons, diagnoses and 10-year follow-up of patients seen at a Dutch fast lane outpatient cardiology clinic.

PURPOSE: To describe reasons for referral, diagnostic procedures, diagnoses and long-term follow-up of first-time referred patients to a fast lane outpatient cardiology clinic (FLOCC). METHODS: A descriptive report of results obtained in a newly organised outpatient clinic. Data up to final diagnosis were recorded from electronic medical records. Follow-up data were obtained from electronic medical records, contacting patients and/or their general practitioners. RESULTS: During the first 3 months of 2007, 419 patients were seen at the FLOCC. Of these patients, 360 were referred by general practitioners, 55 by other specialists and four were self-referrals. The largest referral groups were: chest complaints (44%), palpitations (19%) and dyspnoea (12%). In 65% of the 419 patients, cardiovascular disease was ruled out and they were discharged. Of these, 41% of the diagnoses were made on the same day, with a further 44% after additional investigations, mostly Holter registration. During 10 years of follow-up, 49 patients died: 17 of cardiac, 29 of non-cardiac, mainly cancer, and three of unknown causes. Of the initially discharged patients, 35% were referred again after an average of 4 years (1,443 days), with 47% reporting similar complaints. CONCLUSION: Of the patients referred to our FLOCC, most had chest pain. In one-third of all patients, cardiac disease was ruled out on the same day. Of all the patients discharged, 85% were diagnosed after basic investigations that could be ordered by a general practitioner. Holter registration was the most frequently requested additional investigation. These results support the development of less expensive, easily accessible extramural cardiology clinics.

Determinants of label non-adherence to non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation.

Aims: To evaluate the extent and determinants of off-label non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) dosing in newly diagnosed Dutch AF patients. Methods and results: In the DUTCH-AF registry, patients with newly diagnosed AF (<6 months) are prospectively enrolled. Label adherence to NOAC dosing was assessed using the European Medicines Agency labelling. Factors associated with off-label dosing were explored by multivariable logistic regression analyses. From July 2018 to November 2020, 4500 patients were registered. The mean age was 69.6 ± 10.5 years, and 41.5% were female. Of the 3252 patients in which NOAC label adherence could be assessed, underdosing and overdosing were observed in 4.2% and 2.4%, respectively. In 2916 (89.7%) patients with a full-dose NOAC recommendation, 4.6% were underdosed, with a similar distribution between NOACs. Independent determinants (with 95% confidence interval) were higher age [odds ratio (OR): 1.01 per year, 1.01-1.02], lower renal function (OR: 0.96 per ml/min/1.73 m2, 0.92-0.98), lower weight (OR: 0.98 per kg, 0.97-1.00), active malignancy (OR: 2.46, 1.19-5.09), anaemia (OR: 1.73, 1.08-2.76), and concomitant use of antiplatelets (OR: 4.93, 2.57-9.46). In the 336 (10.3%) patients with a reduced dose NOAC recommendation, 22.9% were overdosed, most often with rivaroxaban. Independent determinants were lower age (OR: 0.92 per year, 0.88-0.96) and lower renal function (OR: 0.98 per ml/min/1.73 m2, 0.96-1.00). Conclusion: In newly diagnosed Dutch AF patients, off-label dosing of NOACs was seen in only 6.6% of patients, most often underdosing. In this study, determinants of off-label dosing were age, renal function, weight, anaemia, active malignancy, and concomitant use of antiplatelets.

[Pectus excavatum: not just a cosmetic problem]. / Trechterborst: niet alleen een cosmetisch probleem.

Pectus excavatum is the most common deformity of the anterior chest wall. Nevertheless, awareness amongst physicians is lacking and consequences of the diagnosis are often underestimated. Symptoms include cardiopulmonary symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue and exercise intolerance. Moreover, patients often have psychosocial problems and suffer from poor body image and lower quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for diagnostic work-up and treatment, involving dedicated paediatricians, cardiologists and surgeons. Treatment can be non-surgical or surgical. Conservative options include physiotherapy and vacuum bell therapy. In symptomatic patients, surgical treatment is warranted from the age of 12-14 years. Minimally invasive repair with the Nuss bar technique is considered the gold standard for adolescents. Patients who are unsuitable for minimally invasive repair can be treated with open surgical correction, for example, via a modified Ravitch procedure. Early referral to a specialised centre is recommended.

The Dutch experience of open access echocardiography.

Cardiac disease is not easy to recognise in general practice. An echocardiogram is an excellent way to provide information about left ventricular mass and diastolic (dys)function and the presence of valvular heart disease. To improve diagnostic care of cardiac patients, an open access echocardiography service was established in the referral area of our hospital, where general practitioners were able to ask for an echocardiogram without referring the patient to the cardiologist. Between December 2002 and October 2006 echocardiograms were requested for 471 patients. Thirteen percent of the patients referred for dyspnoea and 3% of patients with a cardiac murmur had a left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. In 28% of patients no cardiac abnormality could be found. If we looked at the prevalence of hypertension in the referred patients, this was very high with a prevalence of up to 60% in the older age groups. If we included hypertension in the analysis, only 16% of patients had no structural cardiac or vascular abnormality. The study shows that the advantage of open access echocardiography in the Netherlands is that the general practitioner is able to make a better diagnosis and unnecessary referrals of patients with suspected cardiac disease can be avoided. (Neth Heart J 2007;15:342-7.).

Open access echocardiography is feasible in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVES: In an urban region in the Netherlands, general practitioners (GPs) were offered an open access echocardiographic service. We report the outcomes of the first two years of this project. METHODS: GPs were given a course on the indications and restrictions for diagnostic referral as well as the interpretation of echocardiographic results. Indications were restricted to `dyspnoea', `cardiac murmur' and `peripheral oedema'. A uniform request form was developed, using ticking boxes for quick completion. The echocardiogram was performed within one week after the request. Results were interpreted by the cardiologist according to the criteria of the Dutch, European and American Societies of Echocardiography. RESULTS: Sixty GPs from 43 general practices participated, covering a practice population of 130,000 persons. During a period of 24 months, 198 patients were referred. Only 1.5% of the workload of the echocardiography department was due to requests from GPs. The GPs kept well to the agreements on indications for echocardiography (91% approved reasons). An abnormal echocardiographic outcome was found in 53% of all patients. For `cardiac murmur' this was 52%, for `dyspnoea' 63%, and for `peripheral oedema' 58%. Left ventricular dysfunction was present in 49 patients (25%); diastolic dysfunction was present in most of them (39 patients, 19%). Systolic dysfunction (LVEF < 40%) was found in 19 patients (10%). Twenty patients (10%) appeared to have relevant aortic or mitral valve disease. CONCLUSION: GPs did not overuse the open access echocardiographic service; they possibly used it conservatively. To prevent underdiagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction, diagnostic strategies in which electrocardiogram, NT-pro-BNP and echocardiography are combined, should be developed.

Multimarker risk model containing troponin-T, interleukin 10, myeloperoxidase and placental growth factor predicts long-term cardiovascular risk after non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of seven biomarkers, which individually have been shown to be independent predictors, for use in a combined multimarker model for long-term cardiovascular outcome after non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). DESIGN AND SETTING: Levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), myeloperoxidase, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and troponin-T (TnT) were determined in patients enrolled in the CAPTURE trial. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were applied to evaluate the relation between biomarkers and the occurrence of all-cause mortality or non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI). PATIENTS: 1090 patients with NSTEACS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All-cause mortality and non-fatal MI during a median follow-up of 4 years. RESULTS: The composite endpoint was reached by 15.3% of patients. Admission levels of TnT >0.01 µg/l (adjusted HR 1.8), IL-10 <3.5 ng/l (1.7), myeloperoxidase >350 µg/l (1.5) and PlGF >27 ng/l (1.9) remained significant predictors for the incidence of all-cause mortality or non-fatal MI after multivariable adjustment for other biomarkers and clinical characteristics, whereas hsCRP, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and sCD40L were only associated with the endpoint in univariate analysis. A multimarker model consisting of TnT, IL-10, myeloperoxidase and PlGF predicted 4-year event rates that varied between 6.0% (all markers normal) and 35.8% (three or more biomarkers abnormal). CONCLUSION: In patients with NSTEACS, biomarkers characterising distinct aspects of the underlying atherosclerotic process and myocardial damage of the initial cardiac event can assist in predicting long-term adverse cardiac outcomes. The use of combinations of selected biomarkers adds incremental predictive value to further risk stratification in an otherwise seemingly homogeneous NSTEACS population.

Easy access echocardiography for the general practitioner: results from the Parkstad area in the Netherlands.

Heart failure has a low incidence in general practice but is not easy to recognize in this setting. Frequently a normal electrocardiogram and a normal level of brain natriuretic peptide can exclude heart failure as a cause for dyspnea. Unfortunately the positive predictive value of both techniques is low. Imaging with echocardiography can then give the clue to the correct diagnosis. Also correct diagnosis of cardiac murmurs is not easy in general practice. Therefore an open access echocardiographic service was established in the south of the Netherlands. According to the existing services in the United Kingdom general practitioners in this area were able to ask for an echocardiogram without referring the patient to the cardiologist. During a period of 19 months 131 patients were referred to the Centre of Medical Diagnostics for an echocardiogram. In 12% of the patients referred for dyspnea a left ventricular ejection fraction lower than 40% was found. Fourty nine percent of the patients had diastolic dysfunction. In 33% heart failure could be excluded. In 62% of the patients referred for a cardiac murmur cardiac pathology could be found. In 38% of the patients the cardiac murmur could be established as a functional murmur. The service was found to improve practice by most of the general practitioners.

Reduction of recurrent ischemia with abciximab during continuous ECG-ischemia monitoring in patients with unstable angina refractory to standard treatment (CAPTURE).

BACKGROUND: In the CAPTURE (c7E3 Fab Anti Platelet Therapy in Unstable REfractory angina) trial, 1265 patients with refractory unstable angina were treated with abciximab or placebo, in addition to standard treatment from 16 to 24 hours preceding coronary intervention through 1 hour after intervention. To investigate the incidence of recurrent ischemia and the ischemic burden, a subset of 332 patients (26%) underwent continuous vector-derived 12-lead ECG-ischemia monitoring. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were monitored from start of treatment through 6 hours after coronary intervention. Ischemic episodes were detected in 31 (18%) of the 169 abciximab and in 37 (23%) of the 163 placebo patients (NS). Only 9 (5%) of abciximab versus 22 (14%) of placebo patients had >/=2 ST episodes (P<0.01). In patients with ischemia, abciximab significantly reduced total ischemic burden (P<0.02), which was calculated alternatively as the total duration of ST episodes per patient, the area under the curve of the ST vector magnitude during episodes, or the sum of the areas under the curves of 12 leads during episodes. Twenty-one patients (6%) suffered a myocardial infarction (MI) (18) or died (3) within 5 days of treatment. The presence of asymptomatic and symptomatic ST episodes during the monitoring period preceding coronary intervention was associated with an increased relative risk of these events of 3.2 (95% CI 1.4, 7.4) and 4.1 (95% CI 1.4, 12.2), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent ischemia predicts MI or death within 5 days of follow-up. Treatment with abciximab is associated with a reduction of frequent ischemia and a reduction of total ischemic burden in patients with refractory unstable angina. As such, patients with ischemia derive particularly high benefit from abciximab.

Immunohistology of eye muscle in idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease (pseudotumor), Graves' ophthalmopathy and healthy controls.

Inflammatory orbital disease can be triggered by a variety of causes. Two such diseases are pseudotumor orbitae and Graves' ophthalmopathy, and both involve extraocular muscles. Biopsies were obtained from ocular muscles during a quiet phase in these two diseases. Biopsies obtained from a previous pseudotumor orbitae showed complement deposits and increased expression of HLA class-I antigens in the intermuscular tissue. The biopsies from two out of four pseudotumor cases and two out of four Graves' ophthalmopathy cases contained increased numbers of intermuscular HLA class-II-expressing cells. In spite of clinical remission, the local condition in all four pseudotumor cases and in two out of four cases of Graves' ophthalmopathy still suggests active inflammatory disease.

Benefit of thrombolytic therapy is sustained throughout five years and is related to TIMI perfusion grade 3 but not grade 2 flow at discharge. The European Cooperative Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Long-term follow-up in patients treated with thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction thus far has been reported in a few studies only, and no long-term follow-up is available for patients who underwent additional percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). This report describes 5-year survival as collected in patients who received placebo, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA), or rTPA with additional immediate PTCA in two European Cooperative Study Group trials. Determinants for long-term survival were assessed in 1043 patients discharged alive. METHODS AND RESULTS: Five-year follow-up information on mortality was collected. Hospital mortality was lower after rTPA than placebo (2.5% versus 5.7%, P = .04) and higher after rTPA with immediate PTCA compared with rTPA without additional intervention (6.0% versus 2.2%, P = .07). Of the 1043 hospital survivors, data were available for 923 patients, of whom 109 died. In the placebo group, mortality after hospital discharge was 10.7% versus 11.0% in the comparative rTPA group. The patients treated with rTPA and immediate PTCA had a mortality rate of 10.5% versus 8.9% in the rTPA group without PTCA (all P = NS). Significant determinants of mortality in multivariate proportional hazards analysis were enzymatic infarct size, indicators of residual left ventricular function, number of diseased vessels and TIMI perfusion grade at discharge. Patients with TIMI grade 2 flow had mortality rates similar to those with TIMI flow grades 0 and 1, while prognosis was better in patients with TIMI flow grade 3. CONCLUSIONS: The initial in-hospital benefit of thrombolysis with intravenous rTPA is maintained throughout 5 years, with no early or late beneficial effect of systematic immediate PTCA. Enzymatic infarct size, left ventricular function, and extent of coronary artery disease are predictors for long-term survival. TIMI perfusion grade 2 at discharge should be considered as an inadequate result of therapy.

Differential effects of tissue plasminogen activator and streptokinase on infarct size and on rate of enzyme release: influence of early infarct related artery patency. The GUSTO Enzyme Substudy.

BACKGROUND: The recent international GUSTO trial of 41,021 patients with acute myocardial infarction demonstrated improved 90-min infarct related artery patency as well as reduced mortality in patients treated with an accelerated regimen of tissue plasminogen activator, compared to patients treated with streptokinase. A regimen combining tissue plasminogen activator and streptokinase yielded intermediate results. The present study investigated the effects of treatment on infarct size and enzyme release kinetics in a subgroup of these patients. METHODS: A total of 553 patients from 15 hospitals were enrolled in the study. Four thrombolytic strategies were compared: streptokinase with subcutaneous heparin, streptokinase with intravenous (i.v.) heparin, tissue plasminogen activator with i.v. heparin, and streptokinase plus tissue plasminogen activator with i.v. heparin. The activity of alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) in plasma was centrally analysed and infarct size was defined as cumulative HBDH release per litre of plasma within 72 h of the first symptoms (Q(72)). Patency of the infarct-related vessel was determined by angiography in 159 patients, 90 min after treatment. RESULTS: Infarct size was 3.72 g-eq.1(-1) in patients with adequate coronary perfusion (TIMI-3) at the 90 min angiogram and larger in patients with TIMI-2 (4.35 g-eq.1(-1) or TIMI 0-1 (5.07 g-eq.1(-1) flow (P = 0.024). In this subset of the GUSTO angiographic study, early coronary patency rates (TIMI 2 + 3) were similar in the two streptokinase groups (53 and 46%). Higher, but similar, patency rates were observed in the tissue plasminogen activator and combination therapy groups (87 and 90%). Median infarct size for the four treatment groups, expressed in gram-equivalents (g-eq) of myocardium, was 4.4, 4.5, 3.9 and 3.9 g-eq per litre of plasma (P = 0.04 for streptokinase vs tissue plasminogen activator). Six hours after the first symptoms, respectively 5.3, 6.6, 14.0 and 13.6% of total HBDH release was complete (P < 0.0001 for streptokinase vs tissue plasminogen activator). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid and complete coronary reperfusion salvages myocardial tissue, resulting in limitation of infarct size and accelerated release of proteins from the myocardium. Treatment with tissue plasminogen activator, resulting in earlier reperfusion was more effective in reducing infarct size than the streptokinase regimens, which contributes to the differences in survival between treatment groups in the GUSTO trial.

Comparison of usefulness of computer assisted continuous 48-h 3-lead with 12-lead ECG ischaemia monitoring for detection and quantitation of ischaemia in patients with unstable angina.

AIMS: The selection of ECG leads used for ST monitoring may influence detection and quantitation of ischaemia. METHODS: We compared on-line continuous 48-h 12-lead against 3-lead ST monitoring in 130 unstable angina patients (Mortara. ELI-100). Onset and offset of ST episodes were defined by the lead with the first > or = 100 microV ST change relative to baseline and the lead with the latest return to baseline ST level, respectively. ST episodes were calculated for 12 leads and 3 leads (V2, V5, III) separately. RESULTS: ST episodes were detected in 88 patients (77%) by 12-lead and in 71 patients (62%) by 3-lead ST monitoring (P < 0.02). The median number (25.75%) of episodes/patient was 1 (0.3) for 3-lead and 2 (1.6) for 12-lead (P < 0.0001). The total duration of ischaemia detected during 12-lead far exceeded 3-lead monitoring: 12.3 (1, 58.2) and 1.7 (0, 23.3) min respectively (P < 0.0001). The probability of recurrent ischaemia declined most during the first 24 h of monitoring. After a period without ST changes of 1, 12, 24 and 36 h, the probabilities of recurrent ischaemia were 63, 31, 14 and 9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous 12-lead ST monitoring increases detection rate and duration of ST episodes compared to 3-lead ST monitoring. The use of continuous 12-lead ECG monitoring devices on emergency wards and coronary care units is recommended.

Pre-hospital thrombolytic therapy with either alteplase or streptokinase. Practical applications, complications and long-term results in 529 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the practical application, safety and long-term outcome of pre-hospital thrombolytic intervention with either alteplase or streptokinase in patients with extensive myocardial infarction. DESIGN: Prospective study. SUBJECTS: Patients with chest pain of more than 30 min duration, presenting within 6 h of symptom onset and with electrocardiographic evidence of extensive evolving myocardial infarction. METHODS: Eligibility of patients was established by the general practitioner or the ambulance nurse using a standardized questionnaire with (contra-) indications for thrombolytic therapy. Computerized ECG was recorded by ambulance nurses. In the presence of extensive ST segment elevation (sum ST deviation of at least 1.0 mV), eligible patients received either 100 mg alteplase (n = 246) or 50 mg alteplase in the ambulance followed by 0.75 x 10(6) IE streptokinase in hospital (n = 90), or 1.5 x 10(6) IE streptokinase intravenously (n = 193). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Death and life-threatening complications (ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest) and side effects (hypotension, allergic reactions) during transportation to hospital and in the first 24 h following hospitalization, and survival up to 5 years follow-up. RESULTS: From 1988-1993, 529 patients received thrombolytic treatment initiated pre-hospital. The time gained by pre-hospital administration of thrombolysis amounted to 50 min. The rate of complications during transportation and during the first 24 h after hospitalization was low. Hospital mortality was 2% and 1-year mortality 3%. Cumulative survival at 5 years was 92%. This was superior to the 84% 5-year survival observed in a matched group of 239 patients with similar baseline characteristics treated with alteplase in hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-hospital administration of either alteplase or streptokinase is feasible and safe and results in significant time gain. The long-term prognosis is excellent in spite of extensive evolving myocardial infarction upon admission.

Elevated troponin T and C-reactive protein predict impaired outcome for 4 years in patients with refractory unstable angina, and troponin T predicts benefit of treatment with abciximab in combination with PTCA.

AIMS: Treatment with the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist abciximab before and during coronary intervention in refractory unstable angina improves early outcome. We collected 4-year follow-up data to assess whether this benefit is sustained. Additionally, we investigated the predictive value of baseline troponin T and CRP for long-term cardiovascular events. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of 1265 patients enrolled in the CAPTURE trial follow-up was available in 94% of the patients alive after 6 months (median 48 months). Survival was similar in both groups. Both elevated troponin T and CRP were associated with impaired outcome, independently of other established risk factors, but with a different time course. Elevated troponin was associated with increased procedure related risk, and elevated CRP with increased risk for subsequent events. Lower rates of the composite end-point of death or myocardial infarction with abciximab vs. placebo were sustained during long-term follow up: 15.7% vs 17.2% at 4 years (P=ns), particularly in patients with elevated troponin T: 16.9% with abciximab vs 28.4% with placebo: P=0.015. Elevated CRP was not associated with specific benefit of abciximab. CONCLUSION: Troponin T as a marker of thrombosis and CRP as a marker of inflammation are independent predictors of impaired outcome at 4 years follow-up. The initial benefit from abciximab with regard to death and myocardial infarction was preserved at 4 years. No specific benefit with abciximab was observed for patients with elevated CRP, suggesting that a chronic inflammatory process is not affected by abciximab. In contrast the benefit of treatment in patients with elevated troponin T implies that the acute thrombotic process in refractory unstable angina is treated effectively.

Continuous ST-segment monitoring associated with infarct size and left ventricular function in the GUSTO-I trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether in patients with myocardial infarction, the intensity and duration of myocardial ischemia as measured by continuous ST monitoring are associated with infarct size and residual left ventricular function. METHODS AND RESULTS: The analyses included patients with myocardial infarction, receiving thrombolytic therapy, who were enrolled in the electrocardiographic substudy of GUSTO-I, monitored by a vector-derived 12-lead electrocardiographic recording system, and in whom either infarct size (defined as cumulative release of alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity per liter of plasma over a 72-hour period [Q(72)]) or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined. With the use of linear regression analysis, we investigated the association of various ST-trend characteristics with Q(72) (206 patients) and with LVEF (180 patients). A higher area under the ST trend since thrombolysis until 50% ST recovery and a higher area under recurrent ischemic episodes (ST reelevations) were significantly associated with a higher Q(72), whereas only a higher area under recurrent ischemic episodes was significantly associated with a lower LVEF. These associations remained after adjusting for other patient characteristics such as age, sex, infarct location, and time to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the physiologic hypothesis that both the intensity and duration of myocardial ischemia (both reflected by the estimated areas under the ST-trend curve) determine myocardial damage and thus are associated with infarct size and ejection fraction in patients with acute myocardial infarction who receive thrombolytic therapy.

Anticoagulant properties, clinical efficacy and safety of efegatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, in patients with unstable angina.

AIMS: Thrombin plays a key role in the clinical syndrome of unstable angina. We investigated the safety and efficacy of five dose levels of efegatran sulphate, a direct thrombin inhibitor, compared to heparin in patients with unstable angina. METHODS: Four hundred and thirty-two patients with unstable angina were enrolled. Five dose levels of efegatran were studied sequentially, ranging from 0.105 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)to 1.2 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)over 48 h. Safety was assessed clinically, with reference to bleeding and by measuring clinical laboratory parameters. Efficacy was assessed by the number of patients experiencing any episode of recurrent ischaemia as measured by computer-assisted continuous ECG ischaemia monitoring. Clinical end-points were: episodes of recurrent angina, myocardial infarction, coronary intervention (PTCA or CABG), and death. RESULTS: Efegatran demonstrated dose dependent ex-vivo anticoagulant activity with the highest dose level of 1.2 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)resulting in steady state mean activated partial thromboplastin time values of approximately three times baseline. Thrombin time was also increased. Neither of the efegatran doses studied were able to suppress myocardial ischaemia during continuous ECG ischaemia monitoring to a greater extent than that seen with heparin. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical outcome or major bleeding between the efegatran and heparin groups. Minor bleeding and thrombophlebitis occurred more frequently in the efegatran treated patients. CONCLUSION: Administration of efegatran sulphate at levels of at least 0.63 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)provided an anti-thrombotic effect which is at least comparable to an activated partial thromboplastin time adjusted heparin infusion. There was no excess of major bleeding. The level of thrombin inhibition by efegatran, as measured by activated partial thromboplastin time, appeared to be more stable than with heparin. Thus, like other thrombin inhibitors, efegatran sulphate is easier to administer than heparin. However, no clinical benefits of efegatran over heparin were apparent.

Angiographic and clinical one-year follow-up of the Cordis tantalum coil stent in a multicenter international study demonstrating improved restenosis rates when compared to pooled PTCA and BENESTENT-I data: the European Antiplatelet Stent Investigation (EASI).

The Cordis tantalum coil stent was assessed in a nonrandomized multicenter trial: 275 patients with stable or unstable angina were entered. Clinical follow-up was for 1 year, with repeat angiography at 6 months. The major adverse cardiac event rates (MACE) were 3%, 14%, and 17% at 1, 7, and 13 months, respectively. The procedural success rate was 96% and the subacute occlusion rate 1.5%, in a group of patients over 60% of whom had ACC/AHA type B2 or C lesions. The binary restenosis rate at 6 months was 17.3%. Minimum lumen diameter increased from 1.07 +/- 0.28 mm preprocedure to 2.93 +/- 0.34 mm poststenting and at 6 months was 1.99 +/- 0.69 mm. These results demonstrate that the Cordis tantalum stent can be used to treat complex lesions with good procedural success and low rates of subacute thrombosis and restenosis at 6 months.