Impact of Access Site on Periprocedural Bleeding and Cerebral and Coronary Events in High-Bleeding-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Findings from the RIVA-PCI Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The preference for using transradial access (TRA) over transfemoral access (TFA) in patients requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is based on evidence suggesting that TRA is associated with less bleeding and fewer vascular complications, shorter hospital stays, improved quality of life, and a potential beneficial effect on mortality. We have limited study data comparing the two access routes in a patient population with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing PCI, who have a particular increased risk of bleeding, while AF itself is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. METHODS: Using data from the RIVA-PCI registry, which includes patients with AF undergoing PCI, we analyzed a high-bleeding-risk (HBR) cohort. These patients were predominantly on oral anticoagulants (OAC) for AF, and the PCI was performed via radial or femoral access. Endpoints examined were in-hospital bleeding (BARC 2-5), cerebral events (TIA, hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke) and coronary events (stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction). RESULTS: Out of 1636 patients, 854 (52.2%) underwent TFA, while 782 (47.8%) underwent the procedure via TRA, including nine patients with brachial artery puncture. The mean age was 75.5 years. Groups were similar in terms of age, sex distribution, AF type, cardiovascular history, risk factors, and comorbidities, except for a higher incidence of previous bypass surgeries, heart failure, hyperlipidemia, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 ml/min in the TFA group. No clinically relevant differences in antithrombotic therapy and combinations were present at the time of PCI. However, upon discharge, transradial PCI patients had a higher rate of triple therapy, while dual therapy was preferred after transfemoral procedures. Radial access was more frequently chosen for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina pectoris (UAP) cases (NSTEMI 26.6% vs. 17.0%, p < 0.0001; UAP 21.5% vs. 14.5%, p < 0.001), while femoral access was more common for elective PCI (60.3% vs. 44.1%, p < 0.0001). No differences were observed for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Both groups had similar rates of cerebral events (TFA 0.2% vs. TRA 0.3%, p = 0.93), but the TFA group had a higher incidence of bleeding (BARC 2-5) (4.2% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.01), mainly driven by BARC 3 bleeding (1.5% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.05). No significant differences were found for stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction (TFA 0.2% vs. TRA 0.3%, p = 0.93; TFA 0.4% vs. TRA 0.1%, p = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: In HBR patients with AF undergoing PCI for acute or chronic coronary syndrome, the use of TRA might be associated with a decrease in in-hospital bleeding, while not increasing the risk of embolic or ischemic events compared to femoral access. Further studies are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

Rivaroxaban in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Clinical Practice.

Little is known about the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in clinical practice. We therefore conducted a prospective observational study to determine the rate of ischemic, embolic, and bleeding events in patients with AF and PCI treated with rivaroxaban in a real-world experience. The RIVA-PCI ("rivaroxaban in patients with AF who underwent PCI") (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03315650) is a prospective, noninterventional, multicenter study with a follow-up until 14 months, including patients with AF who underwent PCI discharged with rivaroxaban. Between January 2018 and March 2020, 700 patients with PCI treated with rivaroxaban (elective in 50.1%, non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome 43.0%, ST-elevation myocardial infarction in 6.9%) were enrolled at 51 German hospitals. After PCI, a dual antithrombotic therapy consisting of rivaroxaban and a P2Y12 inhibitor was administered in 70.7% and triple antithrombotic therapy in 27.9%, respectively. Follow-up information could be obtained in 695 patients (99.3%). Rivaroxaban has been stopped prematurely in 21.6% of patients. Clinical events under rivaroxaban during the 14-month follow-up compared with those observed in the PIONEER-AF PCI trial included cardiovascular death (2.0% % vs 2.0%), myocardial infarction (0.9% vs 3.0%), stent thrombosis (0.2% vs 0.8%), stroke (1.3% vs 1.3%), International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis major (4.2% vs 3.9%), and International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding (15.3% vs 12.9%). Therefore, in this real-world experience, rivaroxaban in patients with AF who underwent PCI is associated with ischemic and bleeding event rates comparable with those observed in the randomized PIONEER-AF PCI trial.

Current status of antithrombotic therapy and in-hospital outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about current patterns of antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in clinical practice in Germany. METHODS: The RIVA-PCI is a prospective, non-interventional, multicenter study with follow-up until hospital discharge including consecutive patients with AF undergoing PCI. RESULTS: Between January 2018 and March 2020, 1636 patients (elective in 52.6%, non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome [NSTE-ACS] in 39.3%, ST-elevation myocardial infarction in 8.2%) from 51 German hospitals were enrolled in the study. After PCI a dual antithrombotic therapy (DAT) consisting of OAC and a P2Y12 inhibitor was given to 66.0%, triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) to 26.0%, dual antiplatelet therapy to 5.5%, and a mono-therapy to 2.5% of the patients. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were given to 82.4% and vitamin K antagonists to 11.5% of the patients. In-hospital events included death in 12 cases (0.7%), myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and ischemic stroke in four (0.2%) patients each, while 2.8% of patients had bleeding complications. The recommended durations for DAT or TAT at discharge were 1 month (1.5%), 3 months (2.1%), 6 months (43.1%), and 12 months (45.6%), with a 6-month course of DAT (47.7%) most often recommended after elective PCI and a 12-month course of DAT (40.1%) after ACS. CONCLUSION: The preferred therapy after PCI in patients with AF is DAT with a NOAC and clopidogrel. In-hospital ischemic and bleeding events were rare. The recommended durations for combination therapy vary considerably.

Immunomodulation by interleukin-4 suppresses matrix metalloproteinases and improves cardiac function in murine myocarditis.

Immune response is critically involved in determining the course of viral myocarditis and immunomodulation. Different cytokines may have either deleterious or protective effects. Following acute Coxsackievirus B3 infection, intramyocardial inflammation is associated with altered myocardial matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and left ventricular dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the effect of exogenous interleukin-4 treatment on myocardial inflammation, MMPs and left ventricular function in Coxsackievirus B3-induced acute murine myocarditis. Eight-week-old inbred male BALB/c (H-2d) mice (The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA) were used. Myocardial inflammation was measured by immunohistochemical detection of CD3(+)-, CD8a(+)-T-lymphocytes, and CD11b+ macrophages. In situ hybridization was used to detect enteroviral genome in the myocardium. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect cytokine and MMP mRNA. MMP activity was quantified by zymography analysis. Detection of myocytolysis was performed by Luxol fast blue staining. In the early acute phase, in comparison to infected mice without treatment, interleukin-4 administration (200 ng daily) reduced intramyocardial inflammation (CD3+ lymphocytes: 55.3+/-7.0 vs. 72.1+/-13.7 cells/mm2, P < 0.05; CD8a+ lymphocytes: 31.7+/-3.6 vs. 64.2+/-7.7 cells/mm2, P < 0.05; CD11b+ macrophages: 5.1+/-2.3 vs. 13.2+/-2.5 cells/mm2, P < 0.05). It also down-regulated interleukin-2 (IL) (1.7-fold, P < 0.001) but increased transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF) (1.5-fold, P < 0.001) and IL-4 (1.4-fold, P < 0.001). IL-4 suppressed MMP-2/-3/-9 transcription and activity. These biochemical alterations were accompanied by a significant improvement of left ventricular function as assessed by Milar tip catheter (left ventricular endsystolic pressure, 1.3-fold, P < 0.01; dP/dt max, 1.5-fold, P < 0.01). Immunomodulation by exogenous IL-4 treatment may lead to an anti-inflammatory effect with the inhibition of Th1 cell phenotypic response, which may further mediate the down-regulation of MMPs. A significant suppression of MMPs may mainly contribute to an improvement of left ventricular dysfunction in acute murine CVB3-induced myocarditis.

Adventitial VEGF165 gene transfer prevents lumen loss through induction of positive arterial remodeling after PTCA in porcine coronary arteries.

Negative arterial remodeling still plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary restenosis even in the era of interventional stenting (e.g. arterial narrowing occurs proximal and distal of a stented segment). Previous studies suggest that increased angiogenesis and inhibited regression of injury-induced adventitial microvessels prevents negative remodeling. We have examined the effect of local vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF(165)) gene transfer on adventitial microvessel angiogenesis/regression and arterial remodeling after coronary angioplasty. Twenty pigs underwent angioplasty, each one in two major coronary arteries, followed by plasmid liposome gene transfer with either VEGF(165) or control gene LacZ (50 microg DNA with 50 microg of Lipofectine) into the (peri)adventitial space using a needle injection catheter. Arteries were examined at days 1, 7, 14, and 28. Local delivery of VEGF(165) gene into the outer compartments of balloon-injured porcine coronary arteries reduced lumen area loss due to distinct positive remodeling (arterial enlargement). Prevention of adventitial microvessel regression, enhanced adventitial elastin accumulation, reduced adventitial myofibroblast numbers, and a pronounced adventitial inflammatory response considered as a part of arterial healing seem to be the main VEGF-mediated mechanisms indicating the therapeutic potential of VEGF for restenosis prevention.

Abciximab therapy is associated with increased platelet activation and decreased heparin dosage in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

The inhibition of the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor for reducing periprocedural ischemic events in patients undergoing coronary intervention is known to influence platelet reactivity. Suboptimal doses of GP IIb/IIIa antagonists have been suggested to be prothrombotic and proinflammatory. This study was performed to observe platelet activation markers, whole blood aggregation and the dosage of unfractionated heparin (UFH) in the presence or absence of the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab. Patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were treated with (n = 15) or without (n = 15) abciximab. Platelet activation markers were flow cytometrically measured before and after PCI. Whole blood platelet aggregation was tested by a platelet function assay. The patients with abciximab showed a significant increase in platelet activation markers (P-selectin: 7.12 +/- 0.36 AU vs 11.05 +/- 0.79 AU) and a lower requirement of UFH to prolong aPTT > 60 sec during the infusion. 12 hours after infusion P-selectin level decreased (7.20 +/- 0.58 AU), whereas whole blood aggregation was increasing again. After stopping abciximab, requirement of UFH to prolong aPTT increased in the treated group to a greater extent to a level similar to the untreated group even when most of the platelets were still inhibited. The increased platelet activation found at the end of abciximab treatment points to a procoaguable condition that should be carefully monitored and treated by adapting anticoagulation and antiplatelet drugs.

ADP induced platelet degranulation in healthy individuals is reduced by clopidogrel after pretreatment with atorvastatin.

Statins inhibit platelet reactivity and reduce blood thrombogenicity. The effectiveness of clopidogrel in inhibiting platelet reactivity was suggested to be reduced in the presence of atorvastatin due to shared enzymes in metabolism. Healthy individuals, 17 pretreated with atorvastatin (20 mg/d for 3 days) and 17 without pretreatment, as well as 15 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and concurrent atorvastatin therapy were started on clopidogrel (loading dose 300 mg, then 75 mg/d). P-selectin on platelet surface after stimulation with ADP or Thrombin Receptor Activating Peptide (TRAP) was flow cytometrically measured before and during clopidogrel administration. Whole blood platelet agglutination was tested by a platelet function assay.TRAP and - in trend - ADP induced p-selectin exposure was reduced by the atorvastatin pretreatment before clopidogrel was added. Combining clopidogrel with atorvastatin in the healthy individuals led to a further reduction in ADP-induced platelet p-selectin exposure. Clopidogrel also reduced platelet reactivity in CAD patients with concurrent atorvastatin medication. We conclude that pretreatment with atorvastatin reduces platelet reactivity before administration of clopidgrel. No drug interaction was seen, however, platelet inhibitory effects were observed during the treatment with clopidogrel and atorvastatin.

Hemodynamic characterization of left ventricular function in experimental coxsackieviral myocarditis: effects of carvedilol and metoprolol.

BACKGROUND: Carvedilol, a vasodilating nonselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, but not metoprolol, a selective beta1-adrenoceptor antagonist, has been shown to increase the production of cardiac antiinflammatory cytokines in experimental myocarditis. However, the hemodynamic consequences of these differences had not been investigated until today. Therefore, we determined the effects of carvedilol and metoprolol on left ventricular function in a murine model of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced myocarditis. METHODS: BALB/c mice were inoculated with the coxsackie-B3 virus. Four and 10 days after infection, left ventricular function was investigated using a conductance micromanometer system. Additional groups were treated starting 24 h after infection using equipotent doses of carvedilol and metoprolol and studied on day 10. RESULTS: On day 4, infected mice manifested increased afterload-enhanced contractility and abnormal diastolic function. On day 10, contractile function of untreated mice was impaired. Carvedilol significantly improved cardiac index and most systolic indices, whereas metoprolol was substantially less effective. Diastolic dysfunction was not influenced by either of the beta-adrenoceptor antagonists. CONCLUSIONS: These hemodynamic data indicate that not only beta1-adrenoceptor blockade but also pleiotropic effects are involved in the cardioprotective effects of carvedilol on the pathophysiology of acute viral myocarditis.

Leukocyte CD15 expression and platelet activation in the coronary sinus after coronary intervention.

Markers associated with coronary restenosis must be identified to develop therapeutic strategies for improving the clinical outcome. We studied whether adhesion proteins on leukocytes and platelets from coronary sinus blood were associated with restenosis after coronary intervention in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Adhesion proteins on platelets and leukocytes were measured by flow cytometry. Pre- and postinterventional leukocyte CD15 expression was significantly higher in patients with restenosis than in those without it. Increased leukocyte CD15 expression during the intervention may contribute to coronary restenosis. Inhibition of leukocyte adhesion may be useful for the prevention of restenosis.

sICAM-1 correlates with myocardial ICAM-1 expression in dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is etiopathogenically linked to intramyocardial inflammation, which is reflected by ICAM-1 abundance. We investigated whether soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) levels in the sera of DCM patients are associated with intramyocardial ICAM-1 expression. METHODS: Immunohistochemically detected ICAM-1 expression was quantified semiquantitatively in endomyocardial biopsies from DCM patients (n=45; n=17 females; age: 48+/-15 years) and from n=12 donor hearts (controls) by a human observer (baseline vs. enhanced expression) and quantitatively by a digital image analysis (DIA) system. The DIA-measured qualities were area fraction (AF), surface-volume ratio (SVR) and integral optical density (ID). The sICAM-1 levels of the DCM patients and n=12 healthy volunteers (controls) were measured by ELISA (means of duplicate measurements). Intramyocardial ICAM-1 expression and sICAM-1 levels were compared in these DCM patients. RESULTS: Of the DCM patients, n=24 (53%) demonstrated statistically higher sICAM-1 levels compared to controls (>198 ng/ml). By semiquantitative and quantitative DIA evaluation, endothelial ICAM-1 abundance was present in n=25 (56%) of the DCM biopsies. sICAM-1 correlated significantly (P<0.001) both with the semiquantitatively assessed and the DIA-measured ICAM-1-AF, the ICAM-1-SVR and the ICAM-1-ID. The positive predictive value of sICAM-1 measurements for intramyocardial ICAM-1 abundance was 96%, and the negative predictive value was 71%, with a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.93. Furthermore, sICAM-1 levels correlated with intramyocardial T-lymphocytic (CD2+/CD3+) infiltrates (P<0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of non-invasively obtained sICAM-1 reliably reflects intramyocardial ICAM-1 expression and may therefore serve as a non-invasive marker of inflammatory activity in DCM.

Interferon-beta treatment eliminates cardiotropic viruses and improves left ventricular function in patients with myocardial persistence of viral genomes and left ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Viral infections are important causes of myocarditis and may induce cardiac dysfunction and finally lead to dilated cardiomyopathy. We investigated whether interferon (IFN)-beta therapy is safe and may achieve virus clearance and prevent deterioration of left ventricular (LV) function in patients with myocardial virus persistence. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this phase II study, 22 consecutive patients with persistence of LV dysfunction (history of symptoms, 44+/-27 months) and polymerase chain reaction-proven enteroviral or adenoviral genomes were treated with 18x10(6) IU/week IFN-beta (Beneferon) subcutaneously for 24 weeks. Histological and immunohistological analysis of endomyocardial biopsies was used to characterize myocardial inflammation. LV diameters and ejection fraction were assessed by echocardiography and angiography, respectively. During the treatment period, IFN-beta was well tolerated by all patients. No patient deteriorated. Clearance of viral genomes was observed in 22 of 22 of patients after antiviral therapy. Virus clearance was paralleled by a significant decrease of LV end diastolic and end systolic diameters, decreasing from 59.7+/-11.1 to 56.5+/-10.0 mm (P<0.001) and 43.2+/-13.6 to 39.4+/-12.1 mm (P<0.001), respectively. LV ejection fraction increased from 44.6+/-15.5% to 53.1+/-16.8% (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A 6 months, IFN-beta treatment was safe in patients with myocardial enteroviral or adenoviral persistence and LV dysfunction and resulted in elimination of viral genomes (22 of 22 patients) and improved LV function (15 of 22 patients).

[Mechanisms of extracellular matrix remodeling in dilated cardiomyopathy]. / Remodeling der extrazellulären Matrix bei dilatativer Kardiomyopathie.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms underlying myocardial remodeling during heart failure have historically been attributed as the consequence of intrinsic changes in cardiac myocytes. Nevertheless, over the last several years, it has become increasingly evident that disruption of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis is also a deciding factor for the progression of myocardial failure. PATHOGENETIC MECHANISMS: Collagens, the chief components of extracellular matrix, are a tightly regulated family of proteins that determine the structural and functional integrity of heart. Synthesis of collagens is regulated at the cellular level while deposition of these proteins depend on a balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMPs). Infiltrating inflammatory cells are major producers of MMPs though myocardial cells are also found to synthesize these proteolytic enzymes. However, immune-mediated regulation of myocardial collagen synthesis and deposition during myocardial inflammation remains poorly understood. It seems likely that a paracrine/autorine effect of a repertoire of cytokines on inflammatory cells and myocardial cells may lead to an imbalance in myocardial MMP/TIMP ratio resulting, eventually, in altered myocardial extracellular matrix architecture and contribute significantly to the development of left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Attempts to delineate the cross-talk between immune cells, myocardial cells and extracellular matrix are important as chronic myocardial inflammation is documented in about 50% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Collagen degradation in a murine myocarditis model: relevance of matrix metalloproteinase in association with inflammatory induction.

OBJECTIVE: Myocardial collagen degradation is regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMPs). The possible relevance of MMPs in association with the inflammatory induction was investigated in a murine coxsackievirus B3 myocarditis model. METHODS: Hearts from viral infected and sham-infected BALB/c mice were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, picrosirius red staining, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In viral infected mice, both mRNA and protein abundance for collagen type I remained unaltered. In addition, picrosirius red staining showed the unchanged total collagen content. However, degraded soluble fraction of collagen type I protein was increased. Moreover, the mRNA abundance for MMP-3 and MMP-9 was upregulated, whereas the mRNAs for TIMP-1 and TIMP-4 were downregulated, respectively. The upregulation of MMP-3/MMP-9 and downregulation of TIMP-4 were confirmed at the protein level, and were associated with significantly increased mRNA levels of interleukin 1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta1 and interleukin-4. CONCLUSION: The increment of MMPs in the absence of counterbalance by TIMPs may lead to a functional defect of the myocardial collagen network by posttranslational mechanisms. This may contribute significantly to the development of left ventricular dysfunction in murine viral myocarditis. The inflammatory response with induction of cytokines may mediate the dysregulation of the myocardial MMP/TIMP systems.