Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin and lactate dehydrogenase as predictors of left ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION: The main impact of myocardial infarction (MI) is shifting from acute mortality to adverse remodeling, chronic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, and heart failure. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess relationships between levels of circulating biomarkers and the function of LV after MI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of 80 patients with MI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. Novel biomarkers including mid­regional pro­adrenomedullin (MR­proADM), Notch­1, syndecan­4, myeloperoxidase, S­100 protein, soluble ST­2, as well as markers of inflammatory response and tissue injury: galectin­3, C­reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin­6 (IL­6) were assessed in the acute phase of MI. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and 6 month Results: Adverse remodeling, defined as more than 20% increase in LV end­diastolic volume, occurred in 26% of patients. Reverse remodeling (>10% reduction in LV end­systolic volume) was observed in 52% of patients. In the univariable analysis, higher levels of MR­proADM and LDH were predictors of adverse remodeling and higher levels of MR ­proADM, LDH, CRP, and IL ­6 were negative predictors of reverse remodeling. In the multivariable model, LDH remained an independent predictor of adverse remodeling (odds ratio [OR], 3.13; 95% CI, 1.42-8.18; P = 0.003) and a negative predictor of reverse remodeling (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.17-0.8; P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: LDH and MR ­proADM seem to be promising biomarkers of adverse remodeling. On the other hand, higher levels of these biomarkers were associated with reduced chance of occurrence of favorable reverse remodeling in MI patients. However, further studies on larger groups of patients are necessary to confirm these data.

Body mass index and long-term outcomes in patients with chronic total occlusions undergoing retrograde endovascular revascularization of the infra-inguinal lower limb arteries.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and long-term clinical outcomes in retrograde endovascular recanalization (ER) regarding chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of the infra-inguinal lower limb arteries. METHODS: The study included patients who underwent retrograde ER of CTOs localized in superficial, popliteal or below-the-knee arteries. During follow-up, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular and major adverse lower limb events (MALE) were evaluated. MALE was defined as amputation, target lesion re-intervention, target vessel re-intervention and surgical treatment. RESULTS: The study included 405 patients at the mean age of 67.2 ± 10.4. The authors divided the overall group of patients according to BMI into < 25 (n = 156, 38.5%) and ≥ 25 kg/m2 (n = 249, 61.5%), and then into < 30 (n = 302, 75.8%) and ≥ 30 kg/m2 (n = 103, 24.2%). During the average follow-up 1,144.9 ± 664.3 days, the mortality rate was higher in the group of patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (10.5% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.051), and in the group of patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 (8.7% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.048). The comparison of Kaplan-Meier curves revealed borderline differences when assessing months to death for the BMI < 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.057) and BMI < 30 kg/m2 (p = 0.056) grouping variables. CONCLUSIONS: Obese and overweight patients undergoing CTO ER of the lower limb arteries from retrograde access are related to lower death rates during long-term follow-up.

Mortality and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients treated with endovascular revascularization of the infra-inguinal lower limb arteries from retrograde access.

BACKGROUND: In this trial, our objective was to evaluate the relationship between long-term clinical outcomes in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) treated with retrograde endovascular recanalization (ER) of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) regarding the infra-inguinal lower limb arteries and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: A total of 834 consecutive subjects were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 67.8±10.6 years (62.6% males). COPD was diagnosed in 98 patients (11.7%). The infra-inguinal location included the deep, superficial and common femoral artery, popliteal artery or below the knee arteries. During follow-up, we evaluated major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and major adverse limb events (MALE). MACCE was considered as death, stroke/transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting operation, while MALE regarded amputation, target lesion re-intervention, target vessel re-intervention and surgical action. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 1,144.9±664.3 days and the interquartile range was 1,110.5 (504.5-1,734.7). Data were collected between 2006 and 2016. We noticed significant differences in death rates among the COPD and non-COPD groups. The cumulative number of events (deaths) was 12.2%, 17.3%, 18.4%, 22.4%, 23.5%, 23.5% and 23.5% in the COPD group and 6.1%, 7.5%, 10.5%, 11.3%, 11.4% 11.5% and 11.5% in the non-COPD group after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 years of follow-up, and was notably greater for COPD (P=0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COPD and PAD treated with the ER and retrograde approach due to CTOs are related to higher mortality than non-COPD patients.

Direct Rapid Left Ventricular Wire Pacing during Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty.

BACKGROUND: Rapid ventricular pacing is mandatory for optimal balloon positioning during aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in patients with severe aortic stenosis. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of direct left ventricular (LV) guidewire pacing in comparison with regular pacing induced by temporary pacemaker (PM) placement in the right ventricle. METHODS: Direct rapid LV pacing was provided with a 0.035″ guidewire. Baseline clinical characteristics, echocardiographic and procedural data, as well as complication rates, were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients undergoing BAV were enrolled (49.5% with direct LV guidewire pacing). The pacing success rate was 100%. In the direct LV guidewire pacing group, we found a lower radiation dose, shorter fluoroscopy and overall procedural time (0.16 vs. 0.28 Gy, p = 0.02; 5.4 vs. 10.3 min, p = 0.01; 17 vs. 25 min, p = 0.01; respectively). In addition, the complication rate was lower in that group (cardiac tamponades, vascular access site complications, blood transfusions rate, and in-hospital mortality: 0% vs. 3.9%; 4.0% vs. 15.7%; 2.0% vs. 12.7%; 2.0% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.01 for all, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Direct rapid LV guidewire pacing is a simple, safe and effective option for BAV with a reduced complication rate compared to a temporary PM placed in the right ventricle.

Gender differences and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with chronic total occlusions of infrainguinal lower limb arteries treated from retrograde access with peripheral vascular interventions.

PURPOSE: We sought to investigate gender-related differences in clinical outcomes after peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs) from retrograde access in patients with chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of the infrainguinal arteries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 939 consecutive patients undergoing PVI were enrolled in the study. Patients with peripheral artery diseases (PAD) and CTOs were treated with PVI from retrograde access according to the local protocol. The participants were divided according to gender. Retrograde access included distal puncturing to reach the CTO. The mean follow-up lasted 1,144.9 ± 664.3 days. Baseline characteristics, procedural and long-term outcomes were compared according to gender. RESULTS: Women represented 37.4% of the study population, and more frequently suffered from hypertension (92% vs. 86%, p = 0.001) and diabetes (54% vs. 46%, p = 0.02). Males more often presented with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14.8% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.0003), coronary artery disease (45.4% vs. 32.7%, p = 0.0001), smoking (60.4% vs. 45%, p = 0.007) and prior PVI (25% vs. 17%, p = 0.005). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves at 5 years did not reveal gender-related differences in mortality (p = 0.8), whereas men were at a significantly higher risk of re-PVI during the follow-up period (p = 0.047). Male gender was an independent predictor of re-PVI (Hazard ratio: 1.276; 95% confidence interval: 1.015-1.614, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Males are at increased risk of re-PVI compared to females with PAD and CTOs of infrainguinal arteries treated with PVI from retrograde access.

Predictors of mortality and outcomes after retrograde endovascular angioplasty in patients with peripheral artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: Endovascular revascularization (ER) techniques in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have been developed and became more accessible in recent years. The ER is a first-line treatment in the majority of patients with symptomatic PAD. However, data on assessment of predictors of long-term outcomes of retrograde ER in patients with PAD are scarce. AIM: To evaluate predictors of long-term outcomes of retrograde ER in patients with chronic total occlusion in lower limb arteries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed data of 834 patients who underwent retrograde ER. Baseline clinical characteristics and procedural data were collected. Patients were followed up for 36 months, and the primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: All patients were symptomatic and had failed antegrade ER. The procedural success rate was 92%. Cumulative all-cause mortality was 13.4% at 36-month follow-up. In multivariate analysis history of stroke, Rutherford category, chronic limb ischemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and previous ER of other lesion were independent predictors of a higher mortality rate after 36 months (hazard ratio (HR) for stroke 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55-3.66; p = 0.0002; HR for age per 10 years 1.37, 95% CI: 1.15-1.64; p = 0.0002; HR for Rutherford category 1.63, 95% CI: 1.35-1.98; p < 0.0001, HR for chronic limb ischemia 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25-0.8, p = 0.007; HR for CKD 1.73, 95% CI: 1.14-2.56, p = 0.01; HR for COPD 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-3.7, p = 0.0004; HR for previous ER 0.59, 95% CI: 0.35-0.94, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: History of stroke, Rutherford category, chronic limb ischemia, CKD, COPD, and previous ER of other lesion were independently associated with increased risk of all-cause death.

Safety of bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin in endovascular revascularization of peripheral arteries in short- and long-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are considered as a high-risk group for hemorrhagic events. AIM: To assess the safety of bivalirudin vs. unfractionated heparin (UFH) in percutaneous peripheral interventions (PPI) in short- and long-term follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective single-center, observational study included 160 patients, undergoing PPI. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the use of anticoagulation - unfractionated heparin (UFH group) or bivalirudin (Biv. group) - and observed up to 5 years. RESULTS: The UFH group consisted of 101 patients and the Biv. group consisted of 59. We registered the following end points during in-hospital observation: 1 death (0.63% Biv, p = 0.18), 12 hematomas at puncture site (0.63% Biv. vs. 7.05% UFH, p = 0.04), 2 pseudoaneurysms (1.27% UFH, p = 0.29), thrombosis (0.63% UFH, p = 0.45), 1 bleeding from puncture site (0.63% UFH, p = 0.45). The total number of hemorrhagic complications was 1.24% in the Biv. group and 8.07% in the UFH group (p = 0.04). During long-term follow-up of 65.7 ±36.4 months the all-cause mortality rate was higher in the Biv. group (8.59% Biv vs. 0% in UFH group, p = 0.009). Regression analysis showed that bivalirudin administration is a risk factor for increased mortality risk (p = 0.003, OR = 15, 95% CI: 3.3-107.8). CONCLUSIONS: Usage of UFH was associated with a higher number of hemorrhagic complications, especially hematomas at the puncture site in comparison to patients receiving bivalirudin.

Impact of Coronary Artery Disease and Diabetes Mellitus on the Long-Term Follow-Up in Patients after Retrograde Recanalization of the Femoropopliteal Arterial Region.

The most relevant comorbidities in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). However, data of long-term follow-up of patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) are scarce. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of CAD and DM on long-term follow-up patients after superficial femoral artery (SFA) CTO retrograde recanalization. In this study, eighty-six patients with PAD with diagnosed CTO in the femoropopliteal region and at least one unsuccessful attempt of antegrade recanalization were enrolled in 2 clinical centers. Mean time of follow-up in all patients was 47.5 months (±40 months). Patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence of CAD (CAD group: n = 45 vs. non-CAD group: n = 41) and DM (DM group: n = 50 vs. non-DM group: n = 36). In long-term follow-up, major adverse peripheral events (MAPE) occurred in 66.6% of patients with CAD vs. 36.5% of patients without CAD and in 50% of patients with DM vs. 55% of non-DM subjects. There were no statistical differences in peripheral endpoints in both groups. However, there was a statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality: in the DM group, there were 6 deaths (12%) (P value = 0.038). To conclude, patients after retrograde recanalization, with coexisting CTO and DM, are at higher risk of death in long-term follow-up.

Hospitalization Length after Myocardial Infarction: Risk-Assessment-Based Time of Hospital Discharge vs. Real Life Practice.

According to guidelines, it is safe for low-risk patients with myocardial infarction (MI) to be discharged within 72 h of hospitalization. However, results coming from registries show that the hospital stay is often much longer in a real-life situation. Data on the length of the hospital stay (LOS) of MI patients in Polish centers are lacking. We enrolled 212 consecutive patients with acute MI. Low-risk patients were defined according to PAMI II criteria: age <70 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >45%, no persistent ventricular arrhythmia, and no multi-vessel disease (MVD). The median of the hospitalization length was eight days (Q1: 6; Q3: 9). In low-risk patients (25%), the median of LOS was six days (Q1: 5; Q3: 7) (p < 0.001). In a logistic regression analysis patients age, LVEF, ST-segment-elevation MI and the presence of MVD were independent predictors of longer hospitals stay (≥8 days). During follow up, there were no significant differences in the rates of clinical events between patients with shorter (<8 days) and longer (≥8 days) hospitalization. In a real-life situation, the LOS, even in low-risk patients is much longer than recommended in the guidelines.

CHA2DS2-VASc and R2-CHA2DS2-VASc scores predict in-hospital and post-discharge outcome in patients with myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: The CHA2DS2-VASc and R2-CHA2DS2-VASc scores were initially designed to evaluate the risk of cerebrovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, these scales consist of parameters which are well known as general risk factors for cardiovascular events. AIM: To assess the role of the CHA2DS2-VASc and R2-CHA2DS2-VASc scores in predicting outcome of patients with myocardial infarction (MI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 212 consecutive patients with both ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation MI referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients were divided into two groups depending on the CHA2DS2-VASc score: ≤ 3 (low score) and > 3 points (high score). RESULTS: The group with a CHA2DS2-VASc score > 3 points consisted of 93 (44%) patients. Follow-up was available in 200 (94.3%) patients with median duration of 10 (Q1: 6; Q3: 13) months. During the follow-up all-cause mortality was greater in patients from the high score group (21%) compared to patients with lower scores (8%) (p = 0.009). Recurrent MI was found in 4% of patients from the low score group and in 13% of patients from the high score group (p = 0.024). The combined endpoint of cardiovascular mortality, recurrent non-fatal MI and non-fatal stroke occurred in 13% of lower score patients and in 30% of patients with a score > 3 points (p = 0.002). In a Cox regression model both scores were predictors of all-cause mortality with a hazard ratio of 1.31 per 1 point increase for the CHA2DS2-VASc score (p = 0.004) and 1.36 for the R2-CHA2DS2-VASc score (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CHA2DS2-VASc and R2-CHA2DS2-VASc scores predict in-hospital and post-discharge outcome in patients with acute MI undergoing primary PCI.

Long-Term Follow-up After Retrograde Recanalization of Superficial Femoral Artery Chronic Total Occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the safety of the retrograde procedure with long-term follow-up of 86 patients after retrograde recanalization of the superficial femoral artery (SFA). BACKGROUND: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of SFAs occurs in >50% of the patient population with peripheral artery disease. The retrograde technique is an option for patients with unsuccessful antegrade percutaneous interventions, but data from long-term follow-up after retrograde recanalization are still limited. METHODS: The study included 86 patients (67% males), who underwent percutaneous retrograde recanalization. Major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events and major adverse peripheral events were assessed from long-term (47.5 ± 40 months) follow-up data. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 64 ± 9 years. Retrograde puncture was successful in all cases. Procedural success rate was 93%. In-hospital observation showed vascular perforation/bleeding in 4.7%, proximal hematoma in 9.3%, distal hematoma in 4.7%, pseudoaneurysm in 1.2%, thrombosis in 1.2%, puncture-site bleeding in 3.5%, and local inflammation in 1.2%. Mortality rate was 6.98%. Target-vessel reintervention was needed in 20.9% of cases, and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of another artery was done in 27% of cases. Amputation rate was 4.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up shows that retrograde recanalization is connected with a high rate of technical success and low percentage of reinterventions. Retrograde technique is safe and related to low complication rates; most complications were localized in nature.

Twelve months follow-up after retrograde recanalization of superficial femoral artery chronic total occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: Fifty percent of cases of peripheral artery disease are caused by chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Ten-fifteen percent of percutaneous SFA recanalization procedures are unsuccessful. In those cases the retrograde technique can increase the success rate of the procedure, but the long-term follow-up of such procedures is still unknown. AIM: To assess the efficacy and clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up after retrograde recanalization of the SFA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included patients after at least one unsuccessful percutaneous antegrade recanalization of the SFA. Patients were evaluated for the procedural and clinical follow-up of mean time 13.9 months. RESULTS: The study included 17 patients (7 females, 10 males) who underwent percutaneous retrograde recanalization of the SFA from June 2011 to June 2015. The mean age of patients was 63 ±7 years. Retrograde puncture of the distal SFA was successful in all cases. A retrograde procedure was performed immediately after antegrade failure in 4 (23.5%) patients and after a previously failed attempt in 13 (76.5%) patients. The procedure was successful in 15 (88.2%) patients, and unsuccessful in 2 (11.8%) patients. Periprocedural complications included 1 peripheral distal embolization (successfully treated with aspiration thrombectomy), 1 bleeding event from the puncture site and 7 puncture site hematomas. During follow-up the all-cause mortality rate was 5.8% (1 patient, non-cardiac death). The primary patency rate at 12 months was 88.2% and secondary patency 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The retrograde SFA puncture seems to be a safe and successful technique for CTO recanalization and is associated with a low rate of perioperative and long-term follow-up complications.