Age-Related Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mechanical Reperfusion and 30-Day Mortality for STEMI: Results of the ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 Registry.

BACKGROUND: The constraints in the management of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the COVID-19 pandemic have been suggested to have severely impacted mortality levels. The aim of the current analysis is to evaluate the age-related effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mechanical reperfusion and 30-day mortality for STEMI within the registry ISACS-STEMI COVID-19. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter registry was performed in high-volume PPCI centers on four continents and included STEMI patients undergoing PPCI in March-June 2019 and 2020. Patients were divided according to age (< or ≥75 years). The main outcomes were the incidence and timing of PPCI, (ischemia time longer than 12 h and door-to-balloon longer than 30 min), and in-hospital or 30-day mortality. RESULTS: We included 16,683 patients undergoing PPCI in 109 centers. In 2020, during the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in PPCI as compared to 2019 (IRR 0.843 (95%-CI: 0.825-0.861, p < 0.0001). We found a significant age-related reduction (7%, p = 0.015), with a larger effect on elderly than on younger patients. Furthermore, we observed significantly higher 30-day mortality during the pandemic period, especially among the elderly (13.6% vs. 17.9%, adjusted HR (95% CI) = 1.55 [1.24-1.93], p < 0.001) as compared to younger patients (4.8% vs. 5.7%; adjusted HR (95% CI) = 1.25 [1.05-1.49], p = 0.013), as a potential consequence of the significantly longer ischemia time observed during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the treatment of patients with STEMI, with a 16% reduction in PPCI procedures, with a larger reduction and a longer delay to treatment among elderly patients, which may have contributed to increase in-hospital and 30-day mortality during the pandemic.

Gender Difference in the Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mechanical Reperfusion and 30-Day Mortality for STEMI: Results of the ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 Registry.

BACKGROUND: Several reports have demonstrated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management and outcome of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of the current analysis is to investigate the potential gender difference in the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mechanical reperfusion and 30-day mortality for STEMI patients within the ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 Registry. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter registry was performed in high-volume primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) centers on four continents and included STEMI patients undergoing PPCIs in March-June 2019 and 2020. Patients were divided according to gender. The main outcomes were the incidence and timing of the PPCI, (ischemia time ≥ 12 h and door-to-balloon ≥ 30 min) and in-hospital or 30-day mortality. RESULTS: We included 16683 STEMI patients undergoing PPCIs in 109 centers. In 2020 during the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in PPCIs compared to 2019 (IRR 0.843 (95% CI: 0.825-0.861, p < 0.0001). We did not find a significant gender difference in the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the numbers of STEMI patients, which were similarly reduced from 2019 to 2020 in both groups, or in the mortality rates. Compared to prepandemia, 30-day mortality was significantly higher during the pandemic period among female (12.1% vs. 8.7%; adjusted HR [95% CI] = 1.66 [1.31-2.11], p < 0.001) but not male patients (5.8% vs. 6.7%; adjusted HR [95% CI] = 1.14 [0.96-1.34], p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the treatment of patients with STEMI, with a 16% reduction in PPCI procedures similarly observed in both genders. Furthermore, we observed significantly increased in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates during the pandemic only among females. Trial registration number: NCT 04412655.

SARS-CoV-2 Positivity, Stent Thrombosis, and 30-day Mortality in STEMI Patients Undergoing Mechanical Reperfusion.

SARS-Cov-2 has been suggested to promote thrombotic complications and higher mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 positivity on in-hospital outcome and 30-day mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) enrolled in the International Survey on Acute Coronary Syndromes ST-segment elevation Myocardial Infarction (ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 registry. The 109 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were compared with 2005 SARS-CoV-2 negative patients. Positive patients were older (P = .002), less often active smokers (P = .002), and hypercholesterolemic (P = .006), they presented more often later than 12 h (P = .037), more often to the hub and were more often in cardiogenic shock (P = .02), or requiring rescue percutaneous coronary intervention after failed thrombolysis (P < .0001). Lower postprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 3 flow (P = .029) and more thrombectomy (P = .046) were observed. SARS-CoV-2 was associated with a significantly higher in-hospital mortality (25.7 vs 7%, adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) [95% Confidence Interval] = 3.2 [1.71-5.99], P < .001) in-hospital definite in-stent thrombosis (6.4 vs 1.1%, adjusted Odds Ratio [95% CI] = 6.26 [2.41-16.25], P < .001) and 30-day mortality (34.4 vs 8.5%, adjusted Hazard Ratio [95% CI] = 2.16 [1.45-3.23], P < .001), confirming that SARS-CoV-2 positivity is associated with impaired reperfusion, with negative prognostic consequences.

Impact of Smoking Status on Mortality in STEMI Patients Undergoing Mechanical Reperfusion for STEMI: Insights from the ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 Registry.

The so-called "smoking paradox", conditioning lower mortality in smokers among STEMI patients, has seldom been addressed in the settings of modern primary PCI protocols. The ISACS−STEMI COVID-19 is a large-scale retrospective multicenter registry addressing in-hospital mortality, reperfusion, and 30-day mortality among primary PCI patients in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the 16,083 STEMI patients, 6819 (42.3%) patients were active smokers, 2099 (13.1%) previous smokers, and 7165 (44.6%) non-smokers. Despite the impaired preprocedural recanalization (p < 0.001), active smokers had a significantly better postprocedural TIMI flow compared with non-smokers (p < 0.001); this was confirmed after adjustment for all baseline and procedural confounders, and the propensity score. Active smokers had a significantly lower in-hospital (p < 0.001) and 30-day (p < 0.001) mortality compared with non-smokers and previous smokers; this was confirmed after adjustment for all baseline and procedural confounders, and the propensity score. In conclusion, in our population, active smoking was significantly associated with improved epicardial recanalization and lower in-hospital and 30-day mortality compared with previous and non-smoking history.

Impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on short-term outcome in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction during COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the international multicenter ISACS-STEMI registry.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is projected to become the third cause of mortality worldwide. COPD shares several pathophysiological mechanisms with cardiovascular disease, especially atherosclerosis. However, no definite answers are available on the prognostic role of COPD in the setting of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), especially during COVID-19 pandemic, among patients undergoing primary angioplasty, that is therefore the aim of the current study. METHODS: In the ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 registry we included retrospectively patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between March and June of 2019 and 2020 from 109 high-volume primary PCI centers in 4 continents. RESULTS: A total of 15,686 patients were included in this analysis. Of them, 810 (5.2%) subjects had a COPD diagnosis. They were more often elderly and with a more pronounced cardiovascular risk profile. No preminent procedural dissimilarities were noticed except for a lower proportion of dual antiplatelet therapy at discharge among COPD patients (98.9% vs. 98.1%, P = 0.038). With regards to short-term fatal outcomes, both in-hospital and 30-days mortality occurred more frequently among COPD patients, similarly in pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 era. However, after adjustment for main baseline differences, COPD did not result as independent predictor for in-hospital death (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 0.913[0.658-1.266], P = 0.585) nor for 30-days mortality (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 0.850 [0.620-1.164], P = 0.310). No significant differences were detected in terms of SARS-CoV-2 positivity between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This is one of the largest studies investigating characteristics and outcome of COPD patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty, especially during COVID pandemic. COPD was associated with significantly higher rates of in-hospital and 30-days mortality. However, this association disappeared after adjustment for baseline characteristics. Furthermore, COPD did not significantly affect SARS-CoV-2 positivity. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04412655 (2nd June 2020).

Symptomatic Young Adults with ST-Segment Elevation-Acute Coronary Syndrome or Myocarditis: The Three-Factor Diagnostic Model.

Myocarditis may mimic myocardial infarction (MI) due to a similar clinical presentation, including chest pain, electrocardiography changes, and laboratory findings. The purpose of the study was to investigate the diagnostic value of clinical, laboratory, and electrocardiography characteristics of patients with acute coronary syndrome - like myocarditis and MI. We analysed 90 patients (≤45 years old) with an initial diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; 40 patients (44.4%), through the use of cardiac magnetic resonance, were confirmed to have myocarditis, and 50 patients (55.6%) were diagnosed with MI. Patients with myocarditis were younger and had fewer cardiovascular risk factors than those with MI. The cutoff value distinguishing between myocarditis and MI was defined as the age of 36 years. The history of recent infections (82.5% vs. 6%) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on admission (Me 45.9 vs. 3.4) was more associated with myocarditis. Further, the QTc interval was inversely correlated with the echocardiographic ejection fraction in both groups but was significantly longer in patients with MI. Non-invasive diagnostics based on clinical features and laboratory findings are basic but still essential tools for differentiation between MI and myocarditis. The three-factor model including the criteria of age, abnormal CRP, and history of recent infections might become a valuable clinical indication.

COVID-19 pandemic, mechanical reperfusion and 30-day mortality in ST elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: The initial data of the International Study on Acute Coronary Syndromes - ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction COVID-19 showed in Europe a remarkable reduction in primary percutaneous coronary intervention procedures and higher in-hospital mortality during the initial phase of the pandemic as compared with the prepandemic period. The aim of the current study was to provide the final results of the registry, subsequently extended outside Europe with a larger inclusion period (up to June 2020) and longer follow-up (up to 30 days). METHODS: This is a retrospective multicentre registry in 109 high-volume primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) centres from Europe, Latin America, South-East Asia and North Africa, enrolling 16 674 patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing PPPCI in March/June 2019 and 2020. The main study outcomes were the incidence of PPCI, delayed treatment (ischaemia time >12 hours and door-to-balloon >30 min), in-hospital and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: In 2020, during the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in PPCI as compared with 2019 (incidence rate ratio 0.843, 95% CI 0.825 to 0.861, p<0.0001). This reduction was significantly associated with age, being higher in older adults (>75 years) (p=0.015), and was not related to the peak of cases or deaths due to COVID-19. The heterogeneity among centres was high (p<0.001). Furthermore, the pandemic was associated with a significant increase in door-to-balloon time (40 (25-70) min vs 40 (25-64) min, p=0.01) and total ischaemia time (225 (135-410) min vs 196 (120-355) min, p<0.001), which may have contributed to the higher in-hospital (6.5% vs 5.3%, p<0.001) and 30-day (8% vs 6.5%, p=0.001) mortality observed during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous revascularisation for STEMI was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 16% reduction in PPCI procedures, especially among older patients (about 20%), and longer delays to treatment, which may have contributed to the increased in-hospital and 30-day mortality during the pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04412655.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 positivity on clinical outcome among STEMI patients undergoing mechanical reperfusion: Insights from the ISACS STEMI COVID 19 registry.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: SARS-Cov-2 predisposes patients to thrombotic complications, due to excessive inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, and coagulation/fibrinolysis disturbances. The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical characteristics and prognostic impact of SARS-CoV-2 positivity among STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). METHODS: We selected SARS-CoV-2 positive patients included in the ISACS-STEMI COVID-19, a retrospective multicenter European registry including 6609 STEMI patients treated with PPCI from March 1st until April 30th, in 2019 and 2020. As a reference group, we randomly sampled 5 SARS-Cov-2 negative patients per each SARS-CoV-2 positive patient, individually matched for age, sex, and hospital/geographic area. Study endpoints were in-hospital mortality, definite stent thrombosis, heart failure. RESULTS: Our population is represented by 62 positive SARS-CoV-2 positive patients who were compared with a matched population of 310 STEMI patients. No significant difference was observed in baseline characteristics or the modality of access to the PCI center. In the SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, the culprit lesion was more often located in the RCA (p < 0.001). Despite similar pre and postprocedural TIMI flow, we observed a trend in higher use of GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors and a significantly higher use of thrombectomy in the SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was associated with a remarkably higher in hospital mortality (29% vs 5.5%, p < 0.001), definite in-stent thrombosis (8.1% vs 1.6%, p = 0.004) and heart failure (22.6% vs 10.6%, p = 0.001) that was confirmed after adjustment for confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that among STEMI patients, SARS-CoV-2 positivity is associated with larger thrombus burden, a remarkably higher mortality but also higher rates of in-stent thrombosis and heart failure.

Impact of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors on mortality during the COVID Pandemic among STEMI patients undergoing mechanical reperfusion: Insight from an international STEMI registry.

BACKGROUND: Concerns have been raised on a potential interaction between renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) and the susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). No data have been so far reported on the prognostic impact of RASI in patients suffering from ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during COVID-19 pandemic, which was the aim of the present study. METHODS: STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and enrolled in the ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 registry were included in the present sub-analysis and divided according to RASI therapy at admission. RESULTS: Our population is represented by 6095 patients, of whom 3654 admitted in 2019 and 2441 in 2020. No difference in the prevalence of SARSCoV2 infection was observed according to RASI therapy at admission (2.5% vs 2.1%, p = 0.5), which was associated with a significantly lower mortality (adjusted OR [95% CI]=0.68 [0.51-0.90], P = 0.006), confirmed in the analysis restricted to 2020 (adjusted OR [95% CI]=0.5[0.33-0.74], P = 0.001). Among the 5388 patients in whom data on in-hospital medication were available, in-hospital RASI therapy was associated with a significantly lower mortality (2.1% vs 16.7%, OR [95% CI]=0.11 [0.084-0.14], p < 0.0001), confirmed after adjustment in both periods. Among the 62 SARSCoV-2 positive patients, RASI therapy, both at admission or in-hospital, showed no prognostic effect. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to investigate the impact of RASI therapy on the prognosis and SARSCoV2 infection of STEMI patients undergoing PPCI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both pre-admission and in-hospital RASI were associated with lower mortality. Among SARSCoV2-positive patients, both chronic and in-hospital RASI therapy showed no impact on survival.

Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and mortality among diabetic patients with STEMI undergoing mechanical reperfusion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, concerns have been arisen on the use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) due to the potentially increased expression of Angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE)2 and patient's susceptibility to SARS-CoV2 infection. Diabetes mellitus have been recognized favoring the coronavirus infection with consequent increase mortality in COVID-19. No data have been so far reported in diabetic patients suffering from ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a very high-risk population deserving of RASI treatment. METHODS: The ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 registry retrospectively assessed STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in March/June 2019 and 2020 in 109 European high-volume primary PCI centers. This subanalysis assessed the prognostic impact of chronic RASI therapy at admission on mortality and SARS-CoV2 infection among diabetic patients. RESULTS: Our population is represented by 3812 diabetic STEMI patients undergoing mechanical reperfusion, 2038 in 2019 and 1774 in 2020. Among 3761 patients with available data on chronic RASI therapy, between those ones with and without treatment there were several differences in baseline characteristics, (similar in both periods) but no difference in the prevalence of SARS-CoV2 infection (1.6% vs 1.3%, respectively, p = 0.786). Considering in-hospital medication, RASI therapy was overall associated with a significantly lower in-hospital mortality (3.3% vs 15.8%, p < 0.0001), consistently both in 2019 and in 2010. CONCLUSIONS: This is first study to investigate the impact of RASI therapy on prognosis and SARS-CoV2 infection of diabetic patients experiencing STEMI and undergoing PPCI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both pre-admission chronic RASI therapy and in-hospital RASI did not negatively affected patients' survival during the hospitalization, neither increased the risk of SARS-CoV2 infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04412655.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic and diabetes on mechanical reperfusion in patients with STEMI: insights from the ISACS STEMI COVID 19 Registry.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested the COVID pandemic may have indirectly affected the treatment and outcome of STEMI patients, by avoidance or significant delays in contacting the emergency system. No data have been reported on the impact of diabetes on treatment and outcome of STEMI patients, that was therefore the aim of the current subanalysis conducted in patients included in the International Study on Acute Coronary Syndromes-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (ISACS-STEMI) COVID-19. METHODS: The ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 is a retrospective registry performed in European centers with an annual volume of > 120 primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and assessed STEMI patients, treated with primary PCI during the same periods of the years 2019 versus 2020 (March and April). Main outcomes are the incidences of primary PCI, delayed treatment, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 6609 patients underwent primary PCI in 77 centers, located in 18 countries. Diabetes was observed in a total of 1356 patients (20.5%), with similar proportion between 2019 and 2020. During the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in primary PCI as compared to 2019, similar in both patients with (Incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.79 (95% CI: 0.73-0.85, p < 0.0001) and without diabetes (IRR 0.81 (95% CI: 0.78-0.85, p < 0.0001) (p int = 0.40). We observed a significant heterogeneity among centers in the population with and without diabetes (p < 0.001, respectively). The heterogeneity among centers was not related to the incidence of death due to COVID-19 in both groups of patients. Interaction was observed for Hypertension (p = 0.024) only in absence of diabetes. Furthermore, the pandemic was independently associated with a significant increase in door-to-balloon and total ischemia times only among patients without diabetes, which may have contributed to the higher mortality, during the pandemic, observed in this group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the treatment of patients with STEMI, with a similar reduction in primary PCI procedures in both patients with and without diabetes. Hypertension had a significant impact on PCI reduction only among patients without diabetes. We observed a significant increase in ischemia time and door-to-balloon time mainly in absence of diabetes, that contributed to explain the increased mortality observed in this group of patients during the pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04412655.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mechanical Reperfusion for Patients With STEMI.

BACKGROUND: The fear of contagion during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have potentially refrained patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from accessing the emergency system, with subsequent impact on mortality. OBJECTIVES: The ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 registry aims to estimate the true impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment and outcome of patients with STEMI treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), with identification of "at-risk" patient cohorts for failure to present or delays to treatment. METHODS: This retrospective registry was performed in European high-volume PPCI centers and assessed patients with STEMI treated with PPPCI in March/April 2019 and 2020. Main outcomes are the incidences of PPCI, delayed treatment, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 6,609 patients underwent PPCI in 77 centers, located in 18 countries. In 2020, during the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in PPCI as compared with 2019 (incidence rate ratio: 0.811; 95% confidence interval: 0.78 to 0.84; p < 0.0001). The heterogeneity among centers was not related to the incidence of death due to COVID-19. A significant interaction was observed for patients with arterial hypertension, who were less frequently admitted in 2020 than in 2019. Furthermore, the pandemic was associated with a significant increase in door-to-balloon and total ischemia times, which may have contributed to the higher mortality during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impact on the treatment of patients with STEMI, with a 19% reduction in PPCI procedures, especially among patients suffering from hypertension, and a longer delay to treatment, which may have contributed to the increased mortality during the pandemic. (Primary Angioplasty for STEMI During COVID-19 Pandemic [ISACS-STEMI COVID-19] Registry; NCT04412655).

Remote Ischemic Preconditioning and Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a common cause of hospital-acquired AKI and a serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess whether remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) reduces the incidence of CI-AKI. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, sham-controlled clinical study. The study included 101 patients admitted to the Intensive Cardiac Therapy Clinic of Medical University of Lodz for elective percutaneous coronary intervention. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a control group (n = 51) or an RIPC group (n = 50). In the latter, RIPC was achieved before percutaneous coronary intervention by 4 cycles of 5-minute inflation of a cuff on the left upper arm to 200 mm Hg followed by 5-minute deflation. In the control group, a deflated cuff was placed on the left arm for 40 minutes. Serum creatinine concentration was measured to check for the presence of CI-AKI within 48 to 72 hours of percutaneous coronary intervention. Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin level was also measured within 3 hours. RESULTS: CI-AKI occurred in 2 patients from the RIPC group (4%) and 3 patients from the control group (5.9%), but the difference was not significant (P = 0.98). The patients who developed CI-AKI also demonstrated increased serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin concentrations (the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.938-1.00; P < 0.00) and the optimal cutoff point value was 118.9 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The use of RIPC before elective percutaneous coronary intervention was not found to prevent CI-AKI. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03761368. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX-XXX).

Serum NGAL, KIM-1, IL-18, L-FABP: new biomarkers in the diagnostics of acute kidney injury (AKI) following invasive cardiology procedures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the levels of selected markers in patients who underwent planned or emergency coronary angiography and to examine if they correlated with the occurrence of AKI. METHODS: The study included 52 patients who underwent planned or emergency coronary angiography and received contrast agent. Serum levels of markers (NGAL, L-FABP, KIM-1, IL-18) were analyzed in all patients using ELISA tests, at baseline, after 24 and 72 h from angiography. RESULTS: 9.62% of patients developed CI-AKI. No significant differences were observed between markers levels in patients who developed CI-AKI and those who did not. After 24 h, serum levels of IL-18 were higher in patients with CI-AKI, however, this difference was on the verge of significance. Increase in serum NGAL, KIM-1 and IL-18 was observed after 24 h. Serum levels of biomarkers were insignificantly higher in group with CI-AKI. Significant changes in levels in time (baseline vs. 24 h vs. 72 h) were observed only for NGAL [157.9 (92.4-221.0) vs. 201.8 (156.5-299.9) vs. 118.5 (73.4-198.7); p < 0.0001]. No significant correlations were observed between the decrease in eGFR or the increase in creatinine and biomarkers level. CONCLUSION: Obtained results do not allow for the indication of efficient AKI biomarkers. Their further validation in large studies of CI-AKI patients is required.

Cholesterol Subfraction Analysis in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: There is a close relationship between lipid metabolism disorders and atherosclerosis. Guidelines focus on lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. However, it should be kept in mind that LDL and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) consist of subfractions which can affect the progression of atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the concentration of LDL and HDL subfractions in patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS). The influence of the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus on LDL and HDL subfractions was also analyzed. METHODS: The study group consisted of 127 patients (62 men, 65 women) with ACS. All patients had coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty and stenting when necessary. Medical history was collected during 12 months of follow-up. HDL and LDL subfraction distribution was measured using Lipoprint (Quantimetrix). RESULTS: No differences in LDL nor HDL subfractions were observed between ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA) patients. However, those with restenosis and the necessity of repeated revascularization had higher levels of intermediate-density lipoprotein C (IDL-C) (p=0.055) and LDL3 (p=0.048) as compared with the patients without, while the level of IDL A (IDLA) was lower than in the latter group (p=0.036). In diabetic patients, the percentage share of HDL10 and small-dense HDL was significantly higher while the share of HDL1 (small-dense) (p=0.028), HDL4 (intermediate density) (p=0.052) and HDL5 (intermediate density) (p=0.060) were lower than in patients without DM. CONCLUSION: Patients with multi-vessel CAD disease had higher levels of LDL3 subfraction and IDL-C and a lower proportion of IDLA.

[Evaluation of renal function in the course of hypertension in the elderly]. / Ocena funkcji nerek w przebiegu nadcisnienia tetniczego u osób w podeszlym wieku.

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases in Poland. It occurs in all age groups, but most often affects people over 65 years of age. The correct diagnosis of hypertension in older people includes documenting elevated blood pressure values, differentiating disease changes from physiologically related changes to aging, as well as assessing organ related complications. Detection of organ complications is also an important parameter of prognosis assessment. AIM: The aim of the study was evaluation of renal function in the course of hypertension in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 63 women and 17 men, aged from 75 to 93 years, who were diagnosed with arterial hypertension in accordance with the guidelines of the Polish Society of Hypertension. Patients were divided into two groups. The first pair consisted of a group of 1 hypertensive patients (HA) lasting up to 10 years of age over 85 years and a group of 2 patients with HA lasting up to 10 years at the age of 75-85 years. The second pair is group I - patients with HA over 10 years of age over 85 years and group II - patients with HA lasting over 10 years at the age of 75-85. The assessment of glomerular filtration was made using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which was calculated according to the mathematical formula of MDRD, while the renal resistance index was assessed using spectral Doppler after visualization of the flow in the renal arteries. RESULTS: The value of glomerular filtration in the examined groups divided by age was 55.1±15 (group 1) and 66.9±16 (group 2). The values of the kidney artery resistance index (depending on age) were in 1 group: 0.61±0.04 vs 0.60±0.05 and in the second group: 0.59±0.06 vs 0.58±0.05. The values of the renal artery resistance index (depending on the duration of HA) were 0.62±0.04 vs 0.61±0.03 (group I) and 0.61±0.04 vs 0.60±0.04 ( group II). CONCLUSIONS: GFR depends on the duration of hypertension. A relationship was found between the value of the kidney artery resistance index and age. There was no significant relationship between the value of the kidney artery resistance index and duration of hypertension.

[Assessment of the intima and media of carotid arteries in the course of hypertension in the elderly]. / Ocena kompleksu blony wewnetrznej i srodkowej tetnic szyjnych w przebiegu nadcisnienia tetniczego u osób w podeszlym wieku.

According to the position of the European Society of Hypertension in 2009, the thickening of the inner and middle membrane complex of the carotid arteries (I-M CCA), or the finding of atherosclerotic plaques is associated with high cardiovascular risk. The increase in I-M CCA thickness, assessed within the carotid artery, is considered the initial stage of atherosclerosis. According to the concept of parallel development of atherosclerosis in many arterial areas I-M CCA is a recognized marker of the process involving other arteries, such as coronary arteries, kidney or lower limbs. AIM: The aim of the study was evaluation of the intima and media of carotid arteries - I-M in the course of hypertension in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 63 women and 17 men, aged from 75 to 93 years, who were diagnosed with arterial hypertension in accordance with the guidelines of the Polish Society of Hypertension. Patients were divided into two groups. The first pair consisted of a group of 1 hypertensive patients (HA) lasting up to 10 years of age over 85 years and a group of 2 patients with HA lasting up to 10 years at the age of 75-85 years. The second pair is group I - patients with HA over 10 years of age over 85 years and group II - patients with HA lasting over 10 years at the age of 75-85. Carotid artery examination was performed using the Aloka SSD-1100 ultrasound machine. The measurements were made within the left and right carotid wall of the common carotid artery in the anterior and lateral-posterior projection. The maximum thickness of the inner and middle membranes was measured in three places within two segments of the common carotid artery. RESULTS: It was observed that in the group of patients treated longer due to hypertension, the thickness of the intima-media complex is significantly higher than in patients with shorter duration. Moreover, in the examined group of patients in the analysis of individual correlations, life expectancy was influenced, among others, by significantly on the thickness of I-M CCA. CONCLUSIONS: Both the older age of patients and the longer duration of hypertension caused thickening of the intima-media complex. The duration of hypertension greater than 10 years had a greater impact on the thickness of this complex than the age of the patients.

Transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation in failed stentless bioprostheses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of transcathether aortic valve-in-valve implantation (ViV-TAVI) in degenerated stentless bioprostheses with failed stented valves and degenerated native aortic valves. INTRODUCTION: Little is known about ViV-TAVI in degenerated stentless valves. METHODS: Out of 45 ViV-TAVI procedures reported in the POL-TAVI registry, 20 failed stentless valves were compared with 25 stented prostheses and propensity-matched with 45 native TAVI cases. The mean follow-up was 633 (95% confidence interval [CI], 471-795) days and Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) definitions were applied. RESULTS: Patients with degenerated stentless valves were younger (65.6, CI 58-73.1 years vs 75.6, CI 72.2-78 [stented] vs 80.1, CI 78.7-81.6 y. [native], P < 0.001). Implantation was required later after surgery (11.5, CI 8-14.9 years) in the stentless cohort as compared with the stented one (6.2, CI 4.7-7.6 years, P = 0.006). ViV-TAVI in the stentless group was also associated with larger amount of contrast (211, CI 157-266 mL vs 135, CI 104-167 mL [stented] vs 132 (119-145) mL [native], P = 0.022). Using VARC-2 composite endpoints, ViV-TAVI in stentless prostheses was characterized by a lower device success (50% vs 76% in stented vs 88.9% in native TAVI, P < 0.001), but comparable early safety up to 30 days (73.7% vs 84% vs 81.8%, respectively, log-rank P = 0.667) and long-term clinical efficacy beyond 30 days (72.2% vs 72% vs 73.8%, respectively, log-rank P = 0.963). CONCLUSIONS: Despite technical challenges and a lower device success, ViV-TAVI in stentless aortic bioprostheses achieves similar safety, efficacy, and functional improvement as in stented or degenerated native valves.

[Evaluation of the incidence of stroke in the course of hypertension in elderly patients]. / Ocena czestosci wystepowania udaru mózgu w przebiegu nadcisnienia tetniczego u chorych w podeszlym wieku.

One of the more common chronic diseases is hypertension. After 70 years of age, it is found in over 70% of this population. It causes a number of organ complications that cause death. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of stroke in hypertension in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 63 women and 17 men, aged from 75 to 93 years, who were diagnosed with arterial hypertension in accordance with the guidelines of the Polish Society of Hypertension. Patients were divided into two groups. The first pair consisted of a group of 1 hypertensive patients (HA) lasting up to 10 years of age over 85 years and a group of 2 patients with HA lasting up to 10 years at the age of 75-85 years. The second pair is group I - patients with HA over 10 years of age over 85 years and group II - patients with HA lasting over 10 years at the age of 75-85. The test confirming the history of stroke was obtained from medical records. RESULTS: In the study, no significant differences were found in the incidence of stroke between younger patients and those older than 85 years. In the group of patients treated for more than 10 years due to hypertension, the percentage of patients with diagnosed stroke was slightly higher than in patients treated for shorter periods, however these were not statistically significant differences p <0.43. CONCLUSIONS: In the study population, the incidence of stroke was not significantly influenced by the age or duration of hypertension.

[Evaluation of selected results of laboratory blood tests in the course of hypertension in elderly patients]. / Ocena wybranych wyników badan laboratoryjnych krwi w przebiegu nadcisnienia tetniczego u chorych w podeszlym wieku.

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases. The incidence is estimated at about 30% of the general population, with a clear tendency of increasing the frequency with age. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess selected results of laboratory blood tests in the course of hypertension in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 63 women and 17 men, aged from 75 to 93 years, who were diagnosed with arterial hypertension in accordance with the guidelines of the Polish Society of Hypertension. Patients were divided into two pairs of groups - in terms of the duration of hypertension and the age of the subjects. Blood samples were taken in patients to determine blood counts, glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. In the morphological examination of the blood, the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes and platelets in 1 µl of blood was assessed, as well as the concentration of CRP, ALAT and ASPAT were assessed. RESULTS: In the study, no significant differences were found between the results of selected biochemical tests and peripheral blood morphology between the analyzed subgroups of patients with respect to age and also depending on the duration of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Both the older age of patients and the duration of hypertension do not significantly affect the results of selected blood laboratory tests in the study population.