The Gender Spectrum of In-hospital Survival Post Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Exploring Age-driven Trends.

Background: The study was aimed to evaluate gender difference and age & gender specific interaction of in-hospital outcomes of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 1748 patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. The study was dichotomised according to gender to evaluate the difference in the outcome. The study was further stratified based on an age cut-off of 75 years to examine the age-specific gender relationship in survival outcomes. Independent variables for in-hospital mortality were analysed through logistic regression. Results: There were 314 (17.96%) females with an average age of 60.80 years and 1434 (82.03%) males with an average age of 54.87 years. The prevalence of diabetes (24.8% vs. 13.2%) and hypertension (33.1% vs. 12.9%) was significantly higher in female patients compared to male patients, whereas the significantly higher number of male patients were smokers. On multivariate analysis, odds of female gender OR = 3.54 (1.37-9.17), killip class >2 OR = 3.05 (1.97-4.71) and baseline creatinine OR = 2.27 (1.22-4.23) were found as significant predictors of in-hospital mortality. The crude odds ratio of 2.35 (1.49-3.72) and adjusted OR of 2.05 (1.27-3.30) for female mortality was significant among patients aged <75-years. While patients with ≥75-years of age, the mortality difference was insignificant. Conclusion: Although the incidence of STEMI was higher in male compared to female patients, female patients had two-fold higher in-hospital mortality than male. Female gender was an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality in patients <75-years of age.

Significance of myocardial injury on in-hospital clinical outcomes of in-hospital and COVID-19 patients.

Introduction: Acute Myocardial injury defined by increased troponin I level is associated with poor in-hospital outcomes and cardiovascular complications in patients with COVID-19. The current study was designed to determine the implications and clinical outcome of myocardial injury in COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective study included hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Myocardial injury was defined by high sensitivity Troponin I (hs-TNI)≥26ng/l. Cardiac biomarkers, inflammatory markers and clinical data were systemically collected and analyzed. Hazard ratio for in-hospital mortality and logistic regression for predictors of acute myocardial injury were analyzed. Results: Of the 1821 total patients with COVID-19, 293(16.09%) patients died and 1528 (83.91%) patients survived. Patients who died had significantly higher association with presence of cardiovascular risk factors, severe CTSS ( CT severity score ) and myocardial injury as compared to survived group. 628 (34.5%) patients had evidence of myocardial injury and they had statistically significant association with cardiovascular risk factors, in-hospital mortality, procalcitonin; higher hospital, and ICCU stay. We found significant hazard ratio of diabetes (HR=2.66, (CI:1.65-4.29)), Severe CT score (HR=2.81, (CI:1.74-4.52)), hs-TNI≥26 ng/l (HR=4.68, (CI:3.81-5.76)) for mortality. Severe CTSS score (OR=1.95, CI: 1.18-3.23, P=0.01) and prior CVD history (OR=1.65, CI:1.00-2.73, P=0.05) were found significant predictors of myocardial injury in regression analysis. Conclusion: Almost one third of hospitalized patients had evidence of acute myocardial injury during hospitalization. Acute myocardial injury is associated with higher hospital and ICCU stay, mortality, higher in-hospital infection which indicates more severe disease and the poor in-hospital outcomes.

Predictive role of novel echocardiographic parameter aortic velocity propagation, QRISK3 and Framingham risk score for presence and severity of CAD in Asian patients.

Introduction: Despite having clinical relevance, arterial stiffness is neglected and not routinely used parameter for evaluation of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of simple non-invasive echocardiographic index of aortic stiffness aortic velocity propagation (AVP), Framingham risk score (FHS) and QRISK3 score for presence and severity of CAD. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 250 patients who required conventional coronary angiogram for stable CAD. The relationship of AVP, FHS and QRISK3 score with CAD were evaluated using spearman's correlation, logistic regression analysis and ROC curve. Results: On logistic regression analysis, AVP, FHS and QRISK3 were found significant predictors for the presence and severity of CAD. Inverse correlation between AVP and presence of CAD, number of coronary vessels involved and severity of CAD was observed with P=0.001. AVP value≤78 cm/s predicted presence of CAD with 86.4% sensitivity and 84.6% specificity (P≤0.0001, AUC=0.948) and≤39 cm/s predicted severe CAD (Syntax score>22) with 66.7% sensitivity and 97.9% specificity (P≤0.0001, AUC=0.868). FHS value>10 predicted the presence of CAD with a sensitivity of 33.9% and specificity of 91 % (P=0.01, AUC=0.644). QRISK3value>13.4 predicted presence of CAD with 57.1% sensitivity and 87% specificity (P≤0.0001, AUC=0.788). Conclusion: Arterial stiffness parameter AVP is inversely associated with the presence and severity of CAD. AVP and QRISK3 score may be used as a simple bedside tool for risk stratification of patients suspected of having atherosclerotic CAD.

Role of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography to Predict Left Ventricular Dysfunction Post Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery for Severe Mitral Regurgitation.

Background: Despite improvement in the surgical procedure and strictly following the guidelines for mitral valve replacement (MVR), left ventricular dysfunction still occurs. Novel echocardiographic indices can predict development of LV (left ventricle) dysfunction post MVR. LV-GLS (global longitudinal strain) derived from speckle tracking echocardiography, has been proposed as a novel measure to better depict latent LV dysfunction. Methods: A total of 100 patients with severe MR (mitral regurgitation) planned for MVR were included. Speckle tracking echocardiography was performed at baseline and at follow up post MVR. ROC (Receiver operating characteristics) curve was plotted to derive the cutoff value of LV-GLS for prediction of LV dysfunction post MVR. Univariate and multi variate regression was analyzed to predict the independent predictors of LV dysfunction after MVR. Results: LV-GLS was decreased from baseline data (-19.9 vs. -17.7) in patients with LVEF <50% after MVR compared to patients with LVEF≥ 50%. Baseline value of LVESD (35.36 mm vs. 28.23 mm) and LVEDD (49.33 mm vs. 45.10 mm) were significantly higher in patients with LVEF<50% compared to LVEF ≥50% at 3 months follow up. A cutoff value of GLS -19% with sensitivity of 80.3% and specificity of 75.7% was associated in patients with LV dysfunction after MVR. In multivariate regression model GLS < -19% (OR = 21.8, CI:6.61-82.4, P=<0.001) was an independent predictor of LV dysfunction post MVR. Conclusion: A GLS value of less than -19% was demonstrated as an independent predictor of short term LV dysfunction after mitral valve surgery, LVESD ≥40 mm was also verified additional parameter to predict the LV dysfunction post MVR.

Do collaterals visualized on coronary angiography impact left ventricle ejection fraction among Asian Indians presenting with acute coronary syndrome? The Deucalion Study.

BACKGROUND: The coronary collaterals have been ascribed as a potential alternative source of myocardial perfusion to the extent that some suggest it as a "natural bypass"! We proposed to evaluate the impact of the extent of collaterals on left ventricle ejection fraction among Asian Indians presenting with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: This was a retrospective, all-comers study performed on consecutive 3614 patients presenting with the acute coronary syndrome. Angiograms were evaluated for collaterals graded according to Rentrop's classification among group A (grades 0 and 1) and group B (grades 2 and 3) collaterals. RESULTS: Patients were matched for traditional cardiovascular risk factors in groups A and B as well as for ST elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction subgroups in both the groups. Grades 2 and 3 collaterals were significantly (P = 0.04) higher in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction-266/1319 (20.17%), as compared to ST elevation myocardial infarction-group 400/2295 (17.43%). Left ventricle ejection fraction on presentation was better preserved in group A as compared to group B in those with double-vessel disease and triple-vessel disease patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, whereas it was better in single-vessel disease and triple-vessel disease patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction. The inverse correlation (r = -0.111, P = 0.000) existed between left ventricle ejection fraction and grades of collaterals. CONCLUSION: Patients with the single-vessel disease were more likely to have poor coronary collateral as compared to double-vessel disease/triple-vessel disease. Despite higher grade coronary collateral among Asian Indians presenting with acute coronary syndrome, both non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and ST elevation myocardial infarction patients with triple-vessel disease had significantly lower left ventricle ejection fraction. This paradoxically brings out worse left ventricle ejection fraction on presentation in those with double-vessel disease and triple-vessel disease with ST elevation myocardial infarction and single-vessel disease and triple-vessel disease with ST elevation myocardial infarction despite higher grade of coronary collateral representing as "Asian Indian Paradox" in our cohort.

The correlation between speckle-tracking echocardiography and coronary angiography in suspected coronary artery disease with normal left ventricular function.

Introduction: Our study objects to determine the diagnostic accuracy of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) in predicting presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Patients with stable angina pectoris with normal left ventricular function (>50%) undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled and subjected to speckle tracking echocardiography. Global longitudinal peak systolic strain was measured and correlated to the results of coronary angiography for each patient. Results: Number of male (P=0.001), diabetes (P=0.01) and smoking (P=0.01) patients were significantly higher in the CAD group compared to non-CAD patients. Global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLPSS) was significantly (P=0.0001) lower in CAD patients in comparison to non- CAD patients. GLPSS showed significantly lower in patients with Syntax score (SS)≥22 in comparison to SS<22. Cut-off value -19 for GLPSS could be used to predict the presence of significant CAD with 80.6% sensitivity and 76.5% specificity (area under curve (AUC) -0.83, P=0.0001). The mean GLPSS value decreased as the number of diseased coronary vessels increased (P=0.0001). The optimal cut-off value of -16 GLPSS with a sensitivity of 76.7% and specificity of 83.3% [AUC 0.84, P<0.0001] was found significant to predict CAD severity. Multivariate regression of GLPSS and another risk factor for predicting significant CAD, GLPSS showed OR=1.55 (CI-1.36-1.76) P=0.0001 for predicting the presence of CAD. Conclusion: 2DSTE can be used as a non-invasive screening test in predicting presence, extent and severity of significant CAD patients with suspected stable angina pectoris.

"Impact of pentaglobin in severe COVID 19 pneumonia- a prospective study."

BACKGROUND: The current COVID-19 pandemic has become a global public health crisis and presents a serious challenge in treatment of severe COVID pneumonia patients. With an imperative need for an effective treatment, we aimed to study the effectiveness of Pentaglobin, an intravenous immunoglobin in the treatment of severe Covid-19 pneumonia patients. METHODS: This is an open-label non-randomised controlled study. Patients in the study group (n = 17) received Pentaglobin in addition to standard therapy and the control group (n = 19) received only the standard of care treatment. Severity of illness were quantified by severity scores and inflammatory laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The average length of hospital stay in pentaglobin group were 12.35 ± 6.98 days compared to 10.94 ± 4.62 days in standard treatment group with mean difference of 1.4 days (p value = 0.4). Pentaglobin did not provide an added advantage in terms of reducing the duration of hospital stay. There was no significant difference between both the groups in terms of requirement of invasive ventilation (p = 0.56) and mortality (p = 0.86). CT Severity score (OR = 1.39 95% CI = 1.09-1.77, P = 0.01), APACHE II score (OR = 1.16 95% CI = 0.99-1.35, P = 0.05) and the SOFA score (OR = 2.11 95% CI = 1.13-3.93, P = 0.02) were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: The administration of pentaglobin in COVID -19 patients has no significant effect in reducing the risk of mechanical ventilation or death, in disease worsening or in reduction of inflammation.

Does the extent of collaterals influence the severity of the myocardial injury as assessed by elevation in biomarkers?

Introduction: Quantitative analysis of cardiac biomarkers, troponin I and CPK-MB, estimates the extent of myocardial injury while extent of benefit from coronary collateral circulation (CCC) to protect myocardium during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) needs validation. We analysed if the extent of collaterals had impact on baseline biomarkers at the time of coronary angiogram. Methods: We analysed 3616 consecutive patients who presented with AMI and underwent invasive coronary angiography (CAG) with intent to revascularisation with biomarkers assessment at the time of CAG. CCC to Infarct related artery (IRA) were graded as per Rentrop grading viz. poorly-developed CCC (Grade 0/1 as Group A) and well-developed CCC (Grade 2/3 as Group B). Results: Both groups (A and B) were matched for demographics, traditional risk factors, SYNTAX 1 Score, time to CAG from onset of angina and eGFR. 36.59% of patients had Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) as compared to 63.41% ST -segment elevation infarction (STEMI). Overall Troponin I (P =0.01, P =0.01) and CPK MB (P =0.00, P =0.002) values were lower in group B in both NSTEMI and STEMI groups respectively. Troponin I and CPK-MB were significantly lower in group B [with NSTEMI for SVD (Single vessel disease) (P =0.05) and DVD (Double vessel disease) (P =0.04),but not for TVD (Triple vessel disease) and with STEMI in SVD (P =0.01), DVD (P =0.01) and TVD (P =0.001)]. Conclusion: Patients with well-developed coronary collaterals had a lower rise in biomarkers in AMI as compared to those with poor collaterals amongst both NSTEMI and STEMI groups.

Characteristics of ST-elevation myocardial infarction with failed thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND: Fibrinolytic therapy is an important reperfusion strategy, especially when primary percutaneous coronary interventions cannot be offered to ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients. Given that failed reperfusion after fibrinolytic therapy is common, it is pragmatic that the predictors, outcomes, and angiographic profiles of patients with failed thrombolysis are carefully scrutinized. METHODS: We prospectively studied clinical variables and outcomes over 30 months in 243 ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients who received fibrinolytics as primary treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of failed thrombolysis. RESULTS: Failed thrombolysis occurred in 38.68% of patients with a mean window period of 6.58 ± 1.42 h, and 55.32% of patients with failed thrombolysis had Killip class >I on presentation. Risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (55.32%), dyslipidemia (60.64%) and obesity (77.66%) were frequently associated with failed thrombolysis; 73.40% of patients with failed thrombolysis had Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade 0/1 in the infarct-related artery, and 58.51% of such patients needed a rescue percutaneous coronary intervention. The mean Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk score was 5.46 ± 2.77 in failed thrombolysis patients, with mortality of 4.25% at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Non-resolution of presenting symptoms and ST changes on electrocardiography at 90 min served as the earliest indicators of failed thrombolysis, with a significant angiographic correlation. Clinical variables such as delayed presentation (>6 h), dyspnea, Killip class >I, cardiogenic shock, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction score, and conventional risk factors including diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and obesity represented cluster of predictors of failed thrombolysis.

Study of Short and Intermediate Term Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Protected and Unprotected LMCA Stenting.

INTRODUCTION: Significant unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA) disease is detected in 5%-7% of cases undergoing Coronary Angiography (CAG). Present guidelines have revealed the significance of anatomical location in left main artery stenosis and syntax scores for determination of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE). Debate still persists over the best treatment regarding outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and LMCA stenting for patients with LMCA disease. AIM: Aim of the study was to evaluate short and intermediate term clinical outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) in LMCA disease in respect to mortality, Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA), reinfarction, stent restenosis and need for repeat target lesion revascularization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2013 to February 2015, 50 patients underwent LMCA stenting. All patients underwent detailed clinical assessment, detailed 2D echocardiographic assessment. Syntax score was calculated in all patients. Clinical in hospital and outpatient follow up was obtained at one, three, six, nine months and one year. RESULTS: Mean age was 53.14±9.60 years. On CAG 16 (32%) patients had ostial LMCA lesion, 8 (16%) had mid LMCA lesion, distal LMCA was diseased in 6 (12%). In emergency situation, two bail out LMCA stenting were done for treatment of LMCA dissection. A total of 42 (84%) patients had low syntax score, 6 (12%) had intermediate and 2 (4%) had high syntax score. Only LMCA stenting was done in 22 (44%) patients, LMCA to Left Anterior Descending (LAD) stenting was done in 22 (44%) and LMCA to Left Circumflex (LCX) stenting was done in 6 (12%) patients. Drug-Eluting Stent (DES) was used in 35 (70%) cases while Bare-Metal Stent (BMS) was used in 15 (30%). An 8% mortality and 8% target lesion revascularization rate were observed in our study. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that LMCA stenting is a safe and feasible alternative mode of revascularization in selected patients. Patients most suitable for LMCA stenting in our study were those with isolated ostial/mid LMCA disease, with protected LMCA disease and those who underwent elective stenting procedure.

Do circulating blood cell types correlate with modifiable risk factors and outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)?

AIMS: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process with different cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) contributing to its pathogenesis. We aimed to evaluate the specific relationship between circulating blood leukocytes, troponin I and CVRFs. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 959 patients with evidence of acute coronary syndrome either in form of unstable angina or STEMI or NSTEMI. Details demographic characteristics, CVRF and biochemical parameters such as total white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocytes, platelet, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and troponin I were collected. RESULTS: The results indicated that patients having either hypertension, diabetes or smoking habit had significantly higher levels of total WBC (p=0.013), neutrophil (p=0.029), NLR (p=0.029) and PLR (p=0.009). The level of troponin I was unaffected by these risk factors. Significant association of hypertension was found with total WBC (p=0.0392), lymphocytes (p=0.0384) and PLR (p=0.0027), whereas in diabetes and females all other leukocyte subtypes were significantly altered except for platelet and troponin I. Smokers had higher level of total WBC count (p=0.0033) and PLR (p=0.0464). No relationship between CVRFs and leukocytes was observed in males. The age independent effect was observed with PLR, whereas association with total WBC, lymphocytes, NLR, platelet was specific in older population. In younger patients NLR (p=0.0453) is more likely to be elevated. Mortality was significantly associated with changes in the leukocytes but not with the CVRF presence. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that the neutrophils, lymphocytes and total WBC along with its ratios predict mortality and are more likely to be elevated in presence of CVRFs.

Study of Effectiveness and Safety of Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvulotomy for Treatment of Pregnant Patients with Severe Mitral Stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: In pregnant women mitral stenosis is the commonest cardiac valvular lesion. When it is present in majorly severe condition it leads to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In mitral stenosis pregnancy can lead to development of heart failure. AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of balloon mitral valvulotomy (BMV) in pregnant females with severe mitral stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 pregnant patients who underwent BMV were included in the study from July 2011 to November 2013. Clinical follow-up during pregnancy was done every 3 months until delivery and after delivery. The mean follow up time after BMV was 6.72±0.56 months. RESULTS: From the 30 pregnant females 14 (46.67%) and 16 (53.3%) patients underwent BMV during the third and second trimester of pregnancy respectively. The mean mitral valve area was 0.85+0.16 cm(2) before BMV that increased to 1.60+0.27 cm(2) (p<0.0001) immediately after BMV. Peak and mean diastolic gradients had decreased significantly within 48 hours after the procedure (p<0.001) but remained very much unchanged at 6.72 month period of follow-up. Two patients had an increase in mitral regurgitation by 2 grades. CONCLUSION: During pregnancy BMV technique is safe and effective in patients with severe mitral stenosis. This results in marked symptomatic relief along with long term maternal and fetal outcomes.