Long-acting cilostazol versus isosorbide mononitrate for patients with vasospastic angina: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cilostazol has a vasodilatory function that may be beneficial for patients with vasospastic angina (VSA). We conducted a randomized, open-label, controlled trial to compare the efficacy and safety of long-acting cilostazol and isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) for VSA. METHODS: The study included patients with confirmed VSA between September 2019 and May 2021. Participants were randomly assigned to receive long-acting cilostazol (test group, 200 mg once daily) or conventional ISMN therapy (control group, 20 mg twice daily) for 4 weeks. The clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated using weekly questionnaires. RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled in the study (long-acting cilostazol, n = 20; ISMN, n = 20). Baseline characteristics were balanced between the two groups. Long acting cilostazol showed better angina symptom control within the first week compared to ISMN [reduction of pain intensity score, 6.0 (4.0-8.0) vs. 4.0 (1.0-5.0), P = 0.005; frequency of angina symptom, 0 (0-2.0) vs. 2.0 (0-3.0), P = 0.027, respectively]. The rate of neurological adverse reactions was lower in the cilostazol group than in the ISMN group (headache or dizziness, 40 vs. 85%, P = 0.009; headache, 30 vs. 70%, P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Long-acting cilostazol provided comparable control of angina and fewer adverse neurologic reactions within 4 weeks compared to ISMN. Long-acting cilostazol provides more intensive control of angina within 1 week, suggesting that it may be an initial choice for the treatment of VSA.

A New Equation to Estimate Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Length.

Background and Objectives: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement plays an important role in clinical practice. This study aimed to provide an equation for the proper estimation of catheter length in cases of PICC placement without imaging guidance in relation to patient height, weight, sex, and age. Materials and Methods: For 1137 PICC placement cases in both arm veins of 954 patients at a single center, the elbow crease to the cavoatrial junction length (ECL) was calculated as follows: ECL = (PICC length) + (distance from the elbow crease to the puncture site). We analyzed the relationship between ECL and patient characteristics and suggested a new equation for ECL based on height, weight, sex, and age. Results: The average ECL was 48.0 ± 2.4 cm in the right side and 51.0 ± 3.0 cm in the left side. ECL in the right arm was significantly correlated with patient height, sex, and age, whereas the ECL in the left arm was additionally significantly correlated with patient weight. The ECL (cm) prediction model was as follows: right ECL = 26.32 + 1.33 × (female = 1, male = 2) - 0.02 × age (years) + 0.13 × height (cm); left ECL = 22.09 + 1.28 × (female = 1, male = 2) + 0.02 × age (years) + 0.14 × height (cm) + 0.042 × weight (kg). Conclusions: The appropriate PICC length was predicted based on the patient's height, weight, sex, and age. The equations in our study can help predict the optimal catheter length and can be automatically calculated using computerized patient information for bedside procedures in PICC.

Predicting severe proximal left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis using proximal left anterior descending coronary artery tortuosity and the angle between the left main and anterior descending coronary arteries: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Background: Coronary bifurcation angles influence plaque initiation in the coronary artery, and changes in blood flow caused by tortuosity in the coronary arteries can reduce blood pressure distal to the tortuous portion of the coronary artery, leading to myocardial ischemia. We aimed to describe two factors (coronary artery tortuosity and bifurcation angle) as one descriptor for the evaluation of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) disease. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 133 consecutive patients who underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) for angina symptoms between November 2019 and January 2020. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of significant LAD stenosis on CTA (defined as LAD stenosis >50%). The straight length of the vessel was measured using the central luminal line of the flow path, and, calculated using proprietary algorithms in TeraRecon software. We used three-dimensional volume rendering and two-dimensional axial images to measure the left main coronary artery (LM)-LAD angles. Results: In the univariate analysis, there were significant differences in the linear distance between the endpoints of the 20 mm actual curve of the LAD (d20), cosine value for LM-LAD angle (cosθ) <0.8, age, presence of hypertension or diabetes, and number of pack years [hazard ratio (HR): 2.70, 8.04, 1.05, 3.70, 2.82, and 1.04; P=0.029, P<0.001, P=0.020, P=0.024, P=0.021, and P=0.002, respectively]. However, in the multivariate analysis, the cosθ multiplied by d20 (d20*cosθ) <15.5, presence of hypertension and number of pack years (HR: 11.36, 4.54, and 1.04; P<0.001, P=0.019, and P=0.003, respectively) were predictors of significant proximal LAD stenosis. Conclusions: As the tortuosity and LM-LAD angle increased (d20 and cosθ decreased, respectively), the chance of proximal LAD lesions formation increased. d20*cosθ might be useful as a predictor of proximal LAD stenosis.

Left bundle branch area pacing in mildly reduced heart failure: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) strategy for heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is controversial. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is an emerging pacing modality and an alternative option to CRT. This analysis aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis on the impact of the LBBAP strategy in HFmrEF, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between 35% and 50%. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for full-text articles on LBBAP from inception to July 17, 2022. The outcomes of interest were QRS duration and LVEF at baseline and follow-up in mid-range heart failure. Data were extracted and summarized. A random-effect model incorporating the potential heterogeneity was used to synthesize the results. Out of 1065 articles, 8 met the inclusion criteria for 211 mid-range heart failure patients with an implant LBBAP across the 16 centers. The average implant success rate with lumenless pacing lead use was 91.3%, and 19 complications were reported among all 211 enrolled patients. During the average follow-up of 9.1 months, the average LVEF was 39.8% at baseline and 50.5% at follow-up (MD: 10.90%, 95% CI: 6.56-15.23, p < .01). Average QRS duration was 152.6 ms at baseline and 119.3 ms at follow-up (MD: -34.51 ms, 95% CI: -60.00 to -9.02, p < .01). LBBAP could significantly reduce QRS duration and improve systolic function in a patient with LVEF between 35% and 50%. Application of LBBAP as a CRT strategy for HFmrEF may be a viable option.

Paradoxical massive pulmonary thromboembolism in a postpartum woman with factor VII deficiency with bleeding tendency: A case report.

RATIONALE: Factor VII (FVII) deficiency is an inherited bleeding disorder, and women with FVII deficiency are at risk of gynecological bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage. There have been no reports of pulmonary embolism in a postpartum woman with FVII deficiency as of yet. We report a case of postpartum massive pulmonary embolism with FVII deficiency. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 32-year-old woman visited the hospital with premature rupture of membranes at 24 weeks and 4 days of gestation. She was diagnosed with FVII deficiency in an additional blood test after her laboratory results at admission included an increased prothrombin time and international normalized ratio abnormalities. After 12 days of pregnancy maintenance treatment, an emergency cesarean delivery was performed due to uncontrolled preterm labor. The day after the operation, she suffered a sudden loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest, and after she received 1 cycle of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, she was moved to the intensive care unit. DIAGNOSES: She was diagnosed with massive pulmonary thromboembolism with heart failure by chest enhanced computed tomography, C-echo, and angiography. INTERVENTIONS: She was successfully treated with the early application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, catheter-guided thrombectomy, and anticoagulants. OUTCOMES: There were no major sequelae over 2 months of follow-up. LESSONS: FVII deficiency does not protect against thrombosis. Due to the high thrombotic risk after childbirth, the risk of thrombosis should be recognized, and thromboprophylaxis should be considered if additional obstetric thrombotic risk factors are present.

Influence of an abnormal ankle-brachial index on ischemic and bleeding events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Bleeding events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have important prognostic implications. Data on the influence of an abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) on both ischemic and bleeding events in patients undergoing PCI are limited. METHODS: We included patients who underwent PCI with available ABI data (abnormal ABI, ≤ 0.9 or > 1.4). The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and major bleeding. RESULTS: Among 4,747 patients, an abnormal ABI was observed in 610 patients (12.9%). During follow-up (median, 31 months), the 5-year cumulative incidence of adverse clinical events was higher in the abnormal ABI group than in the normal ABI group: primary endpoint (36.0% vs. 14.5%, log-rank test, p < 0.001); all-cause death (19.4% vs. 5.1%, log-rank test, p < 0.001); MI (6.3% vs. 4.1%, log-rank test, p = 0.013); stroke (6.2% vs. 2.7%, log-rank test, p = 0.001); and major bleeding (8.9% vs. 3.7%, log-rank test, p < 0.001). An abnormal ABI was an independent risk factor for all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 3.05; p < 0.001), stroke (HR, 1.79; p = 0.042), and major bleeding (HR, 1.61; p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: An abnormal ABI is a risk factor for both ischemic and bleeding events after PCI. Our study findings may be helpful in determining the optimal method for secondary prevention after PCI.

Prognostic impact of hypercoagulability and impaired fibrinolysis in acute myocardial infarction.

AIMS: Atherothrombotic events are influenced by systemic hypercoagulability and fibrinolytic activity. The present study evaluated thrombogenicity indices and their prognostic implications according to disease acuity. METHODS AND RESULTS: From the consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), those with thrombogenicity indices (n = 2705) were grouped according to disease acuity [acute myocardial infarction (AMI) vs. non-AMI]. Thrombogenicity indices were measured by thromboelastography (TEG). Blood samples for TEG were obtained immediately after insertion of the PCI sheath, and TEG tracing was performed within 4 h post-sampling. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke) were evaluated for up to 4 years. Compared with non-AMI patients, AMI patients had higher platelet-fibrin clot strength [maximal amplitude (MA): 66.5 ± 7.8 vs. 65.3 ± 7.2 mm, P < 0.001] and lower fibrinolytic activity [clot lysis at 30 min (LY30): 0.9 ± 1.8% vs. 1.1 ± 1.9%, P < 0.001]. Index AMI presentation was associated with MA [per one-mm increase: odds ratio (OR): 1.024; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.013-1.036; P < 0.001] and LY30 (per one% increase: OR: 0.934; 95% CI: 0.893-0.978; P = 0.004). The presence of high platelet-fibrin clot strength (MA ≥68 mm) and low fibrinolytic activity (LY30 < 0.2%) was synergistically associated with MACE occurrence. In the multivariable analysis, the combined phenotype of 'MA ≥ 68 mm' and 'LY30 < 0.2%' was a major predictor of post-PCI MACE in the AMI group [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.744; 95% CI: 1.135-2.679; P = 0.011], but not in the non-AMI group (adjusted HR: 1.031; 95% CI: 0.499-2.129; P = 0.935). CONCLUSION: AMI occurrence is significantly associated with hypercoagulability and impaired fibrinolysis. Their combined phenotype increases the risk of post-PCI atherothrombotic event only in AMI patients. These observations may support individualized therapy that targets thrombogenicity for better outcomes in patients with AMI. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Gyeongsang National University Hospital (G-NUH) Registry, NCT04650529.

Post-PCI Risk Assessment by Inflammation Activity According to Disease Acuity and Time from Procedure.

BACKGROUND: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been proposed as an indicator of inflammation and cardiovascular risk. However, little is known of the comparative temporal profile of hs-CRP and its relation to outcomes according to the disease acuity. METHODS: We enrolled 4,263 East Asian patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stable disease. hs-CRP was measured at baseline and 1 month post-PCI. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: the composite occurrence of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) and major bleeding were followed up to 4 years. RESULT: The AMI group (n = 2,376; 55.7%) had higher hs-CRPbaseline than the non-AMI group (n = 1,887; 44.3%) (median: 1.5 vs. 1.0 mg/L; p < 0.001), which remained higher at 1 month post-PCI (median: 1.0 vs. 0.9 mg/L; p = 0.001). During 1 month, a high inflammatory-risk phenotype (upper tertile: hs-CRPbaseline ≥ 2.4 mg/L) was associated with a greater MACE in the AMI group (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj]: 7.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.29-25.59; p < 0.001), but not in the non-AMI group (HRadj: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.12-4.40; p = 0.736). Between 1 month and 4 years, a high inflammatory-risk phenotype (upper tertile: hs-CRP1 month ≥ 1.6 mg/L) was associated with greater MACE compared to the other phenotype in both the AMI (HRadj: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.73-3.45; p < 0.001) and non-AMI groups (HRadj: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.80-3.94; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: AMI patients have greater inflammation during the early and late phases than non-AMI patients. Risk phenotype of hs-CRPbaseline correlates with 1-month outcomes only in AMI patients. However, the prognostic implications of this risk phenotype appears similar during the late phase, irrespective of the disease acuity.

Prevalence of adverse events during ticagrelor versus clopidogrel treatment and its association with premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy in East Asian patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Background: Clinical evidence raises the issues regarding the high risk of adverse events and serious bleeding in East Asian patients receiving standard-dose ticagrelor treatment. We sought to evaluate the association between adverse events and their associations with premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Methods: We enrolled East Asian patients presented with acute coronary syndrome who took DAPT with 90-mg ticagrelor (n = 270) or 75-mg clopidogrel (n = 674). During 1-month treatment, antiplatelet effect was evaluated with the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay, and the occurrence of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea was assessed with the dedicated questionnaire. Results: During 1-month follow-up, patients on ticagrelor showed the higher risks of bleeding (any BARC type: 45.6% vs. 23.6%; odds ratio [OR], 2.71 and BARC 1 or 2 type: 45.2% vs. 22.1%; OR, 2.90, respectively) and dyspnea (26.3% vs. 13.6%; OR, 2.25) compared with those on clopidogrel. In a receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis to predict bleeding risk, ticagrelor showed a lower cutoff of low platelet reactivity (LPR) (P2Y12 reaction unit [PRU] ≤ 20) than clopidogrel (PRU ≤ 110). Early occurrence of bleeding episode was significantly associated with LPR phenotype (OR, 2.68), not type of P2Y12 inhibitor. In multivariate analysis, type of P2Y12 inhibitor (ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel: OR, 2.19) and bleeding episode (OR, 2.94) were independent predictors for dyspnea occurrence. During 1-year follow-up, DAPT with ticagrelor showed a higher risk of premature discontinuation compared to DAPT with clopidogrel (27.8% vs. 4.7%; adjusted HR, 8.84), which risk appeared frequent during the first month (14.4%) during DAPT with ticagrelor. Early occurrence of bleeding and dyspnea synergistically increased a risk of DAPT non-adherence, irrespective of type of P2Y12 inhibitor. Conclusion: This analysis is the first evidence to show the different cutoff of low platelet reactivity during the reversible (ticagrelor) versus irreversible P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel). Early occurrence of bleeding and dyspnea is very common during standard-dose ticagrelor treatment in East Asian patients, which show a close association with premature DAPT discontinuation. Clinical trial registration: [https://www.clinicaltrials.gov], identifier[NCT046 50529].

Residual Inflammatory Risk and its Association With Events in East Asian Patients After Coronary Intervention.

Background: East Asian population has a low level of inflammation compared with Western population. The prognostic implication of residual inflammatory risk (RIR) remains uncertain in East Asians. Objectives: This study sought to provide an analysis to estimate early-determined RIR and its association with clinical outcomes in East Asian patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: In an East Asian registry including patients with CAD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n = 4,562), RIR status was determined by measuring high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) serially at admission and at 1-month follow-up. Patients were stratified into 4 groups according to hsCRP criteria (≥2 mg/L): 1) persistent low RIR (lowon admission-low1 month: 51.0%); 2) fortified RIR (lowon admission-high 1 month: 10.3%); 3) attenuated RIR (highon admission-low1 month: 20.5%); and 4) persistent high RIR (highon admission-high1 month: 18.3%). The risks of all-cause death, ischemic events, and major bleeding were evaluated. Results: In our cohort, median levels of hsCRP were significantly decreased over time (1.3 to 0.9 mg/L; P < 0.001). Compared with hsCRP on admission, hsCRP at 1 month showed the greater associations with all-cause death and ischemic event. During clinical follow-up, risks of clinical events were significantly different across the groups (log-rank test, P < 0.001). Compared with other RIR groups, persistent high RIR showed the higher risk for all-cause death (HRadjusted, 1.92; 95% CI: 1.44 to 2.55; P < 0.001), ischemic events (HRadjusted, 1.26; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.56; P = 0.032), and major bleeding (HRadjusted, 1.98; 95% CI: 1.30 to 2.99; P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Approximately one-fifth of East Asian patients with CAD have persistent high RIR, which shows the close association with occurrence of ischemic and bleeding events. (Gyeongsang National University Hospital Registry [GNUH]; NCT04650529).

Admixture of divergent genomes facilitates hybridization across species in the family Brassicaceae.

Hybridization and polyploidization are pivotal to plant evolution. Genetic crosses between distantly related species are rare in nature due to reproductive barriers but how such hurdles can be overcome is largely unknown. Here we report the hybrid genome structure of xBrassicoraphanus, a synthetic allotetraploid of Brassica rapa and Raphanus sativus. We performed cytogenetic analysis and de novo genome assembly to examine chromosome behaviors and genome integrity in the hybrid. Transcriptome analysis was conducted to investigate expression of duplicated genes in conjunction with epigenome analysis to address whether genome admixture entails epigenetic reconfiguration. Allotetraploid xBrassicoraphanus retains both parental chromosomes without genome rearrangement. Meiotic synapsis formation and chromosome exchange are avoided between nonhomologous progenitor chromosomes. Reconfiguration of transcription network occurs, and less divergent cis-elements of duplicated genes are associated with convergent expression. Genome-wide DNA methylation asymmetry between progenitors is largely maintained but, notably, B. rapa-originated transposable elements are transcriptionally silenced in xBrassicoraphanus through gain of DNA methylation. Our results demonstrate that hybrid genome stabilization and transcription compatibility necessitate epigenome landscape adjustment and rewiring of cis-trans interactions. Overall, this study suggests that a certain extent of genome divergence facilitates hybridization across species, which may explain the great diversification and expansion of angiosperms during evolution.

Fulminant Giant Cell Myocarditis following Heterologous Vaccination of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19.

A 48-year-old female patient underwent a heart transplantation for acute fulminant myocarditis, following heterologous vaccination with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19. She had no history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection. She did not exhibit clinical signs or have laboratory findings of concomitant infection before or after vaccination. Heart transplantation was performed because her heart failed to recover with venoarterial extracorporeal oxygenation support. Organ autopsy revealed giant cell myocarditis, possibly related to the vaccines. Clinicians may have to consider the possibility of the development of giant cell myocarditis, especially in patients with rapidly deteriorating cardiac function and myocarditis symptoms after COVID-19 vaccination.

Serum microRNA-185 Levels and Myocardial Injury in Patients with Acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Objective Human microRNA-185 (miR-185) has been reported to act as a regulator of fibrosis and angiogenesis in cancer. However, miR-185 has not been investigated in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We hypothesized that the changes in miR-185 levels in STEMI patients are related to the processes of myocardial healing and remodeling. Methods Between January 2011 and December 2013, 145 patients with STEMI (65.9±11.6 years old; 41 women) were enrolled. Initial and discharge serum samples collected from 20 patients with STEMI and mixed sera from 8 healthy controls were analyzed by a microarray. A quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis of miR-185 was performed in all 145 patients. The correlation between the miR-185 levels and the clinical, laboratory, angiographic, and echocardiographic parameters was analyzed. Results The microarray analysis revealed a biphasic pattern in miR-185 levels, with an initial decrease followed by an increase at discharge. The miR-185 levels at discharge were significantly correlated with the troponin-I, CK-MB, and area under the curve of CK-MB levels. There was a positive correlation between the transforming growth factor-ß and miR-185 levels at discharge (ρ=0.242, p=0.026). A high wall motion score index and a low ejection fraction, as measured by echocardiography, and high B-type natriuretic peptide level at one month after STEMI were related to high miR-185 levels. Conclusion Our results showed that elevated miR-185 levels at the late stage of STEMI were related to a large amount of myocardial injury and adverse remodeling.

Association Between Thrombogenicity Indices and Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction.

The association between thrombogenicity and coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) has been poorly explored in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In our real-world clinical practice (N = 116), thrombogenicity was evaluated with thromboelastography and conventional hemostatic measures, and CMD was defined as index of microcirculatory resistance of >40 U using the invasive physiologic test. High platelet-fibrin clot strength (P-FCS) (≥68 mm) significantly increased the risk of postprocedural CMD (odds ratio: 4.35; 95% CI: 1.74-10.89). Patients with both CMD and high P-FCS had a higher rate of ischemic events compared to non-CMD subjects with low P-FCS (odds ratio: 5.58; 95% CI: 1.31-23.68). This study showed a close association between heightened thrombogenicity and CMD and their prognostic implications after reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction patients.

Effects of Monotherapy with Clopidogrel vs. Aspirin on Vascular Function and Hemostatic Measurements in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: The Prospective, Crossover I-LOVE-MONO Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of clopidogrel vs. aspirin monotherapy on vascular function and hemostatic measurement. BACKGROUND: Monotherapy with P2Y12 receptor inhibitor vs. aspirin can be a useful alterative to optimize clinical efficacy and safety in high-risk patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: We performed a randomized, open-label, two-period crossover study in stented patients receiving at least 6-month of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Thirty CAD patients with moderate-to-high ischemic risk were randomly assigned to receive either 75 mg of clopidogrel or 100 mg of aspirin daily for 4 weeks, and were crossed over to the other strategy for 4 weeks. Vascular function was evaluated with reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Hemostatic profiles were measured with VerifyNow and thromboelastography (TEG). The primary endpoint was the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) during clopidogrel or aspirin monotherapy. RESULTS: Clopidogrel vs. aspirin monotherapy was associated with better endothelial function (RHI: 2.11 ± 0.77% vs. 1.87 ± 0.72%, p = 0.045), lower platelet reactivity (130 ± 64 vs. 214 ± 50 P2Y12 reaction unit [PRU], p < 0.001) and prolonged reaction time (TEG R: 5.5 ± 1.2 vs. 5.1 ± 1.1 min, p = 0.037). In multivariate analysis, normal endothelial function (RHI ≥ 2.1) was significantly associated with clot kinetics (TEG angle ≤ 68 degree) and 'PRU ≤ 132'. 'PRU ≤ 132' was achieved in 46.2% vs. 3.8% during clopidogrel administration vs. aspirin monotherapy (odds ratio 21.4, 95% confidence interval 2.7 to 170.1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In CAD patients, clopidogrel vs. aspirin monotherapy was associated with better endothelial function, greater platelet inhibition and lower coagulation activity, suggesting pleiotropic effects of clopidogrel on endothelial function and hemostatic profiles.

Comparative analysis of three nutrition scores in predicting mortality after acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the utility of nutrition scores in predicting mortality and prognostic importance of nutrition status using three different scoring systems in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: In total, 1147 patients with AMI were enrolled in this study (72.5 % men; mean age 65.6 years). Patients were divided into three groups according to the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI); prognostic nutritional index (PNI); and triglycerides, total cholesterol, and body weight index(TCBI) scores as tertile: low (GNRI ≤ 103.8, n = 382), intermediate (103.8 < GNRI ≤ 112.3, n = 383), and high (GNRI > 112.3, n = 382) GNRI groups; low (PNI ≤ 50.0, n = 382), intermediate (50.0 < PNI ≤ 56.1, n = 383), and high (PNI > 56.1, n = 382) PNI groups; and low (TCBI ≤ 1086.4, n = 382), intermediate (1086.3 < GNRI ≤ 2139.1, n = 383), and high (TCBI > 2139.1, n = 382) TCBI groups. RESULTS: In the GNRI, TCBI, and PNI groups, the cumulative incidence of all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) was significantly higher in the low score group, followed by the intermediate and high score groups. Moreover, both intermediate and low PNI groups had a similar cumulative incidence of all-cause death and MACE. The GNRI score (AUC 0.753, 95% CI 0.608~0.745, P = 0.009) had significantly higher areas under the curve (AUCs) than the TCBI (AUC 0.659, 95% CI 0.600~0.719, reference) and PNI (AUC 0.676, 95% CI 0.608~0.745, P = 0.669) scores. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low nutrition scores were at a higher risk of MACE and all-cause death than patients with high nutrition scores. Additionally, the GNRI had the greatest incremental value in predicting risks among the three different scoring systems used in this study.

Long-term Outcomes of Clopidogrel Monotherapy versus Prolonged Dual Antiplatelet Therapy beyond 12 Months after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in High-risk Patients.

BACKGROUND: There are no data on comparison between clopidogrel monotherapy and prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients at high-risk undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Of 2,082 consecutive patients undergoing PCI using second-generation drug-eluting stent (DES), we studied 637 patients at high-risk either angiographically or clinically who received clopidogrel longer than 24 months and were event-free at 12 months after index PCI. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the clopidogrel monotherapy group and the prolonged DAPT group. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), definite or probable stent thrombosis, or stroke between 12 months and 36 months after the index PCI. RESULTS: In propensity score-matched population (246 pairs), the cumulative rate of primary outcome was 4.5% in the clopidogrel monotherapy group and 4.9% in the prolonged DAPT group (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-2.75; P = 0.643). There was no significant difference in all-cause death, MI, stent thrombosis, stroke between the clopidogrel monotherapy group and the prolonged DAPT group. CONCLUSION: Compared with prolonged DAPT, clopidogrel monotherapy showed similar long-term outcomes in patients at high-risk after second-generation DES implantation.

Cardiac mortality benefit of direct admission to percutaneous coronary intervention-capable hospital in acute myocardial infarction: Community registry-based study.

ABSTRACT: Appropriate risk stratification and timely revascularization of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are available in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) - capable hospitals (PCHs). This study evaluated whether direct admission vs inter-hospital transfer influences cardiac mortality in patients with AMI. This study was conducted in the PCH where the patients were able to arrive within an hour. The inclusion criteria were AMI with a symptom onset time within 24 hours and having undergone PCI within 24 hours after admission. The cumulative incidence of cardiac death after percutaneous coronary intervention was evaluated in the direct admission versus inter-hospital transfer groups. Among the 3178 patients, 2165 (68.1%) were admitted via inter-hospital transfer. Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the direct admission group had a reduced symptom onset-to-balloon time (121 minutes, P < .001). With a median period of 28.4 (interquartile range, 12.0-45.6) months, the cumulative incidence of 2-year cardiac death was lower in the direct admission group (NSTEMI, 9.0% vs 11.0%, P = .136; STEMI, 9.7% vs 13.7%, P = .040; AMI, 9.3% vs 12.3%, P = .014, respectively). After the adjustment for clinical variables, inter-hospital transfer was the determinant of cardiac death (hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-2.33; P = .016). Direct PCH admission should be recommended for patients with suspected AMI and could be a target for reducing cardiac mortality.

Pharmacodynamic Profile and Prevalence of Bleeding Episode in East Asian Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Treated with Prasugrel Standard-Dose versus De-escalation Strategy: A Randomized A-MATCH Trial.

Compared with Caucasian patients, East Asian patients have the unique risk-benefit trade-off and different responsiveness to antithrombotic regimens. The aim of this study was to compare pharmacodynamic profile in East Asian patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) treated with prasugrel standard-dose versus a de-escalation strategy. Before discharge, ACS patients with age <75 years or weight ≥60 kg (n = 255) were randomly assigned to the standard-dose (10-mg group) or de-escalation strategy (5-mg group or platelet function test [PFT]-guided group). After 1 month, VerifyNow P2Y12 assay-based platelet reactivity (P2Y12 reaction unit [PRU]) and bleeding episodes were evaluated. Primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with the therapeutic window (85 ≤ PRU ≤ 208). The 250 patients completed 1-month treatment. The percentage of patients within the therapeutic window was significantly lower in the 10-mg group (n = 85) compared with the 5-mg (n = 83) and PFT-guided groups (n = 82) (35.3 vs. 67.5 vs. 65.9%) (odds ratio [OR]: 3.80 and 3.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.01-7.21 and 1.87-6.69, respectively). Compared with the 10-mg group, the bleeding rate was tended to be lower with de-escalation strategies (35.3 vs. 24.1% vs. 23.2%) (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.58 and 0.55; 95% CI: 0.30-1.14 and 0.28-1.09, respectively). "PRU < 127" was the optimal cut-off for predicting 1-month bleeding events (area under the curve: 0.616; 95% CI: 0.543-0.689; p = 0.005), which criteria was significantly associated with early discontinuation of prasugrel treatment (HR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.28-3.03; p = 0.001). In conclusion, compared with the standard-dose prasugrel, the prasugrel de-escalation strategy in East Asian patients presented with ACS showed a higher chance within the therapeutic window and a lower tendency toward bleeding episodes. REGISTRATION: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier:NCT01951001.

Viscoelastic properties of clot formation and their clinical impact in East Asian versus Caucasian patients with stable coronary artery disease: a COMPARE-RACE analysis.

Compared with Caucasian patients, East Asian patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have demonstrated better clinical outcomes. We sought to compare the viscoelastic properties of clot formation and their impact on clinical outcomes in East Asian vs. Caucasian patients. We analyzed age- and sex-matched East Asian and Caucasian patients with stable CAD (n = 249 each). Viscoelastic properties of clot formation were assessed with thromboelastography (TEG), and 3-year clinical outcomes were recorded. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Compared with Caucasians, East Asians showed lower platelet-fibrin clot strength (PFCS) (maximum amplitude [MA]: 61.8 ± 7.9 vs. 65.4 ± 5.0 mm, p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, high PFCS (defined as MA ≥ 68 mm) was significantly associated with MACE occurrence (odds ratio 6.27, 95% CI 2.41 to 16.30, p < 0.001). East Asians vs. Caucasians had lower prevalence of high PFCS (odds ratio 0.50, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.93, p = 0.028). In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate different viscoelastic properties of clot between East Asian and Caucasian patients with stable CAD. The platelet-fibrin clot strength was significantly associated with MACE in these patients and was significantly lower in East Asians. Future studies are warranted to further explore the mechanistic explanation and clinical importance of these findings.