Pharmacosimulation of delays and interruptions during administration of tirofiban: a systematic comparison between EU and US dosage regimens.

Tirofiban is a glycoproteine (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, which inhibits platelet-platelet aggregation and is a potential adjunctive antithrombotic treatment in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). It is administered intravenously as a bolus followed by continuous infusion. However, the dosage recommendations in the United States (US) and European Union (EU) differ considerably. Furthermore, in routine clinical practice, deviations from the recommendations may occur. The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of different alterations on tirofiban plasma concentrations in US and EU administration regimens and to give suggestions for delay management in clinical practice. We therefore mathematically simulated the effects of different bolus-infusion delays and infusion interruptions in different scenarios according to the renal function. Here, we provide a systematic assessment of concentration patterns of tirofiban in the US versus EU dosage regimens. We show that differences between the two regimens have important effects on plasma drug levels. Furthermore, we demonstrate that deviations from the proper administration mode affect the concentration of tirofiban. Additionally, we calculated the optimal dosage of a second bolus to rapidly restore the initial concentration without causing overdosage. In conclusion, differences in tirofiban dosing regimens between the U.S and EU and potential infusion interruptions have important effects on drug levels that may impact on degrees of platelet inhibition and thus antithrombotic effects. Thus, the findings of our modelling studies may help to explain differences in clinical outcomes observed in previous clinical trials on tirofiban.

Clinical efficacy and safety outcomes of bempedoic acid for LDL-C lowering therapy in patients at high cardiovascular risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Bempedoic acid (BA) is a novel oral low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering drug. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess efficacy and safety for clinical outcomes in high cardiovascular (CV) risk patients. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, Clinical Trial Results and the American College of Cardiology web site were searched. STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of BA versus placebo in high CV risk patients reporting clinical outcomes were included. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary efficacy outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), all-cause mortality, CV mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI). Safety outcomes included new onset or worsening of diabetes mellitus (DM), muscular disorders, gout and worsening of renal function. RESULTS: Six RCTs with a total of 3956 patients and follow-ups of four to 52 weeks were identified. Heterogeneity mainly derived from differing follow-up duration and baseline CV risk. No difference in MACE (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.15), all-cause mortality (OR 2.37; CI 0.80 to 6.99) and CV mortality (OR 1.66; CI 0.45 to 6.04) for BA versus placebo was observed. BA showed beneficial trends for non-fatal MI (OR 0.57; CI 0.32 to 1.00) and was associated with a lower risk of new-onset or worsening of DM (OR 0.68; CI 0.49 to 0.94), but higher risk of gout (OR 3.29; CI 1.28 to 8.46) and a trend for muscular disorders (OR 2.60; CI 1.15 to 5.91) and worsening of renal function (OR 4.24; CI 0.98 to 18.39). CONCLUSION: BA in high CV risk patients showed no significant effects on major CV outcomes in short-term follow-up. Unfavourable effects on muscular disorders, renal function and gout sound a note of caution. Hence, further studies with longer term follow-up in carefully selected populations are needed to clarify the risk/benefit ratio of this novel therapy.

Right ventricular dysfunction assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance is associated with poor outcome in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair.

AIMS: To evaluate whether CMR-derived RV assessment can facilitate risk stratification among patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR). BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing TMVR, only limited data exist regarding the role of RV function. Previous studies assessed the impact of pre-procedural RV dysfunction stating that RV failure may be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality after the procedure. METHODS: Sixty-one patients underwent CMR, echocardiography and right heart catheterization prior TMVR. All-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalizations were assessed during 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: According to RV ejection fraction (RVEF) <46%, 23 patients (38%) had pre-existing RV dysfunction. By measures of RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVi), 16 patients (26%) revealed RV dilatation. Nine patients (15%) revealed both. RV dysfunction was associated with increased right and left ventricular volumes as well as reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (all p<0.05). During follow-up, 15 patients (25%) died and additional 14 patients (23%) were admitted to hospital due to heart failure symptoms. RV dysfunction predicted all-cause mortality even after adjustment for LV function. Similarly, RVEDVi was a predictor of all-cause mortality even after adjustment for LVEDVi. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis unraveled that, among patients presenting with CMR indicative of both, RV dysfunction and dilatation, the majority (78%) experienced an adverse event during follow-up (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing TMVR, pre-existing RV dysfunction and RV dilatation are associated with reduced survival, in progressive additive fashion. The assessment of RV volumes and function by CMR may aid in risk stratification prior TMVR in these high-risk patients.

Modern NCDR and ACTION risk models outperform the GRACE model for prediction of in-hospital mortality in acute coronary syndrome in a German cohort.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Risk prediction with the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk model is guideline-recommended in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. However, the performance of more contemporary scores derived from ACTION (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network) and National Cardiovascular Data (NCDR) registries remains incompletely understood. We aimed to compare these models in German ACS patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 1567 patients with (Non-)ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI: 1002 patients, STEMI: 565 patients) undergoing invasive management at University Hospital Düsseldorf (Germany) from 2014 to 2018 were included. Overall in-hospital mortality was 7.5% (NSTEMI 3.7%, STEMI 14.5%). Parameters for calculation of GRACE 1.0, GRACE 2.0, ACTION and NCDR risk models and in-hospital mortality were assessed and risk model performance was compared. The GRACE 1.0 risk model for prediction of in-hospital mortality discriminated risk superior (c-index 0.84) to its successor GRACE 2.0 (c-index 0.79, pGRACE1.0vsGRACE2.0 = 0.0008). The NCDR model performed best in discrimination of risk in ACS overall (c-index 0.89; pACTIONvsNCDR < 0.0001; pGRACEvsNCDR < 0.0001) and showed superior performance compared to GRACE in NSTEMI and STEMI subgroups (pGRACEvsNCDR both < 0.02). ACTION and GRACE risk models performed comparable to each other (both c-index 0.84, pGRACEvsACTION = 0.68), with advantages for ACTION in NSTEMI patients (c-index 0.87 vs. 0.84 (GRACE); pGRACEvsACTION = 0.02). ACTION and GRACE 2.0 showed the most accurate calibration of all models. CONCLUSIONS: In a contemporary German patient population with ACS, modern NCDR and ACTION risk models showed superior performance in prediction of in-hospital mortality compared to the gold-standard GRACE model.

Uninterrupted anticoagulation during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: no difference in major bleeding and stroke between direct oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists in an updated meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Periprocedural uninterrupted anticoagulation for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) became standard after positive results of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) trials. Previous studies of uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) vs. VKA have given controversial results. We thus aimed to elucidate the risk/benefit ratio of uninterrupted DOAC vs. VKA during catheter ablation of AF in an updated meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Online databases were searched for RCTs comparing uninterrupted DOAC to VKA in patients undergoing catheter ablation of AF. Data from retrieved studies were analysed in a comprehensive meta-analysis. Primary safety outcome was major bleeding; primary efficacy outcome was stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Secondary outcomes included a composite of major bleeding and stroke or TIA, minor bleeding, acute cerebral lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mortality. RESULTS: Six eligible RCTs comprising 2,369 patients were included. There were no significant differences in DOAC vs. VKA concerning the rates of major bleeding (2.2% vs. 3.8%; odds ratio (OR) 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30-1.56; p = .37) and stroke or TIA (0.2% vs. 0.2%; OR 0.97, CI 0.20-4.72; p = .97). Pooled meta-analysis of secondary outcomes revealed no significant differences (OR 0.73, p = .49 for composite of major bleeding and stroke or TIA; OR 1.08, p = .52 for minor bleeding; OR 1.12, p = .59 for acute cerebral lesions on MRI; and OR 0.60, p = .64 for all-cause mortality). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that uninterrupted DOAC is not superior to VKA in patients undergoing catheter ablation of AF with comparable rates of major bleeding and stroke.

Kidney function stratified outcomes of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with atrial fibrillation and high bleeding risk.

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and atrial fibrillation have increased risks for stroke and bleeding under oral anticoagulation (OAC). We investigated an alternative therapy of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in CKD patients in this study.Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing LAAO were included in a retrospective analysis and stratified for kidney function into CKD/Non-CKD groups (cutoff eGFR 60 ml/min). Procedural characteristics, in-hospital and follow-up events were analysed and compared between groups.Results: LAAO was performed in 146 patients (81 CKD; 65 Non-CKD), mean follow-up was 391 days. Groups differed in eGFR (40.1 (CKD) vs. 75.1 (Non-CKD) ml/min) and CHA2DS2VASc scores (4.65 ± 1.3 (CKD) vs. 4.06 ± 1.4 (Non-CKD)). Procedural success was 98.6%, contrast-induced acute kidney injury was significantly more frequent in CKD patients (11.1% vs. 0%; p = .004). Follow-up mortality was higher in CKD (10.5/100 PY vs. 4.2/100 PY; p = .156). Follow-up stroke rates were 2.3/100 (CKD) patient-years (PY) and 1.4/100 PY (Non-CKD) (p = 1.000), corresponding to a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 60% (all), 68% (CKD) and 71% (Non-CKD) compared to expected stroke rates. Follow-up major bleeding rates were 3.5/100 PY (CKD) and 4.2/100 PY (Non-CKD), corresponding to RRR of 57% (all), 61% (CKD) and 53% (Non-CKD) compared to OAC.Conclusions: Left atrial appendage occlusion shows comparable efficacy for stroke and bleeding prevention in CKD and Non-CKD patients. CKD patients experience more adverse events during follow-up and a significantly increased risk for periprocedural contrast-induced acute kidney injury.

Validation of National Cardiovascular Data Registry risk models for mortality, bleeding and acute kidney injury in interventional cardiology at a German Heart Center.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) risk scores for mortality, bleeding and acute kidney injury (AKI) are accurate outcome predictors of coronary catheterization procedures in North American populations. However, their application in German clinical practice remained elusive and we thus aimed to verify their use. METHODS: NCDR scores for mortality, bleeding and AKI and corresponding clinical outcomes were retrospectively assessed in patients undergoing catheterization for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or for elective coronary procedures at a German Heart Center from 2014 to 2017. Risk model performance was assessed using receiver-operating-characteristic curves (discrimination) and graphical analysis/logistic regression (calibration). RESULTS: A total of 1637 patients were included, procedures were performed for STEMI (565 patients, 34.5%), NSTEMI (572 patients, 34.9%) and elective purposes (500 patients, 30.5%); 6% (13% of STEMI and 5% of NSTEMI patients) presented in cardiogenic shock and 3% with resuscitated cardiac arrest. Radial access was used in 38% of procedures and cross-over was necessary in 5%; PCI was performed in 60% of procedures. In-hospital mortality was 6.3% (STEMI 14.5%; NSTEMI 3.7%; elective 0%) and major bleedings occurred in 5.6% (STEMI 10.6%; NSTEMI 5.4%; elective 0.2%); AKI was detected in 18.1% of patients (STEMI 23.7%; NSTEMI 27.3%; elective 1.4%), amounting to KDIGO stage I/II/III in 11.5%/3.5%/3.2%. NCDR risk models discriminated very well for mortality [AUC 0.93 with 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91-0.95] and well for major bleeding (AUC 0.82, CI 0.78-0.86) and any AKI (AUC 0.83, CI 0.81-0.86). Discrimination in the subgroup of patients with PCI was comparable (mortality: AUC 0.90; major bleeding: AUC 0.78; any AKI: AUC 0.79). However, calibration showed considerable underestimation of mortality and AKI in high-risk patients, while major bleeding was consistently overestimated (Hosmer-Lemeshow p < 0.02 for all outcomes). CONCLUSIONS: The NCDR risk models showed excellent performance in discriminating high-risk from low-risk patients in contemporary German interventional cardiology. Model calibration for adverse event probability prediction, however, is limited and demands recalibration, especially in high-risk patients.

[Update ESC-Guideline: Management of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy - What is important?] / Update ESC-Leitlinie: Kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen während der Schwangerschaft ­ Worauf kommt es an?

The treatment of pregnant patients with a cardiovascular disease is a special challenge to deal with. Before getting pregnant all cardiac patients should get medical advice accordingly to their risk profile in the modified World Health Organization classification of maternal cardiovascular risk. This article has the aim to give an overview of the new or changed recommendations of the new ESC-Guideline for the management of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy.

Routine Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitor Therapy in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend adjunct glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) only in selected patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study aimed to evaluate routine GPI use in STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: Online databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of routine GPI vs control therapy in STEMI. Data from retrieved studies were abstracted and evaluated in a comprehensive meta-analysis. Twenty-one randomized controlled trials with 8585 patients were included: 10 trials randomized tirofiban, 9 abciximab, 1 trial eptifibatide, and 1 trial used abciximab+tirofiban; only 1 trial used dual antiplatelet therapy with prasugrel/ticagrelor. RESULTS: Routine GPI use was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality at 30 days (2.4% [GPI] vs 3.2%; risk ratio [RR], 0.72; P = 0.01) and 6 months (3.7% vs 4.8%; RR, 0.76; P = 0.02), and a reduction in recurrent myocardial infarction (1.1% vs 2.1%; RR, 0.55; P = 0.0006), repeat revascularization (2.5% vs 4.1%; RR, 0.63; P = 0.0001), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow <3 after percutaneous coronary intervention (5.4% vs 8.2%; RR, 0.61; P < 0.0001), and ischemic stroke (RR, 0.42; P = 0.04). Major (4.7% vs 3.4%; RR, 1.35; P = 0.005) and minor bleedings (7.2% vs 5.1%; RR, 1.39; P = 0.006) but not intracranial bleedings (0.1% vs 0%; RR, 2.7; P = 0.37) were significantly increased under routine GPI. CONCLUSIONS: Routine GPI administration in STEMI resulted in a reduction in mortality, driven by reductions in recurrent ischemic events-however predominantly in pre-prasugrel/ticagrelor trials. Trials with contemporary STEMI management are needed to confirm these findings.

Endovascular Thrombectomy as a Means to Improve Survival in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-analysis.

Importance: Although endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke is recommended by guidelines to improve functional recovery, thus far there are insufficient data on its association with mortality. Objective: To identify guideline-relevant trials of EVT vs medical therapy reporting 90-day mortality and perform a meta-analysis. Data Sources: All randomized clinical trials cited for recommendations on EVT vs medical therapy in the latest 2018 American Stroke Association/American Heart Association guidelines. Study Selection: Ten American Stroke Association/American Heart Association guideline-relevant randomized clinical trials of EVT vs medical therapy were selected for inclusion. Two EVT trials were excluded owing to infrequent use of EVT. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data were abstracted by 2 independent investigators and double-checked by 4 others. Singular study data were integrated using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method and a random-effects model to compute summary statistics of risk ratios (RR) with 95% CIs. Main Outcomes and Measures: Risk of 90-day mortality and 90-day intracranial hemorrhage was analyzed; sensitivity analyses were performed in early-window EVT trials (which included patients from the onset of symptoms onward) vs late-window EVT trials (which included patients from 6 hours after onset of symptoms onward). Results: In 10 trials with 2313 patients, EVT significantly reduced the risk for 90-day mortality by 3.7% compared with medical therapy (15.0% vs 18.7%; RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.98; P = .03). Trends were similar in early-window (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.67-1.01; P = .06) and late-window trials only (RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.41-1.40; P = .38). There was no difference in the risk for intracranial hemorrhage in EVT vs medical therapy (4.2% vs 4.0%; RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.71-1.72; P = .65). Limitations of the studies include trial protocol heterogeneity and bias originating from prematurely terminated trials. Conclusions and Relevance: This meta-analysis of all evidence on EVT cited in the 2018 American Stroke Association/American Heart Association guidelines shows significant benefits for survival during the first 90 days after acute ischemic stroke compared with medical therapy alone.

Patent foramen ovale closure or medical therapy for cryptogenic ischemic stroke: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Previous randomized controlled trials (RCT) failed to demonstrate benefits of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure (PFO-C) over medical therapy (MT) for secondary prevention of cryptogenic ischemic stroke. Three recently published RCTs, however, turned out positive for PFO-C and warrant an updated meta-analysis. METHODS: Data from all available RCTs on PFO-C vs. MT for secondary prevention of cryptogenic ischemic stroke up until October 2017 were abstracted and analyzed in a comprehensive meta-analysis. Clinical efficacy outcomes were recurrent stroke, recurrent TIA, and their combination; safety outcomes were mortality, major bleeding, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and new-onset atrial fibrillation/flutter (NOAF). RESULTS: Five trials including a total of 3440 patients were included in the meta-analysis. PFO-C significantly reduced recurrent stroke [odds ratio (OR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19-0.90; p = 0.03] and the combination of recurrent stroke + TIA (OR 0.53, CI 0.36-0.80; p = 0.002) compared to MT; recurrent TIA alone showed no differences (OR 0.77; CI 0.51-1.14; p = 0.19). NOAF was significantly more frequent after PFO-C (OR 5.75, CI 3.09-10.70; p < 0.00001). Mortality (OR 0.80, CI 0.39-1.67), major bleeding (OR 0.96, CI 0.48-1.92), and VTE (OR 2.45, CI 0.75-7.99) remained neutral. Trials with superior patient selection for PFO-C showed advantageous results compared to MT. CONCLUSIONS: PFO-C after cryptogenic ischemic stroke is safe and effective to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and recurrent stroke + TIA, albeit with an increased risk for NOAF.

Implantable cardioverter/defibrillators for primary prevention in dilated cardiomyopathy post-DANISH: an updated meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is frequent in patients with heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) device therapy is currently used for primary prevention. However, publication of the DANISH trial has recently given reason for doubt, showing no significant improvement in all-cause mortality in comparison to contemporary medical therapy. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials comparing ICD therapy to medical therapy (MT) for primary prevention in DCM. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality; secondary analyses were performed on sudden cardiac death, cardiovascular death and non-cardiac death. RESULTS: Five trials including a total of 2992 patients were included in the pooled analysis. Compared to contemporary medical treatment there was a significant mortality reduction with ICD device therapy [odds ratio (OR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64-0.93; p = 0.006]. SCD was decreased significantly (OR 0.43, CI 0.27-0.69; p = 0.0004), while cardiovascular death and non-cardiac death showed no differences. Sensitivity analyses showed no influence of amiodarone therapy on overall results. Analysis of MT details revealed the DANISH population to adhere the most to current guideline recommendations. In addition, it was the only study including a substantial amount of CRT devices (58%). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis of all available randomized evidence shows a survival benefit of ICD therapy for primary prevention in DCM. DANISH results suggest an attenuation of this ICD advantage when compared to contemporary medical and cardiac resynchronization therapy. Until larger trials have confirmed this finding, ICD therapy should remain the recommendation for primary prevention of SCD in DCM.

High Platelet Reactivity in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Prasugrel and Clopidogrel.

BACKGROUND: Prasugrel is more effective than clopidogrel in reducing platelet aggregation in acute coronary syndromes. Data available on prasugrel reloading in clopidogrel treated patients with high residual platelet reactivity (HRPR) i.e. poor responders, is limited. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of prasugrel loading on platelet function in patients on clopidogrel and high platelet reactivity undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). PATIENTS: Patients with ACS on clopidogrel who were scheduled for PCI found to have a platelet reactivity ≥40 AUC with the Multiplate Analyzer, i.e. "poor responders" were randomised to prasugrel (60 mg loading and 10 mg maintenance dose) or clopidogrel (600 mg reloading and 150 mg maintenance dose). The primary outcome measure was proportion of patients with platelet reactivity <40 AUC 4 hours after loading with study medication, and also at one hour (secondary outcome). 44 patients were enrolled and the study was terminated early as clopidogrel use decreased sharply due to introduction of newer P2Y12 inhibitors. RESULTS: At 4 hours after study medication 100% of patients treated with prasugrel compared to 91% of those treated with clopidogrel had platelet reactivity <40 AUC (p = 0.49), while at 1 hour the proportions were 95% and 64% respectively (p = 0.02). Mean platelet reactivity at 4 and 1 hours after study medication in prasugrel and clopidogrel groups respectively were 12 versus 22 (p = 0.005) and 19 versus 34 (p = 0.01) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Routine platelet function testing identifies patients with high residual platelet reactivity ("poor responders") on clopidogrel. A strategy of prasugrel rather than clopidogrel reloading results in earlier and more sustained suppression of platelet reactivity. Future trials need to identify if this translates into clinical benefit. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01339026.

Individualised dual antiplatelet therapy in a patient with short bowel syndrome after acute myocardial infarction with coronary artery stenting.

Short bowel syndrome after extensive surgical resection of the intestine is characterised by inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients. Additional clinical problems include impaired absorption and metabolism of diverse drugs requiring individualised medical therapy or alternative treatments. We report a case of individualised dual antiplatelet therapy in a patient who underwent an extensive intestinal resection complicated by acute myocardial infarction requiring percutaneous coronary intervention and stent implantation. Genetic testing of CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms and platelet aggregation testing were used to assess responses to aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor. Given its unique pharmacokinetics with good absorption and without need of metabolism to an active substance, ticagrelor appears to be the best for patients with short bowel syndrome who require dual antiplatelet therapy after coronary stent implantation.

Evaluation of clinical risk factors to predict high on-treatment platelet reactivity and outcome in patients with stable coronary artery disease (PREDICT-STABLE).

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to identify the multivariate effect of clinical risk factors on high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) and 12 months major adverse events (MACE) under treatment with aspirin and clopidogrel in patients undergoing non-urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: 739 consecutive patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing PCI were recruited. On-treatment platelet aggregation was tested by light transmittance aggregometry. Clinical risk factors and MACE during one-year follow-up were recorded. An independent population of 591 patients served as validation cohort. RESULTS: Degree of on-treatment platelet aggregation was influenced by different clinical risk factors. In multivariate regression analysis older age, diabetes mellitus, elevated BMI, renal function and left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of HPR. After weighing these variables according to their estimates in multivariate regression model, we developed a score to predict HPR in stable CAD patients undergoing elective PCI (PREDICT-STABLE Score, ranging 0-9). Patients with a high score were significantly more likely to develop MACE within one year of follow-up, 3.4% (score 0-3), 6.3% (score 4-6) and 10.3% (score 7-9); odds ratio 3.23, P=0.02 for score 7-9 vs. 0-3. This association was confirmed in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Variability of on-treatment platelet function and associated outcome is mainly influenced by clinical risk variables. Identification of high risk patients (e.g. with high PREDICT-STABLE score) might help to identify risk groups that benefit from more intensified antiplatelet regimen. Additional clinical risk factor assessment rather than isolated platelet function-guided approaches should be investigated in future to evaluate personalized antiplatelet therapy in stable CAD-patients.

Impact of counterbalance between macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its inhibitor Gremlin-1 in patients with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Monocyte infiltration is a critical step in the pathophysiology of plaque instability in coronary artery disease (CAD). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is involved in atherosclerotic plaque progression and instability leading to intracoronary thrombosis. Gremlin-1 (Grem1) has been recently identified as endogenous inhibitor of MIF. To date there are no data on the clinical impact of this interaction in cardiovascular patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma levels of MIF and Grem1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS, n = 120; stable CAD, n = 166 and healthy control subjects, n = 25). MIF levels were significantly increased in ACS compared to stable CAD and healthy control (ACS: median 2.85; IQR 3.52 ng/ml; versus SAP: median 1.22; IQR 2.99 ng/ml; versus healthy control: median 0.10; IQR 0.09 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Grem1 levels were significantly higher in ACS and stable CAD patients compared to healthy control (ACS: median 211.00; IQR 130.47 ng/ml; SAP: median 220.20; IQR 120.93 ng/ml, versus healthy control: median 90.57; IQR 97.68 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Grem1/MIF ratio was independently associated with ACS, whereas the single parameters were not associated with the presence of ACS. Furthermore, Grem1/MIF ratio was associated with angiographic signs of intracoronary thrombi and severity of thrombus burden. CONCLUSION: These novel findings suggest a potential role of Grem1/MIF ratio to indicate acuity of CAD and the grade of plaque stability. Prospective angiographic cohort studies involving plaque imaging techniques are warranted to further characterize the prognostic role of this novel risk marker in CAD patients.

Platelet expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 is enhanced and associated with cardiovascular prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Functional recovery and prognosis after acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are mainly driven by the extent of reperfusion injury and myocardial repair mechanisms. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) is critically involved in cardiac injury, repair and remodeling. In this study, we investigated the prognostic role of platelet TGF-ß1 surface expression and circulating TGF-ß1 levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Expression of TGF-ß1 in platelets and circulating TGF-ß1 levels were investigated by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively, among patients with ACS and stable CAD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In a cohort study, platelet and circulating TGF-ß1 was measured in 299 patients with symptomatic CAD (stable CAD = 145, ACS = 154) at the time of PCI. The primary combined endpoint was defined as death and/or STEMI during 12-month follow-up. Platelets expressed TGF-ß1 and circulating TGF-ß1 showed a weak, but significant negative correlation. TGF-ß1 surface expression was significantly elevated on platelets in ACS patients compared to patients with stable CAD (median MFI 13.4 vs. median MFI 11.7, p = 0.003). During follow-up, lower platelet expression of TGF-ß1 was associated with all-cause mortality (median MFI 11.0 vs. median MFI 13.9, p = 0.011) as well as for the combined endpoint of death and/or STEMI, (median MFI 10.8 vs. median MFI 13.9, p = 0.006). In multivariate analysis platelet TGF-ß1 expression was independently associated with the combined primary endpoint in the overall cohort (Hazard Ratio 0.31, 95% Confidence Interval 0.11-0.89, p = 0.029) and was strongly associated with prognosis in ACS patients. There was no significant association of circulating TGF-ß1 levels neither with the presence of ACS nor the occurrence of the primary endpoint. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight a potential role of platelet expressed TGF-ß1 in ACS and indicate a prognostic value of TGF-ß1 on clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Large scale studies are warranted to further evaluate the regulatory mechanisms of platelet TGF-ß1 expression- and its prognostic impact in CAD.

Impact of point-of-care testing for CYP2C19 on platelet inhibition in patients with acute coronary syndrome and early dual antiplatelet therapy in the emergency setting.

AIMS: Only limited data exist about the role of point of care CYP2C19 testing in the acute setting in the early phase of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the impact of CYP2C19 loss-of-function point-of-care (POC) genotyping in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and treated with dual antiplatelet therapy in the emergency setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: 137 subjects with ACS scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention were consecutively enrolled. Pre- and on-treatment platelet aggregation was assessed by multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) after stimulation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Patients were loaded according to current guideline adherent indications and contraindications for use of P2Y12 inhibitors in ACS. POC genotyping for CYP2C19*2 was performed in the emergency room after obtaining a buccal swab using the Spartan RX CYP2C19 system and obtaining patient's informed consent. Prasugrel and ticagrelor treated patients had significantly lower PR compared to clopidogrel-treated patients. The benefits of prasugrel and ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel treated patients in terms of platelet inhibition were more pronounced in CYP2C19*2 carriers. Non-carriers showed similar inhibition regardless of particular P2Y12 inhibitor treatment. Statistical analyses adjusting for factors associated with response (e.g. smoking) revealed that CYP2C19*2 allele carrier status and loading with different type of P2Y12 receptor blockers were significant predictors of on-treatment platelet reactivity in the early phase of ACS. CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study of treatment of patients in the early phase of ACS indicate that CYP2C19*2 POC genotyping might help to identify patients at risk with poor response to clopidogrel treatment, thereby benefiting from reloading and switching to alternative P2Y12 receptor inhibition.