Clinical outcomes with biodegradable versus durable polymer drug-eluting stents in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) built with either durable (DP) or biodegradable (BP) polymeric coatings have been largely tested and are extensively available for routine use. However, their comparative performance remains an open question, particularly in more complex subsets of patients. AIMS: We evaluated the outcomes of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) using DP-DES versus BP-DES in a large multicenter real-world registry. METHODS: The population comprised patients with STEMI treated with pPCI within 12 h of symptoms onset. Those treated with more than one DES who received different polymer types were excluded. The final cohort for analysis was selected after propensity score matching (PSM), computed to generate similar groups of DP DES versus BP DES. Primary endpoint was the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of total death, myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization at 2 years. RESULTS: From January 2017 to April 2022, a total of 1527 STEMI patients underwent pPCI with a single DES type (587 DP-DES; 940 BP-DES). After PSM, 836 patients (418 patients in the DP-DES and 418 patients in the BP-DES groups), comprised the final study population. Both study groups had a similar baseline profile. Patients treated with BP-DES group had similar rates of MACE (15.3 % vs. 19.4 %, HR 0.69, 95 % CI 0.50-0.94, p = 0.022). Rates of target lesion revascularization was lower in BP DES group (0.7 % vs. 3.8 %, HR 0.17, 95 % CI 0.05-0.51, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: In a cohort of STEMI patients submitted to pPCI, BP and DP DES had similar rates of the primary outcome. Patients treated with BP DES, however, had a decreased incidence of TLR at after 2-year follow-up.

Reply to the letter "Understanding lactate and its clearance during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for supporting refractory cardiogenic shock patients".

This is a reply to the letter titled "Understanding lactate and its clearance during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for supporting refractory cardiogenic shock patients" by Eva Rully Kurniawati et al. In response to the concerns raised about our paper published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, titled "Association between serum lactate levels and mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock receiving mechanical circulatory support: a multicenter retrospective cohort study," we have addressed the confounding bias on the population included and the use of VA-ECMO and Impella CP. Furthermore, we have provided new data on the correlation of oxygen supply and lactate levels at admission of cardiogenic shock.

Real-World Assessment of an Ultrathin Strut, Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Submitted to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (INSTEMI Registry). / Avaliação no Mundo Real de um Stent Eluidor de Sirolimus de Hastes Ultrafinas em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST Submetidos à Intervenção Coronária Percutânea Primária (Registro INSTEMI).

BACKGROUND: The current gold standard of coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) consists of metal alloys with thinner struts and bioresorbable polymers. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to compare an ultrathin strut, sirolimus-eluting stent (Inspiron®) with other third-generation DES platforms in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We analyzed data from a STEMI multicenter registry from reference centers in the South Region of Brazil. All patients were submitted to primary PCI, either with Inspiron® or other second- or third-generation DES. Propensity score matching (PSM) was computed to generate similar groups (Inspiron® versus other stents) in relation to clinical and procedural characteristics. All hypothesis tests had a two-sided significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: From January 2017 to January 2021, 1711 patients underwent primary PCI, and 1417 patients met our entry criteria (709 patients in the Inspiron® group and 708 patients in the other second- or third-generation DES group). After PSM, the study sample was comprised of 706 patients (353 patients in the Inspiron® group and 353 patients in the other the other second- or third-generation DES group). The rates of target vessel revascularization (OR 0.52, CI 0.21 - 1.34, p = 0.173), stent thrombosis (OR 1.00, CI 0.29 - 3.48, p = 1.000), mortality (HR 0.724, CI 0.41 - 1.27, p = 0.257), and major cardiovascular outcomes (OR 1.170, CI 0.77 - 1.77, p = 0.526) were similar between groups after a median follow-up of 17 months. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that Inspiron® was effective and safe when compared to other second- or third-generation DES in a contemporary cohort of real-world STEMI patients submitted to primary PCI.

FUNDAMENTO: O padrão-ouro atual dos stents farmacológicos (SF) coronários consiste em ligas metálicas com hastes mais finas e polímeros bioabsorvíveis. OBJETIVOS: Nosso objetivo foi comparar um stent eluidor de sirolimus de hastes ultrafinas (Inspiron®) com outras plataformas de SF de terceira geração em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) primária. MÉTODOS: Analisamos dados de um registro multicêntrico de IAMCSST de centros de referência da Região Sul do Brasil. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à ICP primária, seja com Inspiron® ou outro SF de segunda ou terceira geração. Foi calculado pareamento por escore de propensão (PEP) para gerar grupos semelhantes (Inspiron® versus outros stents) em relação às características clínicas e do procedimento. Todos os testes de hipótese tiveram um nível de significância bilateral de 0,05. RESULTADOS: De janeiro de 2017 a janeiro de 2021, 1.711 pacientes foram submetidos à ICP primária, e 1.417 pacientes preencheram nossos critérios de inclusão (709 pacientes no grupo Inspiron® e 708 pacientes no grupo dos outros SF de segunda ou terceira geração). Após PEP, a amostra do estudo foi composta por 706 pacientes (353 pacientes no grupo Inspiron® e 353 pacientes no grupo dos demais SF de segunda ou terceira geração). As taxas de revascularização do vaso alvo (odds ratio [OR] 0,52; intervalo de confiança [IC] 0,21 a 1,34; p = 0,173), trombose de stent (OR 1,00; IC 0,29 a 3,48;p = 1,000), mortalidade (hazard ratio 0,724; IC 0,41 a 1,27; p = 0,257) e os desfechos cardiovasculares maiores (OR 1,170; IC 0,77 a 1,77; p = 0,526) foram semelhantes entre os grupos após um acompanhamento mediano de 17 meses. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos achados mostram que o stent Inspiron® foi eficaz e seguro quando comparado a outros SF de segunda ou terceira geração em uma coorte contemporânea do mundo real de pacientes com IAMCSST submetidos à ICP primária.

Pre-percutaneous coronary intervention sudden cardiac arrest in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Incidence, predictors, and related outcomes.

Background: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a frequent cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with increased survival. Despite constant improvements in SCA management, survival remains poor. We aimed to assess pre-PCI SCA incidence and related outcomes in patients admitted with STEMI. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of patients admitted with STEMI in a tertiary university hospital over 11 years. All patients were submitted to emergency coronary angiography. Baseline characteristics, details of the procedure, reperfusion strategies, and adverse outcomes were assessed. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome was 1-year mortality after hospital discharge. Predictors of pre-PCI SCA was also assessed. Results: During the study period 1,493 patients were included; the mean age was 61.1 years (±12), and 65.3% were male. Pre-PCI SCA was present in 133 (8.9%) patients. In-hospital mortality was higher in the pre-PCI SCA group (36.8% vs. 8.8%, p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, anterior MI, cardiogenic shock, age, pre-PCI SCA and lower ejection fraction remained significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. When we analyzed the interaction between pre-PCI SCA and cardiogenic shock upon admission there is a further increase in mortality risk when both conditions are present. For predictors of pre-PCI SCA, only younger age and cardiogenic shock remained significantly associated after multivariate analysis. Overall 1-year mortality rates were similar between pre-PCI SCA survivors and non-pre-PCI SCA group. Conclusion: In a cohort of consecutive patients admitted with STEMI, pre-PCI SCA was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, and its association with cardiogenic shock further increases mortality risk. However, long-term mortality among pre-PCI SCA survivors was similar to non-SCA patients. Understanding characteristics associated with pre-PCI SCA may help to prevent and improve the management of STEMI patients.

Avaliação no Mundo Real de um Stent Eluidor de Sirolimus de Hastes Ultrafinas em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST Submetidos à Intervenção Coronária Percutânea Primária (Registro INSTEMI) / Real-World Assessment of an Ultrathin Strut, Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Submitted to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (INSTEMI Registry)

Resumo Fundamento O padrão-ouro atual dos stents farmacológicos (SF) coronários consiste em ligas metálicas com hastes mais finas e polímeros bioabsorvíveis. Objetivos Nosso objetivo foi comparar um stent eluidor de sirolimus de hastes ultrafinas (Inspiron®) com outras plataformas de SF de terceira geração em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) primária. Métodos Analisamos dados de um registro multicêntrico de IAMCSST de centros de referência da Região Sul do Brasil. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à ICP primária, seja com Inspiron® ou outro SF de segunda ou terceira geração. Foi calculado pareamento por escore de propensão (PEP) para gerar grupos semelhantes (Inspiron® versus outros stents) em relação às características clínicas e do procedimento. Todos os testes de hipótese tiveram um nível de significância bilateral de 0,05. Resultados De janeiro de 2017 a janeiro de 2021, 1.711 pacientes foram submetidos à ICP primária, e 1.417 pacientes preencheram nossos critérios de inclusão (709 pacientes no grupo Inspiron® e 708 pacientes no grupo dos outros SF de segunda ou terceira geração). Após PEP, a amostra do estudo foi composta por 706 pacientes (353 pacientes no grupo Inspiron® e 353 pacientes no grupo dos demais SF de segunda ou terceira geração). As taxas de revascularização do vaso alvo (odds ratio [OR] 0,52; intervalo de confiança [IC] 0,21 a 1,34; p = 0,173), trombose de stent (OR 1,00; IC 0,29 a 3,48;p = 1,000), mortalidade (hazard ratio 0,724; IC 0,41 a 1,27; p = 0,257) e os desfechos cardiovasculares maiores (OR 1,170; IC 0,77 a 1,77; p = 0,526) foram semelhantes entre os grupos após um acompanhamento mediano de 17 meses. Conclusão Nossos achados mostram que o stent Inspiron® foi eficaz e seguro quando comparado a outros SF de segunda ou terceira geração em uma coorte contemporânea do mundo real de pacientes com IAMCSST submetidos à ICP primária.

Abstract Background The current gold standard of coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) consists of metal alloys with thinner struts and bioresorbable polymers. Objectives Our aim was to compare an ultrathin strut, sirolimus-eluting stent (Inspiron®) with other third-generation DES platforms in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods We analyzed data from a STEMI multicenter registry from reference centers in the South Region of Brazil. All patients were submitted to primary PCI, either with Inspiron® or other second- or third-generation DES. Propensity score matching (PSM) was computed to generate similar groups (Inspiron® versus other stents) in relation to clinical and procedural characteristics. All hypothesis tests had a two-sided significance level of 0.05. Results From January 2017 to January 2021, 1711 patients underwent primary PCI, and 1417 patients met our entry criteria (709 patients in the Inspiron® group and 708 patients in the other second- or third-generation DES group). After PSM, the study sample was comprised of 706 patients (353 patients in the Inspiron® group and 353 patients in the other the other second- or third-generation DES group). The rates of target vessel revascularization (OR 0.52, CI 0.21 - 1.34, p = 0.173), stent thrombosis (OR 1.00, CI 0.29 - 3.48, p = 1.000), mortality (HR 0.724, CI 0.41 - 1.27, p = 0.257), and major cardiovascular outcomes (OR 1.170, CI 0.77 - 1.77, p = 0.526) were similar between groups after a median follow-up of 17 months. Conclusion Our findings show that Inspiron® was effective and safe when compared to other second- or third-generation DES in a contemporary cohort of real-world STEMI patients submitted to primary PCI.

Cardiogenic shock treated with temporary mechanical circulatory support in Brazil: The effect of learning curve.

AIMS: Treatment with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has been proposed to mitigate mortality in cardiogenic shock (CS). However, there is a lack of data on MCS programs implementation and the effect of the learning curve on its outcomes in limited resources countries such as Brazil. METHODS: Prospective cohort of patients with CS admitted in four tertiary-care centers treated with Impella CP or veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Clinical outcomes were peri-procedural complications, short-term mortality rate, and the centers' learning curve. The cohort was divided into two periods: from April 2017 to July 2018 (n = 24), and from August 2018 to December 2020 (n = 25). RESULTS: The study enrolled 49 patients [age 59 (43-63) years; 34 (70%) males]. The most common causes for CS were acute myocardial infarction in 22 (45%) and acute decompensation of chronic heart failure in 10 (20%). VA-ECMO was employed in 35 (71%) and Impella CP in 14 (29%) of patients. Overall complications occurred in 37 (76%) of patients, where major bleeding in 19 (38%) was the most common. The overall mortality rate was 61%, but it was lower in the second period (40%) in comparison to the first period (83%), p = 0.002. The learning curve analysis showed a decrease in the mortality rate after 40 consecutive cases. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a temporary MCS program for refractory CS in a limited resource country is feasible. The learning curve effect might have played a role on survival rate since high morbimortality has decreased within time reaching optimal results by the end of the study.

Accidental Stent Withdrawal Through an Entrapped Rotational Atherectomy Burr.

Coronary intravascular ultrasound assessment demonstrated severe stent underexpansion and circumferential superficial calcification. Following a failed attempt to predilate the in-stent restenosis, rotational atherectomy was performed.

Comparison of Admission Lung Ultrasound and Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

[Figure: see text].

Safety and feasibility of upper limb vascular access for cardiac catheterization in anticoagulated and non-anticoagulated patients.

BACKGROUND: The upper limb approach utilizing transradial access for combined left and right heart catheterization (CLRHC) and ultrasound-guided antecubital venous access for isolated right heart catheterization (IRHC) are strategies that may reduce risks, especially in anticoagulated patients. combined left and right heart catheterization. OBJECTIVES: To assess safety and feasibility of upper limb approach for IRHC or CLRHC in anticoagulated versus non-anticoagulated patients. METHODS: Ninety-three patients who underwent IRHC or CLRHC with ultrasound-guided antecubital venous access and transradial arterial access were prospectively enrolled. The primary outcome was a composite of procedure failure and incidence of immediate vascular complications. RESULTS: Of the 93 patients, 44 (47%) were on anticoagulation and 49 (53%) were not. Mean age was 54 ± 17 and 53 ± 15 years, respectively. Atrial fibrillation (39% vs 15%) and chronic kidney disease (21% vs 6%) were more common in anticoagulated patients. The main indication for anticoagulation was deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary thromboembolism in 22 patients (50%). The primary outcome occurred in 4 (8%) patients in the non-anticoagulated group as compared with 0 in the anticoagulated group (p = 0.12). Procedure failure occurred in two patients (4%) and immediate vascular complications in two patients (4%) in the non-anticoagulated group (p = 0.3 for all). There was no difference between groups regarding duration of the procedure, radiation dose, fluoroscopy time, post-procedure recovery room time and median time to venous or arterial hemostasis. CONCLUSIONS: The upper limb approach for heart catheterization had similar rates of procedure failure and immediate vascular complications in anticoagulated patients when compared to non-anticoagulated patients.

Association between serum lactate levels and mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock receiving mechanical circulatory support: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the prognostic value of peak serum lactate and lactate clearance at several time points in cardiogenic shock treated with temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) or Impella CP®. METHODS: Serum lactate and clearance were measured before MCS and at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h post-MCS in 43 patients at four tertiary-care centers in Southern Brazil. Prognostic value was assessed by univariable and multivariable analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for 30-day mortality. RESULTS: VA-ECMO was the most common MCS modality (58%). Serum lactate levels at all time points and lactate clearance after 6 h were associated with mortality on unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Lactate levels were higher in non-survivors at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after MCS. Serum lactate > 1.55 mmol/L at 24 h was the best single prognostic marker of 30-day mortality [area under the ROC curve = 0.81 (0.67-0.94); positive predictive value = 86%). Failure to improve serum lactate after 24 h was associated with 100% mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Serum lactate was an important prognostic biomarker in cardiogenic shock treated with temporary MCS. Serum lactate and lactate clearance at 24 h were the strongest independent predictors of short-term survival.

Admission Bedside Lung Ultrasound Reclassifies Mortality Prediction in Patients With ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Early risk stratification is essential for in-hospital management of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Acute heart failure confers a worse prognosis, and although lung ultrasound (LUS) is recommended as a first-line test to assess pulmonary congestion, it has never been tested in this setting. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic ability of admission LUS in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS: LUS protocol consisted of 8 scanning zones and was performed before primary percutaneous coronary intervention by an operator blinded to Killip classification. A LUS combined with Killip (LUCK) classification was developed. Receiver operating characteristic and net reclassification improvement analyses were performed to compare LUCK and Killip classifications. RESULTS: We prospectively investigated 215 patients admitted with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction between April 2018 and June 2019. Absence of pulmonary congestion detected by LUS implied a negative predictive value for in-hospital mortality of 98.1% (93.1-99.5%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the LUCK classification for in-hospital mortality was 0.89 (P=0.001), and of the Killip classification was 0.86 (P<0.001; P=0.05 for the difference between curves). LUCK classification improved Killip ability to predict in-hospital mortality with a net reclassification improvement of 0.18. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, admission LUS added to Killip classification was more sensitive than physical examination to identify patients at risk for in-hospital mortality. LUCK classification had a greater area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and reclassified Killip classification in 18% of cases. Moreover, absence of pulmonary congestion on LUS provided an excellent negative predictive value for in-hospital mortality.

Ultrasound-guided antecubital vein approach for right heart catheterisation in a Brazilian tertiary centre.

Objective: As a parallel to the radial approach for left heart catheterisation, forearm veins may be considered for the performance of right heart catheterisation. However, data regarding the application of this technique under ultrasound guidance are scarce. The current study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of right heart catheterisation through ultrasound-guided antecubital venous approach in the highly heterogeneous population usually referred for right heart catheterisation. Methods: Data from consecutive right heart catheterisations performed at an academic centre in Brazil, between January 2016 and March 2017 were prospectively collected. Results: Among 152 performed right heart catheterisations, ultrasound-guided antecubital venous approach was attempted in 127 (84%) cases and it was made feasible in 92.1% of those. Yet, there was no immediate vascular complication with the antecubital venous approach in this prospective series. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided antecubital venous approach for the performance of right heart catheterisation was feasible in the vast majority of cases in our study, without occurrence of vascular complications.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Perfusional Computed Tomography in Moderate Coronary Stenosis: Comparison With Fractional Flow Reserve.

Coronary computed tomography with myocardial perfusion imaging (CCTA-MPI) provides data on coronary anatomy and perfusion and may be useful in the assessment of ischemic coronary artery disease (CAD). Management of angiographically intermediate coronary lesions is challenging, and coronary fractional flow reserve (FFR) evaluation is recommended to assess whether these lesions are functionally significant. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CCTA-MPI in patients with stable CAD and at least 1 angiographically intermediate coronary lesion submitted to FFR. In this single-center prospective study, patients with stable CAD and at least 1 moderate coronary stenosis (50%-70% by visual estimation) were referred for CCTA-MPI (64-row multidetector) assessment before coronary FFR evaluation. Patients with severe coronary obstructions (≥70%) were excluded. The significance level adopted for all tests was 5%. Twenty-eight patients (mean age 60 ± SD years, 54% women) with 33 intermediate coronary obstructions were enrolled. Ten patients (30%) had functionally significant coronary obstructions characterized by FFR ≤0.8. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CCTA-MPI for the detection of functionally significant coronary obstructions were 30%, 100%, and 78.8%, respectively. CCTA-MPI positive predictive value was 100%, whereas negative predictive value was 76.7%. Correlation coefficient between tests was 0.48 (P = 0.005). On a novel approach to evaluate intermediate coronary lesions, accuracy of CCTA-MPI was 78.8%. The positive predictive value of an abnormal CCTA-MPI on this population was 100%, suggesting that CCTA-MPI may have a role in the assessment of patients with anatomically identified intermediate coronary lesions.

Two HEmostasis Methods After TransradIal Catheterization: THEMATIC Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 2 hemostasis devices on the incidence of radial artery occlusion (RAO) after transradial cardiac catheterization. BACKGROUND: Radial artery occlusion is the most prevalent ischemic complication after radial artery catheterization. There is still no predictive pattern of vessel patency assessment, and the comparative effectiveness of different hemostasis techniques has yet to be established. METHODS: This study used a randomized clinical trial of adult patients undergoing transradial cardiac catheterization. Participants were randomized into an intervention group (hemostasis with the TR Band device) and a control group (hemostasis with a conventional pressure dressing). The primary end point was the incidence of RAO (at discharge and at 30 days post catheterization). RESULTS: Among the 600 patients included (301 in the intervention group and 299 controls), immediate RAO occurred in 24 (8%) in the TR Band group and 19 (6%) in the pressure-dressing group; at 30 days, RAO was present in 5 patients (5%) in the TR Band group and 7 (6%) in the pressure-dressing group. On multivariate analysis, peripheral vascular disease was the only independent predictor of RAO at discharge and at 30 days. ConclusionsThe incidence of RAO was similar in patients who received hemostasis with a TR Band versus a pressure dressing after transradial cardiac catheterization.

Long-term Pattern of Red Cell Distribution Width in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is an indirect marker of inflammation and an independent predictor of long-term mortality. The aim of this study was to determine RDW values in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and evaluate its association with adverse outcomes. We measured RDW in STEMI patients before undergoing primary PCI and divided into low and high RDW. Patients were followed up to 3 years after their discharge for the occurrence of in-hospital, 30-days, and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and mortality. We included 485 patients with a mean age of 61.1(±12.5) years, 62.9% were male. In multivariate analysis, RDW remained independent predictor of long-term mortality and MACE [relative risk (RR) 1.51; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.11-2.05; P = 0.007 and RR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.30-1.82; P = 0.004. Area under the curve for long-term mortality was 0.65 (95% CI = 0.61-0.69; P < 0.0001). RDW < 13.4 had a negative predictive value of 87.4% for all-cause mortality. Patients who had worse outcomes remained with higher values of RDW during the follow-up. In conclusion, high RDW is an independent predictor of long-term mortality and MACE in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. A low RDW has an excellent negative predictive value for long-term mortality. Patients with sustained elevated levels of RDW have worse outcomes at long-term follow-up.

An overview of care change in the last 6 year in primary PCI in ST-elevation myocardial infarction in a Tertiary University Brazilian Hospital / Panorama da mudança do cuidado nos últimos 6 anos na ICP primária em infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST em hospital universitário de nível terciário

Background: Although new studies and guidelines can be considered useful tools, it does not necessarily mean they are put into clinical practice. Objective: The aim of the current analysis was to assess the changes in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and mortality in a tertiary university hospital in southern Brazil during a six-year period .Methods: We have included consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary PCI between March 2011 and February 2017. Previous clinical history, characteristics of the procedure, and reperfusion strategies were collected. In-hospital, short and long-term mortalities were also evaluated. The significance level adopted for all tests was 5%. Results: There was an increase in the use of radial access in patients from 20.0% in 2011 to 62.7% in 2016 (ptrend < 0.0001). Moreover, thrombus aspiration decreased significantly from 66.7% in 2011 to less than 3.0% in 2016 (ptrend < 0.0001). In-hospital, short and long-term mortalities remained reasonably stable from 2011 to 2016 (ptrend > 0.05). However, a lower in-hospital mortality was observed in patients treated through radial access (p < 0.001). Cardiogenic shock occurred in 11.1%, without statistical differences in the period (ptrend = 0.39), while long-term mortality rate decreased from 80.0% in 2011 to 27.3% in 2016 in this patient group (ptrend = 0.29). Conclusions: During a 6-year follow-up period, primary PCI characteristics underwent important modifications. Radial access became widely used, with a decrease in mortality with the use of this route, while aspiration thrombectomy became a rare procedure. The incidence of cardiogenic shock remained stable, but has shown a reduction in its mortality

Severity of obstructive sleep apnea and extension of coronary artery disease.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The relationship between the severity of OSA and the severity of CAD has not been entirely established. The objective was to explore the type of correlation existent between the apnea-hypopnea index and the Gensini score, which provides granularity in terms of CAD extension and severity, in search of a dose-response relationship. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients that underwent cardiac catheterization due to the suspicion of CAD. Coronary lesions were classified according to one's Gensini score. The severity of OSA was determined by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), obtainable through a respiratory polysomnography. RESULTS: Eighty patients were eligible for the study. The mean age was 55 years, and 37% had AHI ≥ 15. Forty-four subjects (55%) had a Gensini score of 0, and five had a score < 2, indicating a 25% obstruction in a non-proximal artery; these individuals were considered non-CAD controls; and clinical characteristics were similar between them and CAD cases. Attempts to correlate the AHI with the Gensini score either converting both variables to square root (r = 0.08) or using Spearman's rho (rho = 0.13) obtained small, non-significant coefficients. AHI ≥ 15 was a predictor of a Gensini score ≥ 2 with a large effect size (OR 4.46) when adjusted for age ≥ 55 years, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, uric acid, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing coronary angiography due to suspected CAD, moderate-severe OSA was associated with the presence of CAD but no significant correlation was found between the lesion severity and the AHI. Our results suggest that OSA influences CAD pathogenesis but a dose-response relationship is unlikely.

Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio can predict procedural adverse events in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an indirect marker of inflammation, and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of NLR to predict procedural adverse events is patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI were divided into low and high NLR, whereas high was defined as an NLR value above 75° percentile (≥9.45). The occurrence of procedural complications, in-hospital, and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events and 1-year all-cause mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: We included 664 patients with a mean age of 60.5 (±12.1) years and 66.3% were male. In multivariate analysis, NLR remained an independent predictor of in-hospital death [relative risk (RR)=1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.00-1.08; P=0.04], contrast-induced nephropathy (RR=2.35; 95% CI=1.11-4.71; P=0.02), distal embolization (RR=2.72; 95% CI=1.55-4.75; P<0.001), and no-reflow (RR=2.31; 95% CI=2.31-4.68; P=0.01). The area under the curve for distal embolization was 0.67, 0.64 for no-reflow and 0.62 for procedural complications. A low value of NLR had an excellent negative predictive value of 97.8, 96.9, and 92.1 for distal embolization, no-reflow, and procedural complications, respectively. CONCLUSION: High NLR is an independent predictor of distal embolization, no-reflow, and procedural complications in patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI. A low NLR value has an excellent negative predictive value for these procedural outcomes. NLR may be a useful and inexpensive tool that may be used at bedside.