Comparación entre tenecteplase y alteplase en la trombolisis intravenosa del ataque cerebrovascular isquémico / Comparison between tenecteplase and alteplase in intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke / Comparação entre tenecteplase e alteplase na trombólise intravenosa do acidente vascular cerebral isquémico

Introducción: la trombolisis intravenosa es parte fundamental del tratamiento agudo de los pacientes que sufren un ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico. Existe un interés creciente en la utilización de tenecteplase como alternativa trombolítica a alteplase. El objetivo del presente trabajo es comparar la efectividad clínica de tenecteplase respecto a alteplase en la trombolisis intravenosa del ACV isquémico. Método: estudio de cohorte, bispectivo y unicéntrico, de todos los pacientes ingresados con ACV isquémico y que recibieron trombolíticos intravenosos, desde 2019 a 2022. Se compararon prospectivamente los pacientes tratados con tenecteplase con aquellos tratados con alteplase como control histórico. Se realizó test de chi cuadrado o exacto de Fisher para la asociación de variables categóricas y prueba de Wilcoxon para la comparación de medianas. Se consideró significativo un valor p menor de 0,05. Resultados: se incluyeron 69 pacientes (33 recibieron alteplase y 36 tenecteplase). La mediana de la escala de NIHSS fue de 11 (RIC 8-18) y del tiempo inicio de síntomas-aguja de 160 minutos (RIC 120-208). No se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significatvas entre los puntajes de las escalas de coma de Glasgow y NIHSS al egreso hospitalario, así como en la escala de Rankin modificada (mRS) 0-2 y mortalidad a los seis meses, entre los dos grupos de pacientes. Tampoco hubo diferencias en las complicaciones hemorrágicas intracraneanas entre ambos grupos (13,9% para tenecteplase y 12,1% para alteplase). Conclusiones: se presenta el primer estudio acerca del tema en nuestro medio. En concordancia con los recientes ensayos internacionales, el presente trabajo no mostró diferencias significativas en los resultados clínicos de los pacientes tratados con tenecteplase o alteplase. El tenecteplase podría ser una alternativa razonable a alteplase como terapia trombolítica en el ACV isquémico, con una buena relación costo-beneficio y forma de implementación más sencilla. Se necesitan estudios aleatorizados y con un mayor número de pacientes.

Introduction: intravenous thrombolysis is a key part of the acute treatment of patients with ischemic stroke. There is a growing interest in the use of tenecteplase as a thrombolytic alternative to alteplase. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical effectiveness of tenecteplase versus alteplase in intravenous thrombolysis for ischemic stroke. Method: a single-center, bispective cohort study of all patients admitted with ischemic stroke who received intravenous thrombolytics from 2019 to 2022. Patients treated with tenecteplase were prospectively compared with those treated with alteplase as a historical control. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used for the association of categorical variables, and the Wilcoxon test was used for median comparison A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: a total of 69 patients were included in the study (33 received alteplase and 36 received tenecteplase). The median NIHSS scale score was 11 (IQR 8-18), and the median time from symptom onset to needle was 160 minutes (IQR 120-208). No statistically significant differences were found between Glasgow Coma Scale and NIHSS scores at hospital discharge, as well as in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 and mortality at 6 months, between the two groups of patients. There were also no differences in intracranial hemorrhagic complications between both groups (13.9% for tenecteplase and 12.1% for alteplase). Conclusions: This is the first study on the topic in our setting. In line with recent international trials, our study did not show significant differences in clinical outcomes of patients treated with tenecteplase or alteplase. Tenecteplase could be a reasonable alternative to alteplase as thrombolytic therapy in ischemic stroke, with a good cost-benefit ratio and simpler implementation. Randomized studies with a larger number of patients are needed.

Introdução: A trombólise intravenosa é uma parte essencial do tratamento agudo de pacientes que sofrem um acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico. Há um interesse crescente no uso da tenecteplase como uma alternativa trombolítica à alteplase. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficácia clínica da tenecteplase com a alteplase na trombólise intravenosa do AVC isquêmico. Métodos: estudo de coorte, bispectivo, em um único centro, de todos os pacientes admitidos com AVC isquêmico que receberam trombolíticos intravenosos de 2019 a 2022. Os pacientes tratados com tenecteplase foram comparados prospectivamente com aqueles tratados com alteplase como um controle histórico. O teste de qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher foi realizado para a associação de variáveis categóricas e o teste de Wilcoxon para a comparação de medianas. Um valor de p inferior a 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 69 pacientes (33 receberam alteplase e 36 tenecteplase). A mediana do escore da escala NHISS foi de 11 (RIC 8-18) e a mediana do tempo de início dos sintomas foi de 160 minutos (RIC 120-208). Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os escores de coma de Glasgow e NIHSS na alta hospitalar, bem como na Escala de Rankin modificada (MRS) 0-2 e na mortalidade em 6 meses, entre os dois grupos de pacientes. Também não houve diferenças nas complicações hemorrágicas intracranianas entre os dois grupos (13,9% para tenecteplase e 12,1% para alteplase). Conclusões: Este é o primeiro estudo sobre o assunto em nosso meio. De acordo com estudos internacionais recentes, nosso estudo não mostrou diferenças significativas nos resultados clínicos em pacientes tratados com tenecteplase ou alteplase. A tenecteplase poderia ser uma alternativa razoável à alteplase como terapia trombolítica no AVC isquêmico, com uma boa relação custo-benefício e implementação mais fácil. São necessários estudos randomizados com um número maior de pacientes.

Short-Term Efficacy Outcomes of Tenecteplase versus Alteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of 5 Randomized Trials.

Tenecteplase (TNK) has been shown to be noninferior to Alteplase (ALT) for long term efficacy and safety outcomes. Whether this also applies to short term efficacy outcomes such as early clinical improvement and recanalization is unknown. To compare TNK and ALT regarding the short term efficacy outcomes: early neurological improvement and recanalization. The PRISMA was used to conduct a meta analysis, adapted to noninferiority analysis. The primary outcome was early (24-72 h) neurological improvement, defined as either NIHSS score 0 or reduction of at least 8 points compared to baseline. Recanalization was a secondary outcome. The noninferiority margin was set at 6.5%. Search strategy yielded 5 randomized clinical trials (1585 patients: 828 TNK, 757 ALT). Mean age was 70.8, 58.8% were men, mean baseline NIHSS was 7, and mean onset to treatment time was 148 min. Patients in intervention group received TNK at doses of 0.1 mg/kg (6.8%), 0.25 mg/kg (24.6%), and 0.4 mg/kg (68.6%), while all ALT patients received 0.9 mg/kg. In random effects meta analysis, TNK was noninferior to ALT for the primary outcome, early major neurological improvement (risk difference 8% in favor of TNK, 95% CI 1%-15%). Recanalization was also noninferior for the TNK compared to the ALT group (risk difference 9% in favor of TNK, 95% CI 6% to 23%). Fixed effects models yielded similarly noninferior results and signaled for a possible TNK superiority for both early neurological improvement and recanalization. TNK is noninferior to ALT at the short term efficacy outcomes: early neurological improvement and recanalization.

[Thrombolysis with Tenecteplase in a stroke with a long time window after onset of symptoms. Report of one case]. / Trombolisis endovenosa con tenecteplase en ventana extendida tras selección por CT y AngioCT: Caso clínico.

We report a 78-year-old man with a basal Rankin score of 2 points, last seen 10 hours before in good conditions, who arrived at the emergency department with left hemiparesis, hypoesthesia, and spacial neglect. Neuroimaging was compatible with stroke in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery. Due to the evolution time of the stroke, usual thrombolysis was contraindicated. Therefore, a thrombolysis with Tenecteplase was used with reversal of symptoms without symptomatic bleeding and with recovery of baseline functionality.

Trombolisis endovenosa con tenecteplase en ventana extendida tras selección por CT y AngioCT: Caso clínico / Thrombolysis with Tenecteplase in a stroke with a long time window after onset of symptoms. Report of one case

We report a 78-year-old man with a basal Rankin score of 2 points, last seen 10 hours before in good conditions, who arrived at the emergency department with left hemiparesis, hypoesthesia, and spacial neglect. Neuroimaging was compatible with stroke in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery. Due to the evolution time of the stroke, usual thrombolysis was contraindicated. Therefore, a thrombolysis with Tenecteplase was used with reversal of symptoms without symptomatic bleeding and with recovery of baseline functionality.

Manejo del síndrome coronario agudo durante pandemia por COVID ­ 19 / Management of acute coronary syndrome during COVID ­ 19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: Acute Myocardial Infarction is a medical emergency, being his early and adequate treatment highly effective mainly in relation to reperfusion therapy. Unfortunately, COVID ­ 19 pandemic, has brought changes in its management due to availability of conditioned hemodynamic rooms, infection risk of the professionals, patient conditions and availability of critical unit beds. A review of the topic was made aimed to give a guide for the management of these patients with the available tools. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A review of the topic was made using the Medline/ Pubmed platform, in English and Spanish. Further, published articles in journals as The journal of the American college of cardiology and Circulation were included. CONCLUSIONS: The reperfusion strategies must be used according to the clinical context of the patient. In the acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation, fibrinolytic treatment may be chosen in low risk and without hemodynamic instability. In patients with hemodynamic instability, not eligible for fibrinolytic treatment or in whom this therapy fails, percutaneous angioplasty is indicated considering the protection of personnel. In the case of acute myocardial infarction without ST elevation, the treatment by urgent percutaneous angioplasty is considered in cases of hemodynamic instability or malignant arrhythmias.

Intracameral tenecteplase during phacoemulsification in rabbits: clinical assessment of the anterior segment and biochemical analysis of the aqueous humor / Tenecteplase intracameral durante a facoemulsificação em coelhos: avaliação clínica do segmento anterior e análise bioquímica do humor aquoso

To evaluate the use of tenecteplase in transoperative phacoemulsification in healthy rabbits, the study was carried out with fifteen New Zealand rabbits, divided into three groups: control group (CG), untreated group (UG) and treated group (TG). UG and TG were operated by phacoemulsification and TG received 50 µg / 0.3 mL of intracameral tenecteplase. The postoperative evaluations were 24 h, 72 h, 7 days, 15 days and 21 days. In TP21 the animals were submitted to euthanasia and aqueous humor samples were collected. No significant differences were observed in the clinical evaluations between CG and TG in relation to incidence rates of intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal edema, fibrin deposits, hyphema, aqueous flare and synechia. In the physicochemical evaluation of the aqueous humor, there were no significant differences between the three groups in relation to pH values and concentrations of chloride ions. The aqueous humor density values were statistically different between CG and the other groups. In the histological evaluation, there were no significant differences between the groups. The use of tenecteplase in transoperative phacoemulsification in rabbits did not present significant differences in terms of clinical, physicochemical and histological parameters.(AU)

Para avaliar o uso da tenecteplase na facoemulsificação transoperatória em coelhos sadios, o estudo foi realizado com quinze coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia, divididos em três grupos: grupo controle (CG) grupo não tratado (UG) e grupo tratado (TG). UG e TG foram operados por facoemulsificação e TG recebeu 50 µg / 0,3 mL de tenecteplase intracameral. As avaliações pós-operatórias foram 24 h, 72 h, 7 dias, 15 dias e 21 dias. No TP21 os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia e amostras de humor aquoso foram coletadas. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas nas avaliações clínicas entre o CG e o TG em relação às taxas de incidência de pressão intraocular (PIO), edema de córnea, depósitos de fibrina, hifema, flare aquoso e sinéquia. Na avaliação físico-química do humor aquoso, não houve diferenças significativas entre os três grupos em relação aos valores de pH e concentrações de íons cloreto. Os valores de densidade de humor aquoso foram estatisticamente diferentes entre CG e os outros grupos. Na avaliação histológica, não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos. O uso da tenecteplase na facoemulsificação transoperatória em coelho não apresentou diferenças significativas em termos de parâmetros clínicos, físico-químicos e histológicos.(AU)

Intracameral tenecteplase during phacoemulsification in rabbits: clinical assessment of the anterior segment and biochemical analysis of the aqueous humor / Tenecteplase intracameral durante a facoemulsificação em coelhos: avaliação clínica do segmento anterior e análise bioquímica do humor aquoso

To evaluate the use of tenecteplase in transoperative phacoemulsification in healthy rabbits, the study was carried out with fifteen New Zealand rabbits, divided into three groups: control group (CG), untreated group (UG) and treated group (TG). UG and TG were operated by phacoemulsification and TG received 50 µg / 0.3 mL of intracameral tenecteplase. The postoperative evaluations were 24 h, 72 h, 7 days, 15 days and 21 days. In TP21 the animals were submitted to euthanasia and aqueous humor samples were collected. No significant differences were observed in the clinical evaluations between CG and TG in relation to incidence rates of intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal edema, fibrin deposits, hyphema, aqueous flare and synechia. In the physicochemical evaluation of the aqueous humor, there were no significant differences between the three groups in relation to pH values and concentrations of chloride ions. The aqueous humor density values were statistically different between CG and the other groups. In the histological evaluation, there were no significant differences between the groups. The use of tenecteplase in transoperative phacoemulsification in rabbits did not present significant differences in terms of clinical, physicochemical and histological parameters.

Para avaliar o uso da tenecteplase na facoemulsificação transoperatória em coelhos sadios, o estudo foi realizado com quinze coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia, divididos em três grupos: grupo controle (CG) grupo não tratado (UG) e grupo tratado (TG). UG e TG foram operados por facoemulsificação e TG recebeu 50 µg / 0,3 mL de tenecteplase intracameral. As avaliações pós-operatórias foram 24 h, 72 h, 7 dias, 15 dias e 21 dias. No TP21 os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia e amostras de humor aquoso foram coletadas. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas nas avaliações clínicas entre o CG e o TG em relação às taxas de incidência de pressão intraocular (PIO), edema de córnea, depósitos de fibrina, hifema, flare aquoso e sinéquia. Na avaliação físico-química do humor aquoso, não houve diferenças significativas entre os três grupos em relação aos valores de pH e concentrações de íons cloreto. Os valores de densidade de humor aquoso foram estatisticamente diferentes entre CG e os outros grupos. Na avaliação histológica, não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos. O uso da tenecteplase na facoemulsificação transoperatória em coelho não apresentou diferenças significativas em termos de parâmetros clínicos, físico-químicos e histológicos.

Regional QT Interval Dispersion as an Early Predictor of Reperfusion in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction after Fibrinolytic Therapy / A Dispersão do Intervalo QT Regional como Preditor Precoce de Reperfusão em Pacientes com Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio Pós-terapia Fibrinolítica

Abstract Background: Patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction attending primary care centers, treated with pharmaco-invasive strategy, are submitted to coronary angiography within 2-24 hours of fibrinolytic treatment. In this context, the knowledge about biomarkers of reperfusion, such as 50% ST-segment resolution is crucial. Objective: To evaluate the performance of QT interval dispersion in addition to other classical criteria, as an early marker of reperfusion after thrombolytic therapy. Methods: Observational study including 104 patients treated with tenecteplase (TNK), referred for a tertiary hospital. Electrocardiographic analysis consisted of measurements of the QT interval and QT dispersion in the 12 leads or in the ST-segment elevation area prior to and 60 minutes after TNK administration. All patients underwent angiography, with determination of TIMI flow and Blush grade in the culprit artery. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: We found an increase in regional dispersion of the QT interval, corrected for heart rate (regional QTcD) 60 minutes after thrombolysis (p = 0.06) in anterior wall infarction in patients with TIMI flow 3 and Blush grade 3 [T3B3(+)]. When regional QTcD was added to the electrocardiographic criteria for reperfusion (i.e., > 50% ST-segment resolution), the area under the curve increased to 0.87 [(0.78-0.96). 95% IC. p < 0.001] in patients with coronary flow of T3B3(+). In patients with ST-segment resolution >50% and regional QTcD > 13 ms, we found a 93% sensitivity and 71% specificity for reperfusion in T3B3(+), and 6% of patients with successful reperfusion were reclassified. Conclusion: Our data suggest that regional QTcD is a promising non-invasive instrument for detection of reperfusion in the culprit artery 60 minutes after thrombolysis.

Resumo Fundamento: Pacientes com infarto do miocárdico com elevação do segmento-ST atendidos em centros de atendimento primário e tratados de acordo com a estratégia fármaco-invasiva são submetidos à fibrinólise seguida de coronariografia em período de 2-24h. Neste cenário, o conhecimento de marcadores de reperfusão como a redução em 50% do segmento-ST é fundamental. Objetivo: Analisar o desempenho da dispersão do intervalo QT em adição aos critérios clássicos, como marcador precoce de reperfusão pós-terapia trombolítica. Métodos: Estudo observacional com a inclusão de 104 pacientes tratados com tenecteplase (TNKase) e referenciados a hospital de atendimento terciário. A análise dos eletrocardiogramas (ECG) consistiu em mensuração do intervalo QT e sua dispersão nas 12 derivações, e também apenas na região com supradesnivelamento-ST antes e 60min pós-TNKase. A angiografia foi realizada em todos os pacientes com obtenção do fluxo TIMI e Blush da artéria culpada. Foram considerados significantes valores de p < 0,05. Resultados: Observamos aumento da dispersão do intervalo QT, corrigido pela frequência cardíaca, regional (dQTcR) 60min pós-lise (p = 0,006) em infartos de parede anterior nos casos com fluxo TIMI 3 e Blush 3 [T3B3(+)]. Adicionando a dQTcR ao critério ECG (redução do ST > 50%) de reperfusão, a área sob a curva aumentou para 0,87 [(0,78-0,96), IC95%, p < 0,001] em pacientes com fluxo coronário T3B3(+). Nos pacientes com critério de ECG para reperfusão e dQTcR > 13 ms a sensibilidade e especificidade foram 93% e 71%, respectivamente, para reperfusão em T3B3(+), possibilitando reclassificar 6% dos pacientes com sucesso de reperfusão. Conclusão: Os dados sugerem a dQTcR como instrumento promissor na identificação não invasiva de reperfusão na artéria coronária culpada, 60min pós-trombólise.

Regional QT Interval Dispersion as an Early Predictor of Reperfusion in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction after Fibrinolytic Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction attending primary care centers, treated with pharmaco-invasive strategy, are submitted to coronary angiography within 2-24 hours of fibrinolytic treatment. In this context, the knowledge about biomarkers of reperfusion, such as 50% ST-segment resolution is crucial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of QT interval dispersion in addition to other classical criteria, as an early marker of reperfusion after thrombolytic therapy. METHODS: Observational study including 104 patients treated with tenecteplase (TNK), referred for a tertiary hospital. Electrocardiographic analysis consisted of measurements of the QT interval and QT dispersion in the 12 leads or in the ST-segment elevation area prior to and 60 minutes after TNK administration. All patients underwent angiography, with determination of TIMI flow and Blush grade in the culprit artery. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We found an increase in regional dispersion of the QT interval, corrected for heart rate (regional QTcD) 60 minutes after thrombolysis (p = 0.06) in anterior wall infarction in patients with TIMI flow 3 and Blush grade 3 [T3B3(+)]. When regional QTcD was added to the electrocardiographic criteria for reperfusion (i.e., > 50% ST-segment resolution), the area under the curve increased to 0.87 [(0.78-0.96). 95% IC. p < 0.001] in patients with coronary flow of T3B3(+). In patients with ST-segment resolution >50% and regional QTcD > 13 ms, we found a 93% sensitivity and 71% specificity for reperfusion in T3B3(+), and 6% of patients with successful reperfusion were reclassified. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that regional QTcD is a promising non-invasive instrument for detection of reperfusion in the culprit artery 60 minutes after thrombolysis.

[Thrombus in transit and submassive pulmonary thromboembolism succesfully treated with tenecteplase]. / Trombo en tránsito y tromboembolia pulmonar (TEP) submasiva tratados exitosamente con tenecteplasa (TNK).

Right heart thrombus is a slightly detectable condition. In patients presenting with acute pulmonary embolism, the finding of thrombus in transit has been associated with high in-hospital mortality. We present a case of a 50-year-old male patient with acute pulmonary embolism and a thrombus in transit in the right atrium. We took the decision to perform fibrinolysis with tenecteplase, presenting significant improvement in the clinical condition, without any complications related to the therapy. Our case demonstrates the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy in cases of pulmonary embolism and thrombus in transit in right chambers.

Influence of gender on the risk of death and adverse events in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing pharmacoinvasive strategy.

Pharmacoinvasive treatment is an acceptable alternative for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in developing countries. The present study evaluated the influence of gender on the risks of death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in this population. Seven municipal emergency rooms and the Emergency Mobile Healthcare Service in São Paulo treated STEMI patients with tenecteplase. The patients were subsequently transferred to a tertiary teaching hospital for early (<24 h) coronary angiography. A total of 469 patients were evaluated [329 men (70.1%)]. Compared to men, women had more advanced age (60.2 ± 12.3 vs. 56.5 ± 11 years; p = 0.002); lower body mass index (BMI; 25.85 ± 5.07 vs. 27.04 ± 4.26 kg/m2; p = 0.009); higher rates of hypertension (70.7 vs. 59.3%, p = 0.02); higher incidence of hypothyroidism (20.0 vs. 5.5%; p < 0.001), chronic renal failure (10.0 vs. 8.8%; p = 0.68), peripheral vascular disease (PVD; 19.3 vs. 4.3%; p = 0.03), and previous history of stroke (6.4 vs. 1.3%; p = 0.13); and higher thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk scores (40.0 vs. 23.7%; p < 0.001). The overall in-hospital mortality and MACE rates for women versus men were 9.3 versus 4.9% (p = 0.07) and 12.9 versus 7.9% (p = 0.09), respectively. By multivariate analysis, diabetes (OR 4.15; 95% CI 1.86-9.25; p = 0.001), previous stroke (OR 4.81; 95% CI 1.49-15.52; p = 0.009), and hypothyroidism (OR 3.75; 95% CI 1.44-9.81; p = 0.007), were independent predictors of mortality, whereas diabetes (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.03-4.06; p = 0.04), PVD (OR 2.38; 95% CI 0.88-6.43; p = 0.08), were predictors of MACE. In STEMI patients undergoing pharmacoinvasive strategy, mortality and MACE rates were twice as high in women; however, this was due to a higher prevalence of risk factors and not gender itself.

Predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing pharmacoinvasive treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing pharmacoinvasive treatment. METHODS: This was an observational, prospective study that included 398 patients admitted to a tertiary center for percutaneous coronary intervention within 3 to 24 hours after thrombolysis with tenecteplase. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01791764 RESULTS: The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 5.8%. Compared with patients who survived, patients who died were more likely to be older, have higher rates of diabetes and chronic renal failure, have a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and demonstrate more evidence of heart failure (Killip class III or IV). Patients who died had significantly lower rates of successful thrombolysis (39% vs. 68%; p = 0.005) and final myocardial blush grade 3 (13.0% vs. 61.9%; p<0.0001). Based on the multivariate analysis, the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score (odds ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.09; p = 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (odds ratio 0.9, 95% CI 0.89-0.97; p = 0.001), and final myocardial blush grade of 0-2 (odds ratio 8.85, 95% CI 1.34-58.57; p = 0.02) were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective study that evaluated patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by a pharmacoinvasive strategy, the in-hospital mortality rate was 5.8%. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score, left ventricular ejection fraction, and myocardial blush were independent predictors of mortality in this high-risk group of acute coronary syndrome patients.

Reperfusion therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the Veteran Administration Caribbean Healthcare System; search for improvement.

BACKGROUND: Patients that present with acute STEMI have proven morbidity and mortality benefit from early reperfusion therapy. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines recommend either fibrinolytic therapy within 30 minutes or a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) within 90 minutes of patients arrival to the Emergency Department. Despite these recommendations, some patients do not receive reperfusion therapy and less than half receive it on time. OBJECTIVES: Describe and analyze our reperfusion therapy performance in patients presenting with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarct (STEMI) in the Veteran Administration Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS), and determine potential causes for reperfusion therapy delays and develop strategies and a tailored algorithm according to our clinical findings and available institutional resources. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the VACHS with a discharge diagnosis of STEMI, from 01/01/2007 until 04/10/2008. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients met inclusion criteria for STEMI diagnosis. Of these, only 30 patients had active indication for reperfusion therapy. Reperfusion therapy was given in 97% of the cases, 69% with PPCI and 31% with fibrinolytic therapy (tenecteplase). In general the selection of reperfusion therapy seemed adherent to ACC/AHA STEMI guidelines. The reperfusion time goal was superior with thrombolytic therapy compared to PPCI, with 43% and 15% respectively. PPCI performed off regular tour of duty was significantly delayed compared to regular day shift, with a mean time of 221 and 113 minutes respectively (p=0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients presenting with STEMI to the VACHS undergo reperfusion therapy. PPCI was the most frequent selected reperfusion approach. The PPCI time goal was infrequently met. The most significant cause for PPCI delay was related to performance off regular tour of duty. These finding support the implementation of a tailored STEMI reperfusion algorithm favoring timely reperfusion.