A 12-month angiographic and optical coherence tomography follow-up after bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the healing process at 12 months after ABSORB™ bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) implantation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BACKGROUND: There is currently no data on long-term BVS performance in the acute thrombotic setting. The underlying altered plaque pathomorphology may impact the neointima healing pattern, potentially making it different to that observed in stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: We have performed an angiographic and optical coherence tomography (OCT) 12-month follow-up of 19 STEMI patients who were treated with a BVS implantation (23 scaffolds). An independent core laboratory performed a paired analysis of the corresponding frames at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: At 12 months, the OCT follow-up showed a decrease in the mean lumen area (8.29 ± 1.53 mm(2) vs. 6.82 ± 1.57 mm(2) , P < 0.001), but no significant change in the mean scaffold area (8.49 ± 1.53 mm(2) vs. 8.90 ± 1.51 mm(2) ). Significant decreases in malapposed strut ratio (4.9 ± 8.65% vs. 0.4 ± 1.55%, P < 0.001) and malapposition area (0.29 ± 0.60 mm(2) 0.08 ± 0.32 mm(2) , P = 0.002) were observed. A nonhomogenous proliferation of neointima was revealed with a symmetry index of 0.15 (0.08-0.27), a mean neointima thickness of 203 µm (183-249) and mean neointima area of 2.07 ± 0.51 mm(2) . The quantitative coronary angiography showed late lumen loss of 0.08 ± 0.23 mm and no significant change in the minimal lumen diameter (P = 0.11). There were no major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), except for one nontarget vessel revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: The OCT revealed a favorable healing pattern after BVS implantation in a STEMI population.

Optimal timing of coronary invasive strategy in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of coronary intervention in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACSs) is a matter of debate. Conflicting results among published studies partly relate to different risk profiles of the studied populations. PURPOSE: To do the most comprehensive meta-analysis of current evidence on early versus delayed invasive treatment in NSTE-ACS. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar databases; conference proceedings; ClinicalTrials.gov registry; and Current Controlled Trials registry through May 2012. STUDY SELECTION: Available randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing early versus delayed intervention in the NSTE-ACS population. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted for populations, interventions, outcomes, and risk of bias. All-cause mortality was the prespecified primary end point. The longest follow-up available in each study was chosen. The odds ratio with 95% CI was the effect measure. DATA SYNTHESIS: Seven RCTs (5370 patients) and 4 observational studies (77 499 patients) were included. Early intervention was less than 20 hours after hospitalization or randomization for RCTs and 24 hours or less for observational studies. Meta-analysis of the RCTs was inconclusive for a survival benefit associated with the early invasive strategy (odds ratio, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.64 to 1.09]; P = 0.180); a similar result emerged from the observational studies. With early versus late intervention, the odds ratios in the RCTs were 1.15 (CI, 0.65 to 2.01; P = 0.63) and 0.76 (CI, 0.56 to 1.04; P = 0.090) for myocardial infarction and major bleeding during follow-up, respectively. LIMITATION: Current evidence from RCTs is limited by the small overall sample size, low numbers of events in some trials, and heterogeneity in the timing of intervention and in patient risk profiles. CONCLUSION: At present, there is insufficient evidence either in favor of or against an early invasive approach in the NSTE-ACS population. A more definitive RCT is warranted to guide clinical practice.

Silicon in prevention of atherosclerosis and other age-related diseases.

Researchers' interest in silicon as an element important for the functioning of the animal and human body began in the 1970s. Soluble compounds of silicon bioavailable from water and food seem to have important meaning for life processes occurring in the body. So far, researchers have focused on the significance of silicon for the development of bones and connective tissue, and its role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases and atherosclerosis. Despite numerous studies, the role of silicon as an active element in the human body is poorly understood. Since the involvement of lipid oxidation and inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is well known, this article summarizes and discusses the current research and scientific observations regarding silicon, primarily in terms of its beneficial influence on redox and anti-inflammatory reactions and the lipid profile. The association of silicon with the stabilization of the structure of glycosaminoglycans and their protein complexes may also support the anti-atherosclerotic effect. The authors attempted to collect and present existing publications that could confirm the beneficial role of dietary silicon in the prevention of age-related diseases and explain the potential mechanisms of its action.

Correlations Between Acute Coronary Syndrome and Novel Inflammatory Markers (Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index, Systemic Inflammation Response Index, and Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation) in Patients with and without Diabetes or Prediabetes.

Purpose: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a recognized independent risk factor for both chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and its complication, acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients with DM and prediabetes (preDM) face an increased ACS risk. Inflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of both CCS and ACS. This study delves into novel inflammatory markers, such as the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI, also known as SIIRI or PIV), to explore their relationship with ACS and CCS in patients that have been or have not been diagnosed with DM or preDM. Patients and Methods: This study included data of 493 patients with chest pain undergoing coronary angiography. They were categorized into four groups: 1) without DM/preDM and with CCS; 2) with both DM/preDM and CCS; 3) without DM/preDM and with ACS, 4) with both DM/preDM and ACS. Standard methods of statistical analysis were used to reveal possible differences between groups and to find the most influential ACS risk factors in groups with DM/preDM and without DM/preDM. Results: The analysis showed no significant differences in SII, SIRI, or AISI between the respective patient groups. A logistic regression analysis generated a model incorporating SII, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels as the influential ACS risk factors for patients with DM/preDM. The model demonstrated 71.0% accuracy, 37.0% sensitivity, and 89.4% specificity. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the aforementioned inflammatory markers may have potential for distinguishing DM/preDM patients at higher risk of ACS at a low financial cost. However, further comprehensive and well-designed research is required to validate their clinical utility.

People with type 2 diabetes (DM) and prediabetes (preDM) have a higher risk of heart problems. These include chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Inflammation is a key element in these issues. We looked at 493 patients with chest pain. We divided them into groups based on diabetes status (DM/preDM vs no diabetes) and heart conditions (ACS and CCS). We explored new markers related to inflammation. These include the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) that all can be calculated from simple blood tests. We found no differences in these markers between groups. To understand ACS risk factors better, we used statistical analysis. The model found key factors for patients with DM/preDM: SII, LDL, and low-density lipoprotein levels. It was accurate (71.0%), but sensitivity was 37.0%, and specificity was 89.4%. These markers could be helpful in identifying DM/preDM patients at risk of ACS with low cost tests. We need more research to confirm their use in real-life medical settings.

Correlation between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration, Monocyte-to-HDL Ratio and Acute Coronary Syndrome in Men with Chronic Coronary Syndrome-An Observational Study.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in European men. Atherosclerosis and its clinical consequence, chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), comprise two main elements: dysfunction of lipoprotein metabolism and an important inflammatory component that contributes to the development of complications, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Measures of both components are combined in a composite marker called monocyte-to-HDL ratio (MHR). Vitamin D was previously described to influence inflammation processes, and its deficiency influences CVD risk factors. This research describes the differences in MHR and total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration between male patients with different diagnoses of CCS and the correlation between 25(OH)D and MHR in this group. Significant differences were observed between ACS and CCS patients in 25(OH)D and MHR-the highest HDL and serum 25(OH)D concentrations were observed in patients with CCS, whereas the highest value of MHR was observed in patients with STEMI. A significant correlation was observed between 25(OH)D, HDL, and MHR. Due to the significant but small nominal difference in MHR values between groups of patients diagnosed with ACS and CCS, and the possible influence of age and hyperlipidemia status on the differences in vitamin D levels in these groups, this subject requires further well-designed research. The suggested bidirectional relationship between MHR and 25(OH)D and the role of MHR as a predictor of vitamin D status in the body also needs to be verified.

Blood Count-Derived Inflammatory Markers and Acute Complications of Ischemic Heart Disease in Elderly Women.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) in women occurs later than in men. Underlying atherosclerosis, a chronic process of lipoprotein deposition in arterial walls with a prominent inflammatory component, is influenced by several risk factors. In women, commonly used inflammatory markers are generally found to be related to the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), as well as the development of other diseases that influence CAD. New inflammatory markers derived from total blood count-systemic inflammatory response index (SII), systemic inflammatory reaction index (SIRI), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)-were analyzed in the group of 244 elderly, postmenopausal women with the diagnosis of ACS or stable CAD. SII, SIRI, MLR, and NLR were significantly higher in women with ACS compared to those with stable CAD (p < 0.05 for all)-the highest values were observed in women with NSTEMI. MLR from new inflammatory markers, HDL, and history of MI turned out to be significant factors associated with ACS. These results suggest that MLR as representative of blood count-derived inflammatory markers may be considered as additional CVD risk factors in women with suspected ACS.

Effects of acromegaly treatment on left ventricular systolic function assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography in relation to sex differences: results from a prospective single center study.

Background: Despite the preserved LVEF, patients with acromegaly are characterized by subclinical systolic dysfunction i.e., abnormal global longitudinal strain (GLS) assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). The effect of acromegaly treatment on LV systolic function assessed by STE, has not been evaluated so far. Patients and methods: Thirty-two naïve acromegalic patients without detectable heart disease were enrolled in a prospective, single-center study. 2D-Echocardiography and STE were performed at diagnosis, 3&6 months on preoperative somatostatin receptor ligand (SRL) treatment and 3 months after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). Results: Treatment with SRL resulted in reduction in median (IQR) GH&IGF-1 levels after 3 months, from 9.1(3.2-21.9) to 1.8(0.9-5.2) ng/mL (p<0.001) and from 3.2(2.3-4.3) to 1.5(1.1-2.5) xULN (p<0.001), respectively. Biochemical control on SRL was achieved in 25.8% of patients after 6 months and complete surgical remission was achieved in 41.7% of patients. TSS resulted in decrease in median (IQR) IGF-1 compared to IGF-1 levels on SRL treatment: from 1.5(1.2-2.5) to 1.3(1.0-1.6) xULN (p=0.003). Females had lower IGF-1 levels at baseline, on SRL and after TSS compared to males. The median end diastolic and end systolic left ventricle volumes were normal. Almost half of the patients (46.9%) had increased LVMi, however the median value of LVMi was normal in both sex groups: 99g/m2 in males and 94g/m2 in females. Most patients (78.1%) had increased LAVi and the median value was 41.8mL/m2. At baseline 50% of patients, mostly men (62.5% vs. 37.5%) had GLS values higher than -20%. There was a positive correlation between baseline GLS and BMI r=0.446 (p=0.011) and BSA r=0.411 (p=0.019). The median GLS significantly improved after 3 months of SRL treatment compared to baseline: -20.4% vs. -20.0% (p=0.045). The median GLS was lower in patients with surgical remission compared to patients with elevated GH&IGF-1 levels: -22.5% vs. -19.8% (p=0.029). There was a positive correlation between GLS and IGF-1 levels after TSS r=0.570 (p=0.007). Conclusion: The greatest beneficial effect of acromegaly treatment on LV systolic function is visible already after 3 months of preoperative SRL treatment, especially in women. Patients with surgical remission have better GLS compared to patients with persistent acromegaly.

Relationship between Copper, Zinc, and Copper-to-Zinc Ratio in Hair and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease according to the SYNTAX Score.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be a foremost contributor to global mortality, and the quest for modifiable risk factors could improve prophylactic strategies. Recent studies suggest a significant role of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) deficiency in atheromatous plaque formation. Furthermore, hair was previously described as a valuable source of information on elemental burden during the 6-8 week period before sampling. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of correlation between the extent of CAD evaluated with the SYNergy Between PCI With TAXUS and the Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score with Cu and Zn content in hair samples, as well as with the Cu/Zn ratio in a cohort of 130 patients. Our findings describe a statistically significant inverse correlation between Cu content and the Cu/Zn ratio in hair samples and the extent of CAD. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between Zn content and the extent of CAD. Considering the scarcity of existing data on the subject, the analysis of hair samples could yield a novel insight into elemental deficiencies and their potential influence on CAD extent.

Cardiomyopathy Associated with Right Ventricular Apical Pacing-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIMS: Bradyarrhythmias are potentially life-threatening medical conditions. The most widespread treatment for slow rhythms is artificial ventricular pacing. From the inception of the idea of artificial pacing, ventricular leads were located in the apex of the right ventricle. Right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP) was thought to have a deteriorating effect on left ventricular systolic function. The aim of this study was to systematically assess results of randomized controlled trials to determine the effects of right ventricular apical pacing on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS: we systematically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and EMBASE databases for studies evaluating the influence of RVAP on LVEF. Pooled mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using a random effect model. RESULTS: 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 885 patients were included. In our meta-analysis, RVAP was associated with statistically significant left ventricular systolic function impairment as measured by LVEF. The mean difference between LVEF at baseline and after intervention amounted to 3.35% (95% CI: 1.80-4.91). CONCLUSION: our meta-analysis confirms that right ventricular apical pacing is associated with progressive deterioration of left ventricular systolic function.

Serial Baseline, 12-, 24-, and 60-Month Optical Coherence Tomography Evaluation of ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Treated with Absorb Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold.

Data on long-term neointimal healing and neoatherosclerosis progression after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with implantation of everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) (ABSORB BVS 1.0, Abbott Vascular) are limited. The mechanisms underlying very late scaffold failure remain to be further elucidated. This study sought to assess healing pattern and presence of neoatherosclerosis. This was a single-center, prospective, longitudinal study with serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) assessment at baseline, 12, 24 and 60 months after PCI performed in 12 patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The median follow-up was 59 months. The diameter stenosis increased from 7.11 ± 4.99% at 1-year to 21.00 ± 11.31% at 5 years, (p = 0.03), whereas minimum lumen diameter remained stable throughout the follow-up period, as assessed by angiography. Minimum and mean lumen area declined over the 5-year follow-up by 1.00 ± 1.57 mm2 and 1.75 ± 0.87 mm2, respectively; a significant decrease in minimum and mean lumen area in the first two years, was followed by stable luminal dimensions between 2 and 5 years of follow-up. The lumen eccentricity (0.85 ± 0.03) and asymmetry (0.43 ± 0.10) indexes showed no change over 60-month follow-up. The incidence of atherosclerosis was high both in the in-scaffold (IS) and out-scaffold (OS) regions consisting of calcifications (IS = 100%, OS = 92%, p = 0.99), macrophages (IS = 92% and OS = 67%, p = 0.31), neovascularization (IS = 75%, OS = 50%, p = 0.40). In conclusion, serial OCT imaging up to 5 years after implantation of BVS in STEMI indicated complete scaffold resorption, stable lumen area following period of neointima growth in the first two years after PCI and high incidence of neoatherosclerosis.

A new approach to ticagrelor-based de-escalation of antiplatelet therapy after acute coronary syndrome. A rationale for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, investigator-initiated, multicenter clinical study.

The risk of ischemic events gradually decreases after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), reaching a stable level after 1 month, while the risk of bleeding remains steady during the whole period of dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT). Several de-escalation strategies of antiplatelet treatment aiming to enhance safety of DAPT without depriving it of its efficacy have been evaluated so far. We hypothesized that reduction of the ticagrelor maintenance dose 1 month after ACS and its continuation until 12 months after ACS may improve adherence to antiplatelet treatment due to better tolerability compared with the standard dose of ticagrelor. Moreover, improved safety of treatment and preserved anti-ischemic benefit may also be expected with additional acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) withdrawal. To evaluate these hypotheses, we designed the Evaluating Safety and Efficacy of Two Ticagrelor-based De-escalation Antiplatelet Strategies in Acute Coronary Syndrome - a randomized clinical trial (ELECTRA-SIRIO 2), to assess the influence of ticagrelor dose reduction with or without continuation of ASA versus DAPT with standard dose ticagrelor in reducing clinically relevant bleeding and maintaining anti-ischemic efficacy in ACS patients. The study was designed as a phase III, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, investigator-initiated clinical study with a 12-month follow-up (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04718025; EudraCT number: 2020-005130-15).

Subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with naive acromegaly - assessment with two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography: retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with naive acromegaly with normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-three consecutive patients with naive acromegaly with normal LV systolic function as measured by EF, examined from 2008 to 2016, and 52 patients of a control group matched for age and sex underwent two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess GLS. RESULTS: The median GLS was significantly lower in the acromegaly group than in the control group (in %, -16.6 vs. -20.7; p < 0.01). The majority of acromegalic patients (n = 26; 60.5%) had abnormal GLS. Patients with impairment in GLS had a longer median duration of acromegaly symptoms (in years, 10.0 vs. 5.0; p < 0.05) and greater LV thickness (posterior wall in mm, 12.5 vs. 12.0; p < 0.05) compared to those with normal GLS. Patients with abnormal GLS had higher IGF-1 concentration, but without statistical significance. Diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension, which are more common in acromegaly, were not significant determinants of abnormal GLS. The mean left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was increased in the acromegaly group compared to controls (in g/m², 136 vs. 97; p < 0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between LVMI and GLS (R = -0.47; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Naive acromegalic patients presented abnormal GLS, which indicates subclinical systolic dysfunction in these patients. It has not been proven that arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus are significant determinants of abnormal GLS.

Heart Rate Variability in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy-A Systematic Literature Review.

Cardiac autonomic dysfunction has been reported in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this study was to assess the existing literature on heart rate variability (HRV) in pediatric patients with CP and a special attention was paid to the compliance of the studies with the current HRV assessment and interpretation guidelines. A systematic review was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases searched for English language publications from 1996 to 2019 using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms "heart rate variability" and "cerebral palsy" in conjunction with additional inclusion criteria: studies limited to humans in the age range of 0-18 years and empirical investigations. Out of 47 studies, 12 were included in the review. Pediatric patients with CP presented a significantly higher resting heart rate and reduced HRV, different autonomic responses to movement stimuli compared to children with normal development, but also reduced HRV parameters in the children dependent on adult assistance for mobility compared to those generally independent. None of the included studies contained the necessary details concerning RR intervals acquisition and HRV measurements as recommended by the guidelines. Authors of HRV studies should follow the methodological guidelines and recommendations on HRV measurement, because such an approach may allow a direct comparison of their results.

[Drug-eluting stent-associated thrombosis: clinical relevance of impaired vessel-wall healing]. / Zakrzepica w stentach uwalniajacych leki. Kliniczne znaczenie zaburzonego gojenia sie sciany naczyn.

In-stent thrombosis remains to bo an uncommon but dreadful complication of coronary angioplasty manifesting as sudden death or acute coronary syndrome. Drug-eluting stents (DES) proved to be an effective approach in the prevention and treatment of restenosis across a broad spectrum of lesion and patient subsets. Considerable concerns over this technology were raised when a modest increase in the incidence of very late in-stent thrombosis was demonstrated in DES-treated patients which in some trials even translated into higher mortality and myocardial infarctions compared with bare metal stenting (BMS). Unfortunately, DES not only suppress neointimal formation, but also impair the vessel healing process. Delayed and incomplete endothelialization is frequently observed after DES application. Increased blood thrombogenicity due to the prothrombotic effects of eluting drugs and inadequate platelet inhibition along with altered blood flow through remodeled arteries with dysfunctional endothelium contribute to late DES thrombosis. However, a large amount of data from randomized trials suggest that DES when used on label are not associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes. In these patients DES are probably responsible for a slightly elevated risk of late thrombotic events and simultaneously decreased rates of restenosis-related myocardial infarctions and deaths compared with BMS. The potential benefits and risks of DES off-label stenting are yet to be assessed. Since insufficient platelet inhibition was reported as the strongest predictor of DES thrombosis, the necessity of prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy has constituted a major limitation of this device. Therefore, DES implantation should be particularly avoided in non-compliant patients, in those who are scheduled for major surgery requiring premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy, and in persons who are at high risk of bleeding. Elective operations in DES patients are suggested to be postponed until 12 months after stenting, while dental procedures, when needed, may be performed on dual antiplatelet treatment. Although recent European and American guidelines recommend dual antiplatelet therapy after DES placement for 6-12 and 12 months, respectively, its optimal duration is a matter of ongoing debate. Subsequent generations of DES developed for a better safety profile as well as novel technologies dedicated to facilitate endothelialization are currently under investigation. Finally, caution is advised in the choice of the particular device for each patient.

Gender differences and in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: Many observational and randomised studies have suggested that women are referred for invasive diagnostics and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) less frequently than men, and the effects of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among women are worse than in men. AIM: To compare direct results of PCI in men and women. METHODS: The study was a retrospective assessment of case records of one thousand consecutive patients treated with PCI because of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (344 patients), unstable angina (UA) (164 patients) and stable angina (SA) (492 patients). We examined the effects of demographic, angiographic and clinical variables on the duration of hospitalisation and in-hospital mortality separately in men and in women. RESULTS: Women constituted 30.7% of patients treated with PCI because of AMI, 39.6% of those with UA and just 25.8% of those with SA. Women were significantly older than men, had a higher BMI, and more often suffered from hypertension and diabetes. The duration of hospitalisation was the same in men and women if the reason for PCI was SA or UA, however, in case of AMI women were hospitalised significantly longer than men. In the univariate analysis gender had no influence on in-hospital mortality regardless of the reason for PCI treatment. Among the variables subjected to multivariate analysis female gender, age, BMI, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, indication for PCI, final TIMI flow in the target vessel and cardiogenic shock as a complication of AMI were shown to affect mortality. Significant effects on in-hospital mortality for women were exhibited only by cardiogenic shock. Among men, indication for PCI, age, diabetes and final TIMI flow in the target vessel also had a significant influence on in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Stable angina is a reason for performing PCI more rarely in women than in men. Women with CAD are older than men and have more risk factors. The in-hospital mortality among patients treated with PCI because of SA is independent of gender. Cardiogenic shock appeared to be the only factor that influences in-hospital mortality in women. In the case of men such an influence is also observed for indication for PCI (AMI, UA or SA), diabetes and final TIMI flow in the target vessel.

First serial optical coherence tomography assessment at baseline, 12 and 24 months in STEMI patients treated with the second-generation Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess the vascular healing response after Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) implantation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) utilising truly serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination at baseline, 12 and 24 months. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a single-centre, prospective, longitudinal study with baseline, 12- and 24-month OCT evaluation of 18 STEMI patients treated with 22 Absorb BVS. The healing pattern was evaluated based upon lumen area, neointimal hyperplasia, strut coverage and apposition. The lumen area decreased at 12 months compared to baseline (8.52±1.69 mm² vs. 7.0±1.70 mm², p<0.01), but it did not change from that point onwards up to 24 months (7.0±1.70 mm² vs. 6.94±1.65 mm², p=0.92). At 12 months after the index procedure, the mean neointimal thickness was 217±69 µm and further neointimal hyperplasia was observed between 12 and 24 months though less pronounced (Δ62±44 µm, p<0.0001). Full circumferential coverage of the vessel wall by neointima was observed in 92% of frames at 24 months. The low number of malapposed struts at the index procedure (<5%) further decreased over the observation period and was found in only one patient at 12 and 24 months. The ratio of uncovered struts was low at both 12 and 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: This serial OCT analysis of the second-generation everolimus-eluting BVS in a STEMI population confirmed a favourable healing pattern as expressed by moderate neointimal growth, preserved lumen area and no late acquired malapposition.

Complete percutaneous approach versus surgical access in transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation: results from a multicentre registry.

BACKGROUND: Although the femoral approach is the most common route utilised in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), it still carries a substantial risk of severe bleeding and vascular complications. AIM: The aim of our study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the complete percutaneous (CPC) approach with surgical cut-down and closure (SCC) in TAVI patients. METHODS: The study population comprised 683 patients with severe aortic stenosis, who underwent transfemoral TAVI. Bleeding and vascular complications were defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-2) criteria. Propensity-matched cohorts were created to reduce the potential bias of non-random assignment to the type of vascular access technique (SSC, n = 203 vs. CPC, n = 203). RESULTS: The rate of minor vascular complications was higher in the CPC cohort (18.2% vs. 9.9%, p = 0.02). There were no differences in major vascular complications or in any type of bleedings between the two groups. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.044; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.003-1.09, p = 0.046), preprocedural haemoglobin (OR 0.849; 95% CI 0.760-0.944, p = 0.03), and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min (OR 3.216; 95% CI 1.176-8.741, p = 0.021) were independent predictors of life-threatening/disabling and major bleedings. Diabetes remained the only independent predictor of major vascular complications (OR 1.695; 95% CI 1.014-3.156, p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective analysis both vascular access and closure techniques were associated with a similar risk of severe bleeding and major vascular events. However, these findings should be further confirmed in a multicentre, randomised study.

Treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome: Recommendations for medical emergency teams: Focus on antiplatelet therapies. Updated experts' standpoint.

A group of Polish experts in cardiology and emergency medicine, encouraged by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, have recently published common recommendations for medical emergency teams regarding the pre-hospital management of patients with acute coronary syndrome. Due to the recent publication of the 2017 ESC guidelines for the management of acute myocardial infarction in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation and 2017 focused update on dual antiplatelet therapy in coronary artery disease the current panel of experts decided to update the previous standpoint. Moreover, new data coming from studies presented after the previous document was issued were also taken into consideration.

Is transport with platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibition for primary percutaneous coronary intervention more efficient than on-site thrombolysis in patients with STEMI admitted to community hospitals? Randomised study. Early results.

INTRODUCTION: The advantage of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) over thrombolytic therapy has been demonstrated. However, an optimal medical treatment of STEMI patients admitted to regional hospitals without catheterisation facilities has not yet been established. Delay in initiation of pPCI resulting from transportation to the catheterisation laboratory may diminish the benefits of such therapy in comparison with thrombolysis administered in a regional hospital. Early initiation of therapy with platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor, which provides protection for the transportation, may be a reasonable solution to maintain the advantage of pPCI over thrombolysis alone in STEMI patients. METHODS: The studied group comprised patients with STEMI (infarct duration time <12 hours, typical clinical and electrocardiographic criteria of MI) who were randomly assigned in 13 regional hospitals located 20 to 150 km from invasive centre to one of two subgroups, either to thrombolysis in the community hospital or to transport after thrombolysis initiation with platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor (tirofiban; 10 mg/kg in intravenous bolus in the emergency room of the community hospital followed by continuous intravenous infusion of 0.1 mg/kg/min during transport as well as coronary procedure) in order to receive pPCI. All patients with cardiogenic shock on admission were routinely treated with PCI and were excluded from the study. RESULTS: 341 patients were included in the study (169 were randomised to receive thrombolytic therapy and 172--transport with intention to perform PCI). Mean time between onset of MI and randomisation was similar in the transport and thrombolysis groups, (139+/-133 min. vs 143+/-117 min., respectively, p=0.94). Mean infusion time of tirofiban to the beginning of PCI in the transport group was 121+/-36 min. Anterior MI was present in 42.6% of patients in the PCI group and in 41.5% in the thrombolytic group (p=0.085). Mean time from randomisation to pPCI was 158+/-60 min., and to thrombolysis initiation in 44+/-43 min. (p <0.0001). None of the patients died during transfer. In a 30-day follow-up we noted (pPCI vs thrombolytic group, respectively): mortality 3.49% vs 8.88% (p=0.04); reinfarction 1.16% vs 5.92% (p=0.02), stroke 0.58% vs 1.18% (p=0.55). In-hospital stay was significantly shorter in the transport group (9+/-3 days vs 14+/-7 days, p <0.0001). During hospitalisation, 17 (10.05%) patients initially assigned to thrombolysis alone had to be transferred to the catheterisation laboratory to undergo PCI (rescue PCI or PCI for postinfarction angina). Combined end-point (death/reinfarction/stroke) was reached more frequently in the thrombolytic group (15.98% vs 5.23%, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A strategy of invasive therapy involving transport with GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor and pPCI in STEMI patients admitted to hospital without catheterisation facilities was found to be more effective than thrombolytic therapy alone employed in the regional hospitals.