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Background: There is limited data on the association between inflammation and the formation of early left ventricular thrombus (LVT) following ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study aimed to explore the predictive value of several inflammatory biomarkers for LVT formation following STEMI. Methods and Results: Our cohort included 2534 consecutive patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) with STEMI. The final analysis included 51 patients with LVT and 102 patients without LVT, matched for age, sex, anterior infarct and ejection fraction. Upon admission, patients with LVT had higher white blood cell counts (WBC) (12.8 ± 7 vs. 12.4 ± 4 ×103/µL, p = 0.01), higher absolute neutrophil counts (10.5 ± 4 vs. 8.6 ± 4 ×103/µL, p = 0.003), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (8.2 ± 6 vs. 4.8 ± 4, p = 0.04), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels (35.9 ± 62 vs. 18.6 ± 40 mg/L, p = 0.04). Peak values for WBC and CRP were also higher in the LVT group (17.8 ± 8 vs. 14.6 ± 5 ×103/µL, p = 0.003 and 95.8 ± 82 vs. 64.2 ± 76 mg/L, p = 0.02, respectively). In univariate regression analysis, WBC upon admission (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02–1.21, p = 0.02), peak WBC (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.17, p = 0.009), neutrophil count upon admission (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04–1.26, p = 0.004), and peak CRP (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1–1.01, p = 0.03) predicted LVT formation, which was also evident in multivariate regression models. Conclusion: WBC and neutrophil counts upon admission, as well as peak WBC and CRP, have additional predictive value for LVT formation following STEMI, beyond classical risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious complication of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). AKI and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are highly heterogeneous, leaving a wide gap between them. Therefore, the term acute kidney disease (AKD) was implemented, describing prolonged renal injury between 7 and 90 days. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of AKD among STEMI patients. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 2940 consecutive patients admitted with STEMI between 2008 and 2022. Renal function was assessed upon admission and routinely thereafter. Renal outcomes were evaluated according to KDIGO criteria, with AKD defined as persistent renal injury of between 7 and 90 days. Results: Two hundred and fifty‐two subjects with STEMI and AKI were included; of them, 117 (46%) developed AKD. Among baseline CKD patients, higher rates of AKD were observed (60% vs. 46%). KDIGO index ≥ 2 was an independent predictor for AKD in in subjects without baseline CKD (AOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.07−6.53). In subjects with baseline CKD, older age and higher creatinine were independent predictors for AKD. Subjects with AKD had a higher 1‐year mortality rate (HR 3.39, 95% CI 1.71−6.72, p < 0.01). This trend was mainly driven by the CKD subpopulation where higher mortality rates for AKD on CKD were observed (HR 5.26, 95% CI 1.83−15.1, p < 0.01). Conclusion: AKD is common among STEMI patients with AKI. The presence of CKD and higher KDIGO stage should prompt strict monitoring for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of renal function deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) is of importance among patients with ST segment elevation (STEMI) undergoing primary coronary intervention (PCI). It is often delayed given the need in serial measurements of creatinine or other serum markers. Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a proven marker for AKI, although its role as an early predictor in this setting was scarcely addressed before and was the aim of our study. Methods: Prospective observational study including 133 patients with STEMI treated with PCI. Plasma NGAL was drawn immediately before PCI (NGAL‐0) and 24 h after (NGAL‐24). Similar analysis of C‐reactive protein (CRP) was performed for additional comparison. Results: Mean age was 62 ± 13 years, 78% were men, and 20 (15%) developed AKI after admission. Patients with AKI after admission demonstrated higher levels of NGAL‐0 (164 vs. 95 ng/mL; p < 0.001) and NGAL‐24 (142 vs. 93 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Levels of NGAL‐0 and NGAL‐24 were similar within the AKI and non‐AKI groups. Using ROC curve analysis, NGAL‐0 had best predictive ability for AKI development (AUC 0.841, 95% CI 0.80–0.96), compared with NGAL‐24 (0.783, 95% CI 0.74–0.85), CRP‐0 (0.701, 95% CI 0.58–0.83), and CRP‐24 (0.781, 95% CI 0.66–0.90). The optimal NGAL‐0 cutoff for AKI prediction was 125 ng/mL, with 70% sensitivity, 84% specificity, and 94% negative predictive value. Conclusions: Among STEMI patients, NGAL measurement upon admission are associated with AKI and may serve as a reliable marker for early AKI detection. Future studies may direct risk stratification using this single test can direct personalized evaluations during the admission, and focused interventions to prevent AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The C‐reactive protein (CRP)‐troponin‐test (CTT) comprises simultaneous serial measurements of CRP and cardiac troponin and might reflect the systemic inflammatory response in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We sought to test its ability to stratify the short‐ and long‐term mortality risk in patients with non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods: We examined 1,675 patients diagnosed with NSTEMI on discharge who had at least two successive measurements of combined CRP and cardiac troponin within 48 h of admission. A tree classifier model determined which measurements and cutoffs could be used to best predict mortality during a median follow‐up of 3 years [IQR 1.8–4.3]. Results: Patients with high CRP levels (> 90th percentile, >54 mg/L) had a higher 30‐day mortality rate regardless of their troponin test findings (16.7% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.01). However, among patients with "normal" CRP levels (< 54 mg/L), those who had high troponin levels (> 80th percentile, 4,918 ng/L) had a higher 30‐day mortality rate than patients with normal CRP and troponin concentrations (7% vs. 2%, p < 0.01). The CTT test result was an independent predictor for overall mortality even after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities (HR = 2.28 [95% CI 1.56‐3.37], p < 0.01 for patients with high troponin and high CRP levels). Conclusions: Early serial CTT results may stratify mortality risk in patients with NSTEMI, especially those with "normal" CRP levels. The CTT could potentially assess the impact of inflammation during myocardial necrosis on the outcomes of patients with NSTEMI and identify patients who could benefit from novel anti‐inflammatory therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is an inflammatory biomarker related to acute kidney injury (AKI). Including 1892 consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), in which NGAL was measured in 1624 (86%) on admission and in a consecutive subgroup at 6–12 h (n = 163) and 12–24 h (n = 222) after admission, this study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of NGAL in predicting AKI and mortality. Patients were stratified based on whether their admission NGAL plasma concentration was greater than or equal to/less than the median. The primary endpoint was a composite of the first occurrence of AKI or all-cause death within 30 days. AKI was classified by the maximal plasma creatinine increase from baseline during index admission as KDIGO1 (<200% increase) or KDIGO23 (≥200% increase) according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) system. Admission NGAL > the median was independently associated with a higher risk of severe AKI (KDIGO2-3) and 30-day all-cause mortality when adjusted for age, admission systolic blood pressure and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, left-ventricular ejection fraction, known kidney dysfunction, and cardiogenic shock with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.26 (1.18–4.51), p = 0.014. Finally, we observed increasing predictive values in a subgroup during the first day of hospitalization suggesting that assessment of NGAL should be delayed for optimal prognostic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are prone to a wide range of complications; one complication that is constantly correlated with a worse prognosis is acute kidney injury (AKI). Gender as an independent risk factor for said complications has raised some interest; however, studies have shown conflicting results so far. We aimed to investigate the possible relation of gender to the occurrence of AKI in STEMI patients undergoing PCI. This retrospective observational study cohort included 2967 consecutive patients admitted with STEMI between the years 2008 and 2019. Their renal outcomes were assessed according to KDIGO criteria (AKI serum creatinine ≥ 0.3 mg/dL from baseline within 48 h from admission), and in-hospital complications and mortality were reviewed. Our main results show that female patients were older (69 vs. 60, p < 0.001) and had higher rates of diabetes (29.2% vs. 23%, p < 0.001), hypertension (62.9% vs. 41.3%, p < 0.001), and chronic kidney disease (26.7% vs. 19.3%, p < 0.001). Females also had a higher rate of AKI (12.7% vs. 7.8%, p < 0.001), and among patients with AKI, severe AKI was also more prevalent in females (26.1% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.03). However, in multivariate analyses, after adjusting for the baseline characteristics above, the female gender was a non-significant predictor for AKI (adjusted OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.73–1.4, p = 0.94) or severe AKI (adjusted OR 1.65, 95% CI 0.80–1.65, p = 0.18). In conclusion, while females had higher rates of AKI and severe AKI, gender was not independently associated with AKI after adjusting for other confounding variables. Other comorbidities that are more prevalent in females can account for the difference in AKI between genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortality from acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was significantly reduced with the introduction of percutaneous catheterization intervention (PCI) but remains high in patients who develop acute kidney injury (AKI). Previous studies found overweight to be protective from mortality in patients suffering from STEMI and AKI separately but not as they occur concurrently. This study aimed to establish the relationship between AKI and mortality in STEMI patients after PCI and whether body mass index (BMI) has a protective impact. Between January 2008 and June 2016, two thousand one hundred and forty-one patients with STEMI underwent PCI and were admitted to the Tel Aviv Medical Center Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Their demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were collected and analyzed. We compared all-cause mortality in patients who developed AKI after PCI for STEMI and those who did not. In total, 178 patients (10%) developed AKI and had higher mortality (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between AKI, BMI, and mortality. AKI was significantly associated with both 30-day and overall mortality, while BMI had a significant protective effect. Survival analysis found a significant difference in 30-day and overall survival between patients with and without AKI with a significant protective effect of BMI on survival at 30 days. AKI presents a major risk for mortality and poor survival after PCI for STEMI, yet a beneficial effect of increased BMI modifies it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent practice guidelines recommended the use of new stress, functional, and damage biomarkers in clinical practice to prevent and manage acute kidney injury (AKI). Biomarkers are one of the tools used to define various AKI phenotypes and provide prognostic information regardless of an acute decline in renal function. We investigated the incidence and possible implications of AKI phenotypes among ST elevation myocardial infarction patient treated with primary coronary intervention. We included 281 patients with STEMI treated with PCI. Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) was utilized to determine structural renal damage and functional AKI was determined using the KDIGO criteria. Patients were stratified into four AKI phenotypes: no AKI, subclinical AKI, hemodynamic AKI, and severe AKI. Patients were assessed for in-hospital adverse events (MACE). A total of 46 patients (44%) had subclinical AKI, 17 (16%) had hemodynamic AKI, and 42 (40%) had severe AKI. We observed a gradual and significant increase in the occurrence of MACE between the groups being highest among patients with severe AKI (10% vs. 19% vs. 29% vs. 43%; p < 0.001). In a multivariable regression model, any AKI phenotype was independently associated with MACE with an odds ratio of 4.15 (95% CI 2.1–8.3, p < 0.001,) for subclinical AKI, 4.51 (95% CI 1.61–12.69; p = 0.004) for hemodynamic AKI, and 12.9 (95% CI 5.59–30.1, p < 0.001) for severe AKI. In conclusion, among STEMI patients, AKI is a heterogeneous condition consisting of distinct phenotypes, addition of novel biomarkers may overcome the limitations of sCr-based AKI definitions to improve AKI phenotyping and direct potential therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the mainstay of treatment for patients with severe AS. Since the TAVR population and patients' outcomes have dramatically changed over the last decade, updated data regarding contemporary practice and trends are pertinent to clinical use. We performed a retrospective observational analysis of consecutive patient who underwent TAVR for symptomatic severe AS between the years 2009 and 2021 in a single high-volume center. Patients were divided into four equal time groups based on the procedure date (2009–2012, 2013–2015, 2016–2018 and 2019–2021). A total of 1988 patients were included in this study and divided into four groups, with 321, 482, 565 and 620 patients in groups 1–4, respectively. Significant trends were seen in baseline characteristics of a few parameters, including lower age, lower procedural risk and reduced rates of comorbidity (p for trend < 0.0001 for all factors mentioned above). A shift was seen in the procedural technique with lower balloon pre-dilatation and higher device success rates (p for trend < 0.0001). The post-procedural period changed over the years with fewer pacemaker placements (p < 0.0001) and reduced rates of AKI and post-procedural bleed (p value 0.02 and <0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, overall hospital stay was shortened from 7 ± 7.1 days to 2.3 ± 1.7 (p < 0.0001). Finally, patient follow up revealed reduced mortality rates at 30 days (p < 0.0001) and 1 year (p = 0.013). Multivariate regression revealed that a late implantation date was an independent protector from mortality (HR 0.84, p = 0.002). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that TAVR has become a safer practice over the years with reduced rates of morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicians use Holter electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring to evaluate some patients with syncope in the internal medicine department. We questioned whether Holter ECG should be used in the presented setting. Included were all consecutive patients admitted with syncope to one of our nine internal medicine departments who had completed a 24 h Holter ECG between 2018 and 2021. A diagnostic Holter was defined as one which altered the patient's treatment and met ESC/ACC/AHA diagnostic criteria. A total of 478 Holter tests were performed for syncope evaluation during admission to an internal medicine department in the study period. Of them, 25 patients (5.2%) had a diagnostic Holter finding. Sinus node dysfunction was the most frequent diagnostic recording (13 patients, 52%). In multivariant analysis, predictors for diagnostic Holter were older age (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08–1.68), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.43–11.72), and shorter duration to Holter initiation (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.96). There was a positive correlation between time from admission to Holter and hospital stay, r(479) = 0.342, p < 0.001. Our results suggest that completing a 24 h Holter monitoring during admission to the internal medicine department should be restricted to patients with a high pre-test probability to avoid overuse and possible harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) early during an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may reflect the magnitude of the inflammatory response to myocardial damage and are associated with worse outcome. However, the routine measurement of both CRP and cardiac troponin simultaneously in the setting of ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) is not used broadly. Here, we sought to identify and characterize individuals who are prone to an elevated inflammatory response following STEMI by using a combined CRP and troponin test (CTT) and determine their short- and long-term outcome. We retrospectively examined 1186 patients with the diagnosis of acute STEMI, who had at least two successive measurements of combined CRP and cardiac troponin (up to 6 h apart), all within the first 48 h of admission. We used Chi-Square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) tree analysis to determine which parameters, timing (baseline vs. serial measurements), and cut-offs should be used to predict mortality. Patients with high CRP concentrations (above 90th percentile, >33 mg/L) had higher 30 day and all-cause mortality rates compared to the rest of the cohort, regardless of their troponin test status (above or below 118,000 ng/L); 14.4% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.01. Furthermore, patients with both high CRP and high troponin levels on their second measurement had the highest 30-day mortality rates compared to the rest of the cohort; 21.4% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.01. These patients also had the highest all-cause mortality rates after a median follow-up of 4.5 years compared to the rest of the cohort; 42.9% vs. 12.7%, p < 0.01. In conclusion, serial measurements of both CRP and cardiac troponin might detect patients at increased risk for short-and long-term mortality following STEMI. We suggest the future use of the combined CTT as a potential early marker for inflammatory-prone patients with worse outcomes following ACS. This sub-type of patients might benefit from early anti-inflammatory therapy such as colchicine and anti-interleukin-1ß agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Identification of different AKI recovery patterns may improve patient prognostic stratification. We investigated the clinical relevance of AKI recovery patterns among STEMI patients undergoing PCI. Methods: A retrospective study of 2943 STEMI patients undergoing PCI. The incidence of renal impairment, in-hospital complications, short and long-term mortality, were compared between patients without AKI, with early recovery defined as a return to baseline creatinine within 72 h, and no AKI recovery/delayed recovery defined as all other AKI cases. Results: A total of 255 (8.7%) patients developed AKI, of whom 124/255 (49%) patients had an early recovery, whereas 131/255 (51%) had no AKI recovery/delayed recovery. Patients without recovery were more likely to have in-hospital complications and higher long-term mortality (36.64% vs. 7.25%%; p < 0.001). In a multivariable regression model, the mortality hazard ratio (HR) for long term mortality remained significant for patients with no/delayed recovery AKI (HR 7.76, 95% CI 4.69 to 12.86, p < 0.001), and a strong trend among patients with resolving AKI (HR 2.09, 95% CI 0.933–4.687, p = 0.071). Conclusions: Among STEMI patients undergoing PCI, the recovery pattern of AKI is a valuable prognostic marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elevated serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels reflect both inflammatory reactions and renal tubular injury. Recently, associations with endothelial dysfunction and plaque instability were also proposed. We investigated the prognostic utility of elevated NGAL levels for renal and clinical outcomes among ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We performed a prospective, observational, open-label trial. High NGAL was defined as values within the third tertile (>66 percentile). Results: A total of 267 patients were included (mean age 66 ± 14 years, 81% males). Short-term adverse outcomes were consistently increased in the high NGAL group with more acute kidney injury, lower mean left ventricular ejection fraction, higher 30-day mortality, and higher incidence for the composite outcome of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). In a multivariate logistic regression model, high NGAL emerged as a strong and independent predictor for MACE (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.15–3.73, p = 0.014). Conclusions: Among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, elevated NGAL levels are associated with adverse renal and cardiovascular outcomes, independent of traditional inflammatory markers. Further studies are needed to assess the potentially unique role of NGAL in cardio–renal interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST‐segment elevation (non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]) has recommended immediate (<2 h) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in very‐high risk patients and early (<24 h) PCI in high‐risk patients. Hypothesis: To examine the ESC NSTEMI guidelines adherence in a nationwide survey in Israel using the Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey (ACSIS). We hypothesized that adherence to the guidlines' recommnded PCI timing in NSTEMI pateints will be inadequate, partly due to the inconsistent evidence regarding its effect on clinical outcomes. Methods: All NSTEMI patients who underwent PCI during the ACSIS surveys in 2016 and 2018 were included in the analysis. Results: Out of 1793 NSTEMI patients, 1643 (92%) patients underwent PCI, and door to balloon time was documented in 1078 of them. One hundred and fifty‐six (14.5%) patients and 922 (85.5%) patients were defined as very high‐risk and high‐risk NSTEMI patients, respectively. Of the very high‐risk NSTEMI patients, only 10 (6.4%) underwent immediate coronary angiography, and 50 (32.1%) underwent early coronary angiography. Acute heart failure 139 (89.1%) was the main reason for including NSTEMI patients in the very high‐risk category. Of the high‐risk patients, early coronary angiography was performed in only 405 (43.9%) patients. Patients in whom coronary angiography was postponed were older and had more comorbidities. Conclusions: Despite guidelines recommendations for immediate and early PCI in very high‐risk and high‐risk NSTEMI patients, respectively, most patients do not undergo immediate or early PCI according to contemporary guidelines. Further studies are needed to better understand the reasons for guidelines' nonadherence in those high‐risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most studies investigated the value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a marker of renal tubular injury only at a single time point. We investigated the possible utilization of NGAL level dynamics for the identification of different renal injury patterns in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Methods: Blood samples for plasma NGAL in 132 STEMI patients were drawn immediately before and 24 h following primary coronary intervention. Abnormal elevation of NGAL levels was defined using the cardiac surgery-associated NGAL score with NGAL levels ≥100 ng/mL suggesting renal tubular damage. According to NGAL levels at 0 and 24 h, patients were stratified into 3 groups: no tubular damage (NGAL <100 ng/mL in both exams), reversible tubular damage (NGAL >100 ng/mL at 0 h but <100 ng/mL at 24 h), and persistent tubular damage (NGAL >100 ng/mL at both 0 and 24 h). Results: Mean age was 62 ± 13 years, and 78% were men. Of these patients, 29/132 (22%) demonstrated reversible tubular damage, and 36/132 (27%) persistent tubular damage. Only 13/132 patients (10%) progressed to clinical acute kidney injury during hospitalization, all of whom had persistent tubular injury. In multivariate regression model, symptom duration was independently associated with persistent tubular damage, both as continues variable (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.04; p = 0.04) and for symptom duration >360 min (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.07–6.63; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Renal tubular damage is common among STEMI patients. Dynamic NGAL measurement may differentiate between reversible and persistent tubular damage. Further trials are needed in order to assess the complex cardiorenal interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to describe the characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients during the Covid-19 era. Methods: We conducted a prospective, multicenter study involving 13 intensive cardiac care units, to evaluate consecutive STEMI patients admitted throughout an 8-week period during the Covid-19 outbreak. These patients were compared with consecutive STEMI patients admitted during the corresponding period in 2018 who had been prospectively documented in the Israeli bi-annual National Acute Coronary Syndrome Survey. The primary end-point was defined as a composite of malignant arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and/or in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included individual components of primary outcome, cardiogenic shock, mechanical complications, electrical complications, re-infarction, stroke, and pericarditis. Results: The study cohort comprised 1466 consecutive acute MI patients, of whom 774 (53%) were hospitalized during the Covid-19 outbreak. Overall, 841 patients were diagnosed with STEMI: 424 (50.4%) during the Covid-19 era and 417 (49.6%) during the parallel period in 2018. Although STEMI patients admitted during the Covid-19 period had fewer co-morbidities, they presented with a higher Killip class (p value =.03). The median time from symptom onset to reperfusion was extended from 180 minutes (IQR 122–292) in 2018 to 290 minutes (IQR 161–1080, p <.001) in 2020. Hospitalization during the Covid-19 era was independently associated with an increased risk of the combined endpoint in the multivariable regression model (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.03–2.68, p value =.04). Furthermore, the rate of mechanical complications was four times higher during the Covid-19 era (95% CI 1.42–14.8, p-value =.02). However, in-hospital mortality remained unchanged (OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.81–3.78, p-value =.16). Conclusions: STEMI patients admitted during the first wave of Covid-19 outbreak, experienced longer total ischemic time, which was translated into a more severe disease status upon hospital admission, and a higher rate of in-hospital adverse events, compared with parallel period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is an early and sensitive marker of acute kidney injury (AKI) [[1], [3]]. Among patients admitted to medical wards, a growing number have various degrees of cardiac and renal dysfunction. Patients were stratified into four AKI phenotypes: no AKI, subclinical (pseudo) AKI, hemodynamic AKI, and severe AKI. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is an early marker of renal tubular damage. We investigated the incidence and possible implications of elevated NGAL levels (suggesting renal damage) compared to both functional and damage markers (manifested as serum creatinine [sCr] elevation) and no NGAL/sCr change, among -ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We included 131 patients with STEMI treated with PCI. Blood samples for plasma NGAL were drawn 24 h following PCI. We used the terms NGAL(–) or NGAL(+) with levels ≥100 ng/mL suggesting renal tubular damage and the terms. sCr(–) or sCr(+) to consensus diagnostic increases in sCr defining acute kidney injury. Patients were also assessed for in hospital-adverse outcomes. Results: Of the study patients, 56 (42%) were NGAL(–)/sCr(–), 58 (44%) NGAL(+)/sCr(–), and 18 (14%) were both NGAL(+)/sCr(+). According to the 3 study groups, there was a stepwise increase in the proportion of left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% (43 vs. 60. vs. 72%; p = 0.04), in-hospital adverse outcomes (9 vs. 14 vs. 56%; p < 0.001) and their combination. Specifically, more NGAL(+)/sCr(–) patients developed the composite endpoint when compared to NGAL(–)/sCr(–) patients (64 vs. 46%; OR 2.1, [95% CI 1.1–4.5], p = 0.05). A similar and consistent increase was observed in peak sCr, length of hospital stay, and C-reactive protein levels. Conclusions: Elevated NGAL levels suggesting renal tubular damage, increased inflammation, or both are common among STEMI patients and are associated with adverse outcomes even in the absence of diagnostic increase in sCr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current guidelines for the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) recommend a door-to-balloon time (DBT) of ≤ 90 min for patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to investigate the possible impact of further reduction in DBT intervals beyond the 90 min cutoff on short and long-term outcomes among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. Methods: We retrospectively studied 889 STEMI patients (median age 61 years, 83% men) who underwent successful primary PCI and had a DBT of ≤ 90 min. Patients were stratified according to DBT into 2 groups: < 60 min and 60–90 min. Patients records were assessed for the occurrence of in-hospital complications, 30-day and 1-year mortality. Results: Patients having DBT < 60 min (n = 608, 68%) were more likely to present earlier, in daytime and weekdays, and had better post-procedural left ventricular ejection fraction and lower 30-day mortality (3% vs. 6%, p = 0.03). Mortality over 1-year was significantly lower among patients having DBT < 60 compared to DBT of 60–90 min (4.6% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.004). In a binary logistic regression model DBT < 60 min was associated with 51% risk reduction for 1-year mortality (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25–0.93, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI within 90 min of admission DBT < 60 min was independently associated with better 1-year mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, most researchers focus on identifying risk factors and treatment of cardiac disease. There has been little research on real-time prediction of patient survival in emergency situations with unbalanced data, which is critical to cardiac patient treatment. 2099 records were collected from cardiac patients at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Using these records, a survival prediction model was built using empirical thresholding logistic regression with unbalanced cardiac patient data. This research (1) provided a simplified, highly efficient and flexible model to predict survival of patients with cardiac disease; (2) revealed important factors that influence survival prediction; and (3) discussed key points related to prediction with unbalanced medical data. The identified risk factors will help doctors concentrate on the most important factors for patient survival. This study provided novel technical and practical insights for patient survival analysis and prediction that traditionally suffers from the common unbalanced data problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To demonstrate the possible association of statin therapy with C reactive protein (CRP) serial measurements in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Materials and methods: STEMI patients between 2008 and 2016 with available CRP data from admission were divided into two groups according to pre-admission statin therapy. A second CRP measurement was noted following primary coronary intervention (within 24 h from admission). The difference between the two measurements was designated ΔCRP. Results: The cohort consisted of 1134 patients with a median age of 61 (IQR52–70), 81% males. Patients on statins prior to admission (336/1134, 26%) were more likely to have CRP levels within normal range (≤5 mg/l) compared to patients without prior treatment, both at admission (75 vs. 24%, p = 0.004) and at 24 h (70 vs. 48%, p = 0.029). The prevalence of patients with pre-admission statin therapy decreased as ΔCRP increased (p = 0.004; n = 301). The likelihood of ΔCRP to be above 5 mg/l in patients with pre-admission statin therapy was reduced after age and gender adjustments (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32–0.92, p = 0.023) and in multivariate (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33–0.99, p = 0.048) analysis. Conclusions: Pre-admission statin therapy is associated with a less robust inflammatory response in STEMI patients, highlighting statin's pathophysiological importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent reports have demonstrated the adverse effects of venous congestion on renal function in patients with heart failure. None of these trials, however, has evaluated the effect of acute myocardial ischemia on the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI).Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 1336 ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between June 2012 and June 2016. Comprehensive echocardiographic examination was performed within 72 h of hospital admission. Non-invasive evaluation of central venous pressure (CVP) was estimated from measurements of inferior vena cava diameter and its collapsibility. Intermediate-high CVP was defined as ≥ 8 mm/Hg. Patients were stratified according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and CVP and assessed for AKI.Results: Intermediate-high CVP was associated with AKI both in patients with LVEF greater than 45% and those with 45% or lower. Patients having LVEF ≤ 45% and intermediate-high CVP had a 10-fold increase in the incidence of AKI compared to patients with LVEF > 45% and normal CVP (39 vs. 4%). In a multivariable logistic regression model, intermediate-high CVP was independently associated with AKI (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.54-4.87; p = 0.001). Other variables associated with AKI included LVEF ≤ 45% (OR = 2.37, 95%CI 1.25-4.51; p = 0.008), time to reperfusion, mechanical ventilation and chronic kidney disease.Conclusions: Among STEMI patients undergoing PCI, the utilization of simple echocardiographic measurements (LVEF and CVP) may be useful for early identification of those at high risk for AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We have recently shown that the transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) channel is exclusively upregulated in rat/murine peri-infarct monocytes/macrophages following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and that this overexpression might be detrimental for cardiac recovery. We aimed to characterize the expression levels of TRPV2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of AMI patients relative to individuals with normal coronaries, and to analyze potential associations with inflammatory and cardiac ischemic markers. Methods: Patients who underwent coronary angiography due to AMI or chest pain were prospectively included. PBMCs were isolated from whole blood by Ficoll gradient centrifugation. TRPV2 expression was analyzed by real-time PCR. C-reactive protein (CRP) and troponin I (TpI) levels were determined at the central chemistry laboratory; interleukin 6 and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels were tested by ELISA. Results: Following AMI, the number of TRPV2-expressing PBMCs was reduced when compared to in patients with normal coronaries. An inverse correlation was documented between the numbers of circulating macrophages and TRPV2 expression. Additionally, TRPV2 expression was inversely correlated with CRP and TpI and directly correlated with serum IGF-1. Conclusions: We assume that peripheral TRPV2 downregulation occurs concomitantly with the accumulation of TRPV2-white blood cells in the peri-infarct zone. TRPV2 may thus represent a novel target for treatment in the acute phase after MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]