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Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with significant systemic metabolic changes. These changes include increased plasma concentrations of counter-regulatory hormones and changes in potassium (K, mEq/L) and glucose (mg/dL) levels. The latter are associated with outcomes and investigated as potential focus for intervention; glucose-insulin‑potassium (GIK) solution. To evaluate the associations of concomitant K and glucose (K/glucose) levels with in-hospital mortality in AMI patients. AMI patients hospitalized in a tertiary Medical Center through 2002–2012 were studied. K/glucose levels were divided into equally sized categories. The intermediate category (glucose 124–143 mg/dL, K 4–4.9 mEq/L) was the reference group. The associations of these tests with the outcome were assessed using Generalized Estimating Equations model which included the interaction of K and glucose levels, adjusted for the patient's baseline characteristics and other laboratory results. 17,670 AMI admissions (mean age 67.8 ± 4.0 years, 66.6% males, mortality rate 7.7%) were included; 112,531 results of K/glucose tests were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that K/glucose levels were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality, with highest risk being in patients with concomitant low K (<3.7 mEq/L) and high glucose (≥217 mg/dL), adjOR = 2.53. It seems that low-normal glucose levels attenuate the increased risk associated with low K. The highest independent risk for mortality is found with low K and concomitant high glucose levels. Additional studies evaluating mechanisms and therapeutic interventions in K/glucose levels in this setting are warranted. • Associations of plasma potassium and glucose levels with outcomes in AMI are investigated as potential focus for intervention. • Combined potassium and glucose levels are associated with in-hospital mortality in AMI patients. • The highest independent risk for mortality is associated with the combination of low potassium and high glucose levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Decreased serum albumin level (SAL) was reported to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and short term-mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Objectives To evaluate the association between SAL and long-term mortality in AMI hospital survivors. Methods Retrospective analysis of patients admitted in a tertiary medical center for AMI 2002–2012 and discharged alive. Exclusion criteria: active infections, inflammatory diseases, significant liver or kidney failure, malignancy, ejection-fraction < 20%, severe heart valvular-disease and missing SAL. SAL was categorized as following: < 3.4, 3.4–3.7, 3.7–3.9, 3.9–4.1 and > 4.1 g/dL. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality for up-to 10-years post-AMI. Results Out of 12,535 patients, 8750 were included. Patients with reduced SAL were older, higher rate of women, increased prevalence of severe left ventricular dysfunction, chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus and ST-elevation AMI, 3-vessel coronary artery disease, and in-hospital complications. While the prevalence of chronic ischemic coronary disease, dyslipidemia, smokers and obesity, was lower. Mortality rates throughout the follow-up period increased as SAL decreased with 17.6%, 24%, 28.5%, 38.6%, and 57.5% for SAL of > 4.1, 3.9–4.1, 3.7–3.9, 3.4–3.7 and < 3.4 g/dL respectively (p-for-trend < 0.001). Using the SAL category of > 4.1 g/dL as the reference group, Adjusted Hazard Ratio values were 1.14 (p = 0.107), 1.23 (p = 0.007), 1.39 (p < 0.001) and 1.70 (p < 0.001) for the SAL categories of 3.9–4.1, 3.7–3.9, 3.4–3.7 and < 3.4 g/dL respectively. Conclusions Decreased SAL on admission, including levels within “normal” clinical range, is significantly associated with long-term all-cause mortality in hospital survivors of AMI with a “dose–response” type association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ethnical disparities in presentation and outcomes following AMI were reported. We evaluated the temporal-trends of AMI hospitalizations and mortality of Bedouins (Muslims) and Jews in Israel. Methods Retrospective analysis of 15,352 AMI admissions (10,652 patients; 11.3% Bedouins, 88.7% Jews) throughout 2002–2012. The trends in admission rates (AR) were compared using direct age–sex adjustment. The trends of in-hospital mortality (IHM) and 1-year post-discharge mortality (PDM) were adjusted for the patients' characteristics. Results Bedouins were younger (61.7 ± 14.3 vs. 68.8 ± 13.7 years, p < 0.001), a higher rate of males. Different prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was found. STEMI presentation, 3-vessel disease and PCI intervention were more frequently in Bedouins than Jews. Adjusted AR was lower among Jews (4.80/1000 and 3.24/1000 in 2002 and 2012 respectively) than in Bedouins (9.63/1000 and 5.13/1000). A significant decrease of adjusted AR was found in both ethnicities (p-for-trend < 0.001 both), greater in Bedouins (p-for-disparity = 0.017). The overall rate of IHM was higher for Jews (8.7% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.001). The decline of IHM was found in both groups: an increase of one-year resulted in AdjOR = 0.877; (p-for-trend < 0.001) and 0.910 (p-for-trend = 0.052) in Jews and Bedouins respectively (p-for-interaction = 0.793). The rates of PDM were higher for Jews (13.6% vs. 9.9%; p = 0.001). The risk for PDM increased in both groups: AdjOR = 1.118; (p-for-trend < 0.001) and 1.093; (p-for-trend = 0.012) for one-year increase, for Jews and Bedouins respectively (p-for-interaction = 0.927). Conclusions Throughout 2002–2012 Bedouin AMI patients differed from Jews. Adjusted incidence of AMI declined, greater in Bedouins. IHM declined and PDM increased in both groups. A culturally sensitive prevention program is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Contemporary data on trends of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), particularly outcomes of hospital survivors by AMI type is sparse. Methods Analysis of 11,107 consecutive AMI patients in a tertiary hospital in Israel throughout 2002–2012. The annual incidence of ST-segment elevation (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI) admissions was calculated using age–gender–ethnicity direct adjustment. A multivariate prognostic model was built to evaluate in-hospital and 1-year post-discharge all-cause-mortality, adjusted for patients' risk factors. Results A decline in the adjusted incidence of AMI admissions (per-1000 persons) was documented (2002 vs. 2012) for STEMI: 4.70 vs. 1.38 (p < 0.001) and non-significant tendency of increase for NSTEMI: 1.86 vs. 2.37 (p = 0.109). The prevalence of most cardiovascular risk-factors, some non-cardiovascular comorbidities and invasive interventions increased. In-hospital mortality declined significantly for STEMI: 10.8% vs. 7.7% (p < 0.001) and with no change for NSTEMI: 5.0% vs. 5.5% (p = 0.137). Consistently, 1-year post-discharge mortality declined for STEMI: 13% vs. 5.9% (p < 0.001) and with a non-significant increase for NSTEMI: 12.6% vs. 17.0% (p = 0.377). Adjusting for the risk factors, an increase of one year was associated with a decline of in-hospital mortality for STEMI: AdjOR = 0.86 (p < 0.001) and for NSTEMI: AdjOR = 0.92 (p < 0.001). However, the risk for post-discharge mortality increased for STEMI: AdjOR = 1.11 (p < 0.001) and for NSTEMI: AdjOR = 1.12 (p < 0.001). Conclusions Throughout 2002–2012 significant decline in the incidence and of in-hospital mortality of STEMI were found. However, adjusted post-discharge mortality rates increased significantly with time. Measures for improving incidence and outcomes of AMI patients focusing on NSTEMI and hospital-survivors are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in elderly people. Over the past decades medical advancements in the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) led to improved survival and increased life expectancy. As short-term survival from AMI improves, more attention is being shifted toward understanding and improving long-term outcomes. Aim To evaluate age-associated variations in the long-term (up to 10 years) prognostic factors following AMI in “real world” patients, focusing on improving risk stratification of elderly patients. Methods A retrospective analysis of 2763 consecutive AMI patients according to age groups: ≤65 years ( n = 1230) and >65 years ( n = 1533). Data were collected from the hospital's computerized systems. The primary outcome was 10-year postdischarge all-cause mortality. Results Higher rates of women, non-ST-elevation AMI, and most comorbidities were found in elderly patients, while the rates of invasive treatment were lower. During the follow-up period, mortality rate was higher among the older versus the younger group (69.7% versus 18.6%). Some of the parameters included in the interaction multivariate model had stronger association with the outcome in the younger group (hyponatremia, anemia, alcohol abuse or drug addiction, malignant neoplasm, renal disease, previous myocardial infarction, and invasive interventions) while others were stronger predictors in the elderly group (higher age, left main coronary artery or three-vessel disease, and neurological disorders). The c -statistic values of the multivariate models were 0.75 and 0.74 in the younger and the elder groups, respectively, and 0.86 for the interaction model. Conclusions Long-term mortality following AMI in young as well as elderly patients can be predicted from simple, easily accessible clinical information. The associations of most predictors and mortality were stronger in younger patients. These predictors can be used for optimizing patient care aiming at mortality reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Failure of ST-segment resolution (STR) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction is associated with adverse outcome but currently cannot be predicted on admission. Our aim was to determine whether failure of STR can be predicted from clinical and electrocardiographic data available on admission and whether the adverse outcome associated with grade 3 ischemia (distortion of the terminal portion of the QRS complex) is mediated through impaired tissue reperfusion. Methods: We prospectively studied 100 consecutive patients who underwent PPCI for a first ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Multiple variables available on admission were analyzed as predictors of STR. Electrocardiograms and angiograms were analyzed by blinded investigators. Results: Grade 2 ischemia was found in 71 patients (71%) and 29 (29%) had grade 3 ischemia. Complete STR was observed in 42 (59%) of 71 patients with grade 2 ischemia as compared to 8 (28%) of 29 patients with grade 3 ischemia (P = .004). In a multivariate model, grade 3 ischemia was the sole predictor of failure of STR (odds ratio [OR] 0.26, 95% CI 0.1-0.72) and the strongest predictor of failure to achieve TIMI grade 3 flow (OR 0.07, CI 0.02-0.3) and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3 (OR 0.09, CI 0.02-0.4) after the procedure. Conclusions: Grade 3 ischemia is a strong independent predictor available on admission of failure to achieve myocardial reperfusion after PPCI, as assessed both electrocardiographically and angiographically. This association may underlie the larger infarcts associated with grade 3 ischemia and may allow the identification upon admission of patients who require more aggressive management to improve reperfusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: ST segment resolution (STR) is a strong predictor of outcome following thrombolysis. If failure of STR could be predicted on admission, better selection of treatment may be possible. Among patients given reperfusion, those with terminal QRS distortion (grade 3 ischemia) have larger infarcts, but the mechanism underlying this association is unclear. Whether grade 3 ischemia on admission can predict STR is unknown. Methods: We studied 180 consecutive patients given thrombolysis for a first anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Multiple variables available on admission were analyzed as predictors of STR at 1, 2, and 24 h and as predictors of the need for rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results: Multivariate predictors of failure of STR were: for 1 h: extent of ST elevation (OR: 1.09 [1.01–1.18]); for 2 h: no previous use of beta-blockers (OR: 4.71 [1.56–13.98]) and grade 3 ischemia (OR: 6.77 [3.27–13.95]); for 24 h: previous use of aspirin (OR: 6.70 [1.31–34.01]) and grade 3 ischemia (OR: 29.44 [7.30–118.1]). Grade 3 ischemia had a strong positive predictive value for failure of STR at 1 and 2 h and was the strongest predictor of the need for rescue PCI. Conclusions: Grade 3 ischemia on admission is the strongest independent predictor of failure to achieve myocardial reperfusion after thrombolysis. This association may underlie the larger infarcts associated with grade 3 ischemia. Other predictors of reperfusion failure are the extent of ST segment elevation, prior use of aspirin and no prior use of beta-blockers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The poor long-term outcome in young diabetic patients receiving stents is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize the pastprocedural results of stent placement in diabetic patients using intravascular ultrasound to identify factors that might be associated with poor clinical outcome. The acute dimensions from intravascular ultrasound studies after stent deployment at 5 sites were measured from 39 coronary segments from patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and 161 segments from nondiabetic patients (non-DM). Within these 2 groups, segments were subgrouped into young (y) and old (o) in reference to the mean study age of 64 years, forming 4 groups: yDM (n = 20), y non-DM (n = 65), oDM (n = 19), and o non-DM (n = 96). Results are reported as mean +/- 1 SD. Diabetic patients had smaller mean lumen area within the treated segment than o non-DM (8.37+/-2.59 vs. 9.11+/-3.35 mm2, p<0.01). These differences were more pronounced at the distal reference vessel lumen of yDM than y non-DM (7.6+/-2.3 vs. 10.3+/-4.5 mm2, p<0.003), and were associated with greater percent plaque area in the distal reference vessel (43.4+/-13% vs. 34.1+/-11.2%, p<0.003). In young diabetic patients undergoing elective stent placement, underexpansion of the stented segment is common, which may contribute to the relatively poor long-term outcome in these patients. We suggest that when stenting is the procedure of choice in this subgroup of high-risk patients, special attention should be given to optimizing lumen dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and associated with worse outcomes. Serum Potassium levels (K, mEq/L), which are regulated by the kidneys, are related with poor prognosis in patients with AMI. To evaluate whether K levels predict imminent AKI in patients with AMI. This retrospective nested case-control study was based on medical records of hospitalized AMI patients, 2002–2012. The cases (AKI group) were defined as an increase of ≥1.5-fold in serum creatinine level or a decrease of ≥25% in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during the hospitalization. The control group comprised of matched randomly selected patients that did not develop AKI. For both groups, all creatinine and K levels were obtained for up-to 72 h prior to the AKI diagnosis (index time). A total of 12,498/17,678 admissions met the inclusion criteria. The AKI and the control groups consisted of 430 and 1345 matched admission respectively. K levels, prior AKI diagnosis seemed to be higher in the AKI group. Multivariate analysis showed that K ≥ 4.5 within 36–56 h prior to the index time was an independent predictor of the subsequent AKI, OR = 2.3, p <.001. The c-statistic of the model was 0.859, p <.001. Predictivity of K for AKI was stronger among ST-elevation (STEMI) vs. Non-ST-elevation AMI (NSTEMI) patients (OR = 4, p <.001 vs. 1.7, p =.025 respectively; p-for-interaction = 0.038). K ≥ 4.5 is an independent and incremental marker of imminent AKI in patients with AMI, predictivity is stronger in patients with STEMI than NSTEMI. • Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of myocardial infarction (MI) • High K independently predict imminent AKI within the time window of 36–56 h • The study presents a simple and accurate model for prediction AKI after MI [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to provide an accurate prognosis in an intensive care unit is of major importance. Numerous risk scores have been developed to predict hospital mortality based on demographic, physiologic, and clinical data. These scores were universally developed in general medical or surgical intensive care units. Patients admitted to a cardiac care unit differ in many aspects from those admitted to general medical intensive care units. Few patients require mechanical ventilation and prolonged intensive care. Performance of risk scores developed for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in this subgroup is unknown. We prospectively studied 51 consecutive patients who were admitted to a cardiac care unit from September 2006 to March 2008 for AMI and received mechanical ventilation for >24 hours. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction, and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk scores were calculated for each patient. Mortality rates were extrapolated based on these 3 risk scores. Twenty-two of 51 patients (43%) died in hospital. Age, mean arterial pressure, urea, albumin, hemoglobin, need for vasopressors, and estimated glomerular filtration rate were predictive of mortality. APACHE II and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events scores were higher in nonsurvivors but Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction risk score was not predictive of mortality. APACHE II score had the highest value for area under receiver operator characteristics curve for mortality prediction. In conclusion, patients with AMI requiring mechanical ventilation have a high mortality rate. This risk is predicted by co-morbidities better than by direct cardiac parameters. Consequently, conventional AMI risk scores do not perform well in this very sick population and the APACHE II score better predicts their short-term outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Early reperfusion therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients improves left ventricular (LV) function and survival. However, emergency room (ER) triage may unnecessarily delay this time-dependent treatment. We sought to determine whether direct admission of STEMI patients from the mobile intensive care units to the intensive coronary care unit (ICCU), bypassing the ER, can shorten the time intervals for primary PCI (PPCI) and improve prognosis. Methods: All STEMI patients who underwent PPCI between Jan—2002 to Nov—2005 were included. Baseline, clinical and time interval parameters were compared between groups. Mortality rates were obtained through the population register. Results: Of 533 admissions, 115 (21%) were admitted directly to the ICCU. These patients were younger (mean (+S.D.) age of 58+13 years) than patients admitted via the ER (62±13 years, P <0.01) and had a lower proportion of women (9% vs. 22%, P <0.01), hypertension (45% vs. 62%, P <0.01) and diabetes (15% vs. 27%, P =0.01). Directly admitted patients had a substantially shorter median pain-to-balloon time (210 vs. 247 min, P =0.02) as well as s significantly shorter door-to-balloon time (70 vs. 94 min, P <0.01), a difference that was particularly pronounced during daytime (55 min vs. 90 min, P <0.01). There were no significant differences in LV function at 24 h as assessed by echocardiography or infarct size as determined by peak creatine kinase levels. We observed a trend towards reduced 30-day (5.2% vs. 9.8%, P =0.12) and 1-year (11.1% vs. 16.1%, P =0.25) mortality in directly admitted patients. Conclusions: Directly admitted STEMI patients differ from patients admitted via the ER; Direct ICCU admission, based on a pre-hospital ECG, can substantially shorten time to treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The negative predictive value of a normal myocardial perfusion image (MPI) for myocardial infarction or cardiac death is very high. However, it is unclear whether a normal MPI, reflecting non-compromised blood flow in the stable state, would have the same prognostic implications in smokers as in patients who do not smoke. Methods: The incidence of total mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and myocardial infarction was evaluated in 11,812 subjects (14.6% of whom were current smokers at the time of the study) with a normal MPI study and no past history of coronary artery disease during the period 1997 to 2008. Results: During an average follow-up of 72.4±32.4months the risk for an acute myocardial infarction in current smokers was approximately 50% higher than the corresponding risk in non-smokers, despite a younger average age. Cox proportional regression models show that current smoking was associated with an increased hazard rate for the composite endpoint below age 60 (HR=2.09, 95%CI 1.43–3.07, p<0.001), but not at older ages (HR=1.16, 95% CI 0.81–1.66, p=0.4). Conclusions: In individuals below age 60, but not at older ages, current smoking is associated with increased short- and long-term risk of cardiac death and acute myocardial infarction even in subjects with a normal MPI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The incidence and clinical correlates of acute in-hospital mortality of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) are not clear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to consolidate the current evidence on acute mortality in TTC.We then assessed the impact of "secondary" TTC, male gender, advancing age, and catecholamine use on mortality. A comprehensive search of 4 major databases (EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar) was performed from their inception to the first week of July 2013. We included original research studies, recruiting ‡10 participants, published in English language, and those that reported data on mortality and cause of death in patients with TTC. Of 382 citations, 37 studies (2,120 patients with TTC) from 11 different countries were included in the analyses. The mean age of the cohort was 68 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 67 to 69) with female predominance (87%). The in-hospital mortality rate among patients with TTC was 4.5% (95% CI 3.1 to 6.2, I² = 60.8%). Among all deaths, 38% were directly related to TTC complications and rest to underlying noncardiac conditions. Male gender was associated with higher TTC mortality rate (odds ratio 2.6, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.6, p = 0.0008, I² = 0%) so was "secondary" TTC (risk difference -0.11, 95% CI -0.18 to L0.04, p = 0.003, I² = 84%). The mean age of patients dying tended to be greater than that in the whole cohort (72 ± 7 vs 65 ± 7 years). In conclusion, TTC is not as benign as once thought. To reduce the mortality rate, greater efforts need to be directed to the diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately prevention of "secondary" TTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The broad utilization of revascularization and antithrombotic therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with a substantial risk of bleeding primarily related to arterial punctures, which can lead to worse outcome. Aim: To define the characteristics and outcome of patients who develop upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in the setting of ACS. Methods: We identified all patients admitted to the coronary care unit between 10/96 and 11/07 with ACS who developed UGIB. For each case 3 control cases were matched. Multiple baseline characteristics, as well as antithrombotic agents, revascularization strategy and endoscopy reports were assessed. Mortality at 30-day was the primary endpoint of the analysis. Results: Of 7240 ACS patients, 64 (0.9%) developed UGIB. There were no significant differences between groups in the prevalence of diabetes and other risk factors, revascularization strategy, or the use of proton pump inhibitors. Patients with UGIB suffered more from renal impairment and left ventricular dysfunction and were more frequently treated with thienopyridines (89% vs. 68%, p=0.002) and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (39% vs. 24%, p=0.03). The combination of unfractionated heparin (UFH) with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors was strongly associated with UGIB (OR: 2.87, 95% CI 1.66–4.97). Patients who developed UGIB had a substantially higher 30-day mortality rate (33% vs. 5%, p<0.001). Conclusions: UGIB in patients with ACS is associated with a markedly increased mortality. Previous peptic disease and the use of combined anti-platelet therapy, especially in conjunction with heparin, are strong risk factors for this serious complication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Risk stratification of patients following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), in order to identify patients whose clinical outcomes can be improved through specific medical interventions, is needed. Objectives: Development and validation of a prognostic tool comprising a variety of non-cardiovascular co-morbidities, to predict mortality of hospital survivors after AMI. Methods: The study cohort included 2773 consecutive patients with AMI who were discharged live from the Soroka University Medical Center between 2002 and 2004. Two-thirds were used obtain the model (training set) and one-third to validate it (validation set). Data were collected from the hospital''s routine computerized information systems. The primary outcome was post-discharge 1-year all-cause mortality. The weight of each variable in the final score was computed based on the odds ratio values of the multivariate model. Additionally, the ability of the index to predict 5-year mortality was assessed. Results: These are comprised of the following parameters: 4 points — age >75years, abnormal echocardiography findings; 3 points — at least one of following: gastro-intestinal hemorrhage, COPD, malignancy, alcohol or drug addiction, neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders; 2 points — no echocardiography results, renal diseases, anemia, hyponatremia; −3 points for PCI or thrombolytic therapy; −6 points — CABG; −2 points — obesity. The c-statistics for 1-year all-cause mortality were 0.86 and 0.83 in the training and validation sets, respectively. The c-statistics for 5-year mortality was 0.858 for both sets combined. Conclusions: The new score is a simple robust tool for predicting mortality in patients discharged alive following AMI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Coronary artery perforation (CP) is a rare, sometimes lethal complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. There are limited controlled contemporary data regarding its predictors, incidence, and outcomes. The aim of this study was to define the incidence, associated factors, and outcomes of CP in the current era of coronary intervention. All patients who had CP during percutaneous coronary intervention at a large tertiary center from January 2001 to December 2008 were identified. Demographic, clinical, and procedural data and outcome variables were obtained. Patients with CP were compared with a randomly assigned control group. Fifty-seven patients with CP were identified among 9,568 interventions performed during the study period (0.59%); these patients were compared with 171 who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention without CP. Vessels were perforated by wires (52.6%), balloons (26.3%), and stents (21.1%). Perforations were classified using the Ellis classification. CP was associated with mortality and tamponade rates of 7% and 16%, respectively, but all these serious complications occurred with grade III perforations. Most grade I and II perforations were managed conservatively. Multivariate analysis identified the treatment of chronic total occlusion as the strongest independent predictor of CP; other independent variables included calcium in the coronary artery that was the site of intervention and non–ST elevation myocardial infarction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) may develop serious multiorgan complications and require prolonged intensive care. Our aim was to characterize and identify factors that are associated with outcomes in these patients. We retrospectively identified 267 consecutive patients admitted to the coronary care unit for an ACS who required >3 days of mechanical ventilation. Multiple clinical and laboratory variables were correlated with mortality. Patients’ ages were 68.3 ± 10.9 years (mean ± SD) and 165 (62%) were men. Seventy-six patients (29%) died within 30 days of admission, and the 1 year mortality was 46%. Moderate or severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction was found in 72% of the patients. Eighty-nine patients (33.3%) required vasopressors, of whom 64 (72%) did not survive 30 days. Among 127 patients who required antibiotics (48.3%), 30-day mortality was 53% compared with 4% among patients who did not require antibiotics (p <0.001). The 30-day mortality among patients who received both antibiotics and vasopressors was 64 of 87 patients (74%), and the 1-year mortality in this subgroup was 86.2%. Parameters found to be independent predictors of 30-day mortality were (in descending order): vasopressor requirement, use of antibiotics, peripheral vascular disease, ST-elevation myocardial infarction, renal failure, obesity and Killip class on admission. In conclusion, mortality among patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation after an ACS is substantial. The main independent predictors of with mortality are the severity of heart failure and the presence of co-morbidities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Clopidogrel has largely replaced ticlopidine following coronary stent implantation. Recently, concern has been raised regarding the possibility of excess long term mortality in patients given clopidogrel rather than ticlopidine following coronary stenting. Methods: We studied 1519 consecutive patients who underwent 2020 stent implantations and were discharged on dual antiplatelet regimens of either aspirin and ticlopidine or aspirin and clopidogrel given for up to 4 weeks. Thrombotic stent occlusion (TSO) was defined as ST elevation myocardial infarction in the stented artery territory associated with angiographic demonstration of complete stent occlusion. Mortality follow up was obtained for all patients by linkage to the Population Register. Follow up duration was 12 months. Results: TSO occurred in 37 stents at a median of 29 days post procedure. Of these cases, six occurred in the ticlopidine group (0.7%) and 31 in the clopidogrel group (2.8%) (p&#60;0.01). The median time to TSO was 34 days and 28 days in ticlopidine and clopidogrel treated patients, respectively (p&#60;0.01). After controlling for multiple demographic, clinical and angiographic variables clopidogrel (vs. ticlopidine) treatment remained the sole predictor of TSO (OR: 5.4, 95% CI=1.2–24.1, p=0.028). Of even more concern, clopidogrel treatment was associated with an increased risk of 1 year mortality (OR: 1.8, 95% CI=1.2–2.8). Conclusions: Long term follow up after stent implantation in patients receiving the traditional 2–4 weeks course of dual antiplatelet therapy reveals increased rates of TSO and mortality in patients given clopidogrel as opposed to ticlopidine. Whether longer treatment with clopidogrel will change these observations deserves further study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Enoxaparin has gained wide acceptance in patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, there is uncertainty regarding management of patients who require coronary intervention while on enoxaparin. Some physicians withhold the morning dose of enoxaparin prior to coronary intervention while others switch patients to unfractionated heparin. Both methods do not provide optimal anticoagulation in the hours preceding intervention. There are no published controlled data to assess the safety of coronary intervention using enoxaparin alone in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Methods: We prospectively compared enoxaparin to unfractionated heparin during coronary angiography and intervention. Sixty four patients admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) were given enoxaparin twice daily, including on the morning of procedure. Coronary angiography and intervention were performed without additional unfractionated heparin. The control group comprised of 52 patients admitted to Internal Medicine for an acute coronary syndrome. These were also given enoxaparin but the morning dose was withheld and unfractionated heparin was used during procedure. Results: Patients in both groups had similar baseline characteristics. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in procedural success rate, complications or bleeding. One year follow up showed similar rates of hospitalization and mortality. Conclusion: Enoxaparin seems to offer safe and effective procedural anticoagulation in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention for acute coronary syndromes. Patients given enoxaparin can probably have coronary intervention without interruption of enoxaparin treatment and without additional procedural anticoagulation. These findings require confirmation in larger, randomized trials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this prospective study, a significant incidence of fever (47%), true bacteremia (15%), and sepsis (12%), were found in 60 cardiac patients treated with an intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation pump. The benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis in this setting should therefore be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]