Search

Background--The effects of ticagrelor pretreatment in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is debated. This study investigated the effects of ticagrelor pretreatment on clinical outcomes in this patient group. Methods and Results--Patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary PCI were included from October 2010 to October 2014 in Sweden. Screening was done using the SWEDEHEART register (Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies). A total of 7433 patients were included for analysis with 5438 patients receiving ticagrelor pretreatment and 1995 patients with ticagrelor given only in the catheterization laboratory. The primary end point of the study was 30-day event rates of a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and stent thrombosis. Secondary end points were mortality, MI, or stent thrombosis alone and major in-hospital bleeding. Crude event rates showed no difference in 30-day composite end point (6.2% versus 6.5%; P=0.69), mortality (4.5% versus 4.7%; P=0.86), MI (1.6% versus 1.7%; P=0.72), or stent thrombosis (0.5% versus 0.4%; P=0.80) with ticagrelor pretreatment. Three different statistical models were used to correct for baseline differences. No difference in the composite end point, mortality, MI, or stent thrombosis was seen between the 2 groups after statistical adjustment. No increase in in-hospital major bleeding rate was observed with ticagrelor pretreatment. Conclusions--Ticagrelor pretreatment versus ticagrelor given in the catheterization laboratory in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary PCI did not improve the composite end point of all-cause mortality or MI or stent thrombosis or its individual components at 30 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background--The optimal revascularization strategy in patients with multivessel disease presenting with cardiogenic shock complicating ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction remains unknown. Methods and Results--Databases were searched from 1999 to October 2016. Studies comparing immediate/single-stage multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (MV-PCI) versus culprit vessel-only PCI (CO-PCI) in patients with multivessel disease, ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, and cardiogenic shock were included. Primary end point was short-term (in-hospital or 30 days) mortality. Secondary end points included long-term mortality, cardiovascular death, reinfarction, and repeat revascularization. Safety end points were in-hospital stroke, renal failure, and major bleeding. The meta-analysis included 11 nonrandomized studies and 5850 patients (1157 MV-PCI and 4693 CO-PCI). There was no significant difference in short-term mortality with MV-PCI versus CO-PCI (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-1.43; P=0.61). Similarly, there were no significant differences in long-term mortality (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.54-1.30; P=0.43), cardiovascular death (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.42-1.23; P=0.23), reinfarction (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 0.84-3.26; P=0.15), or repeat revascularization (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.76-1.69; P=0.54) between the 2 groups. There was a nonsignificant trend toward higher in-hospital stroke (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.98-2.72; P=0.06) and renal failure (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.98-1.72; P=0.06), with no difference in major bleeding (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.39-5.63; P=0.57) with MV-PCI when compared with CO-PCI. Conclusions--This meta-analysis of nonrandomized studies suggests that in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, there may be no significant benefit with single-stage MV-PCI compared with CO-PCI. Given the limitations of observational data, randomized trials are needed to determine the role of MV-PCI in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background--Small observational studies have indicated better outcome with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance when performing unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but the overall picture remains inconclusive and warrants further investigation. We studied the impact of IVUS guidance on outcome in patients undergoing unprotected LMCA PCI in a Swedish nationwide observational study. Methods and Results--Patients who underwent unprotected LMCA PCI between 2005 and 2014 because of stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome were included from the nationwide SCAAR (Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry). Of 2468 patients, IVUS guidance was used in 621 (25.2%). The IVUS group was younger (median age, 70 versus 75 years) and had fewer comorbidities but more complex lesions. IVUS was associated with larger stent diameters (median, 4 mm versus 3.5 mm). After adjusting for potential confounders, IVUS was associated with significantly lower occurrence of the primary composite end point of all-cause mortality, restenosis, or definite stent thrombosis (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.84) and all-cause mortality alone (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.82). In 340 propensity score-matched pairs, IVUS was also associated with significantly lower occurrence of the primary end point (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.80). Conclusions--IVUS was associated with an independent and significant outcome benefit when performing unprotected LMCA PCI. Potential mediators of this benefit include larger and more appropriately sized stents, perhaps translating into lower risk of subsequent stent thrombosis. Although residual confounding cannot be ruled out, our findings indicate a possible hazard when performing unprotected LMCA PCI without IVUS guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been widely used; however, recent trials have questioned its value and safety. In this meta-analysis, we, the trial investigators, aimed to pool the individual patient data from these trials to determine the benefits and risks of thrombus aspiration during PCI in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.Methods: Included were large (n≥1000), randomized, controlled trials comparing manual thrombectomy and PCI alone in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Individual patient data were provided by the leadership of each trial. The prespecified primary efficacy outcome was cardiovascular mortality within 30 days, and the primary safety outcome was stroke or transient ischemic attack within 30 days.Results: The 3 eligible randomized trials (TAPAS [Thrombus Aspiration During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction], TASTE [Thrombus Aspiration in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Scandinavia], and TOTAL [Trial of Routine Aspiration Thrombectomy With PCI Versus PCI Alone in Patients With STEMI]) enrolled 19 047 patients, of whom 18 306 underwent PCI and were included in the primary analysis. Cardiovascular death at 30 days occurred in 221 of 9155 patients (2.4%) randomized to thrombus aspiration and 262 of 9151 (2.9%) randomized to PCI alone (hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-1.01; P=0.06). Stroke or transient ischemic attack occurred in 66 (0.8%) randomized to thrombus aspiration and 46 (0.5%) randomized to PCI alone (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-2.10; P=0.06). There were no significant differences in recurrent myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, heart failure, or target vessel revascularization. In the subgroup with high thrombus burden (TIMI [Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction] thrombus grade ≥3), thrombus aspiration was associated with fewer cardiovascular deaths (170 [2.5%] versus 205 [3.1%]; hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.98; P=0.03) and with more strokes or transient ischemic attacks (55 [0.9%] versus 34 [0.5%]; odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.42, P=0.04). However, the interaction P values were 0.32 and 0.34, respectively.Conclusions: Routine thrombus aspiration during PCI for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction did not improve clinical outcomes. In the high thrombus burden group, the trends toward reduced cardiovascular death and increased stroke or transient ischemic attack provide a rationale for future trials of improved thrombus aspiration technologies in this high-risk subgroup.Clinical Trial Registration: URLs: http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/. Unique identifiers: NCT02552407 and CRD42015025936. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) is common after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and a marker of increased risk of arrhythmogenic death. However, the prognostic significance of NSVT when evaluated with other contemporary risk markers and at later time points after ACS remains uncertain.Methods and Results: In the Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial, continuous ECGs were performed during the first 7 days after ACS (n=2866) and repeated for another 7 days at day 30 (n=1991). Median follow-up was 1 year. There was a time-varying interaction between NSVT and cardiovascular death such that NSVT was significantly associated with increased risk within the first 30 days after randomization (22/999 [2.2%] versus 16/1825 [0.9%]; adjusted hazard ratio, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-5.79; P=0.004) but not after 30 days (28/929 [3.0%] versus 42/1734 [2.4%]; P=0.71). Detection of NSVT during the convalescent phase (n=428/1991; 21.5%) was also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, and was most marked within the first 2 months after detection (1.9% versus 0.3%; adjusted hazard ratio, 5.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-28.20; P=0.01), and then decreasing over time such that the relationship was no longer significant by ≈5 months after ACS.Conclusions: NSVT occurred frequently during the acute and convalescent phases of ACS. The risk of cardiovascular death associated with NSVT was the greatest during the first 30 days after presentation; however, patients with NSVT detected during the convalescent phase were also at a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular death that persisted for an additional several months after the index event.Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00391872. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the routine oxygen supplementation in acute cardiovascular disease. Topics discussed include use of oxygen therapy in patients with acute stroke and other acute cardiovascular diseases; rationale behind increasing oxygen delivery to the ischemic heart, brain, or other organs; and potential risk-benefit ratio of oxygen treatment in acute cardiovascular conditions.

Background--Interleukin 18 (IL-18) promotes atherosclerotic plaque formation and is increased in patients with acute coronary syndromes. However the relative contribution of genetic variants to the IL-18 levels has not been fully determined. Methods and Results--Baseline plasma IL-18 levels were measured in 16 633 patients with acute coronary syndrome, of whom 9340 had genetic data that passed genotype quality control. A 2-stage genome-wide association study was performed, followed by combined analyses using >10 million genotyped or imputed genetic markers. Single nucleotide polymorphisms at 3 loci (IL18, NLRC4, and MROH6) were identified (P<3.15×10-8) in the discovery cohort (n=3777) and replicated in the remaining patients (n=5563). In the pooled data (discovery+replication cohort), 7 independent associations, in 5 chromosomal regions, were associated with IL-18 levels (minimum P=6.99×10-72). Six single nucleotide polymorphisms are located in predicted promoter regions of which one disrupts a transcription factor binding site. One single nucleotide polymorphism in NLRC4 is a rare missense variant, predicted to be deleterious to the protein. Altogether, the identified genetic variants explained 8% of the total variation in IL-18 levels in the cohort. Conclusions--Our results show that genetic variants play an important role in determining IL-18 levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome and we have identified genetic variants located in the IL-18 gene (IL18) or close to genes that are involved in procaspase-1 activation (NLRC4 and CARD16, CARD17, and CARD18). These associations also highlight the importance of the NLRC4 inflammasome for IL-18 production in acute coronary syndrome patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is a rare but potentially devastating complication of acute myocardial infarction. Little is known about stroke timing, characteristics, and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).We studied 5372 patients enrolled in the Assessment of Pexelizumab in Acute Myocardial Infarction (APEX-AMI) trial. We analyzed stroke incidence, type, timing, and association with the prespecified 90-day clinical outcomes. Cox proportional hazards modeling was performed to assess the relationship between stroke and outcomes, after adjusting baseline characteristics and analyzing stroke as a time-dependent covariate. Stroke occurred in 69 primary patients with PCI (1.3%). A third of strokes were ischemic (n=23; 33%), 12% (n=8) were hemorrhagic, and the remaining 55% (n=38) were of uncertain type. The median (25th, 75th percentile) time of stroke occurrence was 6 (3, 14) days. Overall, 43% of strokes occurred within 48 hours of PCI, and all hemorrhagic strokes occurred within 48 hours. Stroke was associated with an increased risk of 90-day death (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 8.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8-13.5), congestive heart failure (unadjusted HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3-7.8), and 30-day hospital readmission (unadjusted HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.0-5.1). After adjustment, stroke was still strongly associated with 90-day death (adjusted HR, 5.6; 95% CI, 3.2-9.8) and the combination end point of death, congestive heart failure, or cardiogenic shock at 90 days (adjusted HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2-4.7).Stroke is an infrequent complication in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary PCI but is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Studies to determine mechanisms that may be responsible for strokes that occur >48 hours from primary PCI are warranted.URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00091637. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research study that investigated the effect and treatment-related complications of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods are presented involving the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial and the use of Cox proportional hazards models. The results of the comparison of patient characteristics, procedures, and clinical outcomes in elderly and young patients are discussed along with their efficacy and safety.

Background--Patients with acute coronary syndromes and history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) have an increased rate of recurrent cardiac events and intracranial hemorrhages. Methods and Results--We evaluated treatment effects of ticagrelor versus Clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome with and without a history of prior stroke or TIA in the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial. Of the 18 624 randomized patients, 1152 (6.2%) had a history of stroke or TIA. Such patients had higher rates of myocardial infarction (11.5% versus 6.0%), death (10.5% versus 4.9%), stroke (3.4% versus 1.2%), and intracranial bleeding (0.8% versus 0.2%) than patients without prior stroke or TIA. Among patients with a history of stroke or TIA, the reduction of the primary composite outcome and total mortality at 1 year with ticagrelor versus Clopidogrel was consistent with the overall trial results: 19.0% versus 20.8% (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.13; interaction P=0.84) and 7.9% versus 13.0% (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.91). The overall PLATO-defined bleeding rates were similar: 14.6% versus 14.9% (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.37), and intracranial bleeding occurred infrequently (4 versus 4 cases, respectively). Conclusions--Patients with acute coronary syndrome with a prior history of ischemic stroke or TIA had higher rates of clinical outcomes than patients without prior stroke or TIA. However, the efficacy and bleeding results of ticagrelor in these high-risk patients were consistent with the overall trial population, with a favorable clinical net benefit and associated impact on mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research study that examined regional variations in the use of in-hospital medical management strategy in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS) patients with significant coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods employed are described using data from the Early Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition in EARLY ACS trial. Results are discussed highlighting global similarities in the profile and prognosis of medically managed NSTE ACS patients.

The article presents a study which examined the mortality risk in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who will be subjected to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A model is used to predict mortality in PCI included in the Assessment of Pexelizumab in Acute Myocardial Infarction (APEX) AMI) Trial. The methods used in data collection, statistical analyses and clinical outcomes are described.

The article discusses a study which evaluated the role of risk factors and stent type for stent thrombosis (ST) in Sweden using a large real world registry. Results showed that acute coronary syndromes, smoking and warfarin treatment had the strongest associated with ST. In addition, the overall risk of ST was lower in drug-eluting stents compared with bare metal stents. It was concluded that the incidence of ST varies based on clinical, vessel and stent characteristics.

Background: Bivalirudin was not superior to unfractionated heparin in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and no planned use of GPI (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors) in contemporary clinical practice of radial access and potent P2Y12-inhibitors in the VALIDATE-SWEDEHEART randomized clinical trial (Bivalirudin Versus Heparin in STEMI and NSTEMI Patients on Modern Antiplatelet Therapy-Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies Registry). Methods: In this prespecified separately powered subgroup analysis, we included patients with ST-segment-elevation MI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention with the primary composite end point of all-cause death, MI, or major bleeding event within 180 days. Results: Among the 6006 patients enrolled in the trial, 3005 patients with ST-segment-elevation MI were randomized to receive bivalirudin or heparin. The mean age was 66.8 years. According to protocol recommendations, 87% were treated with potent oral P2Y12-inhibitors before start of angiography and radial access was used in 90%. GPI was used in 51 (3.4%) and 74 (4.9%) of patients randomized to receive bivalirudin and heparin, respectively. The primary end point occurred in 12.5% (187 of 1501) and 13.0% (196 of 1504; hazard ratio [HR], 0.95 [95% CI, 0.78-1.17], P =0.64) with consistent results in all major subgroups. All-cause death occurred in 3.9% versus 3.9% (HR, 1.00 [0.70-1.45], P =0.98), MI in 1.7% versus 2.2% (HR, 0.76 [0.45-1.28], P =0.30), major bleeding in 8.3% versus 8.0% (HR, 1.04 [0.81-1.33], P =0.78), and definite stent thrombosis in 0.5% versus 1.3% (HR, 0.42 [0.18-0.96], P =0.04). Conclusions: In patients with ST-segment-elevation MI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention with radial access and receiving current recommended treatments with potent P2Y12-inhibitors rate of the composite of all-cause death, MI, or major bleeding was not lower in those randomized to receive bivalirudin as compared with heparin. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT02311231. * Bivalirudin is associated with lower bleeding risk as compared with unfractionated heparin, in particular in combination with glukoprotein 2b/3a inhibition. * Patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction are at increased risk for early thrombotic and bleeding complications. * A registry based large prospective randomized trial testing 2 different pharmacological strategies is feasible enrolling the majority of eligible patients. * In primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction bivalirudin as compared with heparin does not reduce the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or major bleeding. * Patients systematically treated with upfront oral potent P2Y12 receptor inhibition and upfront unfractionated heparin with or without bivalirudin but no glukoprotein 2b/3a inhibition have a very low risk of ischemic events and major bleeding events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention are at increased risk of both ischemic and bleeding complications. The optimal anticoagulation strategy in these patients is uncertain. Therefore, we compared bivalirudin to heparin monotherapy in a contemporary cohort of such patients. Methods: A prespecified subgroup analysis of elderly patients with myocardial infarction (≥75 years) from the VALIDATE-SWEDEHEART trial (Bivalirudin Versus Heparin in ST-Segment and Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients on Modern Antiplatelet Therapy in the Swedish Web System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies Registry Trial) was performed. In the trial, patients were randomized to either bivalirudin or heparin monotherapy during percutaneous coronary intervention, with mandatory potent P2Y12 inhibition, routine radial artery access, and only bail-out glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition. Kaplan-Meier event rates were assessed for the primary end point, consisting of a composite of all-cause death, myocardial reinfarction, or major bleeding, within 180 days. Results: The elderly (n=1592) had more than twice the risk of all events compared with younger patients (n=4406). Baseline and periprocedural characteristics were equal between bivalirudin (n=799) and heparin (n=793) treated patients ≥75 years. No differences were found in the elderly between bivalirudin and heparin monotherapy regarding the primary end point (180-day all-cause death, myocardial reinfarction, or major bleeding), the individual components of the primary end point, definite stent thrombosis, or stroke. Conclusions: In this prespecified subgroup analysis of the VALIDATE-SWEDEHEART trial, elderly patients with myocardial infarction had a highly increased risk of all events. However, no difference in outcomes could be observed with an anticoagulation strategy with either bivalirudin or heparin as monotherapy in this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study conducting a trials of patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) have revealed that anticoagulation with non-vitamin K antagonists or so-called novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are found to be effective as oral vitamin K antagonism by warfarin in decreasing the risk of cardioembolic stroke and systemic embolism. It also discusses the need for further research on the optimal antithrombotic strategies in patients with AF who have had a recent myocardial infarction.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Registry-based randomized clinical trials have emerged as useful tools to provide evidence on the comparative efficacy and safety of different therapeutic strategies. However, it remains unknown whether the results of registry-based randomized clinical trials have a sizable impact on daily clinical practice. We sought, therefore, to describe the temporal trends in thrombus aspiration (TA) use in Sweden before, during, and after dissemination of the TASTE trial (Thrombus Aspiration in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Scandinavia) results. Methods and Results: From January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2017, we included all consecutive patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous revascularization in Sweden. All patients were registered in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry. A total of 55 809 ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients were included. TA use in Sweden substantially decreased after dissemination of TASTE results (from 39.8% to 11.8% during and after TASTE, respectively). Substantial variability in TA use across treating centers was observed before TASTE (TA use ranging from 0% to 70%), but after TASTE both the interhospital variability and the frequency of TA use were markedly reduced. A constant shift in medical practice was seen about 4 months after dissemination of the TASTE trial results. Time trends for all-cause mortality and definite stent thrombosis at 30 days were not associated with variations in TA use (P values >0.05 using the Granger test). Conclusions: In Sweden, the results of the TASTE trial were impactful in daily clinical practice and led to a relevant decrease in TA use in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous revascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]