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Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant factor regarding poor outcome in patients with myocardial infarction. Recently a new prognostic factor is under consideration - a baseline glucose level on admission. We sought to assess the influence of blood glucose levels on admission on prognosis of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)., Methods and Results: Consecutive patients treated with PCI for STEMI were analyzed. Presence or absence of DM was the first grouping criterion. The secondary criterion was the blood glucose level on admission [threshold >or= 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL)]. Hyperglycemic and non-hyperglycemic subgroups were selected within both DM and non-DM groups according to the threshold. One-year mortality of diabetics was 16.0%. There was no significant difference in 1-year mortality between hyperglycemic and non-hyperglycemic patients with DM. One-year mortality in the non-DM group was 5.6%. Patients without DM but with hyperglycemia showed a higher 1-year mortality rate than non-hyperglycemic patients (8.51% vs. 3.68%, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that in the non-DM group blood glucose level (per 1 mmol/L) on admission was a factor affecting 1-year mortality [HR = 1.09 (1.01-1.17)]., Conclusions: Elevated blood glucose levels in STEMI affect the prognosis of patients without DM; however, it is not an independent death risk factor of patients with DM treated with PCI.

Unlabelled: We aimed at assessing the frequency of death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, repeat revascularization, cardiovascular hospitalisation during 12 months in patients assigned to early invasive strategy., Material and Method: We analysed 658 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without ST-segment elevation hospitalized between January 2000 and February 2003. Patients had to fulfill the following criteria: 1) rest angina within 24 hours prior to admission, 2) at least one of the following: ST-segment depression (> or = 0,05 mV), transient (< 20 min) ST-segment elevation (> or = 0,05 mV), T-wave inversion (> or = 1 mV) in at least 2 contiguous leads, positive serum cardiac markers., Results: All patients underwent coronary angiography followed by PCI (percutaneous coronary interventions) in 71.8% of patients. 18.2% were assigned to CABG (coronary artery bypass graft) and 8.7% of patients were treated conservatively. 1.3% of patients underwent PCI followed by an elective CABG surgery. In-hospital mortality rate was.,3%. 3.3% patients died after hospital discharge. The frequency of myocardial infarction, unstable angina and repeat PCI at 12 months was 2.1%, 16.8% and 11.5% respectively. The rate of cardiovascular hospitalisation was 15.6%. Multivariate analysis identified two independent predictors ofdeath: diabetes mellitus (OR: 7.02, 95% CI: 1.5-13.8, p = 0.03) and heart failure (OR: 12.6, 95% CI: 2.86-16.6 p = 0.005)., Conclusions: Early invasive strategy in analysed group yields good long-term outcomes with low rate of adverse ischemic events. Independent predictors of deaths were diabetes mellitus and heart failure.

Background: Thrombus containing lesions (TCL) are often associated with unfavourable immediate results of invasive procedures thus influencing long-term outcome. Early invasive treatment strategy employed in patients (pts) with acute coronary syndromes without sustained ST segment elevation (ACS) may be crucial for improvement of immediate and in-hospital results., Objective: The aim of this study was to find out whether the presence of thrombi in lesions related to instability may negatively affect the results of early invasive treatment strategy and long-term outcome of patients with acute coronary syndromes., Materials and Methods: We analyzed coronary angiograms of 364 consecutive pts with ACS who were assigned to early invasive treatment strategy. Pts with angiographically recognizable thrombus containing lesions (group A) were compared with remaining ones (group B) with regard to immediate results of percutaneous intervention (PCI), in-hospital outcome and 12-month follow up., Results: The study group consisted of 84 patients with TCL and 280 without thrombus. Pts with TCL were younger (58 +/- 9,9 vs 61 +/- 10,8; p<0,03) and less frequently had impaired LV function (EF<35%; 5% vs 13% p<0,04). Cardiac enzymes at admission were positive in 49% and 35% of pts in group A and B respectively (p<0,04). Baseline TIMI flow was 2,7 +/- 0,8 in group A and 2,5 +/- 0,9 in group B (NS) and TIMI 3 flow before PCI was observed in 54,8% and 69,3% of pts respectively (p<0,01). Type B and C lesions were observed in 100% and 91% culprit lesions respectively (p<0.05). TIMI flow after PCI was 2,9 +/- 0,4 in group A and 2,9+/-0,5 in group B and TIMI 3 flow after PCI was observed in 95,2% and 95,9% respectively (NS). GP IIB/IIIA antagonists were used in 4,8% pts of group A and 6,4% patients of group B. Frequency of stent implantation was 96,5% and 96,7% respectively (NS). One (1,2%) in-hospital death occurred in group A and 4 (1,4%) in group B (NS). Myocardial infarction was observed in 4 (4,8%) pts in group A and 12 (4,3%) in group B (NS). In 12-month follow up 2 (2,4%) deaths in group A and 10 (3,6%) in group B were observed (NS). No difference between groups was noted in myocardial infarction rate: 7,14% (group A) vs 2.84% (group B), NS. More pts in group B had episodes of unstable angina during follow up (19,5% vs 9,5%; p<0,04)., Conclusions: Thrombus containing lesions in patients with ACS assigned to early invasive strategy do not negatively influence the immediate, in-hospital and 1-year results of percutaneous intervention.

Background: Early invasive strategy is one of alternative methods for management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) without persistent ST-segment elevation., Hypothesis: The aim of the study was analysis of clinical characteristics, in-hospital outcome and factors of in-hospital mortality., Methods: The study group comprised 853 patients who were defined as high-risk, based on resting pain episodes within previous 24 hours, changes of ST-T segment in ECG, and elevated serum cardiac markers. All patients underwent coronary angiography followed by PCI (percutaneous coronary interventions) in 73.1% of patients. 16.7% were assigned to CABG (coronary artery bypass graft), 1.6% of patients underwent PCI and CABG and 8.6% of patients were treated conservatively., Results: Overall in-hospital mortality was 3%; 1.4% in the PCI group, 8.4% in the CABG group and 6.8% in conservatively treated patients. The independent risk factors of in-hospital deaths were: Braunwald's IIIC class angina (OR 7.8; 95%CI 3.6-12.37 p=0.004), recurrent angina after revascularization (OR 13.04; 95%CI 7.62-29.23 p=0.002), congestive heart failure (OR 11.45; 95%CI 8.01-18,38 p=0.00001) and evolving myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (OR 12.77; 95%CI 8.35-27.35 p=0.0001). Stent implantation was associated with decreased risk of in-hospital death (OR 0.12; 95%CI 0.07-0.41; p=0.003)., Conclusions: Early invasive strategy in patients with ACS without ST-segment elevation is efficacious method of treatment. Independent predictors of in-hospital deaths are: Braunwald's IIIC class angina, congestive heart failure, recurrent angina after revascularization, myocardial infarction complicating hospital course. Stent implantation improves in-hospital prognosis.

Background: Utilization of early invasive strategy for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) without persistent ST-segment elevation remains controversial. In this study we characterized a group of high-risk patients who underwent early invasive assessment and treatment., Methods: We analysed 458 consecutive pts who fulfilled following criteria: (1) rest angina within 24 hours prior to admission, (2) at least one of the following: ST-segment depression (> or = 0.05 mV), transient (> or =20 min) ST-segment elevation (> or = 0.05 mV), T-wave inversion (> or =1 mV) in at least 2 contiguous leads, positive serum cardiac markers. All patients were diagnosed invasively with subsequent revascularization if appropriate. Analysis of long-term survival and occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events requiring hospitalization (MACE) was performed., Results: Baseline characteristics of the pts: Age: 61.5 +/- 10 years, males: 67.3%, diabetes: 19.6%, hypertension: 72.9%, smokers: 39.5%, hyperlipidemia: 78.6%, previous myocardial infarction: 50.4%, previous CABG 6.5%, previous PCI 14.4%. PCI was performed in 71.8% of pts, 18.2% underwent CABG, 1.3% had combined PCI and elective CABG and 8.7% of pts were treated conservatively. In-hospital and overall mortality was 3.3% and 4.8% respectively. MACE were observed in 20.3% of pts. Multivariate analysis identified two independent predictors of death: diabetes mellitus (OR: 6.01, 95% CI: 1.1-13.2, p = 0.04) and heart failure (OR: 11.6, 95% CI: 2.56-15.6, p = 0.005) and three predictors of combined endpoint (death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization): male sex (OR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.30-8.55, p = 0.01), previous MI (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.07-5.03, p = 0.03) and PCI treatment of acute coronary syndrome (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.39-6.98, p = 0.006)., Conclusions: Early invasive strategy in high-risk ACS patients yields good long-term results with low mortality rate, especially during in-hospital observation. Diabetes mellitus and heart failure were independently associated with increased mortality rate, whereas male sex, previous MI and PCI during index hospitalization predicted major adverse cardiovascular events in 6-month follow-up.

Introduction: Epidemiological studies show that diabetes mellitus is a serious medical, economic and public health problem. 21-30% of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) have diabetes. We aimed at assessing the in-hospital and 12-month outcomes of diabetic and non-diabetic patients with ACS without ST-segment elevation., Methods: 329 consecutive patients with ACS without ST-segment elevation were entered into the study, of whom 63 patients (19.1%) had diabetes mellitus. The inclusion criteria were: 1) rest angina within 24 hours prior to admission, 2) at least one of the following: ST-segment depression (> or = 0.05 mV), transient (< 20 min) ST-segment elevation (> or = 0.05 mV), T-wave inversion (> or = 0.1 mV) in at least 2 continuous leads, positive serum cardiac markers. All patients underwent coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within the first 24 hours of admission., Results: Baseline profiles were similar in both groups. More non-diabetic patients had initial TIMI 3 flow (76% vs 65%, p = 0.05), whereas the rate of successful PCI (final TIMI 3 flow) was similar in both groups (97.7% vs 96.8%, NS). The rate of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors treatment was similar in both groups. Overall mortality in the diabetic group and in the non-diabetic group was 7.9% and 3.4% respectively (NS). In-hospital mortality rate was 3.2% and 1.1% respectively (NS). After discharge, 9 patients died, of whom 3 patients were in the diabetic group and 6 patients in the non-diabetic group (5.0% vs 2.28% NS). The rate of MI during follow-up was similar in both groups. More diabetic patients had episodes of unstable angina during follow-up (30% vs 17.9%, p = 0.034). Primary endpoint (death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization) was more frequent in the diabetic patients (28.57% vs 17.67%, p = 0.05), whereas the rate of combined endpoint (death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, cardiovascular hospitalization) was similar in both groups (40% vs 26.23%, NS). More diabetic patients received beta-blockers, diuretics and digoxin during follow-up., Conclusions: Early invasive treatment and intensive medical therapy improves in-hospital prognosis for diabetic patients, whereas diabetes mellitus affects long-term outcomes with more episodes of unstable angina and a more frequent rate of repeat revascularization.

Risk stratification in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) without ST segment elevation plays an important role in choosing treatment strategy and making further prognosis. We aimed at 1) assessing the usefulness of TIMI Risk Score in risk stratification and prognosis in unselected patients with ACS without ST elevation who underwent early percutaneous revascularization, 2) comparing the frequency of adverse events (death, MI, repeat revascularization in high-risk and moderate-risk patients during 14 days from revascularization, 3) comparing the efficacy of percutaneous revascularization in the high-risk and in the moderate-risk group. High-risk (TIMI Risk Score > or = 5 points) and moderate-risk (TIMI Risk Score 3-4 points) group comprised 324 and 240 patients respectively. High-risk group comprised older patients, fewer men, more diabetics and hypertensive patients. Peripheral vessel disease and prior MI was also more frequent in the high-risk group. More high-risk patients had initial TIMI flow < 3 in target vessel, as well TIMI 3 flow after revascularization was achieved in fewer high-risk patients. During 14-day follow-up the frequency of combined end-point (death, MI, repeat revascularization) was more frequent in the high-risk group (8.95% vs 1.67%). TIMI Risk Score is an easy to use and useful method in risk stratification and prediction of adverse events in patients with ACS without ST segment elevation assigned to early percutaneous intervention in the early post-procedure period.

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) without persistent ST-segment elevation are the main cause of hospitalization, morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to compare clinical and angiographic parameters as well as in-hospital results of treating 307 consecutive patients with ACS without persistent ST-segment elevation with either PCI or CABG. Inclusion criteria were: rest angina within the last 24 hours, ST-segment depression (> 0.5 mm), T-wave inversion (> 1 mm) in at least two leads, positive serum cardiac markers. PCI was performed in 75.9% of patients and 24.1% of patients underwent CABG. Both groups did not differ as to age, sex, history of diabetes, arterial hypertension, heart failure, smoking and ejection fraction. Positive troponin was significantly more frequent in the PCI group. 51% of PCI patients and 80% of CABG patients had complete revascularization (p = 0.00001). Independent predictors of in-hospital death in the CABG group were: inability to determine culprit vessel during coronary angiography due to lesions' severity (OR 13.65; 95% CI 9.40-15.20; p = 0.007) and heart failure (OR 15.58; 95% CI 12.29-18.01; p = 0.003). In the PCI group these independent predictors were: Braunwald's IIIC unstable angina (OR 5.48; 95% CI 3.10-7.17; p = 0.04) and diabetes (OR 2.22; 95% CI 1.07-3.90; p = 0.003). In-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher in the CABG group (8.1% vs 1.7% p < 0.01). Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and ACS without ST-segment elevation treated with PCI have better in-hospital outcome than patients assigned to CABG, but the rate of complete revascularization is lower.

Background: Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are well established revascularization methods in stable coronary artery disease and in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) as well., Methods: We analyzed 361 patients hospitalized with clinical diagnosis of ACS without persistent ST segment elevation. Patients had an episode of rest angina in the previous 24 hours and had to fulfil at least one of the criteria: 1. ST segment depression (>0.5 mm), 2. transient ST segment elevation or T-wave inversion (> 1 mm), 3. positive serum cardiac markers. We aimed at assessing the frequency of adverse events (death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization unstable angina, cardiovascular hospitalization) during follow-up and determining the predictors of 12-month mortality., Results: In the analyzed group 284 patients (78.7%) underwent PCI and 77 patients (21.3%) were assigned to CABG. Overall mortality in the PCI group and in the CABG group was 3.5% and 9.1% respectively (p=0.04). In-hospital mortality rate was higher in the CABG group (7.8% vs. 1.8% p<0.02). After discharge mortality rate was 1.8% in the PCI and 1.4% in the CABG group (NS). The rate of MI during follow-up was similar in both groups. Fewer CABG patients had episodes of unstable angina, MI, repeat revascularization and cardiovascular hospitalisation. Independent predictors of death in the PCI group were: post-procedure recurrent angina (OR 2.40; 95%CI 1.20-4.19; p=0.03) and heart failure (OR 4.75; 95%CI 1.80-12.70; p=0.01), while in the CABG group these predictors were: inability to determine culprit vessel (OR 4,29; 95%CI 2.20-15.6; p=0.02) and heart failure (OR 7.70; 95%CI 3.74-21.49; p=0.05)., Conclusions: We observed a higher overall mortality rate at one year in CABG patients, whereas PCI patients had a higher rate of unstable angina, repeat revascularization and cardiovascular hospitalization during 12-month follow-up.

Background: Although the introduction of primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) improved the outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), diabetes remains a significant factor which worsens prognosis., Aim: To compare the immediate and in-hospital results of PCI in patients with acute MI with or without diabetes., Methods: The outcome of 139 patients with diabetes and 528 patients without diabetes was compared. Thrombolytic therapy was administered prior to PCI to 43.2% of patients with diabetes and 42.4% of patients without diabetes., Results: Patients with diabetes were older, more frequently of female gender and had higher incidence of hypertension as well as multi-vessel coronary artery disease. PCI was effective in 85.6% of diabetics and 90.2% of non-diabetic patients (NS). The reocclusion rate was significantly higher in diabetics than in non-diabetics (11.5% vs 5.5%, p=0.012) whereas the incidence of haemorrhagic complications was similar. Mortality rates were comparable in both groups (7.2% in diabetics vs 5.9% in non-diabetics, NS)., Conclusions: 1) Immediate efficacy of primary PCI for acute MI is similar in diabetics and non-diabetics, however, the in-hospital reocclusion rate is higher in the former group of patients. 2) In-hospital mortality is not affected by the presence of diabetes. 3) Thrombolytic and invasive treatment of diabetic patients with acute MI is not associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

Background: In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), the efficacy of thrombolysis is low. Angioplasty after failed thrombolysis (rescue percutaneous coronary angioplasty [PTCA]) has been associated with an increase in the incidence of inhospital complications. It has been proposed that these complications result from the procedure itself. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, inhospital complications, and mortality rate of patients with MI who are treated with primary PTCA and PTCA after initial thrombolysis (rescue or immediate rescue) in an experienced clinical center specializing in percutaneous coronary interventions., Methods and Results: The study group consisted of consecutive patients with MI treated with primary PTCA (n = 195) or PTCA after initial thrombolysis (n = 179). The study was performed in a referral center with a 24-hour catheter-laboratory service. The success rate of the procedure was 90.5% and 88.2% in the PTCA after initial thrombolysis group and primary PTCA group, respectively. The groups did not differ in the frequency of reocclusion, emergency surgical revascularization (coronary artery bypass grafting), or stroke. In patients without cardiogenic shock, the inhospital mortality rates were 3.2% and 0.6% in the rescue and immediate rescue group and primary PTCA group, respectively (not significant). In a subgroup of patients with cardiogenic shock, the mortality rate was 36.0% in the initial thrombolysis PTCA group and 30.8% in the primary PTCA group. However, after successful PTCA in this subgroup, the mortality rate dropped to 18% and 10%, respectively., Conclusions: After initial thrombolysis, PTCA is safe, effective, and likely to restore grade 3 Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow in about 90% of patients. When available, immediate rescue PTCA should be performed in all patients, including patients with cardiogenic shock.

The aim of the study was a comparison of coronary angioplasty as the method of myocardial infarction treatment in the two groups of patients: 1st--aged 40 years and younger, and 2nd--older than 40 years of age. The 1st group consisted of 50 patients in the mean age of 36.5 +/- 3.5 years, the 2nd group included 617 patients in the mean age of 58.3 +/- 10.1 years. There was no difference between the two groups in pain duration, infarct localization, thrombolysis, and cardiogenic shock. The younger compared with the older patients were significantly more often of male gender: 45 (90.0%) vs 456 (73.9%), (p = 0.01). The young patients were more often smokers: 41 (82.0%) vs 393 (64.0%), (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in an incidence of other coronary risk factors. Coronary angiogram showed that there was no significant difference between the both groups in the infarct-related artery localization, TIMI flow before PTCA and number of stenosed arteries. The frequency successful PTCA (TIMI 3 flow, residual stenosis below 30%) was similar in both groups: 45 (90.0%) vs 549 (89.1%), (p = 0.3). There was no significant difference between two groups in the efficacy of treatment, incidence of reocclusion, complications, and mortality during hospitalization.