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Background Studies on international registries report improved outcomes after in- and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest over the last decade. The 2015 resuscitation guidelines incorporate initiatives derived from both guidelines 2005 and 2010, respectively. Purpose In order to assess the impact of these respective updates, we aim to provide the most comprehensive quantitative summary of comparative studies that specifically focused on outcomes before and after guideline updates. Methods PubMed, Web-of-Science, Embase and The Cochrane Libraries were searched for studies that compared clinical outcomes of patients resuscitated in the period before and after introduction of guidelines 2010 and 2005, respectively. Results For studies on guidelines 2010 vs. 2005 (n=6; 1,002 patients), the pooled estimate did not indicate a difference [OR 1.29 (95% CI 0.74–2.25) p=0.372] in return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). For survival to discharge a significant benefit [OR 1.70 (1.01–2.84) p=0.045] was observed for patients resuscitated according to guideline 2010. As for guidelines 2005 vs. 2000 (n=23; 40,859 patients), the pooled estimates for ROSC, survival to admission, to discharge and favourable neurologic outcome consistently indicated benefit for guideline 2005 [OR 1.21 (1.04–1.42) p=0.014; OR 1.34 (1.09–1.65) p=0.005; OR 1.46 (1.25–1.70) p Conclusions This comprehensive meta-analysis quantifies the positive impact of resuscitation guideline updates on outcomes and supports the current way of guideline development. While there is robust evidence for improved overall outcomes after guidelines 2005, the 2010 guideline benefit was restricted to improved survival to discharge. In terms of quality control, our findings call for continued initiatives to monitor outcomes after guideline updates. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Updates of resuscitation guidelines have limited high-level supporting evidence. Moreover, the overall effect of such bundled practice changes depends not only on the impact of the individual interventions but also on their interplay and swift functioning of the entire chain of survival. Therefore, real-world data monitoring is essential. We performed a meta-analysis of comparative studies on outcomes before and after successive guideline updates. On January 16, 2019, we searched for comparative studies (PubMed, Web-of-Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Libraries) reporting outcomes before and after resuscitation guidelines 2005, 2010, and 2015. We followed PRISMA, Cochrane, and Moose-recommendations. Studies on outcomes during the 2005 versus 2000 guideline period (n = 23; 40,859 patients) reported significantly higher ROSC (odds ratio [OR] 1.21 [1.04 to 1.42], p = 0.014), survival to admission (OR 1.34 [1.09 to 1.65], p = 0.005), survival to discharge (OR 1.46 [1.25 to 1.70], p0.001), and favorable neurologic outcome (OR 1.35 [1.01 to 1.81], p = 0.040). Studies on outcomes during the 2010 versus 2005 guideline period (n = 11; 1,048,112 patients) indicated no difference in ROSC (OR 1.25 [95% confidence interval 0.95 to 1.63], p = 0.11), whereas survival to discharge improved significantly (OR 1.30 [1.17 to 1.45], p0.001). Only 2 studies reported on neurologic outcomes, both showing improved outcome after the 2010 guideline update. No data on the 2015 guidelines were available. This meta-analysis on real-world data of1 million patients demonstrates improved outcomes after the 2005 and 2010 resuscitation guideline updates, and a lack of data on the 2015 guideline. In conclusion, although limited in terms of causality, this study suggests that the sum of all efforts to improve outcomes, including updated CPR guidelines, contributed to increased survival after cardiac arrest.

Background Cardiac troponin T ( cTnT ) is seen in many other conditions besides myocardial infarction, and recent studies demonstrated distinct forms of cTnT . At present, the in vivo formation of these different cTnT forms is incompletely understood. We therefore performed a study on the composition of cTnT during the course of myocardial infarction, including coronary venous system sampling, close to its site of release. Methods and Results Baseline samples were obtained from multiple coronary venous system locations, and a peripheral artery and vein in 71 non– ST ‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients. Additionally, peripheral blood was drawn at 6‐ and 12‐hours postcatheterization. cTnT concentrations were measured using the high‐sensitivity‐ cTnT immunoassay. The cTnT composition was determined via gel filtration chromatography and Western blotting in an early and late presenting patient. High‐sensitivity ‐ cTnT concentrations were 28% higher in the coronary venous system than peripherally (n=71, P cT n T‐I‐C complex, free intact cTnT , and 29 kD a and 15 to 18 kD a cTnT fragments, all in higher concentrations than in simultaneously obtained peripheral samples. While cT n T‐I‐C complex proportionally decreased, and disappeared over time, 15 to 18 kD a cTnT fragments increased. Moreover, cT n T‐I‐C complex was more prominent in the early than in the late presenting patient. Conclusions This explorative study in non– ST ‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction shows that cTnT is released from cardiomyocytes as a combination of cT n T‐I‐C complex, free intact cTnT , and multiple cTnT fragments indicating intracellular cTnT degradation. Over time, the cT n T‐I‐C complex disappeared because of in vivo degradation. These insights might serve as a stepping stone toward a high‐sensitivity‐ cTnT immunoassay more specific for myocardial infarction.

Background: The amplitude spectrum area (AMSA)of the ventricular fibrillation (VF)waveform predicts shock success and clinical outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Recently, also AMSA-changes demonstrated prognostic value. Until now, most studies focused on early shocks, while many patients require prolonged resuscitations. We studied AMSA and its changes in relation to shock success, for both the early and later phase of resuscitation. Methods: Per-shock VF-waveform analysis of a prospective OHCA-cohort (Nijmegen, The Netherlands). The absolute AMSA and relative AMSA-changes (ΔAMSA)were calculated from three-second VF-segments prior to defibrillation. Shocks were categorised as early (#1–3)or late (#4–8). Shock success was defined as return of organised rhythm. Results: Shock success was 46% for early (131/286)and 52% for late shocks (85/162), p = 0.18. Early shock success varied from 23% to 70% with increasing quartiles of AMSA (p-trend

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Contains fulltext : 202709.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Catheter ablation has been established as a rhythm control strategy in selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have failed or wish to avoid anti-arrhythmic drugs. Uninterrupted oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) peri-ablation is associated with a lower risk of thromboembolic and bleeding complications as compared to interrupted oral anticoagulation and bridging heparin. However, a substantial portion of patients with AF are treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Herein, we perform an in-depth review and comparison of three recent randomized trials of uninterrupted oral anticoagulation with NOACs vs VKAs in patients undergoing AF catheter ablation. Furthermore, we report pooled results of these randomized trials. The pooled incidence of major bleeding was significantly lower with NOACs as compared to VKAs (2% vs 4.9%, respectively; odds ratio [OR] 0.40; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.16-0.99). Similarly, cardiac tamponade was also reduced in the NOAC group (0.4% vs 1.5%; OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.07-0.97). Thromboembolic complications were not significantly different between groups. Overall, these findings support the 2017 HRS/EHRA/ECAS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus statement's class I recommendation for uninterrupted NOAC use in patients undergoing AF catheter ablation.

IntroductionLayperson cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a key aspect in the chain of survival after cardiac arrest. New, low-cost, easily accessible training methods such as virtual reality (VR) training with a smartphone application may reach broader populations, but data on CPR performance are scarce.Methods and analysisThe Lowlands Saves Lives trial is a prospective randomised open-blinded end-point evaluation study, comparing two 20 min CPR training protocols: standardised, certified instructor-led face-to-face training complying with current education guidelines (using Laerdal Little Anne manikins), and VR training, using the UK Resuscitation Council endorsed Lifesaver VR app. In the latter, chest compressions are practiced on a pillow.During VR training, participants learn to resuscitate by completing a filmed CPR scenario while wearing VR goggles and headphones. Eligible for inclusion are adult attendees of Lowlands Science, a specific section of the 3-day Lowlands music festival (50 000 attendees), dedicated exclusively to science. Following the training, all participants will perform a CPR test on a Laerdal Resusci Anne QCPR manikin. Primary outcome measures are depth and rate of chest compressions, measured using CPR manikins. The key secondary outcome is overall CPR performance, with real-time examination (blinded for study group) of all items of a European Resuscitation Council endorsed checklist, and evaluation of a sample of videotaped CPR tests by a blinded event committee.Given the unique setting of a festival, the primary additional analysis will address the impact of alcohol levels on CPR quality parameters and overall performance. Follow-up questionnaires will evaluate the attitude towards performing CPR. This unique study may provide important insights into innovative CPR training methods, factors that impact CPR performance and the impact on long-term attitude towards resuscitation.Ethics and disseminationThis study received approval from the research ethics committee of the Radboudumc. All participants will provide written informed consent. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at (inter)national conferences.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT04013633).

Essentials Under-treatment of oral anticoagulation in the elderly with atrial fibrillation is common. As bleeding prediction is challenging, we compared HAS-BLED, ATRIA and HEMORR2HAGES. All three were associated with major bleeding in the elderly, but with poor predictive abilities. Future studies with focus on elderly-specific risk factors for bleeding are warranted. SummaryBackground Anticipated bleeding complications contribute to underuse of oral anticoagulants, especially in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Bleeding risk models could provide guidance; however, these were developed in the general AF population. Objective To study and compare the performance of the HAS-BLED, ATRIA and HEMORR2HAGES for major bleeding in very elderly AF patients. Methods Subjects were a random sample (N = 1157) of AF patients ≥ 80 years using a vitamin-K antagonist with prospective clinical follow-up from 2011 to 2014. The primary outcome was major bleeding (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria). Results Patients aged 84 years (median; 25th–75th 82–87) were classified as low risk by HAS-BLED (25.2%), ATRIA (59.6%) and HEMORR2HAGES (23.3%). Three-year rates of major, clinically relevant and any bleeding were 6.7%, 28.3% and 42.3%, respectively. We observed a statistically significant association for all models with major bleeding, but discriminatory abilities were rather poor (C-statistics < 0.60) without clear superiority for any of the three. Only two (anemia and antiplatelet therapy) of the various classical risk factors were associated with bleeding. An estimated risk–benefit profile indicated a favorable trade-off for oral anticoagulation in this specific cohort (number needed to treat, 22; number needed to harm, 91). Conclusions In this large prospective cohort of very elderly AF patients, the currently used bleeding risk scores were all associated with major bleeding, but with poor predictive abilities. Use of the ATRIA model may inadvertently result in less attention being paid to modifiable risk factors in this particular population. In light of the issues of under-treatment and the suggested favorable risk–benefit profile, future models with incorporation of elderly-specific risk factors may provide more guidance in this growing population of AF patients.

Introduction In view of the shift from routine toward no or selective defibrillation testing, optimization of the current risk stratification for inadequate defibrillation safety margins (DSMs) could improve individualized testing decisions. Given the pathophysiological differences in myocardial substrate between ischemic and nonischemic heart disease (IHD/non-IHD) and the accompanying differences in clinical characteristics, we studied inadequate DSMs and their predictors in relation to the underlying etiology. Methods and results Cohort of routine defibrillation tests (n = 785) after first implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)-implantations at the Radboud UMC (2005-2014). A defibrillation threshold >25 J was regarded as an inadequate DSM. In total, 4.3% of patients had an inadequate DSM; in IHD 2.5% versus 7.3% in non-IHD (P = 0.002). We identified a group of non-IHD patients at high risk (13-42% inadequate DSM); the remainder of the cohort (>70%) had a risk of only 2% (C-statistic entire cohort 0.74; C-statistic non-IHD 0.82). This was based upon two identified interaction terms: (1) non-IHD and age (aOR 0.94 [95% CI 0.91-0.97]); (2) non-IHD and the indexed left ventricular (LV) internal diastolic diameter (aOR 3.50 [95% CI 2.10-5.82]). Conclusion The present study on risk stratification for an inadequate DSM not only confirms the importance of making a distinction between IHD and non-IHD, but also shows that risk factors in an entire cohort (LV dilatation, age) may only apply to a subgroup (non-IHD). Appreciation of this concept could favorably affect current risk stratification. If confirmed, our approach may be used to optimize individualized testing decisions in an upcoming era of non-routine testing.

Contains fulltext : 172762.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) PURPOSE: The use of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) analysis has increased in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Quantification of left ventricular (LV) measures will be affected by the inclusion or exclusion of the papillary muscles as part of the LV mass, but the magnitude of effect and potential consequences are unknown. METHODS: We performed Cine-CMR in (1) clinical HCM patients (n = 55) and (2) subclinical HCM mutation carriers without hypertrophy (n = 14). Absolute and relative differences in LV ejection fraction (EF) and mass were assessed between algorithms with and without inclusion of the papillary muscles. RESULTS: Papillary muscle mass in group 1 was 6.6 +/- 2.5 g/m(2) and inclusion of the papillary muscles resulted in significant relative increases in LVEF of 4.5 +/- 1.8 % and in LV mass of 8.7 +/- 2.6 %. For group 2 these figures were 4.0 +/- 0.9 g/m(2), 3.8 +/- 1.0 % and 9.5 +/- 1.8 %, respectively. With a coefficient of variation of 4 %, this 9 % difference in LV mass during CMR follow-up will be considered a change, while in fact the exact same mass may have been assessed according to two different algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical HCM patients, CMR quantification of important LV measures is significantly affected by inclusion or exclusion of the papillary muscles. In relative terms, the difference was similar in subjects without hypertrophy. This underscores a general need for a uniform approach in CMR image analysis.

Introduction: During ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest, identification of potential survivors and non-survivors could aid treatment related decision making. Several studies have shown the association between clinical Utstein-variables and survival. More recently, VF-waveform characteristics were shown to be associated with survival as well. We aim to assess the discriminative ability for survival of a model combining these approaches. Methods: We studied non EMS-witnessed VF cardiac arrest patients (2008-2011), who had an analyzable ECG-tracing and were not treated with an AED. We compared Utstein-variables and the amplitude spectrum area (AMSA, a marker of VF-coarseness) between survivors and non-survivors to hospital discharge. Age was assessed as categorical variable (80). Variables associated with survival (p Results: We studied 115 patients: 70% (81/115) male, median age 64 years (interquartile range 54-72). In total, 24% (27/115) survived to discharge. Among survivors, the proportion male patients was lower and the proportion receiving bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was higher. Survival decreased across increasing age categories. There was no difference regarding arrest location, witnessed status and EMS response times. AMSA was higher in survivors vs. non-survivors (15 [12-24] mV·Hz vs. 8 [6-11] mV·Hz, p Conclusion: We found a good discriminative ability for survival after VF cardiac arrest of a model combining VF-waveform characteristics with clinical Utstein-variables. If confirmed in larger cohorts, this approach may be used to aid treatment related decision making during cardiac arrest.

Introduction: Currently, “smart” automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are under investigation that use the ventricular fibrillation (VF) waveform to guide shock timing. Recent publications show that AED electrode placement varies greatly in clinical practice, which may affect the registered values of VF waveform characteristics. Therefore, we investigated whether recording direction influences the observed value of the most commonly assessed VF-waveform characteristic: the amplitude spectrum area (AMSA). Methods: Prospective cohort of patients who underwent defibrillation testing after implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) (2010-2013). Four-second segments of induced VF were selected prior to the ICD-shock. AMSA was calculated for bipolar and unipolar ECG-leads (I, II, V3 and V6) and reported as means ± standard deviations. Pairwise comparisons between leads were performed using paired samples t-tests. Results: We studied 180 patients, mean age 63 ± 13 years and 134/180 (74%) males. The mean AMSA was the highest in lead V3 (20.1 ± 9.3 mVHz) and the lowest in lead I (7.9 ± 3.5 mVHz). Significant differences in AMSA between ECG-leads were found between lead I and lead II, between lead I and leads V3,V6 (all p Conclusion: VF-waveform characteristics vary greatly with the recording direction of ECG electrodes. In an era where “smart” defibrillators are under investigation using specific cut-off values of the AMSA, these findings are of great importance. Future studies on VF-guided shock delivery should use standardized paddle placement.

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often have multi-morbidity, defined as ≥3 comorbid conditions. Multi-morbidity is associated with polypharmacy, adverse events, and frailty potentially altering response to anticoagulation. We sought to describe the prevalence of multi-morbidity among older patients with AF and determine the association between multi-morbidity, clinical outcomes, and the efficacy and safety of apixaban compared with warfarin.In this post-hoc subgroup analysis of the ARISTOTLE trial, we studied enrolled patients age ≥ 55 years (n = 16,800). Patients were categorized by the number of comorbid conditions at baseline: no multi-morbidity (0-2 comorbid conditions), moderate multi-morbidity (3-5 comorbid conditions), and high multi-morbidity (≥6 comorbid conditions). Association between multi-morbidity and clinical outcomes were analyzed by treatment with a median follow-up of 1.8 (1.3-2.3) years.Multi-morbidity was present in 64% (n = 10,713) of patients; 51% (n = 8491) had moderate multi-morbidity, 13% (n = 2222) had high multi-morbidity, and 36% (n = 6087) had no multi-morbidity. Compared with the no multi-morbidity group, the high multi-morbidity group was older (74 vs 69 years), took twice as many medications (10 vs 5), and had higher CHAMulti-morbidity is prevalent among the population with AF; efficacy and safety of apixaban is preserved in this subgroup supporting extension of trial results to the most complex AF patients.

In this manuscript, we discuss the most important changes in the field of anticoagulant treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation in the setting of electrical cardioversion or catheter ablation. Moreover, we provide practical guidance as well as information on daily practice.

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: The femoral artery is generally used as primary access for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. However, peripheral artery disease often precludes femoral access. The purpose of this study was to describe clinical outcome of transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the left axillary artery (LAA) as primary access site. METHODS: From December 2008 until June 2016, data on all consecutive patients treated with a Medtronic device through the LAA at our hospital were registered, and outcome was prospectively collected according to the updated Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria. Mortality check was performed nationally. RESULTS: In total, 362 patients were included (median age 80 years [range, 76 to 84]; logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation 17% +/- 12%). Successful axillary access was achieved in 99%. Medtronic CoreValve (86%) and Evolut R (14% [Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN]) were implanted. Major vascular complications occurred in 5% of patients, 1% was LAA related. Life-threatening bleeding and major bleeding were observed in 2% and 10%, respectively. Additional complications were new left bundle branch blood (30%), new permanent pacemaker (11%), and stroke (1%). There were 6 procedural deaths (2%) and 19 deaths (5%) within 30 days. One-year mortality rate was 19%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study reporting outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the LAA as default access. We conclude that it is highly feasible and safe with low rates of major vascular complications, bleeding, and stroke.

Background and aims: Inflammation has become a key element in cardiovascular disease, and recently, new anti-inflammatory interventions have shown promising results. In this context, CRP levels have been thoroughly studied in vitro and in animals, but studies in humans are scarce and insights into its release, site(s) of production and uptake are not uniform.Methods: We performed a biomarker study with multi-site sampling in the coronary circulation, in non-ST elevation MI (NSTEMI) patients with coronary angiography and right-sided catheterisation. Trans-lesional gradients were obtained by sampling distal to the culprit lesion, in patients with a suitable anatomy. To asses trans-cardiac gradients, blood was sampled from the systemic circulation, coronary sinus (CS) and great cardiac vein. Concentrations of CRP were measured with a high-sensitivity assay.Results: In 42 patients, a median systemic venous CRP concentration of 4.97 mg/L was observed. There was no evidence of a trans-lesional gradient (4.59 mg/L versus 4.56 mg/L, p = 0.278; n = 14). A significant decrease in CRP concentration was observed between systemic arterial and CS samples (4.88 mg/L versus 4.44 mg/L; p Conclusions: In the context of NSTEMI, we observed a trans-cardiac decrease in CRP, which may indicate the first human in vivo proof of a net CRP uptake by the myocardium, with a role for CRP both in the injured and adjacent myocardium.

Contains fulltext : 202691.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access)

Contains fulltext : 153401.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend 2min of CPR after defibrillation attempts followed by ECG analysis during chest compression pause. This pause may reduce the likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival. We have evaluated the possibility of analysing the rhythm earlier in the CPR cycle in an attempt to replace immediate pre-shock rhythm analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: The randomized Circulation Improving Resuscitation Care (CIRC) trial included patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac aetiology. Defibrillator data were used to categorize ECG rhythms as shockable or non-shockable 1min post-shock and immediately before next shock. ROSC was determined from end-tidal CO2, transthoracic impedance (TTI), and patient records. TTI was used to identify chest compressions. Artefact free ECGs were categorized during periods without chest compressions. Episodes without ECG or TTI data or with undeterminable ECG rhythm were excluded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of 1657 patients who received 3409 analysable shocks, the rhythm was shockable in 1529 (44.9%) cases 1min post-shock, 13 (0.9%) of which were no longer shockable immediately prior to next possible shock. Of these, three had converted to asystole, seven to PEA and three to ROSC. CONCLUSION: While a shockable rhythm 1min post-shock was present also immediately before next possible defibrillation attempt in most cases, three patients had ROSC. Studies are needed to document if moving the pre-shock rhythm analysis will increase shocks delivered to organized rhythms, and if it will increase shock success and survival.

Background The Xarelto for Prevention of Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (XANTUS) registry investigated the safety and efficacy of the factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban. We studied the Dutch XANTUS cohort to a ssess drug safety and prescription patterns in the Netherlands.Methods The XANTUS registry was designed as a European prospective, observational study among patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Major bleeding and all-cause mortality were assessed every three months during a 1-year follow-up period. In this Dutch sub-cohort we were also specifically interested in dosing regimens and the incidence and reasons for temporary or permanent discontinuation.Results Patients (n = 899) had a mean age of 69 (SD +/- 9) years and 64.8% were male. The median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2 (IQR 2-4) and the median HAS-BLED score was 2 (IQR 1-2). Major bleeding occurred in 19 patients (2.4 per 100 patient-years) and 8 patients (1.0 per 100 patient- years) died during the 1-year follow-up period. According to renal function, label-discordant dosing was observed in 48 (8.3%) patients. Finally, 124 patients (13.8%) reported a temporary interruption of rivaroxaban treatment and 11.8% switched to another oral anticoagulant therapy after permanent discontinuation of rivaroxaban.Conclusion In the Dutch subset of the XANTUS registry, we observed low rates of major bleeding and label-discordant dosing and high persistence rates during one year of follow-up in patients receiving rivaroxaban in routine clinical practice. However, documenting the motivation of novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC) type and dose is essential to study label-discordant prescription, a potential safety paradox and identify patient characteristics to optimise NOAC use and adherence.

Contains fulltext : 182629.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Mild therapeutic hypothermia is argued being beneficial for outcome after cardiac arrest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of Circulation Improving Resuscitation Care (CIRC) trial data to assess if therapeutic cooling to 33 +/- 1 degrees C core temperature had an association with survival. Of 4231 adult, out-of-hospital cardiac arrests of presumed cardiac origin initially enrolled, eligibility criteria for therapeutic hypothermia were met by 1812. Logistic regression was undertaken in a stepwise fashion to account for the impact on outcome of each significant difference and for the variable of interest between the groups. RESULTS: Out-of- and in-hospital cooled were 263 (15%), only after admission cooled were 230 (13%) and not cooled were 357 (20%) patients. The group cooled out of- and in hospital had 98 (37%) survivors as compared to the groups cooled in hospital only [80 (35%)] and of those not cooled [68 (19%)]. After adjusting for known covariates (sex, age, witnessed cardiac arrest, no- and low-flow time, shockable initial rhythm, random allocation, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and percutaneous coronary intervention), the odds ratio for survival comparing no cooling to out-of- plus in-hospital cooling was 0.53 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.61, P < 0.001], and comparing to in-hospital cooling only was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.50-0.89, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Mild therapeutic hypothermia initiated out of hospital and/or in hospital was associated with improved survival within this secondary analysis of the CIRC cohort compared to no therapeutic hypothermia.

Contains fulltext : 182938.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Despite a promising association between VF waveform characteristics and prognosis after resuscitation, studies with VF-guided treatment have so far not improved outcomes. While driven by the idea that the VF waveform reflects arrest duration, increasing evidence suggests that pre-existent disease-related changes of the myocardium affect ECG-characteristics of VF as well. In this context, we studied the impact of the left ventricular (LV) diameter and mass. METHODS: Cohort of 193 ICD-patients with defibrillation testing at the Radboudumc (2010-2014). Surface ECG-recordings (leads I,II,aVF,V1,V3,V6) were analysed to study amplitude and frequency characteristics of the induced VF. Both for LV diameter and mass, patients were categorised in two groups, using echocardiographic data (ASE-guidelines). RESULTS: In all ECG-leads, dominant and median frequencies were significantly lower in patients with (n=40) than in patients without (n=151) an increased LV diameter. The mean amplitude and amplitude spectrum area (AMSA) did not differ. In contrast, we observed no differences in frequency characteristics in relation to the LV mass, whereas mean amplitude (I,aVF,V3) and AMSA (I,V3) were significantly higher in patients with (n=57) than in patients without (n=120) an increased LV mass. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency characteristics of VF were consistently lower in case of an increased LV diameter. Whereas LV mass does not affect the frequency of the VF waveform, amplitudes seem higher with increasing mass. These findings add to the current knowledge of factors that modulate VF characteristics of the surface ECG and provide insight into factors which may be accounted for in future studies on VF-guided resuscitative interventions.

In their report, Steinberg et al. [(1)][1] nicely demonstrate that despite the advantage of uniform non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) dosing, off-label treatment occurs in approximately 13% of patients, which is related to adverse outcomes. Most of these cases concerned

Contains fulltext : 169685.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) OBJECTIVE: Areas of high signal intensity (HighT2) on T2-weighted cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging have been demonstrated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It has been hypothesised that HighT2 may indicate active tissue injury in HCM. In this context, we studied HighT2 in relation to cardiac troponin. METHODS: Outpatient HCM patients without a history of coronary artery disease underwent CMR imaging at 1.5 T using T2-weighted, cine and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging to assess HighT2, left ventricular (LV) function, LV mass and the presence and extent of LGE. Highly sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was assessed as a marker of injury, with hs-cTnT >/=14 and >3 ng/L defined as an elevated and detectable troponin. RESULTS: HighT2 was present in 28% of patients (28/101). An elevated hs-cTnT was present in 54% of patients with HighT2 (15/28) compared with 14% of patients without HighT2 (10/73) (p

We read with great interest the critical appraisal by Gargiulo et al, 1 who are to be commended for their comprehensive article on the history and subsequent developments in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease with antiplatelet therapy. We agree with the authors that single P2Y12 inhibition or shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy should more often be considered. Especially in patients at low-risk of thrombotic events, prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy duration beyond 1 year came at the …

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SummaryDespite dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), one-year event rates after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) vary from 9–12%. The development of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) without a need for monitoring has initiated renewed interest for prolonged adjunctive anticoagulation. Importantly, the cornerstone of treatment after ACS consists of long-term DAPT. In that context, the NOACs have only been tested as adjunctive therapy. Of all new agents, only rivaroxaban –in a substantially lower dose than used for atrial fibrillation– has been demonstrated to improve outcome, albeit at the cost of bleeding. In selected cases, adjunctive therapy with dose-adjusted vitamin-K antagonists (international normalized ratio [INR] 2.0–3.0) can be considered as well. These two strategies of prolonged anticoagulation can be considered in case of ‘high platelet reactivity’, i.e. in patients at high risk of recurrent thrombotic events despite DAPT. Both during admission and after discharge for ACS, the use of NOACs in doses indicated for atrial fibrillation is strictly contra-indicated in patients on DAPT. In case of post-discharge anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation, patients should preferably receive vitamin-K antagonists (INR 2.0–3.0), with discontinuation of one antiplatelet agent as soon as clinically justifiable. Importantly, the impact of prolonged anticoagulation (low-dose rivaroxaban, vitamin-K antagonists) as adjunctive to DAPT after ACS has not been addressed with the most potent antiplatelet agents (prasugrel, ticagrelor) and merits further study. Despite the potential indication of prolonged oral anticoagulation as adjunctive treatment, it remains to be established whether anticoagulation therapy could also be an alternative for either aspirin or thienopyridine treatment in selected ACS patients on DAPT.

Contains fulltext : 119251.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Clopidogrel as an adjunct to aspirin has improved outcomes after acute coronary syndromes, but laboratory studies suggest a reduced antiplatelet effect when proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are co-administered. Despite corroborating data from retrospective studies, new clinical data fuel the controversy on this issue. PURPOSE: Systematic review of the impact of the addition of PPIs to clopidogrel on platelet function and cardiovascular outcome. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web-of-Science, Cochrane Database and reference lists of related articles. STUDY SELECTION: Published articles on controlled studies addressing the addition of PPIs to clopidogrel. Platelet function studies describe patients as well as healthy volunteers. Clinical studies concern patients using clopidogrel for acute coronary syndromes or because of stent implantation for stable coronary disease. DATA EXTRACTION: Two investigators independently reviewed the identified articles for eligibility, and one author extracted the data. DATA SYNTHESIS: In 70% (7/10) of the laboratory studies examining healthy volunteers on clopidogrel, addition of PPIs resulted in a significant reduction in platelet inhibition. For patients, this was observed in 11/18 (61%) studies. The 33 clinical studies showed significant heterogeneity in observed outcomes, with risk ratios for major adverse cardiovascular events varying from 0.64 to 4.58 in the case of PPI use, which was randomly allocated in only two studies. Consequently, imbalances between prognosticators at baseline and PPI prescription bias markedly contributed to the variability in results. CONCLUSIONS: Despite indications of reduced antiplatelet activity ex vivo in the case of PPI administration in clopidogrel users, data on the clinical consequences are controversial. With the accumulating evidence from better designed, prospective clinical studies, an adverse effect of PPI use on clinical outcome in patients on clopidogrel cannot be substantiated. This review challenges the validity of conclusions based on quantitative analyses of predominantly non-randomised data.

Contains fulltext : 171956.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) INTRODUCTION: An 80% chest compression fraction (CCF) during resuscitation is recommended. However, heterogeneous results in CCF studies were found during the 2015 Consensus on Science (CoS), which may be because chest compressions are stopped for a wide variety of reasons including providing lifesaving care, provider distraction, fatigue, confusion, and inability to perform lifesaving skills efficiently. OBJECTIVE: The effect of confounding variables on CCF to predict cardiac arrest survival. METHODS: A secondary analysis of emergency medical services (EMS) treated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients who received manual compressions. CCF (percent of time patients received compressions) was determined from electronic defibrillator files. Two Sample Wilcoxon Rank Sum or regression determined a statistical association between CCF and age, gender, bystander CPR, public location, witnessed arrest, shockable rhythm, resuscitation duration, study site, and number of shocks. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine CCF effect on survival. RESULTS: Of 2132 patients with manual compressions 1997 had complete data. Shockable rhythm (p

Contains fulltext : 169229.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Of the proposed algorithms that provide guidance for in-field termination of resuscitation (TOR) decisions, the guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) refer to the basic and advanced life support (ALS)-TOR rules. To assess the potential consequences of implementation of the ALS-TOR rule, we performed a case-by-case evaluation of our in-field termination decisions and assessed the corresponding recommendations of the ALS-TOR rule. METHODS: Cohort of non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA)-patients who were resuscitated by the ALS-practising emergency medical service (EMS) in the Nijmegen area (2008-2011). The ALS-TOR rule recommends termination in case all following criteria are met: unwitnessed arrest, no bystander CPR, no shock delivery, no return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). RESULTS: Of the 598 cases reviewed, resuscitative efforts were terminated in the field in 46% and 15% survived to discharge. The ALS-TOR rule would have recommended in-field termination in only 6% of patients, due to high percentages of witnessed arrests (73%) and bystander CPR (54%). In current practice, absence of ROSC was the most important determinant of termination [aOR 35.6 (95% CI 18.3-69.3)]. Weaker associations were found for: unwitnessed and non-public arrests, non-shockable initial rhythms and longer EMS-response times. CONCLUSION: While designed to optimise hospital transportations, application of the ALS-TOR rule would almost double our hospital transportation rate to over 90% of OHCA-cases due to the favourable arrest circumstances in our region. Prior to implementation of the ALS-TOR rule, local evaluation of the potential consequences for the efficiency of triage is to be recommended and initiatives to improve field-triage for ALS-based EMS-systems are eagerly awaited. 6 p.

The ideal energy source and strategy for repeat ablation procedures of atrial fibrillation (AF) has to be established. Data on redo procedures using cryoballoon technique are limited. We report long-term follow-up on cryoballoon redo procedures after an initial successful cryoballoon ablation. The

OBJECTIVES: We sought to study the impact of direct referral to an intervention center after pre-hospital diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) on treatment intervals and outcome. BACKGROUND: Primary angioplasty has become the preferred reperfusion strategy in STEMI. Ambulance diagnosis and direct referral to an intervention center is an attractive treatment option that has not been studied extensively. METHODS: Consecutive pre-hospital patients with STEMI, who were referred to our intervention center for primary angioplasty between 2005 and 2007, were studied. After pre-hospital diagnosis, patients were either directly transported to our center or referred through a nonintervention center. The catheterization laboratory was activated before transport to the intervention center. RESULTS: Of the 581 patients referred, 454 (78%) came with direct transport and 127 (22%) through a nonintervention center. Direct transport was associated with a higher proportion of patients treated within the 90-min time window of the STEMI guidelines: 82% versus 23% (p < 0.01). Patients directly transported had a significantly shorter median symptom-to-balloon time of 149 min (Interquartile range: 118 to 197 min) versus 219 min (interquartile range: 178 to 315 min), p < 0.01, a higher post-procedural Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 rate (92% vs. 84%; p = 0.03), and a lower 1-year mortality rate (7% vs. 13%; p = 0.03). Direct transport to the intervention center was independently associated with the symptom-to-balloon time, which in turn was an independent predictor of post-procedural TIMI flow grade 3, a strong prognosticator of outcome. CONCLUSIONS: After ambulance-based diagnosis of STEMI, direct transport to an intervention center with pre-hospital notification of the catheterization laboratory more than triples the proportion of patients treated within the time window of the guidelines. Time to balloon was an independent predictor of post-procedural TIMI flow grade 3, which underscores the need to reduce treatment delays.

Contains fulltext : 81178.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: In smokers treated with fibrinolysis for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) a paradoxical beneficial short-term outcome has been reported. This was attributed to favorable clinical and angiographic baseline variables and a better response to fibrinolysis. During follow-up infarct artery reocclusion is an important prognosticator. We studied the effects of smoking on reocclusion and long-term cardiac outcome after successful fibrinolysis. METHODS: In the Antithrombotics in the Prevention of Reocclusion In COronary Thrombolysis trials (APRICOT-1 and -2) 499 STEMI patients with an open infarct artery

Background Whether late coronary patency after myocardial infarction has prognostic impact independent of left ventricular function remains a matter of debate. Reocclusion rates in the first year after fibrinolysis vary between 20% and 30%. Of all reocclusions, about 30% present as clinical reinfarction, associated with a 2-fold–increased risk of mortality. The clinical impact of reocclusion that presents without reinfarction has not been studied; but an association has been demonstrated with impaired contractile recovery of left ventricular function, the strongest prognosticator of long-term outcome. We therefore studied the impact of 3-month coronary patency after successful fibrinolysis on 10-year cardiac survival. Methods In the APRICOT-1 trial, 248 ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients with an open infarct artery 24 hours after fibrinolysis had 3-month repeated angiography. Ten-year clinical follow-up was complete in 99.6%. Results The reocclusion rate was 29% (71/248). Of these reocclusions, 24% presented as clinical reinfarction (17/71). Cardiac survival at 10 years was 73% in patients with a reoccluded infarct artery and 88% in patients with sustained patency (P Conclusions Sustained infarct artery patency in the first 3 months after successful fibrinolysis is a strong predictor of 10-year cardiac survival, independent of left ventricular function. Notably, this also holds true when reocclusion occurs without signs of clinical reinfarction or recurrent ischemia. Therefore, future preventive strategies should also focus on “clinically silent” reocclusions. Additional studies on better antithrombotic regimens and the combination with a routine invasive strategy early after successful fibrinolysis are warranted.

Contains fulltext : 51563.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Although early care in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has been improved over the past decades, survival remains poor and neurological performance after survival is often impaired. Consequently, new therapies are needed to improve outcome. As thrombotic processes such as acute myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism are frequent causes of cardiac arrest, therapies like fibrinolysis or percutaneous coronary intervention are of interest. Both therapies can restore coronary and pulmonary perfusion in cardiac arrest patients and, additionally, fibrinolysis might prevent microthrombi to the brain. In this review, the rationale, safety and efficacy of reperfusion therapy in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest will be discussed.

Purpose: Polypharmacy is associated with frailty and adverse clinical events. Compared with warfarin, apixaban is more efficacious in preventing stroke and safer in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it has not been shown if these benefits are preserved in patients treated with several concomitant drugs. Methods: All patients included in the ARISTOTLE trial (n=18,201) were divided into tertiles according to the number of drugs used at baseline. The treatment effects of apixaban versus warfarin on clinical outcomes were assessed according to the number of concomitant medications. Results: The median number of concomitant drugs was 6 (IQR 5-9). When comparing tertiles, patients using more drugs were older, more often female, and had more comorbidities than patients using less medications. During a median follow-up of 1.8 years, the rates of efficacy and safety outcomes increased across tertiles. The superiority of apixaban when compared with warfarin in reducing stroke and systemic embolism was consistent regardless of the number of concomitant drugs (interaction p-value= 0.8203; Table). In terms of safety, the magnitude of benefit with apixaban decreased with the number of drugs taken (interaction p-value= 0.0173). A similar treatment effect pattern was seen for the net clinical benefit. Conclusions: In ARISTOTLE, both ischemic and hemorrhagic complications occurred more frequently in patients treated with a higher number of concomitant medications. The benefits of apixaban in reducing stroke were preserved, regardless of the number of drugs taken. In terms of safety and net clinical benefit, while the rates were consistently lower with apixaban, the magnitude of benefit with apixaban decreased with the number of concomitant drugs. Thus, apixaban is a more effective and at least as safe alternative to warfarin in patient with AF with polypharmacy.

Introduction: Termination of Resuscitation (TOR) rules have been designed to guide in-field termination decisions and reduce futile hospital transportations. The impact of such a rule may depend on regional infrastructure, arrest characteristics and pre-existent termination rates. Our region is characterized by high rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and Advanced Life Support (ALS) trained rescuers authorized to make termination decisions. We aim to investigate the actual in-field termination rates and the termination rates as recommended by the ALS-TOR rule. Furthermore, we studied factors associated with the actual termination decisions. Methods: Cohort of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients who were resuscitated in the Nijmegen area, the Netherlands (2008-2011). The ALS-TOR rule recommends termination in case all following criteria are met: unwitnessed arrest, no bystander CPR, no shock delivery, no return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Results: The observed percentage of in-field termination was 46% (275/598), while the ALS-TOR rule recommended termination in only 6% (35/588), owing to high percentages of witnessed arrests (73%) and bystander CPR (54%) in our region. Factors independently associated with the actual decisions to terminate resuscitation were absence of ROSC [aOR 35.6 (95% CI 18.3-69.3)], non-shockable initial rhythm [aOR 6.0 (95% CI 3.2-11.0)], unwitnessed arrest [aOR 2.7 (95% CI 1.4-5.2)], non-public arrest [aOR 2.5 (95% CI 1.2-5.0)] and longer EMS-response times [aOR 1.1 per minute increase (95% CI 1.0-1.2)]. Conclusions: Contrary to previous studies, implementation of the ALS-TOR rule in our region would have decreased termination rates from almost half to less than 10% due to the favourable arrest characteristics. In light of the prognosis after OHCA, this finding suggests that adherence to this set of criteria does not contribute to efficient triage in our population. Therefore it seems prudent to locally evaluate the utility of the ALS-TOR rule prior to implementation.

Background The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients treated with drug eluting stents (DES) is still under debate. Recent meta-analyses on ≤6months versus 12months DAPT suggest that bleeding rates can be reduced, without a higher rate of thrombotic complications. In particular, the COMBO dual therapy stent, being associated with early re-endothelialization, may allow for a reduction of the duration of DAPT without increasing the thrombotic risk, while reducing the risk of bleeding complications. Aim The aim of the REDUCE trial is to demonstrate the non-inferiority of a combined efficacy and safety endpoint of a short-term 3months DAPT strategy as compared to standard 12-month DAPT strategy in ACS patients treated with the COMBO stent. Design A prospective, multicenter, randomized study designed to enroll 1500 patients with ACS treated with the COMBO stent. Patients will be randomized before discharge in a 1:1 fashion to either 3 or 12months of DAPT. A clinical follow-up is scheduled at 3, 6, 12, and 24months. The primary endpoint is the time to event as defined by the occurrence of one of the following: all cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stroke, target vessel revascularization or bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Council type II, III and V) within 12months. The study has recruited patients since July 2014, and the results are expected in 2017. Summary A reduction of the DAPT duration in ACS patients after PCI without affecting the thrombotic risk is an attractive option with regard to the associated bleeding risk. The REDUCE trial will be the first to investigate the efficacy and safety of a 3-month DAPT strategy compared to a 12-month DAPT strategy in an ACS only population treated with the COMBO stent.

In view of the shift from routine toward no or selective defibrillation testing, optimization of the current risk stratification for inadequate defibrillation safety margins (DSMs) could improve individualized testing decisions. Given the pathophysiological differences in myocardial substrate between ischemic and nonischemic heart disease (IHD/non-IHD) and the accompanying differences in clinical characteristics, we studied inadequate DSMs and their predictors in relation to the underlying etiology.Cohort of routine defibrillation tests (n = 785) after first implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)-implantations at the Radboud UMC (2005-2014). A defibrillation threshold25 J was regarded as an inadequate DSM. In total, 4.3% of patients had an inadequate DSM; in IHD 2.5% versus 7.3% in non-IHD (P = 0.002). We identified a group of non-IHD patients at high risk (13-42% inadequate DSM); the remainder of the cohort (70%) had a risk of only 2% (C-statistic entire cohort 0.74; C-statistic non-IHD 0.82). This was based upon two identified interaction terms: (1) non-IHD and age (aOR 0.94 [95% CI 0.91-0.97]); (2) non-IHD and the indexed left ventricular (LV) internal diastolic diameter (aOR 3.50 [95% CI 2.10-5.82]).The present study on risk stratification for an inadequate DSM not only confirms the importance of making a distinction between IHD and non-IHD, but also shows that risk factors in an entire cohort (LV dilatation, age) may only apply to a subgroup (non-IHD). Appreciation of this concept could favorably affect current risk stratification. If confirmed, our approach may be used to optimize individualized testing decisions in an upcoming era of non-routine testing.

Background The Circulation Improving Resuscitation Care (CIRC) Trial found equivalent survival in adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients who received integrated load-distributing band CPR (iA-CPR) compared to manual CPR (M-CPR). We hypothesized that as chest compression duration increased, iA-CPR provided a survival benefit when compared to M-CPR. Methods A pre-planned secondary analysis of OHCA of presumed cardiac etiology from the randomized CIRC trial. Chest compressions duration was defined as the total number of minutes spent on compressions during resuscitation and identified from transthoracic impedance and accelerometer data recorded by the EMS defibrillator. Logistic regression was used to model the interaction between treatment and duration of chest compressions and was covariate-adjusted for trial site, patient age, witnessed arrest, and initial shockable rhythm. Primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Results We enrolled 4231 subjects and of those, 2012 iA-CPR and 2002 M-CPR had complete outcome and duration of chest compressions data. While covariate-adjusted odds ratio for survival to hospital discharge was 1.86 in favor of iA-CPR (95% CI 1.16–3.0), there was an interaction between duration and study arm. When this was factored into the multivariate equation, the odds ratio for survival to hospital discharge showed a significant benefit for iA-CPR vs. M-CPR for chest compression duration greater than 16.5 min. Conclusion After adjusting for compression duration and duration–treatment interaction, iA-CPR showed a significant benefit for survival to hospital discharge vs. M-CPR in patients with OHCA if chest compression duration was longer than 16.5 min.

Contains fulltext : 170930.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) STUDY OBJECTIVE: Mechanical chest compression devices have been developed to facilitate continuous delivery of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Despite promising hemodynamic data, evidence on clinical outcomes remains inconclusive. With the completion of 3 randomized controlled trials, we conduct a meta-analysis on the effect of in-field mechanical versus manual CPR on clinical outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. METHODS: With a systematic search (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Libraries), we identified all eligible studies (randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized studies) that compared a CPR strategy including an automated mechanical chest compression device with a strategy of manual CPR only. Outcome variables were survival to hospital admission, survival to discharge, and favorable neurologic outcome. RESULTS: Twenty studies (n=21,363) were analyzed: 5 randomized controlled trials and 15 nonrandomized studies, pooled separately. For survival to admission, the pooled estimate of the randomized controlled trials did not indicate a difference (odds ratio 0.94; 95% confidence interval 0.84 to 1.05; P=.24) between mechanical and manual CPR. In contrast, meta-analysis of nonrandomized studies demonstrated a benefit in favor of mechanical CPR (odds ratio 1.42; 95% confidence interval 1.21 to 1.67; P

Background Ventricular fibrillation (VF) waveform characteristics are associated with cardiac arrest duration and defibrillation success. Recent animal studies found that VF characteristics and shock success also depend on the presence of myocardial infarction (MI). In patients, VF induction after implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation offers a unique setting to study early VF characteristics: we studied the relation with cardiac disease – either presence or absence of a previous MI – and with shock success. Methods Retrospective cohort study of ICD-patients who underwent defibrillation testing, 117 (63%) with and 69 (37%) without a previous MI. Intracardiac recordings of induced VF were analysed using Fourier analysis. Results In previous MI-patients, the fundamental frequency and organisation index of the VF signal were significantly lower as compared with patients without a previous MI: 4.9Hz±0.6 vs. 5.2Hz±0.6 ( p =0.005) and 56%±10 vs. 60%±9 ( p =0.001), respectively. The median frequency was not different ( p =0.25). We found no association between VF characteristics and ICD shock success. Conclusions In analogy with observations in animals, we found that a history of a previous MI was associated with slower and less organised VF. In our cohort of ICD-patients, early VF waveform characteristics were not associated with shock outcomes. Further study is warranted to determine to what extent VF characteristics are influenced by the underlying aetiology on the one hand, and time delay on the other. These findings could improve insight into the potential value of VF analysis to guide shock delivery.

Contains fulltext : 153679.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Shorter manual chest compression pauses prior to defibrillation attempts is reported to improve the defibrillation success rate. Mechanical load-distributing band (LDB-) CPR enables shocks without compression pause. We studied pre-shock pause and termination of ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia 5s post-shock (TOF) and return of organized rhythm (ROOR) with LDB and manual (M-) CPR. METHODS: In a secondary analysis from the Circulation Improving Resuscitation Care trial, patients with initial shockable rhythm and interpretable post-shock rhythms were included. Pre-shock rhythm, pause duration (if any), and post-shock rhythm were obtained for each shock. Associations between TOF/ROOR and pre-shock pause duration, including no pause shocks with LDB-CPR, were analyzed with Chi-square test. A p-value

SummaryInternational guidelines differ in strengths of recommendation for anticoagulation strategies in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We performed a comprehensive network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the comparative efficacy and safety of parenteral anticoagulants in ACS. MEDLINE, Cochrane, EM-BASE, Google Scholar, major cardiology websites, and abstracts/presentations were searched. Six treatments were identified: 1) unfractionated heparin (UFH) + glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI) [UFH+GPI], 2) UFH±GPI, 3) bivalirudin, 4) low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), 5) otamixaban, and 6) fondaparinux. Prespecified outcomes (death, myocardial infarction [MI], revascularisation, major bleeding [MB], minor bleeding, and stent thrombosis [ST]) were evaluated up to 30 days. Forty-two RCTs involving 117,353 patients were included. No significant differences in mortality rates were found among strategies. Compared to UFH+GPI, bivalirudin reduced the odds of MB but increased the odds of ST and MI. LMWHs vs bivalirudin reduced MI risk at the price of MB excess. UFH±GPI significantly increased the odds of MI vs LMWHs, of ST vs UFH+GPI, and of MB vs bivalirudin. Reduced ST risk with otamixaban vs UFH±GPI and vs bivalirudin was offset by a marked 2.5- to four-fold MB excess. Fondaparinux showed an intermediate profile. Results for ST-segment elevation MI were consistent with the overall findings. Early anticoagulant strategies for ACS differ in efficacy and safety, with UFH+GPI and LMWHs reducing ischaemic but increasing bleeding risk, and bivalirudin reducing MB but increases MI and ST. The findings support individualised therapy based on patients´ bleeding and ischaemic risks.