Effect of High-Dose Intracoronary Adenosine Administration During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

HomeCirculation: Cardiovascular InterventionsVol. 2, No. 4Effect of High-Dose Intracoronary Adenosine Administration During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction Free AccessResearch ArticlePDF/EPUBAboutView PDFView EPUBSections ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload citationsTrack citationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InMendeleyReddit Jump toFree AccessResearch ArticlePDF/EPUBEffect of High-Dose Intracoronary Adenosine Administration During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial InfarctionA Randomized Controlled Trial Marieke L. Fokkema, BSc, Pieter J. Vlaar, MSc, Mathijs Vogelzang, MD, PhD, Youlan L. Gu, MD, Marthe A. Kampinga, MD, Bart J. de Smet, MD, PhD, Gillian A. Jessurun, MD, PhD, Rutger L. Anthonio, MD, PhD, Ad F. van den Heuvel, MD, PhD, Eng-Shiong Tan, MD, PhD and Felix Zijlstra, MD, PhD Marieke L. FokkemaMarieke L. Fokkema From the Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Search for more papers by this author , Pieter J. VlaarPieter J. Vlaar From the Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Search for more papers by this author , Mathijs VogelzangMathijs Vogelzang From the Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Search for more papers by this author , Youlan L. GuYoulan L. Gu From the Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Search for more papers by this author , Marthe A. KampingaMarthe A. Kampinga From the Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Search for more papers by this author , Bart J. de SmetBart J. de Smet From the Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Search for more papers by this author , Gillian A. JessurunGillian A. Jessurun From the Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Search for more papers by this author , Rutger L. AnthonioRutger L. Anthonio From the Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Search for more papers by this author , Ad F. van den HeuvelAd F. van den Heuvel From the Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Search for more papers by this author , Eng-Shiong TanEng-Shiong Tan From the Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Search for more papers by this author and Felix ZijlstraFelix Zijlstra From the Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Search for more papers by this author Originally published22 Jul 2009https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.109.858977.109.858977Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions. 2009;2:323–329Other version(s) of this articleYou are viewing the most recent version of this article. Previous versions: January 1, 2009: Previous Version 1 AbstractBackground— Coronary microvascular dysfunction is frequently seen in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Previous studies have suggested that the administration of intravenous adenosine resulted in an improvement of myocardial perfusion and a reduction in infarct size. Intracoronary adenosine (bolus of 30 to 60 μg) is a guideline-recommended therapy to improve myocardial reperfusion. The effect of intracoronary adenosine during primary percutaneous coronary intervention has not been investigated in a large randomized trial.Methods and Results— Patients presenting with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction were randomized to 2 bolus injections of intracoronary adenosine (2�120 μg in 20 mL NaCl) or placebo (2�20 mL NaCl). The first bolus injection was given after thrombus aspiration and the second after stenting of the infarct-related artery. The primary end point was the incidence of residual ST-segment deviation <0.2 mV, 30 to 60 minutes after percutaneous coronary intervention. Secondary end points were ST-segment elevation resolution, myocardial blush grade, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow on the angiogram after percutaneous coronary intervention, enzymatic infarct size, and clinical outcome at 30 days. A total of 448 patients were randomized to intracoronary adenosine (N=226) or placebo (N=222). The incidence of residual ST-segment deviation <0.2 mV did not differ between patients randomized to adenosine or placebo (46.2% versus 52.2%, P=NS). In addition, there were no significant differences in secondary outcome measures.Conclusions— In this randomized placebo controlled trial enrolling 448 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, administration of intracoronary adenosine after thrombus aspiration and after stenting of the infarct-related artery did not result in improved myocardial perfusion.Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the preferred treatment to achieve reperfusion of the infarct-related artery in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).1,2 Despite restoration of epicardial flow, impaired myocardial perfusion is frequently seen after primary PCI and results in a larger infarct size and increased mortality.3 In addition to embolization of atherothrombotic material,4 vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, neutrophil adhesion and myocardial edema, and necrosis are major contributors to microvascular dysfunction.5Clinical Perspective on p 323The endogenous nucleoside adenosine may improve myocardial perfusion by a potent vasodilatory effect and possibly also by anti-inflammatory properties, inhibition of platelet activation, and a protective effect against reperfusion injury.6,7 Large randomized trials have suggested that a high-dose intravenous administration of adenosine during intervention for acute myocardial infarction may result in a reduction in infarct size.8,9 Two clinical studies have documented that intracoronary administration of adenosine is safe in patients with acute myocardial infarction and may result in a lower incidence of no reflow.10,11 Improved myocardial reperfusion as assessed by ST-segment elevation resolution after primary PCI was observed in a cohort of 79 patients treated with intracoronary adenosine compared with 200 historical controls12 and in a randomized trial of 51 patients.13Although intracoronary administration of adenosine in a dose of 30 to 60 μg is recommended for the treatment of microvascular dysfunction during primary PCI in STEMI guidelines,14 large prospective randomized trials are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high-dose (2�120 μg) intracoronary adenosine during primary PCI on myocardial perfusion in an unselected population of patients with STEMI.MethodsPopulationThe ADenosine Administration during and after Primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction Trial was a single-center, prospective randomized open trial with blinded evaluation of end points. All consecutive patients presenting to the University Medical Center of Groningen suspected of an acute STEMI and candidates for primary PCI were eligible for participation. Inclusion criteria were symptoms of chest pain suggestive for myocardial ischemia for at least 30 minutes, a time from onset of symptoms of <12 hours before hospital admission, and an ECG showing ST-segment elevation of >0.1 mV in 2 or more leads. Exclusion criteria were the presence of cardiogenic shock, existence of a life-threatening disease with a life expectancy of <6 months, receiving pharmacotherapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or no informed consent. After coronary angiography, patients were randomized when PCI was indicated. Patients treated conservatively or with emergency coronary artery bypass grafting were not enrolled. The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of our institution.Randomization and TreatmentAfter the performance of an initial coronary angiography, patients who met the eligibility criteria were randomized (1:1) to 2 high-dose bolus injections of intracoronary adenosine (2�120 μg in 20 mL 0.9% NaCl) or placebo (2�20 mL 0.9% NaCl) after thrombus aspiration and after stenting. For adenosine, we used Adenocor (Sanofi-Synthelabo BV, Maassluis, The Netherlands). To protect the microcirculation against embolization of atherothrombotic material and to restore epicardial coronary flow, manual thrombus aspiration was performed (Export Aspiration Catheter, Medtronic Corporation, Santa Rosa, Calif). After restoration of epicardial flow, intracoronary nitroglycerine (400 μg) was administered through the guiding catheter, followed by the first bolus of intracoronary adenosine or placebo through the guiding catheter. After stenting of the infarct-related lesion and an additional injection of nitroglycerine, the second bolus intracoronary adenosine or placebo was administered.All patients received aspirin (500 mg), heparin (5000 IU), and clopidogrel (600 mg) after confirmation of ST-segment elevation on the first ECG. During primary PCI, patients received the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab (0.25 mg/kg), if not contraindicated. Additional heparin was administered guided by the activated clotting time. The standard treatment after primary PCI included aspirin, clopidogrel (≥1 month), β-blockers, lipid-lowering agents, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-II receptor blockers.15End Points and DefinitionsThe primary end point was the incidence of residual ST-segment deviation <0.2 mV on the 12-lead ECG made at 30 to 60 minutes after primary PCI. Residual ST-segment deviation was calculated as the sum of residual ST-segment elevation and depression in all leads, with the magnitude of ST-segment elevation or depression measured at 60 milliseconds from the J-point. The residual ST-segment deviation was categorized as <0.2 mV, 0.2 to 0.5 mV, 0.5 to 1.0 mV, or >1.0 mV. ST-segment elevation resolution was measured by comparing the sum of ST-segment elevation on the postintervention ECG with that on the ECG at presentation, and categorizing the ST-segment resolution as complete (>70%), partial (30% to 70%), or no resolution (<30%).16 In addition, the presence of new Q waves was assessed on the ECG after PCI, defined as an initial negative deflection of the QRS complex of >0.1 mV and >40 milliseconds in an ECG lead related to the myocardial area involved in the STEMI. In addition, all the pathological Qs associated with prior myocardial infarction were assessed.17Angiographic AnalysisCoronary angiograms were reviewed by 2 observers blinded for treatment allocation and clinical data. Angiographic records were obtained before primary PCI, after thrombus aspiration, after stenting, and after the second administration of intracoronary adenosine or placebo. On the initial angiogram, the site of the infarct-related coronary lesion reflecting the myocardial territory at risk was analyzed. In the right coronary artery and circumflex artery, the infarct-related lesion was classified as proximal or as distal in the infarct-related artery. In the left artery descendens, lesions were classified as proximal, mid, or distal. On the initial angiogram and on the angiogram after stenting, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade,18 and angiographic evidence of thrombus in the infarct-related lesion, and distal embolization were assessed. Angiographic evidence of thrombus was evaluated according to the criteria as previously described by Mabin et al19 Distal embolization was defined as a filling defect, with an abrupt cutoff in the vessel located distally from the infarct-related coronary lesion.4 In addition, myocardial blush grade was assessed on the angiogram after stenting. The evaluation of myocardial blush grade was performed as described by van’t Hof et al3: 0, no myocardial blush; 1, minimal myocardial blush or contrast density; 2, moderate myocardial blush or contrast density, but less than that obtained during angiography of a contraor ipsilateral non–infarct-related coronary artery; and 3, normal myocardial blush or contrast density, comparable with that obtained during angiography of a contra or ipsilateral non–infarct-related coronary artery.Quantitative Blush EvaluationTo evaluate the immediate effect of intracoronary adenosine or placebo on myocardial perfusion, we compared myocardial perfusion on the angiogram after stenting and on the angiogram performed directly after the second bolus administration of intracoronary adenosine or placebo. Analysis of myocardial perfusion was performed by computerized quantitative blush evaluation (QuBE), as described earlier.20 QuBE was measured blinded to clinical data and treatment allocation by 2 observers. The QuBE program loads the coronary angiogram and allows the operator to select the run for quantification of the myocardial perfusion. On the selected run after stenting, the operator indicates a polygonal shape that contains the distal infarct-related area in which the myocardial perfusion should be measured. The same polygonal shape is copied to the run that is made after the second bolus intracoronary adenosine or placebo. By quantifying the myocardial contrast density on each frame and by identifying the sum of greyvalues over time, a continuous value is calculated. This value allows a fine-grained assessment of myocardial perfusion, which correlates well with angiographic and clinical outcome measures.20Biomarkers Reflecting Infarct SizeSerum creatine kinase (CK) and myocardial band of CK (CK-MB) measurements were collected in all patients during their stay in our hospital. The first analysis was performed before or during the primary PCI. At the coronary care unit, blood samples were taken following a standardized protocol at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 hours after primary PCI. The infarct size was defined as the maximum level of CK and CK-MB that was measured.Follow-UpFollow-up data at 30 days after primary PCI were collected from hospital records, written questionnaires, and telephone interviews. Reinfarction was defined as the onset of recurrent symptoms of ischemia combined with new ST-segment elevations and/or a second increase of serum CK or CK-MB to at least twice the upper limit of the normal range. Target vessel revascularization was defined as PCI or bypass grafting of the infarct-related coronary artery.Side EffectsIn previous studies, side effects of adenosine have been documented during and after intravenous administration.8,21 In this study, side effects were registered by the interventional cardiologist during and directly after infusion of the bolus intracoronary adenosine or placebo. Side effects specifically documented were flushing, hypotension, bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, bronchospasm, first- or second-degree atrioventricular block, dyspnea, and chest pain.Sample Size and Statistical AnalysisThe number of patients included in this study was based on previous observations of residual ST-segment deviation after primary PCI, in which 53.1% of patients had residual ST-segment deviation <0.2 mV.22 To detect an increase of 25% of residual ST-segment deviation <0.2mV in patients treated with intracoronary adenosine, with 80% power and a 2-sided significance level of 0.05, a total number of 450 patients were required.We performed an analysis of data by intention to treat. Categorical variables are presented as frequency values and proportions and were compared by the χ2 test or Fisher exact test. Continuous normally distributed variables are presented as mean values and standard deviations and were compared with the 2-tailed Student t test. For skewed distributed variables, median values with interquartile range (IQR) are shown, and the variables were compared with the use of the Mann–Whitney U test. For all analyses, P values of <0.05 were defined as significant. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Ill) 16.0. The authors had full access to the data and take responsibility for its integrity. All authors have read and agree to the manuscript as written.ResultsA total of 507 patients were diagnosed as STEMI and candidates for primary PCI in our hospital between May 2007 and July 2008. After the initial angiography, 448 patients met the inclusion criteria and were randomized to high-dose intracoronary adenosine (N=226) or intracoronary placebo (N=222; Figure 1). Baseline and procedural characteristics did not significantly differ between patients randomized to intracoronary adenosine and intracoronary placebo, except for diastolic blood pressure before PCI (75.9�13.9 versus 73.1�13.6, P=0.033; Table 1). A detailed analysis of the site of the infarct-related coronary lesion showed that the myocardial territories at risk were comparable in size in patients randomized to intracoronary adenosine and intracoronary placebo. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow 0 or 1 was present in 142 of 226 patients (62.9%) randomized to intracoronary adenosine and in 130 of 222 patients (58.6%) randomized to placebo (P=NS). Download figureDownload PowerPointFigure 1. Flow diagram: randomization, treatment, and angiographic recordings during primary PCI. CABG indicates coronary artery bypass grafting; i.c., intracoronary; MBG, myocardial blush grade; nitro, nitroglycerine.Table 1. Baseline Characteristics of Patients Randomized to Intracoronary Adenosine or PlaceboBaseline and Procedural CharacteristicsPAdenosine (N=226)Placebo (N=222)Data are presented as mean (SD) or n/N (%), except where noted. NS indicates not significant; BMI, body mass index; CABG, coronary artery bypass graft; Cx, circumflex artery; GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor; IABP, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation; LAD, left artery descendent; RCA, right coronary artery; TIMI, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction.Age, y62.4 (12.2)62.5 (13.0)NSMale gender165/226 (73.0)170/222 (76.6)NSHistory Hypertension79/218 (36.2)81/214 (37.9)NS Hypercholesterolemia60/163 (36.8)44/153 (28.8)NS Diabetes23/225 (10.2)22/217 (10.1)NS Myocardial infarction17/224 (7.6)20/220 (9.1)NS PCI11/225 (4.9)16/221 (7.2)NS CABG3/225 (1.3)4/221 (1.8)NS Family history101/217 (46.5)96/209 (45.9)NSCurrent smoker136/226 (60.2)120/217 (55.3)NSIschemic time (IQR), min180 (130 to 288)165 (125 to 255)NSBMI, kg/m226.7 (4.3)26.8 (4.2)NSSystolic blood pressure, mm Hg130.3 (25.9)128.1 (25.7)NSDiastolic blood pressure, mm Hg75.9 (13.9)73.1 (13.6)0.033Heart rate, bpm76.9 (16.8)75.1 (17.6)NSAngiographic Infarct-related vesselNS RCA94/226 (41.6)98/222 (44.1) LAD96/226 (42.5)82/222 (36.9) Cx35/226 (15.5)41/222 (18.5) Other1/226 (0.4)1/222 (0.5) Infarct siteNS Proximal141/225 (62.7)141/221 (63.8) Mid43/225 (19.1)41/221 (18.6) Distal41/225 (18.2)39/221 (17.6) Multivessel disease118/224 (52.7)134/222 (60.4)NS Thrombus pre-PCI187/226 (82.7)178/222 (80.2)NS TIMI flow pre-PCINS 0 or 1142/226 (62.9)130/222 (58.6) 242/226 (18.6)51/222 (23.0) 342/226 (18.6)41/222 (18.5)Procedural Thrombus aspiration220/226 (97.3)211/222 (95.0)NS GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor204/220 (92.8)202/218 (92.6)NS Balloon predilatation74/225 (32.9)58/219 (26.5)NS Stent implantation217/226 (96.0)212/222 (95.5)NS Stent length, mm25.5 (12.5)25.0 (13.4)NS Stent diameter, mm3.4 (0.47)3.4 (0.49)NS IABP use7/219 (3.2)9/215 (4.2)NSMyocardial ReperfusionIn 415 of 448 patients (92.6%) residual ST-segment deviation could be assessed on the ECG after primary PCI. The median time from the start of the PCI procedure to the ECG made after the procedure was 44 minutes (IQR, 35 to 70 minutes). Residual ST-segment deviation <0.2 mV was observed in 96 of 208 patients (46.2%) randomized to intracoronary adenosine and in 108 of 207 patients (52.2%) randomized to intracoronary placebo (P=NS; Figure 2). In addition, ST-segment elevation resolution >70% was present in 129 of 189 patients (68.3%) randomized to intracoronary adenosine and in 128 of 193 patients (66.3%) randomized to intracoronary placebo (P=NS). Myocardial blush grade 3 was observed in 64 of 224 patients (28.6%) randomized to intracoronary adenosine compared with 77 of 218 patients (35.3%) randomized to intracoronary placebo (P=NS). Download figureDownload PowerPointFigure 2. Myocardial reperfusion as assessed by electrocardiography and angiography in patients randomized to intracoronary adenosine and intracoronary placebo. The percentages of patients according to (A), residual ST-segment deviation, (B) ST-segment elevation resolution, and (C) myocardial blush grade are shown.Angiographic ResultsAfter primary PCI, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow 3 was present in 212 of 225 patients (94.2%) randomized to intracoronary adenosine and in 208 of 222 patients (93.7%) randomized to placebo (P=NS; Table 2). After PCI, distal embolization was observed in 27 of 223 patients (12.1%) randomized to intracoronary adenosine and in 19 of 220 patients (8.6%) randomized to intracoronary placebo (P=NS). Table 2. Outcomes of Patients Randomized to Intracoronary Adenosine or PlaceboOutcome CharacteristicsPAdenosine (N=226)Placebo (N=222)NS indicates not significant; DE, distal embolization; TIMI, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction; TVR, target vessel revascularization.Angiogram post-PCI, n/N (%) TIMI flow post-PCINS 0 or 12/225 (0.9)1/222 (0.5) 211/225 (4.9)13/222 (5.9) 3212/225 (94.2)208/222 (93.7) DE post-PCI27/223 (12.1)19/220 (8.6)NSECG post-PCI, n/N (%) Q-waves168/211 (79.6)166/208 (79.8)NSEnzymatic infarct size (IQR) CK maximum, U1213 (571 to 2720)1190 (478 to 2163)NS Time to CK maximum, h6.6 (3.7 to 10.0)7.9 (5.6 to 11.8)NS CK-MB maximum, U176 (85 to 305)153 (62 to 268)NS Time to CK-MB maximum, h6.2 (3.3 to 9.0)6.9 (3.9 to 10.0)NSClinical outcome at 30 days, n (%) Mortality3/226 (1.3)2/222 (0.9)NS Reinfarction3/225 (1.3)1/221 (0.5)NS TVR8/225 (3.6)7/221 (3.2)NSQuantitative Blush EvaluationPaired angiograms performed after stenting and directly after the second bolus intracoronary adenosine or placebo were available for 318 patients (71.0%). The median time interval between the two angiograms was 56 seconds (IQR, 46 to 73 seconds). After stenting, the median QuBE value was 11.3 (IQR, 8.4 to 14.3) in patients randomized to adenosine and 11.8 (IQR, 8.3 to 15.0) in patients randomized to placebo (P=NS). After the second bolus intracoronary adenosine or placebo, the median QuBE value was 11.3 (IQR, 8.5 to 14.2) and 11.3 (IQR, 8.1 to 15.0; P=NS; Figure 3). QuBE values did not significantly change directly after administration of the second bolus intracoronary adenosine or placebo. Download figureDownload PowerPointFigure 3. QuBE values after stenting and after the second bolus of intracoronary adenosine or placebo: evaluation of the immediate myocardial perfusion effect of adenosine. QuBE values were assessed in patients with paired coronary angiograms. Values are represented as median (IQR). i.c. indicates intracoronary.Biomarkers Reflecting Infarct SizeEnzymatic infarct size could be analyzed in 446 of 448 patients. The median number of measurements was 6 (IQR, 5 to 8) in both groups. The maximum measurement of CK was 1213 U/L (IQR, 571 to 2720) in patients randomized to intracoronary adenosine and 1190 U/L (IQR, 478 to 2163) in patients randomized to intracoronary placebo (P=NS; Table 2). Time to maximum CK value was 6.6 hours (IQR, 3.7 to 10.0) in patients randomized to intracoronary adenosine and 7.9 hours (IQR, 5.6 to 11.8) in patients randomized to intracoronary placebo (P=NS). In addition, we did not observe a significant difference in maximum value of CK-MB (176 [IQR, 85 to 305] versus 153 [IQR, 62 to 268]). Time to maximum CK-MB was 6.2 hours (IQR, 3.3 to 9.0) versus 6.9 hours (IQR, 3.9 to 10.0) (P=NS).Side EffectsDuring and directly after administration of intracoronary adenosine or placebo, side effects were seen more frequently in patients randomized to intracoronary adenosine compared with intracoronary placebo (Table 3). Hypotension occurred in 24 of 168 patients (14.3%) randomized to intracoronary adenosine and in 2 of 160 patients (1.3%) randomized to intracoronary placebo (P<0.001). Furthermore, transient first-degree and second-degree atrioventricular block were seen in, respectively, 16 of 166 patients (9.6%) and 31 of 168 patients (18.5%) randomized to intracoronary adenosine, compared with both 2 of 159 patients (1.3%) randomized to intracoronary placebo (P=0.001 and P<0.001). All side effects disappeared within 2 to 3 minutes, and no clinical sequelae were observed. Table 3. Side Effects in Patients Randomized to Intracoronary Adenosine or PlaceboSide Effects, n/N (%)PAdenosine (N=226)Placebo (N=222)Side effects were reported during and immediately after administration of intracoronary adenosine or placebo. All side effects disappeared within 2 to 3 min. NS indicates not significant; AV, atrioventricular.Flushing5/168 (3.0)0/159 (0.0)NSHypotension24/168 (14.3)2/160 (1.3)<0.001Bradycardia34/168 (20.2)5/160 (3.1)<0.001Ventricular tachycardia0/167 (0.0)1/160 (0.6)NSBronchospasm1/166 (0.6)0/160 (0.0)NSFirst-degree AV block16/166 (9.6)2/159 (1.3)0.001Second-degree AV block31/168 (18.5)2/159 (1.3)<0.001Dyspnea3/168 (1.8)0/160 (0.0)NSChest pain3/168 (1.8)0/160 (0.0)NSClinical Outcome at 30 DaysAt 30-day follow-up, 3 patients (1.3%) randomized to intracoronary adenosine had died compared with 2 patients (0.9%) randomized to intracoronary placebo (P=NS; Table 2). Reinfarction occurred in, respectively, 3 (1.3%) and 1 (0.5%) patient. Target vessel revascularization was performed in 8 patients (3.6%) randomized to adenosine and in 7 patients (3.2%) randomized to placebo (P=NS).DiscussionThis prospective randomized controlled trial demonstrated that intracoronary administration of high-dose adenosine after thrombus aspiration and after stenting did not improve myocardial perfusion in patients with STEMI. The incidence of residual ST-segment deviation <0.2 mV, ST-segment elevation resolution, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow after PCI, myocardial blush grade, enzymatic infarct size, and clinical outcome at 30 days after PCI did not significantly differ between patients randomized to intracoronary adenosine or intracoronary placebo. Even with QuBE, a quantitative measure of myocardial perfusion, no effect of intracoronary adenosine administration was observed in the myocardium related to the target coronary artery.In AMISTAD-II, the effect of intravenous administration of adenosine in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI or thrombolysis was investigated and did not show an improvement on clinical outcome.8 Furthermore, Micari et al23 did not find an improvement in microvascular reflow measured by myocardial contrast echocardiography directly after PCI, but the infarct size was smaller in the patients treated with intravenous adenosine at 3 to 5 days after PCI. Both studies suggested that the beneficial effect of adenosine on infarct size depended on whether time to reperfusion was <3 to 4 hours after the onset of ischemic symptoms.9,23Several retrospective and prospective clinical studies with intracoronary administration of adenosine have shown favorable effects during primary PCI. These studies documented that intracoronary infusion of adenosine resulted in an increased coronary blood flow,10 a reduction of no reflow,11 and an improvement of signs of myocardial reperfusion on the ECG after PCI.12,13 However, these favorable results should be interpreted with caution because these results are limited by a small sample size, potential selection bias, or a nonrandomized trial design.The physiological effects of adenosine are multifactorial and still not fully understood. Adenosine is endogenously produced by dephosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate, mainly by the cardiac myocytes during myocardial ischemia. Within a few seconds of ischemia, levels of interstitial adenosine increase and cause arteriolar vasodilatation, depending on the degree of ischemia.24 In addition to vasodilatation, experimental studies have documented that adenosine has a protective effect on many mechanisms involved in myocardial ischemia and infarction, such as inhibition of platelet aggregation, inflammatory cell activation, generation of oxygen free radicals, and decreasing cellular calcium overload.5Why does high-dose intracoronary adenosine not improve myocardial perfusion in patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI? The first explanation may be that, because of the high level of endogenous production of adenosine during myocardial ischemia, maximal vasodilatation was already present in our patients. In animal models, it has been described that levels of adenosine may increase to levels producing maximal coronary arteriolar dilatation during ischemia.25 Therefore, our study may be “negative” because of the absence of vasodilatory reserve during and after reperfusion by PCI.Second, the dose of the bolus intracoronary adenosine may have been not adequate to induce maximal vasodilatation. However, flow measurements have shown that n