Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate whether low-level tragus stimulation (LL-TS) treatment could reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BackgroundThe authors’ previous studies suggested that LL-TS could reduce the size of myocardial injury induced by ischemia. MethodsPatients who presented with STEMI within 12 h of symptom onset, treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, were randomized to the LL-TS group (n = 47) or the control group (with sham stimulation [n = 48]). LL-TS, 50% lower than the electric current that slowed the sinus rate, was delivered to the right tragus once the patients arrived in the catheterization room and lasted for 2 h after balloon dilatation (reperfusion). All patients were followed for 7 days. The occurrence of reperfusion-related arrhythmia, blood levels of creatine kinase-MB, myoglobin, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide and inflammatory markers, and echocardiographic characteristics were evaluated. ResultsThe incidence of reperfusion-related ventricular arrhythmia during the first 24 h was significantly attenuated by LL-TS. In addition, the area under the curve for creatine kinase-MB and myoglobin over 72 h was smaller in the LL-TS group than the control group. Furthermore, blood levels of inflammatory markers were decreased by LL-TS. Cardiac function, as demonstrated by the level of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide, the left ventricular ejection fraction, and the wall motion index, was markedly improved by LL-TS. ConclusionsLL-TS reduces myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients with STEMI. This proof-of-concept study raises the possibility that this noninvasive strategy may be used to treat patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.