30-day Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Articles

Ischemic burden and cardiovascular mortality in 12 middle- and high-income European countries

Abstract Background Death rates from ischemic heart disease (IHD) are consistently higher in middle-income countries (MICs) than in high-income countries (HICs) in Europe, but the reasons are unknown. Purpose The main goal of this study was to disentangle the relation between patient-specific revascularization through percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and risk factor burden among European women and men from HICs and MICs Methods We enrolled 22,087 patients with myocardial infarction (MI) from 40 urban hospitals in 12 European countries (6 high-income and 6 middle-income countries; HICs and MICs, respectively) and quantified their traditional risk-factor burden (hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, current smoking and hypertension), the severity of their clinical presentation (incidence of ST-segment elevation MI [STEMI]) and their 30-day cardiovascular outcomes. We calculated women to men risk ratios (RRs) using inverse probability weighting models with estimates compared by interaction test on the log scale. Results Women and men from MICs were significantly (P<0.001) younger than those from HICs. Rates of hypertension and diabetes were significantly (P<0.001) higher in MICs compared to HICs for both women and men. By contrast, we did not find significant differences between country income levels, sex and rates of hypercholesterolemia. In line with these data the use of preventive medications was significantly (P<0.001) more common in MICs than in HICs and in women compared with men. Despite this, the rates of STEMI on hospital presentation were remarkably (P<0.001) higher in MICs than in HICs. (68.8% vs 57.7% in women and 71.0% vs 57.9% in men), and accordingly the case fatality rates for MI were consistently (P<0.001) higher in MICs than in HICs, with women having higher rates of mortality than men (10.3% vs 5.7%; RR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.67-2.17 and 5.5%, vs 4.2%; RR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.06-1.63; respectively; P interaction=0.002). Contrary to what was expected, MIC hospitals had higher rates of revascularization procedures than HIC hospitals both in women (72% vs 56%) and men (80% vs 61%). Although the rates of death were consistently lower in the population undergoing revascularization, still mortality remained significantly (P<0.001) higher in MICs than in HICs and in women than in men (6.9% vs 3.8% and 4.3% vs 2.3%; 10.3% vs 5.7%), but the relative RRs for the two country income groups did not significantly differ each other (P interaction=0.40). Conclusions Although the rates of revascularization procedures in MI were higher in MICs, the rates of death were substantially higher in MICs than in HICs. The high burden of risk factors in MICs appears to be the reason of a substantial increased baseline ischemic risk with higher rate of STEMI as MI clinical presentation. Better control of risk factors may mitigate the observed gap in mortality from MI between MICs and HICs, especially in women.

Current Transthoracic Supra-Aortic Trunk Surgical Reconstruction Has Similar 30-Day Cardiovascular Outcomes Compared to Extra-Anatomic Revascularization but With Higher Morbidity Burden

Operative risk for supra-aortic trunk (SAT) surgical revascularization for occlusive disease, particularly transthoracic reconstruction (TR), remains ill-defined. This study sought to describe and compare 30-day outcomes of TR and extra-anatomic (ER) SAT surgical reconstruction for an occlusive indication across the United States over a contemporary 15-year period. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, TR and ER performed during 2005-2019 were identified. Procedures performed for nonocclusive indications and those concomitant with coronary or valve operations were excluded. Rates of stroke, death, myocardial infarction (MI) and these as composite outcome (S/D/M) were compared. Logistic regression with stabilized inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to compare groups via average treatment effect (ATE) while adjusting for covariate imbalances. Over the 15-year period, 166TR and 1,900 ER patients were identified. The majority of ERs were carotid-subclavian bypass (n=1,344; 70.7%) followed by carotid-carotid bypass (n=261; 13.7%) and subclavian/carotid transpositions (n=123; 6.5%). TR consisted of aorto-SAT bypass (n=120; 72.3%) and endarterectomy (n=46; 27.7%). The median age was 64years for TR and 65years in ER (P=0.039). Those undergoing TR were more often women (69.0% vs. 56.9%; P=0.001) and less likely to have undergone previous cardiac surgery (9.2% vs. 20.8%; P=0.006). TR were also less frequently hypertensive (68.1% vs. 75.4%; P=0.038) and had statistically lower preoperative creatinine levels (0.86 vs 0.91; P=0.002). Unadjusted rates of MI (0.6% vs. 1.3%; P=0.72) and stroke (3.6% vs. 1.9%; P=0.15) were similar between groups with mortality (3.6% vs. 1.5%; P=0.05) and S/D/M (6.6% vs. 3.9%; P=0.10) trending higher with TR. IPWs could be calculated for 1,754 patients (148TR; 1,606 ER). The estimated probability of S/D/M was 3.8% in the ER group and 6.2% in TR; no difference was seen in ATE (2.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.5 to 6.2; P=0.23). No differences were seen in individual component ATEs (stroke: 3.0% vs. 1.7%; ATE=1.3%; 95% CI: -3.9 to 1.3; P=0.32; mortality: 3.8% vs. 1.4%; ATE=2.4%; 95% CI: -5.6 to 0.7; P=0.13). Secondary outcomes showed TR patients were more likely to have non-home discharge (18.7% vs. 6.6%; ATE=12.1%; 95% CI: 5.0-19.2; P<0.001) and longer lengths of stay (6.1 vs. 4.0; ATE=2.2days; 95% CI: 0.9-3.4; P<0.001). Moreover, TR patients were more likely to require transfusion (22.7% vs. 5.0%; ATE=17.7%; 95% CI: 10.2-25.2; P<0.001) and develop sepsis (2.7% vs. 0.2%; ATE=2.5%; 95% CI: 0.1-5.0; P=0.04). Transthoracic and extra-anatomic surgical reconstruction of the SATs for occlusive disease have similar operative cardiovascular risk. However, morbidity tends to be higher with TR due to higher transfusion requirements, sepsis risk, and need for facility stay. These results suggest ER as a first-line approach in those with proper disease anatomy is reasonable with lower morbidity, while TR remains justified in appropriate patients.

Abstract 14544: Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes and Diabetes in India: Results From ACS QUIK Trial

Introduction: Patients with diabetes are more likely to experience an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure, or death from cardiovascular (CV) causes than patients without diabetes. Despite cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death in India, limited data exists on the outcome of patients with diabetes who suffer acute cardiovascular events. Hypothesis: Diabetes is common in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in India and is associated with worse in-hospital and 30-day cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: We examined 21374 patients with AMI enrolled in the Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement in Kerala trial. We compared those with and without diabetes with regards to the development of in-hospital and 30-day major adverse cardiac events including death, re-infarction, stroke, or major bleeding. The associations between diabetes and cardiac outcomes were adjusted for presentation and in-hospital management using logistic regression. Results: mean±SD age was 60.1±12.0 years and 24.3% were females. A total of 44.4% of AMI patients had diabetes. Those with diabetes were more likely to be older, female, with hypertension and have higher Killip class on presentation but less likely to present with STEMI. Patients with diabetes had longer symptoms onset-to-arrival (median 225 vs 290 min; P&lt;0.001) and, in case of STEMI, longer door-to-balloon times (median, 75.0 vs 91 min; P&lt;0.001). Diabetes was independently associated with higher in-hospital death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.46; 95% CI, 1.12-1.89), in-hospital reinfarction (aOR 1.52; 95% CI, 1.15-2.02). Diabetes was also associated with higher 30-day MACE (aOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.14-1.55) and 30-day death (aOR, 1.40; 95%CI, 1.16-1.69) but not 30-day stroke or 30-day bleeding. Conclusion: Among patients presenting with AMI in Kerala, India, a considerable proportion has diabetes and are at increased risk for in-hospital and 30-day adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Increased awareness of the increased CV risk and attention to the implementation of established cardiovascular therapies are indicated for patients with diabetes in lower-middle income countries who develop AMI.

High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Native Coronary Arteries Without Mechanical Circulatory Support in Acute Coronary Syndrome Without Cardiogenic Shock

Widespread utilization of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial, with a lack of randomized supporting evidence and associated risk of device-related complications. We investigated whether high-risk PCI of native coronary arteries without elective MCS in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is safe and feasible. We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis for ACS patients meeting American College of Cardiology high-risk criteria: unprotected left main disease, last remaining conduit, ejection fraction <35%, 3-vessel coronary artery disease, severe aortic stenosis, or severe mitral regurgitation. Patients with cardiogenic shock and those undergoing PCI of the bypass grafts were excluded. Major in-hospital and 30-day cardiovascular outcomes were assessed. From 2003 through 2018, 499 patients (847 lesions) with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), 1218 patients (1807 lesions) with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and 868 patients (1260 lesions) with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) underwent high-risk PCI. Procedural success was achieved in 97.2% of UAP, 98.3% of NSTEMI, and 96.6% of STEMI patients. In-hospital and 30-day all-cause mortality were as follows: UAP, 2%; NSTEMI, 2.1%; and STEMI 4.7%. Bailout intra-aortic balloon pump was required in 1.6% of UAP, 3.1% of NSTEMI, and 10.3% of STEMI patients. Major complications for UAP, NSTEMI, and STEMI were, respectively: target lesion revascularization (2.3%, 1.4%, and 1.5%), stroke or transient ischemic attack (0.8%, 0.6%, and 1.3%), acute renal failure (8.2%, 7.2%, and 10.2%), major bleeding (1.6%, 3.1%, and 8.5%). In conclusion, our results show that high-risk PCI without elective MCS is safe and feasible in most ACS patients, challenging professional societies' current recommendations. A randomized trial comparing unprotected versus protected high-risk PCI for non-shock ACS patients is warranted.

Unprotected Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With or Without Hemodynamic Support

Hemodynamic support is widely utilized for unprotected left main (ULM) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) despite lack of evidence from randomized studies and the risk of device-related complications. We aimed to compare ULMPCI with and without intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support. A single-center, retrospective analysis was performed for patients undergoing ULMPCI with and without IABP support. Clinical, procedural, in-hospital, and 30-day cardiovascular outcomes were compared. From 2003 through 2018, 217 patients underwent non-emergent ULMPCI, 55 with elective IABP support (IABP group), and 162 without support (No-IABP group). The study population comprised 56.4% men and 74.5% Caucasians in the IABP group and 53.7% men and 62.3% Caucasians in the No-IABP group. The mean age for IABP and No-IABP group patients was 75.75 ± 12.34 years and 73.47 ± 15.19 years, respectively (p=0.315). Procedural success was achieved in 99% of IABP and 95.3% of No-IABP patients (p=0.089). In-hospital and 30-day mortality was 5.5% for the IABP group and 5.6% for the No-IABP group (p=0.977). Rates of major complications were statistically similar between the groups. Bailout IABP was required in 10% of No-IABP patients. Hospital and intensive care unit length of stay was statistically longer in the IABP group. In conclusion, ULMPCI without IABP support was not associated with increased mortality and major cardiovascular outcomes compared with supported patients and was associated with shorter hospital and intensive care unit stay. A randomized trial comparing unsupported versus supported ULMPCI is warranted to identify patients who would benefit from hemodynamic support.

Feasibility and Safety of High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Without Mechanical Circulatory Support.

[Figure: see text].

Heart Rate as a Predictor of Outcome Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Data from previous studies of patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease suggest that those with higher resting heart rates (HRs) have worse cardiovascular outcomes. We sought to evaluate whether HR immediately before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an independent predictor for 30-day outcome. We analyzed the outcome of 3,720 patients who had HR recorded before PCI from the Melbourne Interventional Group registry. HR and outcomes were analyzed by quintiles, and secondarily by dichotomizing into <70 or ≥70 beats/min. Patients with cardiogenic shock, intra-aortic balloon pump or inotropic support, and out-of-hospital arrest were excluded. The mean ± SD HR was 70.9 ± 14.7 beats/min. HR by quintile was 55 ± 5, 64 ± 2, 70 ± 1, 77 ± 3, and 93 ± 13 beats/min, respectively. Patients with higher HR were more likely to be women, current smokers, have higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, recent heart failure, lower ejection fraction, and ST-elevation myocardial infarction as the indication for the PCI (all p ≤0.002). However, rates of treated hypertension, multivessel disease, previous myocardial infarction, PCI, and coronary bypass surgery were lower (all p ≤0.004). Increased HR was associated with higher 30-day mortality (p for trend = 0.04), target vessel revascularization (p for trend = 0.003), and 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (p for trend = 0.004). In a multivariable analysis, HR was an independent predictor of 30-day MACE (OR 1.21 per quintile; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06 to 1.39, p = 0.004). When dichotomized into <70 or ≥70 beats/min, HR independently predicted both 30-day MACE (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.36, p = 0.02) and 30-day mortality (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.10 to 7.08, p = 0.03). In conclusion, HR immediately before PCI is an independent predictor of adverse 30-day cardiovascular outcomes.

30-Day Cardiovascular Outcomes of Adult Patients Undergoing Non-cardiac Surgery at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Approximately 3,500 non-cardiac surgeries are being performed each year in the University of Santo Tomas Hospital (Manila, Philippines). No study has yet been made to evaluate the cardiovascular outcomes of these surgical patients. This prospective cohort study was performed to determine the 30-day cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery in the private and clinical divisions of this institution and to evaluate the utility of currently used risk scoring systems. METHODS: There were 159 adult patients admitted from July to September 2015 for non-cardiac surgery who consented for inclusion. Risk stratification was done using the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) and the Gupta Perioperative Risk calculator. They were followed up for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) until 30 days after the surgery. RESULTS: Out of 159 cases, nine patients (5.7%) developed MACE, eight of whom had a cardiac arrest. All major events occurred within 16 days following surgery. The number of comorbidities, presence of chronic kidney disease and emergency surgery significantly predicted perioperative MACE. RCRI had a sensitivity of 88.89%, specificity of 78.37%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 20% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.15% for predicting MACE. Gupta Perioperative Risk had a sensitivity of 77.78%, specificity of 84.46%, PPV of 23.3% and NPV of 98.43%. When combined, the two risk scoring systems showed a sensitivity of 88.89%, specificity of 77.70%, PPV of 19.5% and NPV of 99.14%. CONCLUSIONS: The 5.7% incidence of perioperative cardiovascular complications for non-cardiac surgery was similar to that seen worldwide. Physicians must be vigilant for these complications in the first 16 days following the surgery especially in patients undergoing emergency surgery and who have comorbidities like chronic kidney disease. RCRI is more sensitive while the Gupta Perioperative Risk is more specific and has higher positive predictive value for the occurrence of a MACE. Both scoring indices were useful in risk-stratifying patients.

Cardiovascular outcomes in patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in a general tertiary hospital

ABSTRACT Background There are few national data on the results of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and registries are a great tool for assessing patient profiles and post-procedure outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe the profile of patients with primary PCI in a general tertiary hospital, as well as to evaluate in-hospital and 30-day cardiovascular outcomes. Methods The study included all patients submitted to primary PCI between 2012 and 2015. This was a prospective registry, in which the analyzed clinical outcomes were the occurrence of death, infarction, or stroke, and major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Results The study included 323 patients, aged 60 ± 12 years, of whom 66.7% were males, 28.5% diabetics. At admission, 13.5% of the patients were classified as Killip class III/IV. The pain-to-door time was 4.4 ± 2.5 hours and the door-to-balloon time was 68.0 ± 34.0 minutes. Hospital mortality was 9.9%, and 18.3% of the patients presented MACCE in 30 days. Conclusions Patients submitted to primary PCI had high rates of MACCE, which can be attributed to the more severe clinical presentation and to a long time of ischemia. The faster treatment of these patients, a modifiable variable, demands immediate attention from the health system.

Abstract 12983: Impact of Door to Balloon Time on Outcome of Patients Presenting With Different Symptom Onset to Door Time

Objective: Delay in reperfusion &gt; 4h in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with negative outcomes. We sought out to examine the impact of DTBT on 30-day cardiovascular outcomes and persistent ST elevation (STE) on the post reperfusion EKG, in patients with different symptom onset to door time (SOTDT). Methods: 122 consecutive patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI in a tertiary care county hospital from 2011-2013 are included. All patients had DTBT ≤ 90min. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to their SOTDT: Group1 ≤ 90min, Group2 between 90min and 4h and Group3 &gt;4h. Each group was further divided in 2 subgroups based on median DTBT of the entire population. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of mortality, re-hospitalization for chest pain or heart failure, repeat revascularization and re-infarction at 30 days. A secondary outcome was persistence of &gt; 50% STE on the post reperfusion EKG. Results: Median SOTDT was 129 min and the median DTBT was 47min for all included patients in the study. The 3 groups had comparable baseline characteristics. The mean DTBT was similar (49±20 min, 47±18 min and 50±16 min, p=0.7). In the 3 groups, the primary outcome was present in 16.7 %, 16.2 % and 35%, respectively (p=0.08) and there was a significant difference in STE resolution: 16.7%, 17.1% and 78.6%, respectively (p&lt;0.001). Group 1 and 3 demonstrate that short DTBT (≤ 47 min) does not affect overall outcomes compared to those with longer DTBT (&gt; 47 min). In group 2, patients with DTBT ≤ 47min had significantly lower persistent STE on EKG (0% vs 36.8%, p=0.002) and a trend to a favorable clinical outcome (table). Conclusion: Patients with intermediate SOTDT seem to benefit mostly from shorter DTBT compared to all other patient groups. Achieving shorter DTBT may have no impact on outcome in patients with very early or very late presentation. Larger studies are needed to further confirm these findings.

Clinical Implications and Correlates of Q Waves in Patients With ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Fibrinolysis: Observations from the CLARITY‐TIMI 28 Trial

The relationships between Q waves that appear during the acute phase of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), clinical characteristics, ST-segment resolution (STRes), and clopidogrel therapy in patients treated with fibrinolysis are not well described. We hypothesized that Q waves would be associated with less successful reperfusion and increased cardiovascular events. In the CLARITY-TIMI 28 trial, 3491 STEMI patients treated with fibrinolysis were randomized to clopidogrel or placebo. Electrocardiograms were evaluated for STRes post-fibrinolysis and the presence of pathologic Q waves during the index hospitalization in 3322 patients. Q waves were identified in 2045 patients (61.6%) prior to discharge and were associated with increased odds of congestive heart failure (CHF) (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj ]: 2.10, P = 0.002) or the composite of cardiovascular death/CHF at 30 days (ORadj : 2.08, P ≤ 0.001). Q waves were associated with lower odds of Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] flow grade 2 to 3 (ORadj : 0.78, P = 0.028), TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3 (ORadj : 0.83, P = 0.029), and complete STRes at 90 minutes (ORadj : 0.80, P = 0.030). Patients with both a Q wave and incomplete STRes 90 minutes after fibrinolysis were at higher risk for cardiovascular death or CHF (11.1%) than patients with no Q wave and at least partial STRes (1.9%). Overall, clopidogrel tended to be equally or more effective in patients without Q waves compared to those with Q waves. Among STEMI patients treated with fibrinolysis, evaluating for Q waves prior to discharge is a simple method of assessing for less successful reperfusion and an increased risk of adverse 30-day cardiovascular outcomes. The combination of Q waves and 90-minute STRes allows additional risk refinement.

Does Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring Add to the Predictive Value of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography for Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Low‐risk Chest Pain Patients?

Coronary angiography calcium score (CACS) is included for patients who receive coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) as part of diagnostic testing for low-risk chest pain. Both tests add radiation exposure, and it is unclear whether the combination provides more information than either test alone. The objective was to asses if CACS = 0 determines freedom from coronary artery disease (CAD) and whether the addition of CACS to coronary CT angiography provides additional risk stratification information or helps predict 30-day cardiovascular outcomes. This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study at an urban university hospital emergency department (ED), of patients with symptoms suggestive of potential acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and low Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk scores who received coronary CTA. Data collected included demographics and medical history. The main outcome was CAD, defined as the presence of a maximal stenosis >50% on coronary CTA, stratified by CACS results. The secondary outcome was cardiovascular events including death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization at 30 days. Data were analyzed with standard descriptive techniques and relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 1,049 patients were enrolled (median age = 48.1 years; interquartile range [IQR] = 42.4 to 53.3 years); 55% were female, and 63% were black or African American. Of these, 17 of 795 (2.1%) with CACS of 0 had CAD, 16 of 169 patients (9.5%) with CACS of 0.1 to 99 had CAD, 53.3% (32 of 60) with CACS between 100 and 399 had CAD, and 10 of 23 (43.5%) with CACS ≥ 400 had CAD. There was a higher likelihood of significant CAD with increased CACS. Patients who had a calcium score of 0 but still had CAD were more likely to be young (50 years old or less; RR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.01 to 2.96). For the secondary outcome, there were 15 cardiovascular events within 30 days: one patient with CACS = 0 and no CAD (1 of 733; 0.1%), one patient with CACS > 0 and no CAD (1 of 182; 0.5%), four patients with CACS = 0 and CAD (4 of 17; 23.5%), and nine patients with CACS > 0 and CAD (9 of 58; 15.5%), with a net reclassification index of -0.001 (p = 0.32). In the study sample, elevated CACS was associated with a higher likelihood of underlying CAD on coronary CTA, but the addition of CACS to coronary CTA did not help predict 30-day cardiovascular events.

Usefulness of Elevations in Serum Choline and Free F 2-Isoprostane to Predict 30-Day Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Our objectives were to evaluate the prognostic value of several biomarkers in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) through an evaluation of the 30-day clinical outcomes. Multiple biomarkers have emerged as potentially useful in risk stratification of ACS. Specifically, markers of vascular inflammation and oxidative stress might be helpful in the determination of clinical outcomes. We evaluated patients presenting with chest pain. ACS was defined by symptoms of cardiac ischemia plus electrocardiographic changes or positive troponin I. Levels of serum troponin I, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, serum choline, and free F(2)-isoprostane were obtained. Patients were followed up for 30 days (n = 108) with determination of nonfatal myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, need for revascularization, and death. Of the 108 patients, 26 had a cardiac event. Free F(2)-isoprostane and choline levels (but not high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels) predicted 30-day cardiac events. To determine the value of choline and F(2)-isoprostane levels in predicting 30-day cardiac events, receiver operating curves were generated. The optimal cutoff point of these markers was a serum F(2)-isoprostane level of 124.5 pg/ml (r = 0.82) and a serum choline level of 30.5 mumol/L (r = 0.76). F(2)-isoprostane and choline had a positive predictive value of 57% and 44% and a negative predictive value of 90% and 89%, respectively. In conclusion, serum choline and free F(2)-isoprostane are predictors of cardiac events in ACS. A model that includes an array of biomarkers, including troponin, choline, and free F(2)-isoprostane, might be useful in predicting patients at greater risk of future events in ACS.

Predictive Value of T‐wave Abnormalities at the Time of Emergency Department Presentation in Patients with Potential Acute Coronary Syndromes

T-wave abnormalities on electrocardiograms (ECGs) are common, but their ability to predict 30-day cardiovascular outcomes at the time of emergency department (ED) presentation is unknown. The authors determined the association between T-wave abnormalities on the presenting ECG and cardiovascular outcomes within 30 days of presentation in patients with potential acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of ED patients that presented with a potential ACS. Patients were excluded if they had a prior myocardial infarction, ST-segment elevation or depressions, right or left bundle branch block, or Q-waves on the initial ECG. Data included demographics, medical and cardiac history, and ECG findings including the presence or absence of T-wave flattening, inversions of 1-5 mm, and inversions >5 mm. Investigators followed the hospital course for admitted patients, and 30-day follow-up was performed on all patients. The main outcome was a composite of death, acute myocardial infarction, revascularization, coronary stenosis greater than 50%, or a stress test with reversible ischemia. Of 8,298 patient visits, 5,582 met criteria for inclusion: 4,166 (74.6%) had no T-wave abnormalities, 721 (12.9%) had T-wave flattening in two or more leads, 659 (11.8%) had T-wave inversions of 1-5 mm, and 36 (0.64%) had T-wave inversions >5 mm. The composite endpoint was more common in patients with T-wave flattening (8.2% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; relative risk [RR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1 to 1.9), T-wave inversions 1-5 mm (13.2% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; RR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.8 to 3.1), and T-wave inversions >5 mm (19.4% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; RR = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.7 to 6.1), or any T-wave abnormality (10.8% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; RR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.6 to 2.3), even after adjustment for initial troponin. This association also existed in the subset of patients without known coronary artery disease. In patients with potential ACS presenting to the ED, T-wave abnormalities are associated with higher rates of 30-day cardiovascular events.

Impact of stress testing on 30-day cardiovascular outcomes for low-risk patients with chest pain admitted to floor telemetry beds

The role of immediate stress testing in low-risk patients with a potential acute coronary syndrome has not been rigorously evaluated with respect to impact on 30-day cardiovascular events. We evaluated the impact of inpatient, outpatient, or no stress testing (ETT) on 30-day cardiovascular outcomes. We performed a prospective cohort study in which consecutive patients with chest pain were admitted to a non-intensive-care telemetry bed over 16 months. Patients were identified in the ED, followed daily through hospitalization, and contacted by telephone at 30 days. Patients were excluded if they were admitted to the coronary care unit, died during hospitalization, sustained an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or received cardiac catheterization before ETT. Patients were stratified according to whether they received an ETT as an inpatient, outpatient, or no ETT. Main outcomes were 30-day cardiac death, AMI, percutaneous interventions (PCI), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Data are presented as percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for main outcomes. A total of 832 patients were admitted 962 times. A total of 205 patients (21%) received an in-house ETT. Seventy-four patients (10%) without an inpatient ETT received an outpatient ETT. At baseline, the groups were similar with respect to likelihood of ischemia based on mean ACI-TIPI score and Goldman risk score. A total of 98% of patients had 30-day follow-up. The cardiovascular outcomes (with 95% confidence interval) for patients with inpatient ETT versus outpatient ETT versus no ETT were as follows: death, 0% (0–1.5%) vs 0% (0–4.1%) vs1% (0.3–1.7%); AMI, 1% (0.1–2.4%) vs 1.4% (0.1–4.1%) vs 0.3% (0.1–0.7%); PCI, 0.5% (0.1–1.5%) vs 1.3% (0.1–4.1%) vs 0% (0–0.4%); and CABG, 0.5% (0.1–1.5%) vs 0% (0–4.1%) vs 0.2% (0.1–0.4%). There was no statistical difference in 30-day cardiovascular outcomes among patients who received inpatient, outpatient, or no ETT within 30 days. This suggests that patients with chest pain who are admitted to non-intensive-care telemetry (or observation unit) beds might not need stress testing before hospital release.

Predicting 30-day cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic renal transplant recipients using dobutamine echo

Predicting 30-day cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic renal transplant recipients using dobutamine echo