CRUSADE Score Research Articles

Antiplatelet Therapy in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes in Elderly Patients. POPular AGE Hypothesis

Background: The POPular AGE study demonstrated that in patients over 70 years of age clopidogrel would be the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor (P2Y12i) of choice due to its association with lower bleeding incidence and no difference in ischemic events. Objective: We analyzed the safety and efficacy of different treatment regimens with P2Y12i, in patients ≥70 years with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) to test the “POPular AGE” hypothesis in the real world. Methods: This subanalysis of the prospective BUENOS AIRES I registry analyzed data corresponding to 1100 patients from 21 medical centers in Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed-up for 15 months. We considered the subgroup of patients ≥70 years, stratified according to the P2Y12i indicated at discharge. Results: This subgroup had a high burden of comorbidities, with 85.1% hypertension, 30.3% diabetes mellitus, and 43.2% chronic kidney disease. Patients treated with ticagrelor/prasugrel (n=54) presented with higher prevalence of active smoking, less atrial fibrillation and lower CRUSADE score, with no differences in the GRACE score, compared whit those treated with clopidogrel (n=286). At the 15-month follow-up, no significant differences were observed in the BARC ≥2 bleeding rate, with more events in the clopidogrel group, although without statistical significance, (25.4% vs. 18.2%; p=0.327) and a benefit in the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the ticagrelor/prasugrel treatment group (18.6% vs 36.3%, p= 0.023). Conclusions: In adequately selected patients with NSTE-ACS ≥70 years, treatment with Ticagrelor/prasugrel could be a safe and effective strategy.

Antiagregación en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST en adultos mayores - hipótesis popular age

Background: The POPular AGE study demonstrated that in patients over 70 years of age clopidogrel would be the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor (P2Y12i) of choice due to its association with lower bleeding incidence and no difference in ischemic events. Objective: We analyzed the safety and efficacy of different treatment regimens with P2Y12i, in patients ≥70 years with nonST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) to test the “POPular AGE” hypothesis in the real world. Methods: This subanalysis of the prospective BUENOS AIRES I registry analyzed data corresponding to 1100 patients from 21 medical centers in Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed-up for 15 months. We considered the subgroup of patients ≥70 years, stratified according to the P2Y12i indicated at discharge. Results: This subgroup had a high burden of comorbidities, with 85.1% hypertension, 30.3% diabetes mellitus, and 43.2% chronic kidney disease. Patients treated with ticagrelor/prasugrel (n=54) presented with higher prevalence of active smoking, less atrial fibrillation and lower CRUSADE score, with no differences in the GRACE score, compared whit those treated with clopidogrel (n=286). At the 15-month follow-up, no significant differences were observed in the BARC ≥2 bleeding rate, with more events in the clopidogrel group (25.4% vs. 18.2%; p=0.327) and a benefit in the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the ticagrelor/prasugrel treatment group (18.6% vs 36.3%, p= 0.023). Conclusions: In adequately selected patients with NSTE-ACS ≥70 years, treatment with ticagrelor/prasugrel could be a safe and effective strategy

Balance of benefit and risk of ticagrelor in patients with diabetes and stable coronary artery disease according to bleeding risk assessment with the CRUSADE score: Data from THEMIS and THEMIS PCI

The THEMIS trial demonstrated that in high-risk patients with stable coronary artery disease and diabetes without previous myocardial infarction or stroke, ticagrelor, in addition to aspirin, reduced the incidence of ischemic events but increased major bleeding. Identification of patients who could derive the greatest net benefit from the addition of ticagrelor appears important. We used the CRUSADE bleeding risk score to risk stratify the THEMIS population. The population was divided into tertiles: score ≤22, 23 to 33, and ≥34. In each tertile, primary efficacy (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) and safety (TIMI major bleeding) outcomes were analyzed. NACE (net adverse clinical events) was defined as the irreversible harm composite, in which all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, amputations, fatal bleeds, and intracranial hemorrhage were counted. Patients in the lower risk tertile experienced fewer ischemic events with ticagrelor than placebo, whereas there was no significant benefit from ticagrelor in the other tertiles (Pinteraction=.008). Bleeding rates were consistently increased with ticagrelor across all tertiles (Pinteraction=.79). Ticagrelor reduced NACE in the first tertile (HR=0.74, 95% CI=0.61-0.90) but not in the others (HR=1.03, 95% CI=0.86-1.23 and HR=1.05, 95% CI=0.91-1.22, respectively; Pinteraction=.012). In patients with stable coronary artery disease and diabetes without a history of myocardial infarction or stroke, only those at the lower end of the bleeding risk spectrum according to the CRUSADE score derived net benefit from ticagrelor.

Untangling the difficult interplay between ischemic and hemorrhagic risk: The role of risk scores.

BACKGROUNDBleedings are an independent risk factor for subsequent mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and in those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. This represents a hazard equivalent to or greater than that for recurrent ACS. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) represents the cornerstone in the secondary prevention of thrombotic events, but the benefit of such therapy is counteracted by the increased hemorrhagic complications. Therefore, an early and individualized patient risk stratification can help to identify high-risk patients who could benefit the most from intensive medical therapies while minimizing unnecessary treatment complications in low-risk patients. AIMTo review existing literature and gain better understanding of the role of ischemic and hemorrhagic risk scores in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). METHODSWe used a combination of terms potentially used in literature describing the most common ischemic and hemorrhagic risk scores to search in PubMed as well as references of full-length articles.RESULTSIn this review we briefly describe the most important ischemic and bleeding scores that can be adopted in patients with IHD, focusing on GRACE, CHA2DS2-Vasc, PARIS CTE, DAPT, CRUSADE, ACUITY, HAS-BLED, PARIS MB and PRECISE-DAPT score. In the second part of this review, we try to define a possible approach to the IHD patient, using the most suitable scores to stratify patient risk and decide the most appropriate patient treatment. CONCLUSIONIt becomes evident that risk scores by themselves can’t be the solution to balance the ischemic/bleeding risk of an IHD patient. Instead, some risk factors that are commonly associated with an elevated risk profile and that are already included in risk scores should be the focus of the clinician while he/she is taking care of a patient affected by IHD.

Hemorrhagic risk scores in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome: can they (only) predict bleeding events?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening condition and its therapeutic approach increases the risk of important bleeding events which are associated with a worse prognosis. Along with hemorrhagic events, a drop on hemoglobin level not related to bleeding or the development of anemia could have a negative impact on prognosis. Both CRUSADE and PARIS bleeding risk scores are used to evaluate and to stratify the risk of major bleeding in ACS. However their actual predictive value has been questioned and validity of these scores in predicting in-hospital mortality (IHM) is not established. Objectives To evaluate the actual prognostic value of CRUSADE and PARIS bleeding scores in ACS patients during their hospitalization stay. Methods Retrospective single center cohort study including 103 hospitalized patients after an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) regardless of its reperfusion strategy. In-hospital major hemorrhagic events (IHMHE), considered intracerebral hemorrhage, those resulting in hemodynamic compromise or requiring a blood transfusion, were assessed. Data on hemoglobin levels (HL) at hospital admission and at the time of hospital discharge were also collected and a composite endpoint (CE) of IHMHE and a drop in HL ≥ 3g/dL were elaborated. Both scores were calculated for each patient, its predictive value and their impact on IHM were determined. Results Out of 103 patients enrolled, the median age was 58.15 ± 12.6 years and 85.4% were male. Two IHMHE occurred, twenty patients (19.4%) had anemia at the time of hospital discharge and 16 of these patients (15.5%) were not anemic at the time of hospital admission. Nine (8.7%) patients had a drop in their HL of at least 3g/dL. The five bleeding risk categories defined by CRUSADE investigators were used, with 48 (46.6%) patients in the very low risk category, 9 (8.7%) and 6 (5.8%) in the high and very high risk category, respectively. Hospitalization length stay was 5.6 ± 4.1 days with an overall in-hospital mortality (IHM) of 5.8%. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that CRUSADE score had an excellent discriminatory power for the CE (AUC 0.927, 95% CI 0.854-1.000) and the PARIS score had an acceptable discriminatory value (AUC 0.775, 95% CI 0.616-0.935). Both CRUSADE and PARIS bleeding scores also had prognostic value in evaluating IHM (AUC 0.929, 95% CI 0.856-1.000 and AUC 0.788, 95% CI 0.634-0.942, respectively). No specific and independent predictors of IHMHE were found, neither related to individual characteristics nor to therapeutic approach. Conclusion The presenting study showed that CRUSADE and PARIS scores still have discriminatory power to assess CE and to assess IHM in ACS patients. Their addition to stratification tools could be of interest.

Use of the HAS-BLED Score in Risk Stratifying Patients on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Coronary Stent

Objectives: Use of the HAS-BLED score in risk stratifying patients on dual antiplatelet therapy after stent placement. 
 Methods & Results: 304 patients who underwent stent placement from June, 2018 to December 2018. There is 6,57% patients with medium & severe bleeding. Area under the curve of HAS-BLED score (AUC); PRECISE-DAPT score and CRUSADE were sequential 0.59; 0,79 and 0,84 (p=0,0001) at post-PCI procedures; were sequential 0,72; 0,94 và 0,88 (p=0,00001) at less than 6 months after PCI procedures, and were sequential 0,87; 0,73 và 0,70 (p=0,0068) at more than 6 months after PCI procedures. 
 Conclusion: the HAS-BLED score was most useful for predicting bleeding in patients on on dual antiplatelet therapy after stent placement at more than 6 months after PCI procedures. PRECISE-DAPT score was most useful for predicting bleeding at less than 6 months after PCI procedures and CRUSADE score was most useful for predicting bleeding at post procedure.

Bedside assessment of dependence as an independent correlate of mortality in elderly patients admitted for Acute Coronary Syndromes

Abstract Background Elderly patients are at high risk of dependence and mortality after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) Purpose To assess the impact of dependence detected by a simple bedside test in elderly patients admitted for ACS on 1-year mortality. Methods We compared mortality between patients with or without dependence based on an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) index <6 in a prospective, cohort of patients ≥75 years old admitted for an ACS to the cardiology department of our center using a Cox proportional survival model adjusted on pre-defined confounding variables (age, gender, revascularization, heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction and admission GRACE and CRUSADE scores). Results In a cohort of 1011 consecutive patients, 946 underwent ADL assessment and completed one-year follow-up. Dependence was identified in 190 (20%). At 1 year follow-up 112 patients died, 52 (27.4%) in the dependent and 60 (7.9%) in the independent groups. Dependence was associated with higher rates of 1 year mortality both on undajusted (HR 3.79; 95% CI 2.62; 5.50], p<0.0001) and adjusted models (adj-HR 2.85; 95% CI 1.89; 4.33], p<0.0001). Other independent correlates of mortality were female gender (p<0.0001), CRUSADE score (p<0.0001) and coronary revascularization (p<0.001). Conclusions Dependence detected by a simple bedside test in patients ≥75 admitted for ACS is associated with a 2 to 3-fold increase of the risk of mortality independent of other predictors of poor outcome. Assessment of dependence should be performed in all elderly patients as a risk stratification tool and considered for the management of such patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The value of GRACE risk score for predicting mortality in heart failure patients admitted with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in heart failure (HF) patients has not been well studied yet. Purpose The main aims of this study were to compare the characteristics and outcomes of Non-ST elevation ACS (NSTACS) in patients with and without prior HF, and to assess the GRACE risk score performance for risk stratification in both groups. Methods All consecutive patients (n=5661) admitted due to a NSTACS from November'2003 to November'2017 in two Spanish hospitals were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided according to prior HF. As GRACE score predicts mortality in 6 months, logistic regression models were used to predict mortality in both groups. The different aspects of model performance were studied, including calibration and discrimination. Results Killip class, GRACE and CRUSADE scores were higher in HF-patients compared to patients without prior HF. Also, HF-patients had more complications (major bleeding, worsening HF, acute kidney injury) and higher mortality. Discrimination capacity of GRACE score to predict mortality at 6 months was slightly higher in non-HF patients (AUC 83.9% [81.6–86.2]) than in HF-patients [AUC 77.0% [70.1–83.8]) (Figure 1). The risk score calibration was acceptable for both groups [Brier scores were 0.139 (c-AUC 0,77) for HF-patients, and 0.046 (c-AUC 0.839) for non-HF patients]. Finally, HF-patients with lower GRACE scores had a higher predicted mortality than non-HF patients (Table 1). Conclusions We showed the potential utility of GRACE risk score in HF-patients admitted with NSTACS, expanding the indication of GRACE risk score for HF-patients as well. In fact, GRACE risk score not only keeps its accuracy, but it is even more robust in HF-patients than in non-HF patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Table 1

STUDY OF BLEEDING PREDICTIVE VALIDITY OF CRUSADE AND NCDR CATHPCI SCORES AFTER PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

Background: After percutaneous coronary intervention, bleeding is a unlikely but frequent complication and it can increase the severity and mortality rate. This study is carried out to determine the bleeding predictive validity of CRUSADE and NCDR CathPCI scores in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients: 1.160 patients who were diagnosed with coronary diseases underwent PCI. Methods: A prospective observational study. Results: The bleeding rate was 3.4%. The AUC of the CRUSADE and NCDR CathPCI was 0.777 (95%CI: 0.705 – 0.849) and 0.759 (95% CI: 0.694 – 0.824). Conclusion: CRUSADE and NCDR CathPCI scores showed a good bleeding predictive validity with high sensitivity and specificity. Key words: bleeding, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), CRUSADE, NCDR Cath PCI.

Association of Dephosphorylated-Uncarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein and Risk of Major Bleeding in Patients Presenting with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

The “Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines” (CRUSADE) score emerged as a predictor of major bleeding in patients presenting with the acute coronary syndrome. On the other hand, previous studies established the association of dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated Matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) and vitamin K, as well as their subsequent impact on coagulation cascade and bleeding tendency. Therefore, in the present study, we explored if dp-ucMGP plasma levels were associated with CRUSADE bleeding score. In this cross-sectional study, physical examination and clinical data, including plasma dp-ucMGP levels, were obtained from 80 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A significant positive correlation was found between CRUSADE bleeding score and both dp-ucMGP plasma levels (r = 0.442, p < 0.001) and risk score of in-hospital mortality (r = 0.520, p < 0.001), respectively. In comparing the three risk groups of risk for in-hospital bleeding, the high/very high-risk group had significantly higher dp-ucMGP levels from both very low/low group (1277 vs. 794 pmol/L, p < 0.001) and the moderate group (1277 vs. 941 pmol/L, p = 0.047). Overall, since higher dp-ucMGP levels were associated with elevated CRUSADE score and prolonged hemostasis parameters, this may suggest that there is a biological link between dp-ucMGP plasma levels and the risk of bleeding in patients who present with AMI.

Impact of Antecedent Aspirin Use on Infarct Size, Bleeding and Composite Endpoint in Patients with de Novo Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BackgroundThe study aimed to evaluate the impact of antecedent aspirin use on infarct size, bleeding and composite endpoint in patients with de novo acute myocardial infarction.Patients and MethodsA total of 562 consecutive patients with de novo acute myocardial infarction were included in this prospective cohort study. Patients were assigned into two groups based on presence (n=212) and absence (n=350) of prior aspirin use. Primary endpoint was myocardial infarct size, as estimated by troponin I peak. In-hospital mortality, bleeding and composite clinical endpoint including cardiogenic shock, stroke, in-hospital mortality and major bleeding were also evaluated.ResultsAlthough GRACE and CRUSADE scores were higher, troponin I peak was lower in prior aspirin users. This result was maintained after adjustment for baseline ischemic risk profile and other major confounders including MI type and location. Despite high CRUSADE score, there was no increase in major and minor bleeding. Minimal bleeding was higher in antecedent aspirin users. When it was adjusted for the CRUSADE score, a similar risk was reported.ConclusionPatients with de novo acute myocardial infarction using aspirin for primary prevention have an unexpectedly smaller infarct size and similar bleeding rates.

The efficacy and safety of acid suppressants for gastrointestinal bleeding prophylaxis in cardiac care unit patients.

Background and AimConcerns regarding adverse events associated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine‐2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) for gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) prophylaxis in the intensive care unit have increased in recent years. Few studies have focused on acid suppressant use in the cardiac care unit (CCU) setting exclusively. We performed a cohort study to determine the efficacy and safety of acid suppressants for GIB prophylaxis in CCU patients.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included adults who were admitted directly to the CCU for more than 2 days from January 1, 2014, to April 30, 2019. The Crusade score was calculated to evaluate the risk of GIB. The primary outcomes were clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding (CIGIB), hospital‐acquired pneumonia (HAP), and in‐hospital mortality.ResultsOf the 3318 patients enrolled, 2284 (68.8%) patients received PPIs, 515 (15.5%) received H2RAs, and 519 (15.7%) received no acid suppressants. After adjusting for potential confounders, utilization of PPIs (2.69, 95% confidence interval [0.62–11.73]) and H2RAs (1.41, 95% confidence interval [0.19–10.36]) were not associated with a lower risk of CIGIB than the control. Sensitivity analyses revealed that PPI use was an independent risk factor for in‐hospital mortality in patients over 75 years old, with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.08 (1.14–14.63). PPIs increased the risk of HAP in patients over 75 years old and in those with heart failure, with adjusted odds ratios of 2.38 (1.06–5.34) and 2.88 (1.34–7.28), respectively.ConclusionsProton pump inhibitors and H2RAs for GIB prophylaxis in CCU patients were not associated with a lower risk of CIGIB than the controls. PPI therapy is associated with increased risks of HAP and in‐hospital mortality in patients over 75 years old. PPIs may increase the risk of HAP in patients with heart failure.

Efficacy and safety of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel with different dosages in acute coronary syndrome patients with high GRACE and CRUSADE scores

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor and different dosages of clopidogrel after acute coronary syndrome. MethodsWe compared different antiplatelet strategies for the prevention of cardiovascular events in 1939 patients admitted to the hospital with an acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ResultsAt 24 months, a survival analysis showed that ticagrelor and double-dose clopidogrel decreased the incidence of MACCE (a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization and stroke) (p < 0.001, p = 0.012, respectively). Although double-dose clopidogrel obviously increased the risk of major bleeding (p < 0.001), a similar result was not observed in the ticagrelor group (p = 0.398). These two stronger antiplatelet strategies also decreased the incidence of myocardial infarction (p = 0.004 and 0.045, respectively). The advantages of ticagrelor are also evident in the endpoints of all cause death and target vessel revascularization. The NACCE (a composite of all-cause death, MI, stroke and major bleeding) rate was also reduced in the ticagrelor group (p = 0.004). ConclusionsIn PCI patients with a high ischemic and bleeding risk, the ticagrelor antiplatelet strategy significantly reduced the MACCE rate without increasing the risk of major bleeding. A decreased MACCE rate was also observed in patients administered the double dosage of clopidogrel, but the bleeding risk was increased compared with the control group.

A New Score for Predicting Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients Administered Oral Antiplatelet Drugs.

Antiplatelet drugs may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Currently, there is no specific score for predicting the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by oral antiplatelet drugs. In this study, the gastrointestinal bleeding risk score was established and compared with the CRUSADE score in order to reduce the occurrence of clinical gastrointestinal bleeding events. Our study included 4052 patients who received oral antiplatelet drugs. Data were obtained from the patient medical records inpatient system. Cases of acute gastrointestinal bleeding and mortality were recorded. The bleeding score was established by logistic regression, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. Finally, 171 patients had acute gastrointestinal bleeding. The mortality rates of patients in the bleeding and nonbleeding groups were 24.6 and 4.7%, respectively. A multivariate analysis revealed that an age of >65 years, anemia, recent major bleeding, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, combined oral anticoagulants, and dual antiplatelet therapy are risk factors, and combined proton pump inhibitors are protective factors for acute gastrointestinal bleeding. We used these risk factors to establish a score for predicting acute gastrointestinal bleeding, named (ABC)2D score. The area under the curve for (ABC)2D score was 0.857 (p < 0.001), higher than the CRUSADE score of 0.693 (p < 0.001). The Hosmer–Lemeshow p value was 0.324. We developed the (ABC)2D score based on seven risk factors (i.e., age, anemia, recent major bleeding, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, no-proton pump inhibitors use, combined oral anticoagulants, and dual antiplatelet therapy). (ABC)2D score was superior to the CRUSADE score. This new risk-scoring model may help to identify patients at a significant risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Efficacy and safety of single high-dose versus double high-dose intracoronary bolus tirofiban in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Objectives: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of single high-dose versus double high-dose intracoronary bolus tirofiban in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total of 80 patients, who were admitted to our clinic and underwent primary PCI, were included in this observational cohort study. The patients were divided into the single high-dose group (n = 40) and the double high-dose group (n = 40) according to the intracoronary bolus tirofiban regime. The primary endpoint was assumed as the incidence of major adverse cardiac event (s) (MACE) defined as all-cause mortality and repeat coronary revascularization (target vessel revascularization [TVR]) at 30 days. MACE and bleeding events were evaluated at 7 and 30 days. Results: The primary endpoint was not significantly different between the single and the double high-dose groups (40.0% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.994). However, a significantly lower 30-day TVR rate was observed in the double high-dose group (27.5% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.019). No significant difference was observed in terms of 30-day all-cause mortality between the two groups (12.5% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.712). Major bleeding events were not observed in any group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that CRUSADE score (Hazard ratio [HR]: 5.721; 95% CI: 2.036 to 16.073, p = 0.001) and platelet count (HR: 1.009; 95% CI: 1.000 to 1.018, p = 0.048) were the independent predictors of bleeding at 7 days. Conclusions: Double high-dose intracoronary bolus tirofiban in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI was associated with significantly lower 30-day TVR rates without an increase in bleeding events. However, it did not significantly affect MACE and all-cause mortality rates.

Prevalence and prognosis of iron deficiency in acute myocardial infarction

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and iron deficiency (ID) are two common pathologies, but the potential role of iron in the pathophysiology of CAD through inflammation and atherosclerosis is still being debated. To evaluate the prevalence and prognosis of ID in CAD patient after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Patients hospitalised for AMI in two cardiology centres were screened for ID in the first 48 hours after admittance. ID was defined as transferring saturation less than 20% (T-SAT < 20%). All-cause mortality 6 months after MI was the primary end-point. GRACE and CRUSADE scores, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), severity of CAD (defined by TIMI and SYNTAX angiographic scores), length of hospital stay (LOS), increased C-reactive protein (CRP), troponin IC, and natriuretic peptides were the secondary endpoints. Half (49%) of the 145 patients included were diagnosed with ID (average age 66.5 ± 13.4 years, 30% were women and 30% over 75 years- old). Six months overall survival of ID patients was impaired: 83.1% vs. 100%, in non-ID patients ( P < 0.001). On admittance, ID patients also had increased GRACE and CRUSADE scores ( P < 0.0001 and < 0.01, respectively); lower LVEF ( P < 0.01); more frequent coronary occlusions ( P < 0.004); higher SYNTAX score ( P < 0.0001); more common multi-vessel involvement ( P < 0.007); LOS often over one week ( P < 0.001); more severe inflammation ( P < 0.0001); higher natriuretic peptides levels ( P < 0.03) ( Fig. 1 ). ID is highly prevalent among patients hospitalised for MI and associated with higher mortality at 6 months and greater severity of CAD. Whether its presence impacts long-term survival needs further studies.

Sex differences in distribution, management and outcomes of combined ischemic-bleeding risk following acute coronary syndrome

BackgroundRisk factors for further bleeding and ischemic events after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) often overlap. Little is known about sex-based differences in the management and outcomes of ACS patients according to their combined bleeding-ischemic risk. MethodsAll ACS hospitalizations in the United Kingdom (2010–2017) were retrospectively analyzed, stratified by sex and bleeding-ischemic risk combination (using CRUSADE and GRACE scores). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine association between risk-groups and 1) receipt of guideline-recommended management and 2) in-hospital outcomes. ResultsOf 584,360 patients, a third of males (32.3%) and females (32.6%) were in the dual high-risk group (High CRUSADE- High GRACE). In comparison to the dual low-risk group (Low CRUSADE-Low GRACE), the dual high-risk patients of both sexes were 59–83% less likely to receive inpatient revascularisation (PCI or CABG) and 50% less likely to receive dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) on discharge, with a significant increase in odds of MACE (~8 to 9-fold), all-cause and cardiac mortality (25 to 35-fold), and bleeding (78–91%). The greatest difference in management and clinical outcomes between sexes was found in the dual-high risk group where females were less likely to receive guideline-recommended therapy (revascularisation and DAPT), compared to males, and were more likely to experience MACE, all-cause and cardiac mortality. ConclusionACS patients with dual high-risk for bleeding and recurrent ischemia, especially females, are less likely to receive guideline-recommended therapy and experience significantly worse outcomes. Novel strategies are needed to effectively manage this highly prevalent, complex patient group and address the under-treatment of females.

Leuko-platelet index predicts thrombotic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome

PurposeTo evaluate the predictive value of a bedside index in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). MethodsWe studied the association of leuko-platelet index (LPI: platelet count * leukocyte count/108) with risk of mortality, shock, or heart failure (combined end point-CEP), and with the response to antiplatelet therapy, measured by light transmission aggregometry. ResultsIn the derivation cohort we included 1100 patients with non STEM-ACS, GRACE score of 133 ± 52, Crusade score 24,3 ± 14, 66% male, 65 + 11 years. LPI was 17 (12–24). LPI was higher (19 (13–25)) in patients with MI than in patients with unstable angina (16 (12−22) in (p < 0.001)).A total of 115 patients (10.5%) had the CEP. CEP was associated to LPI (OR 1.04 (1.002–1.08), p = 0.03), age (OR 1.01 (0.97–1.05), p = 0.62) and GRACE>140 (OR 8.1 (2.2–29), p = 0.02). LPI (OR 1.04 (1.004–1.07) p = 0.03) and GRACE score (OR 1.02 (1.01–1.03) p < 0.01) were associated to cardiovascular mortality. We confirmed these results in the validation cohort #1 (686 patients, 61 + 11 years old, 47% nonST-ACS, 53% ST-ACS, 21% had CEP) and in validation cohort #2 (218 patients, 56.8% males, 73 + 7 years old, 79% nonST-ACS, GRACE score 136 + 30) and 8.3% with CEP. We used the cutoff points of LPI obtained in the derivation cohort (>24). Conclusions:LPI > 24 was associated to CEP (OR (1.7–5.2), p 0.01), independently of age (OR 1 (0.98–1.02), p = 0.8), and GRACE score (OR 1.01 (0.99–1.01), p 0.69), and It was associated to antiplatelet resistance (OR 1.03 (95% CI 1.00–1.06) p = 0.05).

Safety and efficacy of bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin during perioperative period of percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin during perioperative period of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) in real-world. Methods: A total of 13 097 serial patients who underwent PCI from January 2016 to November 2018 in the Northern Theater Command were enrolled in the present study. Patients were stratified as the bivalirudin group or the heparin group according to antithrombotic therapy during PCI. The primary efficiency endpoint was 30-day net adverse clinical event(NACE), defined as all-cause death, re-infarction, urgent target lesion revascularization (uTLR), stroke or any bleeding. The second efficiency endpoint was 30-day major cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE), defined as all-cause death, re-infarction, uTLR and stroke. Additional end points included the rates of stent thrombosis at 30 days. Propensity scores included clinical and demographic variables, with 1∶2 matching. Compared the incidence of events above between the two groups before and after matching. Results: Among the 13 097 included patients(age was (61±10) years old), 3 421 (26.1%) were female. And 2 734 patients were divided into the bivalirudin group, and 10 363 patients to the heparin group(5 468 after matching). Before propensity score matching, patients in bivalirudin group were older and received higher levels of CRUSADE score than heparin group. These patients were more likely to have hypertension and more with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes（all P＜0.05）. After propensity score matching, the incidence of 30-day NACE(3.8%(103/2 734) vs.5.0%(271/5 468), P=0.015) and any bleeding (2.0%(54/2 734) vs. 2.8%(151/5 468), P=0.032) in the bivalirudin group were lower than that in the heparin group, but the incidence of MACCE (1.9%(51/2 734) vs. 2.3%(127/5 468), P=0.180) and stent thrombosis (0.1%(2/2 734) vs. 0.1%(3/5 468), P=1.000) were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: The risk of bleeding and the incidence of NACE are significantly lower for patients using bivalirudin during perioperative period of PCI compared to heparin, without significant differences in ischemic events.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in patients admitted to cardiology: risk factors and a new risk score

ObjectiveAlthough the early use of a risk stratification score in gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is recommended, so far there has been no risk score for GIB in patients admitted to the cardiology department. To describe the risk factors of GIB and develop a new risk score model in patients admitted to the cardiology department. MethodsA total of 633 inpatients with GIB from January 2014 to December 2018 were recruited, 4,231 inpatients with non-GIB were recruited as the control group. Multivariate logistic regression was used to describe the risk factors of GIB. A new risk score model was developed in the derivation cohort. Accuracy to predict GIB was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve in the validation cohort. ResultsMale, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, systolic blood pressure, hematocrit, plasma albumin, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were associated with GIB. The model had a high predictive accuracy (AUROC 0.816 and 95% CI, 0.792-0.839), which was supported by the validation cohort (AUROC 0.841 and 95% CI, 0.807~0.874). Besides, the prediction of the model was better than HAS-BLED score (AUROC 0.557; 95% CI, 0.513~0.602) and CRUSADE score (AUROC 0.791; 95%CI, 0.757~0.825), respectively. Among the inpatients with a score of 0-3, 4-7, and ≥8 points, the incidence of GIB, the proportion of inpatients requiring suspended red blood cells transfusion, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality all increased gradually (P< 0.001). ConclusionsMale, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, systolic blood pressure, hematocrit, plasma albumin, and ALT are associated with GIB. The new risk score model is an accurate risk score that predicts GIB in patients admitted to the cardiology department.