Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Research Articles

In-Hospital Management and Outcomes of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Influenza

Patients with influenza infection are at increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). There are limited data on the short-term prognosis and management of patients with AMI and concomitant influenza. We examined the National Inpatient Sample from 2010 to 2014 for adult patients with a diagnosis of AMI. Patients were stratified into those with or without concomitant influenza. In-hospital therapies and outcomes were compared between groups in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Standardized differences of >10% and p values <0.05 were considered significant. Propensity matching was performed using a caliper radius of 0.01*sigma. Of 4,285,641 patients with a discharge diagnosis of AMI, 12,830 had concomitant influenza. Patients with influenza were older, had a higher burden of co-morbidities, and more often presented with non-ST elevation AMI (90% vs 74%) as compared with those without influenza. Coronary angiography (23% vs 54%) and revascularization (11% vs 41%) were less often pursued in AMI patients with influenza. Patients with AMI and influenza had elevated in-hospital mortality (14%) and multiorgan failure (33%). In a propensity-matched analysis of 23,415 patients, in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.26; p = 0.01), acute kidney injury (OR 1.36; p <0.01), multiorgan failure (OR 1.81; p <0.01), length-of-stay, and hospital costs were significantly higher in those with influenza. In conclusion, patients with AMI and concomitant influenza have an adverse in-hospital prognosis as compared with those without influenza.

Follow-Up After Myocardial Infarction toExplore the Stability of Arrhythmogenic Substrate: The Footprint Study.

This study aimed to characterize the long-term scar remodeling process after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the underlying scar-related arrhythmogenic substrate using serial late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR). Little is known about the time course needed for completion of the scar healing process after an AMI, which can be assessed by noninvasive cardiac imaging techniques such as LGE-CMR. Fifty-six patients with revascularized ST-segment elevation AMI (STEMI) were consecutively included. LGE-CMR (3-T) was obtained at 7days, 6months, and 4 years after STEMI. The myocardium was segmented into 10 layers from the endocardium to epicardium, characterizing the core, border zone (BZ), and BZ channels (BZCs) using a dedicated post-processing software. Mean age of the patients was 57 ± 11 years; 77% were men. Left ventricular ejection fraction improved at 6months from 47% to 51% (p<0.001) and remained stable at 4 years (53%; p=0.21). Total scar mass decreased from 20.3 ± 14.6g to 15.3 ± 13.3g (6months) and to 12.7 ± 11.7g (4 years) (p<0.001). Thirty of 56 (53%) patients showed a mean of 1.5 ± 1.3 BZCs/patient at 7days, decreasing to 1.2 ± 1.3 (6months) and 0.8 ± 1.0 (4 years) (p<0.01). Only 42% of the initial BZCs remained present after 4 years. There were no arrhythmic events after a mean follow-up of 62.5 ± 7.4months. CMR data post-processing permitted a dynamic assessment of quantitative and qualitative post-AMI scar characteristics. Scar size and number of BZCs steadily decreased 4 years after AMI. BZC distribution was significantly modified during this time. These dynamic parameters could be reliably assessed with CMR; their evaluation might be of prognostic value.

Arrhythmias in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction

Purpose: Arrhythmias and conduction disturbances are common during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and a major cause of death in the pre-hospital phase. The aim of this study was to investigate common predictors for all arrhythmias in patients with ST elevation AMI (STEMI) during in-hospital phase. Materials and Methods: Ninety patients (74 male, 55 ±11 years) with acute STEMI were included. Clinical charesteristics were recorded and laboratory parameters including serum C- reactive protein (CRP), creatinine kinase MB (CKMB) and potassium levels were measured. The patients were divided into two groups according to development of arrhythmias.Results: Group 1 (n=42) patients had new onset arrhythmias and Group 2 (n=48) patients had without arrhythmias. Median baseline CRP levels were significantly higher in group 1 (36.6 (21.8-77) mg/dl vs. 21.8 (24.2-30.7) mg/dl), especially in patients with atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias. Logistic regression analysis showed that baseline higher CRP level, peak CKMB level and inferior localization of AMI were significantly associated with the development of arrhythmia following AMI. Conclusion: Levels of CRP and CKMB and inferior infarct localization have predictive values for all the arrhythmic events during AMI. CRP levels were found to be associated with both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. The assessment of CRP levels can be used to detect patients at high risk for arrhythmic events after STEMI.

Characteristics and in-hospital outcome of patients with no ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and no obstructive coronary artery disease in the era of high-sensitivity troponins.

Although some previous studies assessed characteristics and outcome of patients with suspected no-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), but no obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD) at angiography, most were performed before high-sensitivity troponin assays were available. We reviewed data of patients admitted to our hospital with a suspicion of NSTEMI between 2013 and 2016. Patients with previous evidence of CAD (except those with fully percutaneous coronary revascularization) were excluded. Patients were divided into those with obstructive CAD and those with NOCAD (no coronary stenosis ≥50% in any vessel). The final population included 430 patients - 317 (73.7%) with CAD and 113 (26.3%) with NOCAD. Compared with CAD, NOCAD patients were younger, more frequently women, and had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and peak troponin level. In-hospital death or myocardial infarction occurred in eight (2.5%) and two (1.8%) patients in CAD and NOCAD patients, respectively (P = 1.00). A lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left main CAD were the only independent predictors of in-hospital death and death or myocardial infarction. Among patients with suspect NSTEMI, about one-fourth showed NOCAD at angiography in the era of elevated sensitivity troponin assays and when excluding patients with largely predictable obstructive CAD. Higher troponin levels were associated with obstructive CAD, but a lower LVEF and left main disease only predicted in-hospital outcome in this population.

Diagnostic role of echocardiography in patients admitted to the emergency room with suspect no-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction.

We investigated whether echocardiography may help identify, among patients admitted with a suspect of non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), those with athero-thrombotic coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied consecutive patients admitted with a clinical suspect of first NSTEMI. Echocardiography was assessed within 24 hours from admission. Patients were divided into two groups, according to the results of coronary angiography: 1) patients with obstructive stenosis (≥ 50%) and/or images of thrombosis in one or more coronary arteries (CAD group); 2) patients with no evidence of obstructive coronary arteries (NOCAD group). Of 101 patients enrolled in the study, 53 (52.5%) showed obstructive CAD and 48 (47.5%) NOCAD. At echocardiographic examination, regional wall motion abnormalities were found in 52.8% of patients in the CAD group and 43.7% in the NOCAD group (p=0.43). Left ventricle ejection fraction was 56.4±6.8 vs. 54.7±9.8% (p=0.30) and wall motion score index was 1.16±0.26 vs. 1.21±0.32 (p=0.39) in the two groups, respectively. A multivariable logistic regression independent predictors of obstructive CAD included age, male gender, typical angina, diabetes and hypertension. Our data showed that, in patients with acute chest pain and increased serum troponin T concentration, routine standard echocardiography does not significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy for the presence of obstructive CAD.

Clinical Treatment Efficacy of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Therapy on Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Methods: 216 patients with AMI complicated by MODS hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of our hospital from January 2011 to March 2013 were divided into a PCI group (n=98) and a drug treatment group (n=118). The basic clinical data, the incidence rate of each dysfunction organ, the number of dysfunction organs and the mortality were compared between the two groups. Results: The rate of patients with ST-segment elevation AMI in the PCI group was higher than in the drug treatment group, and the rate of patients with non-ST-segment elevation AMI was lower than in the drug treatment group (P 0.05). The recanalization rate in PCI group was much higher than that in the drug treatment group (P<0.05). The two groups had similar rates in the incidence of organ dysfunction in the heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach and intestine, etc. and the PCI group had lower organ dysfunction incidence rate in the liver, brain and hematological system than the drug treatment group (P<0.05). The dysfunction incidence rate of 2 organs was higher in PCI group than in drug treatment group (P<0.05), the dysfunction incidence rate of 3 organs was similar between the two groups, and the dysfunction incidence rate of 3 organs or more was significantly lower in PCI group than in drug treatment group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Despite the high risk and high mortality in the patients with AMI complicated by MODS, satisfactory clinical efficacy can still be achieved as long as positive and effective PCI therapy is applied.

Therapeutic effects of percutaneous coronary intervention on acute myocardial infarction complicated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).Methods:A total of 216 patients with AMI complicated with MODS enrolled from January 2016 to March 2018 were divided into a PCI group (n=98) and a drug treatment group (n=118). The baseline clinical data, the incidence of each dysfunction organ, the number of dysfunctional organs and the mortality were compared between the two groups.Results:The number of patients with ST-segment elevation AMI in the PCI group was higher than in the drug treatment group, and the rate of patients with non-ST-segment elevation AMI was lower than in the drug treatment group (P<0.05). The use of temporary pacemakers and IABP was similar between the two groups (P>0.05). The recanalization rate in PCI group was much higher than that in the drug treatment group (P<0.05). The two groups had similar incidence of organ dysfunction in the heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach and intestine, etc. and the PCI group had lower organ dysfunction incidence in the liver, brain and hematological system than the drug treatment group (P<0.05). The dysfunction incidence rate of two organs was higher in PCI group than in drug treatment group (P<0.05), the dysfunction incidence rate of 3 organs was similar between the two groups, and the dysfunction incidence rate of three organs or more was significantly lower in PCI group than in drug treatment group (P<0.05).Conclusion:Despite the high risk and high mortality of patients with AMI plus MODS, clinical improvement can still be achieved when effective PCI is performed.

Antithrombotic Therapy Management in Patients with Inherited Bleeding Disorders and Ischaemic Heart Disease: A Single-Center Experience

Introduction: In the last decades, the life expectancy of patients with hemophilia A (HA), hemophilia B (HB) and von Willebrand disease (VWD) has substantially improved. As a result, these patients experience age-related comorbidities, especially ischaemic heart disease. Safety and efficacy of antiplatelet drugs in patients with inherited bleeding disorders remain unclear, while there is no evidence-based guideline for the antithrombotic management in this population. The aims of our study were to describe the management of patients with HA, HB and VWD at the occurrence of ischaemic heart disease in our regional referral center; to compare this management to experts' recommendations; and to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of antiplatelet drugs in this population.Methods: The source of population was the 2008-2018 cohort of patients with HA (n=565), HB (n=115) and VWD (n=618) followed at Toulouse University hospital (France). Their follow-up is recorded in electronic medical files. We retrospectively identified the patients who experienced an ischaemic heart disease treated by antiplatelet therapy. Ischaemic heart disease included ST- and non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, stable and unstable angina, and silent coronary artery disease. We described the reperfusion therapy, the use of antiplatelet drugs and replacement factors, and the occurrence of bleeding or thrombotic complications during the follow-up.Results: Eight patients had an ischaemic heart disease: 5 HA, 1 HB and 2 VWD patients. Four of the haemophilic patients had minor hemophilia; the two others had moderate hemophilia. VWD patients were one type 1 (FVIII 26%, VWF:Ag 13%) and one type 2B (FVIII 29%, VWF:Ag 75%, VWF :Act 24%, low platelet count). Age at the time of the cardiac event ranged from 49 to 80 years. All patients were men except the patient with type 2B VWD. Cardiovascular risk factors were frequent (overweight, n=5; hypercholesterolemia, n=4; smoking, n=4). Four patients were investigated because of cardiac symptoms (unstable angina, angina, dyspnea, palpitations, n=1 each), and one patient because of family history. The last 3 patients were investigated as part of a screening program including patients with a high cardiovascular risk estimation.The initial management was as follows: 4 patients underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 4 had a triple coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). All patients treated with PCI had dual antiplatelet therapy for one month, then low-dose aspirin. CABG patients were initiated with low-dose aspirin. FVIII exposure was lower in PCI patients than in CABG patients (13 ± 10.42 versus 19 ± 9.35 cumulative exposure days to FVIII).Four patients were managed with differences from current guidelines1-3: first, the woman with type 2B VWD was treated with two drug-eluting stents whereas bare-metal stents are recommended. Dual antiplatelet therapy was then initiated but stopped at one month because of microcytic anemia. She was then treated with acid acetylsalicylic, 160mg per day instead of 75mg, and presented a severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Second, the patient with HB (FIX 34%) received no replacement therapy during PCI and no proton pump inhibitors while treated by antiplatelet drug, but he experienced no bleeding. Third, a HA patient (FVIII 6%) had a trough level of FVIII slightly lower than recommended (FVIII 37% versus > 50%) at day 7 after CABG. He presented a hemopericardium the next day, complicated with cardiac tamponade. Lastly, a moderate HA patient had no long-term antiplatelet therapy after CABG. However, he did not experience any new cardiovascular event during the following 4 years.During the follow-up (median: 24,5 months), only one HA (FVIII 20%) patient had a new cardiovascular event: a critical lower limb ischemia complicated with an arterial ulcer at the age of 91 years, 11 years after CABG. In contrast, 3 patients experienced a severe bleeding while treated by dual or low-dose aspirin: one hemopericardium, one gastrointestinal bleeding and one intracranial bleeding at J7 post-CABG, 13 months and 11 years after the cardiac event, respectively.Conclusion: This series of 8 patients confirms the significant risk of severe bleeding complications when antiplatelet drug is initiated in patients with hemophilia or VWD. In 1/3 cases, the severe bleeding occurred despite strict adherence to current recommendations. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Acute Coronary Syndrome in Nondiabetics: Detailed Analysis from Consecutive 1100 Patients from Eastern India.

Background The association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction (defined by no symptoms or clinical features of hypothyroidism but biochemically TSH level in the range of above 5 miu/ml but below 10 miu/ml with normal FT4 level) and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is not known so far. This study was done to calculate the prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction in patients with ACS. Methods A retrospective chart review of 1100 consecutive patients was done who presented to Emergency Department with symptoms suggestive of ACS and admitted. They were later classified in 3 categories that includes Acute ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), Unstable Angina (UA), and Acute Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI). Thyroid function test (FT4, TSH) and antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) were done and evaluated properly. Results Of 1100 consecutive patients 168 (15.27%) patients had the biochemical features of subclinical thyroid dysfunction. These 168 patients include 60 STEMI, 66 NSTEMI, and 42 Unstable Angina patients. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and catheterisation results considering thyroid dysfunction. Conclusions Subclinical thyroid dysfunction is quite prevalent in ACS patients. There are no significant associations between STEMI, Unstable Angina, or NSTEMI patients in terms of thyroid dysfunction neither in single vessel versus multivessel disease involvement. The causative role and outcomes of treatment are still uncertain and need further follow-up.

Takotsubo Syndrome: Contemporary Views on the Pathogenesis, Prevalence and Prognosis

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a reversible left ventricular dysfunction characterized by local apical hypokinesia usually triggered by a physical or emotional stress. According to the last available data TTS may represent 2% of all admissions for acute coronary syndromes. Despite the reliable prevalence, diagnosis of TTS remains difficult. The initial presentation, both clinically and electrocardiographically, is similar to an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The biomarker profile is also similar, although the peaks of troponin and creatinine kinase levels are lower, and brain natriuretic peptide levels are higher in patients with TTS compared with ST-segment elevation AMI. Modified Mayo diagnostic criteria are the most common for the diagnosis. Pathogenesis of TTS currently is not well understood. Catecholamines appear to play a central role in the pathophysiology of TTS. However, it is conceivable that some people have a genetic predisposition to stress-induced TTS. A genetic predisposition has been suggested based on the few familial TTS cases described. Despite reversible myocardial dysfunction, acute heart failure is the most common complication in the acute phase of TTS. In-hospital mortality rate is comparable to that of ST-segment elevation AMI. There are no randomized clinical trials to support specific treatment recommendations in TTS. It is believed that the tactics of managing patients with TTS hospitalized with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome should comply with the protocol of management of patients with AMI while acute coronary pathology is not excluded.

The Case for Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (Syndrome) as a Variant of Acute Myocardial Infarction

The Case for Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (Syndrome) as a Variant of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Concordancia de los trastornos de contractibilidad en el ecocardiograma con el compromiso del vaso coronado en el cateterismo cardíaco en pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio

Objetivo: determinar la concordancia entre el cateterismo cardiaco y el ecocardiograma en pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome coronario en las primeras 48 horas de su ingreso al servicio de urgencias. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de concordancia, se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de angina inestable e infarto agudo del miocardio (IAM) con y sin elevación del segmento ST y se obtuvo la información de las dos pruebas en las historias clínicas. Se calculó el grado de acuerdo entre los hallazgos de contractibilidad y el compromiso de obstrucción por medio del índice kappa. Resultados: se incluyeron 129 pacientes con edad promedio de 65.2 años (DE 12.15), 65.1% fueron mujeres. La frecuencia de oclusión del flujo coronario en el cateterismo fue 74.4%, la alteración de contractibilidad en el ecocardiograma 69.8%. Se observó una baja concordancia entre los hallazgos de estas pruebas diagnósticas (acuerdo: 70.5%; kappa: 0.27, p=0.001). El principal trastorno de contractilidad fue la hipoquinesia (42.6%) y en la mayoría se presentó obstrucción de un único vaso (44.2%). Conclusiones: aunque la concordancia entre el ecocardiograma y el cateterismo es baja en este estudio, el primero junto con la valoración clínica es un procedimiento importante en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes con patología cardiaca en el servicio de urgencias, para proceder a una intervención temprana y disminuir el riesgo de lesión miocárdica, así como la mortalidad y la morbilidad.

The Lectin Pathway of Complement in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury-Review of Its Significance and the Potential Impact of Therapeutic Interference by C1 Esterase Inhibitor.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in modern medicine. Early reperfusion accomplished by primary percutaneous coronary intervention is pivotal for reducing myocardial damage in ST elevation AMI. However, restoration of coronary blood flow may paradoxically trigger cardiomyocyte death secondary to a reperfusion-induced inflammatory process, which may account for a significant proportion of the final infarct size. Unfortunately, recent human trials targeting myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury have yielded disappointing results. In experimental models of myocardial I/R injury, the complement system, and in particular the lectin pathway, have been identified as major contributors. In line with this, C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH), the natural inhibitor of the lectin pathway, was shown to significantly ameliorate myocardial I/R injury. However, the hypothesis of a considerable augmentation of myocardial I/R injury by activation of the lectin pathway has not yet been confirmed in humans, which questions the efficacy of a therapeutic strategy solely aimed at the inhibition of the lectin pathway after human AMI. Thus, as C1INH is a multiple-action inhibitor targeting several pathways and mediators simultaneously in addition to the lectin pathway, such as the contact and coagulation system and tissue leukocyte infiltration, this may be considered as being advantageous over exclusive inhibition of the lectin pathway. In this review, we summarize current concepts and evidence addressing the role of the lectin pathway as a potent mediator/modulator of myocardial I/R injury in animal models and in patients. In addition, we focus on the evidence and the potential advantages of using the natural inhibitor of the lectin pathway, C1INH, as a future therapeutic approach in AMI given its ability to interfere with several plasmatic cascades. Ameliorating myocardial I/R injury by targeting the complement system and other plasmatic cascades remains a valid option for future therapeutic interventions.

Interleukin-1 blockade in cardiovascular diseases: a clinical update.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is the prototypical pro-inflammatory cytokine. IL-1 was implicated as a cardiodepressant factor in septic shock, and subsequent pre-clinical and clinical research has defined important roles for IL-1 in atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and heart failure (HF). IL-1 promotes the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque and facilitates its progression and complication. In a large phase III clinical trial of stable patients with prior AMI, blocking IL-1 activity using a monoclonal antibody prevented recurrent atherothrombotic cardiovascular events. IL-1 also contributes to adverse remodelling and left ventricular dysfunction after AMI, and in phase II studies, IL-1 blockade quenched the inflammatory response associated with ST-segment elevation AMI and prevented HF. In patients with established HF, IL-1 is thought to impair beta-adrenergic receptor signalling and intracellular calcium handling. Phase II studies in patients with HF show improved exercise capacity with IL-1 blockade. Thus, IL-1 blockade is poised to enter the clinical arena as an additional strategy to reduce the residual cardiovascular risk and/or address inflammatory cardiovascular conditions refractory to standard treatments. There are several IL-1 blockers available for clinical use, which differ in mechanism of action, and potentially also efficacy and safety. While IL-1 blockade is not immunosuppressive and not associated with opportunistic infections or an increased risk of cancer, fatal infections may occur more frequently while on treatment with IL-1 blockers likely due to a blunting of the inflammatory signs of infection leading to delayed presentation and diagnosis. We discuss the practical use of IL-1 blockade, including considerations for patient selection and safety monitoring.

Long-term prognosis of non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction with ischemic mitral regurgitation: Algerian cohort

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common complication of acute myocardial infarction and has a negative impact on prognosis. However, few studies have been carried out on MR after non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Our objective was to investigate the incidence, clinical predictors, and long-term prognostic implications of MR in patients with NSTEMI. The prospective study included 237 consecutive patients who were discharged in functional class I or II after a first NSTEMI. Each underwent echocardiography during the first week of admission, and patients were followed up clinically for a median of 1011 days. The incidence of readmission for heart failure, unstable angina, reinfarction, death, or all combined (i.e., the combined event or major adverse cardiac event [MACE]) was recorded. The patients’ mean age was 66 (13) years and 74% were male. The incidence of MR was 40% (grade I in 71 patients, grade II in 15, grade III in 6, and grade IV in 3). Age, diabetes mellitus, multivessel disease and MR (HR = 2.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–3.64; P = 0.003) were all independently associated with a poor long-term prognosis, in terms of MACEs. Even the milder grades of MR were associated with more events. In our milieu, MR frequently occurs after NSTEMI. Its presence together with other unfavorable factors implies a poor long-term prognosis. This is also true for milder grades of MR. Consequently, MR should be fully assessed and followed-up after NSTEMI in all patients.

Implementation of a Cardiac Transitions of Care Pilot Program: A Prospective Study of Inpatient and Outpatient Clinical Pharmacy Services for Patients With Heart Failure Exacerbation or Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Pharmacists may assist with reducing 30-day readmission rates for patients with heart failure (HF) exacerbation or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by promoting medication adherence. Objective: To determine the change in 30-day readmission rates for patients with HF exacerbation or AMI after implementation of a “high-touch” standard of care. Methods: Patients admitted with HF exacerbation, non-ST-segment elevation AMI, or ST-segment elevation AMI from August 1, 2013, to June 30, 2015, were included in this prospective study. Patients were educated while in the inpatient setting and followed up in the outpatient setting through telephone contact and scheduling a medication therapy management (MTM) appointment with a pharmacist. Data were collected by pharmacy personnel involved in the implementation of the intervention. Results: Within the HF and AMI arms, 100 and 93 patients, respectively, were included in the study. The 30-day readmission rates were 24% and 17.2% for HF and AMI, respectively, which were not statistically significant when compared to historical institutional readmission rates prior to study initiation (18.2% for HF, P = .238; 11.4% for AMI, P = .252). Conclusion: A “high-touch” pharmacist-driven transitions of care program may affect 30-day readmission rates for patients with HF exacerbation or AMI; potential processes for initiating transitions of care programs are provided.

Stroke : Highlights of Selected Articles

<i>Stroke</i> : Highlights of Selected Articles

Prognostic impact of prepercutaneous coronary intervention TIMI flow in patients with ST-segment and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Results from the FAST-MI 2010 registry

Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 2 or 3 before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with improved outcomes. However, no recent data are available on its impact beyond 1year and/or by type of AMI. To assess the prognostic impact of prePCI TIMI flow at 30days and 3years in patients with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) or non-ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI) AMI. We compared long-term outcomes associated with TIMI flow grade 2/3 versus 0/1 in patients referred for PCI in the nationwide French registry of acute ST-segment elevation or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (FAST-MI) 2010. TIMI flow grade 2/3 was found in 41% of patients with STEMI and 69% of patients with NSTEMI; it was associated with a lower risk of 30-day death in patients with STEMI (odds ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-0.77; P=0.01), but not in patients with NSTEMI (odds ratio 0.57, 95%CI 0.22-1.42; P=0.23). TIMI grade flow 2/3 was also associated with a lower risk of 3-year death in patients with STEMI (hazard ratio 0.69, 95%CI 0.49-0.98; P=0.04), but not in patients with NSTEMI (hazard ratio 0.79, 95%CI 0.56-1.11; P=0.17). TIMI flow grade 2/3 is observed more often in patients with NSTEMI; it is an independent predictor of early and late survival in patients with STEMI, but is not significantly related to early or long-term survival in patients with NSTEMI.

Statin pretreatment and presentation patterns in patients with acute coronary syndromes

Statin therapy stabilizes coronary plaque, and it could be associated with less ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) [which includes, STEMI + non-STEMI (NSTEMI)], among patients presenting acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of this study was to determine any association between prior use of statins and presentation patterns in 1,322 ACS patients admitted between 2014 and 2016: STEMI [247], NSTEMI [461] or unstable angina (UA) [614]. Coronary risk factors, history and chronic use of statins, aspirin and beta blockers were collected. Uni, multivariable and propensity score analysis were performed. About half (46%) of the patients received statins but only 14% high doses. UA patients received more statins and higher doses =335 (54%)/117 (19%) compared to NSTEMI =189 (40%)/49 (11%), and STEMI =77 (31%)/21 (9%), P vs . NSTEMI/UA, odds ratio (OR) =0.70, 95% CI: 0.50–0.97, P=0.03] or AMI ( vs . UA, OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.51–0.84, P<0.01). Results were confirmed by propensity score analysis (OR=0.739, 95% CI: 0.588–0.922, P<0.01). Pretreatment with statins in ACSs was more associated with UA than with myocardial infarction. This could be a way of coronary atherosclerotic plaque’s stabilization.

Angiographic and clinical performance of polymer-free biolimus-eluting stent in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction in a metropolitan public hospital: The BESAMI MUCHO study.

This study aimed at assessing the performance of a new generation polymer-free biolimus-eluting stent (BES) in real-world patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Polymers components of early-generation drug-eluting stents have been implicated in the pathogenesis of delayed arterial healing, vessel remodeling, and delayed stent thrombosis. Recently, a novel polymer-free BES has shown excellent clinical performance in clinical trial setting. Overall, 175 consecutive patients (64 ± 14 years, 141 men) treated with the BioFreedom (Biosensors Europe, Morges, Switzerland) polymer-free BES because of STEMI were included in this study. The primary endpoint was the rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization at 1year follow-up. A subgroup of patients underwent 6-month angiographic follow-up. Dual antiplatelet therapy was prescribed for 12 months after STEMI. At 1year, the cumulative rate of MACE was 4.6%. One patient (0.6%) had an arrhythmic cardiac death and five (2.9%) had ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization, although only three (1.7%) had target lesion revascularization. Two (1.1%) patients had acute stent thrombosis yielding nonfatal myocardial infarction. In 70 patients (63 ± 14 years, 61 men), quantitative coronary angiography at 6-month follow-up revealed diameter stenosis of 24.1 ± 13.7% and minimal lumen diameter of 2.29 ± 0.56 mm, yielding a late lumen loss of 0.13 ± 0.14 mm. In real-world setting, implantation of a new-generation polymer-free BES during STEMI is associated with favorable clinical and angiographic results, pointing toward the overall efficacy and safety of the device in complex clinical scenarios.