In-hospital Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Research Articles

The impact of ticagrelor therapy on CABG-related bleeding in patients with STEMI managed with pPCI and following on-pump CABG.

Patients on double antiplatelet treatment who need early in-hospital coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are at high risk of major bleeding. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of ticagrelor preloading on CABG related bleeding in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) initially managed with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Patients with the diagnosis of STEMI who were managed with pPCI and underwent subsequent early (4-7days following pPCI) or delayed (> 7days following pPCI) on-pump CABG surgery were included. All study patients were preloaded with ticagrelor 180mg prior to pPCI procedure. Patients' demographics, clinical variables, and short-term cardiovascular outcomes were recorded. This is a retrospective study which included 98 patients. Fifty-four (54%) patients underwent early and 44 (45%) patients underwent delayed CABG surgery. CABG-related bleeding occurred in 22 (22.4%) patients. There was no significant difference with respect to total ticagrelor dose and timing of the surgery between patients with or without CABG-related bleeding (p: 0.165 and p: 0.142). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that only preoperative hemoglobin level < 10.9 and use of mechanical cardiac support devices were independent predictors of CABG-related bleeding [OR: 3719, p: 0.009 and OR: 11,698, p: 0.004, respectively].There were three deaths within the 30days of surgery, all occurring in patients with CABG-related bleeding. However, CABG-related bleeding was not associated with long-term cardiovascular events during the follow-up. Our results indicated that discontinuation of ticagrelor therapy 3days prior to surgery is sufficient to avoid CABG-related bleeding. Moreover, early CABG following STEMI does not increase the risk of long-term cardiovascular events.

Coronary artery bypass grafting outcomes of patients with human immunodeficiency virus: a population-based study of National Inpatient Sample from 2015 to 2020

Individuals affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a growing demand for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) due to heightened risk for cardiovascular diseases and extended life expectancy. However, CABG outcomes in HIV patients are not well-established, with insights only from small case series studies. This study conducted a comprehensive, population-based examination of in-hospital CABG outcomes in HIV patients. Patients underwent CABG were identified in National Inpatient Sample from Q4 2015–2020. Patients with age < 18 years and concomitant procedures were excluded. A 1:5 propensity-score matching was used to address preoperative group differences. Among patients who underwent CABG, 613 (0.36%) had HIV and were matched to 3119 out of 167,569 non-HIV patients. For selected HIV patients, CABG is relatively safe, presenting largely similar outcomes. After matching, HIV and non-HIV patients had comparable in-hospital mortality rates (2.13% vs. 1.67%, p = 0.40). Risk factors associated with mortality among HIV patients included previous CABG (aOR = 14.32, p = 0.01), chronic pulmonary disease (aOR = 8.24, p < 0.01), advanced renal failure (aOR = 7.49, p = 0.01), and peripheral vascular disease (aOR = 6.92, p = 0.01), which can be used for preoperative risk stratification. While HIV patients had higher acute kidney injury (AKI; 26.77% vs. 21.77%, p = 0.01) and infection (8.21% vs. 4.18%, p < 0.01), other complications were comparable between the groups.

The impact of ticagrelor therapy on CABG-related bleeding in patients with STEMI managed with pPCI

Abstract Background Patients on double antiplatelet treatment who need early in-hospital coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are at high risk of major bleeding. However, recent studies have demonstrated that early CABG surgery within 7 days of discontinuation of p2Y12 inhibitors are safe with respect to bleeding events in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Purpose In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of ticagrelor preloading on CABG related bleeding in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) initially managed with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Methods Patients with the diagnosis of STEMI who were managed with pPCI and underwent subsequent early (4-7 days following pPCI) or delayed (&amp;gt; 7 days following pPCI) CABG surgery were included. All study patients were preloaded with ticagrelor 180 mg prior to pPCI procedure. Patients’ demographics, clinical variables and short-term cardiovascular outcomes were recorded. Results The study cohort included 98 patients. Fifty-four (54%) patients underwent early and 44(45%) patients underwent delayed CABG surgery. Left main coronary artery involvement and presence of chronic total occlusion in the non-infarct related artery were 26.5% and 25.5%. CABG-related bleeding occurred in 22 (22.4%) patients. There was no significant difference with respect to total ticagrelor dose and timing of the surgery between patients with or without CABG-related bleeding (p: 0.165 and p:0.142). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that only preoperative hemoglobin level was an independent predictor of CABG-related bleeding (OR:0.720, p: 0.034).There were three deaths within the 30 days of surgery, all occurring in patients with CABG-related bleeding. However, CABG-related bleeding was not associated with long-term cardiovascular events during the follow-up. Conclusion Our results indicated that discontinuation of ticagrelor therapy 3 days prior to surgery is sufficient to avoid CABG-related bleeding. Moreover, early CABG following STEMI does not increase the risk of long-term cardiovascular events.

Serum electrolyte/metabolite abnormalities among patients with acute myocardial infarction: comparison between patients with and without diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) in a setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with significant metabolic changes and worse outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and the prognostic significance of electrolyte/metabolite disturbances among AMI patients with vs. without DM. Methods: Patients admitted to a tertiary medical center with AMI throughout 2002–2012 were screened. Exclusion criteria were: dialysis, mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. All the results of the following analyses were obtained: Glucose, Uric Acid, (UA) Calcium, Magnesium, Albumin, Potassium, and Sodium. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 14,364 AMI patient admissions was evaluated, mean age 68.1 ± 14.4 years, 65.5% males, and 41.2% with DM. Following an adjustment to potential confounders, DM patients had increased risk for significant hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hypercalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hyperkalemia, and hyponatremia as well as significantly decreased risk for hypoglycemia, hypermagnesemia, and hypokalemia compared with nondiabetics. Overall, 681 (4.7%) patients died throughout the index admission. Deceased had an increased incidence of electrolyte/metabolite abnormalities versus hospital survivors. The prognostic significance of the different categories of the investigated variables is very similar among diabetics and nondiabetics, except increased and decreased uric acid levels [<4.5 (men); <4.0 (women) and ≥9.0 (men); ≥9.4 (women)] which are associated with worse outcomes among diabetics while hyperglycemia (Glucose ≥213 mg/dL) and increased Potassium levels (Potassium ≥4.4mEq/L) which comprise significantly worse prognosis among nondiabetics. Conclusions: Patients with DM admitted with AMI are at greater risk for electrolyte/metabolite abnormalities which are associated with increased risk for in-hospital mortality. The latter association is similar among patients with and without DM except for hyperglycemia and increased potassium levels (stronger among nondiabetics).

Trends in Utilization and Safety of In-Hospital Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting During a Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Up to 10% of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients require coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery during their hospitalization. Contemporary, real-world, data regarding CABG utilization and safety in NSTEMI patients are lacking. Our objectives were to investigate the contemporary trends in utilization and outcomes of CABG in patients admitted for NSTEMI. Using the 2003 to 2015 National Inpatient Sample data, we identified hospitalizations for NSTEMI, during which a CABG was performed. Patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, incidence of surgical complications, length of stay, and mortality were analyzed. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of in-hospital complications and mortality. An estimated total of 440,371 CABG surgeries, during a hospitalization for NSTEMI, were analyzed. The utilization of CABG was steady over the years. The data show increasing prevalence of individual co-morbidities as well as cases with Deyo Co-morbidity Index ≥2 (p <0.001). High, 26.4%, complication rate was driven mainly by cardiac and pulmonary complications. The mortality rate declined from 3.6% in 2003 to an average of 2.4% during 2010 to 2015. Older age, female gender, heart failure, and delayed CABG timing were independent predictors of adverse outcomes. In conclusion, utilization of in-hospital CABG as the primary revascularization strategy in patients with NSTEMI remained steady over the years. These data reveal the raising prevalence of co-morbidities during the study. High complication rate was recorded; however, the mortality declined over the years to about 2.4%. Delaying CABG was associated with small but statistically significant worsening in outcomes.

Early Versus Late New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Differences in Clinical Characteristics and Predictors.

New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has significant consequences but is often misdiagnosed. The aim of the study was to evaluate predictors of NOAF throughout different phases of AMI. Patients with AMI admitted to a tertiary medical center were analyzed. Exclusion criteria were preexisting AF, AMI onset ≥24 hours prior to admission, in-hospital death, significant valvular disease, and in-hospital coronary artery bypass graft. Study population were AMI without-NOAF, early-AF (AF terminated within 24 hours of admission), and late-AF (beyond the first 24 hours). Overall 5946 patients were included, age: 64.8 ±14.8 years; 30% women. The incidence of NOAF was 4.6%: 1.6% early-AF, and 3% late-AF. Patients with NOAF comprised greater rate of women, cardiovascular risk-factors burden, severe left ventricular-dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, valvular disorders, and left atrial enlargement compared with patients without-NOAF. Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and inferior-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were significantly more prevalent among early-AF group, while anterior-STEMI, in late-AF. The final multivariate models showed c-statistics of 0.73 and 0.76 for the prediction of new-onset early-AF and late-AF, respectively. In conclusion, there are different clinical predictors of early- versus late-NOAF. The study points out "high risk" AMI population for more meticulous heart rate monitoring for NOAF.

The impact of in-hospital P2Y12 inhibitor switch in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) varies after placement of drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Our aim was to study patient characteristics and predictors of switching, in-hospital or at discharge, from clopidogrel (CLO) to ticagrelor (TIC) or vice versa. The study population included patients with ACS who had DES and initially received either CLO or TIC between January 2011 and December 2017. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on initial DAPT choice and whether DAPT was switched in-hospital or during discharge. Clinical outcomes of interest were bleeding events, need for anticoagulation, and need for in-hospital coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). We identified 2837 patients who received DES and started on DAPT. DAPT switch from 1 P2Y12 inhibitor to another occurred in 9%, either in-hospital or at discharge. Of 1834 patients started on CLO, 112 were switched to TIC. Of 1003 patients started on TIC, 142 were switched to CLO. The need for in-hospital CABG was 7.8% in the TIC-CLO group compared to none in the CLO-TIC group (p = 0.002). Adjusted for covariates, the TIC-CLO group was 3 times more likely to need anticoagulation with warfarin than the CLO-CLO group (p < 0.001) and over 5 times more likely than the CLO-TIC group and the TIC-TIC group (p < 0.005 for both). Switching from 1 generation P2Y12 inhibitor to another does occur in ACS patients. Clinical needs such as in-hospital CABG or oral anticoagulation upon discharge are real and dictate the switch from TIC to CLO. A single-center observational study of 2837 patients with acute coronary syndromes treated with drug-eluting stents found that some do get switched from one generation P2Y12 inhibitor to another. The switch from clopidogrel to ticagrelor is driven by clinical needs such as in-hospital coronary artery bypass grafting or the need for oral anticoagulation upon discharge.

Low QRS Voltage on Presenting Electrocardiogram Predicts Multi-vessel Disease in Anterior ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BackgroundLow QRS voltage was reported to predict adverse outcomes in acute myocardial infarction in the pre-thrombolytic era. However, the association between low voltage and angiographic findings has not been fully addressed. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Low QRS voltage was defined as either peak to peak QRS complex voltage <1.0mV in all precordial leads or <0.5mV in all limb leads. ResultsAmong 190 patients, 37 patients (19%) had low voltage. Patients with low voltage had a higher rate of multi-vessel disease (MVD) (76% vs. 52%, p=0.01). Patients with low voltage were more likely to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) during admission (11% vs. 2%, p=0.028). Low voltage was an independent predictor for MVD (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.12 to 6.03; p=0.032). ConclusionLow QRS voltage was associated with MVD and in-hospital CABG in anterior STEMI.

Efficacy and Safety of Adjunctive Trimetazidine Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Several lines of evidence support the clinical use of trimetazidine as an adjunctive therapy in cardioischemic patients. Therefore, we assessed here the efficacy and safety of adjunctive trimetazidine therapy in acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients by a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature. Methods: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for clinical studies comparing adjunctive trimetazidine therapy against placebo in adult acute MI patients. Several clinical outcomes [early/short-term all-cause mortality, long-term all-cause mortality, total major adverse cardiac events (MACE), recurrent nonfatal MI, in-hospital adverse events, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)] were analyzed by the intention-to-treat principle. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived from the number of outcome events in each study arm to estimate the association between adjuvant trimetazidine administration and the various clinical outcomes. A random-effects model was applied for all meta-analyses. Results: We found that adjunctive trimetazidine therapy showed a significant effect upon total MACE (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.15-0.74; p = 0.007) but showed no significant effect upon early/short-term all-cause mortality, long-term all-cause mortality, recurrent nonfatal MI, in-hospital adverse events, TVR, or CABG (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis to report that adjunctive trimetazidine therapy has a beneficial effect upon total MACE in acute MI patients. Clinical investigators should consider further trials on adjunctive trimetazidine therapy in order to better define its risks and benefits in acute MI patients.

Predicting Likelihood for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting After Non–ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Finding the Best Prediction Model

Up to half of patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) do not receive dual antiplatelet therapy before angiography "pretreatment" because of the risk of increased bleeding if coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation is needed. Several models have been published that predict thelikelihood of CABG after NSTEMI, but they have notbeen independently validated. The purpose of this study was to validate these models and improve the best one. We studied patients with NSTEMI who were enrolled in the 24-center Translational Research Investigating Underlying Disparities in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients' Health Status (TRIUMPH) registry between 2005 and 2008. Previous CABG prediction models were assessed using c-statistics and calibration assessments to determine the best model. Variables from TRIUMPH likely to be associated with CABG were tested to see whether they could improve the best model's performance. Among 2,473 patients with NSTEMI, 11.8% underwent in-hospital CABG. C-statistics for the Modified Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction, Treat Angina With Aggrastat and Determine the Cost of Therapy With an Invasive or Conservative Strategy-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 18, Poppe, and Global Risk of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) models were 0.54, 0.61, 0.61, and 0.62, respectively. The GRACE model showed the best discrimination and calibration. From the TRIUMPH registry, preselected variables were added to the GRACE model but did not significantly improve model discrimination. A GRACE model risk score of less than 9 had high sensitivity (96%), thus making it useful for predicting patients with NSTEMI who were at low risk for requiring CABG, which included approximately 21% of patients with NSTEMI. This study could not improve on the GRACE model, which had the best predictive value for identifying a need for CABG after NSTEMI with a broader range of predicted risk levels and high sensitivity, especially in patients with scores lower than 9.

Abstract TP316: Appraising the Quality of Patient Care in Hospitalization for Transient Ischemic Attack

Introduction: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) patient safety indicators (PSIs) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) are federally implemented quality metrics. The necessity of hospitalization for transient ischemic attack (TIA) remains controversial. Here, we report the incidence, risk factors, and in-hospital outcomes associated with HACs and PSIs in this population. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011) was queried for all records coded as primary diagnoses of TIA. The impact of demographics, insurance status, comorbidities, and in-hospital procedures on the occurrence of PSIs and HACs and the effect of these events on length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, and mortality was examined in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 52,969 PSIs and 21,612 HACs were identified among 2,117,247 TIA hospitalizations. The most frequent PSIs were pressure ulcers (1,173 per 100,000 patients), deep vein thrombosis (376 per 100,000 patients), and respiratory failure (329 per 100,000 patients) while the most frequent HACs were falls/trauma (942 per 100,000 patients), poor glycemic control (33 per 100,000 patients), and stage III/IV pressure ulcers (31 per 100,000 patients). In adjusted analyses, age 85+ (odds ratios [ORs]: 3.81, 1.50), Medicare (ORs: 1.62, 1.37), Medicaid (ORs: 2.01, 1.34), and 3+ comorbidities (ORs: 2.83, 1.30) were independent predictors of PSI or HAC occurrence, respectively (all p&lt;0.0001). Adjusted risk factors of PSI occurrence included: black race (OR: 1.21), in-hospital ischemic stroke (OR: 1.97), thrombolytic therapy (OR: 2.54), coronary angioplasty (OR: 1.81), and coronary artery bypass graft (OR: 7.18) (all p&lt;0.0001). PSI or HAC in TIA patients independently predicted prolonged LOS, increased total costs, and adverse discharges (all p&lt;0.0001). In TIA patients suffering a PSI or HAC, odds of mortality were increased by factors of 30.1 and 4.08, respectively (all p&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: Among TIA hospitalizations, patient age, race, payer status, pre-existing comorbidity, hospital characteristics, and procedural management significantly impact the occurrence of PSIs and HACs, further affecting patient outcomes.

Predictive Value of ST-Segment Elevation in Lead aVR for Left Main and/or Three-Vessel Disease in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

ST-segment elevation in lead aVR predicts left main and/or three-vessel disease (LM/3VD) in patients with acute coronary syndromes. ST-segment elevation in lead aVR is generally reciprocal to and accompanied by ST-segment depression in precordial leads. Previous studies have assessed the independent predictive value of ST-segment elevation in lead aVR for LM/3VD in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and have reported conflicting results. We performed a retrospective analysis of 379 patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Electrocardiograms on presentation were reviewed especially for ST-segment elevation ≥0.05 mV in lead aVR and ST-segment depression ≥0.05 mV in more than two contiguous leads in any other leads. Among 379 patients, 97 (26%) patients had ST-segment elevation in lead aVR and 88 (23%) patients had LM/3VD. Patients with ST-segment elevation in lead aVR had a higher rate of LM/3VD (39% vs. 18%; P < 0.001) and in-hospital revascularization (73% vs. 60%; P = 0.02) driven by a higher rate of in-hospital coronary artery bypass grafting (19% vs. 7%; P < 0.001) than those without ST-segment elevation in lead aVR. On multivariate analysis, ST-segment elevation in lead aVR (odds ratio [OR] 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-3.77; P = 0.02) and ST-segment depression in leads V1 -V4 (OR 2.99; 95% CI 1.46-6.15; P = 0.003) were independent predictors of LM/3VD. This study demonstrates that ST-segment elevation in lead aVR is an independent predictor of LM/3VD in patients with NSTEMI.

THE INDEPENDENCY OF ST ELEVATION IN LEAD AVR AND ST DEPRESSION AS A PREDICTOR FOR MULTI-VESSEL DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ST ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Both ST elevation in lead aVR and ST depression have a predictive value for multi-vessel disease in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI). However, the mutual relation between the two findings is not elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to assess the independency of the two findings as a predictor for multi-vessel disease in patients with NSTEMI. We retrospectively reviewed 340 consecutive NSTEMI patients who underwent coronary angiography within five days of presentation from January 2013 to December 2013. Electrocardiograms were interpreted in a blinded fashion; aVR(+) was defined as ST elevation ≧0.05 mV and STd(+) was defined as ST depression ≧0.05 mV in two contiguous leads in 12-lead electrocardiogram. Patients were divided into four groups; STd(+)aVR(+), STd(+)aVR(-), STd(-)aVR(+), and STd(-)aVR(-). Angiographic characteristics, in-hospital percutaneous or surgical revascularization procedure as well as in-hospital major adverse cardiac event (MACE) including death, recurrent myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, lethal ventricular arrhythmias were compared between those groups. Among 340 patients, 56 patients (16.5%) had STd(+)aVR(+), 41 (12.1%) had STd(+)aVR(-), 13 (3.8%) had STd(-)aVR(+), and 230 (67.6%) had STd(-)aVR(-). In 97 patients with ST depression, there was no statistical difference between STd(+)aVR(+) and STd(+)aVR(-) groups in the rate of multi-vessel disease, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade of 0-2, in-hospital revascularization procedure and in-hospital MACE. In contrast, in 243 patients without ST depression, patients with STd(-)aVR(+) had a higher rate of multi-vessel disease (77% vs. 43%, p= 0.018) and in-hospital coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (31% vs. 5%, p< 0.001) compared to STd(-)aVR(-)group. There was no statistical difference between STd(-)aVR(+) and STd(-)aVR(-) groups in the rate of TIMI flow grade of 0-2, in-hospital percutaneous coronary intervention and in-hospital MACE. With the use of multivariate analysis in all studied population, ST depression was strongly associated with multi-vessel disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05 to 3.48; p=0.034). However, ST elevation in lead aVR lost its statistical significance (OR 1.84; 95% CI 0.93 to 3.70; p=0.082). In NSTEMI patients without ST depression, ST elevation in lead aVR has a predictive value for multi-vessel disease and in-hospital CABG. However, ST depression carries a stronger predictive value for multi-vessel disease and ST elevation in lead aVR lost its statistical significance in the presence of coexisting ST depression.

TCT-6 Positive T-wave Amplitude In Lead AVR As A Predictor For A Higher Rate Of In-hospital Coronary Artery Bypass Graft In Patients With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

TCT-6 Positive T-wave Amplitude In Lead AVR As A Predictor For A Higher Rate Of In-hospital Coronary Artery Bypass Graft In Patients With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

In-hospital switching between clopidogrel and prasugrel among patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention: insights into contemporary practice from the national cardiovascular data registry.

Although randomized clinical trials have compared clopidogrel with higher potency ADP receptor inhibitors (ADPris) among patients with myocardial infarction, little is known about the frequency and factors associated with switching between ADPris in clinical practice. We studied 47 040 patients with myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, who received either clopidogrel or prasugrel within 24 hours of admission at 361 US hospitals from July 2009 to June 2011 using the merged Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry-Get With the Guidelines and CathPCI Registry database. Hierarchical logistic regression modeling was used to determine factors independently associated with in-hospital ADPri switching. Among 40 531 patients treated initially in-hospital with clopidogrel, 2125 (5.2%) were discharged on prasugrel; this frequency steadily increased from 0% to 7% during the study period. Among 6509 patients treated initially in-hospital with prasugrel, 751 (11.5%) were discharged on clopidogrel. The frequency of this switch increased from 6% to 18% during the first 2 quarters of the study period and decreased to 9% by the end. Switching clopidogrel to prasugrel was associated with high-risk angiographic characteristics (thrombotic, long, and bifurcating lesions), reinfarction in-hospital, and private health insurance coverage. Older age, previous cerebrovascular event, in-hospital coronary artery bypass grafting, in-hospital bleeding, and warfarin use at discharge were associated with switching prasugrel to clopidogrel. Clopidogrel and prasugrel are not uncommonly switched in-hospital in patients with myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. In contemporary US practice, in addition to risk for bleeding and recurrent ischemic events, medical drug coverage is a major determinant of ADPri selection.

Association between serum angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 levels and postoperative myocardial infarction following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a predominant and severe complication in patients that undergo aortocoronary bypass surgery. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activation is reportedly a protective mechanism in MI; therefore, in the present study, the association between serum ACE2 levels and postoperative MI following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was investigated. Preoperative and postoperative serum ACE2 levels in 136 subjects undergoing CABG were observed and the serum ACE2 levels, 1 h post surgery, were divided into quartile categories. Following adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, previous MI, current smoking status, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, Gensini score, aortic clamp time, number of grafts and pre-CABG medications; the risk of developing postoperative MI following CABG was observed to be significantly higher in the lowest serum ACE2 level quartile than when compared with the highest quartile (hazard ratio, 2.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.85–4.16; P=0.009). The subjects that exhibited a serum ACE2 level ≤1.06 ng/ml showed significantly higher rates of postoperative MI, arrhythmia and reduced cardiac output in addition to increased instances of in-hospital mortality post CABG, compared with those exhibiting a serum ACE2 level >1.06 ng/ml. A significant negative correlation was observed between serum ACE2 and serum cardiac troponin I levels, however, no significant association was identified between the serum ACE2 level quartiles and the ACE2 gene polymorphisms. The present study indicated that a low serum ACE2 level, 1 h post CABG was independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative MI. Thus, the serum ACE2 level may be a potential novel prognostic factor for postoperative MI following CABG.

Patterns and Outcomes of Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Studies have shown variation in the use of red blood cell transfusion among patients with acute coronary syndromes. There are no definitive data for the efficacy of transfusion in improving outcomes, and concerning data exist about possible association with harm. Current transfusion practices in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are not well understood. To determine the current patterns of blood transfusion among patients undergoing PCI and the association of transfusion with adverse cardiac outcomes across hospitals in the United States. Retrospective cohort study of all patient visits from the CathPCI Registry from July 2009 to March 2013 that included PCI, excluding those with missing data on bleeding complications or who underwent in-hospital coronary artery bypass graft surgery (N = 2,258,711 visits). Transfusion rates in the overall population and by hospital (N = 1431) were the primary outcomes. The association of transfusion with myocardial infarction, stroke, and death after accounting for a patient's propensity for transfusion was also measured. The overall rate of transfusion was 2.14% (95% CI, 2.13%-2.16%) and quarterly transfusion rates slightly declined from July 2009 to March 2013 (from 2.11% [95% CI, 2.03%-2.19%] to 2.04% [95% CI, 1.97%-2.12%]; P < .001). Patients who were more likely to receive transfusion were older (mean, 70.5 vs 64.6 years), were women (56.3% vs 32.5%), and had hypertension (86.4% vs 82.0%), diabetes (44.8% vs 34.6%), advanced renal dysfunction (8.7% vs 2.3%), prior myocardial infarction (33.0% vs 30.2%), or prior heart failure (27.0% vs 11.8%). Overall, 96.3% of sites gave a transfusion to less than 5% of patients and 3.7% of sites gave a transfusion to 5% of patients or more. Variation in hospital risk-standardized rates of transfusion persisted after adjustment, and hospitals showed variability in their transfusion thresholds. Receipt of transfusion was associated with myocardial infarction (42,803 events; 4.5% vs 1.8%; odds ratio [OR], 2.60; 95% CI, 2.57-2.63), stroke (5011 events; 2.0% vs 0.2%; OR, 7.72; 95% CI, 7.47-7.98), and in-hospital death (31,885 events; 12.5% vs 1.2%; OR, 4.63; 95% CI, 4.57-4.69), irrespective of bleeding complications. Among patients undergoing PCI at US hospitals, there was considerable variation in blood transfusion practices, and receipt of transfusion was associated with increased risk of in-hospital adverse cardiac events. These observational findings may warrant a randomized trial of transfusion strategies for patients undergoing PCI.

Use of Renin–Angiotensin System Blockers in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) initiated after myocardial infarction (MI) reduce mortality and are American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline recommended. Yet the extent to which ACEI/ARB therapy is applied in patients with acute coronary syndrome at hospital discharge is unclear. We performed an observational analysis of 80 241 patients admitted with an acute coronary syndrome and discharged home from 311 U.S. hospitals participating in the Get With the Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease Program from January 2005 to December 2009. Among the 60,847 patients with an American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association class I indication (left ventricular dysfunction or medical history of heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or chronic kidney disease), 49,682 (81.7%) received ACEI/ARB with an increase in the rate of treatment over the study period (76.7%-84.6%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.24; P<0.001, per calendar year). In-hospital coronary artery bypass grafting and renal insufficiency were independently associated with lower use (adjusted odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.63 and adjusted odds ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.64, respectively). Results from this large U.S. national registry suggest that 1 in 5 eligible patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome failed to receive American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association class I guideline-recommended ACEI/ARB therapy, and the use varies by patient factors. In particular, the low likelihood of ACEI/ARB after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery or in patients with renal insufficiency raises concern. These findings highlight an unmet need in this population and provide an incentive for additional quality improvement efforts.

Longer In-Hospital Wait Times Do Not Result in Worse Outcomes for Patients Requiring Urgent Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Background: In certain health care systems, patients wait for non-emergency services. Although waiting may not be considered acceptable, the delay may allow for patient optimization, such as giving time for “toxic” agents to be cleared, that could improve outcomes. We sought to determine the relationship between wait times and outcomes in in-hospital patients undergoing urgent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods and Results: A prospectively collected database of consecutive, medically urgent, but clinically stable patients undergoing CABG surgery from 1995 to 2007, was analyzed. A total of 3067 patients with need for urgent CABG surgery with various in-hospital wait times (n = 440, 0−2 days; n = 799, 3−5 days; n = 1317, 6−10 days; n = 511, 11−15 days) were included. There were no differences in mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) or post-surgery hospital length of stay (LOS) among the patient groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that wait time was not associated with mortality (P = 0.625). Due to changes in the nonsurgical management of coronary artery disease, a separate analysis of patients, from 2002 to 2007, was also performed to explore contemporary results. In the latter subset, 1495 patients (n = 175, 341, 720, 259, in the same 4 respective wait-time groups) were included; the 0−2 days patient group underwent more blood transfusions (50% vs 38%; P = 0.01), prolonged ventilation (6% vs 2%; P = 0.05), post-operative dialysis (2% vs 0%; P = 0.08), and longer ICU LOS (26 vs 23 hours; P = 0.02) compared with the 3−5 days patient group. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons mortality risk scores of the 0−2 days and 3−5 days groups were the same (1.5%). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that increased wait time was associated with fewer patients requiring blood transfusion (P < 0.05) for CABG surgery. Conclusion: Waiting for in-hospital urgent CABG surgery does not lead to worse patient outcomes and may, in fact, reduce the procedural and medical risks of postoperative blood transfusions, prolonged ventilation, dialysis, and shorten ICU LOS.

Contemporary outcomes of urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery following non-ST elevation myocardial infarction: urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery consistently outperforms Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events predicted survival

The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) registry reported that the in-hospital risk of death from non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is 5%, with an 11% mortality by 6 months. Prospective Registry of Acute Ischaemic Syndromes in the UK demonstrated that the overall risk of death from NSTEMI over 4 years is 25%. In GRACE, while 28% of patients received percutaneous intervention, only 10% received coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Results of urgent CABG surgery following NSTEMI are difficult to interpret as these often include patients who have had STEMIs and urgent surgery. With increasing multidisciplinary assessment of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), accurate data collection on the outcome of such patients could inform correct revascularization strategy. Three hundred and forty-two consecutive patients who had undergone urgent CABG from April 2004 to April 2009 at a single institution were identified. The GRACE predicted mortality was calculated from hospital records and patients categorized into three groups based upon their predicted risk. Late survival data were obtained from the UK Office of National Statistics. The GRACE score could be calculated in 270 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of NSTEMI. Of the 304 probable patients with NSTEMI, there were 5 in-hospital deaths (1.6%). Survival at 6 months was higher than GRACE predicted mortality in all groups. At 6 months the predicted versus observed mortality in the low-risk group was 4 versus 2% (P=0.05), in the medium-risk group it was 12.5 versus 1.9% (P=0.0001) and in the high-risk group it was 25 versus 20% (P=0.45). In-hospital CABG performed after NSTEMI is associated with a low-mortality risk and survival significantly better than that predicted by the GRACE score.