Relative Prognostic Utility Research Articles

Comparative Effectiveness of PET and SPECT MPI for Predicting Cardiovascular Events After Kidney Transplant.

Advanced chronic kidney disease is associated with high cardiovascular risk, even after kidney transplant. Pretransplant cardiac testing may identify patients who require additional assessment before transplant or would benefit from risk optimization. The objective of the current study was to determine the relative prognostic utility of pretransplant positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for posttransplant major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We retrospectively followed patients who underwent MPI before kidney transplant for the occurrence of MACE after transplant including myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and cardiac death. An abnormal MPI result was defined as a total perfusion deficit >5% of the myocardium. To determine associations of MPI results with MACE, we utilized Cox hazard regression with propensity weighting for PET versus SPECT with model factors, including demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 393 patients underwent MPI (208 PET and 185 SPECT) and were followed for a median of 5.9 years post-transplant. Most were male (58%), median age was 58 years, and there was a high burden of hypertension (88%) and diabetes (33%). A minority had abnormal MPI (n=58, 15%). In propensity-weighted hazard regression, abnormal PET result was associated with posttransplant MACE (hazard ratio, 3.02 [95% CI, 1.78-5.11]; P<0.001), while there was insufficient evidence of an association of abnormal SPECT result with MACE (1.39 [95% CI, 0.72-2.66]; P=0.33). The explained relative risk of the PET result was higher than the SPECT result (R2 0.086 versus 0.007). Normal PET was associated with the lowest risk of MACE (2.2%/year versus 3.6%/year for normal SPECT; P<0.001). Kidney transplant recipients are at high cardiovascular risk, despite a minority having obstructive coronary artery disease on MPI. PET MPI findings predict posttransplant MACE. Normal PET may better discriminate lower risk patients compared with normal SPECT, which should be confirmed in a larger prospective study.

Evaluating hematologic parameters in newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma: Prognostic utility and clinical trial implications of myelosuppression.

Glioblastoma (GBM) patients are treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and corticosteroids, which can cause myelosuppression. To understand the relative prognostic utility of blood-based biomarkers in GBM and its implications for clinical trial design, we examined the incidence, predictors, and prognostic value of lymphopenia, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet count during chemoradiation (CRT) and recurrence. This cohort study included 764 newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients treated from 2005 to 2019 with blood counts prior to surgery, within 6 weeks of CRT, and at first recurrence available for automatic extraction from the medical record. Logistic regression was used to evaluate exposures and Kaplan-Meier was used to evaluate outcomes. Among the cohort, median age was 60.3 years; 87% had Karnofsky performance status ≥ 70, 37.5% had gross total resection, and 90% received temozolomide (TMZ). During CRT, 37.8% (248/656) of patients developed grade 3 or higher lymphopenia. On multivariable analysis (MVA), high NLR during CRT remained an independent predictor for inferior survival (Adjusted Hazard Ratio [AHR] = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.14-2.15) and shorter progression-free survival (AHR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.05-1.90). Steroid use was associated with lymphopenia (OR = 2.66,1.20-6.00) and high NLR (OR = 3.54,2.08-6.11). Female sex was associated with lymphopenia (OR = 2.33,1.03-5.33). At first recurrence, 28% of patients exhibited grade 3 or higher lymphopenia. High NLR at recurrence was associated with worse subsequent survival on MVA (AHR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.25-2.27). High NLR is associated with worse outcomes in newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma. Appropriate eligibility criteria and accounting and reporting of blood-based biomarkers are important in the design and interpretation of newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma trials.

Donor and Recipient Size Matching in Heart Transplantation With Predicted Heart and Lean Body Mass

Donor and recipient size matching during heart transplant can be assessed using weight or predicted heart mass (PHM) ratios. We developed sex-specific allomteric equations for PHM and predicted lean body mass (PLBM) using the United Kingdom Biobank (UKB) and evaluated their predictive value in the United Network of Organ Sharing database. Donor and recipient size matching was based on weight, PHM and PLBM ratios. PHM was calculated using the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and UKB equations. PLBM was calculated using the UKB and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey equations. Relative prognostic utility was compared using multivariable Cox analysis, adjusted for predictors of 1-year survival in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients model. Of 53,648 adult patients in the United Network of Organ Sharing database between 1996 and 2016, 6528 (12.2%) died within the first year. In multivariable analysis, undersized matches by any metric were associated with increased 1-year mortality (all P < 0.01). Oversized matches were at increased risk using PHM or PLBM (all P < 0.01), but not weight ratio. There were significant differences in classification of size matching by weight or PHM in sex-mismatched donor-recipient pairs. A significant interaction was observed between pulmonary hypertension and donor undersizing (hazard ratio 1.15, P = 0.026) suggesting increased risk of undersizing in pulmonary hypertension. Donor and recipient size matching with simplified PHM and PLBM offered an advantage over total body weight and may be more important for sex-mismatched donor-recipient pairs. Donor undersizing is associated with worse outcomes in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Novel Methods for Donor and Recipient Size Matching in Heart Transplantation

Heart donor and recipient size matching is associated with improved post-transplant outcomes. Many programs use total body weight ratios, which do not account for body composition or heart specific mass. We derived equatinos for lean body mass (LBM) and predicted heart mass (PHM) in the UK Biobank (UKB), and determined associations with survival using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. We derived LBM and PHM equations from 2846 participants in the UKB who underwent cardiac MRI and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for body composition analysis. Prognostic utility was validated in adults patients in the UNOS database between January 1996 and November 2017. Donor-recipient size matching was based on five methods: weight ratio, two methods for LBM ratio (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] and UKB) and two methods for PHM ratios (Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis [MESA] and UKB). Relative prognostic utility was compared using multivariable Cox analysis adjusted for variables in the SRTR one year patient survival equation. Donor-recipient matching was defined as < 0.8 (undersized), 0.8 to 1.2 (matched) or > 1.2 (oversized). In the validation cohort, 6528 of 53,648 patients (12.2%) died within the first year. In multivariable analysis, undersized matches were associated with increased one-year mortality for all methods (p<0.01). Oversized matches by LBM or PHM ratios (adjusted HR 1.08 - 1.15, all p<0.05) were also associated with increased one-year mortality. Donor oversizing by UKB LBM was associated with worse outcomes in female donors to male recipients (Figure, interaction p=0.001). Significant under or oversizing of donor hearts, predicted using either of LBM or PHM algorithms, was associated with worse one-year survival following cardiac transplantation. Donor-recicipient sex mismatches should also be considered when using LBM and PHM based ratios.

Effect of B-type Natriuretic Peptides on Long-Term Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are elevated in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and decrease acutely after replacement of the stenotic valve. The long-term prognostic value of BNP after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and the relative prognostic utility of single versus serial peri-interventional measurements of BNP and N-terminal prohormone BNP (NT-pro-BNP) are unknown. This study sought to determine the impact of BNP levels on long-term outcomes after TAVI and to compare the utility of BNP versus NT-pro-BNP measured before and after intervention. We analyzed 340 patients with severe AS and baseline pre-TAVI assessment of BNP. In 219 patients, BNP and NT-pro-BNP were measured serially before and after intervention. Clinical outcomes over 2 years were recorded. Patients with high baseline BNP (higher tertile ≥591 pg/ml) had increased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 3.16, 95% confidence interval 1.84 to 5.42; p <0.001) and cardiovascular death at 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio 3.37, 95% confidence interval 1.78 to 6.39; p <0.001). Outcomes were most unfavorable in patients with persistently high BNP before and after intervention. Comparing the 2 biomarkers, NT-pro-BNP levels measured after TAVI showed the highest prognostic discrimination for 2-year mortality (area under the curve 0.75; p <0.01). Baseline-to-discharge reduction, but not baseline levels of BNP, was related to New York Heart Association functional improvement. In conclusion, high preintervention BNP independently predicts 2-year outcomes after TAVI, particularly when elevated levels persist after the intervention. BNP and NT-pro-BNP and their serial periprocedural changes provide complementary prognostic information for symptomatic improvement and survival.

Baseline Q Waves and Time From Symptom Onset to ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Insights From PLATO on the Influence of Sex

BackgroundThe prognostic value of time from symptom onset to reperfusion may be enhanced by the identification of Q waves on the presenting electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We evaluated whether the relative prognostic utility of these 2 metrics was altered by sex. MethodsQ waves in the distribution of the ST-segment elevation on the baseline ECG were evaluated by a blinded core laboratory in 2838 STEMI patients (2163 men and 675 women) from the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 12 hours of symptom onset. ResultsWomen were older (median 63 vs 57 years), more likely to be diabetic (24.1% vs 15.5%), hypertensive (69.2% vs 50.9%), and a higher Killip class > I (8.6% vs 5.9%), as compared with men. Whereas the Q waves frequency rose progressively over time to ECG in men, this relationship was attenuated in women (P = .057). Q waves on the baseline ECG were associated with a higher excess hazard of 1-year vascular death in men (hazard ratio [HR] 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-3.72), and a similar trend existed in women (HR 1.97; 95% CI, 0.86-4.51). Women with baseline Q waves tended to have higher risk of 1-year vascular death than men as continuous time from symptom onset to PCI increased (P[interaction] = .182). ConclusionsThese differences in the evolution of baseline Q waves and relationship between time from symptom onset and vascular death in women and men deserve recognition in future studies of STEMI.

The relative prognostic utility of standardized uptake value, gross tumor volume, and metabolic tumor volume in oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with platinum based concurrent chemoradiation with a pre-treatment [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan

This study compared the relative prognostic utility of the Gross Tumor Volume (GTV), maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax), and Metabolic Tumor Volume (MTV) in a uniform cohort of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients treated with platinum-based concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT). One-hundred OPSCC with a pretreatment [(18)F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) were treated with CCRT. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models were generated. When dichotomized by the median, a smaller MTV correlated with improved 5year locoregional control (LRC) (98.0% versus 87.0%, p=0.049), freedom from distant metastasis (FDM) (91.7% versus 65.0%, p=0.005), progression-free survival (PFS) (80.3% versus 56.7%, p=0.015), and overall survival (OS) (84.1% versus 57.8%, p=0.008), whereas a smaller GTV correlated with improved PFS (80.3% versus 57.4%, p=0.040) and OS (82.1% versus 60.1%, p=0.025). SUVmax failed to correlate with any outcome. On multivariate analysis, when adjusted for GTV, T-stage, and N-stage a smaller MTV remained independently correlated with improved FDM, PFS, and OS. GTV failed to reach significance in the multivariate model. A smaller MTV correlates with improved LRC, FDM, PFS, and OS in OPSCC patients undergoing platinum-based CCRT.

1544O - Comparison of Nutritional Assessment with a New Definition of Cachexia in Determining Outcomes of Advanced Cancer Patients

ABSTRACT Background An international consensus statement providing a definition and diagnostic criteria for cancer cachexia was recently published. This study aimed to compare the relative prognostic utility of this definition with nutritional status as defined by the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) tool. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital where chemotherapy naive patients with life expectancy ≥3 months were recruited by medical oncologists and a research dietitian. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to determine the median survival of patients with advanced cancer in the cohort study, and a subset of patients who met the criteria for cancer cachexia as defined in the international consensus (Fearon 2011). The log rank chi-square test was used to evaluate the strength of predictors of overall survival (OS). A P value of Results The following table demonstrates the patient baseline characteristics of the two cohorts.Unlabelled TableCachexia (Met ≥1 criteria)Malnourished (PG-SGA B/C)Sample size80% (n= 62/78)58% (n= 66/114)Age, years, mean61 (SD 8.7)63 (SD 9.7)Male, % (n)63% (39)67% (44)% of weight loss in 6 months preceding, mean11.1 (SD 5.5)9.5 (SD 6.4)Estimated OS, mths, median (95% CI) Log rank test (Mantel-Cox)11.4 (5.5 – 17.3) 2.248.4 (4.06 – 12.69) 8.07 Sixty eight percent of the advanced cancer patients (53 of the 78) were both malnourished and met ≥1 of the proposed diagnostic criteria for cachexia at baseline. The log rank test from the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that nutritional status as defined by PG-SGA tool was a stronger overall predictor of OS than the recently defined criteria. Conclusions The concept of using the PG-SGA tool to identify potential patients with cachexia for future trials deserves further investigation given that malnutrition, as determined using this tool, had a better overall predictive value of cancer patients' survival than the proposed diagnostic criteria for cachexia. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Operator Versus Core Laboratory Assessment of Angiographic Reperfusion Markers in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow and Myocardial Blush Grade (MBG) are important prognostic indicators before and after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction; however, the concordance and relative prognostic utility of operator (Op) versus angiography core laboratory (ACL) assessed TIMI flow and MBG are unknown. Baseline and final Op and ACL TIMI flow and MBG assessment were compared from the Harmonizing Outcomes with RevascularIZatiON and Stents in AMI trial in 3345 patients undergoing primary PCI using Cohen's κ coefficient. κ Was highest for pre-PCI TIMI flow (0.51, representing moderate agreement) and lowest for post-PCI MBG (0.20, representing fair agreement). Discordance between Op and ACL for final TIMI flow (0 to 2 versus 3) occurred in 12.9% of patients and for final MBG (0 to 1 versus 2 to 3) in 22.4%. Among 415 patients with final TIMI flow 0 to 2 by ACL, Op scoring was TIMI flow 3 in 267 (64.3%). Similarly, among 706 patients with final MBG 0 to 1 by ACL, 563 (79.7%) were classified as MBG 2 to 3 by Op. Post-PCI TIMI 3 flow and MBG 2 to 3 strongly correlated with 3-year survival, as assessed by both Op and ACL (P<0.0001). Mortality was intermediate in patients in whom ACL and Op were discordant, without marked prognostic differences between the discordant groups. Op and ACL assessment of angiographic markers of reperfusion in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction demonstrates fair to moderate agreement. Op tended to favorably grade unfavorable ACL results. Nonetheless, both Op and ACL assessment of reperfusion strongly inform prediction of 3-year mortality.

Abstract 23: N -Terminal Fragment of the Prohormone Brain-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) vs. BNP for Predicting Heart Failure in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease: the Heart and Soul Study.

Background The B-type natriuretic peptide (brain natriuretic peptide [BNP] and its amino terminal pro-BNP [NT-proBNP]) are powerful predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure (HF), in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, their relative prognostic utility remains uncertain. We compared the ability of NT-proBNP and BNP to predict HF hospitalizations in patients with stable CAD. Methods We studied the relative prognostic utility of NT-proBNP and BNP in 983 participants with stable CAD from the Heart and Soul Study. The primary outcome was time to HF hospitalization. Results During an average of 6.7 ± 3.0 years follow-up, there were 173 hospitalizations for HF. NT-proBNP and BNP levels were strongly correlated with one another (r=0.87; p&lt;0.001). In demographically-adjusted models, HF hospitalization was predicted similarly by NT-proBNP (HR per 1-SD increase in log-transformed level: 3.1; 95% C.I. 2.7 - 3.7; p&lt;0.001) and BNP (HR per 1-SD increase in log-transformed level: 3.0; 95% C.I. 2.5 - 3.6; p&lt;0.001). This finding persisted after adjustment for traditional coronary risk factors, history of HF, left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and LV mass index, with NT-proBNP (HR per 1-SD increase in log-transformed level: 3.4; 95% C.I. 2.5 - 4.5; p&lt;0.001) and BNP (HR per 1-SD increase in log-transformed level: 3.0; 95% C.I. 2.3 - 3.8; p&lt;0.001) continuing to predict the primary outcome similarly. Moreover, in fully adjusted ROC analyses, NT-proBNP (AUC 0.87) and BNP (AUC 0.86; p=0.19 for comparison) performed similarly for predicting HF hospitalization. Conclusions NT-proBNP and BNP are secreted in equimolar amounts and perform similarly for predicting HF hospitalization in patients with stable CAD. This suggests that their relative prognostic utility is not affected by differences in their biological half-lives, in vitro stability and mechanisms of clearance.

N-TERMINAL FRAGMENT OF THE PROHORMONE BRAIN-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE (NT-PROBNP) VS. BNP FOR PREDICTING ADVERSE OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH STABLE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: THE HEART AND SOUL STUDY

The B-type natriuretic peptides (brain natriuretic peptide [BNP] and its amino terminal pro-BNP [NT-proBNP]) are powerful predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, their relative prognostic utility remains uncertain. We compared the

Left ventricular hypertrophy reclassification and death: application of the Recommendation of the American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Echocardiography

Despite the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)/European Association of Echocardiography (EAE) recommended the use of left ventricular (LV) mass to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), several laboratories continue to use only the septal thickness by M-mode because it appears easier to measure. Aim of the study was to investigate the discrepancy between the categorization of LVH severity based on measurement of septal thickness and indexed LV mass and the relative prognostic utility of these two methods. Observational cohort study. Unselected adults (>18 years) referred to the echocardiography laboratory for any indication had septal thickness and LV mass measured by the ASE/EAE formula using LV linear dimensions indexed to body surface area. LVH was categorized as absent, mild, moderate, and severe according to the ASE/EAE guideline sex-specific categorization cut-offs for septal thickness and LV mass. Follow-up for death was obtained from the national death index. A total of 2545 subjects (mean age 61.9 ± 15.8, 53% women, mean diastolic septal thickness 10.3 ± 2.2 mm, and mean indexed LV mass 107.5 ± 37.3 g/m(2)) were enrolled. Agreement between the two methods in classifying LVH degree across the four categories was 52.6% (Kappa = 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26-0.32, P < 0.001). Of the 2513 subjects without severely thickened septum, 472 (18.9%) had severely abnormal indexed LV mass. Vice versa, of the 2045 individuals without severely abnormal indexed LV mass, only 4 (0.1%) were classified as severe LVH by septal thickness. After a mean follow-up of 2.5 ± 1.2 years 121 (4.7%) deaths occurred. Using indexed LV mass partition values there was a graded association between LVH degree and survival. Compared with patients with normal indexed LV mass, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death from all causes was 2.17 for mild (95% CI: 1.23-3.81, P = 0.007), 3.04 for moderate (95% CI: 1.76-5.24, P < 0.001), and 3.81 for severe (95% CI: 2.43-5.97, P < 0.001) LVH by indexed LV mass. The area under the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve for the four degrees of LVH by indexed LV mass was superior [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.66] to that of the septal thickness partition values (AUC = 0.58, P = 0.0004). In a large cohort study of unselected adult outpatients referred to the echocardiography laboratory, the measurements of indexed LV mass applying the ASE/EAE recommended cut-offs yielded remarkable discrepancy in the diagnosis of LVH severity and offered prognostic information beyond that provided by septal thickness only criteria.

Red cell distribution width outperforms other potential circulating biomarkers in predicting survival in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

BackgroundIn addition to N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), red cell distribution width (RDW), growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15, interleukin (IL)-6 and creatinine are all potential circulating prognostic biomarkers in pulmonary arterial...

Noninvasive assessment of left ventricular filling pressure after acute myocardial infarction: A prospective study of the relative prognostic utility of clinical assessment, echocardiography, and B-type natriuretic peptide

Elevated left ventricular filling pressure after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be identified using clinical assessment, echocardiography, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. All of these predict outcome in this setting. There are, however, no data assessing their relative prognostic value. The current study addresses this. Four hundred patients underwent detailed echocardiography and measurement of BNP levels after AMI (median 1 day). The study end points were (1) a composite of death, recurrent AMI, and/or admission to hospital with heart failure within 1 year and (2) all-cause mortality during medium-term follow-up (median 2.9 years). Both an elevated ratio of early transmitral flow to early mitral annulus velocity (E/e') and higher BNP levels were associated with an increased risk of an adverse event within the first year (odds ratio 6.14 for E/e' >15, P < .001; odds ratio 1.19 per 50-pg/mL increase in BNP, P < .001) and medium-term mortality (hazard ratio 4.67 for E/e' >15, P < .001; hazard ratio 1.10 per 50-pg/mL increase in BNP, P < .001). Among patients with BNP levels higher than the median or in the upper quartile, an E/e' ratio >15 identified a subgroup at greatest risk of mortality (P < .001 for both). The E/e' ratio and BNP levels play important and complementary roles in the risk stratification of patients after AMI.

Troponin T and quantitative ST-segment depression offer complementary prognostic information in the risk stratification of acute coronary syndrome patients

ObjectivesOur primary objective was to examine the prognostic relationship between baseline quantitative ST-segment depression (ST↓) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) elevation. The secondary objectives were to: 1) examine whether ST↓ provided additional insight into therapeutic efficacy of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa therapy similar to that demonstrated by cTnT; and 2) explore whether the time to evaluation impacted on each marker’s relative prognostic utility. BackgroundThe relationship between the baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) and cTnT measurements in risk-stratifying patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has not been evaluated comprehensively. MethodsThe study population consisted of 959 patients enrolled in the cTnT substudy of the Platelet IIb/IIIa Antagonism for the Reduction of Acute coronary syndrome events in a Global Organization Network (PARAGON)-B trial. Patients were classified as having no ST↓ (n = 387), 1 mm ST↓ (n = 433), and ST↓ ≥2 mm (n = 139). Forty-percent (n = 381) were classified as cTnT-positive based on a definition of ≥0.1 ng/ml. ResultsSix-month death/(re)myocardial infarction rates were 8.4% among cTnT-negative patients with no ST↓ and 26.8% among cTnT-positive patients with ST↓ ≥2 mm. On ECGs done after 6 h of symptom onset, ST↓ ≥2 mm was associated with higher risk compared to its presence on ECGs done earlier (odds ratio [OR] 7.3 vs. 2.1). In contrast, the presence of elevated cTnT within 6 h of symptom was associated with a higher risk of adverse events compared with elevations after 6 h (OR 2.4 vs. 1.5). ConclusionsQuantitative ST↓ and cTnT status are complementary in assessing risk among ACS patients and both should be employed to determine prognosis and assist in medical decision making.