Total Major Adverse Cardiac Events Research Articles

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between Drug-Eluting Balloons and Drug-Eluting Stents in Patients with Small Coronary Artery Disease

Background/Aims: Drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) represent a novel therapeutic approach for patients with small coronary artery disease. However, further studies are needed to compare the clinical efficacy of DEBs versus drug-eluting stents (DESs).Methods: In total, 492 patients (age, 67.9 ± 11.0 years; 339 men) with small coronary artery lesions (diameter < 2.75 mm) were randomly assigned to group I (DEB) (n = 104; age, 67.2 ± 10.7 years; 83 men) and group II (DES) (n = 388; age, 68.0 ± 11.1 years; 254 men). For inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis, the study population was stratified into groups I (n = 269) and II (n = 280). We compared the incidences of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) between the two groups during 12 months of clinical follow-up.Results: Group I had shorter device lengths (22.4 ± 5.8 mm) compared with group II (27.4 ± 9.3 mm; p < 0.001). Additionally, devices in group I were smaller in diameter (2.4 ± 0.1 mm) compared with those in group II (2.6 ± 0.1 mm; p < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was lower in group I (53.8% ± 12.6%) than in group II (58.6% ± 11.9%; p < 0.001). After IPTW, no significant differences in LVEF were observed between groups I and II. During 12 months of follow-up, the incidence of total MACE did not differ between the two groups.Conclusions: No significant differences were observed in clinical efficacy between DEB and DES for the treatment of small coronary artery disease. Therefore, DEB can be considered a viable alternative to DES in patients with small coronary artery disease.

Association of Total Leucocyte Count and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio with Short Term Major Adverse Cardiac Events after Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India

Ischemic Heart Disease is a global health issue with developing countries bearing the brunt of the burden. The development of adverse cardiac events after an acute coronary event further aggravates the morbidity and mortality. In a developing country like India, employing inexpensive markers such as Total Leucocyte Count (TLC) and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) can greatly aid prognostication in acute myocardial infarction. The study aimed at estimating the association of TLC and NLR with short term Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) after acute STEMI. We also studied the association of Total Leucocyte Count and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio with TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) score. This hospital based descriptive study that spanned over a year enrolled 270 patients admitted under General Medicine and Cardiology with STEMI. TLC and NLR were measured within 24 hours of admission. The subjects were followed up for MACE (namely heart failure hospitalization, compensated systolic dysfunction, arrhythmias, non-fatal reinfarction/stroke, and cardiovascular death) at the end of 1 week and 1 month. Among the 270 cases, 107 developed MACE after 1 week and 89 developed MACE after 1 month. The most common MACE was LV systolic dysfunction followed by arrhythmias. There was a significant association between NLR and MACE after 1 week (p value:0.04). Similarly, there was a positive association between NLR and TIMI score (p value:0.002). The association between total leucocyte count and MACE was not statistically significant. We concluded that NLR, a routine, easily available test was effective in predicting major adverse cardiac events after 1 week in acute STEMI. Keywords: Acute Coronary Syndrome; ST elevation myocardial infarction; Total leucocyte count; Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio; Major Adverse Cardiac Events; Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Score (TIMI score); LV systolic dysfunction

Associations of Culprit Vessel Size and Plaque Characteristics in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Small vessel disease (SVD) widely exists in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, the plaque characteristic of SVD has not been investigated. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of culprit lesion was examined in 576 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and finally 404 patients with qualified images were analysed of plaque phenotypes and microstructure. The cohort was divided into three groups according to vessel diameters of culprit lesion which were measured by OCT. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were recorded of each patient and compared among patients with different vessel diameters and plaque phenotypes. Gender, age and body mass index (BMI) were significantly different among patients with different diameters of culprit vessels (98.4% vs. 85.7% vs.71.4%, p 0.001; 40.0 7.0 vs. 54.9 6.6 vs. 68.9 5.8, p 0.001; 28.4 4.0 vs. 25.8 2.9 vs. 25.2 3.0, p 0.001, respectively). Moreover, patients with diameters of culprit lesion 3 mm presented with more incidence of plaque rupture and macrophage (57.7% vs. 42.1% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.015, 55.1% vs. 41.0% vs. 36.9%, p = 0.010). Total MACE did not differ among groups of different vessel diameters and plaque phenotypes. Vessel size of culprit lesion is significantly associated with plaque phenotype in patients with STEMI. However, patients with different diameters and plaque phenotypes showed no significant difference of clinical outcomes. NCT03593928.

The Relationship of Plasma Aterogenity Index and Mean Platelet Volume with the Risk of Development of 1-Year Total Major Adverse Cardiac Event in Patients with Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

In our study, we aimed to reveal the role of plasma atherogenicity index and mean platelet volume in predicting the risk of developing a 1-year major adverse cardiac event (MACE) in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). This study, which was planned from the retrospective cross-sectional study model, was performed with 100 patients diagnosed with NSTEMI and scheduled for coronary angiography. The laboratory values of the patients were evaluated, the atherogenicity index of plasma was calculated, and the 1-year MACE status was evaluated. In total, 79 of the patients were male and 21 were female. The average age is 60.8 years. At the end of the first year, the MACE improvement rate was found to be 29%. The PAI value was below 0.11 in 39% of the patients, between 0.11 and 0.21 in 14%, and above 0.21 in 47%. The 1-year MACE development rate was found to be significantly higher in diabetic patients and patients with hyperlipidemia. Lymphocyte count and triglyceride values of the patients in the high-risk group of atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were found to be higher than the patients in the low-risk group. The neutrophil/lymphocyte, thrombocyte/lymphocyte ratios and high-density lipoprotein values of the patients in the high-risk group of AIP were found to be lower than those in the low-risk group. The rate of MACE development was found to be significantly higher in patients in the high-risk group of AIP ( p = 0.02). No correlation was found between the mean platelet volume and the MACE development status. While no significant relationship was found between MPV and MACE in NSTEMI patients, AIP, which includes atherogenic parameters, was found to be correlated with MACE.

Cytochrome P450 2C19 Polymorphisms and Its Association With Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Post-coronary Intervention Patients on Clopidogrel in the Tertiary Care Center.

Background Clopidogrel has become essential in managing coronary artery disease and other atherothrombotic diseases. It is an inactive prodrug that needs biotransformation in the liver by various cytochrome P (CYP) 450 isoenzymes for its active metabolite formation.However, 4-30% of patients on clopidogrel have shown no or decreased antiplatelet response. This condition is called 'clopidogrel non-responsiveness' or 'clopidogrel resistance.' This is attributed to genetic heterogeneity causing interindividual variation and increased risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). This study aimed to assess MACEs and their association with CYP450 2C19 polymorphisms in post-coronary intervention patients on clopidogrel. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted on acute coronary syndrome patients, started on clopidogrel following coronary intervention. After considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, 72 patients were enrolled, and a genetic analysis was done. Based on genetic analysis, patients were divided into two groups, normal (CYP2C19*1) and abnormal phenotypes (CYP2C19*2 & *3). These patients were followed for two years, and the MACE during the first year and second yearwas compared between these two groups. Results Of 72 patients, 39 (54.1%) were normal, and 33 (45.8%) were abnormal genotypes. The mean age of patients is 67.71 ± 9.968. A total of 19 and 27 MACEs were seen during first- and second-year follow-ups.During the first-year follow-up, three (9.1%) patients with abnormal phenotypes developed ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and none of the phenotypically normal patients developed STEMI (p-value = 0.183).Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) was seenin three (7.7%) normal and seven (21.2%) abnormal phenotype patients (p-value=0.19). Other events, such as thrombotic stroke, stent thrombosis, and cardiac death, were seen in two (6.1%) abnormal phenotypic patients (p-value=0.401).During the second-year follow-up, STEMI was seen in one (2.6%) normal and three (9.7%) abnormal phenotypic patients (p-value=0.183). NSTEMI was seen in four (10.3%) normal and nine (29%) abnormal phenotype patients(p=0.045). Comparison of total MACEs between normal and abnormal phenotypic groups at the end of the first year(p-value=0.011) and second year (p-value=<0.01) has statistical significance. Conclusion We can infer that the risk of developing a recurrent MACEin post-coronary intervention patientson clopidogrel is significantly high in the abnormal phenotypic group (CYP2C19*2 & *3) than in normal phenotypic patients.

Coronary microcirculation dysfunction evaluated by myocardial contrast echocardiography predicts poor prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention

BackgroundThe mortality rate of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains substantial, despite advances in treatment strategies. Coronary microcirculation dysfunction (CMD) persists after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a substantial proportion of STEMI patients. The association between CMD assessed using myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) and prognosis requires further elucidation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CMD after successful PCI on the prognosis of patients with STEMI.MethodsWe enrolled 167 patients with STEMI after PCI who underwent MCE during hospitalization between January 2018 and March 2022. Patients were classified into the CMD and non-CMD groups according to the results of MCE. The clinical data and MCE results of both groups were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted for major adverse cardiac events.ResultsMCE detected CMD in 105 patients (62.9%). The CMD group contained fewer hypertensive patients (55.2% versus 74.2%, P = 0.015). Patients with CMD exhibited significantly higher levels of plasma troponin I (TnI) [73.2 (23.0–124.0) versus 28.9 (12.7–80.2) ng/mL, P = 0.004], higher levels of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide [255 (99–641) versus 193 (59–389) pg/mL, P = 0.004], poorer Killip classification (P = 0.038), and different culprit vessels (P < 0.001) compared to the non-CMD group. Patients with CMD exhibited lower left ventricular ejection fraction [50 (43–58) versus 61 (54–67) %, P < 0.001], poorer wall motion score index values (1.68 ± 0.4 versus 1.31 ± 0.26, P < 0.001) and poorer left ventricular global longitudinal strain [–11.2 (–8.7 to –14.1) versus –13.9 (–11.0 to –17.2) %, P < 0.001] compared to the non-CMD group. Patients underwent follow-up for 13 (7–20) months. After adjusting for hypertension, peak TnI level, culprit vessel, and Killip classification, CMD was an independent predictor of total major adverse cardiac events at 13 months’ follow-up [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.457; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.042–5.790; P = 0.040], and patients with CMD had a higher risk of hospitalization for heart failure (adjusted OR, 5.184; 95% CI, 1.044–25.747; P = 0.044) and repeat myocardial infarction (adjusted OR, 2.896; 95% CI, 1.109–7.565; P = 0.030).ConclusionsMCE is a safe and effective method for detecting CMD in patients with STEMI. CMD detected by MCE after successful PCI in patients with STEMI is a common occurrence, which is associated with a significantly worse prognosis, especially hospitalization for heart failure and repeat myocardial infarction.

The Level of HbA1c Evaluates the Extent of Coronary Atherosclerosis Lesions and the Prognosis in Diabetes with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Background The level of HbA1c can reflect the average level of blood glucose over 3 months, which is the gold standard indicator for monitoring blood glucose. The relationship between the level of HbA1c and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis lesions or the prognosis in diabetes with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains poorly understood. Aims To explore whether the level of HbA1c can evaluate the extent of coronary atherosclerosis lesions or the prognosis in diabetes with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using the SYNTAX score, the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score, left ventricular function (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in the hospital and 12 months after discharge. Methods This study was a prospective, randomized, open-label, and parallel group study. Patients with diabetes with ACS were recruited into this study indiscriminately, and all the participants were divided into two groups according to the level of HbA1c: HbA1c level ≤ 7%group and HbA1c level > 7%group. The followings were used as the evaluation indicators: SYNTAX score, GRACE score, LVEF, LVEDV, and MACEs in hospital and 12 months after discharge. Results A total of 233 patients with diabetes and ACS were enrolled and assigned to two groups according to their level of HbA1c: the HbA1c ≤ 7%group (n = 92) and the HbA1c > 7%group (n = 141). The results showed that the proportion of STEMI was higher in the HbA1c ≤7% group (p < 0.05), while the proportion of NSTEMI has not significantly higher in the HbA1c >7% group (p > 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that HbA1c level was significantly positively correlated with GRACE score (r = 0.156, F = 5.784, p = 0.017, n = 233) and SYNTAX score (r = 0.237, F = 13.788, p < 0.001, n = 233), and there were no statistically significant differences in LVEDV and LVEF between the two groups (p > 0.05). The total MACEs rate showed no significant difference between the two groups during hospitalization (p > 0.05) but showed significant differences at 12 months after discharge (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study shows that HbA1c level was positively correlated with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis lesions and the prognosis in diabetes with ACS. The higher the HbA1c level is, the more severe the coronary atherosclerotic lesion and the worse the prognosis in diabetes with ACS are.

Impact of a rapid high-sensitivity troponin pathway on patient flow in an urban emergency department.

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate whether the introduction of a 1‐hour high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin‐T (hs‐TnT) pathway for patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) improves ED patient flow without changing the rate of “missed” major adverse cardiac events (MACE), compared to use of conventional cardiac troponin with an associated 3‐hour pathway.MethodsThis was a prospective, uncontrolled observational study conducted before and after implementation of a 1‐hour hs‐TnT pathway at a high‐volume urban ED. Patients undergoing evaluation for ACS in the ED were enrolled during their initial visit and clinical outcomes were assessed at 30 and 90 days. Throughput markers were extracted from the electronic medical record and compared. The primary outcome was provider‐to‐disposition decision time.ResultsA total of 1892 patients were enrolled, 1071 patients while using conventional troponin and 821 after introduction of hs‐TnT. With the new assay and pathway, median interval between troponin tests decreased from 4.7 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 3.9–5.7 hours) to 2.3 hours (IQR 1.5–3.4 hours) (P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in median provider‐to‐disposition decision time, which measured 4.7 hours (IQR 2.9–7.2) and 4.8 hours (IQR 3.1–7.1) (P = 0.428) respectively. Total 30‐day MACE rate in discharged patients was low in both groups, occurring in only 4/472 (0.85%) encounters in the first cohort and 4/381 (1.0%) encounters in the second.ConclusionIntroduction of a 1‐hour hs‐TnT ACS evaluation pathway reduced the troponin collection interval but did not reduce provider to disposition time. There was no difference in rate of 30‐day MACE in patients discharged from the ED.

Reevaluating the Cardiac Risk of Noncardiac Surgery Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

BackgroundAs surgical techniques evolve and patient outcomes improve over time, a renewed analysis of the cardiac risk of noncardiac surgeries is needed. The goal of this study was to investigate and categorize the cardiac risk of elective noncardiac surgeries. MethodsThis was a cohort study of surgical data and outcomes from the 2018 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Data File; 807,413 cases were analyzed after excluding non-elective, emergent, and cardiac surgeries. Postoperative major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as 30-day all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or cardiac arrest. According to their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for postoperative MACE, surgeries were categorized as low risk (95% CI <1%), intermediate risk (95% CI above and below 1%), or elevated risk (95% CI ≥1%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine differences in the odds for postoperative MACE for the intermediate- and elevated-risk categories relative to the low-risk category while controlling for several risk factors of prognostic importance. ResultsPostoperative MACE occurred in 4047/807,413 cases (0.50%), including in 1708/667,735 (0.26%) of the low-risk category, in 516/53,499 (0.96%) of the intermediate-risk category, and in 1823/86,179 (2.12%) of the elevated-risk category. The elevated-risk category accounted for 10.7% of total procedures and 45.1% of total postoperative MACE. Compared with the low-risk category, the multivariable adjusted risk of postoperative MACE was increased in the intermediate-risk category (adjusted odds ratio 2.35; 95% CI, 2.12-2.62) and the elevated-risk category (adjusted odds ratio 3.15; 95% CI, 2.92-3.39). Conclusion: Categorization of noncardiac surgeries according to cardiac risk may help to identify populations who are most likely to benefit from preoperative cardiac evaluation when indicated.

Impact of the dynamics of ejection fraction on risk stratification in a large multicenter registry of STEMI patients using sequential CMR

Abstract Background Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has traditionally been used as the cornerstone for risk stratification after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and it can be accurately quantified by cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). In recent years, the additional prognostic value of contrast CMR-derived infarct size (IS) and microvascular obstruction (MVO) has been demonstrated. Purpose We explored the impact of sequential assessment of CMR-derived LVEF on dynamic risk stratification after STEMI. Methods Data were obtained from three prospective registries of reperfused STEMI patients (n=1036) in whom LVEF, IS and MVO were sequentially quantified by CMR (at least at 1 week and at 6 months). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as a combined clinical end-point: death or re-admission for acute heart failure (HF), whichever occurred first. Late events were regarded as those occurring after the 6-month CMR. Results During a mean and median follow-up of 5 years, 105 first MACE (10%, 36 deaths and 69 HF) and 82 late MACE (8%, 35 deaths and 47 HF) were registered. From 1-week to 6-month CMR, LVEF improved (49±12 vs. 53±12%), IS decreased (21±14 vs 17±12% of LV mass) and MVO vanished (1.3±1.9 vs. 0.1±0.7% of LV mass), p&amp;lt;0.001 for all comparisons. At 1-week CMR, 207 patients (20%) displayed reduced LVEF (r-LVEF, &amp;lt;40%), 328 (32%) mid-range LVEF (mr-LVEF, 40–50%) and 501 (48%) preserved LVEF (p-LVEF, &amp;gt;50%). At 6-month CMR, 144 patients (14%) displayed r-LVEF, 247 (24%) mr-LVEF and 645 (62%) p-LVEF. The total MACE rate was higher (p&amp;lt;0.001) only in patients with r-LVEF at 1 week (22%) vs. 7% in those with mr-LVEF and 7% in those with p-LVEF. Similarly, the late MACE rate was higher (p&amp;lt;0.001) only in patients with r-LVEF at 6 months (20%) vs. 7% in those with mr-LVEF and 5% in those with p-LVEF. The late MACE rate was very low in patients with sustained mr- or p-LVEF (41/794, 5%), intermediate in those with improved LVEF from r-LVEF at 1 week to mr- or p-LVEF at 6 months (12/98, 12%) and high in patients with sustained r-LVEF (22/109, 20%) or worsened LVEF from mr- or p-LVEF at 1 week to r-LVEF at 6 months (7/35, 20%), p&amp;lt;0.001 for the trend. Using a Markov approach, only r-LVEF (at any time assessed) significantly related to a higher MACE rate. Conclusions Of available CMR parameters, LVEF persists as the pivotal index for simple post-STEMI risk stratification. Mid-range or preserved LVEF in acute phase associates with excellent long-term outcome. Changes in LVEF provide valuable dynamic prognostic information. Maintenance of mid-range or preserved LVEF in chronic phase occurs in the majority of patients and associates with a very low risk of late clinical events. Whereas late improvement reaching at least mid-range LVEF exerts salutary effects, detection of reduced LVEF at this point identifies the small subset of patients at high risk in the long term. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This study was funded by “Instituto de Salud Carlos III” and “Fondos Europeos de Desarrollo Regional FEDER” (PIE15/00013, PI17/01836, and CIBERCV16/11/00486 grants).

Long-term prognosis of drug eluting stents implantation in elderly patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of implantation of drug-eluting stents (DES) for elderly patients with unprotected left main artery (ULM) disease. Methods: A total of 414 patients (327 males and 87 females) who underwent DES implantation were enrolled in the Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2005 to March 2010, with a mean age of (61.5±10.7) years old. The patients were divided into two groups according to age: 300 cases in the group of age <70 years old, and 114 cases in the group of age ≥70 years old. The clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of two groups were compared. Results: In the group of age ≥ 70 years old, the proportion of female was higher (31.6% vs 17.0%, P=0.001) and the incidence of chronic total occlusion (CTO) (P=0.020), hypertension (P=0.018) and cerebrovascular disease (P=0.013) were higher than those in the group of <70 years old. All-cause mortality and cardiac mortality were also higher than those in the group of <70 years old (P=0.025, P=0.013). The follow-up period was (21.4±9.6) months. After adjusting for multiple clinical factors, there were no statistical differences of incidence of the total major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE), myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular events, and revascularization recurrence between the two groups. But all-cause mortality (HR=3.790, 95%CI: 1.271-11.298, P=0.017) and cardiac mortality (HR=17.424, 95%CI: 2.440-124.410, P=0.004) in the group of age ≥70 years old were still remarkably higher than those in the group of <70 years old. Conclusions: Age is an independent risk factor for increased mortality after DES stent implantation in ULM disease. DES stent implantation in age ≥70 years old patients with ULM disease is considered feasible, but it needs to be treated with caution.

Multicenter experience with percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion in Korean population: analysis of the Korean nationwide multicenter chronic total occlusion registry.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) remains challenging because of limited success and higher target vessel failure rates. Detailed safety and efficacy data for CTO-PCI from a multicenter real-world Korean registry are limited. Since May 2007, the Korean multicenter retrospective CTO registry has enrolled 3271 patients who underwent CTO-PCI at 26 major medical centers. Baseline clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics and 12-month major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rates after PCI were retrospectively collected. Baseline cardiovascular risk factors included: male sex, 73.8%; prior myocardial infarction (MI), 14.8%; prior PCI, 26.6%; hypertension, 62.3%; diabetes mellitus, 34.8%; dyslipidemia, 33.3%; and current smoker, 30.9%. Pre-PCI myocardial viability testing was performed in 23.6% of patients and pre-PCI cardiac computed tomography (CT) in 17.6%. CTO arterial lesions were distributed as follows: right coronary, 41.0%; left anterior descending, 40.0%; left circumflex, 22.5%; and left main, 0.4%. Unfavorable lesion morphology was detected by angiography in 38.1%. Intravascular ultrasound guidance and the retrograde approach were utilized in 23.6 and 3.1% of CTO-PCI procedures, respectively. More than 75% of patients received drug-eluting stents (sirolimus-eluting, 26.5%; paclitaxel-eluting, 23.8%; zotarolimus-eluting, 23.4%; everolimus-eluting, 11.0%; and others, 4.0%). The overall success rate was 81.6% (2672/3271 patients). Twelve-month event rates were: total mortality, 2.4%; any MI, 0.7%; target lesion revascularization, 4.4%; target vessel revascularization, 6.7%; and total MACE, 9.4%. Twelve-month success rates, safety profiles, and cumulative clinical outcomes of Korean CTO patients were favorable post-PCI. Long-term follow-up of larger study populations is necessary to validate our findings.

Prognosis of incidental left bundle branch block.

Incidental left bundle branch block (iLBBB) is a frequent cause for cardiology referrals. In such instances, there is uncertainty as to its prognosis. We sought to determine the utility of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the risk stratification of patients with iLBBB. Clinical events were collected in patients with iLBBB who had CMR. Controls had no cardiac symptoms or cardiac disease, a normal CMR scan and electrocardiogram. Amongst patients with iLBBB [n = 193, aged 62.7 ± 12.6 years (mean ± SD)], 110/193 (56.9%) had an abnormal phenotype (iLBBBCMR+) and 83/110 (43.0%) had a normal phenotype (iLBBBCMR-). Over 3.75 years (median; inter-quartile range: 2.7-5.5), iLBBBCMR+ had a higher total mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 6.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91-22.0] and total mortality or major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; aHR 9.15, 95% CI 2.56-32.6) than controls (n = 107). In contrast, iLBBBCMR- had a similar risk of total mortality compared with controls, but total mortality or MACEs was higher (aHR 4.24, 95% CI 1.17-15.4; P = 0.028). Amongst iLBBB patients, both myocardial fibrosis (aHR 5.15, 95% CI 1.53-17.4) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 50% (aHR 3.88, 95% CI 1.67-9.06) predicted total mortality. Myocardial fibrosis plus LVEF ≤50% was associated with the highest risk of total mortality (aHR: 9.87, 95% CI 2.99-32.6) and total mortality or MACEs (aHR 3.98, 95% CI 1.73-9.11). Outcomes in iLBBBCMR+ were poor whereas survival in iLBBBCMR- was comparable with controls. Myocardial fibrosis and LVEF <50% had an additive effect on the risk of clinical outcomes. A CMR scan is pivotal in risk-stratifying patients with iLBBB.

The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering is an ineffective surrogate marker of statin responsiveness to predict cardiovascular outcomes

Statins therapy decrease both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) with considerable individual variability. Whether the amount of LDL-C lowering is a surrogate maker of statin responsiveness to ASCVD prevention has not been fully investigated. Among 2352 eligible patients with statin prescriptions in a cardiovascular center between January 2005 and February 2014, one-third of patients (33%) on statin therapy failed to achieve effective reductions in LDL-C (LDL-C level reduction of less than 15%). By using, propensity-score matched population (480 pairs, n = 960), the 5-year cumulative incidences of total major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were evaluated. The 5-year total MACE did not differ between normal cholesterol responders and non-responders (15.4% vs 16.1%, respectively; P = .860). In the subgroup analysis, male sex, older age, percutaneous coronary intervention, and heart failure were positive predictors, and dyslipidemia at the beginning of statin therapy was the only negative predictor of MACE in the 5-year follow-up (all P value < .05). However, cholesterol responsiveness after statin therapy did not influence the incidence of MACE (P = .860). The amount of LDL-C lowering did not predict beneficial effect on clinical outcomes of ASCVD after statin therapy. This result supports that given statin therapy, total ASCVD risk reduction should be tailored, which may not dependent to adherence to degree of LDL-C lowering or LDL-C goal based treatment.

Effect of pre-discharge cardiopulmonary fitness on outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to analyze cardiopulmonary fitness in Phase I cardiac rehabilitation on the prognosis of patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsThe study enrolled a total of 499 STEMI patients treated with PCI between January 2015 and December 2015. Patients were assigned to individualized exercise prescriptions (IEP) group and non-individualized exercise prescriptions (NIEP) group according to whether they accept or refuse individualized exercise prescriptions. We compared the incidence of major cardiovascular events between the two groups. IEP group were further divided into two subgroups based on prognosis status, namely good prognosis (GP) group and poor prognosis (PP) group. Key cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPX) variables that may affect the prognosis of patients were identified through comparison of the cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF).ResultsThere is no significant difference in the incidence of cardio-genetic death, re-hospitalization, heart failure, stroke, or atrial fibrillation between the IEP and the NIEP group. But the incidence of total major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was significantly lower in the IEP group than in the NIEP group (P = 0.039). The oxygen consumption (VO2) at ventilation threshold (VT), minute CO2 ventilation (E-VCO2), margin of minute ventilation carbon dioxide production (△CO2), rest partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide(R-PETCO2), exercise partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide(E-PETCO2) and margin of partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide(△PETCO2) were significantly higher in the GP subgroup than in the PP subgroup; and the slope for minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) was significantly lower in GP subgroup than in PP subgroup (P = 0.010). The VO2 at VT, VE/VCO2 slope, E-VCO2, △CO2, R-PETCO2, E-PETCO2 and margin of partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide CO2 (△PETCO2) were predictive of adverse events. The VO2 at VT was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease prognosis.ConclusionsIndividualized exercise prescription of Phase I cardiac rehabilitation reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with STEMI after PCI. VO2 at VT is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease prognosis, and could be used as an important evaluating indicator for Phase I cardiac rehabilitation.

Prognosis and risk stratification in cardiac sarcoidosis patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

BackgroundAlthough recent reports showed that left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a prognostic factor in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), advances in diagnostic imaging have enabled us to detect CS patients with preserved LVEF in the early stage of the disorder. In the present study, we examined the prognosis and risk stratification in CS patients with preserved LVEF. Methods and resultsWe retrospectively examined 91 consecutive CS patients at our hospital from October 1998 to December 2015 (age, 57±11 years; male/female, 25/66) for the relationship between LVEF and major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation (VT/VF), heart failure (HF) admission, complete atrioventricular block, and all-cause death. CS patients with preserved LVEF (≥50%), as compared with those with reduced LVEF (<50%), showed significantly higher survival free from total MACE or VT/VF (log-rank p<0.001) and significantly smaller LV myocardial damaged area as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (p<0.001). Although CS patients with preserved LVEF had a good prognosis in general, persistent right ventricular (RV) pacing and reduced EF were significant predictors for MACE after 1 year from introduction of steroid therapy (hazard ratio, 5.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–22.50, p=0.020, hazard ratio, 9.01; 95% confidence interval, 2.45–72.09; p=0.001). Patients with the 2 factors (LVEF reduction rate >13.9% per year and persistent RV pacing) had significantly higher risk for MACE, compared with those without them (log-rank p<0.001). ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that CS patients with preserved LVEF have better long-term prognosis than those with reduced LVEF in general. However, we should carefully follow them up, since chronological reduction in LVEF and persistent RV pacing could predict worse prognosis in those patients.

Five-year outcomes in patients with anemia on admission undergoing a coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction in Koreans: propensity score matching analysis.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a progressive disease in Korea and active treatment strategies can improve the clinical outcomes. In the CADILLAC trial, anemia on admission was associated strongly with adverse outcomes and increased mortality in AMI. However, it remains controversial whether anemia on admission is an independent poor prognostic factor of long-term clinical outcomes in AMI patients undergoing a percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent in Koreans. A total of 1143 AMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent at Korea University Guro Hospital between 2005 and 2015 were enrolled. Anemia on admission was defined as hemoglobin levels of less than 13 g/dl in men and less than 12 g/dl in women using the WHO's criteria. Patients were divided into two groups (472 patients with anemia and 671 patients without anemia). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) up to 5 years including death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization. To adjust for confounding factors, we carried out a propensity score matching analysis. Two matched groups (300 pairs, n=600 patients) were generated and their baseline characteristics were balanced. During the 5-year clinical follow-up, patients with anemia had a higher incidence of MI [hazard ratio (HR): 2.137, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.074-4.254], target vessel revascularization (HR: 1.641, 95% CI: 1.004-2.682), and total MACE (HR: 1.427, 95% CI: 1.012-2.614). AMI patients with anemia on admission had higher incidence of MI, target vessel revascularization, and total MACE over the 5-year follow-up.

Impact of left ventricular hypertrophy on long-term clinical outcomes in hypertensive patients who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with increased risk for vascular events and mortality. This study investigated 8-year clinical outcomes of hypertensive patients with LVH who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) compared with hypertensive patients without LVH.A total of 1704 consecutive hypertensive patients who underwent PCI from 2004 to 2014 were enrolled. We classified them into either the LVH group (n = 406) or the control group (without LVH, n = 1298). LVH was defined by LV mass index > 115 g/m2 in men and > 95 g/m2 in women. After propensity score matched (PSM) analysis, 2 PSM groups (366 pairs, n = 732, c-statistic = 0.629) were generated.For up to 8 years, the LVH group showed a higher incidence of cardiac death (4.4% vs 1.2%, log-rank P = .023, hazard ratio: 3.371, 95% confidence interval: 1.109–10.25; P = .032) compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the incidence of total death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and major adverse cardiac events up to 8 years.LVH in hypertensive patients who underwent successful PCI with DES was associated with higher incidence of cardiac death up to 8 years of follow-up. More careful managements and clinical follow-up are needed and treatment strategies should specifically focus to target prevention and reversal of LVH in hypertensive patients.

Autologous CD34+ cell therapy improves exercise capacity, angina frequency and reduces mortality in no-option refractory angina: a patient-level pooled analysis of randomized double-blinded trials.

Autologous CD34+ (auto-CD34+) cells represent an attractive option for the treatment of refractory angina. Three double-blinded randomized trials (n = 304) compared intramyocardial (IM) auto-CD34+ cells with IM placebo injections to affect total exercise time (TET), angina frequency (AF), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Patient-level data were pooled from the Phase I, Phase II ACT-34, ACT-34 extension, and Phase III RENEW trials to determine the efficacy and safety of auto-CD34+ cells. Treatment effects for TET were analysed using an analysis of covariance mixed-effects model and for AF using Poisson regression in a log linear model with repeated measures. The Kaplan-Meier rate estimates for MACE were compared using the log-rank test. Autologous CD34+ cell therapy improved TET by 46.6 s [3 months, 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.0 s-80.3 s; P = 0.007], 49.5 s (6 months, 95% CI 9.3-89.7; P = 0.016), and 44.7 s (12 months, 95% CI - 2.7 s-92.1 s; P = 0.065). The relative frequency of angina was 0.78 (95% CI 0.63-0.98; P = 0.032), 0.66 (0.48-0.91; P = 0.012), and 0.58 (0.38-0.88; P = 0.011) at 3-, 6- and 12-months in auto-CD34+ compared with placebo patients. Results remained concordant when analysed by treatment received and when confined to the Phase III dose of 1 × 105 cells/kg. Autologous CD34 + cell therapy significantly decreased mortality (12.1% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.0025) and numerically reduced MACE (38.9% vs. 30.0; P = 0.14) at 24 months. Treatment with auto-CD34+ cells resulted in clinically meaningful durable improvements in TET and AF at 3-, 6- and 12-months, as well as a reduction in 24-month mortality in this patient-level meta-analysis.

Clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention with rotablation in patients with acute or recent myocardial infarction

BackgroundAlthough rotational atherectomy (RA) has been an accepted and widely used medical procedure for more than 15 years, the clinical outcomes of RA in high-risk populations remain elusive. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of RA for patients with acute or recent myocardial infarction (MI), and report the short- and long-term clinical outcomes in this population. MethodsWe enrolled patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and RA at two medical centers in Taiwan between January 2004 and December 2013. Individuals who suffered an acute MI within 30 days before RA were assigned to the MI group; the remaining subjects were assigned to the non-MI group. ResultsA total of 154 subjects were enrolled in our study, among them: 47 (30.5%) had an acute MI within 30 days of RA (MI group), and the remaining 107 (69.5%) patients without MI comprised the non-MI group. PCI and RA procedures were performed successfully in 150 patients. The 30-day and 1-year total death, MI, and major adverse cardiac event (MACE included all-cause death, MI, and clinical-driven target lesion revascularization) rates were 6.5%, 12.3%, and 15.6%, and 9.7%, 15.2%, and 30.5%, at the 30-day and 1-year follow-ups, respectively. MI was identified as an independent predictor for both 30-day MACE and total death (MACE, OR: 3.95, P = 0.006; total death, OR: 4.67, P = 0.043), and remained an independent predictor for 1-year total death and MI (total death, HR: 4.47, P = 0.007; MI, HR: 2.62, P = 0.016). ConclusionOur study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of RA in patients with acute or recent MI, and identified MI as an independent predictor of both short- and long-term outcomes.