Association of prognostic nutritional index with long-term mortality in patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis

The predictive value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) for the long-term prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains uncertain. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched from inception until January 2023 to study the relationship between all-cause mortality risk and PNI in patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention for ACS (i.e., primary outcome). Thirteen observational studies were included in this meta-analysis. Analysis of seven studies using PNI as a categorical variable showed a pooled hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality of 2.97 (95% CI 1.65 to 5.34, p = 0.0003, I2 = 89%, n = 11,245) for patients with a low PNI. The meta-analysis also showed a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with a low PNI (HR 2.04; 95% CI 1.59 to 2.61; p < 0.00001; I2 = 21%; n = 8534). Moreover, advanced age, diabetes mellitus, and high Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk scores were associated with a high risk of all-cause mortality, whereas a high body mass index was associated with a low risk of all-cause mortality. The results showed an association between a low PNI and an increased risk of long-term mortality in patients undergoing coronary interventions for ACS. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

Emergency coronary artery bypass surgery in octogenarians with acute coronary syndrome: off and on pump

OBJECTIVE

The risk of operation in cardiac surgery increases logarithmically with advanced age. In older individuals, additional comorbidities compel the clinician to deal with postoperative complications. The mortality and morbidity rates of emergency coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in the presence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), or just after it, are higher than those of elective surgeries. In our study, we compared the outcomes of off-pump coronary bypass (OPCAB) and on-pump coronary bypass surgery (ONCAB) in this high-risk subgroup.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

383 octogenarians who underwent isolated emergency CABG due to ACS were divided into two groups according to the coronary bypass technique. Group 1 (off-pump) median age (IQR) 84 years (min: 80-max: 99, n = 130); Group 2, (on-pump) median age 85 years (min: 80-max: 89, n=253). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected retrospectively on standard variables. OPCAB and ONCAB outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

ONCAB patients had a significantly longer intensive care unit stay, longer hospital stay, more transfused erythrocyte suspension, more low cardiac output syndrome and acidosis, a higher rate of acute renal failure and a higher rate of stroke than OPCAB patients (respectively; p=0.003; p=0.008; p=0.002; p=0.031; p=0.038, p=0.022, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that emergency OPCAB as a revascularization option in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome is more advantageous in terms of preventing major postoperative complications.

Biolimus-eluting vs. other limus-eluting stents in NSTE-ACS: A pooled analysis of GLASSY and TWILIGHT

BACKGROUND

Biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents (BP-BES) may be associated with better outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to other current-generation limus-eluting stents (LES).

AIMS

To compare BP-BES with other current-generation LES in ACS patients undergoing PCI.

METHODS

We pooled individual data of Non-ST-segment elevation (NSTE)-ACS patients from two large randomized controlled trials (GLASSY and TWILIGHT). The BP-BES groups consisted mostly of GLASSY patients, while the control group (other current-generation LES) included exclusively TWILIGHT patients. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stent thrombosis; the key secondary outcome was target-vessel failure (TVF). To account for trial design differences, outcomes were assessed at 3 months (short-term) and between 3 and 12 months (long-term) after PCI and subsequently pooled to estimate the 12-month hazards.

RESULTS

Of 7107 and 6053 NSTE-ACS patients included in the short- and long-term analysis, 32.7% and 36.5% received a BP-BES, respectively. Risk of MACE associated with BP-BES versus other LES was similar at short-term (1.1% vs 1.3%, adjusted HR 0.86, 95%CI 0.53-1.38), lower at long-term (1.7% vs 3.1%, adjusted HR 0.49, 95%CI 0.34-0.72), and lower in the entire 12-month period (pooled adjusted HR 0.61, 95%CI 0.45-0.82). The cumulative 12-month risk of TVF was reduced with BP-BES (adjusted HR 0.52, 95%CI 0.38-0.70).

CONCLUSION

BP-BES was associated with lower 12-month risks of MACE and TVF compared to other current generation LES among NSTE-ACS patients treated with abbreviated or standard ticagrelor-based DAPT. These non-randomized findings are hypothesis-generating.

CONDENSED ABSTRACT

Differences in clinical outcomes may exist between biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents (BP-BES) and other current-generation limus-eluting stent (LES) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We pooled individual data of about 7000 Non-ST-segment elevation ACS patients undergoing PCI and treated with ticagrelor with or without aspirin from two large randomized controlled trials (GLASSY and TWILIGHT). BP-BES patients derived very largely from GLASSY and other LES patients from TWILIGHT. In this population, BP-BES compared to other current generation LES, were associated with a lower 12-month risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and target-vessel failure.

A Comparative Study on Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated With Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor and clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). A total of 3528 consecutive patients with ACS treated with PPCI were divided into the ticagrelor and clopidogrel groups based on their dual antiplatelet therapy regimen at hospital discharge. Patient follow-up visits were completed 1, 6, and 12 months after PPCI treatment. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding events were assessed in both groups. In total, 2501 cases were included in the ticagrelor group, and 817 cases were included in the clopidogrel group. The incidence of MACEs was lower in the ticagrelor group than in the clopidogrel group (P < .05). The ticagrelor group had lower incidence of all-cause death and cardiac death compared with the clopidogrel group, and the difference was significant (P < .05). The incidences of study end points, including recurrent myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization, were not significantly different between the groups (P > .05). The incidences of BARC total and major bleeding events were not significantly different between the groups (P > .05). However, the incidences of BARC type 1 and 2 bleeding events were lower in the ticagrelor group than in the clopidogrel group (P < .05). The multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that ticagrelor could decrease all-cause death compared with clopidogrel (P = .021). In patients with ACS treated with PPCI, ticagrelor could significantly reduce the risk of MACEs compared with clopidogrel, without increasing the risk of bleeding.

Comparative effectiveness of Cangrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: an observational investigation from the M.O.Ca. registry

Cangrelor, the first intravenous P2Y12 inhibitor (P2Y12-I), has been approved on the basis of three large RCTs from the CHAMPION program which nevertheless have been criticized for the low bleeding risk of the enrolled patients, the large quote of chronic coronary syndromes, and the use of Clopidogrel as control arm even in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We sought to investigate, in the setting of ACS, the comparative performance of Cangrelor in terms of in-hospital ischemic and haemorrhagic outcomes compared with the current gold-standard of oral P2Y12-I. The study retrospectively enrolled 686 consecutive patients admitted to the Divisions of Cardiology of Policlinico of Bari and L. Bonomo Hospital of Andria for ACS and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. The study population was divided according to the P2Y12-I treatment strategy in two groups: patients given an oral P2Y12-I and patients receiving Cangrelor in the cath lab followed by an oral P2Y12-I. Clinical endpoints included death, ischemic and bleeding events occurring during hospital stay. Cangrelor treated patients presented higher clinical risk profile at presentation and faced higher death rate. However, after PS matching, in-hospital mortality resulted comparable between the groups and Cangrelor use was associated with reduced in-hospital definite stent thrombosis (p = 0.03). Data from our real-world registry highlight that, in the setting of ACS, Cangrelor is prevalently used in patients with very challenging clinical presentations. The adjusted analysis provides for the first time promising data on stent thrombosis reduction associated with Cangrelor use.

In ACS with multivessel CAD, immediate vs. staged complete revascularization was noninferior for a composite outcome at 1 y

SOURCE CITATION

Diletti R, den Dekker WK, Bennett J, et al; BIOVASC Investigators. Immediate versus staged complete revascularisation in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome and multivessel coronary disease (BIOVASC): a prospective, open-label, non-inferiority, randomised trial. Lancet. 2023;401:1172-1182. 36889333.

Titanium-Nitride-Oxide-Coated vs Everolimus-Eluting Stents in Acute Coronary Syndrome: 5-Year Clinical Outcomes of the TIDES-ACS Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Titanium-nitride-oxide (TiNO)-coated stents show faster strut coverage compared with drug-eluting stents without excessive intimal-hyperplasia observed in bare metal stents. It is important to study long-term clinical outcomes after treatment of patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) by TiNO-coated stents, which are neither drug-eluting stents nor bare metal stents.

Objective

To compare the rate of main composite outcome of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), or ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization at 5 years in patients with ACS randomized to receive either a TiNO-coated stent or a third-generation everolimus-eluting stent (EES).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial was conducted in 12 clinical sites in 5 European countries and enrolled patients from January 2014 to August 2016. Patients presenting with ACS (ST-segment elevation MI, non-ST-segment elevation MI, and unstable angina) with at least 1 de novo lesion were randomized to receive either a TiNO-coated stent or an EES. The present report analyzes the long-term follow-up for the main composite outcome and its individual components. Analysis took place between November 2022 to March 2023.

Main outcome

The primary end point was a composite of cardiac death, MI, or target lesion revascularization at 12-month follow-up.

Results

A total of 1491 patients with ACS were randomly assigned to receive either TiNO-coated stents (989 [66.3%]) or EES (502 [33.7%]). The mean (SD) age was 62.7 (10.8) years, and 363 (24.3%) were female. At 5 years, the main composite outcome events occurred in 111 patients (11.2%) in the TiNO group vs 60 patients (12%) in the EES group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.94; 95% CI, 0.69-1.28; P = .69). The rate of cardiac death was 0.9% (9 of 989) vs 3.0% (15 of 502) (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.13-0.69; P = .005), the rate of MI was 4.6% (45 of 989) vs 7.0% (35 of 502) (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41-0.99; P = .049), the rate of stent thrombosis was 1.2% (12 of 989) vs 2.8% (14 of 502) (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20-0.93; P = .034), and the rate of target lesion revascularization was 7.4% (73 of 989) vs 6.4% (32 of 502) (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.77-1.76; P = .47) in the TiNO-coated stent arm and in the EES arm, respectively.

Conclusion and relevance

In this study, patients with ACS had a main composite outcome that was not different 5 years after TiNO-coated stent or EES.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02049229.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention vs Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery for Left Main Disease in Patients With and Without Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Pooled Analysis of 4 Randomized Clinical Trials

Importance

Patients with left main coronary artery disease presenting with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) represent a high-risk and understudied subgroup of patients with atherosclerosis.

Objective

To assess clinical outcomes after PCI vs CABG in patients with left main disease with vs without ACS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Data were pooled from 4 trials comparing PCI with drug-eluting stents vs CABG in patients with left main disease who were considered equally suitable candidates for either strategy (SYNTAX, PRECOMBAT, NOBLE, and EXCEL). Patients were categorized as presenting with or without ACS. Kaplan-Meier event rates through 5 years and Cox model hazard ratios were generated, and interactions were tested. Patients were enrolled in the individual trials from 2004 through 2015. Individual patient data from the trials were pooled and reconciled from 2020 to 2021, and the analyses pertaining to the ACS subgroup were performed from March 2022 through February 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was death through 5 years. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular death, spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI), procedural MI, stroke, and repeat revascularization.

Results

Among 4394 patients (median [IQR] age, 66 [59-73] years; 3371 [76.7%] male and 1022 [23.3%] female) randomized to receive PCI or CABG, 1466 (33%) had ACS. Patients with ACS were more likely to have diabetes, prior MI, left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50%, and higher SYNTAX scores. At 30 days, patients with ACS had higher all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 3.40; 95% CI, 1.81-6.37; P < .001) and cardiovascular death (HR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.69-6.08; P < .001) compared with those without ACS. Patients with ACS also had higher rates of spontaneous MI (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.25-2.31; P < .001) through 5 years. The rates of all-cause mortality through 5 years with PCI vs CABG were 10.9% vs 11.5% (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.68-1.27) in patients with ACS and 11.3% vs 9.6% (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.95-1.50) in patients without ACS (P = .22 for interaction). The risk of early stroke was lower with PCI vs CABG (ACS: HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.12-1.25; no ACS: HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-0.75), whereas the 5-year risks of spontaneous MI and repeat revascularization were higher with PCI vs CABG (spontaneous MI: ACS: HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.09-2.77; no ACS: HR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.94-4.72; repeat revascularization: ACS: HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.19-2.09; no ACS: HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.54-2.33), regardless of ACS status.

Conclusion and Relevance

Among largely stable patients undergoing left main revascularization and with predominantly low to intermediate coronary anatomical complexity, those with ACS had higher rates of early death. Nonetheless, rates of all-cause mortality through 5 years were similar with PCI vs CABG in this high-risk subgroup. The relative advantages and disadvantages of PCI vs CABG in terms of early stroke and long-term spontaneous MI and repeat revascularization were consistent regardless of ACS status.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT00114972, NCT00422968, NCT01496651, NCT01205776.

Multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel controlled trial to investigate timing of platelet inhibition after coronary artery bypass grafting: TOP-CABG trial study

INTRODUCTION

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), referred to as the combination of aspirin and P2Y12 receptor antagonist (clopidogrel or ticagrelor), potentially improves patency of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), while it is further proposed that DAPT potentially increases bleeding risk. Compared with DAPT, de-escalated DAPT (De-DAPT) is an effective antiplatelet strategy for acute coronary syndrome treatment, which significantly reduces the risk of bleeding without increasing the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events. However, insufficient evidence is available to determine the timing of DAPT after CABG.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Ethics Committee in Fuwai hospital approved this study (2022-1774). Fifteen centres agreed to participate the TOP-CABG trial, and the study has been approved in these 15 centres by whose ethics committee. The results of the trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05380063.

Single antiplatelet therapy directly after percutaneous coronary intervention in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome patients: the OPTICA study

BACKGROUND

Early P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative to 12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

AIMS

In this single-arm pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of ticagrelor or prasugrel monotherapy directly following PCI in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).

METHODS

Patients received a loading dose of ticagrelor or prasugrel before undergoing platelet function testing and subsequent PCI using new-generation drug-eluting stents. The stent result was adjudicated with optical coherence tomography in the first 35 patients. Ticagrelor or prasugrel monotherapy was continued for 12 months. The primary ischaemic endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, definite or probable stent thrombosis or stroke within 6 months. The primary bleeding endpoint was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 2, 3 or 5 bleeding within 6 months.

RESULTS

From March 2021 to March 2022, 125 patients were enrolled, of whom 75 ultimately met all in- and exclusion criteria (mean age 64.5 years, 29.3% women). Overall, 70 out of 75 (93.3%) patients were treated with ticagrelor or prasugrel monotherapy directly following PCI. The primary ischaemic endpoint occurred in 3 (4.0%) patients within 6 months. No cases of stent thrombosis or spontaneous myocardial infarction occurred. The primary bleeding endpoint occurred in 7 (9.3%) patients within 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides first-in-human evidence that P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy directly following PCI for NSTE-ACS is feasible, without any overt safety concerns, and highlights the need for randomised controlled trials comparing direct P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy with the current standard of care.

Dual or single antiplatelet therapy after coronary surgery for acute coronary syndrome (TACSI trial): Rationale and design of an investigator-initiated, prospective, multinational, registry-based randomized clinical trial

The TACSI trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03560310) tests the hypothesis that 1-year treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and ticagrelor is superior to only ASA after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The TACSI trial is an investigator-initiated pragmatic, prospective, multinational, multicenter, open-label, registry-based randomized trial with 1:1 randomization to dual antiplatelet therapy with ASA and ticagrelor or ASA only, in patients undergoing first isolated CABG, with a planned enrollment of 2200 patients at Nordic cardiac surgery centers. The primary efficacy end point is a composite of time to all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or new coronary revascularization within 12 months after randomization. The primary safety end point is time to hospitalization due to major bleeding. Secondary efficacy end points include time to the individual components of the primary end point, cardiovascular death, and rehospitalization due to cardiovascular causes. High-quality health care registries are used to assess primary and secondary end points. The patients will be followed for 10 years. The TACSI trial will give important information useful for guiding the antiplatelet strategy in acute coronary syndrome patients treated with CABG.

Bleeding risk in patients prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy and triple therapy after coronary interventions: the ADAPTT retrospective population-based cohort studies

Background

Bleeding among populations undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting and among conservatively managed patients with acute coronary syndrome exposed to different dual antiplatelet therapy and triple therapy (i.e. dual antiplatelet therapy plus an anticoagulant) has not been previously quantified.

Objectives

The objectives were to estimate hazard ratios for bleeding for different antiplatelet and triple therapy regimens, estimate resources and the associated costs of treating bleeding events, and to extend existing economic models of the cost-effectiveness of dual antiplatelet therapy.

Design

The study was designed as three retrospective population-based cohort studies emulating target randomised controlled trials.

Setting

The study was set in primary and secondary care in England from 2010 to 2017.

Participants

Participants were patients aged ≥ 18 years undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (for acute coronary syndrome), or conservatively managed patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Data sources

Data were sourced from linked Clinical Practice Research Datalink and Hospital Episode Statistics.

Interventions

Coronary artery bypass grafting and conservatively managed acute coronary syndrome: aspirin (reference) compared with aspirin and clopidogrel. Percutaneous coronary intervention: aspirin and clopidogrel (reference) compared with aspirin and prasugrel (ST elevation myocardial infarction only) or aspirin and ticagrelor.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome: any bleeding events up to 12 months after the index event. Secondary outcomes: major or minor bleeding, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, mortality from bleeding, myocardial infarction, stroke, additional coronary intervention and major adverse cardiovascular events.

Results

The incidence of any bleeding was 5% among coronary artery bypass graft patients, 10% among conservatively managed acute coronary syndrome patients and 9% among emergency percutaneous coronary intervention patients, compared with 18% among patients prescribed triple therapy. Among coronary artery bypass grafting and conservatively managed acute coronary syndrome patients, dual antiplatelet therapy, compared with aspirin, increased the hazards of any bleeding (coronary artery bypass grafting: hazard ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.21 to 1.69; conservatively-managed acute coronary syndrome: hazard ratio 1.72, 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 2.57) and major adverse cardiovascular events (coronary artery bypass grafting: hazard ratio 2.06, 95% confidence interval 1.23 to 3.46; conservatively-managed acute coronary syndrome: hazard ratio 1.57, 95% confidence interval 1.38 to 1.78). Among emergency percutaneous coronary intervention patients, dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor, compared with dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel, increased the hazard of any bleeding (hazard ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 1.82), but did not reduce the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval 0.89 to 1.27). Among ST elevation myocardial infarction percutaneous coronary intervention patients, dual antiplatelet therapy with prasugrel, compared with dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel, increased the hazard of any bleeding (hazard ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 2.12), but did not reduce the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 0.80 to 1.51). Health-care costs in the first year did not differ between dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin monotherapy among either coronary artery bypass grafting patients (mean difference £94, 95% confidence interval -£155 to £763) or conservatively managed acute coronary syndrome patients (mean difference £610, 95% confidence interval -£626 to £1516), but among emergency percutaneous coronary intervention patients were higher for those receiving dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor than for those receiving dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel, although for only patients on concurrent proton pump inhibitors (mean difference £1145, 95% confidence interval £269 to £2195).

Conclusions

This study suggests that more potent dual antiplatelet therapy may increase the risk of bleeding without reducing the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events. These results should be carefully considered by clinicians and decision-makers alongside randomised controlled trial evidence when making recommendations about dual antiplatelet therapy.

Limitations

The estimates for bleeding and major adverse cardiovascular events may be biased from unmeasured confounding and the exclusion of an eligible subgroup of patients who could not be assigned an intervention. Because of these limitations, a formal cost-effectiveness analysis could not be conducted.

Future work

Future work should explore the feasibility of using other UK data sets of routinely collected data, less susceptible to bias, to estimate the benefit and harm of antiplatelet interventions.

Trial registration

This trial is registered as ISRCTN76607611.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 8. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Cost-effectiveness of CYP2C19-guided P2Y12 inhibitors in Veterans undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndromes

AIMS

CYP2C19-guided P2Y12 inhibitor selection can reduce cardiovascular (CV) events and bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The 12-month cost-effectiveness of CYP2C19-guided P2Y12 inhibitor selection for Veterans post-ACS/PCI was evaluated from the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) perspective.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using average annualized PCI volumes and P2Y12 inhibitor use from VA data, a decision-analytic model simulated CYP2C19 testing vs. no testing outcomes in 2800 hypothetical Veterans receiving PY212 inhibitor for 12 months post-ACS/PCI (74% clopidogrel, 5% prasugrel, and 21% ticagrelor use at baseline without testing). CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) carrier prevalence was 28%. Model inputs were from studies (bleeding/ischaemic events, CYP2C19-guided therapy effect, health state utilities, CYP2C19 LOF carrier prevalence) and VHA administrative data (costs of events, drugs, CYP2C19 testing; PCI volumes, and P2Y12 inhibitor prescriptions). The primary outcome was cost (2020 US${\$}$) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Base-case scenarios, probabilistic sensitivity analyses, and scenario analyses were completed. CYP2C19-guided therapy resulted in 496 (24%) escalations (clopidogrel to prasugrel/ticagrelor) and 465 (65%) de-escalations (prasugrel/ticagrelor to clopidogrel). CYP2C19 testing averted 1 stroke, 27 myocardial infarctions, 8 CV-related deaths, and caused 3 bleeds. CYP2C19 testing (vs. no testing) was dominant in the base-case scenario (0.0027 QALYs gained, ${\$}$527 saved/person) and in 97.1% of simulations, making it cost-effective and high-value. In scenario analyses, de-escalation in conjunction with escalation is required for CYP2C19 testing to be cost-effective and high-value.

CONCLUSION

In Veterans post-ACS/PCI, CYP2C19-guided P2Y12 inhibitor selection can improve CV outcomes and lower costs for the VHA within 12 months of implementation.

Immediate versus staged complete revascularisation in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome and multivessel coronary disease (BIOVASC): a prospective, open-label, non-inferiority, randomised trial

BACKGROUND

In patients with acute coronary syndrome and multivessel coronary disease, complete revascularisation by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with improved clinical outcomes. We aimed to investigate whether PCI for non-culprit lesions should be attempted during the index procedure or staged.

METHODS

This prospective, open-label, non-inferiority, randomised trial was done at 29 hospitals across Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. We included patients aged 18-85 years presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and multivessel (ie, two or more coronary arteries with a diameter of 2·5 mm or more and ≥70% stenosis based on visual estimation or positive coronary physiology testing) coronary artery disease with a clearly identifiable culprit lesion. A web-based randomisation module was used to randomly assign patients (1:1), with a random block size of four to eight, stratified by study centre, to undergo immediate complete revascularisation (PCI of the culprit lesion first, followed by other non-culprit lesions deemed to be clinically significant by the operator during the index procedure) or staged complete revascularisation (PCI of only the culprit lesion during the index procedure and PCI of all non-culprit lesions deemed to be clinically significant by the operator within 6 weeks after the index procedure). The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, any unplanned ischaemia-driven revascularisation, or cerebrovascular events at 1 year after the index procedure. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and unplanned ischaemia-driven revascularisation at 1 year after the index procedure. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed in all randomly assigned patients by intention to treat. Non-inferiority of immediate to staged complete revascularisation was considered to be met if the upper boundary of the 95% CI of the hazard ratio (HR) for the primary outcome did not exceed 1·39. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03621501.

FINDINGS

Between June 26, 2018, and Oct 21, 2021, 764 patients (median age 65·7 years [IQR 57·2-72·9] and 598 [78·3%] males) were randomly assigned to the immediate complete revascularisation group and 761 patients (median age 65·3 years [58·6-72·9] and 589 [77·4%] males) were randomly assigned to the staged complete revascularisation group, and were included in the intention-to-treat population. The primary outcome at 1 year occurred in 57 (7·6%) of 764 patients in the immediate complete revascularisation group and in 71 (9·4%) of 761 patients in the staged complete revascularisation group (HR 0·78, 95% CI 0·55-1·11, pnon-inferiority=0·0011). There was no difference in all-cause death between the immediate and staged complete revascularisation groups (14 [1·9%] vs nine [1·2%]; HR 1·56, 95% CI 0·68-3·61, p=0·30). Myocardial infarction occurred in 14 (1·9%) patients in the immediate complete revascularisation group and in 34 (4·5%) patients in the staged complete revascularisation group (HR 0·41, 95% CI 0·22-0·76, p=0·0045). More unplanned ischaemia-driven revascularisations were performed in the staged complete revascularisation group than in the immediate complete revascularisation group (50 [6·7%] patients vs 31 [4·2%] patients; HR 0·61, 95% CI 0·39-0·95, p=0·030).

INTERPRETATION

In patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome and multivessel disease, immediate complete revascularisation was non-inferior to staged complete revascularisation for the primary composite outcome and was associated with a reduction in myocardial infarction and unplanned ischaemia-driven revascularisation.

FUNDING

Erasmus University Medical Center and Biotronik.

Adjustment of the GRACE score by the stress hyperglycemia ratio improves the prediction of long-term major adverse cardiac events in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A multicenter retrospective study

AIMS

The predictive value of the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) for long-term prognosis in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is inconsistent. Whether the SHR provides additional prognostic value in addition to the GRACE score in ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unknown.

METHODS

A development-validation method was adopted to develop an algorithm to adjust the GRACE score using the SHR in ACS patients undergoing PCI from 11 hospitals.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 31.33 months, the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as a composite of all-cause mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction, was more frequent in the patients with a higher level of SHR. The SHR independently predicted long-term MACEs (hazard ratio 3.3479; 95% CI 1.4103-7.9475; P = 0.0062). Adjustment of the GRACE risk by addition of the SHR increased the C-statistic from 0.706 (95% CI: 0.599-0.813) to 0.727 (95% CI: 0.616-0.837) (P < 0.01), with a continuous net reclassification improvement of 30.5% and an integrated discrimination improvement of 0.042 (P < 0.01) in the derivation cohort; and addition of the SHR showed superior discrimination and good calibration in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The SHR is an independent predictor of long-term MACEs in ACS patients undergoing PCI and markedly improves the performance of the GRACE score.

Ticagrelor or prasugrel versus clopidogrel in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

Potent P2Y12 inhibitors such as ticagrelor and prasugrel are superior to clopidogrel in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Whether this benefit extends to a patient population with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) is unclear.

AIMS

We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of prasugrel and ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in patients undergoing PCI for CCS.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing PCI for CCS at a tertiary centre between 2014 and 2019 who were discharged on prasugrel or ticagrelor were compared with those on clopidogrel. The primary endpoint was the composite of death and myocardial infarction (MI), with secondary outcomes including rates of bleeding, stroke, and target vessel revascularisation at 1 year.

RESULTS

Overall, 11,508 patients were included in the study (ticagrelor/prasugrel n=2,860 [24.9%], clopidogrel n=8,648 [75.1%]) with an increasing frequency of potent P2Y12 inhibitor use over the study period (ptrend<0.001). Clopidogrel was used more frequently in patients with multimorbid risk factors, whereas anatomical or procedural complexity was associated with ticagrelor/prasugrel use (left main PCI, bifurcation PCI, number of lesions, rotational atherectomy). No difference in the incidence of death or MI was noted across the groups (ticagrelor/prasugrel vs clopidogrel: 2.7% vs 3.1%, adjusted hazard ratio [adjHR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62-1.17; p=0.33) or secondary outcomes including bleeding (adjHR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.46-1.21; p=0.23) on propensity score stratification analysis. Additionally, no difference in the primary outcome was observed across subgroups, including those undergoing complex PCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Ticagrelor and prasugrel are increasingly used in patients with CCS undergoing PCI with similar 1-year efficacy and safety when compared to clopidogrel. Whether use of these agents can be beneficial in patients undergoing PCI for CCS with a high thrombotic and low bleeding risk warrants further study.

Acute coronary syndrome management in hemophiliacs: How to maintain balance?: A review

To analyze existing literature and understand how to balance the minimization of bleeding risk and ensuring adequate anticoagulation during coronary intervention treatment and long-term postoperative anticoagulation in hemophilia patients during the perioperative period, in order to provide guidance for healthcare professionals in developing effective treatment plans. This narrative review will analyze existing studies, case reports, and clinical guidelines to determine the most effective strategies for managing acute coronary syndrome in hemophilia patients. When evaluating the literature, factors such as patient age, medical history, and severity of the condition will be considered. The current management guidelines for acute coronary syndrome in hemophilia patients are not based on systematic evaluation and mainly rely on expert opinions. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and recommends coagulation factor replacement therapy before anticoagulation and intervention treatment, as well as personalized anticoagulation treatment during the postoperative period for better management of hemophilia patients with acute coronary syndrome. These recommendations can help healthcare professionals develop more effective treatment plans for hemophilia patients.

Errata: A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison of Midterm Outcomes Between Drug-Coated Balloons and Drug-Eluting Stents for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Single-Center Study

Several errors (shown with underlines) appeared in the article entitled "A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison of Midterm Outcomes Between Drug-Coated Balloons and Drug-Eluting Stents for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Single-Center Study" by Yukiko Mizutani, Tetsuya Ishikawa, Hidehiko Nakamura, Kota Yamada, Masatoshi Shimura, Yuki Kondo, Tomoaki Ukaji, Hideyuki Aoki, Itaru Hisauchi, Yuji Itabashi, Shiro Nakahara, and Isao Taguchi (Vol. 63 No.2, 217-225, 2022). The last row in Table V on page 223 should be replaced by the following.

Cardiovascular Outcomes of Redo-coronary Artery Bypass Graft Versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Index Bypass Grafts Among Acute Coronary Syndrome: Regression Matched National Cohort Study

Procedural and hospital outcomes of Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) among ACS patients with prior history of CABG remains understudied. PCI and CABG formed the 2 comparison cohorts. Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2015 to 2020 were analyzed using the ICD-10 coding system. Demographic characteristics, baseline comorbidities, and outcomes such as inpatient mortality, cardiogenic shock, mechanical circulatory support, length of stay (LOS), and cost of hospitalization were compared between the two cohorts. A total of 503,900 ACS hospitalizations with prior history of CABG were identified who underwent PCI and CABG (141650 vs 7715, respectively). Median age was 71 vs 67, with male predominance (74.6% vs 75.4%), Caucasian had the most hospitalizations (79.3% vs 75.1%) in the PCI group compared to patients who underwent CABG. A higher burden of smoking (57.1% vs 52.6%, P < 0.0001) was noted in the CABG group. On adjusted analysis, ACS patients undergoing Redo- CABG had a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (aOR 1.69, CI 1.53-1.87, P < 0.0001) compared to those undergoing PCI. In addition, Redo-CABG group were more likely to have CS (aOR 1.37, CI 1.26-1.48, P < 0.0001), MCS devices use (aOR 2.61, CI 2.43-2.80, P < 0.0001), AKI (aOR 1.42, CI 1.34-1.50, P < 0.0001) and respiratory failure (aOR 1.39, CI 1.29-1.47, P < 0.0001) as compared to PCI group. CABG in acute myocardial infarction with prior history of CABG is associated with higher cardiovascular complications compared to PCI. Further exploration and individual-patient level risk assessment is crucial.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants use in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease, Acute Coronary Syndrome or Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The investigation for the optimal anticoagulation strategy for patients with stable coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention constitutes a great challenge for physicians and is a field of extensive research. Although aspirin is commonly recommended as a protective measure for all patients with coronary artery disease and dual antiplatelet therapy for those undergoing procedures, such as percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events remains significant. In this context, the shortcomings associated with the use of vitamin K antagonists have led to the assessment of direct oral anticoagulants as promising alternatives. This review will explore and provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing data regarding the use of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome, as well as their effectiveness in those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Due to Intraplaque Hemorrhage in a Post-gastrectomy Patient with a Latent Severe Glycemic Disorder

Glycemic disorders involving large glucose fluctuations and recurrent hypoglycemia may lead to adverse cardiovascular events, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Flash glucose monitoring (FGM) has reportedly been useful for detecting latent glycemic disorders. However, only a few studies have so far reported latent glycemic disorders in coronary artery disease. Thus, we herein present a unique case of ACS due to intraplaque hemorrhage in a post-gastrectomy patient who had no apparent coronary risk, except for a latent severe glycemic disorder detected via FGM. This masked etiology should be considered in ACS patients who have no apparent cardiovascular risks in order to improve their cardiovascular outcomes.

Impact of Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel on Bleeding Outcomes of Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

BACKGROUND

Increased bleeding risks have been documented in patients exposed to P2Y₁₂ inhibitors within 5 days of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). This study aimed to determine the relative CABG bleeding risks of clopidogrel versus ticagrelor exposure and the proper time course of ticagrelor discontinuation prior to surgery.

METHODS

Clinical outcomes were assessed in 2075 isolated CABG patients, including 375 who had received P2Y₁₂ inhibitors within 5 days of surgery (155 clopidogrel, 213 ticagrelor, 7 prasugrel). BARC-4 CABG bleeding complications and perioperative blood product usage were assessed in propensity-matched P2Y₁₂-inhibited and non-P2Y₁₂-inhibited cohorts.

RESULTS

P2Y₁₂-inhibited patients (n = 375) in comparison to matched non-P2Y₁₂-inhibited patients (n = 1138) had higher rates of re-operation for bleeding (3.8 % vs 1.3 %, p = 0.003), postoperative red blood cell transfusion ≥5 units (5.7 % vs 2.7 %, p = 0.007), and intraoperative and postoperative blood product utilization (42.3 % vs 27.1 %, p < 0.001; 41.8 % vs 32.2 %, p < 0.001, respectively). Univariate predictors of BARC-4 bleeding included clopidogrel (OR: 2.145, 95 % CI: 1.131-4.067, p = 0.019) and ticagrelor discontinued within 3 days of surgery (OR: 2.153, 95 % CI: 1.003-4.169, p = 0.049). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that only clopidogrel exposure was an independent BARC-4 bleeding predictor (OR: 1.850, 95 % CI: 1.007-3.398, p = 0.048). Unadjusted ticagrelor patients with drug discontinuation 4-5 days prior to CABG only demonstrated higher rates of perioperative platelet transfusion, without additional signs of excessive bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Clopidogrel exposure within 5 days of CABG is an independent predictor of BARC-4 bleeding, whereas major ticagrelor bleeding effects are confined to drug exposure within 3 days of surgery.

Benefits of excimer laser coronary angioplasty over thrombus aspiration therapy for patients with acute coronary syndrome and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade 0

In primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the presence of a thrombus or unstable plaque can cause microvascular obstructions, which may increase infarct size and reduce survival. Excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) is a unique revascularization technique that can vaporize plaques and thrombi. However, to date, only few reports indicate the efficacy of ELCA for ACS. We retrospectively analyzed 113 consecutive ACS patients who underwent PCI with either ELCA or manual thrombus aspiration therapy (TA) before balloon angioplasty or stenting and who had a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow (TIMI) grade 0 on the first contrast injection within 24 h of onset at our hospital from March 2011 to March 2020. Patients were divided into two groups by the procedure used: ELCA (N = 48) and TA (N = 50). Door-to-reperfusion time was significantly shorter in the ELCA group than TA group (89.2 ± 6.7 vs. 137.9 ± 12.3 min, respectively; P < 0.01). There was also a significant difference in peak creatine kinase-myocardial band between the ELCA and TA groups (242 ± 25 vs. 384 ± 63 IU/L, respectively; P = 0.04). Although there was no difference in myocardial blush grade (MBG) before treatment, the MBG after treatment was higher in the ELCA group (P < 0.01). In-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were also significantly fewer in the ELCA group than in the TA group (8% vs. 20%, P = 0.045). ELCA for TIMI grade 0 ACS may shorten reperfusion time, improve the MBG score, and reduce MACE when compared to TA.