2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation

Ischemic Left Ventricular Perforation Covered by a Thrombus in a Patient Presenting with Cerebral Ischemia: Importance of Time-Sensitive Performance and Adequate Interpretation of Bedside Transthoracic Echography

If myocardial infarction remains silent, only clinical signs of complications may unveil its presence. Life-threatening complications include myocardial rupture, thrombus formation, or arterial embolization. In the presented case, a 76-year-old patient was admitted with left-sided hemiparesis. In duplex sonography, a critical stenosis of the right internal carotid artery was identified and initially but retrospectively incorrectly judged as the potential cause for ischemia. During operative thromboendarterectomy, arterial embolism of the right leg occurred coincidentally, more likely pointing towards a cardioembolic origin. Percutaneous interventions remained unsuccessful and local fibrinolysis was applied. Delayed bedside echocardiography by an experienced cardiologist demonstrated a discontinuity of the normal myocardial texture of the left ventricular apex together with an echodense, partly floating structure merely attached by a thin bridge not completely sealing the myocardial defect, accompanied by pericardial effusion. The patient was immediately transferred to emergency cardiac surgery with extirpation of the thrombus, aortocoronary bypass graft placement, and aneurysmectomy. This didactic case reveals decisive structural shortcomings in patient's admission and triage processes and underlines, if performed timely and correctly, the value of transthoracic echocardiography as a noninvasive and cost-effective tool allowing immediate decision-making, which, in this case, led to the correct but almost fatally delayed diagnosis.

Is there a role for a local inpatient CT coronary angiography service in selected patients with acute coronary syndrome? A cohort analysis of inpatient tertiary centre referrals for invasive coronary angiography

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a retrospective analysis of inpatients referred for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) at a tertiary centre, with suspected or confirmed acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Jersey General Hospital. We evaluated 198 inpatients referred for ICA with suspected or confirmed ACS over a 3-year period. Patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction were excluded. The primary outcome was to identify the number of patients who did not require subsequent coronary intervention following ICA. Patient variables were measured to establish those who met European Society of Cardiology (ESC) criteria for consideration of CT coronary angiography (CTCA) as an alternative to ICA. Cost of care for those referred for ICA was calculated.

RESULTS

ICA demonstrated evidence of coronary heart disease requiring coronary intervention in 119 (60%) of the referred patients. 28 (35%) of the patients not requiring coronary intervention at ICA met ESC criteria for preassessment with CTCA. The cost of care for this subgroup was £9089 per patient. Inpatient CTCA was calculated at £376 per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-intermediate risk patients presenting with suspected or confirmed ACS to hospitals without onsite coronary revascularisation should be considered for in-hospital CTCA before consideration of ICA. Using CTCA as a gatekeeper for targeted ICA appears cost-effective, particularly for hospitals without the required onsite facilities.

Oral anticoagulants in coronary heart disease (Section IV). Position paper of the ESC Working Group on Thrombosis - Task Force on Anticoagulants in Heart Disease

Until recently, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were the only available oral anticoagulants evaluated for long-term treatment of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), particularly after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Despite efficacy in this setting, VKAs are rarely used because they are cumbersome to administer. Instead, the more readily manageable antiplatelet agents are the mainstay of prevention in ACS patients. This situation has the potential to change with the introduction of non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs), which are easier to administer than VKAs because they can be given in fixed doses without routine coagulation monitoring. The NOACs include dabigatran, which inhibits thrombin, and apixaban, rivaroxaban and edoxaban, which inhibit factor Xa. Apixaban and rivaroxaban were evaluated in phase III trials for prevention of recurrent ischaemia in ACS patients, most of whom were also receiving dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. Although at the doses tested rivaroxaban was effective and apixaban was not, both agents increased major bleeding. The role for the NOACs in ACS management, although promising, is therefore complicated, because it is uncertain how they compare with newer antiplatelet agents, such as prasugrel, ticagrelor or vorapaxar, and because their safety in combination with these other drugs is unknown. Ongoing studies are also now evaluating the use of NOACs in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients, where their role is established, with coexistent ACS or coronary stenting. Focusing on CHD, we review the results of clinical trials with the NOACs and provide a perspective on their future incorporation into clinical practice.

Synergistic Inhibition of Both P2Y1 and P2Y12 Adenosine Diphosphate Receptors As Novel Approach to Rapidly Attenuate Platelet-Mediated Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

Unlike currently approved adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonists, the new diadenosine tetraphosphate derivative GLS-409 targets not only P2Y12 but also the second human platelet adenosine diphosphate receptor P2Y1 and may, therefore, be a promising antiplatelet drug candidate. The current study is the first to investigate the in vivo antithrombotic effects of GLS-409.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We studied (1) the in vivo effects of GLS-409 on agonist-stimulated platelet aggregation in anesthetized rats, (2) the antithrombotic activity of GLS-409 and the associated effect on the bleeding time in a canine model of platelet-mediated coronary artery thrombosis, and (3) the inhibition of agonist-stimulated platelet aggregation by GLS-409 versus selective P2Y1 and P2Y12 inhibition in vitro in samples from healthy human subjects before and 2 hours after aspirin intake. In vivo treatment with GLS-409 significantly inhibited adenosine diphosphate- and collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation in rats. Further, GLS-409 attenuated cyclic flow variation, that is, platelet-mediated thrombosis, in vivo in our canine model of unstable angina. The improvement in coronary patency was accompanied by a nonsignificant 30% increase in bleeding time. Of note, GLS-409 exerted its effects without affecting rat and canine hemodynamics. Finally, in vitro treatment with GLS-409 showed effects similar to that of cangrelor and the combination of cangrelor with the selective P2Y1 inhibitor MRS 2179 on agonist-stimulated platelet aggregation in human platelet-rich plasma and whole blood before and 2 hours after aspirin intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Synergistic inhibition of both P2Y1 and P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate receptors by GLS-409 immediately attenuates platelet-mediated thrombosis and effectively blocks agonist-stimulated platelet aggregation irrespective of concomitant aspirin therapy.

When is the Best Time for the Second Antiplatelet Agent in Non-St Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Dual antiplatelet therapy is a well-established treatment in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), with class I of recommendation (level of evidence A) in current national and international guidelines. Nonetheless, these guidelines are not precise or consensual regarding the best time to start the second antiplatelet agent. The evidences are conflicting, and after more than a decade using clopidogrel in this scenario, benefits from the routine pretreatment, i.e. without knowing the coronary anatomy, with dual antiplatelet therapy remain uncertain. The recommendation for the upfront treatment with clopidogrel in NSTE-ACS is based on the reduction of non-fatal events in studies that used the conservative strategy with eventual invasive stratification, after many days of the acute event. This approach is different from the current management of these patients, considering the established benefits from the early invasive strategy, especially in moderate to high-risk patients. The only randomized study to date that specifically tested the pretreatment in NSTE-ACS in the context of early invasive strategy, used prasugrel, and it did not show any benefit in reducing ischemic events with pretreatment. On the contrary, its administration increased the risk of bleeding events. This study has brought the pretreatment again into discussion, and led to changes in recent guidelines of the American and European cardiology societies. In this paper, the authors review the main evidence of the pretreatment with dual antiplatelet therapy in NSTE-ACS.

Genetic variants and expression study of FOXP3 gene in acute coronary syndrome in Iranian patients

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most serious form of coronary artery disease. Inflammatory processes participate in different stages of this disorder. FOXP3 gene plays an important role for the development and function of regulatory T cells. Consequently, the expression level and polymorphisms of this gene have been studied in many immune related diseases. In the present study, we analysed the expression of FOXP3 as well as the association between two variants in this gene (rs3761548A/C and rs5902434del/ATT) and occurrence of ACS in Iranian patients. FOXP3 expression analysis showed a significant decrease in patients with ACS compared with controls (P = 0.029). In addition, a significant decrease has been detected in female patients compared with normal female subjects (P = 0.020). No significant change has been observed in FOXP3 expression in male patients compared with normal male subjects. In addition, no difference has been detected between ACS and normal subjects in combined genotype frequencies of both polymorphisms and the allele frequencies of rs5902434. However, rs3761548 C allele was more prevalent in controls compared with patients with ACS (P = 0.024). Consequently, our data demonstrated that FOXP3 expression is markedly decreased in female patients with ACS, which highlight the role of immune responses in plaque destabilization in such patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

SIGNIFICANCE PARAGRAPH

Considering the role of immune system in different stages of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), we evaluated the expression of FOXP3 gene as a master regulator of immune response in these patients compared with normal subjects. We detected a significant down-regulation of this gene in patients with ACS. Such decreased expression was more prominent in female patients, which implies the role of immune responses in plaque destabilization in such patients.

New Approaches to the Role of Thrombin in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Quo Vadis Bivalirudin, a Direct Thrombin Inhibitor?

The pathophysiology of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves platelet activation and thrombus formation after the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Thrombin is generated at the blood-plaque interface in association with cellular membranes on cells and platelets. Thrombin also amplifies the response to the tissue injury, coagulation and platelet response, so the treatment of ACS is based on the combined use of both antiplatelet (such as aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor) and antithrombotic drugs (unfractionated heparin, enoxaparin, fondaparinux and bivalirudin). Bivalirudin competitively inhibits thrombin with high affinity, a predictable response from its linear pharmacokinetics and short action. However, a present remarkable controversy exists between the latest main Guidelines in Clinical Practice and the key trials evaluating the use of bivalirudin in ACS. The aim of this review is to update the development of bivalirudin, including pharmacological properties, obtained information from clinical trials evaluating efficacy and safety of bivalirudin in ACS; as well as the recommendations of clinical Guidelines.

Impact of transradial coronary intervention on bleeding complications in octogenarians

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the elderly is a major hospital burden since this group of patients exhibits high mortality rates and many comorbidities. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of a transradial intervention (TRI) approach for PCI on bleeding complications in octogenarians. We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive cohort of 2530 patients who underwent PCI at a tertiary care center in Japan. Octogenarians constituted 12 % (291 cases) of the total PCI cases during the study period. Bleeding complications and all-cause mortality were observed at 30 days after PCI. Average age was 83 ± 3 years and female gender was 32 %. Stable coronary artery disease was 59 %. TRI was performed in 218 patients (75 %) and transfemoral intervention (TFI) in 73 (25 %). Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) major bleeding unrelated to bypass surgery were observed in 7.6 %, which were significantly lower in TRI than TFI (5.1 vs. 15.1 %, P = 0.005). The 30-day mortality rate was significantly low in patients without bleeding (4.9 vs. 31 %, p < 0.0001). In octogenarians, major bleeding complication was significant at 30 days after PCI. TRI had lower bleeding complication rate than TFI in this population. Octogenarians may be a subgroup of patients who derive benefits from TRI.

Multiple Chronic Conditions in Older Adults with Acute Coronary Syndromes

Older adults presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) often have multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). In addition to traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (ie, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes), common CV comorbidities include heart failure, stroke, and atrial fibrillation, whereas prevalent non-CV comorbidities include chronic kidney disease, anemia, depression, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The presence of MCCs affects the presentation (eg, increased frequency of type 2 myocardial infarctions [MIs]), clinical course, and prognosis of ACS in older adults. In general, higher comorbidity burden increases mortality following MI, reduces utilization of ACS treatments, and increases the importance of developing individualized treatment plans.

Chest pain: coronary CT in the ER

Cardiac CT has developed into a robust clinical tool during the past 15 years. Of the fields in which the potential of cardiac CT has raised more interest is chest pain in acute settings. In fact, the possibility to exclude with high reliability obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients at low-to-intermediate risk is of great interest both from the clinical standpoint and from the management standpoint. Several other modalities, with or without imaging, have been used during the past decades in the settings of new onset chest pain or in acute chest pain for both diagnostic and prognostic assessment of CAD. Each one has advantages and disadvantages. Most imaging modalities also focus on inducible ischaemia to guide referral to invasive coronary angiography. The advent of cardiac CT has introduced a new practice diagnostic paradigm, being the most accurate non-invasive method for identification and exclusion of CAD. Furthermore, the detection of subclinical CAD and plaque imaging offer the opportunity to improve risk stratification. Moreover, recent advances of the latest generation CT scanners allow combining both anatomical and functional imaging by stress myocardial perfusion. The role of cardiac CT in acute settings is already important and will become progressively more important in the coming years.

Long-term antiplatelet therapy following myocardial infarction: implications of PEGASUS-TIMI 54

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is standard treatment for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), typically comprising the use of aspirin with either an irreversible thienopyridine P2Y12 inhibitor, clopidogrel or prasugrel, or reversibly binding ticagrelor. Pivotal studies led to guidelines recommending DAPT for up to 12 months post-ACS. Despite this, there remains a significant burden of coronary artery disease (CAD)-related events up to and after this period. Recent meta-analyses, including both patients with ACS and patients with stable CAD treated with DAPT following percutaneous coronary intervention, have suggested that long-term thienopyridine-based DAPT reduces the risks of myocardial infarction (MI) and stent thrombosis but may paradoxically increase all-cause mortality risk. The PEGASUS-TIMI 54 (Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Prior Heart Attack Using Ticagrelor Compared to Placebo on a Background of Aspirin - Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 54) study examined the effects of long-term DAPT with aspirin and ticagrelor, compared with aspirin alone, on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and complications, including bleeding in patients with prior history of MI. It showed that, over a 3-year period, ticagrelor reduced the risk of MACE but increased non-fatal bleeding risk. Overall, the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 results demonstrate that patients with a history of ACS deemed to be at high risk of further ischaemic events, particularly those in whom the risks of ischaemic events and cardiovascular death outweigh the risk of life-threatening bleeding, may benefit from prolonged ticagrelor-based DAPT. Guidelines are emerging which reflect this. The relationship between aspirin and ticagrelor, particularly with regard to aspirin dosing, remains to be fully elucidated and attention has recently been turned to the option of ticagrelor monotherapy. Future studies will explore optimal individualised strategies for long-term antiplatelet therapy.

A Risk Assessment Tool Incorporating New Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Events in Acute Coronary Syndromes: The Organization to Assess Strategies in Ischemic Syndromes (OASIS) Risk Score

BACKGROUND

Several biomarkers have been shown to improve risk stratification in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS); however, they have not been integrated into risk prediction tools.

METHODS

C-reactive-protein, N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and haemoglobin A1C were measured in 6447 patients with NSTEACS who were enrolled in the Clopidogrel in Unstable Angina to Prevent Recurrent Events trial. A risk score to predict cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke at 1 year was developed by incorporating biomarkers that were independently predictive of events with traditional variables, electrocardiogram, and troponin-T. Model discrimination was evaluated using c-statistic, integrated discrimination improvement, and net reclassification index, and validated using bootstrap methods.

RESULTS

During 1 year of follow-up, 686 patients experienced a CV event. Each biomarker predicted CV death, MI, or stroke; however, only NT-proBNP and haemoglobin A1C improved model discrimination, increasing the c-statistic (0.66-0.71), integrated discrimination improvement to 3.4%, and net reclassification index to 17.5% (P < 0.0001 for all measures). A risk score ranging from 0 to 20 points including variables for age, prior MI/stroke, sex, ST-segment deviation, troponin-T, NT-proBNP, and haemoglobin A1C classified individuals into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups with rates of CV death, MI, stroke of 3.7%, 9.1%, 17.8%, respectively. The absolute benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy vs aspirin alone was 1.0%, 4.7%, and 3.0% in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of NT-proBNP and haemoglobin A1C to 5 standard variables creates a 7-variable risk score that improves prediction of CV events at 1 year and aids in risk-based selection of patients with NSTEACS for dual antiplatelet therapy.

Does cardiac rhythm monitoring in patients with elevated troponin levels lead to changes in management?

BACKGROUND

We sought to identify the frequency of arrhythmias in patients with elevated cardiac troponin levels and without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or a primary arrhythmia, and to determine whether detection of an arrhythmia leads to management changes.

METHODS

A review of 1381 consecutive patients admitted from the emergency department for rhythm monitoring with an elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) level was performed. Patients admitted to an intensive care unit and those with an initial primary arrhythmia were excluded. Troponin values were obtained on admission, at 3 hours and at 6 hours. Electronic medical records and all rhythm recordings were reviewed for documentation of an arrhythmia and any changes in management.

RESULTS

An arrhythmia was detected in 26% of the 330 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Those with arrhythmias had higher rates of coronary artery disease and prior percutaneous coronary intervention ( p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). Those with arrhythmias had higher mean cTnT values compared to those without arrhythmias ( p = 0.02 at 3 hours and p = 0.006 at 6 hours) even after controlling for a discharge diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. Changes in management in response to the detection of arrhythmias were infrequent (6.3%) and usually included only changes in medication doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients admitted with an elevated cTnT level to a non-intensive care unit rhythm-monitored bed without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or primary arrhythmia have a high incidence of arrhythmias; however, changes in management are infrequent.

Role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology

BACKGROUND

Despite common enthusiasm for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), its application in Europe is quite diverse. Restrictions are attributed to a number of factors, like limited access, deficits in training, and incomplete reimbursement. Aim of this study is to perform a systematic summary of the representation of CMR in the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

METHODS

Twenty-nine ESC guidelines were screened for the terms "magnetic", "MRI", "CMR", "MR" and "imaging". As 3 topics were published twice (endocarditis, pulmonary hypertension, NSTEMI), 26 guidelines were finally included. MRI in the context of non-cardiovascular examinations was not recognized. The main CMR-related conclusions and, if available, the level of evidence and the class of recommendation were extracted.

RESULTS

Fourteen of the 26 guidelines (53.8%) contain specific recommendations regarding the use of CMR. Nine guidelines (34.6%) mention CMR in the text, and 3 (11.5%) do not mention CMR. The 14 guidelines with recommendations regarding the use of CMR contain 39 class-I recommendations, 12 class-IIa recommendations, 10 class-IIb recommendations and 2 class-III recommendations. Most of the recommendations have evidence level C (41/63; 65.1%), followed by level B (16/63; 25.4%) and level A (6/63; 9.5%). The four guidelines, which absolutely contained most recommendations for CMR, were stable coronary artery disease (n = 14), aortic diseases (n = 9), HCM (n = 7) and myocardial revascularization (n = 7).

CONCLUSIONS

CMR is represented in the majority of the ESC guidelines. They contain many recommendations in favour of the use of CMR in specific scenarios. Issues regarding access, training and reimbursement have to be solved to offer CMR to patients in accordance with the ESC guidelines.

Elevated high-sensitive troponin T on admission is an indicator of poor long-term outcome in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) frequently develop cardiac complications in the acute phase after the bleeding. Although a number of studies have shown that increased levels of cardiac biomarkers after SAH are associated with a worse short-term prognosis, no prospective, consecutive study has assessed the association between biomarker release and long-term outcome. We aimed to evaluate whether the cardiac biomarkers, high-sensitive troponin T (hsTnT) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), were associated with poor 1-year neurological outcome and cerebral infarction due to delayed cerebral ischaemia (CI-DCI).

METHODS

In this single-centre prospective observational study, all consecutive patients admitted to our neurointensive care unit from January 2012 to December 2013 with suspected/verified SAH with an onset of symptoms <72 hours were enrolled. Blood samples for hsTnT and NTproBNP were collected during three consecutive days following admission. Patients were followed-up after 1 year using the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE). Poor neurological outcome was defined as GOSE ≤ 4.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy seven patients with suspected SAH were admitted during the study period; 143 fulfilled inclusion criteria and 126 fulfilled follow-up. Forty-one patients had poor 1-year outcome and 18 had CI-DCI. Levels of hsTnT and NTproBNP were higher in patients with poor outcome and CI-DCI. In multivariable logistic regression modelling age, poor neurological admission status, cerebral infarction of any cause and peak hsTnT were independently associated with poor late outcome. Both peak hsTnT and peak NTproBNP were independently associated with CI-DCI.

CONCLUSION

Increased serum levels of the myocardial damage biomarker hsTnT, when measured early after onset of SAH, are independently associated with poor 1-year outcome. Furthermore, release of both hsTnT and NTproBNP are independently associated with CI-DCI. These findings render further support to the notion that troponin release after SAH is an ominous finding. Future studies should evaluate whether there is a causal relationship between early release of biomarkers of myocardial injury after SAH and neurological sequelae.

[Role of coronary intervention after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation]

Immediate coronary angiography and intervention in suitable stenoses in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest of presumed coronary origin and return of spontaneous circulation is widely established in interventional centers. The procedure is based on the analogy of positive results achieved with coronary intervention in many forms of acute coronary syndromes on the one hand and otherwise from registries showing promising data from coronary intervention of resuscitated patients. Results from randomized controlled studies, however, are not yet available. With respect to ST-elevation myocardial infarction, the diagnostic reliability of an ECG registered shortly after cardiopulmonary resuscitation is sufficient. The results of the registries are specifically promising for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction but less favorable for other forms of acute coronary syndromes. Moreover, insight into the results of the registries reveals that patients with the best prognostic conditions were preferentially selected for coronary intervention (e.g., younger patients, those with an initially shockable arrhythmia, bystander resuscitation), whereas those, for example, with cardiac or renal failure were excluded. For better definition of the actual benefit of coronary intervention after resuscitation from cardiac arrest and the optimal target groups, randomized controlled studies on patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction are desirable, while for other forms of acute coronary syndromes these studies are essential.

A Safety Evaluation of Cangrelor in Patients Undergoing PCI

INTRODUCTION

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and an oral ADP P2Y12 receptor antagonist is the standard-of-care for treatment of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, oral P2Y12 receptor antagonists have several limitations, including inter- and intra-individual response variability, drug-drug interactions, slow onset and offset of action and delayed platelet inhibition in high-risk clinical settings, such as patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

AREAS COVERED

Cangrelor is an intravenous, direct-acting, reversible, potent P2Y12 receptor antagonist. It rapidly achieves near complete platelet inhibition and has a very short half-life and a fast offset of action. We conducted a systematic review searching PubMed/MEDLINE for pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic studies and clinical trials in which cangrelor was investigated, published from any time up to November 1(st) 2015. For clinical trials, those investigating cangrelor in the setting of PCI were considered for discussion.

EXPERT OPINION

Cangrelor is approved by drug regulating authorities worldwide as adjunctive antithrombotic therapy for the full spectrum of patients undergoing PCI, not pre-treated with a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and not with intent to receive a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. Its unique pharmacological properties and its favorable safety and efficacy profile make it an attractive treatment strategy, especially in clinical settings where immediate platelet inhibition is required.

Transradial Approach in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Lessons from a High-volume Centre

The transradial approach (TRA) is the recommended technique for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute coronary syndrome, according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines. There is a large body of evidence showing reduction in bleeding and mortality when the TRA is used. The TRA is also more convenient for patients, by allowing early mobilisation. Finally, by facilitating patient turnover and fast (re)transfer after the procedure, the TRA enables operators to meet the current recommendations of early invasive therapy in both ST and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. On the other hand, the TRA is technically more challenging than the transfemoral approach (TFA) and requires longer learning curve, which hinders its uptake by low-volume operators/centres. Nevertheless, in the hands of experienced high-volume operators, such as at Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis (OLVG) Amsterdam, the TRA achieves comparable procedural outcomes and favourable clinical results compared with the TFA, as it is in cases of primary PCI.

Type 2 Diabetes and ADP Receptor Blocker Therapy

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with several abnormalities in haemostasis predisposing to thrombosis. Moreover, T2D was recently connected with a failure in antiplatelet response to clopidogrel, the most commonly used ADP receptor blocker in clinical practice. Clopidogrel high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) was repeatedly associated with the risk of ischemic adverse events. Patients with T2D show significantly higher residual platelet reactivity on ADP receptor blocker therapy and are more frequently represented in the group of patients with HTPR. This paper reviews the current knowledge about possible interactions between T2D and ADP receptor blocker therapy.

Providing Rapid Out of Hospital Acute Cardiovascular Treatment 4 (PROACT-4)

BACKGROUND

Whether prehospital point-of-care (POC) troponin further accelerates the time to diagnosis in patients with chest pain (CP) is unknown. We conducted a randomized trial of POC-Troponin testing in the ambulance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with chest pain presenting by ambulance were randomized to usual care (UC) or POC-Troponin; ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients or those with noncardiovascular symptoms were excluded. Pre-hospital high-sensitivity troponin was analyzed on a POC device and available to the paramedic and emergency department (ED) staff. The final diagnosis was centrally adjudicated. The primary endpoint was time from first medical contact to discharge from ED or admission to hospital. We randomized 601 patients in 19 months; 296 to UC and 305 to POC-Troponin. After ambulance arrival, the first troponin was available in 38 minutes in POC-Troponin and 139 minutes in UC. In POC-Troponin, the troponin was >0.01 ng/mL in 17.4% and >0.03 ng/mL in 9.8%. Patients spent a median of 9.0 hours from first medical contact to final disposition, and 165 (27.4%) were admitted to the hospital. The primary endpoint was shorter in patients randomized to POC-Troponin (median 8.8 hours [6.2-10.8] compared to UC (median 9.1 hours [6.7-11.2]; P=0.05). There was no difference in the secondary endpoint of repeat ED visits, hospitalizations, or death in the next 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

In this broad population of patients with CP, ambulance POC-Troponin accelerated the time to final disposition. Enhanced and more cost-effective early ED discharge of the majority of patients with CP calling 911 is an unrealized opportunity.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT01634425.

Current approaches for the diagnosis, risk stratification and interventional treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes without st-segment elevation

This article reviews current approaches to diagnosis and determination of the individual risk of patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation. Guidelines for determining the choice of treatment strategy and the time slots for its implementation are discussed. We describe the technical features of the implementation of interventional treatment in this group of patients; the choice of methods of myocardial revascularization is discussed.