Determinants of short and long door-to-balloon time in current primary percutaneous coronary interventions

Emergency Department Triage Accuracy and Delays in Care for High-Risk Conditions

Importance

Emergency department (ED) triage may impact timeliness of care for high-risk conditions.

Objective

To determine the association of ED undertriage with delays in care for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), aortic dissection (AD), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included adult ED patients diagnosed with SAH, AD, or STEMI from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020, from a multicenter, community-based health care delivery system. Data analysis were completed in March 2023 to October 2024.

Exposure

Undertriage vs correct triage, defined by operational measures of mistriage.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Using a lognormal distribution, the outcomes of interest for patients with SAH and AD were adjusted median time to noncontrast computed tomography (CT) (head CT for patients with SAH, chest CT for patients with AD), antihypertensive medication orders (SAH), and β-blocker orders (AD), and ED length of stay (LOS). For patients with STEMI, outcomes of interest were adjusted median time to electrocardiogram (ECG) and troponin orders.

Results

A total of 5929 patients (median [IQR] age, 63.0 [54.0 to 73.0] years; 3876 [65.4%] male) were identified, including 915 with SAH, 480 with AD, and 4534 with STEMI. There were 1129 Asian patients (19.0%), 553 Black patients (9.3%), 889 Hispanic patients (15.0%), and 2906 non-Hispanic White patients (49.0%). Overall, 2175 patients (36.7%) were undertriaged. For patients with SAH, the lognormal estimate for delay in time to head CT was 0.2 (95% CI, 0.0-0.3), or a delay of 2.4 minutes, and for antihypertensive orders, the lognormal estimate was 4.8 (95% CI, 3.6-5.9), or a delay of 33.3 minutes; the lognormal estimate for ED LOS was 0.1 (95% CI, 0.0-0.1), or 7.7 minutes longer. For patients with AD, the lognormal estimate for delays were 0.2 (95% CI, 0.0-0.4), or 8.9 minutes, for chest CT and 0.5 (95% CI, 0.2-0.7), or 17.6 minutes, for β-blocker orders, and ED LOS was 0.2 (95% CI, 0.1-0.3), or 64 minutes longer. For patients with STEMI, differences in time to ECG and troponin orders were not statistically significant, at less than 1 minute, comparing correctly and undertriaged patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients diagnosed with SAH, AD, or STEMI, ED undertriage was associated with small but significant delays in key diagnostic and therapeutic orders for patients with SAH and AD but not for patients with STEMI.

Determinants of In-hospital Death in Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction with Triple-vessel Disease

Objective Triple-vessel disease (TVD) is a well-established prognostic factor for patients with acute myocardial infarction. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding the risk factors for in-hospital death in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and TVD. In this retrospective study, we examined the determinants of in-hospital death in patients with NSTEMI and TVD who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for culprit lesions. Methods The primary objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with in-hospital death using a multivariate analysis. We included 253 patients with NSTEMI and TVD and divided them into a survivor group (n=239) and an in-hospital death group (n=14). Results Systolic blood pressure (SBP) at admission was significantly higher in the survivor group than in the in-hospital death group. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was also higher in the survivor group than in the in-hospital death group. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, in-hospital death was inversely associated with the SBP at admission [odds ratio (OR) 0.984, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.970-0.999, p<0.035] and eGFR (OR 0.966, 95% CI 0.939-0.994, p=0.019) and was associated with cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) before PCI (OR 8.448, 95% CI 1.863-38.309, p=0.006). Conclusion In-hospital death was associated with CPA before PCI and inversely associated with the SBP at admission and eGFR in patients with NSTEMI and TVD who underwent PCI for the culprit lesion. It may be important to recognize these high-risk features in order to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with NSTEMI and TVD.

Association of Increased Inter-arm Blood Pressure Difference with Long-term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) often have peripheral artery disease (PAD). It is well known that the long-term clinical outcomes of AMI are worse in patients with a low ankle-brachial index (ABI) than in patients with a preserved ABI. Unlike ABI, the association between the inter-arm blood pressure difference (IABPD) and clinical outcomes in patients with AMI has not yet been established. This retrospective study examined whether or not the IABPD is associated with long-term clinical outcomes in patients with AMI. Methods We included 979 patients with AMI and divided them into a high-IABPD group (IABPD ≥10 mmHg, n=31) and a low-IABPD group (IABPD <10 mmHg, n=948) according to the IABPD measured during hospitalization for AMI. The primary endpoint was the all-cause mortality rate. Results During a median follow-up duration of 694 days (Q1, 296 days; Q3, 1,281 days), 82 all-cause deaths were observed. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that all-cause death was more frequently observed in the high-IABPD group than in the low-IABPD group (p<0.001). A multivariate Cox hazard analysis revealed that a high IABPD was significantly associated with all-cause death (hazard ratio 2.061, 95% confidence interval 1.012-4.197, p=0.046) after controlling for multiple confounding factors. Conclusion A high IABPD was significantly associated with long-term all-cause mortality in patients with AMI. Our results suggest the usefulness of the IABPD as a prognostic marker for patients with AMI.

The Impact of Emergency Department Arrival Time on Door-to-Balloon Time in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Receiving Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Door-to-balloon (DTB) time significantly affects the prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The effects of temporal differences in emergency department (ED) arrival time on DTB time and on different segments of DTB time remain inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study in a tertiary hospital between January 2013 and December 2021 and investigated the relationship between a patient's arrival time and both their DTB time and different segments of their DTB time. Of 732 STEMI patients, 327 arrived during the daytime (08:01-16:00), 268 during the evening (16:01-24:00), and 137 at night (00:01-08:00). Significantly higher odds of delay in DTB time were observed during the nighttime (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.87; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.50-5.51, p = 0.002) than during the daytime. This delay was mainly attributed to a delay in cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) activation-to-arrival time (aOR: 6.25; 95% CI: 3.75-10.40, p < 0.001), particularly during the 00:00-04:00 time range. Age, sex, triage level, and whether patients arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic also had independent effects on different segments of DTB time. Further studies are required to investigate the root causes of delay in DTB time and to develop specific strategies for improvement.

Plasma VWF: Ag levels predict long-term clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background

A vital role in coronary artery disease is played by Von Willebrand factor (VWF), which serves as a bridge between platelets and the subendothelial matrix after vessel damage. The purpose of the study was to assess the validity of plasma VWF antigen (VWF: Ag) levels as a predictor of clinical outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

Three hundred and seventy-four patients were studied following coronary angiography, including 209 patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction and 165 healthy participants. Coronary angiography was followed by measurement of plasma VWF: Ag levels. Over a 2-year follow-up period, major adverse cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular events (MACEs) were the primary endpoint. All-cause mortality was investigated as a secondary endpoint.

Results

When compared to controls, patients with AMI had mean plasma VWF: Ag levels that were ~1.63 times higher (0.860 ± 0.309 vs. 0.529 ± 0.258 IU/ml; P < 0.001). The plasma VWF: Ag levels were substantially higher in patients who experienced MACEs after myocardial infarction vs. those without MACEs (1.088 ± 0.253 vs. 0.731 ± 0.252 IU/ml; P < 0.001). For predicting long-term MACEs using the optimal cut-off value (0.7884 IU/ml) of VWF: Ag, ROC curve area for VWF: Ag was 0.847, with a sensitivity of 87.2% and a specificity of 66.3% (95%CI: 0.792-0.902; P = 0.001). Two-year follow-up revealed a strong link between higher plasma VWF: Ag levels and long-term MACEs. At the 2-year follow-up, multivariate regression analysis revealed an independent relationship between plasma VWF: Ag levels and MACEs (HR = 6.004, 95%CI: 2.987-12.070).

Conclusion

We found evidence that plasma VWF: Ag levels were independent risk factors for AMI. Meanwhile, higher plasma VWF: Ag levels are associated with long-term MACEs in people with AMI.

Comparing Door-To-Balloon Time between ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Electrocardiogram and Its Equivalents

Background: In patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary interventions (pPCI), longer door-to-balloon (DTB) time is known to be associated with an unfavorable outcome. A percentage of patients with acute coronary occlusion present with atypical electrocardiographic (ECG) findings, known as STEMI-equivalents. We investigated whether DTB time for STEMI-equivalent patients was delayed. Methods: This is a retrospective study including patients arriving at an emergency department with the acute coronary syndrome in whom emergent pPCI was performed. ECGs were classified into STEMI and STEMI-equivalent groups. We compared DTB time, with its components, between the groups. We also investigated whether STEMI-equivalent ECG was an independent predictor of DTB time delayed for more than 90 min. Results: A total of 180 patients were included in the present study, and 23 patients (12.8%) presented with STEMI-equivalent ECGs. DTB time was significantly delayed in patients with STEMI-equivalent ECGs (89 (80–122) vs. 81 (70–88) min, p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that STEMI-equivalent ECG was an independent predictor of delayed DTB time (odds ratio: 4.692; 95% confidence interval: 1.632–13.490, p = 0.004). Conclusions: DTB time was significantly delayed in patients presenting with STEMI-equivalent ECGs. Prompt recognition of STEMI-equivalent ECGs by emergency physicians and interventional cardiologists might reduce DTB time and lead to a better clinical outcome.

Association of Increased Pulse Wave Velocity With Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Preserved Ankle-Brachial Index After Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Low ankle-brachial index (ABI) is an established risk factor for long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) may also be a risk factor. However, there is a significant overlap between low ABI and high ba-PWV. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine whether increased ba-PWV was associated with long-term clinical outcomes in AMI patients with normal ABI.

METHODS

We included 932 AMI patients with normal ABI and divided them into the high PWV group (≥1,400 cm/s; n=646) and the low PWV group (<1400 cm/s; n=286) according to the ba-PWV values measured during the AMI hospitalisation. The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalisation for heart failure.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up duration of 541 days (Q1: 215 days-Q3: 1,022 days), a total of 154 MACE were observed. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that MACE was more frequently observed in the high PWV group than in the low PWV group (p<0.001). The multivariate Cox hazard analysis revealed that high ba-PWV was significantly associated with MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 1.587; 95% CI 1.002-2.513; p=0.049) after controlling multiple confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

High ba-PWV was significantly associated with long-term adverse events in AMI patients with normal ABI. Our results suggest the usefulness of PWV as a prognostic marker in AMI with normal ABI.

Association of Asymptomatic Low Ankle-Brachial Index with Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction

AIMS

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the well-known risk factor for cardiovascular events. Although low ankle-brachial index (ABI) is recognized as a risk factor in general population, low ABI without any symptoms of PAD has not been established as a prognostic marker in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) yet. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine whether asymptomatic low ABI was associated with long-term clinical outcomes in AMI patients without treatment history of PAD.

METHODS

We included 850 AMI patients without a history of PAD and divided them into the preserved ABI (ABI ≥ 0.9) group (n=760) and the reduced ABI (ABI ＜0.9) group (n=90) on the basis of the ABI measurement during the hospitalization. The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up duration of 497 days (Q1: 219 days to Q3: 929 days), a total of 152 MACE were observed. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that MACE were more frequently observed in the reduced ABI group than in the preserved ABI group (p＜0.001). The multivariate COX hazard analysis revealed that reduced ABI was significantly associated with MACE (hazard ratio 2.046, 95% confidence interval 1.344-3.144, p=0.001) after controlling confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced ABI was significantly associated with long-term adverse events in AMI patients without a history of PAD. Our results suggest the usefulness of ABI as a prognostic marker in AMI patients irrespective of symptomatic PAD.

Comparison of door-to-balloon time and in-hospital outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction between before versus after COVID-19 pandemic

The situation around primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has dramatically changed since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical outcomes as well as door-to-balloon time (DTBT), which is known as one of the indicators of early reperfusion, has not been fully investigated in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). The purpose of this study was to compare DTBT and in-hospital outcomes in patients with STEMI between before versus after COVID-19 pandemic. The primary interest was DTBT and the incidence of in-hospital outcomes including in-hospital death. We included 330 patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI, and divided them into the pre COVID-19 group (n = 209) and the post COVID-19 group (n = 121). DTBT was significantly longer in the post COVID-19 group than in the pre COVID-19 group (p < 0.001), whereas the incidence of in-hospital death was comparable between the 2 groups (p = 0.238). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, chest CT before primary PCI (OR 4.64, 95% CI 2.58-8.34, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with long DTBT, whereas chest CT before primary PCI (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.29-1.97, p = 0.570) was not associated with in-hospital death after controlling confounding factors. In conclusion, although DTBT was significantly longer after COVID-19 pandemic than before COVID-19 pandemic, in-hospital outcomes were comparable between before versus after COVID-19 pandemic. This study suggests the validity of the screening tests including chest CT for COVID-19 in patients with STEMI who undergo primary PCI.

Factors Associated with In-Hospital Death in Patients with Killip Class 3 Acute Myocardial Infarction

The clinical outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with Killip class 3 are often inconsistent with those in the literature, and the factors associated with poor outcomes have not been sufficiently investigated. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with in-hospital death in AMI patients with Killip class 3. We included 205 AMI patients with Killip class 3, and divided them into a survived group (n = 189) and in-hospital death group (n = 16). The primary objective was to identify factors associated with in-hospital death using multivariate analysis. Age was significantly younger in the survived group than in the in-hospital death group (73.1 ± 11.2 versus 83.2 ± 6.2 years, P < 0.001). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in the survived group than in the in-hospital death group (150.0 ± 31.2 versus 124.8 ± 25.3 mmHg, P = 0.002). The prevalence of TIMI thrombus grade ≥ 2 was significantly greater in the in-hospital death group than in the survived group (56.3 versus 22.2%, P = 0.005). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, in-hospital death was significantly associated with age [odds ratio (OR) 1.168, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.061-1.287, P = 0.002] and TIMI thrombus grade ≥ 2 (versus ≤ 1: OR 5.743, 95% CI 1.717-19.214, P = 0.005), and inversely associated with SBP on admission (per 10 mmHg increase: OR 0.764, 95% CI 0.613-0.953, P = 0.017). In conclusion, in-hospital death was associated with age and coronary thrombus burden, and was inversely associated with SBP on admission in patients with Killip class 3. It may be important to recognize these high risk features to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with Killip class 3.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction Between Prasugrel and Clopidogrel

The rapid introduction of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is important for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The risks and benefits of reduced-dose prasugrel (20 mg loading and 3.75 mg maintenance) over clopidogrel have not been fully discussed. The purpose of this study was to compare the 90-days clinical outcomes of AMI between prasugrel-based DAPT and clopidogrel-based DAPT. We included 534 AMI patients and divided them into the clopidogrel group (n = 330) and the prasugrel group (n = 204). The primary endpoint was the total ischemic events and total bleeding events. In all, 52 ischemic events and 35 bleeding events were observed during the study period. The total ischemic events were similar between the clopidogrel and the prasugrel groups (P = 0.385). The total bleeding events were similar between the clopidogrel and the prasugrel groups (P = 0.125). The multivariate Cox hazard analysis showed that prasugrel was not associated with the total ischemic events (hazard ratio (HR) 0.955, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.499-1.829, P = 0.890) and was not associated with the total bleeding events after controlling confounding factors (HR 0.972, 95% CI 0.528-1.790, P = 0.927). In conclusion, as compared to clopidogrel, the reduced dose of prasugrel was not associated with the excess risk of bleeding or the excess risk of ischemic events. Our real-world data support the current regimen of prasugrel for AMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Factors associated with temporary pacing insertion in patients with inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

High-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) is a prognostic factor for survival in patients with inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, there is little information about factors associated with temporary pacing (TP). The aim of this study was to find factors associated with TP in patients with inferior STEMI.

Methods

We included 232 inferior STEMI patients, and divided those into the TP group (n = 46) and the non-TP group (n = 186). Factors associated with TP were retrospectively investigated using multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

The incidence of right ventricular (RV) infarction was significantly higher in the TP group (19.6%) than in the non-TP group (7.5%) (p = 0.024), but the incidence of in-hospital death was similar between the 2 groups (4.3% vs. 4.8%, p = 1.000). Long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which were defined as a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR) and readmission for heart failure, were not different between the 2 groups (p = 0.100). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, statin at admission [odds ratio (OR) 0.230, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.062–0.860, p = 0.029], HAVB at admission (OR 9.950, 95% CI 4.099–24.152, p<0.001), and TIMI-thrombus grade ≥3 (OR 10.762, 95% CI 1.385–83.635, p = 0.023) were significantly associated with TP.

Conclusion

Statin at admission, HAVB at admission, and TIMI-thrombus grade ≥3 were associated with TP in patients with inferior STEMI. Although the patients with TP had the higher incidence of RV infarction, the incidence of in-hospital death and long-term MACE was not different between patients with TP and those without.

The impact of pre-hospital 12-lead electrocardiogram and first contact by cardiologist in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Kanagawa, Japan

Background pre-hospital 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) by emergency medical service (EMS) personnel at the site of first medical contact (FMC) and the physician of first contact both play important roles in managing patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, in Japan, pre-hospital 12-lead ECG is not routinely performed by EMS personnel at the site of FMC and the physician of first contact is not always a cardiologist. Methods from October 2015 to October 2019, 2035 consecutive STEMI patients transported from the field by ambulance were analyzed from the K-ACTIVE registry. Based on the presence (+) or absence (-) of pre-hospital 12-lead ECG / first contact by cardiologist, patients were divided into 4 groups (+/+, +/-, -/+, -/-). Patient characteristics, FMC to door time, door to device time and in-hospital mortality were compared. Results the numbers of patients in each group were as follows (+/+, n = 987; +/-, n = 211; -/+, n = 610; -/-, n = 227). For patient characteristics, there were significant differences in the prevalence of dyslipidemia and the presence of chest pain. The FMC to door time was similar (median value, +/+, 24 min; +/-, 25 min; -/+, 24 min; -/-, 24 min; p = 0.23). The door to device time was the shortest in the +/+ group (median value, +/+, 65 min; +/-, 80 min; -/+, 69 min; -/-, 88 min; p < 0.0001). Crude in-hospital mortality was the highest in the -/- group (+/+, 3.9%; +/-, 2.4%; -/+, 5.8%; -/-, 11.9%; p < 0.0001). After adjustment for age and sex, the adjusted odds ratios for in-hospital mortality were as follows [odds ratio (with 95% confidence interval) +/+, 0.33 [0.19-0.57]; +/-, 0.19 [0.07-0.52]; -/+, 0.49 [0.29-0.86]; -/-, 1 [reference)]. Conclusion pre-hospital 12-lead ECG and the physician of first contact had a significant impact on the door to device time and in-hospital mortality. Continuous efforts should be made to improve acute management of STEMI.

Comparison of clinical outcomes and left ventricular remodeling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction between patients with and without diabetes mellitus

Left ventricular remodeling (LVR) after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is generally thought to be an adaptive but compromising phenomenon particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, whether the extent of LVR is associated with poor prognostic outcome with or without DM after STEMI in the modern era of reperfusion therapy has not been elucidated. This was a single-center retrospective observational study. Altogether, 243 patients who were diagnosed as having STEMI between January 2016 and March 2019, and examined with echocardiography at baseline (at the time of index admission) and mid-term (from 6 to 11 months after index admission) follow-up were included and divided into the DM (n = 98) and non-DM groups (n = 145). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) defined as the composite of all-cause death, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and non-fatal myocardial infarction. The median follow-up duration was 621 days (interquartile range: 304–963 days). The DM group was significantly increased the rate of MACEs (P = 0.020) and HF hospitalization (P = 0.037) compared with the non-DM group, despite of less LVR. Multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the patients with DM after STEMI were significantly associated with MACEs (Hazard ratio [HR] 2.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–6.47, P = 0.017) and HF hospitalization (HR 3.62, 95% CI 1.19–11.02, P = 0.023) after controlling known clinical risk factors. LVR were also significantly associated with MACEs (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.03–5.78, P = 0.044) and HF hospitalization (HR 3.76, 95% CI 1.15–12.32, P = 0.029). The patients with both DM and LVR had worse clinical outcomes including MACEs and HF hospitalization, suggesting that it is particularly critical to minimize LVR after STEMI in patients with DM.

Factors associated with poor clinical outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction in patients with door-to-balloon time <90 minutes

Background

Recent guidelines for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) recommended the door-to-balloon time (DTBT) <90 minutes. However, some patients could have poor clinical outcomes in spite of DTBT <90 minutes, which suggest the importance of therapeutic targets except DTBT. The purpose of this study was to find factors associated with poor clinical outcomes in STEMI patients with DTBT <90 minutes.

Methods

This retrospective study included 383 STEMI patients with DTBT <90 minutes. The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as the composite of all-cause death, acute myocardial infarction, and acute heart failure requiring hospitalization.

Result

The median follow-up duration was 281 days, and the cumulative incidence of MACE was 16.2%. In the multivariate Cox hazard model, low body mass index (< 20 kg/m²) (vs. >20 kg/m²: HR 2.80, 95% CI 1.39–5.64, p = 0.004), history of previous myocardial infarction (HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.06–5.37, p = 0.04), and Killip class 3 or 4 (vs. Killip class 1 or 2: HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.30–4.40, p = 0.005) were significantly associated with MACE. In another multivariate Cox hazard model, flow worsening during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (HR 3.24, 95% CI 1.79–5.86, p<0.001) and use of mechanical support (HR 3.15, 95% CI 1.71–5.79, p<0.001) were significantly associated with MACE, whereas radial approach (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32–0.92, p = 0.02) was inversely associated with MACE.

Conclusion

Low body mass index, Killip class 3/4, history of previous myocardial infarction, use of mechanical support, and flow worsening were significantly associated with MACE, whereas radial-access was inversely associated with MACE. It is important to avoid flow worsening during primary PCI even when appropriate DTBT was achieved.

Determinants of In-Hospital Death Among the Very Elderly with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Since the number of elderly patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been increasing in developed countries, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the very elderly aged ≥80 years old is already common. The study aimed to examine the determinants of in-hospital death among the very elderly with AMI in current PCI era. We included 412 consecutive AMI patients aged ≥ 80 years old who received PCI to the culprit lesion; however, 42 patients (10.2%) died during the index hospitalization. Thus, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the determinants of in-hospital death. Of note, the modified KATZ index, which is a seven-point scale ranging from 0 to 6 (0 point indicating no dependence and six points indicating full dependence), was calculated to evaluate pre-admission activity of daily living (ADL). In multivariate analysis, cardiac arrest (OR 4.642, 95% CI 1.177-18.305, P = 0.028), Killip class IV (versus Killip class I: OR 5.732, 95% CI 1.076-16.630, P = 0.001), modified KATZ index (OR 1.212, 95% CI 1.001-1.469, P = 0.049), hemoglobin levels (OR 0.803, 95% CI 0.656-0.983, P = 0.033), use of temporary pacemaker (OR 2.603, 95% CI 1.010-6.709, P = 0.048), final Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 (versus TIMI ≤ 2: OR 0.240, 95% CI 0.093-0.618, P = 0.003), and mechanical circulatory support (OR 4.264, 95% CI 1.818-10.005, P = 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with in-hospital death. In conclusion, in-hospital outcomes of the very elderly with AMI were still poor in the current PCI era. Poor pre-admission ADL as well as cardiogenic shock and anemia were determined to be strongly associated with in-hospital death.

Comparison of in-hospital death following ST-elevation myocardial infarction between secondary emergency and tertiary emergency

In most areas in Japan, patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) would be transferred to the secondary hospitals or tertiary hospitals according to the judgement of emergency medical service (EMS) staff members. We hypothesized that in-hospital outcomes would be worse in STEMI patients judged as tertiary emergency than in those judged as secondary emergency, which may support the judgement of the current EMS systems. The purpose of this study was to compare in-hospital outcomes of STEMI between patients judged as secondary emergency and those judged as tertiary emergency. We included 238 STEMI patients who were transferred to our institution using EMS hotline, and divided those into the secondary emergency group (n = 106) and the tertiary emergency group (n = 132). The primary endpoint was in-hospital death. The prevalence of shock was significantly higher in the tertiary emergency group than in the secondary emergency group (32.6% vs. 10.4%, p < 0.001). The GRACE score was significantly higher in the tertiary emergency group than the secondary emergency group [146 (118–188) vs. 134 (101–155), p < 0.001]. The incidence of in-hospital death was significantly higher in the tertiary emergency group than in the secondary emergency group (8.0% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.014). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the tertiary emergency was significantly associated with in-hospital death (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.24–10.02, p = 0.018) after controlling age and gender. In conclusion, the tertiary emergency was significantly associated with in-hospital death. Our results might validate the judgement of levels of emergency by local EMS staff members.

Usefulness of 500-m walk electrocardiogram test on clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

The current Japanese guideline for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) recommends 500-m walk electrocardiogram (ECG) test for patients with STEMI during hospitalization. However, little is known regarding the association between acute phase 500-m walk ECG test and clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between 500-m walk ECG test and mid-term clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI. A total of 313 STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary interventions were included, and were divided into the successful 500-m group (n = 263) and the unsuccessful 500-m group (n = 50). The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which were defined as the composite of all cause death, acute myocardial infarction, readmission for heart failure, and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization (TVR). During the follow-up period (median 223 days), a total of 55 MACE were observed. The log-rank test revealed that MACE, all cause death, readmission for heart failure, and ischemia-driven TVR were more frequently observed in the unsuccessful 500-m group than the successful 500-m group. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, the unsuccessful 500-m walk ECG test was significantly associated with MACE (OR 5.62, 95% CI 3.08-10.08, P < 0.01) after controlling confounding factors such as age, and serum creatinine levels. In conclusion, the unsuccessful 500-m walk ECG test was significantly associated with poor mid-term outcomes in patients with STEMI. Our results suggest the usefulness of 500-m walk ECG test to stratify the high-risk group from patients with STEMI.

Determinants of Insufficient Optimal Medical Therapy after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective Although the importance of evidence-based optimal medical therapy (OMT) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been recognized, the prescription rate of OMT is not sufficiently high in real-word clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of AMI patients who did not receive OMT. Methods The present study was a retrospective study. OMT was defined as the combination of antiplatelet therapy, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, and statins at the time of hospital discharge. Non-OMT was defined as the lack of either antiplatelet therapy, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, beta-blockers, or statins. Results A total of 457 AMI patients were included as the final study population, and 98 patients (22.4%) lacked at least 1 OMT medication. The prescription rates of antiplatelet therapy, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, beta-blockers, and statins were 98.7%, 87.5%, 90.4%, and 96.7%, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age [per 1-year increase: odds ratio (OR) 1.033, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007-1.059, p=0.014], hemodialysis (vs. no hemodialysis: OR 2.707, 95% CI 1.082-6.774, p=0.033), estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m² without hemodialysis (OR 4.585, 95% CI 1.975-10.644, p<0.001), AMI caused by vasospastic angina (VSA) (vs. no VSA: OR 13.198, 95% CI 1.809-96.260, p=0.011), and asthma (vs. no asthma: OR 7.241, 95% CI 1.716-30.559, p=0.007) were significantly associated with non-OMT, whereas heart rate on admission (per 1-bpm increase: 0.987, 95% CI 0.975-0.999, p=0.033), any PCI (vs. no PCI: OR 0.156, 95% CI 0.066-0.373, p<0.001), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (vs. NSTEMI: OR 0.384, 95% CI 0.218-0.675, p=0.001) were inversely associated with non-OMT. Conclusion An advanced age, VSA, bradycardia, asthma, impaired renal function, non-PCI revascularization, and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction were significantly associated with non-OMT.

Comparison of In-Hospital Clinical Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction Between Nonagenarians and Octogenarians

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the very elderly is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although there are earlier studies regarding AMI in octogenarians, clinical evidences of AMI in nonagenarians are sparse. The aim of the present study was to compare in-hospital outcomes of AMI between octogenarians and nonagenarians. We included consecutive 415 very elderly (≥ 80 years) with AMI and divided them into the nonagenarian group (n = 38) and the octogenarian group (n = 377). Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, we used propensity score matching to find the matched octogenarian group (n = 38). Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) to the culprit of AMI were similarly performed between the nonagenarian (86.8%) and octogenarian (87.0%) groups. The incidence of in-hospital death in the nonagenarian group (10.5%) was similar to that in the octogenarian group (12.5%) (P = 0.487). After using the propensity score matching, the incidence of in-hospital death was less in the nonagenarian group (10.5%) than in the matched octogenarian group (18.4%) without reaching statistical significance (P = 0.328). The length of hospitalization was significantly shorter in the nonagenarian group [7.0 (4.0-9.0)] than in the matched octogenarian group [10.0 (6.5-15.0)] (P = 0.01). In conclusion, the in-hospital mortality of nonagenarians with AMI was comparable to that of octogenarians with AMI. In-hospital outcomes in nonagenarians with AMI may be acceptable as long as acute medical management including PCI to the culprit of AMI is performed.

Association between the Door-to-balloon Time and Mid-term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objective In primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the door-to-balloon time (DTBT) is known to be associated with in-hospital death in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, little is known regarding the association between the DTBT and the mid-term clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the DTBT and mid-term all-cause death. Methods The study population included 309 STEMI patients, who were divided into the short DTBT (DTBT<60 minutes, n=103), intermediate DTBT (DTBT 60-120 minutes, n=174) and long DTBT (DTBT >120 minutes, n=32) groups. The median follow-up period was 287 days (interquartile range: 182-624 days). Results The incidence of all-cause death in the long DTBT group was significantly higher in comparison to the other groups (p<0.001). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, although a short DTBT [vs. intermediate DTBT: hazard ratio (HR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-2.55, p=0.99] was not associated with all-cause death, a long DTBT (vs. intermediate DTBT: HR 2.80, 95% CI 1.26-6.17, p=0.011) was significantly associated with all-cause death, after controlling for confounding factors such as Killip class 4, an impaired renal function, and the number of diseased vessels. Conclusion The DTBT was significantly associated with the incidence of mid-term all-cause death. Our results support the strong adherence to the DTBT in patients with STEMI.

Determinants of Improvement of Mid-term Ejection Fraction in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Persistent severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, whereas mid-term recovery of LV systolic function after AMI is associated with better long-term outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of mid-term improvement of LV ejection fraction (EF) in AMI patients. We included 210 AMI patients who had modified Simpson EF both at the index admission and mid-term follow up. The difference of EF between the index admission and mid-term follow-up was calculated in all study patients. The EF improvement group was defined as mid-term ≥ 10% EF increase compared with the index admission EF. Of 210 AMI patients, 46 (21.9%) were allocated to the EF improvement group and 164 (78.1%) to the non-EF improvement group. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) at the timing of admission was significantly greater in the EF improvement group (735.8 ± 1077.6 pg/mL) than in the non-EF improvement group (239.0 ± 419.8 pg/mL) (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that log₁₀ BNP at the timing of admission (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.69-6.66, P < 0.001) and left main trunk-left anterior descending artery (LM-LAD) as the infarct-related artery (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.59-7.02, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with EF improvement. In conclusion, elevated BNP at the timing of admission and LM-LAD as the infarct-related artery were significantly associated with mid-term LVEF recovery. Our results support aggressive acute treatment for those severe AMI, because the possibility of mid-term LVEF recovery is greater compared with other AMI.

Association of slow flow with clinical factors in intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with left main trunk-acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Slow flow can be fatal in primary percutaneous coronary interventions for left main trunk (LMT)-acute myocardial infarction (AMI), however, risk factors for slow flow in LMT-AMI have not been well investigated. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) may help to stratify the high-risk lesion for slow flow in LMT-AMI.

METHODS

A total of 51 LMT-AMI were included as the study population, and were divided into the slow-flow group (n=22) and the non-slow-flow group (n=29). Slow flow was defined as either transient or persistent Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade ≤2.

RESULTS

The incidence of in-hospital death was higher in the slow-flow group (27.3%) than the non-slow-flow group (10.3%) without reaching statistical significance (p=0.116). Although the reference diameter measured by angiography was not different between the two groups, the vessel diameter measured by IVUS was significantly longer in the slow-flow group (5.22±0.69mm) than in the non-slow-flow group (4.50±0.47mm) (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the vessel diameter by IVUS (OR 27.487, 95%CI 3.975-190.062, p=0.001) and the vessel area by IVUS (OR 1.458, 95%CI 1.160-1.832, p=0.001) were significantly associated with slow flow.

CONCLUSIONS

In LMT-AMI, the vessel diameter measured by IVUS was closely associated with slow flow, while the reference diameter measured by angiography was not associated with slow flow. IVUS would be important to find high-risk features for slow flow in LMT-AMI.

Social media communication shorten door-to-balloon time in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the preferred treatment method for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Many efforts had been made to reduce door-to-balloon (DTB) time in patients with STEMI. The objective of this study is to demonstrate how intrahospital social media communication reduced DTB times in STEMI patients requiring an interhospital transfer.We retrospectively enrolled patients with STEMI who had been transferred from other hospitals during 2016 and 2017. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The previewed group had an electrocardiogram (ECG) done at the first hospital that was previewed by the cardiologist via social media. The control group was treated using the conventional clinical approach. We compared DTB time and outcome between 2 groups.The 2 groups shared some similar clinical characteristics. However, the previewed group had significantly shorter DTB times than the control group (n = 51, DTB 52.61 ± 42.20 vs n = 89, DTB time 78.40 ± 50.64, P = .003). The time elapsed between ECG and the call to the laboratory decreased most apparently in the previewed group (-11.24 ± 48.81 vs 16.96 ± 33.08, P < .001). The previewed group also tended to have less in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (P = .091).When the patients with STEMI required transfer to the PCI-capable hospital, using social media to preview ECG reduced DTB time, mainly because the cardiologists activated the catheter laboratories much earlier, sometimes even before the patients arrived at the PCI-capable hospital.

Comparison of mid-term clinical outcomes after acute myocardial infarction in diabetic men between living alone and living together

Because living alone is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in men but not women, living alone may be a risk factor of cardiovascular events after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in diabetic men. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between living alone and mid-term clinical outcomes after AMI in diabetic men. We conducted a single center, retrospecitve study. The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of all cause death, AMI, and target vessel revascularization. A total of 253 AMI men with diabetes mellitus were included from our hospital records, and divided into the living together group (n = 203) and the living alone group (n = 50). Median follow-up duration was 239 days (Q1: 94 days, Q3: 451 days). A total of 66 MACE was observed during the study period, and Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to compare the MACE. The MACE was more frequently observed in the living alone group than the living together group (P = 0.041). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the living alone group was significantly associated with the MACE (Odds ratio: 1.770, 95% confidence interval 1.018-3.077, P = 0.043) after known clinical risk factors. In conclusion, living alone was significantly associated with the mid-term MACE after AMI in diabetic men. It may be important to provide multiple interventions including lifestyle guidance as well as sufficient acute medical care for such high-risk patients.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between sufficient versus insufficient diagonal branch flow in anterior acute myocardial infarction

In primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), revascularization to the main branch is considered to be more important than that to the side branch. The purpose of the present study was to compare in-hospital clinical outcomes between sufficient and insufficient diagonal flow in patients with anterior ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction. A total of 229 left anterior descending artery (LAD)-AMI with final Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI)-3 LAD flow were included, and divided into the sufficient diagonal flow group (TIMI-3 diagonal flow: n = 170) and the insufficient diagonal flow group (TIMI ≤ 2 diagonal flow: n = 59). The primary endpoint was the incidence of mechanical complication. The secondary endpoints were incidences of in-hospital death, heart failure at discharge, and left ventricular thrombus. There were no significant differences in the primary endpoint (the sufficient diagonal flow group: 1.2%, the insufficient diagonal flow group: 0%, P = 0.403). In-hospital death was more frequently observed in the insufficient diagonal flow group (8.5%) than the sufficient diagonal flow group (2.9%) without reaching statistical significance (P = 0.073). The incidence of heart failure at discharge, and thrombus in left ventricular were not different between the two groups. In conclusion, in-hospital outcomes were not significantly different between the sufficient and insufficient diagonal flow groups. We may not stick to the diagonal flow in LAD-STEMI, as long as the LAD flow is maintained by PCI.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between the Ostial Versus Non-Ostial Culprit in Proximal Left Anterior Descending Artery Acute Myocardial Infarction

Percutaneous coronary interventions to the proximal left anterior descending artery (pLAD)-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are still challenging, especially in the ostial pLAD. Clinical outcomes of the ostial pLAD-AMI were not well investigated. The aim of the present study was to compare clinical outcomes of the ostial pLAD-AMI with those of the non-ostial pLAD-AMI. The primary endpoint was the major cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as the composite of cardiac death, AMI, stent thrombosis (ST), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and target vessel revascularization (TVR). Between January 2009 and March 2016, a total of 401 pLAD-AMI were included as the study population and were divided into 78 ostial pLAD-AMI (the ostial pLAD group), and 323 non-ostial pLAD-AMI (the non-ostial pLAD group). The median follow-up duration was 414 days. The MACE tended to be higher in the ostial pLAD group (8.0% at 30 days, 19.9% at 400 days) than in the non-ostial pLAD group (4.4% at 30 days, 12.9% at 400 days) without reaching statistical significance (P = 0.087). The prevalence of cardiac death was significantly higher in the ostial pLAD group (6.6% at 30 days, 9.5% at 400 days) as compared with the non-ostial pLAD group (3.1% at 30 days, 4.5% at 400 days) (P = 0.034). There were no significant differences in ST, AMI, TLR, or TVR. We concluded that, as compared with the non-ostial pLAD-AMI, the clinical outcomes of the ostial pLAD-AMI, especially cardiac death, tended to be worse, requiring special attention to the ostial pLAD-AMI.