Usefulness of the presence of peripheral vascular disease in predicting mortality in acute myocardial infarction patients treated with primary angioplasty (from the Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction Database)

Invasiveness of previous treatment for peripheral arterial disease and risk of adverse cardiac events after coronary stenting

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PADs), undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), have higher adverse event risks. The effect of invasiveness of PADs treatment on PCI outcome is unknown. This study assessed the impact of the invasiveness of previous PADs treatment (invasive or non-invasive) on event risks after PCI with contemporary drug-eluting stents. This post-hoc analysis pooled 3-year patient-level data of PCI all-comer patients living in the eastern Netherlands, previously treated for PADs. PADs included symptomatic atherosclerotic lesion in the lower or upper extremities; carotid or vertebral arteries; mesenteric arteries or aorta. Invasive PADs treatment comprised endarterectomy, bypass surgery, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, stenting or amputation; non-invasive treatment consisted of medication and participation in exercise programs. Primary endpoint was (coronary) target vessel failure: composite of cardiac mortality, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, or clinically indicated target vessel revascularization. Of 461 PCI patients with PADs, information on PADs treatment was available in 357 (77.4%) patients; 249 (69.7%) were treated invasively and 108 (30.3%) non-invasively. Baseline and PCI procedural characteristics showed no between-group difference. Invasiveness of PADs treatment was not associated with adverse event risks, including target vessel failure (20.5% vs. 16.0%; HR: 1.30, 95%-CI 0.75-2.26, p = 0.35), major adverse cardiac events (23.3% vs. 20.4%; HR: 1.16, 95%-CI 0.71-1.90, p = 0.55), and all-cause mortality (12.1% vs. 8.3%; HR: 1.48, 95%-CI 0.70-3.13, p = 0.30). In PADs patients participating in PCI trials, we found no significant relation between the invasiveness of previous PADs treatment and 3-year outcome after PCI. Consequently, high-risk PCI patients can be identified by consulting medical records, searching for PADs, irrespective of the invasiveness of PADs treatment.

Peripheral artery disease, abnormal ankle-brachial index, and prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objectives

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is an independent prognostic marker of cardiovascular events among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to investigate the outcome of patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and abnormal ABI.

Approach and results

ABI was prospectively measured in 1,047 patients hospitalized due to ACS, who were stratified into three groups, namely, those with clinical peripheral artery disease (PAD) (N = 132), those without clinical PAD but with abnormal (< 0.9) ABI (subclinical PAD; N = 148), and those without clinical PAD with normal ABI (no PAD; N = 767). Patients were prospectively followed for 30-day major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and 1-year all-cause mortality. The mean age was 64 years. There was a significant gradual increase throughout the three groups in age, i.e., the incidence of prior stroke, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension (p for trend = 0.001 for all). The in-hospital course showed a gradual rise in the incidence of complications with an increase in heart failure [2.5, 6.1, and 9.2%, (p for trend = 0.001)] and acute kidney injury [2, 4.1, and 11.5%, (p for trend = 0.001)]. At day 30, there was a stepwise increase in MACE, such that patients without PAD had the lowest rate, followed by subclinical and clinical PADs (3.5, 6.8, and 8.1%, respectively, p for trend = 0.009). Similarly, there was a significant increase in 1-year mortality from 3.4% in patients without PAD, through 6.8% in those with subclinical PAD, to 15.2% in those with clinical PAD (p for trend = 0.001).

Conclusion

Subclinical PAD is associated with poor outcomes in patients with ACS, suggesting that routine ABI screening could carry important prognostic significance in these patients regardless of PAD symptoms.

Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: Results From a Large Real-World Registry

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist regarding the significance of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

We evaluated 16,922 consecutive ACS patients who were prospectively included in a national ACS registry. The co-primary endpoint included 30 days major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) (re-infarction, stroke, and/or cardiovascular death) and 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

PAD patients were older (70±11 vs 63±13; p<0.01), male predominance (80% vs 77%; p=0.01), and more likely to sustain prior cardiovascular events. PAD patients were less likely to undergo coronary angiography (69% vs 83%; p<0.001) and revascularisation (80% vs 86%; p<0.001). Patients with PAD were more likely to sustain 30-day MACE (22% vs 14%; p<0.001) and mortality (10% vs 4.4%; p<0.001), as well as re-hospitalisation (23% vs 19%; p=0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, PAD remained an independent predictor of 30-day MACE (odds ratio [OR], 1.6 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.24-2.06]). Patients with compared to those without PAD had 2.5 times higher 1-year mortality rate (22% vs 9%; p<0.001). Co-existence of PAD remained an independent predictor of 1-year mortality after adjustment for potential confounders by multivariable regression analysis (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.4-1.9). PAD was associated with a significant higher 1-year mortality rate across numerous sub-groups of patients including type of myocardial infarction (ST-elevation myocardial infarction vs non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction), and whether the patient underwent revascularisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute coronary syndrome with concomitant PAD represents a high-risk subgroup that warrants special attention and a more tailored approach.

Outcomes Associated With Peripheral Artery Disease in Myocardial Infarction With Cardiogenic Shock

BACKGROUND

Mortality rates for patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiogenic shock (CS) remain high despite advances in revascularization strategies and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to elucidate the association between comorbid lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) and outcomes in CS and AMI.

METHODS

PAD status was defined in Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with CS and AMI from October 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018. Primary outcomes ascertained through December 31, 2018 included in- and out-of-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included bleeding, amputation, stroke, and lower extremity revascularization. Multivariable regression models with adjustment for confounders were used to estimate risk. Subgroup analyses included patients treated with MCS and those who underwent coronary revascularization.

RESULTS

Among 71,690 patients, 5.9% (N = 4,259) had PAD. Mean age was 77.8 ± 7.9 years, 58.7% were male, and 84.3% were White. Cumulative in-hospital mortality was 47.2%, with greater risk among those with PAD (56.3% vs 46.6% without PAD; adjusted OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.40-1.59). PAD patients also had greater risk of in-hospital amputation (1.6% vs 0.2%; adjusted OR: 7.0; 95% CI: 5.26-9.37) and out-of-hospital mortality (67.9% vs 40.7%; adjusted HR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.67-1.90). MCS was less frequently utilized in PAD patients (21.5% vs 38.6% without PAD; P < 0.001) and was associated with higher mortality, need for lower extremity revascularization, and amputation risk. Findings were consistent in patients who underwent coronary revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients presenting with AMI and CS, PAD was associated with worse limb outcomes and survival. In addition to lower MCS utilization rates, those with PAD who received MCS had increased mortality, lower extremity revascularization, and amputation rates.

A Nomogram for Predicting Hospital Mortality in Intensive Care Unit Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background

This study aims to construct and validate an early-stage nomogram for predicting hospital mortality of ICU patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), to help clinicians determine the appropriate intervention.

Methods

The primary cohort of 2704 patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction in admission records from eICU-Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) v2.0. Univariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were enrolled for the construction of the predictive nomogram. Demographic factors, history of clinical cardiovascular disease, vital signs, the use of vasopressors, urine output, and serum variables in the first 24 hours were included in this analysis. The nomogram was evaluated by performance traits including Harrell's concordance index (C-index) and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) analysis, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The nomogram was validated in a different cohort containing 1026 subjects collected from MIMIC-III Database v1.4. Finally, in order to compare the performance with other classic prediction models, AUC analysis, calibration curve, DCA and accuracy analysis (net reclassification improvement (NRI)) were conducted for three ICU scores in validated cohort.

Results

The nomogram revealed 14 predictors of the first 24 hours derived from univariate and multivariable analyses, including age, history of peripheral vascular disease, atrial fibrillation, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest, the use of norepinephrine, urine output, white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), red cell distribution width (RDW), glucose, bicarbonate and magnesium. The C-index of this nomogram was 0.834 (95% CI 0.812 to 0.856). Then, the result of AUC analysis, the DCA and calibration curve indicated that our nomogram was feasible for clinical prediction. The predictive ability and clinical use of the nomogram were verified in the validated cohort. The AUC analysis of ICU scores showed that the AUC of these score systems was ranged from 0.811 to 0.860 (the AUC of nomogram: 0.885). Moreover, our nomogram also showed a better performance in calibration curve and DCA NRI.

Conclusion

The study presents a prediction nomogram incorporating 14 variables that could help identify AMI patients admitted in ICU who might have a high risk of hospital mortality in the first hospitalized 24 hours. This nomogram showed a better performance than normal ICU score systems.

Peripheral Artery Disease as a Risk Factor for Myocardial Infarction

INTRODUCTION

 Atherosclerosis contributes to the underlying pathophysiology for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and cerebrovascular disease. Several studies have been conducted to demonstrate PAD as a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) events, however, the regional data are limited. This study aims to highlight PAD as a major risk factor in CV events in a local setting.

METHODS

 In this longitudinal study, 400 hypertensive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PAD were enrolled from the outpatient department of the cardiology unit. Diagnosis of PAD was made using the ankle brachial index (ABI). ABI less than 0.9 was labeled as participants with PAD. Another group of 400 without PAD was also enrolled as the control group from the outpatient department of cardiology unit. Patients were followed up for 12 months or for the development of myocardial infarction (MI).

RESULT

 Participants with PAD had a significant increased risk of total MI events with a relative risk (RR) of 1.67 (confidence interval, CI 95%: 1.05-2.66; p-value: 0.02). The RR for fatal MI was 2.62 (CI 95%: 0.94-7.29; p-value: 0.06) compared to the participants without PAD, however, it was not significant.

CONCLUSION

 This study has focused on the risk factors of PAD and has suggested that the patients who have any of the mentioned risk factors should be treated with caution under strict instructions given by doctors. A variety of treatment options is available, but the initial changes should be made in the lifestyle of these patients, making sure the risk factors are being treated.

Trends in management and outcome of patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes and peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

Patients with non ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) present a worse prognosis compared to those without PAD. We sought to describe contemporary trends of in-hospital management and outcome of patients admitted for NSTE-ACS with associated PAD.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 6 Italian nationwide registries, conducted between 2001 and 2014, including consecutive NSTE-ACS patients.

RESULTS

Out of 15,867 patients with NSTE-ACS enrolled in the 6 registries, 2226 (14.0%) had a history of PAD. As compared to non-PAD patients, those with PAD had significantly more risk factors and comorbidities (all p < 0.0001) that increased over time. Patients with PAD underwent less frequently coronary angiography (72.0% vs 79.2%, p < 0.0001) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, 42.9% vs 51.8%, p < 0.0001), compared to patients without PAD. Over the years, a progressive and similar increase occurred in the rates of invasive procedures both in patients with and without PAD (both p for trend <0.0001). The crude in-hospital mortality rate did not significantly change over time (p for trend = 0.83). However, as compared to 2001, the risk of death was significantly lower in all other studies performed at different times, after adjustment for multiple comorbidities.. At multivariable analysis, PAD on admission was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR): 1.75; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.35-2.27; p < 0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

Over the 14 years of observation, patients with PAD and NSTE-ACS exhibited worsening baseline characteristics and a progressive increase in invasive procedures. Whereas crude in-hospital mortality did not change over time, we observed a significant reduction in comorbidity-adjusted mortality, as compared to 2001.

Brainstem leukoaraiosis independently predicts poor outcome after ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Increased supratentorial white matter hyperintensities volume (S-WMHV) has been reported to be a predictor of worse outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, few studies have focused on less common locations, such as brainstem white matter hyperintensities (B-WMH), and their relationship to S-WMHV. This study aimed to examine whether B-WMH affect clinical outcome after AIS or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

METHODS

Based on magnetic resonance imaging evidence, B-WMH were evaluated in 313 prospectively identified patients with AIS/TIA and registered as absent or present. Standardized S-WMHV was quantified using a validated volumetric image analysis and natural log-transformed (Log_S-WMHV). Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6 at 3 months after the index event.

RESULTS

Brainstem white matter hyperintensities were detected in 57 (18.2%) patients. In unadjusted analyses for outcome, the presence of B-WMH was associated with worse outcome, compared with patients without B-WMH (P = 0.034). In multivariate analysis controlling for age, atrial fibrillation, stroke severity, reperfusion therapies and Log_S-WMHV, only B-WMH [odds ratio (OR), 2.46; P = 0.021] and stroke severity (OR, 1.23; P < 0.001) remained independently associated with unfavourable 90-day modified Rankin Scale score. Patients with B-WMH were older (OR, 1.06; P < 0.001) and tended to have more hyperlipidaemia (OR, 2.21; P = 0.023) and peripheral arterial disease (OR, 2.57; P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

Brainstem white matter hyperintensities are an independent predictor of poor outcome after AIS/TIA and this relationship persists after adjustment for important prognostic factors. Our results also show that leukoaraiosis in this location identifies patients with a specific risk factor profile, suggesting differences in the underlying pathogenesis.

Peripheral arterial disease is associated with higher mortality in patients with incident acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Little data is available on short- and long-term survival in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We aimed to examine the association of PAD and 28-day case fatality as well as long-term mortality in a population-based sample of patients with incident AMI.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis of data from the German MONICA/KORA Myocardial Infarction Registry 4307 patients aged 28-74years with incident AMI with and without history of PAD (information derived from medical chart) were included. Data were collected between 2000 and 2008. Patients were followed-up until December 2011. Associations between PAD and 28-day case fatality were examined via multivariable logistic regression models, between PAD and long-term mortality with Cox proportional hazards regression models, respectively.

RESULTS

From 303 (8.9%) patients with PAD, 22 (7.3%) died within 28-days post-AMI in contrast to 96 (2.9%) of patients without PAD. However, the fully adjusted model (OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.89-2.70) revealed no significant association. Long-term follow-up (median 5.7years) yielded 100 (32.4%) versus 483 (14.4%) cases of deaths among patients with and without PAD, respectively. This association was significant (fully adjusted model: HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.35-2.13), persisted up to 11years after AMI and was present in all subgroups according to age, sex and history of diabetes. The highest long-term mortality risk was found for patients younger than 63years with PAD (HR 2.19; 95% CI 1.41-3.39).

CONCLUSION

AMI patients with PAD differ considerably from their counterparts without PAD in terms of long-term survival.

Platelet Reactivity and Clinical Outcomes After Coronary Artery Implantation of Drug-Eluting Stents in Subjects With Peripheral Arterial Disease: Analysis From the ADAPT-DES Study (Assessment of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy With Drug-Eluting Stents)

BACKGROUND

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have high rates of adverse cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention and may additionally have heightened platelet reactivity. This study assessed the relationship between platelet reactivity and clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions among subjects with and without PAD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ADAPT-DES (Assessment of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy With Drug-Eluting Stents) was a prospective, multicenter registry of patients treated with coronary drug-eluting stents. Platelet reactivity was assessed by the VerifyNow point-of-care assay; high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) was defined as P2Y12 reaction units >208. A propensity-adjusted multivariable analysis was performed to determine the relationship between PAD, platelet reactivity, and subsequent adverse events (definite or probable stent thrombosis, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and clinically relevant bleeding). Among 8582 patients, 10.2% had a history of PAD. Patients with PAD were older and more likely to have comorbid conditions; however, mean P2Y12 reaction units and HPR were not significantly different between PAD and no PAD groups. Patients with PAD had higher 2-year rates of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and clinically relevant bleeding. Associations between HPR and adverse events were similar in PAD and no PAD groups, without evidence of interaction; however, adverse event rates were highest among subjects with both PAD and HPR. In a propensity-adjusted multivariable model, both PAD and HPR were independent predictors of myocardial infarction at 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

A history of PAD was associated with ischemic and bleeding outcomes 2 years after successful coronary drug-eluting stent implantation; however, these associations did not seem to be directly mediated by heightened platelet reactivity.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00638794.

Multivessel Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in the United States

Background:

Multivessel coronary artery disease carries significant mortality risk. Comprehensive data on inhospital outcomes following multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (MVPCI) are sparse.

Methods:

We queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s nationwide inpatient sample (NIS) between 2006 and 2011 using different International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes. The primary outcome was inhospital all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was a composite of inhospital mortality and periprocedural complications.

Results:

The overall mortality was low at 0.73% following MVPCI. Multivariate analysis revealed that (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, P value) age (1.63, 1.48-1.79; <.001), female sex (1.19, 1.00-1.42; P = .05), acute myocardial infarction (AMI; 2.97, 2.35-3.74; <.001), shock (17.24, 13.61-21.85; <.001), a higher burden of comorbidities (2.09, 1.32-3.29; .002), and emergent/urgent procedure status (1.67, 1.30-2.16; <.001) are important predictors of primary and secondary outcomes. MVPCI was associated with higher mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost of care as compared to single vessel single stent PCI.

Conclusion:

MVPCI is associated with higher inhospital mortality, LOS, and hospitalization costs compared to single vessel, single stent PCI. Higher volume hospitals had lower overall postprocedural mortality rate along with shorter LOS and lower hospitalization costs following MVPCI.

Cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome patients with peripheral arterial disease treated with ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel: Data from the PLATO Trial

AIMS

To determine the effect of ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

PLATO (n = 18,624) was a multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial in ACS, that showed a 16% reduction in cardiovascular death (CV-death), myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke with ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel, without significant increase in overall major bleeding. We performed a post-hoc analysis of cardiovascular and bleeding outcomes in PLATO according to reported PAD status at baseline. At one year, CV death, MI or stroke occurred in 19.3% of patients with PAD (n = 1144) compared to 10.2% in patients without PAD (p < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier one year event rate for the primary endpoint of CV death, MI or stroke in PAD patients treated with ticagrelor as compared with clopidogrel, was 18% vs 20.6% (HR: 0.85 95% CI 0.64-1.11; for PAD status by treatment interaction, p = 0.99) and for death from any cause 8.7% vs 11.9%, (HR: 0.74 95% CI 0.50-1.08; interaction p = 0.73). PLATO-defined major bleeding event rates at one year were 14.8% for ticagrelor compared to 17.9% for clopidogrel, (HR: 0.81 95% CI 0.59-1.10; interaction p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

PAD patients have a high rate of ischaemic and bleeding events post ACS. The reduction of CV death, MI or stroke with ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel in PAD patients was consistent with the overall trial result although it did not reach statistical significance. Overall major bleeding was similar between the therapies.

Divergent systemic and local inflammatory response to hind limb demand ischemia in wild-type and ApoE-/- mice

BACKGROUND

We designed studies to determine whether the ApoE-/- phenotype modulates the local skeletal muscle and systemic inflammatory (plasma) responses to lower extremity demand ischemia. The ApoE-/- phenotype is an experimental model for atherosclerosis in humans.

METHODS

Aged female ApoE-/- and C57BL6 mice underwent femoral artery ligation, then were divided into sedentary and demand ischemia (exercise) groups on day 14. We assessed baseline and postexercise limb perfusion and hind limb function. On day 14, animals in the demand ischemia group underwent daily treadmill exercise through day 28. Sedentary mice were not exercised. On day 28, we harvested plasma and skeletal muscle from ischemic limbs from sedentary and exercised mice. We assayed muscle for angiogenic and proinflammatory proteins, markers of skeletal muscle regeneration, and evidence of skeletal muscle fiber maturation.

RESULTS

Hind limb ischemia was similar in ApoE-/- and C57 mice before the onset of exercise. Under sedentary conditions, plasma vascular endothelial cell growth factor and interleukin-6, but not keratinocyte chemoattractant factor (KC) or macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), were higher in ApoE (P < 0.0001). After exercise, plasma levels of vascular endothelial cell growth factor, KC, and MIP-2, but not IL-6, were lower in ApoE (P < 0.004). The cytokines KC and MIP-2 in muscle were greater in exercised ApoE-/- mice compared with C57BL6 mice (P = 0.01). Increased poly-ADP-ribose activity and mature muscle regeneration were associated with demand ischemia in the C57BL6 mice, compared with the ApoE-/- mice (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Demand limb ischemia in the ApoE-/- phenotype exacerbated the expression of select systemic cytokines in plasma and blunted indices of muscle regeneration.

Long term prognostic value of subclinical carotid and femoral arterial wall lesions in patients with ST-elevation-myocardial infarction having percutaneous coronary intervention

The presence of clinical peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with an increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. However, there are few data regarding the impact of the presence and degree of the subclinical PAD on outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to assess prospectively the grade of subclinical PAD in the setting of patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention for the prediction of intermediate- and long-term clinical outcomes. A total of 971 consecutive patients without histories of clinical PAD who under went primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were included in a prospective follow-up. Subclinical PAD severity was blindly assessed on the basis of an ultrasound arterial morphologic classification defined with the assessment of wall carotid and femoral artery bifurcations. This classification included 4 increasing classes of subclinical carotid and femoral arterial wall lesions, and the total group was divided accordingly. Death and major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were evaluated. During a median follow-up period of 40 months, a total of 109 patients (11.2%) died, 9 (2.8%) in class I, 12 (3.1%) in class II, 37 (23.7%) in class III, and 51 (49.0%) in class IV (p <0.001). On multivariate analysis, mortality in class IV was sevenfold higher (hazard ratio [HR] 7.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3 to 16.33, p <0.001) compared to class I and was also increased in class III (HR 5.38, 95% CI 2.42 to 11.92, p <0.001). Similar results were obtained for major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in class IV (HR 7.50, 95% confidence interval 5.36 to 10.50, p <0.0001), class III (HR 6.44, 95% CI 4.45 to 9.32, p <0.001), and class II (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.43, p = 0.002). In conclusion, ultrasound arterial morphologic classification may be applied in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention and can stratify patients for poor clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up.

Association between self-reported oral health, tooth loss and atherosclerotic burden

Previous studies have suggested that oral diseases may influence the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that poor self-reported oral health (SROH) and tooth loss are positively associated with coronary atherosclerotic burden (CAB). 382 consecutive subjects undergoing coronary angiography were included. Socio-demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and oral health status were collected using a standardized questionnaire, including data on SROH and use of dental prosthesis. Number of teeth and anthropometric measures were collected through clinical examinations. CAB at coronary angiography was quantified using the Friesinger score (FS). Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated with Poisson regression analyses. Mean age was 60.3 ± 10.8 years, with 63.2% males. In the bivariate analysis, there was a significant association (p < 0.05) between CAB and age (> 60y) (PR = 1.01, 95%CI = 1.02-1.16), male gender (PR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.03-1.19), smoking (PR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.01- 1.16), hypertension (PR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.03-1.22), diabetes (PR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.05-1.21), poor SROH (PR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.02-1.46) and tooth loss (< 20 teeth present) (PR = 1.10, 95%CI = 1.02-1.19). The use of dental prosthesis was not associated with CAB. The multivariate models, adjusted for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia showed that poor SROH (p = 0.03) and tooth loss (p = 0.02) were independently associated with CAB, confirming the study hypothesis.

W, Thomas L, Alexander KP, Patel MR, Ohman EM, Gibler WB, Peterson ED, Roe MT. Polyvascular disease and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in older patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The impact of polyvascular disease (peripheral arterial disease [PAD] and cerebrovascular disease [CVD]) on long-term cardiovascular outcomes among older patients with acute myocardial infarction has not been well studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction aged ≥65 years from the CRUSADE (Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes with Early Implementation of the ACC/AHA Guidelines) registry who survived to hospital discharge were linked to longitudinal data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (n=34 205). All patients were presumed to have coronary artery disease (CAD) and were classified into the following 4 groups: 10.7% with prior CVD (CAD+CVD group); 11.5% with prior PAD (CAD+PAD); 3.1% with prior PAD and CVD (CAD+PAD+CVD); and 74.7% with no polyvascular disease (CAD alone). Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to examine the hazard of long-term mortality and composite of death or readmission for myocardial infarction or stroke (median follow-up, 35 months; interquartile range, 17-49 months). Compared with the CAD alone group, patients with polyvascular disease had greater comorbidities, were less likely to undergo revascularization, and received less often recommended discharge interventions. Three-year mortality rates increased with number of arterial bed involvement as follows: 33% for CAD alone, 49% for CAD+PAD, 52% for CAD+CVD, and 59% for CAD+PAD+CVD. Relative to the CAD alone group, patients with all 3 arterial beds involved had the highest risk of long-term mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI], 1.49 [1.38-1.61]; CAD+CVD, 1.38 [1.31-1.44]; CAD+PAD, 1.29 [1.23-1.35]). Similarly, the risk of long-term composite ischemic events was highest among patients in the CAD+PAD+CVD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among older patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, those with polyvascular disease have substantially higher long-term risk for recurrent events or death. Future studies targeting greater adherence to secondary prevention strategies and novel therapies are needed to help to reduce long-term cardiovascular events in this vulnerable population.

Effect of peripheral arterial disease on in-hospital outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction

The presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with stable coronary artery disease is associated with an increased long-term risk of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. However, the effect of PAD on short-term outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction is less well understood. A total of 9,015 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction from the New York State Coronary Angioplasty Reporting System database, all of whom had undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention in 1998 and 1999, were analyzed. The diagnosis of PAD was determined by a history of aortoiliac, femoral-popliteal, or carotid disease. A logistic regression model was used to determine the relation between PAD and in-hospital death and major adverse cardiovascular events, which included a composite of death, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, acute vessel occlusion, stent thrombosis, emergency coronary artery bypass surgery, and vascular injury. PAD had been diagnosed in 529 (5.9%) of the 9,015 patients. Patients with PAD had greater rates of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease and were significantly more likely to develop heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and hemodynamic instability. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was significantly greater in patients with PAD than in patients without PAD (20.4% vs 7.0%, p <0.001). Similarly, the in-hospital mortality rate was significantly greater among the patients with PAD (13% vs 3.8%, p <0.001). After adjusting for the baseline and procedural characteristics, PAD remained an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.7 to 3.0, p <0.001). In conclusion, PAD was independently associated with a doubling of the in-hospital mortality risk among patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction.

Quality of Care for Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients With Known Atherosclerotic Disease

Background— Patients with prior atherosclerosis in 1 or more vascular territories (coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral arterial) who present with acute coronary syndromes have high cardiovascular risk and may benefit significantly from evidence-based therapies, yet whether these are used consistently is unknown.

Methods and Results— The Get With the Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease database was queried to determine whether compliance with quality-of-care treatments for acute coronary syndrome patients was associated with the extent of prior vascular disease. A total of 143 999 patients enrolled at 438 sites between January 2000 and January 2008 were classified according to the absence (n=98 136; 68%) or presence of known preexistent atherosclerosis (before admission) in 1, 2, or 3 vascular territories (n=37 633 [26%], n=7369 [5%], and n=861 [0.6%], respectively). Overall in-hospital mortality was 5.3%, and mean length of stay was 5.6±6.7 days. Compared with patients without prior vascular disease, patients with prior vascular disease were older and had more comorbidities. They were less likely to undergo coronary revascularization and had longer duration of hospital stay and higher in-hospital mortality. After adjustment for clinical and hospital characteristics, compared with patients without prior vascular disease, patients with prior vascular disease had higher mortality and were less likely to receive 3 particular treatments (lipid-lowering therapy, smoking cessation counseling, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor for left ventricular dysfunction).

Conclusions— Compared with acute coronary syndrome patients without prior vascular disease, those with prior atherosclerosis had higher in-hospital mortality yet were paradoxically less likely to receive specific evidence-based acute coronary syndrome treatments, which can form the basis for targeted intervention.

Treatment practices and outcomes of patients with established peripheral arterial disease hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction in a community setting

BACKGROUND

There are little contemporary data available describing the hospital and long-term outcomes of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) who are hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The objectives of our population-based study were to examine the hospital and long-term outcomes, as well as the use of different treatment practices, among patients with established PAD who were hospitalized with AMI.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of 4480 patients hospitalized with AMI at all Worcester, Mass, medical centers in 4 alternate years between 1997 and 2003.

RESULTS

Among the metropolitan Worcester residents hospitalized with AMI, 13.5% had a history of PAD. Prior use of proven cardiac therapies in patients with, and without, PAD was less than optimal though more often used in patients with prior PAD. Patients with PAD were significantly less likely to be treated with thrombolytic therapy during hospitalization than patients without PAD. Patients with PAD were not at significantly increased risk of dying during hospitalization (adjusted OR 1.29, 0.95% CI 0.97-1.71), though they were at a significantly increased risk of dying at 1 year after hospital discharge (adjusted OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.58-2.52) in comparison with patients without prior PAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 1 in 8 patients presenting with AMI in this community-wide study had a history of clinically recognized PAD. These patients are at increased risk of dying during the first year after hospital discharge. Our data indicate that there is a room for improvement for the enhanced use of effective treatment modalities and implementation of secondary prevention strategies in these high-risk patients.