Optimal Treatment Strategies in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Coronary Artery Disease

Benefits and Harms of Coronary Revascularization in Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease and Ischemic Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Key Points

In people with non–dialysis-dependent CKD, revascularization may lower all-cause mortality and risk of cardiovascular events. Adverse kidney events, which are often cited as a reason to avoid revascularization, were uncommon. Additional research on the effect of revascularization on patient-reported outcomes in people with non–dialysis-dependent CKD is needed.

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with CKD. Coronary revascularization can improve cardiac function and prognosis in people with ischemic heart disease; however, in people with CKD, there is concern that potential harms could outweigh benefits of revascularization. Evidence on the balance of these risks and benefits, specifically in people with non–dialysis-dependent CKD, is lacking.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials to assess the risks and benefits of revascularization, compared with medical management, among adults or children with ischemic heart disease and CKD not requiring KRT (dialysis or transplantation). We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through December 12, 2023. Two people independently screened titles and abstracts followed by full-text review, serially extracted data using standardized forms, independently assessed risk of bias, and graded the certainty of evidence (COE).

Results

Evaluating data from nine randomized controlled trials, we found that people with CKD and ischemic heart disease treated with revascularization may experience lower all-cause mortality compared with people receiving medical management (risk ratio [RR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 0.98; COE, low). Revascularization may reduce incidence of myocardial infarction (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.04; COE, low) and heart failure (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.52 to 1.23; COE, low). The effect on cardiovascular mortality is uncertain (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.37 to 1.20; COE, very low). Evidence was insufficient for patient-reported outcomes and adverse kidney events. Data were limited by heterogeneity of patient populations and the limited number of trials.

Conclusions

In people with non–dialysis-dependent CKD, revascularization may be associated with lower all-cause mortality compared with medical management and may also lower the risk of cardiovascular events. Additional data surrounding kidney and patient-reported outcomes are needed to comprehensively engage in shared decision making and determine optimal treatment strategies for people with CKD and ischemic heart disease.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number:

CRD42022349820 (PROSPERO).

The mechanisms underlying acute myocardial infarction in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hemodialysis is one of the main treatments for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Epidemiological data has shown that acute myocardial infarction (AMI) accounts for the main reason for death in patients with CKD under hemodialysis therapy. Immune dysfunction and changes in metabolism (including a high level of inflammatory cytokines, a disorder of lipid and mineral ion homeostasis, accumulation of uremic toxins et al.) during CKD can deteriorate stability of atherosclerotic plaque and promote vascular calcification, which are exactly the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the occurrence of AMI. Meanwhile, the hemodialysis itself also has adverse effects on lipoprotein, the immune system and hemodynamics, which contribute to the high incidence of AMI in these patients. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms and further promising methods of prevention and treatment of AMI in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis, which can provide an excellent paradigm for exploring the crosstalk between the kidney and cardiovascular system.

Predictive value of serum creatinine and total bilirubin for long-term death in patients with ischemic heart disease: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) has a high mortality in the population. Although serum creatinine (Cr) and serum total bilirubin (TBil) are rapid and readily available biomarkers in routine blood tests, there is a lack of literature on the prognostic value of combined Cr and TBil tests for IHD. This study aimed to evaluate a combined equation based on Cr and TBil to predict the long-term risk of death in IHD and to find indicators sensitive to the prognosis of IHD patients.

METHOD

In this study, 2625 patients with IHD were included, and the combined value and combined equations of Cr and TBil were obtained by logistic regression analysis based on Cr and TBil collected at the time of admission. Patients were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of the combined value. COX proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for long-term death in IHD patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the prognostic effect of Cr, TBil and combined value on long-term death events.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis was performed for long-term death events with Cr and TBil as independent variables, and the logit regression model was Logit(P) = 0.0129×TBil+0.007×Cr-0.417. Multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that high values of the equation were independent risk factors for long-term death events (all-cause death: HR 1.457, 95% CI 1.256-1.689, P<0.001; cardiovascular death: HR 1.452, 95% CI 1.244-1.695, P<0.001). Combined Cr and TBil value are more valuable in predicting long-term death (AUC: 0.609, 95% CI 0.587-0.630, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Combined Cr and TBil assay is superior to single biomarkers for predicting long-term death in patients with IHD. High values of the equation are independent predictors of long-term death and can be used to identify patients at high risk for IHD.

Left Main Coronary Artery Revascularization in Patients with Impaired Renal Function: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

INTRODUCTION

The evidence about the optimal revascularization strategy in patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease and impaired renal function is limited. Thus, we aimed to compare the outcomes of LMCA disease revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] vs. coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]) in patients with and without impaired renal function.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 2,138 patients recruited from 14 centers between 2015 and 2,019. We compared patients with impaired renal function who had PCI (n= 316) to those who had CABG (n = 121) and compared patients with normal renal function who had PCI (n = 906) to those who had CABG (n = 795). The study outcomes were in-hospital and follow-up major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

RESULTS

Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of in-hospital MACCE was significantly higher in CABG compared to PCI in patients with impaired renal function (odds ratio [OR]: 8.13 [95% CI: 4.19-15.76], p < 0.001) and normal renal function (OR: 2.59 [95% CI: 1.79-3.73]; p < 0.001). There were no differences in follow-up MACCE between CABG and PCI in patients with impaired renal function (HR: 1.14 [95% CI: 0.71-1.81], p = 0.585) and normal renal function (HR: 1.12 [0.90-1.39], p = 0.312).

CONCLUSIONS

PCI could have an advantage over CABG in revascularization of LMCA disease in patients with impaired renal function regarding in-hospital MACCE. The follow-up MACCE was comparable between PCI and CABG in patients with impaired and normal renal function.

Comparison of revascularization with conservative medical treatment in maintenance dialysis patient with coronary artery disease: a systemic review and meta-analysis

Background

The primary cause of death among maintenance dialysis patients is coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the best treatment plan has not yet been identified.

Methods

The relevant articles were retrieved from various online databases and references from their inception to October 12, 2022. The studies that compared revascularization [percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)] with medical treatment (MT) among maintenance dialysis patients with CAD were selected. The outcomes evaluated were long-term (with a follow-up of at least 1 year) all-cause mortality, long-term cardiac mortality, and the incidence rate of bleeding events. Bleeding events are defined according to TIMI hemorrhage criteria: (1) major hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage or clinically visible hemorrhage (including imaging diagnosis) with decrease of hemoglobin concentration ≥5 g/dl; (2) minor hemorrhage, clinically visible bleeding (including imaging diagnosis) with a drop in hemoglobin of 3-5 g/dl; (3) minimal hemorrhage, clinically visible bleeding with hemoglobin drop <3 g/dl. In addition, revascularization strategy, CAD type, and the number of diseased vessels were considered in subgroup analyses.

Results

A total of eight studies with 1,685 patients were selected for this meta-analysis. The current findings suggested that revascularization was associated with low long-term all-cause mortality and long-term cardiac mortality but a similar incidence rate of bleeding events compared to MT. However, subgroup analyses indicated that PCI is linked to decreased long-term all-cause mortality compared to MT but CABG did not significantly differ from MT in terms of long-term all-cause mortality. Revascularization also showed lower long-term all-cause mortality compared to MT among patients with stable CAD, single-vessel disease, and multivessel disease but did not reduce long-term all-cause mortality among patients with ACS.

Conclusion

Long-term all-cause mortality and long-term cardiac mortality were reduced by revascularization in comparison to MT alone in patients undergoing dialysis. Larger randomized studies are needed to confirm the conclusion of this meta-analysis.

Does the ISCHEMIA Trial Apply to My Patients?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The ISCHEMIA trial demonstrated no difference in myocardial infarction or death in patients with stable coronary disease and moderate or large ischemia territory treated either with invasive revascularization or optimal medical therapy. Whether the findings of the randomized control trial relates to real-world outcomes is uncertain.

RECENT FINDINGS

Contemporary guideline-directed medical therapy has had a significant impact on the prognosis of coronary artery disease. Various observational data appear to indicate limited generalizability of the ISCHEMIA trial in different populations. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the optimal modality of therapy in patients with stable coronary disease and moderate or severe ischemia. The applicability of ISCHEMIA and ISCHEMIA-CKD trials still requires further validation.

Revascularization vs. Conservative Medical Treatment in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Background

As a strong risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD) indicates higher mortality in patients with CAD. However, the optimal treatment for the patients with two coexisting diseases is still not well defined.

Methods

To conduct a meta-analysis, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database were searched for studies comparing medical treatment (MT) and revascularization [percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)] in adults with CAD and CKD. Long-term all-cause mortality was evaluated, and subgroup analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 13 trials met our selection criteria. Long-term (with at least a 1-year follow-up) mortality was significantly lower in the revascularization arm [relative risk (RR) = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.60–0.72] by either PCI (RR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.55–0.68) or CABG (RR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.46–0.84). The results were consistent in dialysis patients (RR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.59–0.79), patients with stable CAD (RR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.61–0.92), patients with acute coronary syndrome (RR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.58–0.66), and geriatric patients (RR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.54–0.61).

Conclusion

In patients with CKD and CAD, revascularization is more effective in reducing mortality than MT alone. This observed benefit is consistent in patients with stable CAD and elderly patients. However, future randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are required to confirm these findings.

Impact of chronic kidney disease in chronic total occlusion management and clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

Data on the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on clinical outcomes in chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients is scarce, and the optimal treatment strategy for this population is not well established. This study aims to compare differences in CTO management and long-term clinical outcomes, including all-cause and cardiac mortalities, according to baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

METHODS

All patients with at least one CTO diagnosed in our center between 2010 and 2014 were included. Demographic and clinical data were registered. All-cause and cardiac mortalities were assessed during a median follow-up of 4.03 years (IQR 2.6-4.8). Clinical outcomes were compared between patients with CKD (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and without CKD (GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m²).

RESULTS

A total of 1248 patients (67.3 ± 10.9 years; 32% CKD) were identified. CKD patients were older and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and severe left ventricular dysfunction compared to patients with normal renal function (p < 0.05). Subjects with renal dysfunction were more often treated with MT alone, compared to patients without CKD (63% vs 45%; p < 0.001), who were more likely to undergo PCI or surgery. During follow-up, 386 patients [31%] died. CKD patients had a higher rate of all-cause and cardiac mortalities compared to patients without CKD (p < 0.001). The independent predictors for all-cause mortality were age, GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m², Syntax Score I, and successful revascularization of the CTO (CABG or PCI-CTO). Among patients with CKD, advanced age, eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m², and CTO successful revascularization were predictors of all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CKD were more often treated with MT alone. At long-term follow-up, revascularization of the CTO is associated with lower all-cause and cardiac mortalities in this population.

Optimal treatment strategies for coronary artery disease in patients with advanced kidney disease: a meta-analysis

Background:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in advanced kidney disease. However, its best treatment has not been determined.

Methods:

We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases and scanned references to related articles. Studies comparing the different treatments for patients with CAD and advanced CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min/1.73 m² or dialysis) were selected. The primary result was all-cause death, classified according to the follow-up time: short-term (<1 month), medium-term (1 month-1 year), and long-term (>1 year).

Results:

A total of 32 studies were selected to enroll 84,498 patients with advanced kidney disease. Compared with medical therapy (MT) alone, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was associated with low risk of short-, medium-term and long-term all-cause death (more than 3 years). For AMI patients, compared with MT, PCI was not associated with low risk of short- and medium-term all-cause death. For non-AMI patients, compared with MT, PCI was associated with low risk of long-term mortality (more than 3 years). Compared with MT, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) had no significant advantages in each follow-up period of all-cause death. Compared with PCI, CABG was associated with a high risk of short-term death, but low risk of long-term death: 1–3 years; more than 3 years. CABG could also reduce the risk of long-term risk of cardiac death, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat revascularization.

Conclusions:

In patients with advanced kidney disease and CAD, PCI reduced the risk of short-, medium- and long- term (more than 3 years) all-cause death compared with MT. Compared with PCI, CABG was associated with a high risk of short-term death and a low risk of long-term death and adverse events.

Intraoperative surgical strategy changes in patients with chronic and end-stage renal disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVES

Factors such as more diffuse atherosclerosis, plaque instability and accelerated vascular calcification in patients with chronic and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) can potentially present intraoperative challenges in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures. We evaluated whether patients with chronic and ESRD experienced more surgical strategy changes and/or graft revisions than patients with normal renal function when undergoing CABG procedures according to a protocol for intraoperative high-frequency ultrasound and transit-time flow measurement (TTFM).

METHODS

Outcomes of CABG for patients with chronic and ESRD and patients with normal renal function enrolled in the multicentre prospective REQUEST (REgistry for QUality assESsmenT with Ultrasound Imaging and TTFM in Cardiac Bypass Surgery) study were compared retrospectively. The primary end point was frequency of intraoperative surgical strategy changes. The secondary end point was post-protamine TTFM parameters.

RESULTS

There were 95 patients with chronic and ESRD and 921 patients with normal renal function. Patients with chronic and ESRD undergoing CABG according to a protocol for intraoperative high-frequency ultrasound and TTFM had a higher rate of strategy changes overall [33.7% vs 24.3%; odds ratio (OR) = 1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-2.48; P = 0.047] and greater revisions per graft (7.0% vs 3.4%; odds ratio = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.17-3.71; P = 0.008) compared to patients with normal renal function. Final post-protamine graft TTFM parameters were comparable between cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with chronic and ESRD undergoing CABG procedures with high-frequency ultrasound and TTFM experience more surgical strategy changes than patients with normal renal function while achieving comparable graft flow.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02385344.

Zero contrast optical coherence tomography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVES

To investigate a strategy for ultra-low volume contrast percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the aims of preserving renal function and observing the 90-day clinical endpoint in patients with non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction (non-STEMI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

BACKGROUND

The feasibility, safety, and clinical utility of PCI with ultra-low radio-contrast medium in patients with non-STEMI and CKD are unknown.

METHODS

A total of 29 patients with non-STEMI and CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] of ≤60 ml/min/1.73 m² ) were included. Ultra-low volume contrast PCI was performed after minimal contrast coronary angiography using zero contrast optical coherence tomography (OCT) guidance. Pre- and post-PCI angiographic measurements were performed using quantitative flow ratio (QFR) for pre-perfusion assessment and verifying improvement.

RESULTS

The median creatinine level was 2.1 (inter-quartile range 1.8-3.3), and mean eGFR was 48 ± 8 ml/min/1.73 m² pre-PCI. During the PCI procedure, OCT revealed 15 (52%) cases of abnormalities post-dilation. There was no significant change in the creatinine level and eGFR in the short- or long-term, and no major adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

In non-STEMI patients with high-risk CKD who require revascularization, QFR and no contrast OCT-guided ultra-low contrast PCI may be performed safely without major adverse events.

The predictive value of creatinine clearance for mortality in patients undergoing revascularization

Background

Renal function plays a significant role in the prognosis and management of patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for revascularization. Current data lack precise risk stratification using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine clearance.

Methods

This prospective study includes a three-year follow-up of 1112 consecutive patients with multi-vessel CAD enrolled in the 22 hospitals in Israel that perform coronary angiography.

Results

The Mayo formula yielded the highest mean eGFR (90 ± 26 mL/min per 1.73m²) and chronic kidney disease-epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) the lowest (76 ± 24 mL/min per 1.73m²). Consequently, the Mayo formula classified more patients (56%) as having normal renal function. There was a significant and strong correlation between the values obtained from all five formulas using Cockcroft-Gault as the reference formula: Mayo: r = 0.80, p < 0.001; CKD-EPI: r = 0.87, p < 0.001; modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD): r = 0.84, p < 0.001; inulin clearance-based: r = 0.99, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that decreased renal function is an independent predictor of 3-year mortality in all five formulas, with risk increasing by 15–25% for each 10-unit decrease in eGFR. Despite the similarities between the formulas, the ability to predict mortality was highest in the Mayo formula and lowest in MDRD.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that while the Mayo formula is not currently recommended by any nephrology guidelines, it may be an alternative formula to predict mortality among patients with multivessel CAD, including to the widely used MDRD formula.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-021-01502-1.

Medical Therapy Versus Revascularization in Patients with Stable Ischemic Heart Disease and Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the evidence on optimal medical therapy (OMT) versus coronary revascularization in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

RECENT FINDINGS

A post hoc analysis of the COURAGE trial in patients with SIHD and CKD showed no difference in freedom from angina, death, and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) between OMT and percutaneous intervention plus OMT compared with patients without CKD. The ISCHEMIA-CKD trial of 777 patients with advanced CKD revealed no difference in cumulative incidence of death or nonfatal MI at 3 years between OMT and revascularization but the composite of death or new dialysis was higher in the invasive arm. Additionally, there were no significant or sustained benefits in related to angina-related health status in invasive versus conservative strategy. An initial revascularization strategy does not reduce mortality or MI or relieve angina symptoms in patients with SIHD and advanced CKD.

Prophylactic hemodialysis following coronary angiography and one-year outcomes in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: A propensity-matched study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Prophylactic hemodialysis after coronary angiography in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevents contrast nephropathy; however, the one-year outcomes are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the one-year outcomes of prophylactic hemodialysis against standard treatment in patients with CKD who underwent coronary angiography.

METHODS

A cohort study of 359 patients with CKD, coronary artery disease (CAD), and serum creatinine levels of 176.8-530.4 μmol/L, who were referred for elective coronary angiography was conducted. Propensity score matching identified 118 patient pairs for outcome comparisons. The hemodialysis group underwent prophylactic hemodialysis after coronary angiography, whereas the control group received standard treatment. The study's primary outcome was free from dialysis was considered the primary outcome, whereas the secondary outcome was overall survival. Unadjusted estimates of the probability of free from dialysis and overall survival were computed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used in determining the risk factors associated with ESRD and mortality.

RESULTS

During a mean 9.3 months follow-up duration, the hemodialysis group had significantly better free from dialysis (85.6% vs. 64.4%; P = 0.002) and overall survival (85.4% vs. 78.5%; P = 0.008) rates than the control group. Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses of the propensity score-matched patients showed that the hemodialysis group had reduced risks for ESRD and mortality (hazard ratios, 0.32 and 0.48, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic Hemodialysis following coronary angiography was associated with reduced ESRD and mortality risks in CKD patients with CAD, who did not routinely undergo dialysis.

Implications of Kidney Disease in the Cardiac Patient

Cardiovascular and renal diseases share common pathophysiological grounds, risk factors, and therapies. The 2 entities are closely interlinked and often coexist. The prevalence of kidney disease among cardiac patients is increasing. Patients have an atypical clinical presentation and variable disease manifestation versus the general population. Renal impairment limits therapeutic options and worsens prognosis. Meticulous treatment and close monitoring are required to ensure safety and avoid deterioration of kidney and heart functions. This review highlights recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac pathologies, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and heart failure, in patients with decreased renal function.

Coronary Artery Disease in patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease; Current perspective and gaps of knowledge

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is very common in dialysis patients. One third have preexisting CAD and another one third have significant occult disease at the time of starting dialysis. Symptoms are often absent or are atypical, emphasizing the need for vigorous screening, specifically in patients awaiting transplant. The lesions tend to be heavily calcified, diffuse, and involve multiple vessels, consequently, percutaneous coronary interventions are more complicated to perform, and are less successful in achieving and maintaining short- and long-term patency. Dialysis patients have been excluded from the randomized controlled trials on which the current standards for managing CAD have been established. Due to differences in pathobiology and risks and benefits, it is uncertain that the results of these clinical trials extrapolate to patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here we review the data from observational studies and identify special considerations concerning the diagnosis and management of CAD in dialysis patients, including the use of noninvasive functional testing vs anatomical testing, the management of acute coronary syndromes and of stable coronary artery disease, the role for percutaneous revascularization vs coronary artery bypass grafting, and of platelet inhibitor therapy after coronary stenting. We review the preliminary results of the recently published ISCHEMIA-CKD trial, the only trial to date to involve large numbers of dialysis patients. This is the first of, hopefully, many trials in the pipeline that will examine therapies for CAD specifically in patients with advanced CKD, a growing population that is at particularly high risk for poor outcomes.

Renal Failure Impact on the Outcomes of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Due to a Left Main Coronary Culprit Lesion Treated Using a Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) on a left main culprit lesion have very high mortality rates. The interaction of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with such a catastrophic acute event on the background of their highly complex atherosclerotic lesions is not well established. Therefore, we sought to evaluate in these patients the influence of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on short- and long-term mortality.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed renal function in 81 patients with STEMI and PPCI on a left main culprit lesion from two tertiary centers.

RESULTS

Patients were divided in two groups according to an eGFR cut-off of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2: 40 patients with CKD and 41 without CKD. Patients with renal failure were older, had more diabetes, and had experienced more frequent myocardial infarction MIs. CKD patients had a higher baseline-SYNTAX score (p = 0.015), higher residual-SYNTAX score (p < 0.001), and lower SYNTAX revascularization index-SRI (p = 0.003). Mortality at 30-day, 1-year, and 3-year follow-ups were not significantly different between the two groups. However, when analyzed as a continuous variable, eGFR emerged as a predictor of 1-year mortality, both in univariate analysis (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99, p = 0.005) and in multivariate analysis, after adjusting for cardiogenic shock and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction TIMI 0/1 flow (OR = 0.975, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99, p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

In STEMI with PPCI on a left main culprit lesion, renal failure was associated with more complex coronary lesions and less complete revascularization, and turned out to be an independent predictor of mortality at 1-year follow-up.

International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches-Chronic Kidney Disease (ISCHEMIA-CKD): Rationale and design

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and stable ischemic heart disease are at markedly increased risk of cardiovascular events. Prior trials comparing a strategy of optimal medical therapy (OMT) with or without revascularization have largely excluded patients with advanced CKD. Whether a routine invasive approach when compared with a conservative strategy is beneficial in such patients is unknown.

METHODS

ISCHEMIA-CKD is a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded randomized trial designed to determine the comparative effectiveness of an initial invasive strategy (cardiac catheterization and optimal revascularization [percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery, if suitable] plus OMT) versus a conservative strategy (OMT alone, with cardiac catheterization and revascularization [percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery, if suitable] reserved for failure of OMT) on long-term clinical outcomes in 777 patients with advanced CKD (defined as those with estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73m2 or on dialysis) and moderate or severe ischemia on stress testing. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to the invasive or a conservative strategy. The primary end point is a composite of death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. Major secondary endpoints are a composite of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina, hospitalization for heart failure, or resuscitated cardiac arrest; angina control; and disease-specific quality of life. Safety outcomes such as initiation of maintenance dialysis and a composite of initiation of maintenance dialysis or death will be reported. The trial is projected to have 80% power to detect a 22% to 24% reduction in the primary composite end point with the invasive strategy when compared with the conservative strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

ISCHEMIA-CKD will determine whether an initial invasive management strategy improves clinical outcomes when added to OMT in patients with advanced CKD and stable ischemic heart disease.

Dialysis: A Review of the Mechanisms Underlying Complications in the Management of Chronic Renal Failure

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is the most prevalent, worldwide public health problem of the elderly population. The main cause of CRF is a damaged kidney. There are five stages of CRF based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and stage 5 (GFR < 15 ml/min/1.73m²) is often called an end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In CRF, there is an accumulation of toxins and excess water due to compromised renal function. Dialysis is the preferred way to treat ESRD and remove accumulated toxins from the body. The cardiovascular risk associated with dialysis is 10 to 20 times higher in patients undergoing dialysis than in normal people. The inflamed kidneys and the process of dialysis also affect endothelial function, aggravating the risk of hypertension and cardiac problems. Therefore, both physicians and patients should be aware of the consequences of undergoing dialysis. There is an urgent need to educate CRF patients regarding facts about the disease, medications, dietary habits, and various measures required to manage the condition and lead a normal life. This paper attempts to delineate the mechanisms that could result in cardiovascular and other complications among CRF patients undergoing dialysis.