Predictors of length of stay after coronary stenting

Red blood cell distribution width predicts gastrointestinal bleeding after coronary artery bypass grafting

Background

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is highly associated with adverse clinical outcomes in many diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between RDW and gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study that included 4473 patients who received CABG, and all the data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. Data collected included patient demographics, associated comorbid illnesses, laboratory parameters, and medications. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the best cutoff value of RDW for the diagnosis of GIB. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between RDW and GIB.

Results

The incidence of GIB in patients receiving CABG was 1.1%. Quartile analyses showed a significant increase in GIB incidence at the fourth RDW quartile (> 14.3%; P < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis revealed that an RDW level > 14.1% measured on admission had 59.6% sensitivity and 69.4% specificity in predicting GIB after CABG. After adjustment for confounders, high RDW was still associated with an increased risk of GIB in patients with CABG (odds ratio = 2.83, 95% confidence interval 1.46–5.51, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Our study indicates that the elevated RDW level is associated with an increased risk of GIB after CABG, and it can be an independent predictor of GIB. The introduction of RDW to study GIB enriches the diagnosis method of GIB and ensures the rapid and accurate diagnosis of GIB.

Access-Site vs Non-Access-Site Major Bleeding and In-Hospital Outcomes Among STEMI Patients Receiving Primary PCI

Background

Major bleeding (MB) is an independent predictor of mortality among ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Prevention of access-site MB has received significant attention. However, limited data have been obtained on the influence of access-site MB vs non-access-site MB and association with subsequent adverse in-hospital outcomes in the STEMI population undergoing pPCI.

Methods

We identified 1494 STEMI patients who underwent pPCI between 2012 and 2018. Unadjusted and adjusted differences among patients with no MB, access-site MB, non-access-site MB, and in-hospital clinical outcomes were assessed. The use of bleeding-avoidance strategies and their effects on MB were also evaluated.

Results

MB occurred in 121 (8.1%) patients. Access-site MB occurred in 34 (2.3%) patients, and non-access-site MB occurred in 87 (5.8%). The median reduction in hemoglobin was 31 g/L (interquartile range: 19-43) with access-site MB, and 44 g/L (interquartile range: 29-62) with non-access-site MB. After multivariable adjustment, non-access-site MB was independently associated with in-hospital death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.04-8.68), cardiogenic shock (aOR 10.91; 95% CI 5.67-20.98), and cardiac arrest (aOR 5.63; 95% CI 2.88-11.01). Conversely, access-site MB was not associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes. Bleeding-avoidance strategies were used frequently; however, after multivariable adjustment, no single bleeding-avoidance strategy was significantly associated with reduced MB.

Conclusions

In STEMI patients undergoing pPCI, non-access-site MB was independently associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes, whereas access-site MB was not. Additional study of strategies to reduce the incidence and impact of non-access-site MB appears to be warranted.

One-year clinical outcome and predictors of ischemic and hemorrhagic events after percutaneous coronary intervention in elderly and very elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Elderly constitute a high-risk subset of patients but are under-represented in clinical revascularization trials. Our aim was to investigate clinical outcomes and prognosis predictors after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in this population.

METHODS

Unrestricted consecutive patients with ≥75 years who underwent PCI from 2012 to 2015 were enrolled. The primary ischemic endpoint was the composite of 1-year myocardial infarction, definite/probable stent thrombosis and target vessel revascularization. The primary bleeding endpoint was defined according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) classification as BARC ≥ 2.

RESULTS

We enrolled 708 patients (mean age 80 ± 4): 14% were very elderly patients (≥85 years), 27% of patients were diabetic, 23% had chronic kidney disease (CKD), 17% atrial fibrillation and 37% presented acute coronary syndrome. The primary ischemic endpoint was reported in 67 patients (12%): 29 had myocardial infarction (5%), 25 had definite/probable stent thrombosis (4.4%) and 44 had target vessel revascularization (8%). BARC ≥ 2 bleeding was reported in 43 patients (8%). No differences were found in terms of both ischemic and bleeding events between patients with <85 and ≥85 years. Three-vessel disease and use of bare metal stent were independent predictors of the primary ischemic endpoint. Triple antithrombotic therapy and CKD were the only independent predictors of BARC ≥ 2 bleedings.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, elderly patients reported reassuring efficacy and safety outcomes after PCI, even if ischemic and bleeding events were frequent. Three-vessel disease and the use of bare metal stent were the only predictors of primary ischemic endpoint. Triple antithrombotic therapy and CKD were the only predictors of BARC ≥ 2 bleedings.

Bleeding outcomes after non-emergency percutaneous coronary intervention in the very elderly

Background

Octogenarians constitute an increasing proportion of patients presenting for non-emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

This study evaluated the in-hospital procedural characteristics and outcomes, including the bleeding events of 293 octogenarians presenting between January 2010 and December 2012 for non-emergency PCI to a single large volume tertiary care Australian center. Comparisons were made with 293 consecutive patients aged less than or equal to 60 years, whose lesions were matched with the octogenarians.

Results

Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction was the most frequent indication for non-emergency PCI in octogenarians. Compared to the younger cohort, they had a higher prevalence of co-morbidities and more complex coronary disease, comprising more type C and calcified lesions. Peri-procedural use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH; 1.0% vs. 5.8%; P < 0.001) and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (2.1% vs. 9.6%; P < 0.001) was lower, while femoral arterial access was used more commonly than in younger patients (80.9% vs. 67.6%; P < 0.001). Overall, there was a non-significant trend towards higher incidence of all bleeding events in the elderly (9.2% vs. 5.8%; P = 0.12). There was no significant difference in access site or non-access site bleeding and major or minor bleeding between the two cohorts. Sub-analysis did not reveal any significant influence on bleeding rates by the use of LMWH, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors or femoral arterial access. In addition, there were no significant differences in the rates of in-hospital mortality, stroke or acute stent thrombosis between the two groups.

Conclusions

In this single center study, we did not observe significant increases in adverse in-hospital outcomes including the incidence of bleeding in octogenarians undergoing non-emergency PCI.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Guideline of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (S2k-Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/080, October 2016)

AIMS

The aim of this official guideline published and coordinated by the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG) was to provide consensus-based recommendations obtained by evaluating the relevant literature for the diagnostic treatment and management of women with fetal growth restriction.

METHODS

This S2k guideline represents the structured consensus of a representative panel of experts with a range of different professional backgrounds commissioned by the Guideline Committee of the DGGG.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations for diagnostic treatment, management, counselling, prophylaxis and screening are presented.

Measurement of total hemoglobin reduces red cell transfusion in hospitalized patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a retrospective database analysis

Introduction:

Historically, perioperative hemoglobin monitoring has relied on calculated saturation, using blood gas devices that measure plasma hematocrit (Hct). Co-oximetry, which measures total hemoglobin (tHb), yields a more comprehensive assessment of hemodilution. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of tHb measurement by co-oximetry and Hct, using conductivity with red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, length of stay (LOS) and inpatient costs in patients having major cardiac surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and/or valve replacement (VR) procedures from January 2014 to June 2016, using MedAssets discharge data. The patient population was sub-divided by the measurement modality (tHb and Hct), using detailed billing records and Current Procedural Terminology coding. Cost was calculated using hospital-specific cost-to-charge ratios. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify significant drivers of RBC transfusion and resource utilization.

Results:

The study population included 18,169 cardiovascular surgery patients. Hct-monitored patients accounted for 66% of the population and were more likely to have dual CABG and VR procedures (10.4% vs 8.9%, p=0.0069). After controlling for patient and hospital characteristics, as well as patient comorbidities, Hct-monitored patients had significantly higher RBC transfusion risk (OR=1.26, CI 1.15-1.38, p<0.0001), longer LOS (IRR=1.08, p<0.0001) and higher costs (IRR=1.15, p<0.0001) than tHb-monitored patients. RBC transfusions were a significant driver of LOS (IRR=1.25, p<0.0001) and cost (IRR=1.22, p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

tHb monitoring during cardiovascular surgery could offer a significant reduction in RBC transfusion, length of stay and hospital cost compared to Hct monitoring.

Effects of viscosity on power and hand injection of iso-osmolar iodinated contrast media through thin catheters

BACKGROUND

It can be challenging to achieve adequate vessel opacification during percutaneous coronary interventions when using thin catheters, hand injection, and iso-osmolar contrast media (CM) such as iodixanol (Visipaque™).

PURPOSE

To explore these limitations and the possibility to overcome them with iosimenol, a novel CM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three X-ray contrast media with different concentrations were used in this study. A series of in vitro experiments established the relationship between injection pressure and flow rate in angiography catheters under various conditions. The experiments were conducted with power and hand injections and included a double-blind evaluation of user perception.

RESULTS

By using hand injection, it was generally not possible to reach a maximum injection pressure exceeding 50 psi. The time within which volunteers were able to complete the injections, the area under the pressure-time curve (AUC), and assessment of ease of injection all were in favor of iosimenol compared with iodixanol, especially when using the 4F thin catheter. Within the pressure ranges tested, the power injections demonstrated that the amount of iodine delivered at a fixed pressure was strongly related to viscosity but unrelated to iodine concentration.

CONCLUSION

There are substantial limitations to the amount of iodine that can be delivered through thin catheters by hand injection when iso-osmolar CM with high viscosity is used. The only viable solution, besides increasing the injection pressure, is to use a CM with lower viscosity, since the cost of increasing the concentration, in terms of increased viscosity and consequent reduction in flow, is too high. Iosimenol, an iso-osmolar CM with lower viscosity than iodixanol might therefore be a better alternative when thinner catheters are preferred, especially when the radial artery is used as the access site.

Comparison of transradial and transfemoral coronary intervention in octogenarians with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The transradial (TR) approach for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is challenging and associated with failure in elderly patients. We compared the TR and transfemoral (TF) approaches in patients>80 years with acute myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing PCI.

METHODS

A total of 1945 (7.2%) octogenarians were enrolled from among 27,129 patients in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry. The TR group (n=336, 17.3%) was compared with the TF group (n=1609, 82.7%) in the overall and propensity-matched cohorts with respect to procedural success, complications, in-hospital mortality, and one-year mortality and total major adverse cardiac event (MACE; death, MI, and revascularization) rate.

RESULTS

In the overall cohort, the TR group had lower incidence of Killip class III or IV compared to the TF group. The disease extent and lesion severity were similar between groups, as was the procedural success rate (97.7% vs. 98.3%); however, in-hospital complications were significantly lower in the TR group (8.1% vs. 20.3%). In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the TR group than the TF group (3.4% vs. 11.4%), as were the one-year mortality and total MACE (9.8% vs. 18.4% and 13% vs. 21.9%, respectively). These outcomes were consistent in the propensity-matched cohort. The TR approach was found to be a significant predictor of low in-hospital mortality (OR 0.355, 95% CI 0.139-0.907), but not of one-year mortality (OR 0.644, 95% CI 0.334-1.240).

CONCLUSIONS

In octogenarians with acute MI undergoing PCI, the TR approach was more effective than the TF approach as it had lower complication rate and better clinical outcomes with comparable procedural success.

Predicting Length of Stay Following Radical Nephrectomy Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database

PURPOSE

Length of stay is frequently used to measure the quality of health care, although its predictors are not well studied in urology. We created a predictive model of length of stay after nephrectomy, focusing on preoperative variables.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the NSQIP database to evaluate patients older than 18 years who underwent nephrectomy without concomitant procedures from 2007 to 2011. Preoperative factors analyzed for univariate significance in relation to actual length of stay were then included in a multivariable linear regression model. Backward elimination of nonsignificant variables resulted in a final model that was validated in an institutional external patient cohort.

RESULTS

Of the 1,527 patients in the NSQIP database 864 were included in the training cohort after exclusions for concomitant procedures or lack of data. Median length of stay was 3 days in the training and validation sets. Univariate analysis revealed 27 significant variables. Backward selection left a final model including the variables age, laparoscopic vs open approach, and preoperative hematocrit and albumin. For every additional year in age, point decrease in hematocrit and point decrease in albumin the length of stay lengthened by a factor of 0.7%, 2.5% and 17.7%, respectively. If an open approach was performed, length of stay increased by 61%. The R(2) value was 0.256. The model was validated in a 427 patient external cohort, which yielded an R(2) value of 0.214.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, preoperative hematocrit, preoperative albumin and approach have significant effects on length of stay for patients undergoing nephrectomy. Similar predictive models could prove useful in patient education as well as quality assessment.

An overview of PCI in the very elderly

Cardiovascular disease, and in particular ischemic heart disease (IHD), is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the very elderly (> 80 years) worldwide. These patients represent a rapidly growing cohort presenting for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), now constituting more than one in five patients treated with PCI in real-world practice. Furthermore, they often have greater ischemic burden than their younger counterparts, suggesting that they have greater scope of benefit from coronary revascularization therapy. Despite this, the very elderly are frequently under-represented in clinical revascularization trials and historically there has been a degree of physician reluctance in referring them for PCI procedures, with perceptions of disappointing outcomes, low success and high complication rates. Several issues have contributed to this, including the tendency for older patients with IHD to present late, with atypical symptoms or non-diagnostic ECGs, and reservations regarding their procedural risk-to-benefit ratio, due to shorter life expectancy, presence of comorbidities and increased bleeding risk from antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications. However, advances in PCI technology and techniques over the past decade have led to better outcomes and lower risk of complications and the existing body of evidence now indicates that the very elderly actually derive more relative benefit from PCI than younger populations. Importantly, this applies to all PCI settings: elective, urgent and emergency. This review discusses the role of PCI in the very elderly presenting with chronic stable IHD, non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome, and ST-elevation myocardial infarction. It also addresses the clinical challenges met when considering PCI in this cohort and the ongoing need for research and development to further improve outcomes in these challenging patients.

Differences in sex-related bleeding and outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium (BMC2) registry

BACKGROUND

Bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is more common in women than in men. However, the relationship of sex and bleeding with outcomes is less well studied.

METHODS

We examined the sex-related differences in the incidence of bleeding and its association with in-hospital outcomes among 96,637 patients undergoing PCI enrolled in the BMC2 registry (2010-2012).

RESULTS

Women had higher bleeding rate than did men (3.9% vs 1.8%) and thus received more blood transfusions (59% vs 41%). Both men (odds ratio [OR] 2.25, 95% CI 1.70-2.97) and women (OR 3.13, 95% CI 2.42-4.07) who bled had higher risk-adjusted death compared with their counterparts without bleeding. Although there was no difference in adjusted mortality between women and men without bleeding (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.99-1.32), among patients who bled, adjusted death was higher in women (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.47). Among patients with bleeding, transfusion was associated with similar increased risk of death in both men (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.23-3.25) and women (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.31-3.63) compared with their counterparts without transfusion(s).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-PCI bleeding was more common and associated with higher-than-expected in-hospital death in women compared with men with bleeding. This trend for higher death in women with bleeding was independent of transfusion. Quality efforts geared toward reducing bleeding in general, with a special focus on women, need to be explored to help reduce post PCI-bleeding and mortality and decrease sex-related disparity in adverse events.

Transradial percutaneous coronary interventions in acute coronary syndrome

Transradial access (TRA) is becoming increasingly used worldwide for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after acute coronary syndromes (ACS). TRA compared with transfemoral access has been noted to improve clinical outcomes in clinical trials and large registry cohort studies. However, much of the benefits of TRA PCI are noted in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary PCI, where TRA PCI has been associated with reductions in major bleeding events and potentially lower short- and long-term mortality rates. Although much less data exist for TRA PCI in unstable angina and/or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, similar reductions in bleeding and mortality have not been consistently described. Differences in outcome benefit with TRA PCI among various ACS subtypes may be attributable to the potentially increased inherent risk of periprocedural bleeding in STEMI compared with unstable angina and/or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Pre- and intra-procedural factors associated with STEMI treatment, such as use of pharmacoinvasive therapy and aggressive antithrombotic regimens likely increase bleeding risk in patients. In conclusion, this review describes the evidence for TRA PCI across the spectrum of ACS and highlights why differences in clinical benefit may exist among ACS subtypes.

Change in hospital-level use of transradial percutaneous coronary intervention and periprocedural outcomes: insights from the national cardiovascular data registry

BACKGROUND

Whether increasing use of radial access has improved percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes remains unknown. We sought to determine the relationship between increasing facility-level use of transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (TRI) and periprocedural outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Within the National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI Registry, we estimated the risk-adjusted association between hospital category of change in TRI use (during the 3-year period from 2009 to 2012) and trends in access site and overall bleeding, fluoroscopy time, and contrast use among 818 facilities with low baseline TRI use. There were 4 categories of hospital change in TRI use: very low (baseline, 0.2% increasing to 1.8% at the end of 3 years), low (0.9% increasing to 8.9%), moderate (1.6% increasing to 27.2%), and high (1.0% increasing to 45.1%). Risk-adjusted access site bleeding decreased over time for all hospital categories; however, the rate of decline varied across hospital categories (P for interaction, <0.001). The decrease in access site bleeding was significantly greater for hospitals with moderate or high increases in TRI use (relative risk, 0.45, 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.56) when compared with that of very low or low hospitals (relative risk, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.74; P for comparison, 0.002). Similar findings were observed for overall bleeding. An increase in fluoroscopy time (≈1.3 minutes) was noted at hospitals with moderate and high use of TRI (P=0.01). Trends in contrast use were similar across hospital categories.

CONCLUSIONS

In a national sample of hospitals performing percutaneous coronary intervention, bleeding rates decreased over time for all hospital categories of change in TRI use. The decline in bleeding outcomes was larger at hospitals with increased adoption of TRI when compared with hospitals with minimal or no change in TRI use.

Red cell distribution width and additive risk prediction for major bleeding in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Red cell distribution width has been linked to an increased risk for in-hospital bleeding in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. However, its usefulness for predicting bleeding complications beyond the hospitalization period remains unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the complementary value of red cell distribution width and the CRUSADE scale to predict long-term bleeding risk in these patients.

METHODS

Red cell distribution width was measured at admission in 293 patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. All patients were clinically followed up and major bleeding events were recorded (defined according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium Definition criteria).

RESULTS

During a follow-up of 782 days [interquartile range, 510-1112 days], events occurred in 30 (10.2%) patients. Quartile analyses showed an abrupt increase in major bleedings at the fourth red cell distribution width quartile (> 14.9%; P=.001). After multivariate adjustment, red cell distribution width >14.9% was associated with higher risk of events (hazard ratio=2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-6.10; P=.02). Patients with values ≤ 14.9% and a CRUSADE score ≤ 40 had the lowest events rate, while patients with values >14.9% and a CRUSADE score >40 points (high and very high risk) had the highest rate of bleeding (log rank test, P<.001). Further, the addition of red cell distribution width to the CRUSADE score for the prediction of major bleeding had a significant integrated discrimination improvement of 5.2% (P<.001) and a net reclassification improvement of 10% (P=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome patients, elevated red cell distribution width is predictive of increased major bleeding risk and provides additional information to the CRUSADE scale.

Bleeding Complications After PCI and the Role of Transradial Access

OPINION STATEMENT

Bleeding events are the most common complications following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and are associated with increases in short- and long-term mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, hospital length of stay, and hospital cost. Over time, there has been a decrease in periprocedural bleeding, primarily due to improvements in antithrombotic therapy; however, transradial (TR) catheterization has been shown to be an important strategy to minimize access site bleeding and potentially improve outcomes among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The rate of TR catheterization has been increasing significantly over the past few years and now accounts for an increasing proportion of procedures performed in the United States. Results from the recently published RIVAL Trial have shown comparable efficacy between transradial and transfemoral (TF) approaches with significant reduction in vascular access complications in the TR group. TR access in the STEMI population was prospectively assessed in the RIFLE-STEACS Trial and demonstrated significant reduction in the primary outcome of composite death/MI/stroke/target vessel revascularization/non-CABG bleeding. More recent studies have also demonstrated cost savings with TR access, related primarily to decreased hospital length of stay. While previous studies have shown increased operator radiation exposure compared to a TF approach, the most recent data suggest no significant difference in radiation at higher volume centers.

Proton-pump inhibitors can decrease gastrointestinal bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Current medical therapies for patients who have an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) focus on the coagulation cascade and platelet inhibition. These, coupled with early use of cardiac catheterization and revascularization, have decreased morbidity and mortality rates in patients who have acute ischemic heart disease with risk of bleeding.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to determine the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The effect of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment was also analyzed.

METHODS

This case-control study evaluated gastrointestinal bleeding within a year of PCI for stable angina and acute coronary syndromes at Nanjing First Hospital between 2008 and 2011. Cases were identified and outcomes assessed using linkage analysis of data from cardiology and gastroenterology department databases. Analysis of the case and control groups for both risk and protective factors was performed using independent two-sample Student's t-test with Fisher's exact P value and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding following PCI was 1.3% (35/2680 patients). The risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding were advanced age, female gender, smoking, drinking, previous peptic ulcer and previous gastrointestinal bleeding. PPI use after PCI (P=0.000) was accompanied by a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, with only a few cases of gastrointestinal bleeding events reported.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel therapy was estimated to be 1.3%. Advanced age, being female, smokers, drinkers, previous peptic ulcer and previous gastrointestinal bleeding were significant independent risk factors. PPI for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding induced by the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel in patients after PCI was safe and effective.

Red cell distribution width as a bleeding predictor after percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Red cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of variability in the size of circulating erythrocytes, is an independent predictor of mortality in cardiovascular disease and in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We set out to determine if RDW is a prognostic marker of major bleeding post-PCI.

METHODS

The study population included 6,689 patients who were subjected to PCI. The RDW was derived from a complete blood count drawn before PCI. Major inhospital bleeding was defined as a hematocrit decrease ≥12%, hemoglobin drop of ≥4, transfusion of ≥2 units of packed red blood cells, retroperitoneal, or gastrointestinal or intracranial bleeding. Multivariable logistic analysis of major inhospital bleeding was performed using a logistic regression model that comprised the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) risk score model as a single variable.

RESULTS

Major bleeding (P < .001), vascular complications (P = .005), and transfusions (P < .001) were significantly higher in patients with higher baseline RDW values. After adjustment for known bleeding correlates, RDW was a significant predictor for major bleeding (odds ratio 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.19, P < .001). Although the c statistic of the NCDR risk prediction model changed from 0.730 to 0.737 (P = .032), the net reclassification improvement increased significantly after the addition of RDW as a continuous variable (17.3% CI 6.7%-28%, P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Red cell distribution width, an easily obtainable marker, has an independent, linear relationship with major bleeding post-PCI and incrementally improves the well-validated NCDR risk prediction model. These data suggest that further investigation is necessary to determine the relationship of RDW and post-PCI bleeding.

Benefit of bivalirudin versus heparin after transradial and transfemoral percutaneous coronary intervention

Bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor, has been shown to reduce major bleeding and provide a better safety profile compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) through transfemoral access. Data pertaining to the clinical benefit of bivalirudin compared to UFH monotherapy in patients undergoing transradial PCI are lacking. The present study sought to compare the in-hospital net clinical adverse events, including death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and bleeding, for these 2 antithrombotic regimens for all patients at a tertiary care, high-volume radial center. From April 2009 to February 2011, all patients treated with bivalirudin were matched by access site to those receiving UFH. The patients in the bivalirudin group (n = 125) were older (72 ± 13 years vs 66 ± 11 years; p <0.0001), more often had chronic kidney disease (51% vs 30%; p = 0.0012), and more often underwent primary PCI (30% vs 14%, p <0.0037) than the UFH-treated patients (n = 125). A radial approach was used in 71% of both groups. The baseline bleeding risk according to Mehran's score was similar in both groups (14 ± 9 vs 15 ± 8, p = 0.48). In-hospital mortality was 2% in both groups (p = 1.00). No difference in net clinical adverse events or ischemic or bleeding complications was detected between the 2 groups. Bivalirudin reduced both ischemic and bleeding events in femoral-treated patients, but no such clinical benefit was observed in the radial-treated patients. In conclusion, as periprocedural PCI bleeding avoidance strategies have become paramount to optimize the clinical benefit, the interaction between bivalirudin and radial approach deserves additional investigation.

Effectiveness of theophylline in preventing contrast-induced nephropathy after coronary angiographic procedures

BACKGROUND

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third most common cause of hospital acquired acute renal failure and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The use of theophylline for prevention of CIN has yielded conflicting results. This study aimed at examining the effectiveness of theophylline in prevention of CIN when added to IV hydration and N-acetylcysteine (NAC).

METHODS

Patients with stable serum creatinine and at least moderate risk for CIN according to Mehran's risk score were included in this parallel group, 1:1, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. All patients received IV hydration (1 mL/kg per hour for 24 hours) and NAC (600 mg bid for 2 days). Patients were randomized to placebo (group P) or theophylline (200 mg in 100 mL 0.9% saline, as IV infusion 30 minutes before contrast medium (CM) administration; group T). Patients underwent standard coronary angiography ± angioplasty. Serum creatinine (SCr) was assessed just before and 72 hours after contrast administration and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated.

RESULTS

This study included 60 patients with mean SCr 1.44 ± 0.7 mg/dL and eGFR 60.2 ± 29.2 mL/min. Mean SCr among group T was 1.54 ± 0.7 mg/dL with eGFR 58.6 ± 28.6 mL/min, while group P showed mean SCr of 1.34 ± 0.7 mg/dL and eGFR of 61.8 ± 30.1 mL/min. Among group P, 6 (20%) patients developed CIN while none of the patients in group T developed CIN. In comparison to placebo, theophylline significantly decreased SCr (P = 0.0001) and increased eGFR (P = 0.001) at 72 hours. Multivariate regression analysis showed that receiving placebo instead of theophylline, anemia, congestive heart failure, chronic renal impairment, and high-contrast load are all independent predictors for deteriorating renal function after CM administration.

CONCLUSION

Theophylline seems to be an effective prophylaxis against CIN for moderate- and high-risk patients undergoing coronary angiography or angioplasty. It offers additive protection when added to IV hydration and NAC.

Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background— Bleeding in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, length of hospitalization, and cost. We identified baseline clinical characteristics associated with bleeding complications after PCI and developed a simplified, clinically useful algorithm to predict patient risk.

Methods and Results— Data were analyzed from 302 152 PCI procedures performed at 440 US centers participating in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry. As defined by the National Cardiovascular Data Registry, bleeding required transfusion, prolonged hospital stay, and/or a drop in hemoglobin >3.0 g/dL from any location, including percutaneous entry site, retroperitoneal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and other/unknown location. Bleeding complications occurred in 2.4% of patients. From the best-fitting model consisting of 15 clinical elements associated with post-PCI bleeding in a random 80% training cohort, we developed a parsimonious risk algorithm. Predictors of bleeding included age, gender, previous heart failure, glomerular filtration rate, peripheral vascular disease, no previous PCI, New York Heart Association/Canadian Cardiovascular Society Functional Classification class IV heart failure, ST-elevation myocardial infarction, non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and cardiogenic shock. The parsimonious model was validated in the remaining 20% of the population (c-statistic, 0.72) and in clinically relevant subgroups of patients. This simplified model was used to derive a clinical risk algorithm, with larger numbers corresponding with greater risk. In 3 categories, bleeding rates were greater in patients with higher estimates (≤7, 0.7%; 8 to 17, 1.8%; ≥18, 5.1%).

Conclusions— This report identifies baseline clinical factors associated with bleeding and proposes a clinically useful algorithm to estimate bleeding risk. This model is potentially actionable in altering therapeutic decision making and improving outcomes in patients undergoing PCI.

Optimizing intensive care capacity using individual length-of-stay prediction models

Introduction

Effective planning of elective surgical procedures requiring postoperative intensive care is important in preventing cancellations and empty intensive care unit (ICU) beds. To improve planning, we constructed, validated and tested three models designed to predict length of stay (LOS) in the ICU in individual patients.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from 518 consecutive patients who underwent oesophagectomy with reconstruction for carcinoma between January 1997 and April 2005. Three multivariable linear regression models for LOS, namely preoperative, postoperative and intra-ICU, were constructed using these data. Internal validation was assessed using bootstrap sampling in order to obtain validated estimates of the explained variance (r²). To determine the potential gain of the best performing model in day-to-day clinical practice, prospective data from a second cohort of 65 consecutive patients undergoing oesophagectomy between May 2005 and April 2006 were used in the model, and the predictive performance of the model was compared with prediction based on mean LOS.

Results

The intra-ICU model had an r² of 45% after internal validation. Important prognostic variables for LOS included greater patient age, comorbidity, type of surgical approach, intraoperative respiratory minute volume and complications occurring within 72 hours in the ICU. The potential gain of the best model in day-to-day clinical practice was determined relative to mean LOS. Use of the model reduced the deficit number (underestimation) of ICU days by 65 and increased the excess number (overestimation) of ICU days by 23 for the cohort of 65 patients. A conservative analysis conducted in the second, prospective cohort of patients revealed that 7% more oesophagectomies could have been accommodated, and 15% of cancelled procedures could have been prevented.

Conclusion

Patient characteristics can be used to create models that will help in predicting LOS in the ICU. This will result in more efficient use of ICU beds and fewer cancellations.

Detection of atrial fibrillation episodes using multiple heart rate variability features in different time periods

Circadian variations of cardiac diseases have been well known. For example, atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes show nocturnal predominance. In this study, we have developed multiple formulas that detect AF episodes in different times of the day. Heart rate variability features were calculated from randomly sampled three min ECG data. Logistic regression analyses were performed to generate three formulas for the entire day, daytime, and evening time. Compared to the first formula that disregarded the time of the day, the second formula for the daytime detection detected AF episodes more accurately (95.2% vs. 99.3%), whereas third formula for the evening time detection did less accurately (93.8%). These results suggest the detection of AF episodes might become more accurate by considering the time-dependent changes of HRV features. In addition, the detection method for the evening time requires further investigation.

Immediate removal of femoral-sheath following protamine administration in patients undergoing intracoronary paclitaxel-eluting-stent implantation

BACKGROUND

Immediate sheath-removal using post-procedural reversal of heparin with protamine reduces groin complications, shortens bed rest and hospital stay after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with bare-metal stents. No data are available with newer and possibly more thrombogenic paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES).

AIM

We assessed the safety and efficacy of post-procedural protamine administration after successful coronary PES implantation in elective PCI and in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

METHODS

A consecutive series of 291 patients received 0.5 mg of protamine per 100 units of heparin whenever the post-procedural ACT was > 180 seconds, followed by immediate removal of the sheath (protamine group). Outcomes were compared to a historic control group comprising 291 consecutive patients, who also underwent PCI with PES, but without reversal of anticoagulation by protamine (non protamine group). The incidence of post-procedural vascular complications and bleeding complications, as well as hospital stay, were compared; as were the incidence of major cardiac events at 24 h, 30 days and 6 months.

RESULTS

The post-procedural bleeding complications were significantly higher in the non-protamine group. Vascular complications were also more frequent in patients who were not treated with protamine. Hospitalisation length was significantly lower in the protamine group than in the non-protamine group (13.6 +/- 7 h versus 20.41 +/- 3.9 h; p < 0.001). The protamine-group patients also had a significantly reduced bed rest (10.3 h +/- 5.6 h versus 18 h +/- 3.5 h; p < 0.001). During hospitalisation, after PES implantation, no deaths or acute stent thrombosis were observed in either group. The overall incidence of thrombosis and major adverse cardiac events at follow-up were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate heparin neutralisation by protamine after successful PES implantation appears to be safe and feasible, also in patients with ACS. Use of protamine and early sheath removal after PCI confers early deambulation and may significantly limit healthcare cost, reduce vascular complications, bedrest, delayed discharge and patient discomfort.

The economic burden of complications during percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Technological advances have enabled percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to be applied with expanding indications. However, escalating costs are of concern. This study assessed the incremental medical costs of major in-hospital procedural complications incurred by patients undergoing PCI.

METHODS

We considered all patients undergoing elective, urgent, or emergent PCI at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 3/1/1998-3/31/2003 in analyses. Clinical, angiographic, and outcome data were derived from the Mayo Clinic PCI Registry. In-hospital PCI complications included major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and bleeding of clinical significance. Administrative data were used to estimate total costs in standardised, year 2004, constant-US dollars. We used generalised linear modeling to estimate costs associated with complications adjusting for baseline and procedural characteristics.

RESULTS

1071 (13.2%) of patients experienced complications during hospitalisation. Patients experiencing complications were older, more likely to present with emergent PCI, recent or prior myocardial infarction, multi-vessel disease, and comorbid conditions than patients who did not experience these events. Unadjusted total costs were, on average, $27,865+/-$39,424 for complicated patient episodes compared to $12,279+/-$6796 for episodes that were complication free (p<0.0001). Adjusted mean costs were $6984 higher for complicated PCIs compared with uncomplicated PCI episodes (95% CI of cost difference: $5801, $8168). Incremental costs associated with isolated bleeding events, MACCE, or for both bleeding and MACCE events were $5883, $5086, and $15,437, respectively (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This high-volume study highlights the significant economic burden associated with procedural complications. Resources and systems approaches to minimising clinical and economic complications in PCI are warranted.

Comparison of patient outcomes with bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin in percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical outcomes and glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitor use in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who received bivalirudin or unfractionated heparin (UFH) in a real-world setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis.

SETTING

University-affiliated medical center.

PATIENTS

One thousand seventy-five adult patients who underwent PCI and received either bivalirudin (539 patients) or UFH (536 patients) from April 1, 2003-April 1, 2004.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

Patient data on demographics, comorbidities, laboratory values, and reports of radiologic examinations, cardiac catheterizations, and discharge summaries were obtained. Outcomes evaluated included rates of in-hospital mortality, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and length of stay (LOS), as well as Randomized Evaluation of PCI Linking Angiomax to Reduced Clinical Events (REPLACE-2) and Thrombosis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) bleeding categorization. Bivalirudin use was associated with a significant reduction in TIMI major (5.0% vs 9.7%, p=0.003), REPLACE-2 major (5.4% vs 12.9%, p<0.001), and TIMI minor (1.7% vs 6%, p<0.001) bleeding complications compared with UFH use. Significantly fewer patients in the bivalirudin group received glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors (27.3% vs 62.7%, p<0.001). Patients receiving bivalirudin had significantly fewer myocardial infarctions after catheterization (10.7% [40/375] vs 18.0% [51/284], p=0.007). No differences were noted in mortality and revascularization rates between groups. A shortened LOS was observed in the bivalirudin group.

CONCLUSIONS

This real-world analysis that included high-risk patients provides further evidence that bivalirudin is an attractive alternative to UFH because of a decrease in bleeding events without compromising efficacy.

Risk adjusted resource utilization for AMI patients treated in Japanese hospitals

Though risk adjustment is necessary in order to make equitable comparisons of resource utilization in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction patients, there is little in the literature that can be practically applied without access to clinical records or specialized registries. The aim of this study is to show that effective models of resource utilization can be developed based on administrative data, and to demonstrate a practical application of the same models by comparing the risk-adjusted performance of the hospitals in our dataset. The study sample included 1748 AMI cases discharged from 10 large, private teaching hospitals in Japan, between 10 April 2001 and 30 June 2004. Explanatory variables included procedures (CABG and PCI), length of stay, outcome, patient demographics, diagnosis and comorbidity status. Multiple linear regression models constructed for the study were able to account for 66.5, 27.7, and 58.4% of observed variation in total charges, length of stay and charges per day, respectively. The performance of models constructed for this study was comparable to or better than performance reported by other studies that made use of explanatory variables extracted from clinical data. The use of administrative data in risk adjustment makes broad scale application of risk adjustment feasible.

Contrast nephropathy, pathophysiology and prevention

Contrast nephropathy is a common cause of iatrogenic acute renal failure. Its incidence rises with the growing use of intra-arterial contrast in diagnostic and interventional procedures. Aim of the present review is to summarize the knowledge about pathophysiology and prevention. Nephrotoxicity is related to osmolality, dose and route of the contrast and only occurs in synergy with other factors, such as previous renal impairment and cardiovascular disease. With an interplay of these factors, contrast nephropathy has an impact on morbidity and mortality. Pathophysiological mechanisms are intrarenal vasoconstriction, leading to medullary ischemia, direct cytotoxicity, oxidative tissue damage and apoptosis. Several measures are of proven benefit in patients at risk. Among them are discontinuation of potentially nephrotoxic drugs, hydration, preferably with isotonic sodium bicarbonate, use of low osmolal contrast, oral or intravenous N-acetylcysteine and intravenous theophylline. In patients with severe cardiac and renal dysfunction undergoing cardiac interventions, periprocedural hemofiltration may be considered.

Bench-to-bedside review: preventive measures for contrast-induced nephropathy in critically ill patients

An increasing number of diagnostic imaging procedures requires the use of intravenous radiographic contrast agents, which has led to a parallel increase in the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy. Risk factors for development of contrast-induced nephropathy include pre-existing renal dysfunction (especially diabetic nephropathy and multiple myeloma-associated nephropathy), dehydration, congestive heart failure and use of concurrent nephrotoxic medication (including aminoglycosides and amphotericin B). Because contrast-induced nephropathy accounts for a significant increase in hospital-acquired renal failure, several strategies to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy are currently advocated, including use of alternative imaging techniques (for which contrast media are not needed), use of (the lowest possible amount of) iso-osmolar or low-osmolar contrast agents (instead of high-osmolar contrast agents), hyperhydration and forced diuresis. Administration of N-acetylcysteine, theophylline, or fenoldopam, sodium bicarbonate infusion, and periprocedural haemofiltration/haemodialysis have been investigated as preventive measures in recent years. This review addresses the literature on these newer strategies. Since only one (nonrandomized) study has been performed in intensive care unit patients, at present it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about preventive measures for contrast-induced nephropathy in the critically ill. Further studies are needed to determine the true role of these preventive measures in this group of patients who are at risk for contrast-induced nephropathy. Based on the available evidence, we advise administration of N-acetylcysteine, preferentially orally, or theophylline intravenously, next to hydration with bicarbonate solutions.

Provider Use of Preventive Strategies for Radiocontrast Nephropathy in High-Risk Patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Radiocontrast nephropathy (RCN) is a common and costly form of acute renal failure. Current preventative strategies include the use of intravenous (IV) fluids and the discontinuation of nephrotoxic medications at the time of radiocontrast administration. We sought to determine whether providers employ these strategies in high-risk patients to limit the development of RCN.

METHODS

High-risk patients undergoing procedures using radiocontrast media over a 12-month period were identified. Medical records were reviewed for all subjects who developed RCN and a randomly selected 25% of patients without RCN. Patients with a contraindication to IV volume expansion were excluded. Medical records of the remaining patients were reviewed to determine whether IV fluids were administered and whether NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors were prescribed at the time of contrast administration.

RESULTS

RCN developed in 8% of patients overall. Of 144 patients eligible for IV volume expansion, 16% failed to receive any IV fluids. When IV fluids were employed, their dose and timing of administration varied significantly by treating specialty and procedure. NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors were prescribed to 8% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Commonly accepted strategies for the prevention of RCN are underutilized. Quality improvement efforts are needed to increase the use of these two simple prophylactic measures.

Prevalence and outcomes of anemia in surgery: a systematic review of the literature

Untreated preoperative anemia and acute perioperative blood loss may add to surgical risk. To understand the prevalence of anemia in surgical patients (with a primary focus on preoperative anemia), and the impact that preexisting anemia has on transfusion rates as well as on clinical and functional outcomes, a systematic review was performed of articles published between January 1966 and February 2003. The estimates of anemia prevalence in the literature ranged widely, from 5% in geriatric women with hip fracture to 75.8% in patients with Dukes stage D colon cancer. Diagnosis of anemia was most strongly associated with an increased risk of receiving an allogeneic transfusion. In general, patients who donated autologous blood preoperatively received less allogeneic blood than those who did not donate. There was some suggestion that lower hemoglobin levels are associated with decreased survival rates, although this was not found universally. Too few studies were found that evaluated the impact of anemia on other outcomes, such as functional status and costs and resource utilization, to draw reliable conclusions. Several other factors also limited the interpretation of the data, including the lack of a uniform definition for anemia and a dearth of studies expressly designed to quantify the prevalence and impact of anemia. Establishing a uniform definition and specifically evaluating the effect of anemia on outcomes are important considerations for future study.

Bleeding associated with eptifibatide targeting higher risk patients with acute coronary syndromes: incidence and multivariate risk factors

The objective of this study was to determine the safety of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor eptifibatide in patients at high risk for adverse clinical outcomes and to determine risk factors for eptifibatide-associated bleeding. Consecutive patients (n = 175) who presented with an acute coronary syndrome and who were at high risk for adverse clinical outcomes were prospectively observed for eptifibatide-associated bleeding, which was classified according to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded arteries (GUSTO) criteria. High risk was defined as unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction with at least one of the following: left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%, diabetes mellitus, ST segment depression or transient ST segment elevation, serum [troponin I] > 2.5 ng/mL, and recurrent angina symptoms after initiation of conventional antianginal therapy. Bleeding incidences in the patients in this study were compared with those in the 4722 eptifibatide-treated patients in the Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa in Unstable Angina: Receptor Suppression Using Integrilin Therapy (PURSUIT) trial. Compared to PURSUIT patients, the population in this study was similar in age but had a higher proportion of females, African Americans, hypertension, diabetes, prior myocardial infarction, heart failure, and revascularization. Bleeding incidences in this study's patients were similar to or lower than those in the PURSUIT population: TIMI major 1.1% versus 10.8%, TAMI minor 12.6% versus 13.1%, GUSTO severe 1.7% versus 1.5%, GUSTO moderate 3.9% versus 11.3%, and GUSTO mild 19.7% versus 26.1%. Renal dysfunction was an independent risk factor for TIMI (odds ratio = 9.1 ([95% CI= 1.6-52.5]) and GUSTO (odds ratio = 6.1 [95% CI = 1.2-30.0]) bleeding. In conclusion, despite being at higher risk for adverse outcomes, patients administered eptifibatide according to this study's institutional guidelines had comparable or lower bleeding rates than in the PURSUIT trial. Renal dysfunction is an independent risk factor for eptifibatide-induced bleeding.

Contrast-associated nephropathy

Contrast-associated nephropathy (CaN) has become a major cause of iatrogenic acute renal failure, especially with the increasing use of radiographic contrast media in both diagnostic and interventional procedures. CaN is the third most common cause of iatrogenic acute renal failure, and is associated with increased morbidity and in-hospital mortality. CaN typically presents as an acute rise in serum creatinine levels, usually within 48 hours after exposure to contrast media. Renal medullary ischemia secondary to contrast-induced vasoconstriction is now believed to be the most likely cause of CaN, although direct renal tubular cytotoxicity does appear to play a role. The occurrence of CaN is directly related to the number of coexisting clinical risk factors. Among the many risk factors, preexisting renal impairment, the presence of diabetes mellitus and the volume of the contrast agent administered are the most important. The most effective means of reducing the incidence of CaN is through prevention, by first identifying the risk factors and then attempting to correct for them before the administration of contrast material. Although the earliest and most well-tested preventive measure, namely intravenous hydration, continues to be the most effective way to prevent CaN, recent studies have provided many new preventive modalities. The growing use of these new agents, such as acetylcysteine, endothelin blockers, and most recently fenoldopam, has increased the options available for the prevention of CaN.