Repeat revascularization after PCI: are we reinventing the wheel or redefining Achilles' heel?

Clinical Outcomes of PCI in Hospitals With or Without Surgical Backup: A Meta-analysis

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) have seen a steady rise. Recent guidelines have established that PCIs conducted at non-surgical on-site (NSOS) facilities have low complication rates and outcomes comparable to surgical on-site (SOS) centers. However, differing perspectives in the growing literature continue to sustain controversy. A thorough literature review was performed across four databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify studies comparing outcomes between hospitals. The primary endpoints were: 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), cerebral vascular accident (CVA), emergency coronary artery bypass surgery (eCABG), rePCI, and target vessel revascularization (TVR). The final search yielded 22 studies, including a total of 2,181,897 patients. The majority of patients (71.9%) underwent PCI in SOS hospitals. There was a significant association of increased eCABG (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.08-3.67) and rePCI (OR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.37-1.91) rates in SOS hospitals. However, 30-day mortality (OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.53-1.54), MI (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.91-1.28), CVA (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.69-1.86), and TVR (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.92-1.21) showed no significant difference between hospitals. Subgroup analyses among clinical trials and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients found no significant associations. Conclusively, this meta-analysis provides updated insight into the impact of SOS on PCI outcomes, having no difference except for eCABG and rePCI rates.

Sex-based association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adverse outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is shown to be an independent protective factor against coronary artery diseases (CAD). Yet there are limited studies focusing on the association between HDL-C and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery outcomes.

HYPOTHESIS

Low levels of HDL-C are associated with higher incidence of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing CABG.

METHODS

This registry-based study included 17,772 patients who underwent elective isolated CABG between 2007 and 2017. Patients were classified into low and desirable HDL-C groups based on their serum HDL-C levels at admission and were followed for one-year post-surgery. The study population included 13,321 patients with low HDL-C and 4,451 with desirable HDL-C. proportional hazard Cox models were performed to evaluate the association between HDL-C levels and incidence of mortality as well as major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), while adjusting for potential confounders. Moreover, participants were stratified based on sex and the association was also investigated in each subgroup separately.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the groups regarding incidence of both mortality and MACCE, after adjusting with Inverse Probability Weighting (IPW) [HR (95%CI): 0.84 (0.46-1.53), p-value:0.575 and HR (95% CI): 0.91 (0.56-1.50), p-value:0.733, respectively]. According to the sex-based subgroup analysis, no significant association was observed after adjustment with IPW analysis. However, as we examined the association between the interaction of HDL-C levels, sex and cardiovascular outcomes, we found a significant association (HR;1.19 (95%CI: 1.04-1.45); p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

HDL-C level was not associated with either mortality or MACCE during one year after CABG procedure. Sex-based analysis showed that in males, HDL-C is significantly more protective against these outcomes, compared to females. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the exact mechanisms mediating such association.

Impact of body mass index on long-term outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention stratified by diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) caused by obesity have increased in recent years. The impact of obesity on long-term outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with or without DM remains unclear.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed data from 1918 patients who underwent PCI. Patients were categorized into four groups based on body mass index (BMI, normal weight: BMI < 25 kg/m2; overweight and obese: BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and DM status (presence or absence). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; defined as all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and unplanned repeat revascularization).

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 7.0 years, no significant differences in MACCE, myocardial infarction, or stroke were observed among the four groups. Overweight and obese individuals exhibited lower all-cause mortality rates compared with normal-weight patients (without DM: hazard ratio [HR]: 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37 to 0.78; with DM: HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.86). In non-diabetic patients, the overweight and obese group demonstrated a higher risk of unplanned repeat revascularization than the normal-weight group (HR:1.23, 95% CI:1.03 to 1.46). After multivariable adjustment, overweight and obesity were not significantly associated with MACCE, all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or unplanned repeat revascularization in patients with and without diabetes undergoing PCI.

CONCLUSION

Overweight and obesity did not demonstrate a significant protective effect on long-term outcomes in patients with and without diabetes undergoing PCI.

Predicting 30-Day Mortality Using ST-Segment Elevation Resolution in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Indian Scenario

BACKGROUND

The relationship between ST-segment elevation (STE) resolution and 30-day mortality has been evaluated, although limitedly, in non-Indian patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). We aimed to evaluate the prognostic utility of STE resolution in predicting 30-day mortality in Indian patients undergoing pPCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, single-center, observational study investigated the correlation between 30-day mortality rate and extent of STE resolution in real-world Indian patients undergoing pPCI for STEMI. A total of 64 patients underwent pPCI for STEMI at a tertiary care center in India. The patients were classified into three groups based on the extent of STE resolution: complete resolution (≥70%), partial resolution (30-70%), and no resolution (<30%). The primary endpoint of the study was occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events consisting of all-cause death, reinfarction, disabling stroke, and ischemia-induced target vessel revascularization at 30 days follow-up.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 56 patients. The mean age of patients was 59.7±6.8 years and there were 46 (82.1%) males. Complete STE resolution (≥70%) occurred in 7.1%, partial resolution (<70-30%) in 82.1% and no resolution (<30%) in 10.7%. The mortality rate was 2.1% and 33.3% in patients with partial and no STE resolution. No mortality was seen in patients with complete STE resolution. The 30-day survival analysis revealed significant differences between the three groups (P<0.01). STE resolution served as an independent predictor of 30-day mortality across all clinical variables, including patients with post-PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent STE after PCI is a reliable indicator of 30-day mortality in real-world STEMI patients. The extent of STE resolution can be used as a simple and affordable tool to stratify patients by the risk of mortality soon after the acute event. Due to their higher mortality at 30 days follow-up, individuals with persistent STE should be the focus for further treatment interventions.

Feasibility of concomitant left atrial appendage closure and percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation: a randomized pilot study

The optimal approach for prevention of cardiovascular events and reduction of bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) is still controversial. The aim of our study is to asses our single-center experience with concomitant left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). 50 patients with ACS without ST elevation and history of AF were randomized after successful PCI to LAAO or conventional medical therapy. The primary endpoints were safety and length of hospitalization. The follow-up period was 30 days. The mean procedural times were 113 ± 23 min PCI + LAAO implantation and 39 ± 19 min of PCI only (p < 0.001), while mean fluoroscopy times were 18 ± 8 min and 12 ± 8 min (p < 0.001), respectively. No procedure-related complications were observed. There was no difference observed for length of hospitalization between two groups. LAAO in patients with ACS and AF undergoing PCI appears safe.

Outcomes of Myocardial Revascularization in Diabetic Patients With Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: A Multicenter Observational Study From Three Gulf Countries

BACKGROUND

Real-world data for managing patients with diabetes and left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease are scarce. We compared percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in diabetes and LMCA disease patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied patients with LMCA presented to 14 centers from 2015 to 2019. The study included 2138 patients with unprotected LMCA disease; 1468 (68.7 %) had diabetes. Patients were grouped into; diabetes with PCI (n = 804) or CABG (n = 664) and non-diabetes with PCI (n = 418) or CABG (n = 252).

RESULTS

In diabetes, cardiac (34 (5.1 %) vs. 22 (2.7 %); P = 0.016), non-cardiac (13 (2 %) vs. 6 (0.7 %); P = 0.027) and total hospital mortality (47 (7.1 %) vs. 28 (3.5 %); P = 0.0019), myocardial infarction (45 (6.8 %) vs. 11 (1.4 %); P = 0.001), cerebrovascular events (25 (3.8 %) vs. 12 (1.5 %); P = 0.005) and minor bleeding (65 (9.8 %) vs. 50 (6.2 %); P = 0.006) were significantly higher in CABG patients compared to PCI; respectively. The median follow-up time was 20 (10-37) months. In diabetes, total mortality was higher in CABG (P = 0.001) while congestive heart failure was higher in PCI (P = 0.001). There were no differences in major adverse cerebrovascular events and target lesion revascularization between PCI and CABG. Predictors of mortality in diabetes were high anatomical SYNTAX, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, and cardiogenic shock.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicenter retrospective study, we found no significant difference in clinical outcomes during the short-term follow-up between PCI with second-generation DES and CABG except for lower total mortality and a higher rate of congestive heart failure in PCI group of patients. Randomized trials to characterize patients who could benefit from each treatment option are needed.

Diabetes and restenosis

Restenosis, defined as the re-narrowing of an arterial lumen after revascularization, represents an increasingly important issue in clinical practice. Indeed, as the number of stent placements has risen to an estimate that exceeds 3 million annually worldwide, revascularization procedures have become much more common. Several investigators have demonstrated that vessels in patients with diabetes mellitus have an increased risk restenosis. Here we present a systematic overview of the effects of diabetes on in-stent restenosis. Current classification and updated epidemiology of restenosis are discussed, alongside the main mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of this event. Then, we summarize the clinical presentation of restenosis, emphasizing the importance of glycemic control in diabetic patients. Indeed, in diabetic patients who underwent revascularization procedures a proper glycemic control remains imperative.

Colchicine for symptomatic coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the preferred coronary reperfusion strategy, induces endothelial trauma which may mount an inflammatory response. This has been shown to increase the likelihood of further major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Colchicine, a cheap and widely used anti-inflammatory has shown promise in improving cardiovascular outcomes. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the effects of colchicine in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) who have undergone PCI.

METHOD

We systematically reviewed and meta-analysed 7 randomised controlled trials including a total of 6660 patients (colchicine group: 3347, control group: 3313; mean age=60.9±10). Six studies included participants who had a ≤13.5-day history of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). One study included patients with both ACS and chronic coronary syndrome. The follow-up of studies ranged from 3 days to 22.6 months.

RESULTS

The use of colchicine in patients who underwent PCI significantly reduced MACE outcomes (risk ratio 0.73 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.87); p=0.0003) with minimal heterogeneity across the analysis (I²=6%; P for Cochran Q=0.38). These results were driven mainly by the reduction in repeat vessel revascularisation, stroke and stent thrombosis. The number needed to treat to prevent one occurrence of MACE was 41.

CONCLUSION

Colchicine significantly reduced the risk of MACE in patients with CAD who underwent PCI, mostly in the reduction of repeat vessel revascularisation, stroke and stent thrombosis. The efficacy of colchicine should be further studied by distinguishing its use alongside different stent types and dosing regimens.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021245699.