Ventricular Septal Rupture Complicating an Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is rare but a lethal complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Definite treatment requires the surgical closure of the VSR and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, the optimal timing for surgery is still controversial, particularly during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic where medical procedures should be performed within the safest environment. Before surgery, a proper management in the intensive cardiovascular care unit is essential to maintain the stability of the hemodynamic profile related with VSR and determines the prognosis of the patient. We described a case of VSR complicating an anterior wall MI in a patient who admitted to our hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic that was treated successfully by surgical closure of the VSR and CABG.

Cohort profile: the ESC EURObservational Research Programme Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (NSTEMI) Registry

AIMS

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) Registry aims to identify international patterns in NSTEMI management in clinical practice and outcomes against the 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without ST-segment-elevation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutively hospitalised adult NSTEMI patients (n = 3620) were enrolled between 11 March 2019 and 6 March 2021, and individual patient data prospectively collected at 287 centres in 59 participating countries during a two-week enrolment period per centre. The registry collected data relating to baseline characteristics, major outcomes (in-hospital death, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and 30-day mortality) and guideline-recommended NSTEMI care interventions: electrocardiogram pre- or in-hospital, pre-hospitalization receipt of aspirin, echocardiography, coronary angiography, referral to cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation advice, dietary advice, and prescription on discharge of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibition, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), beta-blocker, and statin.

CONCLUSION

The EORP NSTEMI Registry is an international, prospective registry of care and outcomes of patients treated for NSTEMI, which will provide unique insights into the contemporary management of hospitalised NSTEMI patients, compliance with ESC 2015 NSTEMI Guidelines, and identify potential barriers to optimal management of this common clinical presentation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Association of Admission Time and Mortality in STEMI Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who were admitted during off-hours and treated with primary angioplasty associated with an increased risk of mortality compared with those admitted during regular working hours. We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, SCOPUS, Europe PMC, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases that was finalized on March 15, 2021. The primary outcome was mortality comprising early (in-hospital), midterm (30 days to 1 year), and long-term mortality (>1 year). A total of 384,452 patients from 56 studies were included. The overall mortality of acute STEMI patients admitted during off-hours and regular hours were 6.1 and 6.7%, respectively. Patients admitted during off-hours had similar risk of early, midterm, and long-term mortality compared to those admitted during regular working hours ([relative risk or RR = 1.07, 95% confidence interval or CI, 1.00-1.14, p  = 0.06; I ²  = 45%, p  = 0.0009], [RR = 1.00, 95% CI, 0.95-1.05, p  = 0.92; I ²  = 13%, p  = 0.26], and [RR = 0.95, 95% CI, 0.86-1.04, p  = 0.26; I ²  = 0%, p  = 0.76], respectively). Subgroup analyses indicated that the results were consistent across all subgroups ([women vs. men], [age >65 years vs. ≤65 years], and [Killip classification II to IV vs. Killip I]). Funnel plot was asymmetrical. However, Egger's test suggests no significance of small-study effects ( p  = 0.19). This meta-analysis showed that patients with acute STEMI who were admitted during off-hours and treated with primary angioplasty had similar risk of early, midterm, and long-term mortality compared with those admitted during regular working hours.

Relationship between Hemoglobin Concentration at Admission with the Incidence of No-Reflow Phenomenon and In-Hospital Mortality in Acute Myocardial Infarction with Elevation of ST Segments in Patients who underwent Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Anemia in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with a pro-coagulant state, contributing to the incidence of no-reflow phenomenon and increased mortality following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). However, clinical data remain contradictory. The objective of our study was to evaluate the association of admission hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and in-hospital mortality of STEMI patients' post-PPCI, as well as final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow. A cross-sectional study was performed from the database of Jakarta Acute Coronary Syndrome Registry, consisting of 3,071 STEMI patients who underwent PPCI between January 2014 and December 2019. No-reflow phenomenon was defined as final TIMI flow <3 of the infarct-related artery. Outcome measures were the occurrence of no-reflow and in-hospital mortality. Anemia criteria were based on the World Health Organization. Anemia was found in 550 patients (17.9%). Patients with anemia were older (60 ± 10 years, p < 0.001), predominantly women (20.7 vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001), TIMI risk score >4 (45.8 vs. 30.4%, p < 0.00), and Killip classification >1 (25.8 vs. 20.8%, p < 0.009). Anemia at admission was not associated with no-reflow phenomenon (odds ratio [OR] = 0.889; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.654–1.209, p = 0.455). Multivariate regression models showed that anemia was not associated with in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.963; 95% CI = 0.635–1.459, p = 0.857) and with no-reflow phenomenon (OR = 0.939; 95% CI = 0.361–2.437, p = 0.896). Anemia upon admission was not related to the no-reflow phenomena or in-hospital mortality in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.

Performance of Primary Angioplasty for STEMI during the COVID-19 Outbreak

There has been concern whether the declining cases of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak associate with primary angioplasty performance. We assessed the performance of primary angioplasty in a tertiary care hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, by comparing the door-to-device (DTD) time and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow after angioplasty between two periods of admission: during the outbreak of COVID-19 (March 1 to May 31, 2020) and before the outbreak (March 1, to May 31, 2019). Overall, there was a relative reduction of 44% for STEMI admission during the outbreak ( n  = 116) compared with before the outbreak ( N  = 208). Compared with before the outbreak period ( n  = 141), STEMI patients who admitted during the outbreak and received primary angioplasty ( n  = 70) had similar median symptom onset-to-angioplasty center admission (360 minutes for each group), similar to radial access uptake (90 vs. 89.4%, p  = 0.88) and left anterior descending infarct-related artery (54.3 vs. 58.9%, p  = 0.52). The median DTD time and total ischemia time were longer (104 vs. 81 minutes, p  < 0.001, and 475.5 vs. 449 minutes, p  = 0.43, respectively). However, the final achievement of TIMI 3 flow was similar (87.1 vs. 87.2%), and so was the in-hospital mortality (5.7 vs. 7.8%). During the COVID-19 outbreak, we found a longer DTD time for primary angioplasty, but the achievement of final TIMI 3 flow and in-hospital mortality were similar as compared with before the outbreak. Thus, primary angioplasty should remain the standard of care for STEMI during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Epigenetic interaction of miRNA-26a and P2Y12 gene DNA methylation on platelet reactivity under clopidogrel and their impact to the coronary flow after primary PCI in STEMI

Background

Epigenetic factors such as miRNA-26A and P2Y12 DNA methylation play role in pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Clopidogrel-resistance is associated with worse cardiovascular outcome. The interactions between the expression of platelet miRNA-26a and P2Y12 DNA methylation to clopidogrel resistance and post procedural TIMI flow in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI is unclear.

Purpose

To define interaction of epigenetic factors micro-RNA (miRNA)-26a expression and P2Y12 gene DNA methylation to the platelet reactivity under clopidogrel therapy, and their impact on the coronary flow after Primary PCI in patients with STEMI.

Methods

We studied STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI, receiving 600 mg loading dose of clopidogrel. Platelet reactivity assessed by VerifyNow P2Y12. Realtime PCR was performed to measure the expression of platelet miR-26a and DNA methylation of P2Y12 gene. Postprocedural epicardial coronary flow was assessed semi quantitatively.

Results

There were 100 patients were recruited. Among them, 59% have high miRNA-26a platelet expression, 60% had no methylation in their P2Y12 gene, and 27% had high platelet reactivity index under clopidogrel therapy. There was association between high miR-26a expression and reduced platelet inhibition under clopidogrel (OR 4.2, p&lt;0.01), but not with DNA methylation of P2Y12 gene. High platelet reactivity index under clopidogrel therapy was associated with suboptimal coronary flow after primary PCI in STEMI patients (OR 3.3, p&lt;0.05).

Conclusions

High miRNA-26a platelet expression, but not DNA methylation of P2Y12 gene, in patients with acute STEMI have significant association with high platelet reactivity under clopidogrel therapy. Furthermore, high platelet reactivity under clopidogrel is associated with suboptimal coronary flow in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Harapan Kita Honor Research Grant

Association of microRNA-224 and microRNA-155 expressions with coronary microvascular obstruction following primary angioplasty for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Proinflammatory stimuli induce a variety set of microRNAs (miRs) expressions in human mononuclear cells that regulate long pentraxin-3 (PTX3) gene, which associates with a procoagulant state in the endothelial cells.

Purpose

We evaluated, for the first time, the association of miR-224 and miR-155 expressions with coronary microvascular obstruction (MVO) and plasma PTX3 concentration in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary angioplasty.

Methods

The expression levels of miR-224 and miR-155 on admission were evaluated in 217 consecutive patients with STEMI (symptom onset &lt;12h) undergoing primary angioplasty between January 2018 and August 2018, and results were analyzed by the median values. The miRs expression and plasma PTX3 concentration were measured by TaqMan real-time PCR and human ELISA kit, respectively. The primary outcome of the study was the occurrence of angiographic MVO, defined as a post-primary angioplasty TIMI grade &lt;3 flow or TIMI grade 3 flow with myocardial blush grade 0 or 1.

Results

After adjustment with sex, age and plasma PTX3 concentration, miR-244 ≥ median group was associated with angiographic MVO (odds ratio, 2.81; 95% confidence interval 1.34 to 5.92, p=0.006). Spearman analysis showed no correlations between miR-224 and miR-155 expressions with plasma PTX3 concentration.

Conclusion

This study suggests that miR-224 expression, (but not miR-155), associates with angiographic MVO following primary angioplasty for STEMI. However, miR-224 and miR-155 expressions did not correlate with plasma PTX3 concentration. Future studies are needed to find the molecular inflammatory pathway related with miR-224 expression in MVO.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Trends in reperfusion therapy for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in an academic PCI centre in the metropolitan area of a developing country

Background

Long-term reports on reperfusion therapy for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in developing countries are scarce.

Purpose

We reported changes in acute reperfusion therapy for STEMI that have been observed over time in an academic tertiary care percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centre that hosting a STEMI network in the large metropolitan area of Jakarta, Indonesia since 2010 and covering around 11 million inhabitants.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in 6336 patients with STEMI who admitted to the emergency department of a PCI centre in 2008 (before STEMI network introduction), and during 2011 to 2018.

Results

Among STEMI patients admitted during 2011–2018 (mean age: 56±10 years, 86% male), 57.6% had anterior wall myocardial infarction, and 71.3% presented with Killip classification I. Compared with the period 2011–2014 (N=2766), patients who were admitted in the period 2015–2018 (N=3250) were receiving more primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (61.6% vs. 44.2%, P&lt;0.001) with shorter door-to-device time (median 72 min versus 97 min, P&lt;0.001), and less in-hospital fibrinolytic therapy (2.7% vs. 4.8%, P&lt;0.001). The percentage of STEMI patients who did not receive reperfusion treatment decreased from 51% to 35.5% (P&lt;0.001). In-hospital mortality declined from 10% in 2008 (before the STEMI network was initiated) and 8% in 2011 to 6.4% in 2018 (P for trends = 0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that primary PCI was significantly associated with better in-hospital survival (adjusted odds ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.42 to 0.65, P&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

The data indicate that the introduction of a STEMI network resulted in more patients receiving timely primary PCI and lower early mortality rates in recent years.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Association of microRNA-224-3p and microRNA-155-5p expressions with plasma long pentraxin 3 concentration and coronary microvascular obstruction following primary angioplasty for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

Pro-inflammatory stimuli induce a variety set of microRNAs (miRs) expression that regulate long pentraxin-3 (PTX3) protein, which associates with a procoagulant state in the endothelial cells. We evaluated, for the first time in human, the association of miR-224-3p and miR-155-5p expressions with plasma PTX3 concentration and coronary microvascular obstruction (MVO) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with symptom onset ≤ 12 h and treated by primary angioplasty. Blood samples for miRs and PTX3 measurement were drawn at emergency department presentation, and were measured by TaqMan real-time PCR and human ELISA kit, respectively.

RESULTS

Of the 217 patients (median age: 54 years, male: 88%), 130 (60%) had angiographic MVO. Spearman analysis showed no correlation between miR-224-3p and miR-155-5p expressions with plasma PTX3 concentration. After adjustment with sex, age, diabetes mellitus, and plasma PTX3 concentration, miR-224-3p ≥ median group was associated with angiographic MVO (odds ratio, 2.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.24 to 5.44, p = 0.01). This study suggests that miR-224-3p and miR-155-5p expressions did not correlate with plasma PTX3 concentration. However, miR-224-3p expression associates with angiographic MVO following primary angioplasty for STEMI. Future studies are needed to identify the specific gene/protein related with miR-224-3p expression in MVO.

Comparison of Real-Life Systems of Care for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

The success of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) networks application in Europe and the United States in delivering rapid reperfusion therapy in the community have become an inspiration to other developing countries to develop regional STEMI network in order to improve the STEMI care. Although barriers are found in the beginning phase of constructing the network, recent analysis from national or regional registries worldwide have shown improvement of the STEMI care in many countries over the years. To improve the overall care of patients with STEMI particularly in developing countries, improvements should be focusing on how to minimize the total ischemia time, and this includes care improvement at each step of care after the patient shows signs and symptoms of chest pain. Innovation in health technology to develop the electrocardiogram transmission and communication system, along with routine performance measures of the STEMI network may help bridging the disparities of STEMI system of care between guideline recommended therapy and the real world clinical practice.

Interhospital Transfer versus Direct Admission in Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

There is concern whether patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who admitted to a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) center from interhospital transfer is associated with longer reperfusion time compared with direct admission. We evaluated the reperfusion delays in patients with STEMI who admitted to a primary PCI center through interhospital transfer or direct admission. We retrospectively analyzed 6,494 consecutive STEMI patients admitted between 2011 and 2019. Compared with direct admission (n = 4,121; 63%), interhospital transferred patients (n = 2,373) were younger (55 ± 10 vs. 56 ± 10 years, p < 0.001), had similar gender (85.6 vs. 86% male, p = 0.67), greater proportion of off-hour admission (65.2 vs. 48.3%, p < 0.001), less diabetes mellitus (28 vs. 30.8%, p = 0.019), and received more primary PCI (70.5 vs. 48.7%, p < 0.001). Interhospital transferred patients who received primary PCI (n = 3,677) or fibrinolytic (n = 238) had longer symptom-to-PCI center admission time (median, 360 vs. 300 minutes, p < 0.001), shorter door-to-device (DTD) time for primary PCI (median, 74 vs. 87 minutes, p < 0.001), and longer total ischemic time (median, 465 vs. 414 minutes, p < 0.001). Logistic regression in interhospital transferred patients showed that delay in door-in-to-door-out (DI-DO) time at the first hospital was strongly associated with prolonged total ischemic time (adjusted odds ratio = 3.92; 95% confidence interval: 3.06–5.04, p < 0.001). This study suggests that although interhospital transferred patients received more primary PCI with shorter DTD time, interhospital transfer creates longer total ischemic time that associates with the delay in DI-DO time at the first hospital that should be improved.

Double Antithrombotic versus Triple Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Coronary Syndrome

In atrial fibrillation (AF), oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy with either vitamin K antagonist or non-vitamin K antagonist is used to prevent thromboembolic complications. In patients who presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and were treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y ₁₂ inhibitor reduces major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and stent thrombosis. Consequently, in patients with AF who presented with ACS and were treated by PCI, the combination of OAC and DAPT, the so-called triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) is needed to improve the outcome of the patients. However, the use of TAT increases the risk of bleeding. Several randomized clinical trials and a meta-analysis evaluated the use of TAT and double antithrombotic therapy (DAT) in this population, and DAT is defined as patients who receive combination of one antiplatelet and OAC. In general, the studies demonstrated a reduction in bleeding event in patients who received DAT as compared with TAT, with similar incidence of thromboembolic complications and MACE. To date, there is no established consensus or guideline for the most appropriate combination of antithrombotic agents in patients with AF and ACS who undergo PCI. Tailoring the treatment for each individual is likely the best approach to determine the balance of bleeding risk and ischemic events before starting antithrombotic therapy. Future trials with adequate sample size are needed to find the most appropriate combination of antiplatelet and OAC in patients with AF who presented with ACS and treated by PCI.

P16 Relationship of plasma long Pentraxin-3 concentration with clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary

Background

Inflammation has an important role for the progression of coronary plaque vulnerability to acute coronary thrombosis. Long pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a sensitive marker of inflammation released upon exposure to primary inflammatory signals. Whether concentration of PTX3 affects coronary thrombus severity and impaired coronary flow in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unknown.

Purpose

This study sought to evaluate the relationship of plasma PTX3 concentration with coronary thrombus severity and final TIMI flow after primary PCI in patients with acute STEMI.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 335 consecutive patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI between 1 January 2018 and 2 August 2018. Plasma PTX3 concentrations were measured at admission by ELISA method. 

Results

Compared to low PTX3 group (&lt;0.33 ng/mL; N = 223), patients in the high PTX3 group (≥ 0.33 ng/mL; N = 112) had higher proportion of thrombus grade 4 and 5 on initial coronary angiogram (83% vs. 72%, p= 0.03), final TIMI flow &lt;3 (66% vs. 51%, p= 0.01), incomplete ST segment resolution after primary PCI (85% vs. 72%, p= 0.002) and Killip classification II-IV at entry (34.8% vs. 13%, adjusted odds ratio= 3.38, p&lt; 0.001). High PTX3 concentration was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio= 3.41, 95% confidence interval, 1.27 to 9.11, p= 0.01). 

Conclusion

High plasma PTX3 concentration is associated with worse clinical and angiographic outcomes among patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI. Further study is needed to eludicate whether PTX3 is a causal agent for adverse outcomes and whether therapies directed at reducing PTX3 levels are effective.

Table 1. Variable Hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) P-value Long pentraxin-3 ≥0.33 ng/mL 3.41 (1.27 - 9.11) 0.01 Age &gt;65 years 0.38 (0.11 - 1.41) 0.15 Male gender 0.43 (0.13 - 1.44) 0.16 Diabetes Mellitus 1.24 (0.44 - 3.52) 0.68 Hypertension 0.64 (0.23 - 1.80) 0.39 Baseline creatinine ≥1.3 mg/dL 4.06 (1.43 - 11.53) 0.009 TIMI risk score &gt; 4 8.31 (2.69 - 25.59) &lt; 0.001 Multivariable Cox regression analysis showing association between PTX3 concentration and selected confounding variables for all-cause death at 30 day.

"Door-In to Door-Out" Delay in Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Transferred for Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Metropolitan STEMI Network of a Developing Country

Background  Routine performance measures of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) network are needed to improve care. Objective  We evaluated the door-in to door-out (DI-DO) delays at the initial hospitals in STEMI patients as a routine performance measure of the metropolitan STEMI network. Patients and Methods  We retrospectively analyzed the DI-DO time from 1,076 patients with acute STEMI who were transferred by ground ambulance to a primary PCI center for primary PCI between 4 October 2014 and 1 April 2019. Correlation analysis between DI-DO times and total ischemia time was performed using Spearman's test. Logistic regression analyses were used to find variables associated with a longer DI-DO time. Results  Median DI-DO time was 180 minutes (25th percentile to 75th percentile: 120-252 minutes). DI-DO time showed a positive correlation with total ischemia time ( r  = 0.4, p  < 0.001). The median door-to-device time at the PCI center was 70 minutes (25th percentile to 75th percentile: 58-88 minutes). Multivariate analysis showed that women patients were independently associated with DI-DO time > 120 minutes (odds ratio 1.55, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 2.33, p  = 0.03). Conclusion  The DI-DO time reported in this study has not reached the guideline recommendation. To improve the overall performance of primary PCI in the region, interventions aimed at improving the DI-DO time at the initial hospitals and specific threat for women patients with STEMI are possibly the best efforts in improving the total ischemia time.

P4612Elevated pentraxin-3 level is associated with impaired post procedural myocardial perfusion assessed by quantitative blush evaluator in patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI

Background

Long Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) has been known as an emerging cardiac biomarker and has potential diagnostic and prognostic value in coronary heart disease. Whether plasma PTX3 level is associated with post procedural myocardial perfusion assessed by quantitative blush evaluator (QuBE) in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unknown.

Purpose

This study sought to evaluate the association between plasma PTX3 level and post procedural myocardial perfusion assessed by QuBE in patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

Methods

We enrolled 217 patients with acute STEMI who underwent primary PCI (men=191, women=26). Post procedural myocardial perfusion was evaluated using QuBE. PTX3 level was measured at admission by an ELISA method. We used 0.33 ng/mL for PTX3 level as a cut off point for future worse clinical outcome as shown by previous study. Impairment of myocardial perfusion was defined as QuBE <9 arbitrary unit as also shown by previous studies.

Results

Plasma PTX3 level had an inverse correlation with QuBE score (r=−0.64, p<0.001). Patients in elevated PTX3 group (≥0.33 ng/mL; N=80) had lower median QuBE score compared with lower PTX3 group (<0.33ng/mL; N=137), with QuBE score (8.6 arbitrary unit vs. 15.1 arbitrary unit, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that plasma PTX3 level ≥0.33 ng/mL (OR=7.65, p<0.001) along with Diabetes Mellitus (OR=2.30, p=0.04), and Killip class II-IV (OR=2.57, p=0.04) were independent predictors of impaired myocardial perfusion, as shown by QuBE score <9 arbitrary unit.

Analysis between PTX3 and low QuBE score Variables Multivariate OR (95% CI) P value PTX3 ≥0.33 ng/mL 7.65 (3.37–17.36) <0.001 Diabetes Mellitus 2.30 (1.01–5.23) 0.04 Hypertension 1.15 (0.47–2.82) 0.75 Killip class II-IV 2.57 (1.04–6.35) 0.04 IRA LAD 3.79 (1.64–8.78) 0.002 Thrombus grade 4 & 5 3.36 (1.06–11.98) 0.04 Post PPCI TIMI flow <3 5.29 (2.09–13.36) 0.001 PTX3, pentraxin-3; QuBE, quantitative blush evaluator; IRA, infarct related artery.

Conclusions

Patients with acute STEMI with high plasma PTX3 level were associated with reduced myocardial perfusion after primary PCI shown by low QuBE score. Elevated PTX3 level may be used as a marker for persistent impairment of myocardial perfusion after primary PCI in STEMI

Association of Hyperglycemia and Final TIMI Flow with One-Year Mortality of Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary PCI

The association of hyperglycemia at admission and final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow with 1-year mortality of patient with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not much been explored. We evaluated the association of hyperglycemia and final TIMI flow with 1-year mortality in patients with acute STEMI who underwent primary PCI. We retrospectively analyzed 856 patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI in a tertiary care academic center between January 2014 and July 2016. Based on the receiver operating characteristics curve, the cutoff used for hyperglycemia in this study was greater than or equal to 169 mg/dL. Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the association of hyperglycemia and TIMI flow with 1-year mortality. Compared with patients with lower blood glucose level (<169 mg/dL; n  = 549), a greater proportion of patients who presented with hyperglycemia (≥169 mg/dL; n  = 307) had final TIMI flow 0 to 1 (3.3 vs. 0.5%; adjusted odds ratio = 5.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-23.9, p  = 0.02). Hyperglycemia was associated with an increased risk for 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]= 2.0, 95% CI: 1.13-3.53, p  = 0.017). Multivariable Cox regression showed that the interaction of hyperglycemia and final TIMI flow 0 to 1 was associated with an elevated risk for 1-year mortality (adjusted HR= 9.4, 95% CI: 2.34-37.81, p  = 0.002). A higher proportion of patients with acute STEMI who presented with hyperglycemia had final TIMI flow 0 to 1 after primary PCI. The interaction of hyperglycemia and final TIMI flow 0 to 1 was associated with an increased risk for 1-year mortality. This study suggests that aggressive control of hyperglycemia prior to primary PCI may facilitate better angiographic and clinical outcomes after primary PCI. Clinical Trial Registration  Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier number: NCT02319473.

Different Spasmolytic Regimens (Nitroglycerin vs Verapamil) and the Incidence of Radial Artery Occlusion After Transradial Catheterization

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated whether use of different spasmolytic regimens (nitroglycerin or verapamil) administered soon after sheath insertion affects postprocedure radial artery occlusion (RAO) in patients who underwent transradial catheterization.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a post hoc analysis of a randomized trial evaluating the use of 500 μg intra-arterial nitroglycerin just before sheath removal in 1706 patients undergoing transradial catheterization. Patients who received 200 μg or 300 μg nitroglycerin after sheath placement (group A; n = 688) were compared with patients who received 5 mg verapamil after sheath placement (group B; n = 1018). The primary endpoint was RAO diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound examination at 1 calendar day after the procedure. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of RAO. RAO occurred in 16.0% of group A and 5.4% of group B. After adjustment for potential confounders, neither the use of verapamil nor nitroglycerin was associated with RAO (odds ratio [OR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51-3.02; P=.62). Radial artery compression >4 hours was the strongest predictor of RAO (OR, 5.41; 95% CI, 2.31-12.65; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the use of verapamil or nitroglycerin as a spasmolytic regimen was not associated with RAO. Given the strong association between duration of radial compression and RAO, further studies are needed to determine the interaction between vasodilator agents and compression protocols on RAO.

Physicochemical property enhancement of biodiesel synthesis from hybrid feedstocks of waste cooking vegetable oil and Beauty leaf oil through optimized alkaline-catalysed transesterification

Recycling waste cooking vegetable oils by reclaiming and using these oils as biodiesel feedstocks is one of the promising solutions to address global energy demands. However, producing these biodiesels poses a significant challenge because of their poor physicochemical properties due the high free fatty acid content and impurities present in the feedstock, which will reduce the biodiesel yields. Hence, this study implemented the following strategy in order to address this issue: (1) 70 vol% of waste cooking vegetable oil blended with 30 vol% of Calophyllum inophyllum oil named as WC70CI30 used to alter its properties, (2) a three-stage process (degumming, esterification, and transesterification) was conducted which reduces the free fatty acid content and presence of impurities, and (3) the transesterification process parameters (methanol/oil ratio, reaction temperature, reaction time, and catalyst concentration) were optimized using response surface methodology in order to increase the biodiesel conversion yield. The results show that the WC70CI30 biodiesel has favourable physicochemical properties, good cold flow properties, and high oxidation stability (22.4 h), which fulfil the fuel specifications stated in the ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards. It found that the WC70CI30 biodiesel has great potential as a diesel substitute without the need for antioxidants and pour point depressants.

Hospital outcomes in STEMI patients after the introduction of a regional STEMI network in the metropolitan area of a developing country

AIMS

Data on the long-term outcomes of STEMI patients treated via a network in Asian countries are very limited. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of STEMI patients at two different periods, before and five years after the establishment of a regional STEMI network in Jakarta, Indonesia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Out of 6,291 patients with STEMI admitted to hospital between January 2008 to January 2016, we compared the characteristics and outcomes of STEMI patients from two different periods, January 2008 to July 2009 (before instalment of the STEMI network, N=624), and from January 2015 to January 2016 (five years after the start of the network, N=1,052). The PCI hospital is an academic tertiary care cardiac hospital and initiated the regional STEMI network in 2010. Logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted association between treatment in the latter period and mortality. Compared with data from 2008/2009, in the 2015/2016 period, more primary PCI procedures were performed (N=589 [56%] vs. N=176 [28%], p<0.001), fewer patients did not receive reperfusion therapy (37% vs. 59%, p<0.001), and median door-to-device (DTD) times were shorter (82 vs. 94 minutes, p<0.001). Overall in-hospital mortality decreased from 9.6% to 7.1% (adjusted odds ratio 0.72, 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.03, p=0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Half a decade after the implementation of the STEMI network in Jakarta, Indonesia, the result is better and faster care for patients with STEMI and this has been associated with lower in-hospital mortality.

Two-year mortality of primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction during regular working hours versus off-hours

BACKGROUND

Studies with short-term follow-up found higher mortality in patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI during off-hours as compared to regular working hours. We analyzed the interaction between one and two-year survival of patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI during regular working hours and off-hours in a tertiary care academic teaching hospital.

METHODS

A total of 1126 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI between 2008 and 2013 were analyzed. Two-years follow-up were available in 941 (83%) patients. Multivariable survival analysis was used to estimate the relationship between treatment during off-hours versus regular hours and the incidence of all-cause mortality at 2-years follow-up. Logistic regression was used to calculate interaction p-values between time of admission and time (between ≤1 year and ≤2 year).

RESULTS

At 2-years, the mortality rate of patients admitted during off-hours and regular hours was similar (15% vs. 19%; adjusted hazard ratio 0.77; 95% confidence interval 0.52-1.16). Of the 941 patients, those who admitted during off-hours (N = 717) had similar median door-to-device time (94 min vs. 91 min), final Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 flow grade (93% vs. 91%) and use of dual antiplatelet within 24 h (96% vs. 98% respectively) as compared with regular hours admission (N = 224). There were no mortality difference observed between one year and two years (p interaction >0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this analysis, the similar mortality observed at one year between patients with STEMI treated by primary PCI during off-hour and regular hour were maintained at two years.

Characteristics, treatment and in-hospital outcomes of patients with STEMI in a metropolitan area of a developing country: an initial report of the extended Jakarta Acute Coronary Syndrome registry

OBJECTIVE

We studied the characteristics of patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after expansion of a STEMI registry as part of the STEMI network programme in a metropolitan city and the surrounding area covering ∼26 million inhabitants.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Emergency department of 56 health centres.

PARTICIPANTS

3015 patients with acute coronary syndrome, of which 1024 patients had STEMI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Characteristics of reperfusion therapy.

RESULTS

The majority of patients with STEMI (81%; N=826) were admitted to six academic percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centres. PCI centres received patients predominantly (56%; N=514) from a transfer process. The proportion of patients receiving acute reperfusion therapy was higher than non-reperfused patients (54% vs 46%, p<0.001), and primary PCI was the most common method of reperfusion (86%). The mean door-to-device (DTD) time was 102±68 min. In-hospital mortality of non-reperfused patients was higher than patients receiving primary PCI or fibrinolytic therapy (9.1% vs 3.2% vs 3.8%, p<0.001). Compared with non-academic PCI centres, patients with STEMI admitted to academic PCI centres who underwent primary PCI had shorter mean DTD time (96±44 min vs 140±151 min, p<0.001), higher use of manual thrombectomy (60.2% vs13.8%, p<0.001) and drug-eluting stent implantation (87% vs 69%, p=0.001), but had similar use of radial approach and intra-aortic balloon pump (55.7% vs 67.2%, and 2.2% vs 3.4%, respectively). In patients transferred for primary PCI, TIMI risk score ≥4 on presentation was associated with a prolonged door-in to door-out (DI-DO) time (adjusted OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.95, p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In the expanded JAC registry, a higher proportion of patients with STEMI received reperfusion therapy, but 46% still did not. In developing countries, focusing the prehospital care in the network should be a major focus of care to improve the DI-DO time along with improvement of DTD time at PCI centres.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02319473.

Balloon-Assisted Tracking: A Solution to Severe Subclavian Tortuosity Encountered During Transradial Primary PCI

Radial artery access is preferred over femoral access for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction because of the reduction in access site complications and mortality associated with the radial artery access. Successful transradial primary PCI requires knowledge of techniques to handle unexpected severe subclavian artery tortuosity. Balloon-assisted tracking (BAT) is one technique developed to negotiate the tortuosity and loops in the upper extremity. However, the use of BAT in dealing with a severe subclavian loop during a transradial primary PCI procedure has never been reported. We described a case of transradial primary PCI with severe subclavian artery loop that was negotiated successfully by the BAT technique.

A perspective on bioethanol production from biomass as alternative fuel for spark ignition engine

The increasing fuel consumption of fossil fuels has led to the development of alternative fuels for the future.

Blood Leukocyte Count on Admission Predicts Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Acute Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

We aim to test the hypothesis that blood leukocyte count adds prognostic information in patients with acute non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI). A total of 585 patients with acute non-STEMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk score ≥ 3) were enrolled in this cohort retrospective study. Blood leukocyte count was measured immediately after admission in the emergency department. The composite of death, reinfarction, urgent revascularization, and stroke during hospitalization were defined as the primary end point of the study. The mean age of the patients was 61 ± 9.6 years and most of them were male (79%). Using multivariate Cox regression analysis involving seven variables (history of smoking, hypertension, heart rate > 100 beats/minute, serum creatinine level > 1.5 mg/dL, blood leukocyte count > 11,000/µL, use of β-blocker, and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor), leukocyte count > 11,000/µL demonstrated to be a strong predictor of the primary end point (hazard ratio = 3.028; 95% confidence interval = 1.69-5.40, p < 0.001). The high blood leukocyte count on admission is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with acute non-STEMI.

Organisation of reperfusion therapy for STEMI in a developing country

Objective

Routine evaluation of performance measures for the system of care for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is needed to improve the STEMI network. We sought to evaluate the current status of reperfusion therapy for STEMI in the capital city of a developing country where a STEMI network was introduced in 2010.

Methods

Data were obtained from a local registry. A total of 28 812 patients admitted to the emergency department of a national cardiovascular hospital in three different periods (2007, 2010 and 2013) were retrospectively analysed; there were 2703 patients with STEMI.

Results

In 2013 compared with 2007, there was a major increase in the number of primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) (35% vs 24%, p<0.001), and the proportion of non-reperfused patients fell (62.8% vs 67.7%, p<0.001). An improvement in the overall STEMI mortality rate was also observed (7.5% vs 11.7%, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Implementation of a regional system of care for STEMI may improve utilisation of primary PCI. Future organisation of reperfusion therapy in a developing country such as Indonesia strongly calls for a strategy that focuses on prehospital care to minimise delay from the first medical contact to reperfusion therapy, and this may reduce the proportion of non-reperfused patients. These strategies are in concordance with guideline recommendations and may reduce or eliminate gaps in healthcare in developing countries, particularly the underutilisation of evidence-based therapies for patients with STEMI.

Trial registration number

NCT 02319473, Clinicaltrials.gov.

Impact of Timing of Eptifibatide Administration on Preprocedural Infarct-Related Artery Patency in Acute STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary PCI

The appropriate timing of eptifibatide initiation for acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the impact of timing of eptifibatide administration on infarct-related artery (IRA) patency in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. Acute STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI (n = 324) were enrolled in this retrospective study; 164 patients received eptifibatide bolus ≤ 30 minutes after emergency department (ED) admission (group A) and 160 patients received eptifibatide bolus > 30 minutes after ED admission (group B). The primary endpoint was preprocedural IRA patency. Most patients in group A (90%) and group B (89%) were late presenters (> 2 hours after symptom onset). The two groups had similar preprocedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 2 or 3 flow of the IRA (26 vs. 24%, p = not significant [NS]), similar creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels at 8 hours after admission (339 vs. 281 U/L, p = NS), similar left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (52 vs. 50%, p = NS), and similar 30-day mortality (2 vs. 7%, p = NS). Compared with group B, patients in group A had shorter door-to-device time (p < 0.001) and shorter procedural time (p = 0.004), without increased bleeding risk (13 vs. 18%, p = NS). Earlier intravenous administration of eptifibatide before primary PCI did not improve preprocedural IRA patency, CK-MB level at 8 hours after admission, LVEF and 30-day mortality compared with patients who received intravenous eptifibatide that was administered later.

Complete transitioning to the radial approach for primary percutaneous coronary intervention: a real-world single-center registry of 1808 consecutive patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

To compare the short- and long-term outcomes of transradial approach (TRA) versus transfemoral approach (TFA) for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) during a complete institutional transition from TFA to TRA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An all-comer population of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients (n=1808) who underwent PPCI using TRA (n=1162) and TFA (n=646) from October 2007 to December 2010 were enrolled. TRA was used in 25% of PPCIs by 2007 and in 96% of PPCIs in 2010. Primary endpoints were cardiovascular death and major adverse cardiac event (MACE), defined as a composite of death, stroke, reinfarction, and target vessel revascularization at 30 days and 1 year. At 30 days, TRA compared to TFA was associated with a significant reduction of cardiovascular mortality (5.2% vs 10.5%; P<.001), significant MACE reduction (7.3% vs 12.5%; P<.001), fewer access-site complications (0.9% vs 8.2%; P<.001), and lower TIMI major bleeding (1.1% vs 4.3%; P<.001). At 1 year, the cardiovascular mortality and MACE rates were also in favor of the TRA group (6.9% vs 11.5%; P<.001 and 11.6% vs 20.1%; P<.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Complete transition from femoral access to a preferred radial access is safe and effective for STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, with a favorable effect on short- and long-term outcomes.

A Randomized Comparison between Everolimus-Eluting Stent and Cobalt Chromium Stent in Patients with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using Routine Intravenous Eptifibatide: The X-MAN (Xience vs. Multi-Link Stent in Acute Myocardial Infarction) Trial, A Pilot Study

The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of an everolimus-eluting stent (EES/Xience; Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA) compared with a cobalt chromium stent (CoCr/Multi-Link Vision; Abbott Vascular) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with routine administration of eptifibatide infusion. This is a prospective, single center, randomized trial comparing EES (n = 75) and CoCr stent (n = 75) implantation in patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI. Intravenous eptifibatide administration was mandatory by protocol in this pilot study. The primary efficacy endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 30 days, defined as the composite of death, reinfarction, and target vessel revascularization. Secondary safety endpoints were stent thrombosis at 30 days and in-hospital bleeding event. Acute reperfusion parameters were also assessed. One-month MACE rate did not differ between EES and CoCr group (1.3 vs. 1.3%, p = 1.0). No stent thrombosis cases were observed in the EES group. The groups did not differ with respect to in-hospital bleeding events (5 vs. 9%, p = 0.37), achievement of final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow 2 or 3 (p = 0.21), achievement of myocardial blush grade 2 or 3 (p = 0.45), creatine kinase-MB level at 8 to 12 hours after stenting (p = 0.29), and left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.21). This pilot study demonstrates that after one-month follow-up, the use of EES is as safe and effective as the use of CoCr stents in patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI with routine administration of intravenous eptifibatide.

The Use of Intra-aortic Balloon Pump in a Real-World Setting: A Comparison between Survivors and Nonsurvivors from Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated with IABP. The Jakarta Acute Coronary Syndrome Registry

Real-world data on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients who received intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of ACS patients who received IABP support from a real-world ACS registry. Patients with ACS (N = 121) who received IABP support were enrolled. Characteristics of survivors and nonsurvivors were compared at 30 days. Mortality rate of patients with ACS who received IABP was 47%. The survivors (N = 64) had less often cardiogenic shock (p < 0.001), more often IABP usage as back-up for a revascularization procedure (p = 0.002), less often resuscitation (p = 0.043), and less mechanical ventilator support (p < 0.001) than nonsurvivors. The nonsurvivors had a significantly higher leukocyte count (p = 0.033), a higher serum creatinine level (p < 0.001), a higher blood sugar on admission (p = 0.001), higher creatine kinase MB levels (p = 0.002), and a higher serum uric acid level (p < 0.001), but significantly lower left and right ventricular function (p = 0.014 and p = 0.003, respectively) than survivors. At 30 days, non-ST elevation (STE)-ACS patients had lower mortality rate than ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients (log-rank test, p < 0.001), and non-STE-ACS patients who had not suffered from cardiogenic shock showed the lowest mortality rate (log-rank test, p < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, a heart rate ≥ 100 beats per minute before IABP insertion was the strongest predictor of 30-day mortality (hazard ratio = 5.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.49 to 21.78; p = 0.011). In ACS patients presenting with either cardiogenic shock, resuscitated, or patients who needed mechanical ventilation suffered from high mortality, despite the use of IABP. IABP appears to be safe and tended to be favorable in noncardiogenic shock ACS patients, particularly non-STE-ACS. A heart rate of ≥ 100 beats per minute prior to IABP insertion was the strongest predictor of 30-day mortality.