Impact of Society Guidelines on Trends in Use of Newer P2Y12 Inhibitors for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, major society guidelines have recommended the use of newer P2Y12 inhibitors over clopidogrel for those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome. It is unclear what impact these recommendations had on clinical practice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All percutaneous coronary intervention procedures (n=534 210) for acute coronary syndrome in England and Wales (April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2022) were retrospectively analyzed, stratified by choice of preprocedural P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine odds ratios of receipt of ticagrelor and prasugrel (versus clopidogrel) over time, and predictors of their receipt. Overall, there was a significant increase in receipt of newer P2Y12 inhibitors from 2010 to 2020 (2022 versus 2010: ticagrelor odds ratio, 8.12 [95% CI, 7.67-8.60]; prasugrel odds ratio, 6.14 [95% CI, 5.53-6.81]), more so in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction than non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome indication. The most significant increase in odds of receipt of prasugrel was observed between 2020 and 2022 (P<0.001), following a decline/plateau in its use in earlier years (2011-2019). In contrast, the odds of receipt of ticagrelor significantly increased in earlier years (2012-2017, Ptrend<0.001), after which the trend was stable (Ptrend=0.093).

CONCLUSIONS

Over a 13-year-period, there has been a significant increase in use of newer P2Y12 inhibitors, although uptake of prasugrel use remained significantly lower than ticagrelor. Earlier society guidelines (pre-2017) were associated with the highest rates of ticagrelor use for non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome and ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction cases while the ISAR-REACT 5 (Prospective, Randomized Trial of Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome) trial and later society guidelines were associated with higher prasugrel use, mainly for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction indication.

Influence of sex on the timing of coronary angiography and the prescription of antiplatelet therapy in patients with nonST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

To assess differences in the clinical management of nonST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), including in-hospital events, according to biological sex.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective observational multicenter study of patients diagnosed with NSTEMI and atherosclerosis who underwent coronary angiography.

RESULTS

We enrolled 1020 patients in April and May 2022; 240 (23.5%) were women. Women were older than men on average (72.6 vs 66.5 years, P .001), and more women were frail (17.1% vs 5.6%, P .001). No difference was observed in pretreatment with any P2Y12 inhibitor (prescribed in 68.8% of women vs 70.2% of men, P = .67); however, more women than men were prescribed clopidogrel (56% vs 44%, P = .009). Women prescribed clopidogrel were more often under the age of 75 years and not frail. Coronary angiography was performed within 24 hours less corooften in women (29.8% vs 36.9%, P = .03) even when high risk was recognized. Frailty was independently associated with deferring coronary angiography in the adjusted analysis; biological sex by itself was not related. The frequency and type of revascularization were the same in both sexes, and there were no differences in in-hospital cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSION

Women were more often prescribed less potent antithrombotic therapy than men. Frailty, but not sex, correlated independently with deferral of coronary angiography. However, we detected no differences in the frequency of coronary revascularization or in-hospital events according to sex.

Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibition in Patients With STEMI vs NSTEMI

BACKGROUND

Patients who sustain an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), including ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), remain at high risk for heart failure (HF), coronary events, and death. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been shown to significantly decrease the risk for cardiovascular events in both STEMI and NSTEMI patients.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to determine whether angiotensin-receptor blockade and neprilysin inhibition with sacubitril/valsartan, compared with ramipril, has impact on reducing cardiovascular events according to the type of AMI.

METHODS

The PARADISE-MI (Prospective ARNI versus ACE inhibitor trial to DetermIne Superiority in reducing heart failure Events after Myocardial Infarction) trial enrolled patients with AMI complicated by left ventricular dysfunction and/or pulmonary congestion and at least 1 risk-enhancing factor. Patients were randomized to either sacubitril/valsartan or ramipril. The primary endpoint was death from cardiovascular causes or incident HF. In this prespecified analysis, we stratified patients according to AMI type.

RESULTS

Of 5,661 enrolled patients, 4,291 (75.8%) had STEMI. These patients were younger and had fewer comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors than NSTEMI patients. After adjustment for potential confounders, the risk for the primary outcome was marginally higher in NSTEMI vs STEMI patients (adjusted HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.00-1.41), with borderline statistical significance (P = 0.05). The primary composite outcome occurred at similar rates in patients randomized to sacubitril/valsartan vs ramipril in STEMI (10% vs 12%; HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.73-1.04; P = 0.13) and NSTEMI patients (17% vs 17%; HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.75-1.25; P = 0.80; P interaction = 0.53).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with ramipril, sacubitril/valsartan did not significantly decrease the risk for cardiovascular death and HF in patients with AMI complicated by left ventricular dysfunction, irrespective of the type of AMI. (Prospective ARNI vs ACE Inhibitor Trial to Determine Superiority in Reducing Heart Failure Events After MI; NCT02924727).

Bivalirudin Versus Heparin During PCI in NSTEMI: Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Large Randomized Trials

BACKGROUND

The benefit:risk profile of bivalirudin versus heparin anticoagulation in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is uncertain. Study-level meta-analyses lack granularity to provide conclusive answers. We sought to compare the outcomes of bivalirudin and heparin in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing PCI.

METHODS

We performed an individual patient data meta-analysis of patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction in all 5 trials that randomized ≥1000 patients with any myocardial infarction undergoing PCI to bivalirudin versus heparin (MATRIX [Minimizing Adverse Hemorrhagic Events by Transradial Access Site and Systemic Implementation of Angiox], VALIDATE-SWEDEHEART [Bivalirudin Versus Heparin in ST-Segment and Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients on Modern Antiplatelet Therapy in the Swedish Web System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies Registry Trial], ISAR-REACT 4 [Intracoronary Stenting and Antithrombotic Regimen: Rapid Early Action for Coronary Treatment 4], ACUITY [Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage Strategy], and BRIGHT [Bivalirudin in Acute Myocardial Infarction vs Heparin and GPI Plus Heparin Trial]). The primary effectiveness and safety end points were 30-day all-cause mortality and serious bleeding.

RESULTS

A total of 12 155 patients were randomized: 6040 to bivalirudin (52.3% with a post-PCI bivalirudin infusion), and 6115 to heparin (53.2% with planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use). Thirty-day mortality was not significantly different between bivalirudin and heparin (1.2% versus 1.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.24 [95% CI, 0.86-1.79]; P=0.25). Cardiac mortality, reinfarction, and stent thrombosis rates were also not significantly different. Bivalirudin reduced serious bleeding (both access site-related and non-access site-related) compared with heparin (3.3% versus 5.5%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.48-0.72; P<0.0001). Outcomes were consistent regardless of use of a post-PCI bivalirudin infusion or routine lycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use with heparin and during 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing PCI, procedural anticoagulation with bivalirudin and heparin did not result in significantly different rates of mortality or ischemic events, including stent thrombosis and reinfarction. Bivalirudin reduced serious bleeding compared with heparin arising both from the access site and nonaccess sites.

Early beta-blocker therapy improves in-hospital mortality of patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction - a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although current guidelines endorse early beta-blocker therapy in stable patients with STEMI, there is no clear recommendation on the early use of these drugs in patients with NSTEMI.

METHODS

Literature search was conducted by 3 independent researchers using PubMed/MEDLINE, CDSR, CENTRAL, CCAs, EBM Reviews, Web of Science and LILACS. Studies were eligible if (P) patients included were ≥ 18 years of age and had non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), (I) early (<24 h) treatment with intravenous or oral beta-blockers was compared to (C) no treatment with beta-blockers and data on (O) in-hospital mortality and/or in-hospital cardiogenic shock were depicted. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random effects models with the Mantel-Haenszel method. The Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method was used as estimator for τ2.

RESULTS

977 records were screened for eligibility, which led to the inclusion of 4 retrospective, nonrandomized, observational cohort studies comprising a total of N = 184,951 patients. After pooling of the effect sizes, early therapy with beta-blockers resulted in a reduction of in-hospital mortality (OR 0.43 [0.36-0.51], p = 0.0022) despite no significant effect on the prevalence of cardiogenic shock (OR 0.36 [0.07-1.91], p = 0.1196).

CONCLUSION

Early treatment with beta-blockers was associated with an attenuation of in-hospital mortality despite no increase in cardiogenic shock. Thus, early therapy with these drugs could elicit beneficial effects on top of reperfusion therapy, similar to the effects seen in STEMI-patients. The low number of studies (k = 4) has to be considered when interpreting the findings of this analysis.

Comparing a strategy of sirolimus-eluting balloon treatment to drug-eluting stent implantation in de novo coronary lesions in all-comers: Design and rationale of the SELUTION DeNovo Trial

BACKGROUND

Drug eluting stents (DES) are associated with a 2% to 4% annual rate of target lesion failure through 5-to-10-year follow-up. The presence of a metallic protheses is a trigger for neo-atherosclerosis and very late stent thrombosis. A "leave nothing behind" strategy using Drug Coated Balloons has been suggested; however, paclitaxel coated balloons are only recommended in selected indications. Recently a novel sirolimus eluting balloon, the SELUTION SLR ^TM 014 PTCA balloon (SEB) (M.A. MedAlliance SA, Nyon, Switzerland) has been developed.

HYPOTHESIS

A strategy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with SEB and provisional DES is non-inferior to a strategy of systematic DES on target vessel failure (TVF) at one and five years. If non-inferiority is met at 5 years, superiority will be tested.

DESIGN

SELUTION DeNovo is a multi-center international open-label randomized trial. Subjects meeting eligibility criteria are randomized 1:1 to treatment of all lesions with either SEB and provisional DES or systematic DES. Major inclusion criteria are PCI indicated for ≥1 lesion considered suitable for treatment by either SEB or DES and clinical presentation with chronic coronary syndrome, unstable angina or non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). There is no limitation in the number of lesions to be treated. Target lesions diameters are between 2 and 5 mm. Major exclusion criteria are lesions in the left main artery, chronic total occlusions, ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and unstable non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Three thousand three hundred twenty six patients will be included in 50 sites in Europe and Asia. TVF rates and their components will be determined at 30 days, 6 months and annually up to 5 years post-intervention. Among secondary endpoints, bleeding events, cost-effectiveness data and net clinical benefits will be assessed.

SUMMARY

SELUTION DeNovo trial is an open-label, multi-center international randomized trial comparing a strategy of PCI with SEB and provisional DES to a strategy of PCI with systematic DES on TVF at one and five years. Non-inferiority will be tested at one and five years. If non-inferiority is met at five years, superiority will be tested.

Advances in the available pharmacotherapy for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation

INTRODUCTION

Non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS), including non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina, represent a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with important socio-economic consequences. NSTEMI accounts for the majority of acute coronary syndromes and usually develops on the background of a nonocclusive thrombus. We searched for relevant literature in the field in PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov as of July 2022.

AREAS COVERED

A number of pharmacotherapies are currently available for treatment and secondary prevention, mainly including antithrombotic, lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory drugs. Pretreatment with aspirin, anticoagulant and statin therapy is of key importance in the preprocedural phase, while pretreating with an oral P2Y12 inhibitor is not routinely indicated in patients undergoing early invasive management. For patients undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization, pharmacotherapy essentially consists of antithrombotic drugs, which should be carefully selected. Finally, antithrombotic, lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory drugs are important components of long-term secondary prevention after a NSTE-ACS.

EXPERT OPINION

This article reviews the evidence supporting recommendation on pharmacotherapy in patients presenting with a NSTE-ACS. Several randomized clinical trials are still ongoing and are expected to further inform scientific knowledge and clinical practice, with the final aim to improve the treatment of NSTE-ACS patients.

Impact of medications on outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Various inhaled bronchodilators have been associated with cardiovascular safety concerns. This study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the safety of COPD medications in patients after their first acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

This nationwide cohort study was conducted using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients hospitalized between 2000 and 2012 with a primary diagnosis of first AMI were included and divided into three cohorts (AMI, ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI], and non-STEMI [NSTEMI]). Each cohort was propensity score matched (1:1) with patients without COPD. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

A total of 186 112 patients with AMI were enrolled, and COPD was diagnosed in 13 065 (7%) patients. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with COPD had a higher mortality risk than those without COPD in all cohorts (AMI, STEMI, and NSTEMI). The HR of mortality in AMI, STEMI, and NSTEMI patients with COPD was 1.12 (95% CI, 1.09-1.14), 1.20 (95% CI, 1.14-1.25), and 1.07 (95% CI, 1.04-1.10), respectively. Short-acting inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids increased mortality risk in all three cohorts. However, long-acting inhaled bronchodilators reduced mortality risk in patients with AMI (long-acting beta-agonist [LABA]: HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81-0.94; long-acting muscarinic antagonist [LAMA]: HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69-0.96) and NSTEMI (LABA: HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.97; LAMA: HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.68-0.96).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that AMI patients with COPD had higher mortality rates than those without COPD. Using inhaled short-acting bronchodilators and corticosteroids reduced survival, whereas long-acting bronchodilators provided survival benefits in AMI and NSTEMI patients. Therefore, appropriate COPD medication for acute AMI is crucial.

Survey of clinical practice pattern in Germany's certified chest pain units : Adherence to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines on non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

We aimed to analyze the 2020 standard of care in certified German chest pain units (CPU) with a special focus on non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) through a voluntary survey obtained from all certified units, using a prespecified questionnaire.

METHODS

The assessment included the collection of information on diagnostic protocols, risk assessment, management and treatment strategies in suspected NSTE-ACS, the timing of invasive therapy in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and the choice of antiplatelet therapy.

RESULTS

The response rate was 75%. Among all CPUs, 77% are currently using the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/3‑h high-sensitive troponin protocol, and only 20% use the ESC 0/1‑h high-sensitive troponin protocol as a default strategy. Conventional ergometry is still the commonly performed stress test with a utilization rate of 47%. Among NSTEMI patients, coronary angiography is planned within 24 h in 96% of all CPUs, irrespective of the day of the week. Prasugrel is the P2Y12 inhibitor of choice in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but despite the impact of the ISAR-REACT 5 trial on selection of antiplatelet therapy, ticagrelor is still favored over prasugrel in NSTE-ACS. If triple therapy is used in NSTE-ACS with atrial fibrillation, it is maintained up to 4 weeks in 51% of these patients.

CONCLUSION

This survey provides evidence that Germany's certified CPUs ensure a high level of guideline adherence and quality of care. The survey also identified areas in need of improvement such as the high utilization rate of stress electrocardiogram (ECG).

Periprocedural Antithrombotic Treatment in Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the management of complex lesions in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) constitutes a field of high interest and concern for the interventional cardiology. As more and more studies demonstrate the increased hazard of ischemic events in this group of patients, it is of paramount importance for the physicians to choose the optimal periprocedural (pre-PCI, during-PCI and post-PCI) antithrombotic treatment strategies wisely. Evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of current anticoagulation recommendation, the possible beneficial role of the pretreatment with a potent P2Y12 inhibitor in the subgroup of patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction with complex lesions, and the impact of a more potent P2Y12 inhibitor in individuals with stable coronary artery disease undergoing complex PCI are needed. This will provide and serve as a guide to clinicians to deploy the maximum efficacy of the current choices of antithrombotic therapy, which will lead to an optimal balance between safety and efficacy in this demanding clinical scenario.

Comparison of Outcomes with or without Beta-Blocker Therapy After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients Without Heart Failure or Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (from the Acute Coronary Syndromes Israeli Survey [ACSIS])

The contemporary benefit of routine beta-blocker therapy following myocardial infraction in the absence of heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction is unclear. We investigated the impact of beta-blockers on post myocardial infarction outcome in patients without heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction among patients enrolled in the biennial Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Surveys. MACE rates at 30 days and overall mortality at one year were compared among patients discharged on beta-blockers versus not, after multivariate analysis to adjust for baseline differences. Between the years 2000 to 2016, data from 15.211consecutive ACS patients were collected. Of 7,392 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 6007 (79.9%) were discharged on beta-blocker therapy. Prescription of beta-blockers at discharge increased modestly from 32% to 38% over the 16-year period. The 30-day MACE rates were similar in patients on vs. not on beta-blockers at discharge (9.0% and 9.5%, respectively). One year survival did not differ significantly between those on vs. not on beta-blockers (HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.11, p = 0.18).In conclusion, beta-blocker therapy did not affect 30 days MACE or 1-year survival after myocardial infarction in patients without heart failure or reduced ejection fraction.

Multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and drug-drug-gene interactions following a non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome: analysis of a multicentre observational study

BACKGROUND

The number of patients living with co-existing diseases is growing. This study aimed to assess the extent of multimorbidity, medication use, and drug- and gene-based interactions in patients following a non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).

METHODS

In 1456 patients discharged from hospital for a NSTE-ACS, comorbidities and multimorbidity (≥ 2 chronic conditions) were assessed. Of these, 698 had complete drug use recorded at discharge, and 652 (the 'interaction' cohort) had drug use and actionable genotypes available for CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A5, DPYD, F5, SLCO1B1, TPMT, UGT1A1, and VKORC1. The following drug interactions were investigated: pharmacokinetic drug-drug (DDIs) involving CYPs (CYPs above, plus CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP3A4), SLCO1B1, and P-glycoprotein; drug-gene (DGIs); drug-drug-gene (DDGIs); and drug-gene-gene (DGGIs). Interactions predicted to be 'substantial' were defined as follows: DDIs due to strong inhibitors/inducers, DGIs due to variant homozygous/compound heterozygous genotypes, and DDGIs/DGGIs where the constituent DDI/DGI(s) both influenced the victim drug in the same direction.

RESULTS

In the whole cohort, 727 (49.9%) patients had multimorbidity. Non-linear relationships between age and increasing comorbidities and decreasing coronary intervention were observed. There were 98.1% and 39.8% patients on ≥ 5 and ≥ 10 drugs, respectively (from n = 698); women received more non-cardiovascular drugs than men (median (IQR) 3 (1-5) vs 2 (1-4), p = 0.014). Overall, 98.7% patients had at least one actionable genotype. Within the interaction cohort, 882 interactions were identified in 503 patients (77.1%), of which 346 in 252 patients (38.7%) were substantial: 59.2%, 11.6%, 26.3%, and 2.9% substantial interactions were DDIs, DGIs, DDGIs, and DGGIs, respectively. CYP2C19 (49.5% of all interactions) and SLCO1B1 (18.4%) were involved in the largest number of interactions. Multimorbidity (p = 0.019) and number of drugs (p = 9.8 × 10-10) were both associated with patients having ≥ 1 substantial interaction. Multimorbidity (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.10-2.82, p = 0.019), number of drugs (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.16, p = 1.2 × 10-3), and age (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07, p = 8.9 × 10-7), but not drug interactions, were associated with increased subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and drug interactions are common after a NSTE-ACS. Replication of results is required; however, the high prevalence of DDGIs suggests integrating co-medications with genetic data will improve medicines optimisation.

Novel Insights Into the Effects of Interleukin 6 Antagonism in Non-ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Employing the SOMAscan Proteomics Platform

Background Interleukin 6 concentration is associated with myocardial injury, heart failure, and mortality after myocardial infarction. In the Norwegian tocilizumab non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction trial, the first randomized trial of interleukin 6 blockade in myocardial infarction, concentration of both C-reactive protein and troponin T were reduced in the active treatment arm. In this follow-up study, an aptamer-based proteomic approach was employed to discover additional plasma proteins modulated by tocilizumab treatment to gain novel insights into the effects of this therapeutic approach. Methods and Results Plasma from percutaneous coronary intervention-treated patients, 24 in the active intervention and 24 in the placebo-control arm, drawn 48 hours postrandomization were randomly selected for analysis with the SOMAscan assay. Employing slow off-rate aptamers, the relative abundance of 1074 circulating proteins was measured. Proteins identified as being significantly different between groups were subsequently measured by enzyme immunoassay in the whole trial cohort (117 patients) at all time points (days 1-3 [7 time points] and 3 and 6 months). Five proteins identified by the SOMAscan assay, and subsequently confirmed by enzyme immunoassay, were significantly altered by tocilizumab administration. The acute-phase proteins lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, hepcidin, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4 were all reduced during the hospitalization phase, as was the monocyte chemoattractant C-C motif chemokine ligand 23. Proteinase 3, released primarily from neutrophils, was significantly elevated. Conclusions Employing the SOMAscan aptamer-based proteomics platform, 5 proteins were newly identified that are modulated by interleukin 6 antagonism and may mediate the therapeutic effects of tocilizumab in non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

Associations between use of prasugrel vs clopidogrel and outcomes by type of acute coronary syndrome: an analysis from the PROMETHEUS registry

We sought to investigate the utilization of prasugrel and its association with outcomes relative to clopidogrel in three typical subgroups of ACS in a real-world setting. Prasugrel is superior to clopidogrel for reducing risk of ischemic events in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but is associated with an increased risk of bleeding complications. PROMETHEUS was a retrospective multicenter observational study of 19,913 ACS patients undergoing PCI from 8 centers in the United States between 2010 and 2013. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke or unplanned revascularization. The study cohort included 3285 (16.5%) patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 5412 (27.2%) patients with NSTEMI and 11,216 (56.3%) patients with unstable angina (UA). The frequency of prasugrel use at discharge was highest in STEMI and lowest in UA patients, 27.3% versus 22.2% versus 18.9% (p < 0.001). Use of prasugrel vs clopidogrel was associated with a lower rate of MACE in STEMI, NSTEMI, or UA at 1 year, but the differences were attenuated for all groups except for patients with UA (adjusted HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69-0.94, p = 0.006) after propensity adjusted analysis. After adjustment, there was no difference in bleeding risk between prasugrel and clopidogrel for all groups at 1 year. STEMI patients were more likely to receive prasugrel compared to NSTEMI and UA patients. Prasugrel was associated with reduced adverse outcomes compared with clopidogrel in unadjusted analyses, findings that were largely attenuated upon adjustment and suggest preferential use of prasugrel in low vs high risk patients.

Comparison of bioavailability and antiplatelet action of ticagrelor in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: A prospective, observational, single-centre study

BACKGROUND

Data from available studies suggest that the presence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may be associated with delayed and attenuated ticagrelor bioavailability and effect compared with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

METHODS

In a single-center, prospective, observational trial 73 patients with myocardial infarction (STEMI n = 49, NSTEMI n = 24) underwent a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessment after a 180 mg ticagrelor loading dose (LD). Ticagrelor and its active metabolite (AR-C124910XX) plasma concentrations were determined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and their antiplatelet effect was measured with the VASP assay and multiple electrode aggregometry.

RESULTS

During the first six hours after ticagrelor LD, STEMI patients had 38% and 34% lower plasma concentration of ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX, respectively, than NSTEMI (ticagrelor AUC(0-6): 2491 [344-5587] vs. 3991 [1406-9284] ng*h/mL; p = 0.038; AR-C124910XX AUC(0-6): 473 [0-924] vs. 712 [346-1616] ng*h/mL; p = 0.027). STEMI patients also required more time to achieve maximal concentration of ticagrelor (tmax: 4.0 [3.0-12.0] vs. 2.5 [2.0-6.0] h; p = 0.012). Impaired bioavailability of ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX seen in STEMI subjects was associated with diminished platelet inhibition in this group, which was most pronounced during the initial hours of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX during the first hours after ticagrelor LD were one third lower in STEMI than in NSTEMI patients. This reduced and delayed ticagrelor bioavailability was associated with weaker antiplatelet effect in STEMI.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02602444 (November 09, 2015).

Biolimus-A9 polymer-free coated stent in high bleeding risk patients with acute coronary syndrome: a Leaders Free ACS sub-study

Aims

Although a true clinical challenge, high bleeding risk patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have never been specifically studied. Leaders Free ACS, a pre-specified Leaders Free sub-study, determined efficacy, and safety of a combination of 1-month dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) with implantation of either a polymer-free Biolimus-A9-coated stent (BA9-DCS) or a bare-metal stent (BMS) in these patients.

Methods and results

Leaders Free included 2466 patients undergoing PCI who had at least 1 of 13 pre-defined factors for an increased bleeding risk. Of these, 659 ACS patients were included in this analysis (BA9-DCS 330, BMS 329). At 12-month follow-up, treatment with the BA9-DCS was more effective (clinically driven target-lesion revascularization 3.9 vs. 9.0%, P = 0.009) and safer (cumulative incidence of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or definite or probable stent thrombosis 9.3 vs. 18.5%, P = 0.001), driven by significantly lower rates of cardiac mortality (3.4 vs. 6.9%, P = 0.049) and myocardial infarction (6.9 vs. 13.8%, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

We believe that the results of this sub-analysis from the Leaders Free trial are likely to significantly impact clinical practice for high bleeding risk patients presenting with an ACS: the use of a BMS can, in our view, no longer be recommended, and, given the paucity of available data for second-generation DES with shortened DAPT in these patients, the BA9-DCS should currently be considered as the device with the strongest evidence to support its use for this indication.

Decade-Long Trends (2001 to 2011) in the Use of Evidence-Based Medical Therapies at the Time of Hospital Discharge for Patients Surviving Acute Myocardial Infarction

Optimization of medical therapy during discharge planning is vital for improving patient outcomes after hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, limited information is available about recent trends in the prescribing of evidence-based medical therapies in these patients, especially from a population-based perspective. We describe decade-long trends in the discharge prescribing of aspirin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, β blockers, and statins in hospital survivors of AMI. The study population consisted of 5,253 patients who were discharged from all 11 hospitals in central Massachusetts after AMI in 6 biennial periods from 2001 to 2011. Combination medical therapy (CMT) was defined as the prescription of all 4 cardiac medications at hospital discharge. The average age of this patient population was 69.2 years and 57.7% were men. Significant increases were observed in the use of CMT, from 25.6% in 2001 to 48.7% in 2011, with increases noted for each of the individual cardiac medications examined. Subgroup analysis also showed improvement in discharge prescriptions for P2Y12 inhibitors in patients who underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention. Presence of a do-not-resuscitate order, before co-morbidities, hospitalization for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, admission to a nonteaching hospital, and failure to undergo cardiac catheterization or a percutaneous coronary intervention were associated with underuse of CMT. In conclusion, our study demonstrates encouraging trends in the prescribing of evidence-based medications at hospital discharge for AMI. However, certain patient subgroups continue to be at risk for underuse of CMT, suggesting the need for strategies to enhance compliance with current practice guidelines.

Variation in Practice Regarding Pretreatment With Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Patients With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Despite guideline recommendations, a significant number of patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) do not receive dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) before angiography "pretreatment." While there may be valid clinical reasons to not pretreat, such as concern for bleeding or multivessel disease warranting coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the degree of variability and factors associated with DAPT pretreatment are unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From the multicenter TRIUMPH registry, 1632 NSTEMI patients were not taking DAPT on admission and were included in the study cohort. Among the study patients, only 22% patients received DAPT pretreatment. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that race other than white or black (odds ratio [OR] 0.41, 95% CI 0.21-0.83), hemoglobin level (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08-1.29), patients' bleeding risk (assessed with NCDR CathPCI Bleeding Risk Score) (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74-0.99), and severe left ventricular dysfunction (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.13-0.65) were the main predictors of pretreatment with DAPT, whereas likelihood of needing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (GRACE prediction model) was not (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.88-1.35). Median ORs were calculated to assess variability of receiving DAPT pretreatment across sites after adjustment for patient characteristics. Receiving DAPT pretreatment varied substantially across sites (range 0-100%, mean OR 3.94, P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

While deviating from guideline-recommended DAPT pretreatment in patients with NSTEMI was associated with patient factors (eg, bleeding risk), marked variation was present across sites after accounting for patient-level characteristics. This suggests that site-level interventions are needed to improve concordance with current guidelines.

Effects of liraglutide on left ventricular function in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

The influence of glucagon-like peptide-1 has been studied in several studies in patients with acute myocardial infarction, but not in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We planned to evaluate the effects of liraglutide on left ventricular function in patients with NSTEMI. A total of 90 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either liraglutide (0.6 mg for 2 days, 1.2 mg for 2 days, followed by 1.8 mg for 3 days) or placebo for 7 days. Eighty-three patients completed the trial. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess left ventricular function. At 3 months, the primary endpoint, the difference in the change in left ventricular ejection fraction between the two groups was +4.7 % (liraglutide vs. placebo 95 % CI +0.7 to +9.2 % P = 0.009) under intention-to-treat analysis. The difference in decrease in serum glycosylated hemoglobin levels was -0.2 % (liraglutide vs. placebo 95 % CI -0.1 to -0.3 %; P < 0.001). Inflammation and oxidative stress improved significantly in the liraglutide group compared to the placebo group. Liraglutide could improve left ventricular function in patients with NSTEMI, making it a potential adjuvant therapy for NSTEMI.

Bivalirudin versus heparin in non-ST and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction-a registry-based randomized clinical trial in the SWEDEHEART registry (the VALIDATE-SWEDEHEART trial)

BACKGROUND

The optimal anticoagulant for patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been validated in current practice of radial approach and pretreatment with potent P2Y12 inhibitors. Several studies have indicated increased bleeding rate and, in some instances, even increased mortality by the routine use of heparin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors compared to bivalirudin. Direct comparison of bivalirudin versus heparin alone has yielded contradictory results depending on study designs.

METHODS/DESIGN

The VALIDATE-SWEDEHEART trial is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, registry-based, controlled, and open-label clinical trial in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI undergoing PCI pretreated with ticagrelor, prasugrel, or cangrelor. We hypothesize that bivalirudin is superior to heparin alone in reducing death, myocardial infarction, and major bleeding events at 180 days (primary end point). The trial will enroll 3,000 patients with STEMI and 3,000 patients with non-STEMI undergoing PCI. The trial will use a hybrid registry-based randomized clinical trial design where inclusion, randomization, and baseline data collection are performed using The Swedish Web-system for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-based care in Heart disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies registry. The primary composite end point (death, myocardial infarction, or major bleeding events at 180 days) will be identified through active screening after 7 and 180 days and adjudicated by a blinded central end point committee. Secondary end points and long-term outcomes will be recorded from national registries.

CONCLUSION

The VALIDATE-SWEDEHEART trial is founded on a nationwide clinical registry and uses a hybrid registry-based randomized clinical trial (RRCT) design methodology to evaluate efficacy and safety of bivalirudin as compared to heparin alone for acute coronary syndrome, in a large population receiving contemporary recommended therapies including predominantly radial invasive approach and pretreatment with potent P2Y12 inhibitors.

Peculiarities of heart rate in the patients with unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and concomitant diabetes mellitus type 2

INTRODUCTION

type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most important medical and social problems in the world. Patients with diabetes are prone to coronary artery disease, in particular acute coronary syndrome, with atypical clinical signs and susceptibility to tachycardia. Elevated heart rate is an important factor of premature mortality in all patients with acute coronary syndrome. The aim of the investigation was to reveal the heart rate peculiarities in unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients suffering from diabetes mellitus type 2 for more effective treatment of these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

40 patients with unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction were examined in the consecutive way during 2013- 2015 years. The patients were divided in two groups. The main group consisted of 25 patients with UA and NSTEMI with concomitant DM. The control group consisted of 15 patients with UA and NSTEMI but without DM. Basic clinical examinations, electrocardiography and 24 hours electrocardiography monitoring were performed. Carvedilol in the dose from 12.5 to 25 mg daily was also prescribed.

RESULTS

we revealed statistically higher heart rate in the patients with unstable angina, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and concomitant DM on hospitalization, at the fifth day of treatment and before their discharge from the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Patients with unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in associations with diabetes mellitus type 2 are characterized with increased heart rate partly resistant to β-blockers, which indicates worse prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. 2. Prescription of carvedilol in daily dose 12.5 - 25 mg. is inadequate for obtaining HR < 70 bmp. in some patients with acute coronary syndrome and diabetes mellitus. 3. According to heart rate resistance to β-blockers in patients with unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and concomitant diabetes mellitus patients need individual titration of higher doses of carvedilol.