Predictors of bleeding and thrombotic events among patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer: insights from the ACTION randomized clinical trial

Therapeutic anticoagulation showed inconsistent results in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and selection of the best patients to use this strategy still a challenge balancing the risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic outcomes. The present post-hoc analysis of the ACTION trial evaluated the variables independently associated with both bleeding events (major bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding) and the composite outcomes thrombotic events (venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic embolism, or major adverse limb events). Variables were assessed one by one with independent logistic regressions and final models were chosen based on Akaike information criteria. The model for bleeding events showed an area under the curve of 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53 to 0.73), while the model for thrombotic events had an area under the curve of 0.72 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.79). Non-invasive respiratory support was associated with thrombotic but not bleeding events, while invasive ventilation was associated with both outcomes (Odds Ratio of 7.03 [95 CI% 1.95 to 25.18] for thrombotic and 3.14 [95% CI 1.11 to 8.84] for bleeding events). Beyond respiratory support, creatinine level (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.01 95% CI 1.00 to 1.02 for every 1.0 mg/dL) and history of coronary disease (OR 3.67; 95% CI 1.32 to 10.29) were also independently associated to the risk of thrombotic events. Non-invasive respiratory support, history of coronary disease, and creatinine level may help to identify hospitalized COVID-19 patients at higher risk of thrombotic complications.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04394377.

Early versus delayed coronary angiography in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and no ST-segment elevation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Recent randomized controlled trials did not show benefit of early/immediate coronary angiography (CAG) over a delayed/selective strategy in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and no ST-segment elevation. However, whether selected subgroups, specifically those with a high pretest probability of coronary artery disease may benefit from early CAG remains unclear.

METHODS

We included all randomized controlled trials that compared a strategy of early/immediate versus delayed/selective CAG in OHCA patients and no ST elevation and had a follow-up of at least 30 days. The primary outcome of interest was all-cause death. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated and pooled across trials. Interaction testing was used to assess for heterogeneity of treatment effects.

RESULTS

In total, 1512 patients (67 years, 26% female, 23% prior myocardial infarction) were included from 5 randomized controlled trials. Early/immediate versus delayed/selective CAG was not associated with a statistically significant difference in odds of death (OR 1.12, 95%-CI 0.91-1.38), with similar findings for the composite outcome of all-cause death or neurological deficit (OR 1.10, 95%-CI 0.89-1.36). There was no effect modification for death by age, presence of a shockable initial cardiac rhythm, history of coronary artery disease, presence of an ischemic event as the presumed cause of arrest, or time to return of spontaneous circulation (all P-interaction > 0.10). However, early/immediate CAG tended to be associated with higher odds of death in women (OR 1.52, 95%-CI 1.00-2.31, P = 0.050) than in men (OR 1.04, 95%-CI 0.82-1.33, P = 0.74; P-interaction 0.097).

CONCLUSION

In OHCA patients without ST-segment elevation, a strategy of early/immediate versus delayed/selective CAG did not reduce all-cause mortality across major subgroups. However, women tended to have higher odds of death with early CAG.

Cardiovascular Safety of Azithromycin in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19: A Prespecified Pooled Analysis of the COALITION I and COALITION II Randomized Clinical Trials

The cardiovascular safety from azithromycin in the treatment of several infectious diseases has been challenged. In this prespecified pooled analysis of 2 multicenter randomized clinical trials, we aimed to assess whether the use of azithromycin might lead to corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation or clinically relevant ventricular arrhythmias. In the COALITION COVID Brazil I trial, 667 patients admitted with moderate COVID-19 were randomly allocated to hydroxychloroquine, hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin, or standard of care. In the COALITION COVID Brazil II trial, 447 patients with severe COVID-19 were randomly allocated to hydroxychloroquine alone versus hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin. The principal end point for the present analysis was the composite of death, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or ventricular arrhythmias. The addition of azithromycin to hydroxychloroquine did not result in any prolongation of the QTc interval (425.8 ± 3.6 ms vs 427.9 ± 3.9 ms, respectively, mean difference -2.1 ms, 95% confidence interval -12.5 to 8.4 ms, p = 0.70). The combination of azithromycin plus hydroxychloroquine compared with hydroxychloroquine alone did not result in increased risk of the primary end point (proportion of patients with events at 15 days 17.2% vs 16.0%, respectively, hazard ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.49, p = 0.65). In conclusion, in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 already receiving standard-of-care management (including hydroxychloroquine), the addition of azithromycin did not result in the prolongation of the QTc interval or increase in cardiovascular adverse events. Because azithromycin is among the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents, our results may inform clinical practice. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04322123, NCT04321278.

Long-term outcomes among stable post-acute myocardial infarction patients living in rural versus urban areas: insights from the prospective, observational TIGRIS registry

BACKGROUND

Insights on the differences in clinical outcomes, quality of life (QoL) and health resource utilisation (HRU) with different levels of care available to post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) populations in rural and urban settings are limited.

METHODS

The long-Term rIsk, clinical manaGement, and healthcare Resource utilisation of stable coronary artery dISease (TIGRIS), a prospective, observational registry, enrolled 8452 patients aged ≥50 years 1-3 years post-AMI from June 2013 to November 2014 from 24 countries in Asia Pacific/Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Differences in QoL (measured using the EuroQol Research Foundation instrument) and HRU between patients in rural and urban settings were evaluated in this post hoc analysis. The incidence of clinical endpoints (cardiovascular (CV) death, AMI, unstable angina with urgent revascularisation and stroke; bleeding; and all-cause mortality) was analysed. Data were collected at baseline and every 6 months for 24 months.

RESULTS

There were fewer hospitalisations and visits to general practitioners (GPs) and cardiologists in the rural versus urban populations (adjusted event rate ratio (ERR)=0.90 (95% CI, 0.82 to 1.00, p=0.04); ERR=0.84 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.92, p<0.001); ERR=0.86 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.92, p<0.001), respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed between rural and urban populations in all-cause death, AMI, unstable angina with urgent revascularisation, CV death, stroke, major bleeding events and health-related QoL. The adjusted incidence rate ratio was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.74 to 1.15) for the composite of CV death, AMI and stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Living in rural areas was associated with fewer GP/cardiologist visits and hospitalisations; no significant differences in clinical outcomes and QoL were observed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01866904.

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy versus dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing coronary stenting: rationale and design of the NEOMINDSET Trial

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is currently the standard of care after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recent studies suggest that reducing DAPT to 1-3 months followed by an aspirin-free single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) strategy with a potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitor is safe and associated with less bleeding. However, to date, no randomised trial has tested the impact of initiating SAPT immediately after PCI, particularly in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). NEOMINDSET is a multicentre, randomised, open-label trial with a blinded outcome assessment designed to compare SAPT versus DAPT in 3,400 ACS patients undergoing PCI with the latest-generation drug-eluting stents (DES). After successful PCI and up to 4 days following hospital admission, patients are randomised to receive SAPT with a potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitor (ticagrelor or prasugrel) or DAPT (aspirin plus a potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitor) for 12 months. Aspirin is discontinued immediately after randomisation in the SAPT group. The choice between ticagrelor and prasugrel is at the investigator's discretion. The primary hypothesis is that SAPT will be non-inferior to DAPT with respect to the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction or urgent target vessel revascularisation, but superior to DAPT on rates of bleeding defined by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 2, 3 or 5 criteria. NEOMINDSET is the first study that is specifically designed to test SAPT versus DAPT immediately following PCI with DES in ACS patients. This trial will provide important insights on the efficacy and safety of withdrawing aspirin in the early phase of ACS. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04360720).

Randomized Trial of Anticoagulation Strategies for Noncritically Ill Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Prior studies of therapeutic-dose anticoagulation in patients with COVID-19 have reported conflicting results.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine the safety and effectiveness of therapeutic-dose anticoagulation in noncritically ill patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 not requiring intensive care unit treatment were randomized to prophylactic-dose enoxaparin, therapeutic-dose enoxaparin, or therapeutic-dose apixaban. The primary outcome was the 30-day composite of all-cause mortality, requirement for intensive care unit-level of care, systemic thromboembolism, or ischemic stroke assessed in the combined therapeutic-dose groups compared with the prophylactic-dose group.

RESULTS

Between August 26, 2020, and September 19, 2022, 3,398 noncritically ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were randomized to prophylactic-dose enoxaparin (n = 1,141), therapeutic-dose enoxaparin (n = 1,136), or therapeutic-dose apixaban (n = 1,121) at 76 centers in 10 countries. The 30-day primary outcome occurred in 13.2% of patients in the prophylactic-dose group and 11.3% of patients in the combined therapeutic-dose groups (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.69-1.04; P = 0.11). All-cause mortality occurred in 7.0% of patients treated with prophylactic-dose enoxaparin and 4.9% of patients treated with therapeutic-dose anticoagulation (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.52-0.93; P = 0.01), and intubation was required in 8.4% vs 6.4% of patients, respectively (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58-0.98; P = 0.03). Results were similar in the 2 therapeutic-dose groups, and major bleeding in all 3 groups was infrequent.

CONCLUSIONS

Among noncritically ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19, the 30-day primary composite outcome was not significantly reduced with therapeutic-dose anticoagulation compared with prophylactic-dose anticoagulation. However, fewer patients who were treated with therapeutic-dose anticoagulation required intubation and fewer died (FREEDOM COVID [FREEDOM COVID Anticoagulation Strategy]; NCT04512079).

Variables associated with bleeding and thrombotic outcomes among patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer: insights from the ACTION randomised clinical trial

Background

In the ACTION trial, therapeutic anticoagulation did not show benefit on mortality, days of hospitalization and oxygens therapy at 30 days among patients with COVID19. However, this strategy was associated with higher rate of bleeding and a potential reduction in the rate of clinical thrombotic events. The current analysis evaluated which variables were independently associated with both outcomes in order to help the identification of the risk for thrombotic and hemorrhagic events among patients with COVID19.

Methods

A total of 615 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer levels were randomly assigned to prophylactic anticoagulation (mainly in-hospital heparin) or a therapeutic strategy that used in-hospital rivaroxaban 20 mg daily for stable patients, or enoxaparin 1 mg/kg twice daily for unstable patients, followed by rivaroxaban through 30 days. One patient withdrew consent and was not included in the analysis. The current analysis tested baseline clinical characteristics and laboratorial exams one by one with independent logistic regressions for the composite of bleeding (major bleeding and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding) and thrombotic events (venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic embolism, and major adverse limb events). Significant variables (p<0.05) were selected to adjust several multiple logistic models. Final models were chosen based on Akaike information criterion and therapeutic anticoagulation was included in the final model based on the primary results of the trial.

Results

The model for bleeding events showed an accuracy of area under the curve (AUC) of 0.635 (table 1) while the model for thrombotic events had an AUC of 0.725 (table 2). Level of respiratory support (especially invasive ventilation) was associated with both outcomes in the multivariable analysis (tables 1 and 2). Beyond respiratory support, level of creatinine and history of coronary disease were also independently associated to the risk of thrombotic events. When the utilization of therapeutic anticoagulation (mainly with rivaroxaban) was included in the multivariable analysis, this variable was strongly associated with higher risk of bleeding (model AUC of 0.718) but was not associated with lower rate of thrombotic events (Tables 1 and 2).

Conclusion

Since the variables associated with higher risk of thrombotic events are similar to the variables associated to bleeding complications, the selection of patients with better balance of risk vs. benefit to use therapeutic anticoagulation in COVID-19 still a challenging decision. Coronary disease and creatine may help to identify patients at higher risk of thrombotic complications while the use of therapeutic dose of direct oral anticoagulant increased the risk of bleeding in almost 4 times among patients hospitalized due to COVID19.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Investigator initiated research with financial support of Bayer

Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2b Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Recombinant Human Lecithin Cholesterol Acyltransferase in Acute ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Results of REAL-TIMI 63B

BACKGROUND

High-density lipoprotein plays a key role in reverse cholesterol transport. In addition, high-density lipoprotein particles may be cardioprotective and reduce infarct size in the setting of myocardial injury. Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase is a rate-limiting enzyme in reverse cholesterol transport. MEDI6012 is a recombinant human lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase that increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Administration of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase has the potential to reduce infarct size and regress coronary plaque in acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

METHODS

REAL-TIMI 63B (A Randomized, Placebo‑controlled Phase 2b Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of MEDI6012 in Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) was a phase 2B multinational, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction within 6 hours of symptom onset and planned for percutaneous intervention were randomly assigned 2:1 to MEDI6012 (2- or 6-dose regimen) or placebo and followed for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was infarct size as a percentage of left ventricular mass by cardiac MRI at 10 to 12 weeks, with the primary analysis in patients with TIMI Flow Grade 0 to 1 before percutaneous intervention who received at least 2 doses of MEDI6012. The secondary outcome was change in noncalcified plaque volume on coronary computed tomographic angiography from baseline to 10 to 12 weeks with the primary analysis in patients who received all 6 doses of MEDI6012.

RESULTS

A total of 593 patients were randomly assigned. Patients were a median of 62 years old, 77.9% male, and 95.8% statin naive. Median time from symptom onset to randomization was 146 (interquartile range [IQR], 103-221) minutes and from hospitalization to randomization was 12.7 (IQR, 6.6-24.0) minutes, and the first dose of drug was administered a median of 8 (IQR, 3-13) minutes before percutaneous intervention. The index myocardial infarction was anterior in 69.6% and TIMI Flow Grade 0 to 1 in 65.1% of patients. At 12 weeks, infarct size did not differ between treatment groups (MEDI6012: 9.71%, IQR 4.79-16.38; placebo: 10.48%, [IQR, 4.92-16.61], 1-sided P=0.79. There was also no difference in noncalcified plaque volume (geometric mean ratio, 0.96 [95% CI, NA-1.10], 1-sided P=0.30). There was no significant difference in treatment emergent serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of MEDI6012 in patients with acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction did not result in a significant reduction in infarct size or noncalcified plaque volume at 12 weeks. MEDI6012 was well tolerated with no excess in overall serious adverse events.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT03578809.

Biomarker Prediction of Complex Coronary Revascularization Procedures in the FOURIER Trial

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers are known to predict major adverse cardiovascular events. However, the association of biomarkers with complex coronary revascularization procedures or high-risk coronary anatomy at the time of revascularization is not understood.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the associations between baseline biomarkers and major coronary events (MCE) and complex revascularization procedures.

METHODS

FOURIER was a randomized trial of the proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitor evolocumab vs placebo in 27,564 patients with stable atherosclerosis. We analyzed adjusted associations among the biomarkers, MCE (coronary death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization), and complex revascularization (coronary artery bypass graft or complex percutaneous coronary intervention) using a multimarker score with 1 point assigned for each elevated biomarker (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥2 mg/L; N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide ≥450 pg/mL; high-sensitivity troponin I ≥6 ng/L; growth-differentiation factor-15 ≥1,800 pg/mL).

RESULTS

When patients were grouped by the number of elevated biomarkers (0 biomarkers, n = 6,444; 1-2 biomarkers, n = 12,439; ≥3 biomarkers, n = 2,761), there was a significant graded association between biomarker score and the risk of MCE (intermediate score: HR_adj: 1.57 [95% CI: 1.38-1.78]; high score: HR_adj: 2.90 [95% CI: 2.47-3.40]), and for complex revascularization (intermediate: HR_adj: 1.33 [95% CI: 1.06-1.67]; high score: HR_adj: 2.07 [95% CI: 1.52-2.83]) and its components (P_trend <0.05 for each). The number of elevated biomarkers also correlated with the presence of left main disease, multivessel disease, or chronic total occlusion at the time of revascularization (P < 0.05 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

A biomarker-based strategy identifies stable patients at risk for coronary events, including coronary artery bypass graft surgery and complex percutaneous coronary intervention, and predicts high-risk coronary anatomy at the time of revascularization. These findings provide insight into the relationships between cardiovascular biomarkers, coronary anatomical complexity, and incident clinical events. (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research With PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Elevated Risk [FOURIER]; NCT01764633).

Efficacy and Safety of Dapagliflozin in Type 2 Diabetes According to Baseline Blood Pressure: Observations From DECLARE-TIMI 58 Trial

Background: Dapagliflozin improved heart failure and kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or at high risk for cardiovascular disease in the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial. Here, the aim was to analyze efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin stratified according to baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP). Methods: The DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial randomized patients with T2DM and either prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or ASCVD risk factors to dapagliflozin or placebo. Patients were categorized by baseline SBP levels: < 120, 120-129, 130-139, 140-159 and ≥ 160 mmHg (respectively, normal, elevated, stage 1, stage 2 and severe hypertension). Efficacy outcomes of interest were hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and a renal-specific composite outcome (sustained decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate by 40%, progression to end-stage renal disease or renal death). Safety outcomes included symptoms of volume depletion, lower extremity amputations and acute kidney injury. Results: The trial comprised 17,160 patients; mean age of 64.0 ± 6.8 years ; 37.4% women; median duration of T2DM 11 years; 40.6% with prevalent CVD. Overall, dapagliflozin reduced SBP by 2.4 mmHg (95% CI 1.9-2.9; p < 0.0001) compared with placebo at 48 months. The beneficial effects of dapagliflozin on HHF and renal outcomes were consistent across all baseline SBP categories, with no evidence of modification of treatment effect (p-interactions = 0.28 and 0.52, respectively). Among normotensive patients, the HR´s were 0.66 (95% CI 0.42-1.05) and 0.39 (95% CI 0.19-0.78), respectively for HHF and the renal specific outcome. Events of volume depletion, amputation and acute kidney injury did not differ with dapagliflozin overall or within any baseline SBP group. Conclusions: In patients with T2DM with or at high ASCVD risk, dapagliflozin reduced risk for HHF and renal outcomes regardless of baseline systolic blood pressure, with no difference in adverse events of interest at any level of baseline SBP. These results indicate that dapagliflozin provides important cardiorenal benefit in patients with T2DM at high ASCVD risk, independent of baseline blood pressure.

Effects of Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel on Coronary Microcirculation in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Introduction

Clopidogrel has been demonstrated to be effective in improving coronary microcirculation (CM) among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with fibrinolytics. Ticagrelor is a more potent adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor blocker proven to be superior to clopidogrel among patients with acute coronary syndromes. The present study aimed to compare the effects of ticagrelor and clopidogrel on CM in patients with STEMI treated with fibrinolytics.

Methods

The present study prospectively included 48 patients participating in the TREAT trial, which randomly assigned patients with STEMI undergoing fibrinolysis to ticagrelor versus clopidogrel. The primary endpoint of this study was the evaluation of the CM using the global myocardial perfusion score index (global MPSI) obtained by myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE). Platelet aggregation to ADP was evaluated by Multiplate® and expressed as area under the curve (AUC).

Results

The global MPSI demonstrated no differences between the groups [mean 1.4 (1.2–1.5) in the ticagrelor group and 1.2 (1.2–1.5) in the clopidogrel group (p = 0.41)]. Platelet aggregability was lower in the ticagrelor group (18.1 ± 9.7 AUC), compared to the clopidogrel group (26.1 ± 12.5 AUC, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

We found no improvement in coronary microcirculation with ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel among patients with STEMI treated with fibrinolytics, despite the fact that platelet aggregation to ADP was lower with ticagrelor.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT03104062.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-022-02061-0.

Effect of Evolocumab in Patients With Prior Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Patients with prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at high residual risk for multiple types of coronary events within and beyond the stented lesion. This risk might be mitigated by more intensive LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol)-lowering beyond just with statin therapy.

METHODS

FOURIER (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research With PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects With Elevated Risk) randomized 27 564 patients with stable atherosclerotic disease on statin to the PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9) inhibitor evolocumab or placebo with a median follow-up of 2.2 years. The end points of interest were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina or coronary revascularization), and major coronary events (a composite of coronary heart death, myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization). We compared the risk of MACE and the magnitude of relative and absolute risk reductions with evolocumab in patients with and without prior PCI.

RESULTS

Seventeen thousand seventy-three patients had prior PCI. In the placebo arm, those with prior PCI had higher rates of MACE (13.2% versus 8.3%; hazard ratio [HR]_adj 1.61 [95% CI, 1.42-1.84]; P<0.0001) and major coronary events (11.5% versus 6.0%; HR_adj, 1.72 [95% CI, 1.49-1.99]; P<0.0001). Relative risk reductions with evolocumab were similar in patients with and without prior PCI (MACE: HR, 0.84 [0.77-0.91] versus HR, 0.88 [0.77-1.01]; P_interaction 0.51; major coronary events: HR, 0.82 [0.75-0.90] versus HR, 0.88 [0.75-1.04]; P_interaction 0.42). Absolute risk reductions for MACE were 2.0% versus 0.9% (P_interaction 0.14) and for major coronary events 2.0% versus 0.7% (P_interaction 0.045). In those with prior PCI, the effect of evolocumab on coronary revascularization (HR, 0.76 [0.69-0.85]) was directionally consistent across types of revascularization procedures: coronary artery bypass grafting (HR, 0.71 [0.54-0.94]); any PCI (HR, 0.77 [0.69-0.86]); PCI for de novo lesions (HR, 0.76 [0.66-0.88]); and PCI for stent failure or graft lesions (HR, 0.76 [0.63-0.91]).

CONCLUSIONS

Evolocumab reduces the risk of MACE in patients with prior PCI including the risk of coronary revascularization, with directionally consistent effects across several types of revascularization procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting and PCI for stent or graft failure.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT01764633.

P2Y12 inhibitor versus aspirin monotherapy for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events: meta-analysis of randomized trials

Aim

To compare the efficacy and safety of P2Y₁₂ inhibitor or aspirin monotherapy for secondary prevention in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Methods and results

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched to identify randomized trials comparing monotherapy with a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor versus aspirin for secondary prevention in patients with ASCVD (cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or peripheral artery disease). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Secondary outcomes were myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, all-cause mortality, and major bleeding. A random-effects model was used to calculate risk ratios (RR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) and heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Higgins I² value. A total of 9 eligible trials (5 with clopidogrel and 4 with ticagrelor) with 61 623 patients were included in our analyses. Monotherapy with P2Y₁₂ inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of MACE by 11% (0.89, 95% CI 0.84-0.95, I² = 0%) and MI by 19% (0.81, 95% CI 0.71-0.92, I2 = 0%) compared with aspirin monotherapy. There was no significant difference in the risk of stroke (0.85, 95% CI 0.73-1.01), or all-cause mortality (1.01, 95% CI 0.92-1.11). There was also no significant difference in the risk of major bleeding with P2Y₁₂ inhibitor monotherapy compared with aspirin (0.94, 95% CI 0.72-1.22, I² = 42.6%). Results were consistent irrespective of the P2Y₁₂ inhibitor used.

Conclusion

P2Y₁₂ inhibitor monotherapy for secondary prevention is associated with a significant reduction in atherothrombotic events compared with aspirin alone without an increased risk of major bleeding.

Dapagliflozin in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors hospitalised with COVID-19 (DARE-19): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 can lead to multiorgan failure. Dapagliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor, has significant protective benefits for the heart and kidney. We aimed to see whether this agent might provide organ protection in patients with COVID-19 by affecting processes dysregulated during acute illness.

METHODS

DARE-19 was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 and with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor (ie, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease). Patients critically ill at screening were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to dapagliflozin (10 mg daily orally) or matched placebo for 30 days. Dual primary outcomes were assessed in the intention-to-treat population: the outcome of prevention (time to new or worsened organ dysfunction or death), and the hierarchial composite outcome of recovery (change in clinical status by day 30). Safety outcomes, in patients who received at least one study medication dose, included serious adverse events, adverse events leading to discontinuation, and adverse events of interest. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04350593.

FINDINGS

Between April 22, 2020 and Jan 1, 2021, 1250 patients were randomly assigned with 625 in each group. The primary composite outcome of prevention showed organ dysfunction or death occurred in 70 patients (11·2%) in the dapagliflozin group, and 86 (13·8%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·80, 95% CI 0·58-1·10; p=0·17). For the primary outcome of recovery, 547 patients (87·5%) in the dapagliflozin group and 532 (85·1%) in the placebo group showed clinical status improvement, although this was not statistically significant (win ratio 1·09, 95% CI 0·97-1·22; p=0·14). There were 41 deaths (6·6%) in the dapagliflozin group, and 54 (8·6%) in the placebo group (HR 0·77, 95% CI 0·52-1·16). Serious adverse events were reported in 65 (10·6%) of 613 patients treated with dapagliflozin and in 82 (13·3%) of 616 patients given the placebo.

INTERPRETATION

In patients with cardiometabolic risk factors who were hospitalised with COVID-19, treatment with dapagliflozin did not result in a statistically significant risk reduction in organ dysfunction or death, or improvement in clinical recovery, but was well tolerated.

FUNDING

AstraZeneca.

Randomized clinical trial to evaluate a routine full anticoagulation Strategy in Patients with Coronavirus Infection (SARS-CoV2) admitted to hospital: Rationale and design of the ACTION (AntiCoagulaTlon cOroNavirus)-Coalition IV trial

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have suggested a higher risk of thrombotic events in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Moreover, elevated D-dimer levels have been identified as an important prognostic marker in COVID-19 directly associated with disease severity and progression. Prophylactic anticoagulation for hospitalized COVID-19 patients might not be enough to prevent thrombotic events; therefore, therapeutic anticoagulation regimens deserve clinical investigation.

DESIGN

ACTION is an academic-led, pragmatic, multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase IV clinical trial that aims to enroll around 600 patients at 40 sites participating in the Coalition COVID-19 Brazil initiative. Eligible patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 with symptoms up to 14 days and elevated D-dimer levels will be randomized to a strategy of full-dose anticoagulation for 30 days with rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (or full-dose heparin if oral administration is not feasible) vs standard of care with any approved venous thromboembolism prophylaxis regimen during hospitalization. A confirmation of COVID-19 was mandatory for study entry, based on specific tests used in clinical practice (RT-PCR, antigen test, IgM test) collected before randomization, regardless of in the outpatient setting or not. Randomization will be stratified by clinical stability at presentation. The primary outcome is a hierarchical analysis of mortality, length of hospital stay, or duration of oxygen therapy at the end of 30 days. Secondary outcomes include the World Health Organization's 8-point ordinal scale at 30 days and the following efficacy outcomes: incidence of venous thromboembolism , acute myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic embolism, major adverse limb events, duration of oxygen therapy, disease progression, and biomarkers. The primary safety outcomes are major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria.

SUMMARY

The ACTION trial will evaluate whether in-hospital therapeutic anticoagulation with rivaroxaban for stable patients, or enoxaparin for unstable patients, followed by rivaroxaban through 30 days compared with standard prophylactic anticoagulation improves clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer levels.

Performance of acute coronary syndrome approaches in Brazil: a report from the BRACE (Brazilian Registry in Acute Coronary SyndromEs)

AIMS

Diagnostic and therapeutic tools have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality associated with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Data about ACS performance measures are scarce in Brazil, and improving its collection is an objective of the Brazilian Registry in Acute Coronary syndromEs (BRACE).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The BRACE is a cross-sectional, observational epidemiological registry of ACS patients. Stratified 'cluster sampling' methodology was adopted to obtain a representative picture of ACS. A performance score (PS) varying from 0 to 100 was developed to compare studied parameters. Performance measures alone and the PS were compared between institutions, and the relationship between the PS and outcomes was evaluated. A total of 1150 patients, median age 63 years, 64% male, from 72 hospitals were included in the registry. The mean PS for the overall population was 65.9% ± 20.1%. Teaching institutions had a significantly higher PS (71.4% ± 16.9%) compared with non-teaching hospitals (63.4% ± 21%; P < 0.001). Overall in-hospital mortality was 5.2%, and the variables that correlated independently with in-hospital mortality included: PS-per point increase (OR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.98, P < 0.001), age-per year (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09, P < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.08-9.00, P = 0.036), and prior angioplasty (OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.84, P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

In BRACE, the adoption of evidence-based therapies for ACS, as measured by the performance score, was independently associated with lower in-hospital mortality. The use of diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches for the management of ACS is less than ideal in Brazil, with high variability especially among different regions of the country.

Therapeutic versus prophylactic anticoagulation for patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration (ACTION): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is associated with a prothrombotic state leading to adverse clinical outcomes. Whether therapeutic anticoagulation improves outcomes in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 is unknown. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of therapeutic versus prophylactic anticoagulation in this population.

METHODS

We did a pragmatic, open-label (with blinded adjudication), multicentre, randomised, controlled trial, at 31 sites in Brazil. Patients (aged ≥18 years) hospitalised with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration, and who had COVID-19 symptoms for up to 14 days before randomisation, were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either therapeutic or prophylactic anticoagulation. Therapeutic anticoagulation was in-hospital oral rivaroxaban (20 mg or 15 mg daily) for stable patients, or initial subcutaneous enoxaparin (1 mg/kg twice per day) or intravenous unfractionated heparin (to achieve a 0·3-0·7 IU/mL anti-Xa concentration) for clinically unstable patients, followed by rivaroxaban to day 30. Prophylactic anticoagulation was standard in-hospital enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin. The primary efficacy outcome was a hierarchical analysis of time to death, duration of hospitalisation, or duration of supplemental oxygen to day 30, analysed with the win ratio method (a ratio >1 reflects a better outcome in the therapeutic anticoagulation group) in the intention-to-treat population. The primary safety outcome was major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding through 30 days. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04394377) and is completed.

FINDINGS

From June 24, 2020, to Feb 26, 2021, 3331 patients were screened and 615 were randomly allocated (311 [50%] to the therapeutic anticoagulation group and 304 [50%] to the prophylactic anticoagulation group). 576 (94%) were clinically stable and 39 (6%) clinically unstable. One patient, in the therapeutic group, was lost to follow-up because of withdrawal of consent and was not included in the primary analysis. The primary efficacy outcome was not different between patients assigned therapeutic or prophylactic anticoagulation, with 28 899 (34·8%) wins in the therapeutic group and 34 288 (41·3%) in the prophylactic group (win ratio 0·86 [95% CI 0·59-1·22], p=0·40). Consistent results were seen in clinically stable and clinically unstable patients. The primary safety outcome of major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding occurred in 26 (8%) patients assigned therapeutic anticoagulation and seven (2%) assigned prophylactic anticoagulation (relative risk 3·64 [95% CI 1·61-8·27], p=0·0010). Allergic reaction to the study medication occurred in two (1%) patients in the therapeutic anticoagulation group and three (1%) in the prophylactic anticoagulation group.

INTERPRETATION

In patients hospitalised with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration, in-hospital therapeutic anticoagulation with rivaroxaban or enoxaparin followed by rivaroxaban to day 30 did not improve clinical outcomes and increased bleeding compared with prophylactic anticoagulation. Therefore, use of therapeutic-dose rivaroxaban, and other direct oral anticoagulants, should be avoided in these patients in the absence of an evidence-based indication for oral anticoagulation.

FUNDING

Coalition COVID-19 Brazil, Bayer SA.

Platelet Reactivity in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Awaiting Surgical Revascularization

BACKGROUND

Dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Approximately 10% to 15% of these patients will undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery for index events, and current guidelines recommend stopping clopidogrel at least 5 days before CABG. This waiting time has clinical and economic implications.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate if a platelet reactivity-based strategy is noninferior to standard of care for 24-h post-CABG bleeding.

METHODS

In this randomized, open label noninferiority trial, 190 patients admitted with ACS with indications for CABG and on aspirin and P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibitors, were assigned to either control group, P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibitor withdrawn 5 to 7 days before CABG, or intervention group, daily measurements of platelet reactivity by Multiplate analyzer (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Vienna, Austria) with CABG planned the next working day after platelet reactivity normalization (pre-defined as ≥46 aggregation units).

RESULTS

Within the first 24 h of CABG, the median chest tube drainage was 350 ml (interquartile range [IQR]: 250 to 475 ml) and 350 ml (IQR: 255 to 500 ml) in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p for noninferiority <0.001). The median waiting period between the decision to undergo CABG and the procedure was 112 h (IQR: 66 to 142 h) and 136 h (IQR: 112 to 161 h) (p < 0.001), respectively. In the intention-to-treat analysis, a 6.4% decrease in the median in-hospital expenses was observed in the intervention group (p = 0.014), with 11.2% decrease in the analysis per protocol (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

A strategy based on platelet reactivity-guided is noninferior to the standard of care in patients with ACS awaiting CABG regarding peri-operative bleeding, significantly shortens the waiting time to CABG, and decreases hospital expenses. (Evaluation of Platelet Aggregability in the Release of CABG in Patients With ACS With DAPT; NCT02516267).

Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin in Mild-to-Moderate Covid-19

BACKGROUND

Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin have been used to treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). However, evidence on the safety and efficacy of these therapies is limited.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, randomized, open-label, three-group, controlled trial involving hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 who were receiving either no supplemental oxygen or a maximum of 4 liters per minute of supplemental oxygen. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive standard care, standard care plus hydroxychloroquine at a dose of 400 mg twice daily, or standard care plus hydroxychloroquine at a dose of 400 mg twice daily plus azithromycin at a dose of 500 mg once daily for 7 days. The primary outcome was clinical status at 15 days as assessed with the use of a seven-level ordinal scale (with levels ranging from one to seven and higher scores indicating a worse condition) in the modified intention-to-treat population (patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19). Safety was also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 667 patients underwent randomization; 504 patients had confirmed Covid-19 and were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. As compared with standard care, the proportional odds of having a higher score on the seven-point ordinal scale at 15 days was not affected by either hydroxychloroquine alone (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69 to 2.11; P = 1.00) or hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.73; P = 1.00). Prolongation of the corrected QT interval and elevation of liver-enzyme levels were more frequent in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine, alone or with azithromycin, than in those who were not receiving either agent.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients hospitalized with mild-to-moderate Covid-19, the use of hydroxychloroquine, alone or with azithromycin, did not improve clinical status at 15 days as compared with standard care. (Funded by the Coalition Covid-19 Brazil and EMS Pharma; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04322123.).

Effect of Evolocumab on Complex Coronary Disease Requiring Revascularization

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the ability of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor evolocumab to reduce the risk of complex coronary atherosclerosis requiring revascularization.

BACKGROUND

PCSK9 inhibitors induce plaque regression and reduce the risk of coronary revascularization overall.

METHODS

FOURIER (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects with Elevated Risk) was a randomized trial of the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab versus placebo in 27,564 patients with stable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on statin therapy followed for a median of 2.2 years. Clinical documentation of revascularization events was blindly reviewed to assess coronary anatomy and procedural characteristics. Complex revascularization was the composite of complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (as per previous analyses, ≥1 of: multivessel PCI, ≥3 stents, ≥3 lesions treated, bifurcation PCI, or total stent length >60 mm) or coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG).

RESULTS

In this study, 1,724 patients underwent coronary revascularization, including 1,482 who underwent PCI, 296 who underwent CABG, and 54 who underwent both. Complex revascularization was performed in 632 (37%) patients. Evolocumab reduced the risk of any coronary revascularization by 22% (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.86; p < 0.001), simple PCI by 22% (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.70 to 0.88; p < 0.001), complex PCI by 33% (HR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.84; p < 0.001), CABG by 24% (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.96; p = 0.019), and complex revascularization by 29% (HR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.84; p < 0.001). The magnitude of the risk reduction with evolocumab in complex revascularization tended to increase over time (20%, 36%, and 41% risk reductions in the first, second, and beyond second years).

CONCLUSIONS

Adding evolocumab to statin therapy significantly reduced the risk of developing complex coronary disease requiring revascularization, including complex PCI and CABG individually. (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects with Elevated Risk (FOURIER); NCT01764633.).

Diabetes association with self-reported health, resource utilization, and prognosis post-myocardial infarction

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. We compared health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), healthcare resource utilization (HRU), and clinical outcomes of stable post‐myocardial infarction (MI) patients with and without DM.

Hypothesis

In post‐MI patients, DM is associated with worse HRQoL, increased HRU, and worse clinical outcomes.

Methods

The prospective, observational long‐term risk, clinical management, and healthcare Resource utilization of stable coronary artery disease study obtained data from 8968 patients aged ≥50 years 1 to 3 years post‐MI (369 centers; 25 countries). Patients with ≥1 of the following risk factors were included: age ≥65 years, history of a second MI >1 year before enrollment, multivessel coronary artery disease, creatinine clearance ≥15 and <60 mL/min, and DM treated with medication. Self‐reported health status was assessed at baseline, 1 and 2 years and converted to EQ‐5D scores. The main outcome measures were baseline HRQoL and HRU during follow‐up.

Results

DM at enrollment was 33% (2959 patients, 869 insulin treated). Mean baseline EQ‐5D score (0.86 vs 0.82; P < .0001) was higher; mean number of hospitalizations (0.38 vs 0.50, P < .0001) and mean length of stay (LoS; 9.3 vs 11.5; P = .001) were lower in patients without vs with DM. All‐cause death and the composite of CV death, MI, and stroke were significantly higher in DM patients, with adjusted 2‐year rate ratios of 1.43 (P < .01) and 1.55 (P < .001), respectively.

Conclusions

Stable post‐MI patients with DM (especially insulin treated) had poorer EQ‐5D scores, higher hospitalization rates and LoS, and worse clinical outcomes vs those without DM. Strategies focusing specifically on this high‐risk population should be developed to improve outcomes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01866904 (https://clinicaltrials.gov).

Azithromycin in addition to standard of care versus standard of care alone in the treatment of patients admitted to the hospital with severe COVID-19 in Brazil (COALITION II): a randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of azithromycin in the treatment of COVID-19 remain uncertain. We assessed whether adding azithromycin to standard of care, which included hydroxychloroquine, would improve clinical outcomes of patients admitted to the hospital with severe COVID-19.

METHODS

We did an open-label, randomised clinical trial at 57 centres in Brazil. We enrolled patients admitted to hospital with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and at least one additional severity criteria as follows: use of oxygen supplementation of more than 4 L/min flow; use of high-flow nasal cannula; use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation; or use of invasive mechanical ventilation. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to azithromycin (500 mg via oral, nasogastric, or intravenous administration once daily for 10 days) plus standard of care or to standard of care without macrolides. All patients received hydroxychloroquine (400 mg twice daily for 10 days) because that was part of standard of care treatment in Brazil for patients with severe COVID-19. The primary outcome, assessed by an independent adjudication committee masked to treatment allocation, was clinical status at day 15 after randomisation, assessed by a six-point ordinal scale, with levels ranging from 1 to 6 and higher scores indicating a worse condition (with odds ratio [OR] greater than 1·00 favouring the control group). The primary outcome was assessed in all patients in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population who had severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection confirmed by molecular or serological testing before randomisation (ie, modified ITT [mITT] population). Safety was assessed in all patients according to which treatment they received, regardless of original group assignment. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04321278.

FINDINGS

447 patients were enrolled from March 28 to May 19, 2020. COVID-19 was confirmed in 397 patients who constituted the mITT population, of whom 214 were assigned to the azithromycin group and 183 to the control group. In the mITT population, the primary endpoint was not significantly different between the azithromycin and control groups (OR 1·36 [95% CI 0·94-1·97], p=0·11). Rates of adverse events, including clinically relevant ventricular arrhythmias, resuscitated cardiac arrest, acute kidney failure, and corrected QT interval prolongation, were not significantly different between groups.

INTERPRETATION

In patients with severe COVID-19, adding azithromycin to standard of care treatment (which included hydroxychloroquine) did not improve clinical outcomes. Our findings do not support the routine use of azithromycin in combination with hydroxychloroquine in patients with severe COVID-19.

FUNDING

COALITION COVID-19 Brazil and EMS.

Morphine and Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Coronary Angiography

BACKGROUND

Mechanistic studies have shown that morphine blunts the antiplatelet effects of oral adenosine diphosphate receptor blockers. However, the clinical relevance of this interaction is controversial.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to explore the association between morphine and ischemic events in 5,438 patients treated with concomitant clopidogrel presenting with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) in the EARLY ACS (Early Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome) trial. Patients not treated with clopidogrel (n = 3,462) were used as negative controls.

METHODS

Endpoints were the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), recurrent ischemia, or thrombotic bailout at 96 h (4-way endpoint) and the composite of death or MI at 30 days.

RESULTS

In patients treated with clopidogrel, morphine use was associated with higher rates of the 4-way endpoint at 96 h (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04 to 1.87; p = 0.026). There was a trend for higher rates of death or MI at 30 days (adjusted OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.70; p = 0.072), driven by events in the first 48 h (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.23; p = 0.021). In patients not treated with clopidogrel, morphine was not associated with either the 4-way endpoint at 96 h (adjusted OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.49; p = 0.79; p_interaction = 0.36 ) or death or MI at 30 days (adjusted OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.77 to 1.48; p = 0.70; p_interaction = 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

When used concomitantly with clopidogrel pre-treatment, morphine was associated with higher rates of ischemic events in patients with NSTEACS. (EARLY ACS: Early Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome; NCT00089895).

Caffeinated Beverage Intake, Dyspnea With Ticagrelor, and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Insights From the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 Trial

Background

A proposed cause of dyspnea induced by ticagrelor is an increase in adenosine blood levels. Because caffeine is an adenosine antagonist, it can potentially improve drug tolerability with regard to dyspnea. Furthermore, association between caffeine and cardiovascular events is of clinical interest.

Methods and Results

This prespecified analysis used data from the PEGASUS TIMI 54 (Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Prior Heart Attack Using Ticagrelor Compared to Placebo on a Background of Aspirin–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 54) trial, which randomized 21 162 patients with prior myocardial infarction to ticagrelor 60 mg or 90 mg or matching placebo (twice daily). Baseline caffeine intake in cups per week was prospectively collected for 9694 patients. Outcomes of interest included dyspnea, major adverse cardiovascular events (ie, the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke), and arrhythmias. Dyspnea analyses considered the pooled ticagrelor group, whereas cardiovascular outcome analyses included patients from the 3 randomized arms. After adjustment, caffeine intake, compared with no intake, was not associated with lower rates of dyspnea in patients taking ticagrelor (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 0.91; 95% CI, 0.76–1.10; P=0.34). There was no excess risk with caffeine for major adverse cardiovascular events (adjusted HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63–0.98; P=0.031), sudden cardiac death (adjusted HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.57–1.70; P=0.95), or atrial fibrillation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.56–2.04; P=0.84).

Conclusions

In patients taking ticagrelor for secondary prevention after myocardial infarction, caffeine intake at baseline was not associated with lower rates of dyspnea compared with no intake. Otherwise, caffeine appeared to be safe in this population, with no apparent increase in atherothrombotic events or clinically significant arrhythmias.

Registration

URL: https://www.clini​caltr​ials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01225562.

What Lessons Have We Learned and What Remains to be Clarified for PCSK9 Inhibitors? A Review of FOURIER and ODYSSEY Outcomes Trials

For more than half a century, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has been recognized as a major risk factor for incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The discovery of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in 2003, which prevents LDL-C receptor recycling, identified a new target for drug intervention. Recently, two large-scale randomized clinical outcomes trials involving fully human anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies tested the hypothesis that targeting this pathway would reduce cardiovascular events. Both the FOURIER (Further cardiovascular OUtcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition in subjects with Elevated Risk) and ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trials met their primary efficacy endpoints, confirming findings reported earlier that major adverse cardiovascular events can be reduced by a further lowering of LDL-C beyond that achieved with statin therapy. In both trials, there were incremental reductions in LDL-C of > 50% from baseline, with no major safety concerns, over the trials' median follow-up time (2.2 and 2.8 years, respectively). While there were differences in design, lipid management and overall results, key messages from both studies were similar. However, post-publication, additional questions have arisen, especially regarding drug effects over the long-term, including a potential mortality benefit.

Long-term ticagrelor for secondary prevention in patients with prior myocardial infarction and no history of coronary stenting: insights from PEGASUS-TIMI 54

Aims

PEGASUS-TIMI 54 demonstrated that long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and ticagrelor reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), with an acceptable increase in bleeding, in patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI). While much of the discussion around prolonged DAPT has been focused on stented patients, patients with prior MI without prior coronary stenting comprise a clinically important subgroup.

Methods and results

This was a pre-specified analysis from PEGASUS-TIMI 54, which randomized 21 162 patients with prior MI (1–3 years) and additional high-risk features to ticagrelor 60 mg, 90 mg, or placebo twice daily in addition to aspirin. A total of 4199 patients had no history of coronary stenting at baseline. The primary efficacy outcome (MACE) was the composite of cardiovascular death, MI, or stroke. Patients without history of coronary stenting had higher baseline risk of MACE [13.2% vs. 8.0%, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–1.73, in the placebo arm]. The relative risk reduction in MACE with ticagrelor (pooled doses) was similar in patients without (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.99) and with prior stenting (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75–0.96; P for interaction = 0.76).

Conclusion

Long-term ticagrelor reduces thrombotic events in patients with prior MI regardless of whether they had prior coronary stenting. These data highlight the benefits of DAPT in prevention of spontaneous atherothrombotic events and indicate that long-term ticagrelor may be considered in high-risk patients with prior MI even if they have not been treated with stenting.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT01225562.

P331Effect of exercise stress test on platelet function in patients with recent acute myocardial infarction

Background

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with lower cardiovascular mortality. On the other hand, acute strenuous exercise has been linked to cardiovascular complications such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sudden cardiac death. One of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in these outcomes might be an increase in platelet aggregability after exercise. Although previous studies showed higher platelet aggregability after exercise among stable CAD patients on aspirin treatment, there is no data regarding the effect of exercise on platelet activity in post-AMI patients on dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT).

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of high-intensity exercise on platelet aggregability in sedentary post-AMI patients on DAPT.

Methods

Platelet function was analyzed immediately before and after maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on cycle ergometer utilizing a personalized ramp protocol and aiming to achieving peak exercise in around 10 min. The CPET was done within 31±4 days after uncomplicated AMI. Platelet aggregability was assessed by Multiplate®ADPtest (MP-ADP) and Multiplate® ASPItest (MP-ASPI) measured as area under the curve (AUC). Reticulated platelets were measured concomitantly to MP-ADP e MP-ASPI using a fully automated flow cytometer (Sysmex XN-2000®) to determine absolute immature platelet count (IPC) per 103/microliter. Continuous variables were expressed as means ±standard deviation or as median and 25th–75th percentiles if not Gaussian distributed. Comparisons between the pre- and post-CPET assessments were performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

We analyzed 81 sedentary patients (mean age 58.3±10.1 years-old, 76.5% men) after AMI (50.6% with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, mean left ventricular ejection fraction after index event 55±11.7%, 98.8% on statin and 85.5% on beta-blocker treatment). Platelet aggregability, either by MP-ADP or MP-ASPI, and IPC were significantly increased after CPET (table).

Platelet function after CPET Before CPET After CPET p-value Multiplate® ADPtest (AUC) – median (25th–75th percentiles) 32.0 (22.0–48.5) 37.0 (26.0–55.2) 0.003 Multiplate® ASPItest (AUC) – median (25th–75th percentiles) 17.0 (12.7–22.0) 22.0 (16.7–28.0) <0.001 Immature platelet count (103/microliter) – median (25th–75th percentiles) 9.5 (6.8–13.8) 9.6 (6.6–16.5) 0.006 CPET: cardiopulmonary exercise test; AUC: area under the curve.

Conclusion

On this post-AMI population, platelet was hyperactivated after exercise stress test despite the use of DAPT. These findings suggest that, even when properly treated, post-AMI patients might be at higher risk of ischemic complications after high-intensity exercises, reinforcing the importance of tailoring exercise prescription in this population.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Sao Paulo Research Foundation, FAPESP

P1839Platelet aggregability evaluation in patients with acute coronary syndromes scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft. The PLAT-CABG study

Background

Dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended for patients (pts) with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, 10–15% of pts have indication of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) for the index event and current guidelines recommend stopping clopidogrel at least 5 days prior to CABG. This waiting time could increase hospital length of stay, thus having negative impacts on costs and clinical complications.

Purpose

To evaluate if release to CABG based on platelet aggregability by Multiplate AnalyzerTM would be non-inferior in comparison with common practice (5 days) in terms of 24-hours post-CABG bleeding.

Methods

The PLAT-CABG (NCT 02516267) is a randomized, open label, non-inferiority trial (boundary 25%) testing a strategy of platelet aggregability-guided release to CABG versus standard-of-care on the primary endpoint of chest tube drainage in the first 24 hours post CABG. A total of 190 pts admitted with ACS, treated with aspirin + clopidogrel and with indication for CABG, were assigned to clopidogrel discontinued 5 days prior to CABG (control group) vs. daily measurements of platelet aggregability to ADP using Multiplate AnalyzerTM (intervention group) with CABG occurring after recovering from platelet inhibition (pre-defined as a threshold of 46 AU).

Results

The main results are depicted in the table

Main results of PLAT-CABG study Variables Control Group (n=95) Intervention Group (n=95) P-value for superiority P-value for non-inferiority Chest tube drainage (mL), Median (25th–75th) 350 (250–500) 350 (250–500) 0.680 0.001 Time symptom to CABG (hours), Median (25th–75th) 191 (150–281) 166 (119–225) <0.001 NA Time surgery indication to CABG (hours), Median (25th–75th) 136 (112–161) 112 (66–142) <0.001 NA CABG = coronary artery bypass graft.

Conclusion

Platelet-aggregability guided release to CABG is non-inferior to standard of care in ACS patients awaiting CABG in terms of peri-operative bleeding and significantly shortens the time to CABG.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Roche Diagnostica Brazil

Increased bodyweight and inadequate response to aspirin in individuals with coronary artery disease

Recent reports have suggested that aspirin effect might be influenced by bodyweight, with decreased efficacy in heavier individuals. We investigated the influence of bodyweight on aspirin pharmacodynamics in two independent datasets of patients taking non-enteric coated aspirin 100 mg QD for coronary artery disease (CAD). In the first dataset, 368 patients had their platelet aggregation assessed using VerifyNow Aspirin and measured in Aspirin Reaction Units (ARU). In the second dataset, 70 patients had serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) dosage assessed by an ELISA assay and measured in pg/mL. Platelet aggregation was independently associated with bodyweight, with 8.41 (95% CI 1.86-14.97; adjusted p-value = 0.012) increase in ARU for every 10 kg. Furthermore, the rate of non-response to aspirin (defined as ARU ≥ 550) was significantly associated with increased bodyweight (adjusted p-value = 0.007), with OR = 1.23 (95% CI 1.06-1.42) for every 10 kg. Similar results were found considering body mass index (in kg/m²), with 15.5 (95% CI 5.0 to 25.9; adjusted p-value = 0.004) increase in ARU for every 10 kg and non-response OR = 1.43 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.81, adjusted p-value = 0.003) for every 5 kg/m². Moreover, serum TXB2 was higher in patients weighting more than 70 kg (222.6 ± 62.9 versus 194.9 ± 61.9 pg/mL; adjusted p-value = 0.018). In two different datasets of patients with CAD on non-enteric coated aspirin 100 mg QD, increased bodyweight was independently associated with impaired response to aspirin.

Effect of Dapagliflozin on Heart Failure and Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

In DECLARE-TIMI 58 (Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58), the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin reduced the composite end point of cardiovascular death/hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) in a broad population of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the impact of baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) on the clinical benefit of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition is unknown.

METHODS

In the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial, baseline heart failure (HF) status was collected from all patients, and EF was collected when available. HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) was defined as EF <45%. Outcomes of interest were the composite of cardiovascular death/HHF, its components, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Of 17 160 patients, 671 (3.9%) had HFrEF, 1316 (7.7%) had HF without known reduced EF, and 15 173 (88.4%) had no history of HF at baseline. Dapagliflozin reduced cardiovascular death/HHF more in patients with HFrEF (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62 [95% CI, 0.45-0.86]) than in those without HFrEF (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.76-1.02]; P for interaction=0.046), in whom the treatment effect of dapagliflozin was similar in those with HF without known reduced EF (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.66-1.17]) and those without HF (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.74-1.03]). Whereas dapagliflozin reduced HHF both in those with (HR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.43-0.95]) and in those without HFrEF (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.62-0.92]), it reduced cardiovascular death only in patients with HFrEF (HR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.34-0.90]) but not in those without HFrEF (HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.89-1.31]; P for interaction=0.012). Likewise, dapagliflozin reduced all-cause mortality in patients with HFrEF (HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.40-0.88;) but not in those without HFrEF (HR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.86-1.10]; P for interaction=0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

In the first sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor cardiovascular outcome trial to evaluate patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus stratified by EF, we found that dapagliflozin reduced HHF in patients with and without HFrEF and reduced cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality in patients with HFrEF.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01730534.

SGLT2 inhibitors for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiovascular outcome trials

BACKGROUND

The magnitude of effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on specific cardiovascular and renal outcomes and whether heterogeneity is based on key baseline characteristics remains undefined.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled, cardiovascular outcome trials of SGLT2i in patients with type 2 diabetes. We searched PubMed and Embase for trials published up to Sept 24, 2018. Data search and extraction were completed with a standardised data form and any discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Efficacy outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death), the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure, and progression of renal disease. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were pooled across trials, and efficacy outcomes were stratified by baseline presence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and degree of renal function.

FINDINGS

We included data from three identified trials and 34 322 patients (60·2% with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease), with 3342 major adverse cardiovascular events, 2028 cardiovascular deaths or hospitalisation sfor heart failure events, and 766 renal composite outcomes. SGLT2i reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 11% (HR 0·89 [95% CI 0·83-0·96], p=0·0014), with benefit only seen in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (0·86 [0·80-0·93]) and not in those without (1·00 [0·87-1·16], p for interaction=0·0501). SGLT2i reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure by 23% (0·77 [0·71-0·84], p<0·0001), with a similar benefit in patients with and without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and with and without a history of heart failure. SGLT2i reduced the risk of progression of renal disease by 45% (0·55 [0·48-0·64], p<0·0001), with a similar benefit in those with and without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The magnitude of benefit of SGLT2i varied with baseline renal function, with greater reductions in hospitalisations for heart failure (p for interaction=0·0073) and lesser reductions in progression of renal disease (p for interaction=0·0258) in patients with more severe kidney disease at baseline.

INTERPRETATION

SGLT2i have moderate benefits on atherosclerotic major adverse cardiovascular events that seem confined to patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, they have robust benefits on reducing hospitalisation for heart failure and progression of renal disease regardless of existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or a history of heart failure.

FUNDING

None.

Stem-cell therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with reduced ejection fraction: A multicenter, double-blind randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a major determinant of long-term prognosis after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). STEMI patients with reduced LVEF have a poor prognosis, despite successful reperfusion and the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors.

HYPOTHESIS

Intracoronary infusion of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMMC) may improve LVEF in STEMI patients successfully reperfused.

METHODS

The main inclusion criteria for this double-blind, randomized, multicenter study were patient age 30 to 80 years, LVEF ≤50%, successful angioplasty of infarct-related artery, and regional dysfunction in the infarct-related area analyzed before cell injection. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess LVEF, left ventricular volumes, and infarct size at 7 to 9 days and 6 months post-myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-one patients were included (66 patients in the BMMC group and 55 patients in the placebo group). The primary endpoint, mean LVEF, was similar between both groups at baseline (44.63% ± 10.74% vs 42.23% ± 10.33%; P = 0.21) and at 6 months (44.74% ± 12.95 % vs 43.50 ± 12.43%; P = 0.59). The groups were also similar regarding the difference between baseline and 6 months (0.11% ± 8.5% vs 1.27% ± 8.93%; P = 0.46). Other parameters of left ventricular remodeling, such as systolic and diastolic volumes, as well as infarct size, were also similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized, multicenter, double-blind trial, BMMC intracoronary infusion did not improve left ventricular remodeling or decrease infarct size.