Seasonal variation and prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

Background

Little is known about the association between seasonal variation and prognosis in patients with CS caused by AMI.

Objectives

We investigated the 12-month clinical outcomes in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) according to season.

Methods

A total of 695 patients undergoing PCI for AMI complicated by CS was enrolled from 12 centers in South Korea. The study patients were divided into four groups according to season in which the AMI with CS occurred (spring, n = 178 vs. summer, n = 155 vs. autumn, n = 182 vs. winter, n = 180). We compared major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs; the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, re-hospitalization due to heart failure, and any revascularization) between the four groups.

Results

The risk of MACE during the 12 months after CS was similar in the four groups: spring, 68 patients, vs. summer, 69, vs. autumn, 73, vs. winter, 68 (p = 0.587). Multivariate Cox-regression analysis revealed no significant difference in 12-month MACE among groups compared to the spring group after inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment (summer, HR 1.40, 95 % CI 0.98-1.99, p = 0.062; autumn, HR 1.26, 95 % CI 0.89-1.80, p = 0.193; winter, HR 1.18, 95 % CI 0.83-1.67, p = 0.356). The similarity of MACE between the four groups was consistent across a variety of subgroups.

Conclusions

After adjusting for baseline differences, seasonal variation seems not to influence the mid-term risk of 12-month MACE in patients treated with PCI for AMI complicated by CS.

Condensed abstract

Data are limited regarding the association between seasonal variation and prognosis in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) caused by AMI. This study divided patients undergoing PCI for AMI complicated by CS into four groups based on the season of occurrence and found no significant differences in 12-month MACE between the groups after adjusting for bias and confounding factors. Multivariate analysis revealed consistent MACE similarity across subgroups. The study suggests that seasonal variation has no impact on the mid-term risk of 12-month MACE in patients with CS caused by AMI, after adjusting for baseline differences.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02985008RESCUE (REtrospective and prospective observational Study to investigate Clinical oUtcomes and Efficacy of left ventricular assist device for Korean patients with cardiogenic shock), NCT02985008, Registered December 5, 2016 - retrospectively and prospectively.

Irb information

This study was approved by the institutional review board of Samsung Medical Center (Reference number: 2016-03-130).

Clinical Significance of Residual Ischemia in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock Undergoing VA-ECMO

BACKGROUND

Although culprit-only revascularization during the index procedure has been recommended in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS), the reduction of residual ischemia is also emphasized to improve clinical outcomes. However, few data are available about the significance of residual ischemia in patients undergoing mechanical circulatory supports. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of residual ischemia on clinical outcomes in AMI patients undergoing venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).

METHODS

AMI patients with multivessel disease who underwent VA-ECMO due to refractory CS were pooled from the RESCUE and SMC-ECMO registries. The included patients were classified into three groups according to residual ischemia evaluated using the residual SYNTAX score (rSS): rSS = 0, 0 < rSS ≤ 8, and rSS > 8. The primary outcome was 1-year all-cause death.

RESULTS

A total of 408 patients were classified into the rSS = 0 (N = 100, 24.5%), 0 < rSS ≤ 8 (N = 136, 33.3%), and rSS > 8 (N = 172, 42.2%) groups. The cumulative incidence of the primary outcome differed significantly according to rSS (33.9% vs. 55.4% vs. 66.1% for rSS = 0, 0 < rSS ≤ 8, and rSS > 8, respectively, overall P < 0.001). In a multivariable model, rSS was independently associated with the risk of 1-year all-cause death (HRadj 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05, P = 0.003). Conversely, the baseline SYNTAX score was not associated with the risk of the primary outcome. Furthermore, when patients were stratified by rSS, the primary outcome did not differ significantly between the high and low delta SYNTAX score groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In AMI patients with refractory CS who underwent VA-ECMO, residual ischemia was associated with an increased risk of 1-year mortality. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of revascularization strategies to minimize residual ischemia in patients with CS supported with VA ECMO.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

REtrospective and Prospective Observational Study to Investigate Clinical oUtcomes and Efficacy of Left Ventricular Assist Device for Korean Patients With Cardiogenic Shock (RESCUE), NCT02985008.

The Role of Index of Microcirculatory Resistance in Left Anterior Descending Artery ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: Our aim was to assess the relationship of the index of microvascular resistance (IMR) in left anterior descending (LAD) artery involved STEMI patients. Methods: Data of 316 STEMI patients who had undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were collected from three cardiovascular centers from 2005 to 2015. In total, 246 patients with LAD STEMI were enrolled for IMR evaluation. Patients were divided into two groups respective of the cut-off IMR value of 30. All-cause mortality, left ventricular function, improvement of systolic function, and cardiac biomarkers were analyzed and compared. Results: A total of 246 patients were enrolled. The number of patients in the IMR above 30 group was 93 and below 30 was 153. The mean ages for each group were 57.91 ± 11.99 and 54 ± 10.63, respectively. The peak creatinine kinase (CK) (3936.85 ± 2827.32 IU/L vs. 2218.08 ± 2310.41 IU/L, p < 0.001) and CKmb (336.15 ± 195.08 mg/mL vs. 231.53 ± 179.53 mg/mL, p < 0.001) levels were higher for an IMR above the 30 group. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (44.57 ± 6.685% vs. 47.35 ± 8.17%, p = 0.006) and improvement of LVEF (2.81 ± 7.135% vs. 5.88 ± 7.65%, p = 0.004) was lower in the IMR above 30 group. All-cause mortality (7.5% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.012) was higher in the IMR above 30 group, and a Cox regression analysis showed that an IMR above 30 was a poor prognostic factor regarding all-cause mortality (HR: 5.151, 95% CI 1.062-24.987, p = 0.042) even after adjusting for classical clinical risk factors. Conclusions: An elevated IMR value represented larger infarct size, more severe LV dysfunction, and higher mortality in LAD STEMI patients after successful PCI.

Efficacy and safety of durable versus biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

The clinical impact of different polymer technologies in newer-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs) for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) remains poorly understood. We investigated the efficacy and safety of durable polymer DESs (DP-DESs) compared with biodegradable polymer DESs (BP-DESs). A total of 620 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with newer-generation DESs for AMI complicated by CS was divided into two groups based on polymer technology: the DP-DES group (n = 374) and the BP-DES group (n = 246). The primary outcome was target vessel failure (TVF) during a 12-month follow-up, defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization. Both the DP-DES and BP-DES groups exhibited low stent thrombosis rates (1.3% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.660). The risk of TVF did not significantly differ between the two groups (34.2% vs. 28.5%, hazard ratio [HR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69-1.29, p = 0.721). This finding remained consistent after adjustment with inverse probability of treatment weighting (28.1% vs. 25.1%, HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.77-1.27, p = 0.899). In AMI patients complicated by CS, the risk of a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization was not significantly different between those treated with DP-DESs and those treated with BP-DESs.Trial registration: RESCUE registry, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02985008 , NCT02985008.

Prognostic effect of sex according to shock severity in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

BACKGROUND

Sex disparities in cardiogenic shock (CS) treatment are controversial, and the prognostic implications of sex remain unclear in CS caused by acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic effect of sex according to the severity of CS in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for AMI complicated by CS.

METHODS

We assessed 695 patients from 12 tertiary centers in South Korea who underwent PCI for AMI complicated by CS, and analyzed outcomes by sex (female [n = 184] vs. male [n = 511]). We compared a 12-month patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE, defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, re-hospitalization due to heart failure, and repeat revascularization) between the sexes, respective of SCAI shock stage C&D or E. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to reduce bias.

RESULTS

We found that the female group was older and had higher vasoactive-inotropic and IABP-SHOCK II scores than the male group, with findings consistent across SCAI shock stages. During the 12-month follow-up period, multivariate analysis revealed no significant differences in POCE (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.67-1.53, p = 0.963 for SCAI stage C&D, HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.84-1.84, p = 0.286 for SCAI stage E) between females and males. After propensity score matching, the incidence of POCE (HR 1.47, 95% CI 0.79-2.72, p = 0.220 for SCAI stage C&D, HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.49-1.57, p = 0.665 for SCAI stage E) was similar between sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex does not appear to influence the risk of 12-month POCE in patients treated with PCI for CS caused by AMI, irrespective of shock severity.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02985008. RESCUE (REtrospective and prospective observational Study to investigate Clinical oUtcomes and Efficacy of left ventricular assist device for Korean patients with cardiogenic shock), NCT02985008, Registered December 5, 2016 - retrospectively and prospectively.

IRB INFORMATION

This study was approved by the institutional review board of Samsung Medical Center (Reference number: 2016-03-130).

Search for Boosted Dark Matter in COSINE-100

We search for energetic electron recoil signals induced by boosted dark matter (BDM) from the galactic center using the COSINE-100 array of NaI(Tl) crystal detectors at the Yangyang Underground Laboratory. The signal would be an excess of events with energies above 4 MeV over the well-understood background. Because no excess of events are observed in a 97.7  kg·yr exposure, we set limits on BDM interactions under a variety of hypotheses. Notably, we explored the dark photon parameter space, leading to competitive limits compared to direct dark photon search experiments, particularly for dark photon masses below 4 MeV and considering the invisible decay mode. Furthermore, by comparing our results with a previous BDM search conducted by the Super-Kamionkande experiment, we found that the COSINE-100 detector has advantages in searching for low-mass dark matter. This analysis demonstrates the potential of the COSINE-100 detector to search for MeV electron recoil signals produced by the dark sector particle interactions.

Hemo-metabolic impairment in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Data from the INTERSTELLAR registry

BACKGROUND

Not only hemo-dynamic (HD) factors but also hemo-metabolic (HM) risk factors reflecting multi-organ injuries are considered as important prognostic factors in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, studies regarding HM risk factors in STEMI patients are currently limited.

METHOD

Under analysis were 1,524 patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention in the INTERSTELLAR registry. Patients were divided into HM (≥ 2 risk factors) and non-HM impairment groups. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Of 1,524 patients, 214 (14.0%) and 1,310 (86.0%) patients were in the HM and non-HM impairment groups, respectively. Patients with HM impairment had a higher incidence of in-hospital mortality than those without (24.3% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, HM impairment was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (inverse probability of treatment weighting [IPTW]-adjusted odds ratio: 1.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-3.14). In the third door-to-balloon (DTB) time tertile (≥ 82 min), HM impairment was strongly associated with in-hospital mortality. In the first DTB time tertile ( < 62 min), indicating relatively rapid revascularization, HM impairment was consistently associated with increased in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemo-metabolic impairment is significantly associated with increased risk of in-hospital and 1-year mortality in patients with STEMI. It remains a significant prognostic factor, regardless of DTB time.

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of a Single-Pill Combination of Olmesartan/Amlodipine/Hydrochlorothiazide in Korean Patients with Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

INTRODUCTION

Patients with hypertension and additional cardiovascular risk factors pose a challenge by requiring more intensive blood pressure (BP) control. Single-pill combination (SPC) therapy can benefit these patients by improving medication adherence.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter observational study assessed the real-world safety and effectiveness of an SPC containing olmesartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide (O/A/H) in South Korean patients with hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors. BP control rates, defined as the percentage of patients achieving systolic BP (SBP) < 130 mmHg and diastolic BP (DBP) < 80 mmHg for intensive BP control, and < 140 mmHg and < 90 mmHg, respectively, for standard BP control, were investigated across various cardiovascular risk groups, along with changes in SBP and DBP from baseline to week 24.

RESULTS

The most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor was age (≥ 45 years in men, ≥ 55 years in women, 86.1%), followed by cardiovascular diseases (64.4%), dyslipidemia (53.7%), body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 (53.5%), and diabetes mellitus (DM) (46.3%). Switching to O/A/H showed significant BP reduction, with a mean change of - 17.8 mmHg/- 9.3 mmHg in SBP/DBP within 4 weeks. The intensive BP control rate was 41.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 39.5, 43.4), and the standard BP control rate was 73.3% (95% CI 71.5, 75.1), with better control rates in the risk age group (43.1% and 74.1%, respectively) and cardiovascular disease group (42.0% and 73.8%, respectively). The DM group had relatively lower control rates (37.5% for intensive control and 69.4% for standard control). Common adverse drug reactions included dizziness (2.91%), hypotension (1.51%), and headaches (0.70%).

CONCLUSION

The SPC therapy of O/A/H caused a rapid and sustained reduction in SBP/DBP in patients' hypertension and additional cardiovascular risk factors. The therapy was safe and well tolerated.

STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER

KCT0003401 ( https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/20795 ).

Impact of Acute Myocardial Infarction Type on Prognosis in Female Patients With Cardiogenic Shock

There are limited data about mid-term prognosis according to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) type in female patients with AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS). In this study, we evaluated the impact of AMI type on prognosis in female patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for AMI complicated by CS. A total of 184 female patients who underwent PCI for AMI complicated by CS were enrolled from 12 centers in the Republic of Korea. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to AMI type: the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 114) and the non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 70) group. Primary outcome was a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) (defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or repeat revascularization). Propensity-score matching analysis was performed to reduce selection bias and potential confounding factors. During 12-month follow-up, a total of 73 MACEs occurred (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction group, 47 [41.2%] vs non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction group, 26 [37.1%], p = 0.643). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of MACE at 12 months between the 2 groups (adjusted hazard ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 2.37, p = 0.646). After propensity-score matching, the incidence of MACE at 12 months remained similar between the 2 groups (hazard ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 2.52, p = 0.413). The similarity in MACEs between the 2 groups was consistent across a variety of subgroups. In conclusion, after adjusting for baseline differences, AMI clinical type did not appear to increase the risk of MACEs at 12 months in female patients who underwent emergency PCI for AMI complicated by CS.

Predictors of in-hospital mortality after successful weaning of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in cardiogenic shock

Limited knowledge exists regarding the predictors of mortality after successful weaning of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We aimed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) after successful weaning from ECMO. Data were obtained from a multicenter registry of CS. Successful ECMO weaning was defined as survival with minimal mean arterial pressure (> 65 mmHg) for > 24 h after ECMO removal. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality after successful ECMO weaning. Among 1247 patients with CS, 485 received ECMO, and 262 were successfully weaned from ECMO. In-hospital mortality occurred in 48 patients (18.3%). Survivors at discharge differed significantly from non-survivors in age, cardiovascular comorbidities, cause of CS, left ventricular ejection fraction, and use of adjunctive therapy. Five independent predictors for in-hospital mortality were identified: use of continuous renal replacement therapy (odds ratio 5.429, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.468-11.940; p < 0.001), use of intra-aortic balloon pump (3.204, 1.105-9.287; p = 0.032), diabetes mellitus (3.152, 1.414-7.023; p = 0.005), age (1.050, 1.016-1.084; p = 0.003), and left ventricular ejection fraction after ECMO insertion (0.957, 0.927-0.987; p = 0.006). Even after successful weaning of ECMO, patients with irreversible risk factors should be recognized, and careful monitoring should be done for sign of deconditioning.

Efficacy of thrombus aspiration in cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction and high thrombus burden

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Current guidelines do not recommend routine thrombus aspiration in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) because no benefits were observed in previous randomized trials. However, there are limited data in cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating AMI.

METHODS

We included 575 patients with AMI complicated by CS. The participants were stratified into the TA and no-TA groups based on use of TA. The primary outcome was a composite of 6-month all-cause death or heart failure rehospitalization. The efficacy of TA was additionally assessed based on thrombus burden (grade I-IV vs V).

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in in-hospital death (28.9% vs 33.5%; P=.28), or 6-month death, or heart failure rehospitalization (32.4% vs 39.4%; HRadj: 0.80; 95%CI, 0.59-1.09; P=.16) between the TA and no-TA groups. However, in 368 patients with a higher thrombus burden (grade V), the TA group had a significantly lower risk of 6-month all-cause death or heart failure rehospitalization than the no-TA group (33.4% vs 46.3%; HRadj: 0.59; 95%CI, 0.41-0.85; P=.004), with significant interaction between thrombus burden and use of TA for primary outcome (adjusted Pint=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Routine use of TA did not reduce short- and mid-term adverse clinical outcomes in patients with AMI complicated by CS. However, in select patients with a high thrombus burden, the use of TA might be associated with improved clinical outcomes. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02985008).

Performance of a Novel CT-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve Measurement to Detect Hemodynamically Significant Coronary Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) based on computed tomography (CT) has been shown to better identify ischemia-causing coronary stenosis. However, this current technology requires high computational power, which inhibits its widespread implementation in clinical practice. This prospective, multicenter study aimed at validating the diagnostic performance of a novel simple CT based fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) calculation method in patients with coronary artery disease.

METHODS

Patients who underwent coronary CT angiography (CCTA) within 90 days and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were prospectively enrolled. A hemodynamically significant lesion was defined as an FFR ≤ 0.80, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was the primary measure. After the planned analysis for the initial algorithm A, we performed another set of exploratory analyses for an improved algorithm B.

RESULTS

Of 184 patients who agreed to participate in the study, 151 were finally analyzed. Hemodynamically significant lesions were observed in 79 patients (52.3%). The AUC was 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-0.80) for CCTA, 0.65 (95% CI, 0.56-0.74) for CT-FFR algorithm A (P = 0.866), and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70-0.86) for algorithm B (P = 0.112). Diagnostic accuracy was 0.63 (0.55-0.71) for CCTA alone, 0.66 (0.58-0.74) for algorithm A, and 0.76 (0.68-0.82) for algorithm B.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests the feasibility of automated CT-FFR, which can be performed on-site within several hours. However, the diagnostic performance of the current algorithm does not meet the a priori criteria for superiority. Future research is required to improve the accuracy.

Machine learning approaches that use clinical, laboratory, and electrocardiogram data enhance the prediction of obstructive coronary artery disease

Pretest probability (PTP) for assessing obstructive coronary artery disease (ObCAD) was updated to reduce overestimation. However, standard laboratory findings and electrocardiogram (ECG) raw data as first-line tests have not been evaluated for integration into the PTP estimation. Therefore, this study developed an ensemble model by adopting machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms with clinical, laboratory, and ECG data for the assessment of ObCAD. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records of patients with suspected ObCAD who underwent coronary angiography. With the ML algorithm, 27 clinical and laboratory data were included to identify ObCAD, whereas ECG waveform data were utilized with the DL algorithm. The ensemble method combined the clinical-laboratory and ECG models. We included 7907 patients between 2008 and 2020. The clinical and laboratory model showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.747; the ECG model had an AUC of 0.685. The ensemble model demonstrated the highest AUC of 0.767. The sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score of the ensemble model ObCAD were 0.761, 0.625, and 0.696, respectively. It demonstrated good performance and superior prediction over traditional PTP models. This may facilitate personalized decisions for ObCAD assessment and reduce PTP overestimation.

A prospective double-blinded randomized study on drug-eluting stent implantation into nitrate-induced maximally dilated vessels in patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been developed using drug-eluting stents (DES); however, stent implantation is associated with concerns of stent thrombosis and target vessel revascularization (TVR). The stent diameter is a critical factor in TVR and clinical events. The nitrate administration in coronary angiography can dilate the reference vessel diameter, enabling accurate vessel size measurement and optimal stent implantation support. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of stent implantation in the maximally dilated coronary artery in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

This prospective double-blinded randomized (1:1) study is designed to compare the efficacy and safety between DES implantation into the nitrate-induced maximally dilated vessels and conventional DES implantation in patients with CAD. A total of 400 patients who underwent PCI with a sirolimus-eluting stent will be enrolled. The primary endpoint is the mean diameter of the deployed stents. Secondary endpoints include cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, or ischemia-driven TVR 1 year after the procedure.

DISCUSSION

This study will be the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of DES implantation on nitrate-induced maximally dilated vessels in patients with CAD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered on 18 June 2021 as Effect of Ultimaster Stents Treated to the Most Dilated Coronary Vessels (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04931784).

Electrocardiogram-based deep learning algorithm for the screening of obstructive coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Information on electrocardiogram (ECG) has not been quantified in obstructive coronary artery disease (ObCAD), despite the deep learning (DL) algorithm being proposed as an effective diagnostic tool for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Therefore, this study adopted a DL algorithm to suggest the screening of ObCAD from ECG.

METHODS

ECG voltage-time traces within a week from coronary angiography (CAG) were extracted for the patients who received CAG for suspected CAD in a single tertiary hospital from 2008 to 2020. After separating the AMI group, those were classified into ObCAD and non-ObCAD groups based on the CAG results. A DL-based model adopting ResNet was built to extract information from ECG data in the patients with ObCAD relative to those with non-ObCAD, and compared the performance with AMI. Moreover, subgroup analysis was conducted using ECG patterns of computer-assisted ECG interpretation.

RESULTS

The DL model demonstrated modest performance in suggesting the probability of ObCAD but excellent performance in detecting AMI. The AUC of the ObCAD model adopting 1D ResNet was 0.693 and 0.923 in detecting AMI. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score of the DL model for screening ObCAD were 0.638, 0.639, 0.636, and 0.634, respectively, while the figures were up to 0.885, 0.769, 0.921, and 0.758 for detecting AMI, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the difference between normal and abnormal/borderline ECG groups was not notable.

CONCLUSIONS

ECG-based DL model showed fair performance for assessing ObCAD and it may serve as an adjunct to the pre-test probability in patients with suspected ObCAD during the initial evaluation. With further refinement and evaluation, ECG coupled with the DL algorithm may provide potential front-line screening support in the resource-intensive diagnostic pathways.

Renal Sarcoidosis-like Reaction Induced by PD-1 Inhibitor Treatment in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review

Monoclonal antibodies directed against immune checkpoint proteins have been widely used to treat various cancers and have resulted in favorable clinical outcomes. Despite these beneficial properties, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can induce side effects called immune-related adverse events, including sarcoidosis-like reactions (SLR) across multiple organs. Here, we report a case of renal SLR after ICI treatment, and we review the related literature. A 66-year-old Korean patient with non-small cell lung cancer was referred to the nephrology clinic for renal failure after the 14th pembrolizumab treatment dose. A renal biopsy revealed multiple epithelioid cell granulomas, with several lymphoid aggregates in the renal interstitium and a moderate degree of inflammatory cell infiltration in the tubulointerstitium. A moderate dose of steroid therapy was initiated, and the serum creatinine level partially recovered after four weeks of treatment. Judicious monitoring of renal SLR is, therefore, required during ICI therapy, and a timely diagnosis by renal biopsy and appropriate treatment are important.

Culprit-Only Versus Immediate Multivessel Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicating Advanced Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Venoarterial-Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Background Despite the benefit of culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the CULPRIT-SHOCK (Culprit Lesion Only PCI Versus Multi-vessel PCI in Cardiogenic Shock) trial, the optimal revascularization strategy for refractory cardiogenic shock (CS) requiring mechanical circulatory support devices remains controversial. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes between the culprit-only and immediate multivessel PCI strategies in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by CS who underwent venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation before revascularization. Methods and Results This study included patient-pooled data from the RESCUE (Retrospective and Prospective Observational Study to Investigate Clinical Outcomes and Efficacy of Left Ventricular Assist Devices for Korean Patients With Cardiogenic Shock) and SMC-ECMO (Samsung Medical Center-Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) registries. A total of 315 patients with acute myocardial infarction with multivessel disease who underwent venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation before revascularization attributable to refractory CS were included in this analysis. The study population was classified into culprit-only versus immediate multivessel PCI according to nonculprit lesion treatment strategies. The primary end point was 30-day mortality or renal-replacement therapy, and the key secondary end point was 12-month follow-up mortality. Among the study population, 175 (55.6%) underwent culprit-only PCI and 140 (44.4%) underwent immediate multivessel PCI. Compared with culprit-only PCI, immediate multivessel PCI was associated with significantly lower risks of 30-day mortality or renal-replacement therapy (68.0% versus 54.3%; P=0.018) and all-cause mortality during 12 months of follow-up (59.5% versus 47.5%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.689 [95% CI, 0.506-0.939]; P=0.018) in patients with acute myocardial infarction and CS who underwent venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation before revascularization. These results were also consistent in the 99 pairs of propensity score-matched population (60.6% versus 43.6%; HR, 0.622 [95% CI, 0.420-0.922]; P=0.018). Conclusions Among patients with acute myocardial infarction with multivessel disease complicated by advanced CS requiring venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation before revascularization, immediate multivessel PCI was associated with lower incidences of 30-day mortality or renal replacement therapy and 12-month follow-up mortality, compared with culprit-only PCI. Registration Information clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT02985008.

Real-world evidence of switching P2Y12 receptor-inhibiting therapies to prasugrel after PCI in patients with ACS: results from EFF-K registry

BACKGROUND

Potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors are recommended for up to 12 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the prescription pattern is diverse in real world practice, which includes various switching between antiplatelet regimens. In this study, we analyzed the prescription patterns of prasugrel, and assessed the safety and effectiveness of P2Y12 inhibitors switching patterns in a real world registry of patients subjected to PCI after ACS.

METHODS

The EFF-K study included 3077 ACS patients receiving prasugrel-based dual antiplatelet therapy. The cohort was divided into those who were administered with prasugrel as the primary antiplatelet treatment (naïve cohort) or as a substitute agent after clopidogrel or ticagrelor pre-treatment (switch cohort). The primary endpoint was a net adverse clinical event (NACE; a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or TIMI major bleeding unrelated to coronary-artery bypass grafting).

RESULTS

A total of 3077 patients diagnosed with ACS were included in the analysis. Among the total population, 726 patients (23.6%) were classed as the naïve cohort and 2351 patients (76.4%) as the switch cohort. Baseline characteristics showed that the switch cohort had more comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure and previous PCI. The major cause of switching to prasugrel in the switch cohort was the necessity for a more potent antiplatelet agent (56.3%). During a 12-month follow-up period, 51 patients (1.7%) experienced at least one NACE. The incidence of NACE did not differ between the naïve and switch cohort (1.5% vs. 1.7%, Hazard ratio 1.17, 95% Confidence interval 0.56-2.43, P = 0.677). In subgroup analysis, no significant interaction was observed between the treatment strategy and the incidence of NACE across various subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Dual antiplatelet therapy with prasugrel seems to be safe and effective both as a primary treatment and as a substitute for other P2Y12 inhibitors in a real world registry of Asian ACS patients receiving PCI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

KCT0002356, registered June 13, 2017.

Non-culprit left main coronary artery disease in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the clinical impact of residual non-culprit left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) on prognosis in patients undergoing emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS).

METHODS

A total of 429 patients who underwent PCI for AMI complicated by CS was enrolled from 12 centers in the Republic of Korea. The patients were divided into two groups according to presence of non-culprit LMCAD or not: the LMCAD non-culprit group (n = 43) and the no LMCAD group (n = 386). Primary outcome was major adverse cardiac event (MACE, defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or repeat revascularization). Propensity score matching analysis was performed to reduce selection bias and potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

During a 12-month follow-up, a total of 168 MACEs occurred (LMCAD non-culprit group, 17 [39.5%] vs. no LMCAD group, 151 [39.1%]). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of MACE at 12 months between the LMCAD non-culprit and no LMCAD groups (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58 to 1.62, p = 0.901). After propensity score matching, the incidence of MACE was still similar between the two groups (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.33 to 1.23; p = 0.180). The similarity of MACEs between the two groups was consistent across a variety of subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for baseline differences, residual non-culprit LMCAD does not appear to increase the risk of MACEs at 12 months in patients undergoing emergent PCI for AMI complicated by CS.

Association of height loss and cardiovascular disease: Data from a large Korean cohort

Background

Height declines with age, and its degree differs among individuals. Despite epidemiologic evidence for the inverse relationship between adult height and cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence, the clinical significance of height loss in CVD remains to be elucidated. Therefore, this study investigated the association between height loss and CVD incidence.

Methods

In total, 127,573 Korean participants were enrolled; their heights were monitored from 2002 to 2011. The annual height loss (cm/year) was the difference between the first and last height measurements within the observation period divided by the number of years. The participants were classified as Group 1 (height loss: <0.3 cm/year; n = 102,554), Group 2 (height loss: 0.3– < 0.6 cm/year; n = 17,324), or Group 3 (height loss: ≥0.6 cm/year; n = 7,695).

Results

The cumulative major adverse cardiac and cerebral event (MACCE: cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and unplanned hospitalization for heart failure or stroke) incidence rate was 3.6% for Group 1, 4.5% for Group 2, and 5.2% for Group 3. Group 2 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17–1.37) and Group 3 (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.32–1.62) had a significantly higher incidence of MACCE than Group 1. In the model adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, income level, body mass index, smoking, and drinking status, the MACCE risk was higher in Group 2 (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.07–1.20) and Group 3 (HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.13–1.39) than in Group 1.

Conclusion

The degree of height loss was independently associated with CVD occurrences in the Korean population.

Comparison of trans-radial access and femoral access in cardiogenic shock patient who had undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention from SMART RESCUE trial

Introduction

Throughout the years of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the debate regarding access route, whether it being trasns-radial or femoral, is an ongoing agenda yet to be solved. Recent guidelines suggest trans-radial approach as an option to be considered in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, data on cardiogenic shock patients undergoing PCI is relatively sparse.

Purpose

Compare the clinical implication of trans-radial and femoral approach in cardiogenic shock patients who had undergone PCI.

Method

Cardiogenic shock patients who had undergone PCI from January 2014 to December of 2018 were enrolled. Patients were divided according to their access route respectfully. Primary outcome was composite endpoints including all-cause death, re-admission due to heart failure, myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular accident.

Result

A total of 694 (572 via femoral approach, 122 via radial approach) cardiogenic shock patients who received PCI were enrolled. Mean age femoral and radial groups was 66.59±12.51 and 66.66±12.8 respectfully. Disease severity was higher for femoral patients compared to radial patients as represented by their LM involvement, mechanical organ support (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, continuous renal replacement therapy, mechanical ventilation), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and vasoactive inotropic score. Cox regression analysis after adjusting for conventional risk factors showed that femoral route was a poor prognosticator with respect to composite endpoints (HR=2.059, 95% CI 1.249–3.397, p value = 0.005). Radial approach patients had higher survival probability compared to femoral approach patients (Figure 1).

Conclusion

Radial approach in cardiogenic shock patients who are in need for PCI with relatively less severe clinical condition could be a reasonable option for access route.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Inha University Hospital

Prognostic impact of plasma glucose on cardiogenic shock patients with or without diabetes ellitus: smart rescue trial

Background

Even though the presence of hyperglycemia has shown to affect the clinical outcome of cardiogenic shock patients, the extent of hyperglycemia and its association with prognosis have not been fully addressed in large population

Purpose

Investigate the clinical relationship between hyperglycemic status and in-hospital mortality in cardiogenic shock patients

Method

A total of 1,177 consecutive cardiogenic shock patients were enrolled from January 2014 to December of 2018 at 12 hospitals in South Korea. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Patients were divided into four groups according to their initial plasma glucose level in each of diabetes patients (n=752) and non-diabetes patients (n=425); group 1 (≤8 mmol/L), group 2 (8–12 mmol/L), group 3 (12–16 mmol/L) and group 4 (≥16 mmol/L).

Results

The groups with higher admission plasma glucose were associated with lower systolic blood pressure and higher lactic acid level in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. In-hospital mortality increased in groups with higher admission plasma glucose level in non-diabetic patients (group-1:24.2%, group-2: 28.6%, group-3: 38.1%, group-4: 49.0%, p&lt;0.01) whereas in diabetic patients, mortality and admission plasma glucose level showed no significant association (group-1: 45%, group-2: 35.4%, group-3: 33.3%, group-4: 43.1%, p=0.26). Even after Multivariate analysis, high plasma glucose was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in non-diabetic patients

Conclusion

In cardiogenic shock patients, plasma glucose obtained at admission was associated with in-hospital mortality in non-diabetic patients

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Inha University hospital

Impact of right atrial enlargement on clinical outcome in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

Left atrial (LA) remodeling is associated with adverse cardiovascular events, including heart failure (HF) and stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there are limited data on the value of right atrial (RA) remodeling in this population. We investigated the prognostic role of RA enlargement in patients with non-valvular AF.

Methods and results

We analyzed 254 consecutive patients (age = 69 ± 12years, male:female = 165:89, mean left ventricular ejection fraction = 58.0 ± 7.2%) with non-valvular AF who underwent two-dimensional echocardiography from a single center. RA and LA volumes were measured from apical views and indexed to the body surface areas (right atrial volume index [RAVI] and left atrial volume index [LAVI]) and RAVI &gt; 30mL/m2 and LAVI &gt; 34mL/m2 were considered as enlarged. The relationship between RA enlargement and composite clinical outcome of hospitalization for HF (HHF), stroke, systemic embolism, or death from any cause was assessed. Right atrial (RA) enlargement was associated with older age and more frequent prevalence of persistent or permanent AF. During a median follow-up of 47.1 months, 77 patients (30%) had experienced primary composite outcome. In a multivariable model, RA enlargement, but not LA enlargement, was independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes even after adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic factors {adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.90 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14–3.18], p = 0.014 for primary composite outcome; adjusted HR, 2.70 [95% CI, 1.27–5.67], p = 0.001 for HHF or all cause death}.

Conclusion

RA enlargement was independently associated with an increased risk of HF, stroke, systemic embolization or death in patients with non-valvular AF, suggesting that RA volume can be helpful in assessing future cardiovascular risk in this population.

Inodilators May Improve the In-Hospital Mortality of Patients with Cardiogenic Shock Undergoing Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Although inodilators (dobutamine and milrinone) are widely used empirically for cardiogenic shock (CS), the efficacy of inodilators for patients with CS undergoing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is controversial. We evaluated the effects of inodilators on clinical outcomes using the RESCUE (REtrospective and prospective observational Study to investigate Clinical oUtcomes and Efficacy of left ventricular assist device for Korean patients with cardiogenic shock; NCT02985008) registry. We selected and analyzed the clinical outcomes of 496 patients who underwent VA-ECMO and did or did not receive inodilators. Of the 496 patients, 257 (51.8%) died during hospitalization. We selected 191 matched pairs to adjust for baseline clinical characteristics after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the inodilator group had significantly lower in-hospital mortality than the no-inodilator group (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.768; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.579–1.018; p = 0.066, adjusted HR, 0.702; 95% CI, 0.552–0.944; p = 0.019). For patients with CS undergoing VA-ECMO, inodilators may improve clinical outcomes.

Prognostic Impact of Plasma Glucose on Patients With Cardiogenic Shock With or Without Diabetes Mellitus from the SMART RESCUE Trial

Although the presence of hyperglycemia has been shown to affect the clinical outcome of patients with cardiogenic shock, the extent of hyperglycemia and its association with prognosis have not been fully addressed in a large population. A total of 1,177 consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock were enrolled from January 2014 to December 2018 at 12 hospitals in South Korea. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to their initial plasma glucose level in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (n = 752) and patients without DM (n=425); group 1 (≤8 mmol/L or 144 mg/100 ml), group 2 (8 to 12 mmol/L or 144 to 216 mg/100 ml), group 3 (12 to 16 mmol/L or 216 to 288 mg/100 ml), and group 4 (≥16 mmol/L or 288 mg/100 ml). The groups with higher admission plasma glucose were associated with lower systolic blood pressure and higher lactic acid levels in patients with and without DM. In-hospital mortality increased in groups with higher admission plasma glucose level in patients without DM (group 1:24.2%, group 2: 28.6%, group 3: 38.1%, group 4: 49.0%, p <0.01), whereas in patients with DM, mortality and admission plasma glucose level showed no significant association (group 1: 45%, group 2: 35.4%, group 3: 33.3%, group 4: 43.1%, p = 0.26). Even after multivariate analysis, high plasma glucose was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients without DM. In patients with cardiogenic shock, plasma glucose obtained at admission was associated with in-hospital mortality in patients without DM.

Impact of the Obesity Paradox Between Sexes on In-Hospital Mortality in Cardiogenic Shock: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Several studies have shown that obesity is associated with better outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Although this phenomenon, the “obesity paradox,” reportedly manifests differently based on sex in other disease entities, it has not yet been investigated in patients with CS.

Methods and Results

A total of 1227 patients with CS from the RESCUE (Retrospective and Prospective Observational Study to Investigate Clinical Outcomes and Efficacy of Left Ventricular Assist Device for Korean Patients With Cardiogenic Shock) registry in Korea were analyzed. The study population was classified into obese and nonobese groups according to Asian Pacific criteria (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m² for obese). The clinical impact of obesity on in‐hospital mortality according to sex was analyzed using logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline curves. The in‐hospital mortality rate was significantly lower in obese men than nonobese men (34.2% versus 24.1%, respectively; P=0.004), while the difference was not significant in women (37.3% versus 35.8%, respectively; P=0.884). As a continuous variable, higher BMI showed a protective effect in men; conversely, BMI was not associated with clinical outcomes in women. Compared with patients with normal weight, obesity was associated with a decreased risk of in‐hospital death in men (multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.63; CI, 0.43–0.92 [P=0.016]), but not in women (multivariable‐adjusted OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.55–1.61 [P=0.828]). The interaction P value for the association between BMI and sex was 0.023.

Conclusions

The obesity paradox exists and apparently occurs in men among patients with CS. The differential effect of BMI on in‐hospital mortality was observed according to sex.

Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02985008.

Correlation of heart rate recovery and heart rate variability with atrial fibrillation progression

Objective

To examine the combination of heart rate recovery (HRR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) progression.

Methods

Data from patients with a first detected episode of AF who underwent treadmill exercise testing and 24-h Holter electrocardiography were retrospectively analysed. Autonomic dysfunction was verified using HRR values. Sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation was analysed by HRV. AF progression was defined as transition from the first detected paroxysmal episode to persistent/permanent AF.

Results

Of 306 patients, mean LF/HF ratio and HRR did not differ significantly by AF progression regardless of age (< or ≥65 years). However, when the LF/HF ratio was divided into tertiles, in patients aged <65 years, the mid LF/HF (1.60–2.40) ratio was significantly associated with lower AF progression rates and longer maintenance of normal sinus rhythm. For patients aged <65 years, less metabolic equivalents were related to higher AF progression rates. For patients aged ≥65 years, a low HRR was associated with high AF progression rates.

Conclusion

In relatively younger age, high physical capacity and balanced autonomic nervous system regulation are important predictors of AF progression. Evaluation of autonomic function assessed by age could predict AF progression.

The Index of Microcirculatory Resistance after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Predicts Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

The index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) is a simple method that can measure microvascular function after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). This study is to find out whether IMR predicts clinical long-term outcomes in STEMI patients. A total of 316 patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI from 2005 to 2015 were enrolled. The IMR was measured using pressure sensor/thermistor-tipped guidewire after primary PCI. The primary endpoint was the rate of death or hospitalization for heart failure (HF) over a mean follow-up period of 65 months. The mean corrected IMR was 29.4 ± 20.0. Patients with an IMR > 29 had a higher rate of the primary endpoint compared to patients with an IMR ≤ 29 (10.3% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.001). During the follow-up period, 13 patients (4.1%) died and 6 patients (1.9%) were hospitalized for HF. An IMR > 29 was associated with an increased risk of death or hospitalization for HF (OR 5.378, p = 0.004). On multivariable analysis, IMR > 29 (OR 3.962, p = 0.022) remained an independent predictor of death or hospitalization for HF with age (OR 1.048, p = 0.049) and symptom-to-balloon time (OR 1.002, p = 0.049). High IMR was an independent predictor for poor long-term clinical outcomes in STEMI patients after primary PCI.

Clinical Implication of Hypoxic Liver Injury for Predicting Hypoxic Hepatitis and In-Hospital Mortality in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to determine the value of hypoxic liver injury (HLI) in the emergency room (ER) for predicting hypoxic hepatitis (HH) and in-hospital mortality in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1537 consecutive STEMI patients were enrolled. HLI in the ER was defined as a ≥2-fold increase in serum aspartate transaminase (AST). HH was defined as a ≥20-fold increase in peak serum transaminase. Patients were divided into four groups according to HLI and HH status (group 1, no HLI or HH; group 2, HLI, but no HH; group 3, no HLI, but HH; group 4, both HLI and HH).

RESULTS

The incidences of HLI and HH in the ER were 22% and 2%, respectively. In-hospital mortality rates were 3.1%, 11.8%, 28.6%, and 47.1% for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Patients with HLI and/or HH had worse Killip class, higher cardiac biomarker elevations, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HLI in the ER was an independent predictor of HH [odds ratio 2.572, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.166-5.675, p=0.019]. The predictive value of HLI in the ER for the development of HH during hospitalization was favorable [area under the curve (AUC) 0.737, 95% CI 0.643-0.830, sensitivity 0.548, specificity 0.805, for cut-off value AST >80]. Furthermore, in terms of in-hospital mortality, predictive values of HLI in the ER and HH during hospitalization were comparable (AUC 0.701 for HLI at ER and AUC 0.674 for HH).

CONCLUSION

Among STEMI patients, HLI in the ER is a significant predictor for the development of HH and mortality during hospitalization (INTERSTELLAR ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02800421).

mHealth Interventions for Lifestyle and Risk Factor Modification in Coronary Heart Disease: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Self-management of lifestyle and cardiovascular disease risk factors is challenging in older patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). SMS text messaging could be a potential support tool for self-management and the most affordable and accessible method through a mobile phone. High-quality evidence had been lacking, and previous studies evaluated the effects of SMS text messaging on the subjective measures of short-term outcomes. Recently, a large-sized randomized controlled trial in Australia reported promising findings on the objective measures upon 6-month follow-up. However, an examination of the effectiveness of such interventions in an Asian population with unique demographic characteristics would be worthwhile.

Objective

This study examined the effectiveness of a 1-way SMS text messaging program to modify the lifestyle and cardiovascular disease risk factors of patients who underwent the first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

A parallel, single-blinded, 1:1 random allocation clinical trial was conducted with 879 patients treated through PCI. They were recruited during hospital admission from April 2017 to May 2020 at 2 university hospitals in the Republic of Korea. In addition to standard care, the intervention group received access to a supporting website and 4 SMS text messages per week for 6 months regarding a healthy diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, and cardiovascular health. Random allocation upon study enrollment and SMS text messaging after hospital discharge were performed automatically using a computer program. The coprimary outcomes were low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and BMI. The secondary outcomes were change in lifestyle and adherence to the recommended health behaviors.

Results

Of the eligible population, 440 and 439 patients who underwent PCI were assigned to the intervention and control groups, respectively. The 1-way SMS text messaging program significantly enhanced physical activity (P=.02), healthy diet (P<.01), and medication adherence (P<.04) among patients with CHD. Hence, more people were likely to control their cardiovascular disease risk factors per the recommendations. The intervention group was more likely to control all 5 risk factors by 62% (relative risk 1.62, 95% CI 1.05-2.50) per the recommendations. On the other hand, physiological measures of the primary outcomes, including LDL-C levels, SBP, and BMI, were not significant. Most participants found the SMS text messaging program useful and helpful in motivating lifestyle changes.

Conclusions

Lifestyle-focused SMS text messages were effective in the self-management of a healthy diet, exercise, and medication adherence, but their influence on the physiological measures was not significant. One-way SMS text messages can be used as an affordable adjuvant method for lifestyle modification to help prevent the recurrence of cardiovascular disease.

Trial Registration

Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS) KCT0005087; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/19282

Comparison of in-hospital outcomes of patients with vs. without ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing veno-arterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Aims

This study aimed to investigate differences in baseline and treatment characteristics, and in‐hospital mortality according to the aetiologies of cardiogenic shock in patients undergoing veno‐arterial‐extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO).

Methods and results

The RESCUE registry is a multicentre, observational cohort that includes 1247 patients with cardiogenic shock from 12 centres. A total of 496 patients requiring VA‐ECMO were finally selected, and the study population was stratified by cardiogenic shock aetiology [ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM, n = 342) and non‐ICM (NICM, n = 154)]. The primary outcome of interest was in‐hospital mortality. Sensitivity analyses including propensity‐score matching adjustments were performed. Mean age of the entire population was 61.8 ± 14.2, and 30.8% were women. There were significant differences in baseline characteristics; notable differences included the older age of patients with ICM (65.1 ± 13.7 vs. 58.2 ± 13.8, P < 0.001), preponderance of males [258 (75.4%) vs. 85 (55.2%), P < 0.001], and higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus [140 (40.9%) vs. 39 (25.3%), P = 0.001] compared with patients in the NICM aetiology group. Patients with ischaemic cardiogenic shock were more likely to have longer shock duration before VA‐ECMO implantation (518.7 ± 941.4 min vs. 292.4 ± 707.8 min, P = 0.003) and were less likely to undergo distal limb perfusion than those with NICM [108 (31.6%) vs. 79 (51.3%), P < 0.001]. In‐hospital mortality in the overall cohort was 52.2%; patients with ICM had a higher unadjusted risk of in‐hospital mortality [203 (59.4%) vs. 56 (36.4%); unadjusted hazard ratio, 2.295; 95% confidence interval, 1.698–3.100; P < 0.001]. There were no significant differences in the primary outcome between the two aetiologies following propensity‐score matching multiple adjustments (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.265; 95% confidence interval, 0.840–1.906; P = 0.260).

Conclusions

Results of the current study indicated among patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing VA‐ECMO, ischaemic aetiology does not seem to impact in‐hospital mortality. These findings underline that early initiation and appropriate treatment strategies of VA‐ECMO for patients with ICM shock are required.

Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock: Results From the RESCUE Registry

BACKGROUND

In the current era of mechanical circulatory support, limited data are available on prognosis of cardiogenic shock (CS) caused by various diseases. We investigated the characteristics and predictors of in-hospital mortality in Korean patients with CS.

METHODS

The RESCUE study (Retrospective and Prospective Observational Study to Investigate Clinical Outcomes and Efficacy of Left Ventricular Assist Device for Korean Patients With CS) is a multicenter, retrospective, and prospective registry of patients that presented with CS. Between January 2014 and December 2018, 1247 patients with CS were enrolled from 12 major centers in Korea. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality rate was 33.6%. The main causes of shock were ischemic heart disease (80.7%), dilated cardiomyopathy (6.1%), myocarditis (3.2%), and nonischemic ventricular arrhythmia (2.5%). Vasopressors were used in 1081 patients (86.7%). The most frequently used vasopressor was dopamine (63.4%) followed by norepinephrine (57.3%). An intraaortic balloon pump was used in 314 patients (25.2%) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenator in 496 patients (39.8%). In multivariable analysis, age ≥70years (odds ratio [OR], 2.73 [95% CI, 1.89-3.94], P<0.001), body mass index <25 kg/m² (OR, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.08-2.16], P=0.017), cardiac arrest at presentation (OR, 2.16 [95% CI, 1.44-3.23], P<0.001), vasoactive-inotrope score >80 (OR, 3.55 [95% CI, 2.54-4.95], P<0.001), requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (OR, 4.14 [95% CI, 2.88-5.95], P<0.001), mechanical ventilator (OR, 3.17 [95% CI, 2.16-4.63], P<0.001), intraaortic balloon pump (OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.07-2.24], P=0.020), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (OR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.25-2.76], P=0.002) were independent predictors for in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The in-hospital mortality of patients with CS remains high despite the high utilization of mechanical circulatory support. Age, low body mass index, cardiac arrest at presentation, amount of vasopressor, and advanced organ failure requiring various support devices were poor prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02985008.

Impact of Residual Mitral Regurgitation on Survival After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of residual mitral regurgitation (resMR) on mortality with respect to left ventricular dilatation (LV-Dil) or right ventricular dysfunction (RV-Dys) in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) who underwent mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER).

BACKGROUND

The presence of LV-Dil and RV-Dys correlates with advanced stages of heart failure in SMR patients, which may impact the outcome after TEER.

METHODS

SMR patients in a European multicenter registry were evaluated. Investigated outcomes were 2-year all-cause mortality and improvement in New York Heart Association functional class with respect to MR reduction, LV-Dil (defined as LV end-diastolic volume ≥159 ml), and RV-Dys (defined as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion-to-systolic pulmonary artery pressure ratio of <0.274 mm/mm Hg).

RESULTS

Among 809 included patients, resMR ≤1+ was achieved in 546 (67%) patients. Overall estimated 2-year mortality rate was 32%. Post-procedural resMR was significantly associated with mortality (p = 0.031). Although the improvement in New York Heart Association functional class persisted regardless of either LV-Dil or RV-Dys, the beneficial treatment effect of resMR ≤1+ on 2-year mortality was observed only in patients without LV-Dil and RV-Dys (hazard ratio: 1.75; 95% confidence interval: 1.03 to 3.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Achieving optimal MR reduction by TEER is associated with improved survival in SMR patients, especially if the progress in heart failure is not too advanced. In SMR patients with advanced stages of heart failure, as evidenced by LV-Dil or RV-Dys, the treatment effect of TEER on symptomatic improvement is maintained, but the survival benefit appears to be reduced.

Sex-Related Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to assess sex-based differences in characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVR) for secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR).

BACKGROUND

Subgroup analysis from the COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial indicated potential sex-related differences in outcomes after TMVR. The impact of sex on results after TMVR in a real-world setting is unknown.

METHODS

The authors assessed clinical outcomes and echocardiographic parameters in women and men undergoing TMVR for SMR between 2008 and 2018 who were included in the large, international, multicenter real-world EuroSMR registry (European Registry of Transcatheter Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation).

RESULTS

A total of 1,233 patients, including 445 women (36%) and 788 men (64%), were analyzed. Although women were significantly older and had fewer comorbidities than men, TMVR was equally effective in women and men (mitral regurgitation [MR] grade ≤2+ at discharge: 93.2% vs. 94.6% for women vs. men; p = 0.35). All-cause mortality at 1 year (17.9% vs. 18.9%, adjusted hazard ratio: 0.806; p = 0.46) and at 2-year follow-up (26.5% vs. 26.4%, adjusted hazard ratio: 0.757; p = 0.26) were similar in women versus men after multivariate regression analysis. Durability of MR reduction, improvement in symptoms, quality of life, and functional capacity did also not differ during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the EuroSMR registry confirmed effective and similar MR reduction with TMVR in women and men. There were no sex-related differences in clinical outcomes up to 2 years of follow-up.

Impact of Right Ventricular Dysfunction on Outcomes After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess the impact of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) as defined by impaired right ventricular-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling, on survival after edge-to-edge transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) for severe secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR).

BACKGROUND

Conflicting data exist regarding the benefit of TMVR in severe SMR. A possible explanation could be differences in RVD.

METHODS

Using data from the EuroSMR (European Registry on Outcomes in Secondary Mitral Regurgitation) registry, this study compared the characteristics and outcomes of SMR patients undergoing TMVR, according to their RV-PA coupling, assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion-to-systolic pulmonary artery pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) ratio.

RESULTS

Overall, 817 patients with severe SMR and available RV-PA coupling assessment underwent TMVR in the participating centers. RVD was present in 211 patients (25.8% with a TAPSE/sPAP ratio <0.274 mm/mm Hg). Although all patients demonstrated significant improvement in their New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, there was a trend toward a lower rate of NYHA functional class I or II among patients with RVD (56.5% vs. 65.5%, respectively; p = 0.086) after TMVR. Survival rates at 1 and 2 years were lower among patients with RVD (70.2% vs. 84.0%, respectively; p < 0.001; and 53.4% vs. 73.1%, respectively; p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, a reduced TAPSE/sPAP ratio was a strong predictor of mortality (odds ratio: 1.62; 95% confidence interval: 1.14 to 2.31; p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

RVD, as shown by impairment of RV-PA coupling, is a major predictor of adverse outcome in patients undergoing TMVR for severe SMR. The often neglected functional and anatomic RV parameters should be systematically assessed when planning TMVR procedures for patients with severe SMR.

Addition of routine blood biomarkers to TIMI risk score improves predictive performance of 1-year mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Several biomarkers have been proposed as independent predictors of poor outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We investigated whether adding information obtained from routine blood tests including hypoxic liver injury (HLI), dysglycemia, anemia, and high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could improve the prognostic performance of the TIMI risk score for the prediction of 1-year mortality.

Methods

A total of 1057 patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively enrolled from 4-regional hospitals. HLI and dysglycemia were defined as serum transaminase > twice the normal upper limit and glucose < 90 or > 250 mg/dL, respectively. The effect of adding biomarkers to the TIMI risk score on its discriminative ability was assessed using c-statistic, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results

The 1-year mortality rate was 7.1%. The best cutoff value of NLR for the prediction of 1-year mortality was 4.3 (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 65%). HLI (HR 2.019; 95% CI 1.104–3.695), dysglycemia (HR 2.535; 95% CI 1.324–3.923), anemia (HR 2.071; 95% CI 1.093–3.923), and high NLR (HR 3.651; 95% CI 1.927–6.918) were independent predictors of 1-year mortality. When these 4 parameters were added to the TIMI risk score, the c-statistic significantly improved from 0.841 to 0.876 (p < 0.001), and the NRI and IDI were estimated at 0.203 (95% CI 0.130–0.275; p < 0.001) and 0.089 (95% CI 0.060–0.119; p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

The addition of HLI, dysglycemia, anemia, and high NLR to the TIMI risk score may be useful for very early risk stratification in patients with STEMI receiving primary PCI.

Ivabradine-Induced Torsade de Pointes in Patients with Heart Failure Reduced Ejection Fraction

Ivabradine is a selective inhibitor of the sinoatrial node "funny" current, prolonging the slow diastolic depolarization. As it has the ability to block the heart rate selectively, it is more effective at a faster heart rate. It is recommended for the treatment of heart failure reduced ejection fraction in the presence of beta-blocker therapy for the further reduction of the heart rate. However, previous reports have shown the association of Torsade de pointes (TdP) with concurrent use of ivabradine and drugs resulting in QT prolongation or blockage of the metabolic breakdown of ivabradine. In this article, we report two cases of patients with heart failure reduced ejection fraction who developed TdP after ivabradine use. Our report highlights the need to exercise caution with the administration of ivabradine in the presence of a reduced repolarization reserve, such as QT prolongation or metabolic insufficiency.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Pitavastatin Versus Pitavastatin/Fenofibrate in High-risk Korean Patients with Mixed Dyslipidemia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blinded, Parallel, Therapeutic Confirmatory Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins are known to effectively reduce not only low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level but also death and nonfatal myocardial infarction due to coronary heart disease. The risk for CVD from atherogenic dyslipidemia persists when elevated triglyceride (TG) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are not controlled with statin therapy. Therefore, statin/fenofibrate combination therapy is more effective in reducing CVD risk. Here, we assessed the efficacy and tolerability of pitavastatin/fenofibrate combination therapy in patients with mixed dyslipidemia and a high risk for CVD.

METHODS

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, therapeutic-confirmatory clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of fixed-dose combination therapy with pitavastatin/fenofibrate 2/160 mg in Korean patients with a high risk for CVD and a controlled LDL-C level (<100 mg/dL) and a TG level of 150-500 mg/dL after a run-in period with pitavastatin 2 mg alone. In the 8-week main study, 347 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive pitavastatin 2 mg with or without fenofibrate 160 mg after a run-in period. In the extension study, patients with controlled LDL-C and non-HDL-C (<130 mg/dL) levels were included after the completion of the main study. All participants in the extension study received the pitavastatin/fenofibrate combination therapy for 16 weeks for the assessment of the tolerability of long-term treatment.

FINDINGS

The difference in the mean percentage change in non-HDL-C from baseline to week 8 between the combination therapy and monotherapy groups was -12.45% (95% CI, -17.18 to -7.72), and the combination therapy was associated with a greater reduction in non-HDL-C. The changes in lipid profile, including apolipoproteins, fibrinogen, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein from baseline to weeks 4 and 8 were statistically significant with combination therapy compared to monotherapy at all time points. Furthermore, the rates of achievement of non-HDL-C and apolipoprotein B targets at week 8 in the combination therapy and monotherapy groups were 88.30% versus 77.98% (P = 0.0110) and 78.94% versus 68.45% (P = 0.0021), respectively. The combination therapy was well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of statin monotherapy.

IMPLICATIONS

In these Korean patients with mixed dyslipidemia and a high risk for CVD, combination therapy with pitavastatin/fenofibrate was associated with a greater reduction in non-HDL-C compared with that with pitavastatin monotherapy, and a significantly improvement in other lipid levels. Moreover, the combination therapy was well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of statin monotherapy. Therefore, pitavastatin/fenofibrate combination therapy could be effective and well tolerated in patients with mixed dyslipidemia. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03618797.

Validation of the diagnostic performance of 'HeartMedi V.1.0', a novel CT-derived fractional flow reserve measurement, for patients with coronary artery disease: a study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is widely used for non-invasive coronary artery evaluation, but it is limited in identifying the nature of functional characteristics that cause ischaemia. Recent computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques applied to CCTA images permit non-invasive computation of fractional flow reserve (FFR), a measure of lesion-specific ischaemia. However, this technology has limitations, such as long computational time and the need for expensive equipment, which hinder widespread use.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is a prospective, multicentre, comparative and confirmatory trial designed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of HeartMedi V.1.0, a novel CT-derived FFR measurement for the detection of haemodynamically significant coronary artery stenoses identified by CCTA, based on invasive FFR as a reference standard. The invasive FFR values ≤0.80 will be considered haemodynamically significant. The study will enrol 184 patients who underwent CCTA, invasive coronary angiography and invasive FFR. Computational FFR (c-FFR) will be analysed by CFD techniques using a lumped parameter model based on vessel length method. Blinded core laboratory interpretation will be performed for CCTA, invasive coronary angiography, invasive FFR and c-FFR. The primary objective of the study is to compare the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve between c-FFR and CCTA to non-invasively detect the presence of haemodynamically significant coronary stenosis. The secondary endpoints include diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and correlation of c-FFR with invasive FFR.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has ethic approval from the ethics committee of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (E-1709/420-001) and informed consent will be obtained for all enrolled patients. The result will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

KCT0002725; Pre-results.

An analysis of vascular properties using pulse wave analysis in patients with vasovagal syncope

BACKGROUND

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a common cause of recurrent syncope. Nevertheless, the exact hemodynamic mechanism has not been elucidated. Pulse wave analysis (PWA) is widely used to evaluate vascular properties, as it reflects the condition of the entire arterial system.

HYPOTHESIS

Cardiovascular autonomic modulation may influence the hemodynamic mechanism and result in different vascular properties between VVS patients and healthy individuals.

METHODS

We enrolled consecutive patients diagnosed with VVS on head-up tilt testing from January 2014 to August 2019. Healthy subjects were enrolled as the control group. We performed PWA on all participants. Using propensity score matching, we assembled a study population with similar baseline characteristics and compared hemodynamic parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 111 VVS patients (43 ± 18 years, 72 females) and 475 healthy control subjects (48 ± 13 years, 192 females) were enrolled. Compared to the healthy control subjects, the VVS patients had a higher augmentation index (AIx) adjusted to a heart rate of 75 beats per minute (AIx@HR75, 20.5 ± 13.1% vs 16.7 ± 11.9%, P = .003). After 1:1 matched comparison (111 matched control), VVS patients consistently showed higher AIx@HR75 (20.5 ± 13.1% vs 16.7 ± 12.9%, P = .02) than the matched control group. According to age distribution, VVS patients showed significantly higher AIx@HR75 (10.6 ± 11.7% vs 2.5 ± 11.1%, P = .01) in a young age (15-33 years) group.

CONCLUSIONS

VVS patients had greater arterial stiffness than healthy subjects. This is one of the plausible mechanisms of the pathophysiology of VVS.

The relationship between J wave and ventricular tachycardia during Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Background and objectives

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) occasionally causes life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. J wave on surface electrocardiography (sECG) has also been associated with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and cardiac events; therefore, we investigated whether the presence of J wave on sECG is a potential risk factor for ventricular arrhythmia in patients with TTC.

Subjects and methods

We performed a retrospective study in 79 patients who were diagnosed with TTC from 2010 to 2014. Among them, 20 (25.3%) were diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia (VT). The J wave on the sECG was defined as J point elevation manifested through QRS notching or slurring at least 1 mm above the baseline in at least two leads.

Results

A higher prevalence of ventricular tachycardia was observed in patients with J wave. The corrected QT interval (QTc) was significantly longer in the VT group than in the non-VT group. In a multivariate analysis, the presence of J wave appeared to be the only independent predictors of VT [Hazard Ratio (HR) 3.5, p = 0.019].

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the presence of J wave on the sECG is significantly associated with VT, and appear to indicate that the presence of J wave is a strong and independent predictor of VT in patients with TTC.

Prognostic impact of the combination of serum transaminase and alkaline phosphatase determined in the emergency room in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Elevated serum transaminase or alkaline phosphatase (ALP) has been proposed as a novel prognosticator for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We evaluated the combined prognostic impact of elevated serum transaminases and ALP on admission in STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

A total of 1176 patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI were retrospectively enrolled from the INTERSTELLAR registry. Hypoxic liver injury (HLI) was defined as serum transaminase > twice the upper limit of normal. The cut-off value of high ALP was set at the median level (73 IU/L). Patients were divided into four groups according to their serum transaminase and ALP levels. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and ischemia-driven revascularization.

Results

Median follow-up duration was 25 months (interquartile range, 10–39 months). The rate of MACCE was highest in patients with HLI (+) and high ALP (25.9%), compared to those in the other groups (8.2% in HLI [-] and low ALP, 11.8% in HLI [-] and high ALP, and 15.0% in HLI [+] and low ALP). Each of HLI or high ALP was an independent predictor for MACCE (HR 1.807, 95% CI 1.191–2.741; HR 1.721, 95% CI 1.179–2.512, respectively). Combined HLI and high ALP was associated with the worst prognosis (HR 3.145, 95% CI 1.794–5.514).

Conclusions

Combined HLI and high ALP on admission is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI who have undergone primary PCI.

The selection of β-blocker after successful reperfusion in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background:

The selection of β-blocker for survivors after primary intervention due to acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction seems crucial to improve the outcomes. However, rare comparison data existed for these patients. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of selective β-blockers to that of carvedilol in patients treated with primary intervention.

Methods and results:

Among the 1,485 patients in the “INTERSTELLAR” registry between 2007 and 2015, 238 patients with selective β-blockers (bisoprolol, nebivolol, atenolol, bevantolol, and betaxolol) and 988 with carvedilol were included and their clinical outcomes were compared for a 2-year observation period. In the clinical baseline characteristics, the unfavorable trends in the carvedilol group were high Killip presentation, lower ejection fractions, smaller diameters, and longer lengths of deployed stents. Although mortality (2.5% vs. 1.7%; p = 0.414) and the rate of stroke (0.8% vs. 0.6%; p = 0.693) were not different between groups, the rate of recurrent myocardial infarction (4.6% vs. 1.2%; p = 0.001) and of target vessel revascularization (4.2% vs. 0.9%; p < 0.001) were lower in the carvedilol group. After eliminating the difference by propensity matching, the similar outcome result was shown (all-cause death, 0.6% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.678; stroke, 0.6% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.479; myocardial infarction, 5.0% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.003; target vessel revascularization, 4.5% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.006) for 595 matched populations. The use of carvedilol was also determined to be an independent predictor for recurrent myocardial infarctions (hazard ratio = 0.305; p = 0.005; 95% confidence interval = 0.13-0.69).

Conclusion:

Use of a carvedilol in ST-segment myocardial infarction survivor is associated with lower recurrent myocardial infarction events. Thus, it might be the better choice of β-blocker for secondary prevention in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

P3649Analysis of clinical and angiographic parameters as predictors of recurrent vasospastic angina

Background

Patients with vasospastic angina (VA) may have recurrent chest symptoms and life-threatening arrhythmias. Despite regular medications, many VA patients experience recurrent episodes of VA. In this study, we evaluate clinical and angiographic predictors of recurrent VA.

Patients and methods

From January 2010 to May 2018, a total of 858 patients who underwent ergonovine provocation test were retrospectively reviewed. We excluded the patients who had negative results of provocation test, follow up duration less than 1 month and poor medication compliance. The recurrent-VA group consisted of patients who were re-hospitalized, visited the emergency room, or had repeated coronary angiographies because of chest pain.

Results

A total of 858 patients who underwent ergonovine provocation tests between January 2010 to May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Of them, 162 (mean follow-up duration, 3.0 years) were eligible for our study. The patients were divided into two groups: recurrent-VA (n=33, 20.4%) and stable-VA groups (n=129, 79.6%). Compared with the stable-VA group, the recurrent-VA group consisted mostly of men (93.9% vs. 75.2%, P=0.01), and had low LDL-cholesterol levels (93±27 mg/dl vs. 108±31 mg/dl, P=0.01). In the angiographic findings, a degree of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the site and number of spasm-positive vessels showed no difference between the two groups. Nicorandil was more frequently prescribed at discharge in the stable-VA group (15.2% vs. 35.7%, P=0.02). In the multivariate analysis, the male sex (odds ratio [OR], 5.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–26.22; P=0.02) and non-use of nicorandil (OR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.25–9.84; P=0.01) were the independent predictive factors in the recurrent-VA group. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, men who did not use nicorandil (n=85, 52.5%) had higher incidences of recurrent angina compared to the other group (n=77, 47.5%). (30.6% vs. 6.6%; p<0.001).

Univariate and multivariate analysis Refractory VA (n=33) Stable VA (n=129) Odds ratio [95% CI] P value univariate Odds ratio [95% CI] P value multivariate Age <56 years, n (%) 20 (66) 58 (44) 1.88 [0.86–4.10] 0.11 NA NS Male sex, n (%) 31 (93.9) 97 (75.2) 5.11 [1.15–22.56] 0.03 5.87 [1.31–26.22] 0.02 Smoking, n (%) 17 (51.5) 46 (35.7) 1.91 [0.88–4.14] 0.09 NA NS No AMI presentation, n (%) 11 (33.3) 25 (19.4) 2.08 [0.89–4.84] 0.08 NA NS Troponin-I >0.86 ng/ml, n (%) 2 (7.1) 3 (2.7) 2.74 [0.43–17.27] 0.08 NA NS LDL-C <105 mg/dl, n (%) 21 (63) 58 (49) 1.81 [0.81–4.01] 0.14 NA NS No use of nicorandil, n (%) 5 (15.2) 46 (35.7) 3.10 [1.12–8.58] 0.02 3.51 [1.25–9.84] 0.01

Kaplan-Meier curves

Conclusions

Male sex and non-use of nicorandil were independent predictors of recurrent VA.