Correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio to severity of coronary artery disease and in-hospital clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A prospective observational study

Objective:To explore correlation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)to severity of coronary artery disease(CAD)and in-hospital clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS).Methods:In this prospective and observational study,we recruited 500 patients with ACS.For all the eligible patients,demographic details were collected,and laboratory parameters were evaluated.The CAD severity was evaluated in terms of the number of involved vessels.The NLR was calculated based on neutrophils and lymphocytes and the correlation of various risk factors and severity and outcome of CAD was performed.Results:77.2%of Patients was male,and 52%of the patients aged between 55-70 years.Based on the type of ACS,396 out of 500 patients had ST-elevation myocardial infarction.An ascending trend in the white blood cell levels and NLR value was noted as the severity of the ACS increased and the highest white blood cell levels and NLR was noted among classⅣpatients.The mean NLR value among the non-survivors were higher compared to the survivors(9.52±5.72 vs.4.76±2.36;P<0.01).Receiver operating curve showed that the cut-off NLR value was 5.76 with a sensitivity of 75.0%and a specificity of 77.3%.Conclusions:The NLR can be used as an independent prognostic marker in ACS.An elevated NLR value serves as a reliable predictor for short-term complications,notably in-hospital mortality.

Predictive value of bilirubin and serum γ-glutamyltranspeptidase levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is a major complication of diabetes mellitus(DM).Type-2 DM(T2DM)is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality,while serum biomarkers may facilitate the prediction of these outcomes.Early differential diagnosis of T2DM complicated with acute coronary syndrome(ACS)plays an important role in controlling disease progression and improving safety.AIM To investigate the correlation of serum bilirubin andγ-glutamyltranspeptidase(γ-GGT)with major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)in T2DM patients with ACS.METHODS The clinical data of inpatients from January 2022 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.According to different conditions,they were divided into the T2DM complicated with ACS group(T2DM+ACS,n=96),simple T2DM group(T2DM,n=85),and simple ACS group(ACS,n=90).The clinical data and laboratory indices were compared among the three groups,and the correlations of serum total bilirubin(TBIL)levels and serumγ-GGT levels with other indices were discussed.T2DM+ACS patients received a 90-day follow-up after discharge and were divided into event(n=15)and nonevent(n=81)groups according to the occurrence of MACEs;Univariate and multivariate analyses were further used to screen the independent influencing factors of MACEs in patients.RESULTS The T2DM+ACS group showed higherγ-GGT,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)and lower TBIL and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than the T2DM and ACS groups(P<0.05).Based on univariate analysis,the event and nonevent groups were significantly different in age(t=3.3612,P=0.0011),TBIL level(t=3.0742,P=0.0028),γ-GGT level(t=2.6887,P=0.0085),LDL-C level(t=2.0816,P=0.0401),HbA1c level(t=2.7862,P=0.0065)and left ventricular ejection fraction(LEVF)levels(t=3.2047,P=0.0018).Multivariate logistic regression analysis further identified that TBIL level and LEVF level were protective factor for MACEs,and age andγ-GGT level were risk factors(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Serum TBIL levels are decreased andγ-GGT levels are increased in T2DM+ACS patients,and the two indices are significantly negatively correlated.TBIL andγ-GGT are independent influencing factors for MACEs in such patients.

Effects of high-dose glucose-insulin-potassium on acute coronary syndrome patients receiving reperfusion therapy:a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND:This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of high-dose glucose-insulinpotassium(GIK) therapy on clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome(ACS) patients receiving reperfusion therapy.METHODS:We searched the PubMed,Web of Science,MEDLINE,Embase,and Cochrane Library databases from inception to April 26,2022,for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) that compared high-dose GIK and placebos in ACS patients receiving reperfusion therapy.The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs).RESULTS:Eleven RCTs with 884 patients were ultimately included.Compared with placebos,high-dose GIK markedly reduced MACEs(risk ratio [RR] 0.57,95% confidence interval [95% CI]:0.35 to 0.94,P=0.03) and the risk of heart failure(RR 0.48,95% CI:0.25 to 0.95,P=0.04) and improved the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(mean difference [MD] 2.12,95% CI:0.40 to 3.92,P=0.02) at 6 months.However,no difference was observed in all-cause mortality at 30 d or 1 year.Additionally,high-dose GIK was significantly associated with increased incidences of phlebitis(RR 4.78,95% CI:1.36 to 16.76,P=0.01),hyperglycemia(RR 9.06,95% CI:1.74 to 47.29,P=0.009) and hypoglycemia(RR 6.50,95% CI:1.28 to 33.01,P=0.02) but not reinfarction,hyperkalemia or secondary reperfusion.In terms of oxidative stress-lowering function,high-dose GIK markedly reduced superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity but not glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) or catalase(CAT) activity.CONCLUSION:Patients with ACS receiving reperfusion therapy exhibited a reduction in MACEs and good oxidative stress-lowering eflcacy in response to high-dose GIK.Moreover,with a higher incidence of complications such as phlebitis,hyperglycemia,and hypoglycemia.Furthermore,there were no observed survival benefits associated with high-dose GIK.More trials with long-term follow-up are still needed.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage misdiagnosed as acute coronary syndrome leading to catastrophic neurologic injury: A case report

BACKGROUND Elevated levels of cardiac troponin and abnormal electrocardiogram changes are the primary basis for clinical diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome(ACS).Troponin levels in ACS patients can often be more than 50 times the upper reference limit.Some patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)also show electrocardiogram abnormalities,myocardial damage,and elevated cardiac biomarkers.Unlike ACS patients,patients with SAH only have a slight increase in troponin,and the use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs is prohibited.Because of the opposite treatment modalities,it is essential for clinicians to distinguish between SAH and ACS.CASE SUMMARY A 56-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department at night with a sudden onset of severe back pain.The final diagnosis was intraspinal hematoma in the thoracic spine.We performed an emergency thoracic spinal canal hematoma evacuation procedure with the assistance of a microscope.Intraoperatively,diffuse hematoma formation was found in the T7-T10 spinal canal,and no obvious spinal vascular malformation changes were observed.Postoperative head and spinal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)showed a small amount of SAH in the skull,no obvious abnormalities in the cervical and thoracic spinal canals,and no abnormal signals in the lumbar spinal canal.Thoracoab-dominal aorta computed tomography angiography showed no vascular malfor-mation.Postoperative motor system examination showed Medical Research Council Scale grade 1/5 strength in both lower extremities,and the patient experienced decreased sensation below the T12 rib margin and reported a Visual Analog Scale score of 3.CONCLUSION Extremely elevated troponin levels(more than 50 times the normal range)are not unique to coronary artery disease.SAH can also result in extremely high troponin levels,and antiplatelet drugs are contraindicated in such cases.Emergency MRI can help in the early differential diagnosis,as a misdiagnosis of ACS can lead to catastrophic neurological damage in patients with spontaneous spinal SAH.

Initial decrease in the lipoprotein(a)level is a novel prognostic biomarker in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND Lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)]is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases;however,its role in acute coronary syndrome(ACS)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the hypothesis that the Lp(a)levels are altered by various conditions during the acute phase of ACS,resulting in subsequent cardiovascular events.METHODS From September 2009 to May 2016,377 patients with ACS who underwent emergent coronary angiography,and 249 who completed≥1000 d of follow-up were enrolled.Lp(a)levels were measured using an isoform-independent assay at each time point from before percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)to 48 h after PCI.The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events(MACE;cardiac death,other vascular death,ACS,and non-cardiac vascular events).RESULTS The mean circulating Lp(a)level decreased significantly from pre-PCI(0 h)to 12 h after(19.0 mg/dL to 17.8 mg/dL,P<0.001),and then increased significantly up to 48 h after(19.3 mg/dL,P<0.001).The changes from 0 to 12 h[Lp(a)Δ0-12]significantly correlated with the basal levels of creatinine[Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient(SRCC):-0.181,P<0.01]and Lp(a)(SRCC:-0.306,P<0.05).Among the tertiles classified according to Lp(a)Δ0-12,MACE was significantly more frequent in the lowest Lp(a)Δ0-12 group than in the remaining two tertile groups(66.2%vs 53.6%,P=0.034).A multivariate analysis revealed that Lp(a)Δ0-12[hazard ratio(HR):0.96,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.92-0.99]and basal creatinine(HR:1.13,95%CI:1.05-1.22)were independent determinants of subsequent MACE.CONCLUSION Circulating Lp(a)levels in patients with ACS decreased significantly after emergent PCI,and a greater decrease was independently associated with a worse prognosis.

Effect of bivalirudin on myocardial microcirculation and adverse events after interventional therapy in older patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND Bivalirudin,a direct thrombin inhibitor,is used in anticoagulation therapies as a substitute for heparin,especially during cardiovascular procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention.AIM To explore the effect of bivalirudin on myocardial microcirculation following an intervention and its influence on adverse cardiac events in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS).METHODS In total,165 patients diagnosed with acute myocardial at our hospital between June 2020 and June 2022 were enrolled in this study.From June 2020 to June 2022,elderly patients with ACS with complete data were selected and treated with interventional therapy.The study cohort was randomly divided into a study group(n=80,administered bivalirudin)and a control group(n=85,administered unfractionated heparin).Over a 6-mo follow-up period,differences in emergency processing times,including coronary intervention,cardiac function indicators,occurrence of cardiovascular events,and recurrence rates,were analyzed.RESULTS Significant differences were observed between the study cohorts,with the observation group showing shorter emergency process times across all stages:Emergency classification;diagnostic testing;implementation of coronary intervention;and conclusion of emergency treatment(P<0.05).Furthermore,the left ventricular ejection fraction in the observation group was significantly higher(P<0.05),and the creatine kinase-MB and New York Heart Association scores were CONCLUSION In elderly patients receiving interventional therapy for ACS,bivalirudin administration led to increased activated clotting time achievement rates,enhanced myocardial reperfusion,and reduced incidence of bleeding complications and adverse cardiac events.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Coronary Syndromes at the Mother-Child University Hospital Luxembourg in Bamako

Introduction: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. Objective: Studying the feasibility, difficulties and results of coronary angioplasty in acute coronary syndromes at the Luxembourg Mother-Child University Hospital in Bamako. Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study with prospective recruitment over 18 months from September 2020 to February 2022. All patients aged at least 18 years old admitted for SCA and having undergone PCI during the study period were included. Result: We collected 249 patients for SCA, of whom 160 underwent angioplasty, either an angioplasty/SCA ratio of 0.64. The average age of the patients was 59.54 ± 11.62 with extremes of 32 and 92 years. The age group of 45 to 65 years was the most representative. The predominance was male, sex ratio of 2.4. The main cardiovascular risk factors were high blood pressure (58.23%) and diabetes (45.78%). Persistent ST-segment elevation on the electrocardiogram was present in 71.48%. The treatment time was more than 12 hours after the first medical contact in 95.5%. The approach was radial in 96.5% of cases. Coronarography was pathological in 91.16% of our patients. The lesions were tri-truncular in 34.13% with the anterior inter ventricular as culprit artery in 72% of cases. The majority of patients (64%) had undergone angioplasty with implantation of an active stent. Angioplasty was performed successfully in 98% and per procedural mortality was 1.87%. Only 6.45% of ACS with ST elevation benefited from primary angioplasty. Conclusion: Percutaneous coronary intervention is performed routinely in our center with satisfactory results. Difficulties exist, related to the diagnostic delay of ACS and the high cost of angioplasty.

Acute Coronary Syndrome of Young Subjects at the Luxembourg Mother-Child University Hospital in Bamako

Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome is often the first event of coronary disease of young subjects. Objective: To study sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of acute coronary syndrome of young subjects. Patients and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective recruitment from October 01, 2020 to March 31, 2022. Were included all patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome whose age was less or equal to 45 years and who had undergone coronary angiography at the Mother-Child University Hospital on Luxembourg from Bamako. Results: During the study period, we collected 60 patient files out of 198. These 60 patient files met our inclusion criteria. Hospital frequency was 30.30%. Average age of patients was 40.43 ± 3.9 years. Sex ratio M/F was 5.3. Main cardiovascular risk factor was smoking tobacco (23.42%), followed by dyslipidemia (13.92%). Functional signs were dominated by angina 62% followed by dyspnea 25.3%. Persistent ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram was present in 76.4%. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was present in 26.5%. Time to first medical contact was more than 12 hours in 62.7% of cases. Radial approach was adopted in 94% of cases. Coronary angiography was pathological in 85% (n = 51) of cases. Lesions were single-vessel disease in 47.1% and culprit artery was anterior interventricular in 51% of cases. Dual anti-platelet aggregation was aspirin and ticagrelor in 91.8% of cases. Angioplasty was performed in all patients who had significant abnormalities at coronary angiography. In-hospital mortality was 3.9%. Conclusion: Acute coronary syndromes exist in young Africans with a male predominance. Main cardiovascular risk factor is smoking tobacco. Coronary lesions are single vessel disease in the majority of case. Most of patients meet medical team after 12 hours. Time to first medical contact is a main challenge in our country.

Epidemiological, Clinical and Coronary Angiography Aspects of Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Cardiology Department of the Hospital Mother-Child “Le Luxembourg”Mali

Introduction: Cardiac catheterisation plays a fundamental role in the management of acute coronary syndrome. These explorations require heavy, complex and costly equipment and a large team of doctors, nurses and technicians with highly specialized training. Aims: To describe epidemiological, clinical and coronary angiography aspects of patients with acute coronary syndrome. Patients and Methods: Descriptive study from September 2019 to December 2023 in the Cardiology Department of the Hôpital Mère-Enfant of Bamako. Inclusion criteria were patients admitted for coronary angiography with the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. Results: During the study period, 1253 patients underwent coronary angiography, 596 of whom had acute coronary syndrome as an indication, representing a hospital frequency of 47%. Sex-ratio was 2.10. Mean age of patients was 58.5 ± 11.39 years. ST elevation acute coronary syndrome was the most common indication with 63.92% of cases. High blood pressure was the main cardiovascular risk factor with 58.7% of cases, and radial access approach was used in 98% of cases. Coronary angiography was pathological in 91.70% of cases (n = 548). Patients with lesions of anterior interventricular artery were 73.73% of cases. Tritruncal lesions accounted for 40.63% of cases. Conclusion: ST elevation acute coronary syndrome is the most frequent manifestation of acute coronary syndrome. Anterior interventricular artery is most often the culprit lesion for our patients.

Study on Epidemiological Profile, Clinical Profile, and Angiographic Patterns in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients in a Tertiary Health Care Center in Haryana

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in India, with coronary artery disease (CAD) accounting for a majority of the deaths. There are few large registries on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) from India. Our aim is to study the clinical and epidemiological profile of ACS PATIENTS presenting to our institute, including their angiographic features. Methods: This hospital-based observational, single tertiary care center, prospective study was conducted on patients admitted in the Department of Cardiology at a tertiary care center in Haryana. The study included 400 patients aged greater than 18 years who were admitted with the diagnosis of ACS, and it was carried out for 1 year. The epidemiological profile, clinical history, risk factors, electrocardiogram findings, and angiographic pattern were studied and analyzed with appropriate statistical tools. Results: The mean age of the study population was 55.12 ± 11.78 years. Male and female ratio was 2.4:1. The majority of the patients came from rural background (80%);24% of the patients were illiterate. Smoking was the most common risk factor (51.5%) in our study population followed by hypertension (40%) and diabetes (28%). Unstable angina was the most common type of ACS, which was found in 68.25% of patients. Premature CAD was found in 27.8% of patients and obstructive CAD was found in 63% of patients. Coronary angiography revealed that 39% had single vessel disease (SVD), 23.5% had double vessel disease (DVD), and 27.5% had triple vessel disease (TVD). LAD was more commonly involved, followed by RCA and LCX. Within the first 24 hours, 67% of patients sought medical assistance and only 38.5% received definitive treatment, suggesting a delay in seeking definitive treatment in our study population. Conclusion: The study suggests that unstable angina is the most common form of ACS in the study population, which is mostly of rural background with significant delay in seeking medical help. Smoking is the most common risk factor in the study population.

Comparative Study of Acute Coronary Syndrome with Persistent ST-Segment Elevation (STEMI) between Diabetics and Non-Diabetics in Dakar, Senegal

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the frequency of diabetic and non-diabetic patients admitted for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), assess their epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical profiles, and evaluate their therapeutic strategies and outcomes. Methodology: A descriptive, analytical, comparative study with prospective and retrospective data collection was conducted from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. Diabetic and non-diabetic patients with STEMI admitted to a cardiology department were included. STEMI diagnosis was based on clinical and electrocardiographic criteria showing persistent ST-segment elevation in at least two leads. All patients included in the study signed a written, informed consent form. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with a p-value ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: STEMI prevalence was 15.27%, with 37.11% of patients being diabetic and 62.89% non-diabetic. Diabetic patients had a mean age of 59.2 ± 10.9 years, while non-diabetics averaged 58 ± 13.4 years. Diabetics were predominantly female (72.2%), whereas non-diabetics were mainly male (83.6%). Smoking was less frequent among diabetics (25% vs. 47.54%), but hypertension, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle were more common. Diabetics had an average of 3.5 ± 1.1 risk factors compared to 2.6 ± 1.2 in non-diabetics. Admission delay was longer for diabetics (34.8 ± 51.6 hours vs. 23.3 ± 52.3 hours). Chest pain was the main symptom in both groups. Electrocardiograms showed that anterior and inferior infarctions were most frequent. Triple vessel disease and severe complications, such as cardiogenic shock, were more common in diabetics, who also had higher mortality (5.56% vs. 3.28%). Conclusion: Diabetic STEMI patients represent a high-risk group with distinct clinical features, longer admission delays, and a greater accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

Progress of Triglyceride Glucose Index in Lesion Severity and Prognosis of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background: In response to the escalating burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) worldwide, exacerbated by lifestyle changes and socioeconomic shifts, acute coronary syndromes (ACS) stand out as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The pivotal role of insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, independent of traditional risk factors, has garnered significant interest. Objective: This review aims to synthesize the recent advancements in the utilization of the triglyceride glucose index (TyG index) as a biomarker for assessing the severity and predicting the prognosis of ACS lesions. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases, incorporating keywords such as “triglyceride glucose index”, “TyG index”, “acute coronary syndrome”, “cardiovascular disease”, “insulin resistance”, “coronary artery calcification”, “SYNTAX score”, “Gensini score”, and “major adverse cardiac events”. Studies were included from the inception of each database up to July 2024. Selection criteria encompassed observational studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials, with a particular emphasis on evaluating the diagnostic and prognostic value of the TyG index in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Ultimately, 46 publications met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed in accordance with established guidelines. Results: Evidence suggests that the TyG index, reflecting insulin resistance, blood glucose, and lipid levels, is significantly associated with lesion severity in ACS, including coronary artery calcification, SYNTAX score, and Gensini score. Moreover, it demonstrates predictive power for major adverse cardiovascular events, underscoring its potential as a valuable tool in clinical decision-making. Conclusion: The review highlights the emerging role of the TyG index in the assessment and prognosis of ACS, advocating for its incorporation into clinical practice as a complement to existing diagnostic modalities. However, the establishment of standardized reference ranges and further validation across diverse populations are warranted to refine its applicability in personalized medicine. The interdisciplinary approach is essential to advance our understanding of the complex interplay between insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, paving the way for the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Is frailty associated with short-term outcomes for elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome？

Background Frailty is a new prognostic factor in cardiovascular medicine due to the aging and increasingly complex nature of elderly patients. It is useful and meaningful to prospectively analyze the manner in which frailty predicts short-term outcomes for elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS）. Methods Patients aged 〉 65 years, with diagnosis of ACS from cardiology department and geriatrics department were included from single-center. Clinical data including geriatrics syndromes were collected using Comprehensive Geriatrics Assessment. Frailty was defined according to the Clinical Frailty Scale and the impact of the co-morbidities on risk was quantified by the coronary artery disease （CAD）--specific index. Patients were followed up by clinical visit or telephone consultation and the median follow-up time is 120 days. Following-up items included all-cause mortality, unscheduled return visit, in-hospital and recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events. Multivariable regression survival analysis was performed using Cox regression. Results Of the 352 patients, 152 （43.18%） were considered frail according to the study instrument （5-7 on the scale）, and 93 （26.42%） were considered moderately or se- verely frail （6-7 on the scale）. Geriatrics syndromes including incontinence, fall history, visual impairment, hearing impairment, constipation, chronic pain, sleeping disorder, dental problems, anxiety or depression, and delirium were more frequently in frail patients than in non-frail patients （P = 0.000, 0.031, 0.009, 0.014, 0.000, 0.003, 0.022, 0.000, 0.074, and 0.432, respectively）. Adjusted for sex, age, severity of coro- nary artery diseases （left main coronary artery lesion or not） and co-morbidities （CAD specific index） by Cox survival analysis, frailty was found to be strongly and independently associated with risk for the primary composite outcomes： all-canse mortality [Hazard Ratio （HR） = 5.393; 95% CI： 1.477-19.692, P = 0.011] and unscheduled return visit （HR - 2.832; 95% CI： 1.140-7.037, P = 0.025）. Conclusions Comprehensive Geriatrics Assessment and Clinical Frail Scale were useful in evaluation of elderly patients with ACS. Frailty was strongly and independently associated with short-term outcomes for elderly patients with ACS.

Evaluation on the Safety and Efficacy of Tirofiban in the Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tirofiban, a specific inhibitor of the platelet glycoprotein Ⅱb/Ⅲa receptor, in the treatment of unstable angina and myocardial infarction without persistent ST elevation （acute coronary syndrome, ACS）, a total of 200 patients were randomly assigned to a heparin group and a tirofiban＋heparin group on double-blind basis and the treatment effects of the two protocols on ACS were compared when the patients of both groups were taking aspirin at the same time. The composite primary end-point events consisted of death, myocardial infarction, or refractory ischemia. Our results showed that the frequency of the composite primary end point events in 30 days was lower in tirofiban＋heparin group as compared with that of heparin group （13.9% vs 29.3 %, P=0.010）. The rates of the other composite end point events in the tirofiban＋heparin group were also lower than those in the heparin group in 4.5 days and in 30 days. Bleeding complication occurred in 7.0% of the patients receiving heparin alone and in 12.7% of the patients receiving tirofiban and heparin in combination （P=0.1717）. The study showed that the incidence of ischemic events in patients with ACS receiving tirofiban＋heparin was lower when compared with that of patients who received only heparin and aspirin, suggesting that tirofiban might be of special value in the treatment of ACS.

Relationship between Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Type and Coronary Arteriography of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Objective: To explore the relationship of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Syndrome type and coronary arteriography (CAG) with respect to the number and degree of stenosed branches of coronary artery (CA) and ACC/AHA stage of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), to provide an objective evidence for TCM Syndrome typing on ACS Methods: Ninety patients of ACS with their TCM Syndrome typing and CAG successfully conducted were enrolled in this study. They were classified into 3 Syndrome types, the blood stasis type (type I ), the phlegm stagnant with blood stasis type (type II ),and the endogenous collateral Wind type (type III) The scores of the number and severity of the stenosis branch of CA and ACC/AHA lesion stage in different Syndrome types were calculated respectively and analysed statistically by Ridit analysis. Results: The number of stenosed branches increased gradually with the Syndrome type changing from I -II-III, compared the type III with the other two types(P<0. 01). The severity of stenosis in type I and II were similar, but that of Type III, much aggravated was significantly different from that in the former two (P<0. 01) . The ACC/AHA stage of coronary lesion tended to be more complex as the Syndrome type changed, patients of TCM type I and II had mostly lesion of stage A or Bl , while lesion in majority of patients of type III belonged to stage B2 or C, comparison between the three types showed significant difference (P<0.01). Conclusion: Most ACS patients of TCM Syndrome type III with tri-branch, severe stenosed coronary arteries, belong to the complex ACC/AHA stage of B2 and C.

High Serum Resistin Level may be an Indicator of the Severity of Coronary Disease in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum resistin level, cardiovascular risk factors and severity of coronary disease in acute coronary syndrome （ACS）. Methods Alter evaluated by clinical history, electrocardiography, exercise tolerance tests, laboratory tests, and coronary angiography, 220 consecutive patients with suspected chest pain were divided into normal control group, stable angina pectoris （SAP） group, and ACS group, respectively. Baseline clinical characteristics, including height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, white blood cell count, high-sensitive C-reactive protein （hsCRP）, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, were compared among three groups. ELISA was used to detect serum resistin levels. Pearson＇s correlation coefficient analysis was used to assess association between resistin and other traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to define the relationship between serum resistin level and SAP or ACS. Results Serum resistin level in ACS group （1.18±0.48 μg/L） was significantly higher than that in normal control and SAP groups （0.49±0.40 and 0.66±0.40 μg/L; P〈0.01）. Only in ACS group, increased serum resistin level was significantly correlated with hsCRP （r=0.262, P=0.004） and white blood cell count （r=0.347, P=0.001）. Furthermore, serum resistin levels showed a stepwise increase with the number increase of 〉 50% stenosed coronary vessels. Multinomial logistic regression test demonstrated that serum resistin was a strong risk factor for ACS （OR=29.132, 95 % CI： 10.939-77.581, P〈0.001）. Conclusion These findings suggested the potential role of resistin in atherosclerosis and especially its involvement in ACS.

Impact of concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors and clopidogrel or ticagrelor on clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background There is great debate on the possible adverse interaction between proton pump inhibitors （PPIs） and clopidogrel. In ad- dition, whether the use of PPIs affects the clinical efficacy of ticagrelor remains less known. We aimed to determine the impact of concomi- tant administration of PPIs and clopidogrel or ticagrelor on clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS） after percuta- neous coronary intervention （PCI）. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data fi＇om a ＂real world＂, international, multi-center registry between 2003 and 2014 （n = 15,401） and assessed the impact of concomitant administration of PPIs and clopidogrel or ticagrelor on 1-year composite primary endpoint （all-cause death, re-infarction, or severe bleeding） in patients with ACS after PCI. Results Of 9429 patients in the final cohort, 54.8% （n = 5165） was prescribed a PPI at discharge. Patients receiving a PPI were older, more often female, and were more likely to have comorbidities. No association was observed between PPI use and the primary endpoint for patients receiving clopidogrel （ad- justed HR： 1.036; 95% CI： 0.903-1.189） or ticagrelor （adjusted HR： 2.320; 95% CI： 0.875-45.151） （Pinteraction = 0.2004）. Similarly, use of a PPI was not associated with increased risk of all-cause death, re-infarction, or a decreased risk of severe bleeding for patients treated with either clopidogrel or ticagrelor. Conclusions In patients with ACS following PCI, concomitant use of PPIs was not associated with in- creased risk of adverse outcomes in patients receiving either clopidogrel or ticagrelor. Our findings indicate it is reasonable to use a PPI in combination with clopidogrel or ticagrelor, especially in patients with a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

A modified HEART risk score in chest pain patients with suspected non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

ObjectiveTo validate a modified HEART [History, Electrocardiograph （ECG）, Age, Risk factors and Troponin] risk score in chest pain patients with suspected non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome （NSTE-ACS） in the emergency department （ED）.Methods This retrospective cohort study used a prospectively acquired database and chest pain patients admitted to the emergency department with suspected NSTE-ACS were enrolled. Data recorded on arrival at the ED were used. The serum sample of high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin I other than conventional cardiac Troponin I used in the HEART risk score was tested. The modified HEART risk score was calculated. The end point was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events （MACE） defined as a composite of acute myocardial infarction （AMI）, percu-taneous intervention （PCI）, coronary artery bypass graft （CABG）, or all-cause death, within three months after initial presentation.Results A total of 1,300 patients were enrolled. A total of 606 patients （46.6%） had a MACE within three months： 205 patients （15.8%） were diag-nosed with AMI, 465 patients （35.8%） underwent PCI, and 119 patients （9.2%） underwent CABG. There were 10 （0.8%） deaths. A progres-sive, significant pattern of increasing event rate was observed as the score increased （P ＆lt; 0.001 byχ2 for trend）. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.84. All patients were classified into three groups： low risk （score 0-2）, intermediate risk （score 3-4）, and high risk （score 5-10）. Event rates were 1.1%, 18.5%, and 67.0%, respectively （P ＆lt; 0.001）.ConclusionsThe modified HEART risk score was validated in chest pain patients with suspected NSTE-ACS and may complement MACE risk assessment and patients triage in the ED. A prospective study of the score is warranted.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SERUM CYTOKINES IL-1β, sIL-2R, IL-6, TNF-α,AND IFN-νIN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

Objectives To explore serum cytokines levels (including IL-1β, sIL-2R, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-ν) and their significance in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the subsequent follow-ups, with attempt to estimate the role of various serum inflammatory markers in the diagnosis and assessment of ACS. Methods The study population include 40 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 40 patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), and 40 controls. Among the 80 patients, 60 patients attended a follow up 4 months later. Serum inflammatory markers including IL-1β, sIL-2R, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-νwere measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsSerum IL-1β, sIL-2R, IL-6, TNF-αwere significantly higher in AMI group or UAP group compared to the con-trol group and became significantly lower 4 months later in the follow-up patients. Serum levels of IFN-νshows no signifi-cant difference between AMI group or UAP group and controls, also showing no significant change when measured in follow up patients. There was no correlation between serum creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme levels and serum inflammatory markers either in UAP or AMI group. Furthermore, when divided into two subgroups using Wagner’s QRS scoring system in the AMI group, there is no difference of each serum inflammatory marker between ≤6 scores group and > 6 scores group. Conclusion Serum levels of certain inflammatory markers may have some diagnostic value for ACS, and can be a us-eful marker reflecting disease stability.

Influenza vaccination in acute coronary syndromes patients in Thailand： the cost-effectiveness analysis of the prevention for cardiovascular events and pneumonia

Background Influenza vaccination has been clinically shown to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes in acute coronary syndrome （ACS） patients, but the economic perspectives can provide important data to make informed decisions. This study aimed to perform the economic evaluation of lifelong annual influenza vaccination for cardiovascular events and well-established pneumonia prevention. Methods Lifetime costs, life-expectancy, and quality-adjusted live years （QALYs） were estimated beyond one-year cycle length of a six-health states Markov model condition on whether a hospitalization for ACS, stroke, heart failure, pneumonia, no hospitalizations occurred, or death. The comparison of three age-groups of 40-49, 50-65, and 〉 65 years scenario was performed. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio （ICER） and net monetary benefit （NMB） were presented as a societal perspective in 2016. The model robustness was determined by one-way and prob- abilistic sensitivity analyses. Results The influenza vaccination was cost-effective in all age-groups, by dominant ICERs （lower cost with higher effectiveness） which was completely lower than acceptable willingness-to-pay threshold of Thailand [160,000 THB （4,466.8 USD） per QALYs], with a great incremental value of NMB. Especially, the 50-year-old-and- above scenario was shown as the most benefit at 129,092 THB （3,603.9 USD） for each patient. Conclusions The annually additional influenza vaccination to standard treatment in ACS was cost-effective in all age-groups, which should be considered in clinical practice and health-policy making process.