The Effect of Predictive Nursing Intervention on Cardiac Function and Clinical Outcomes in CCU Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction After Interventional Therapy

Objective:To evaluate the impact of predictive nursing on the care of acute myocardial infarction(AMI)patients in the Coronary Care Unit(CCU)after interventional therapy.Methods:From September 2021 to September 2023,84 AMI patients admitted to the CCU were randomly divided into two groups:the experimental group(42 patients)received predictive nursing,and the reference group(42 patients)received conventional nursing.Cardiac function and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups.Results:Before nursing,there was no difference in cardiac function between the two groups(P>0.05).After nursing,the cardiac function of the experimental group was better than that of the reference group(P<0.05).The clinical outcomes of the experimental group were better than those of the reference group(P<0.05).Before nursing,there was no difference in psychological scores between the two groups(P>0.05).After nursing,the psychological scores of the experimental group were lower than those of the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Predictive nursing can improve the cardiac function and clinical outcomes of AMI patients after interventional therapy and can also regulate patients’negative psychological states.

Fifteen years of bone marrow mononuclear cell therapy in acute myocardial infarction

In spite of modern treatment, acute myocardial infarction(AMI) still carries significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Even though standard of care therapy improves symptoms and also long-term prognosis of patients with AMI, it does not solve the critical issue, specifically the permanent damage of cardiomyocytes. As a result, a complex process occurs, namely cardiac remodeling, which leads to alterations in cardiac size, shape and function. This is what has driven the quest for unconventional therapeutic strategies aiming to regenerate the injured cardiac and vascular tissue. One of the latest breakthroughs in this regard is stem cell(SC) therapy. Based on favorable data obtained in experimental studies, therapeutic effectiveness of this innovative therapy has been investigated in clinical settings. Of various cell types used in the clinic, autologous bone marrow derived SCs were the first used to treat an AMI patient, 15 years ago. Since then, we have witnessed an increasing body of data as regards this cutting-edge therapy. Although feasibility and safety of SC transplant have been clearly proved, it's efficacy is still under dispute. Conducted studies and meta-analysis reported conflicting results, but there is hope for conclusive answer to be provided by the largest ongoing trial designed to demonstrate whether this treatment saves lives. In the meantime, strategies to enhance the SCs regenerative potential have been applied and/or suggested, position papers and recommendations have been published. But what have we learned so far and how can we properly use the knowledge gained? This review will analytically discuss each of the above topics, summarizing the current state of knowledge in the field.

Atrioventricular block complicating inferior acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytic therapy

Objective To investigate the influence and mechanism of incidence of atrioventricular block (AVB) treated with thrombolytic therapy in acute inferior myocardial infarction (AIMI).Methods A total of 46 patients with AIMI were divided into the thrombolytic group (n = 23) and the nonthrornboytic group (n = 23). Intravenous or intracoronary urokinase was given to the former group. We observed the advancing courses of AVB, and further assessed the relationship between occurrence of AVB and stenosis of infarct-related artery (IRA) with coronary angiography.Results Two cases died of Ⅲ o AVB in the non-thrombolytic group, but none was found in the thrombolytic group. The occurrence rate of AVB was similar in both groups; but that of Ⅲ ° AVB was much lower in the thrombolytic group (4 cases) than that in the non-thrombolytic group (11 cases, P ＜ 0.05), and the duration of AVB decreased from 201 ± 113 hours to 102±60 hours after thrombolytic therapy ( P＜0.01 ),which was mainly due to the decrease of AVB in the vanishing interval, but not in the developing interval.The coronary angiography demonstrated that there were an increasing reperfusion flow and a decreasing coronary stenosis of the infarct-related artery after thrombolytic therapy.Conclusion Thrombolytic therapy can reduce the incidence of severe AVB, shorten its duration and decrease the mortality by increasing the coronary reperfusion flow in the patients with AIMI.

Direct Coronary Intervention Therapy in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective To introduce the initial experience of direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty(PTCA) and intracoronary stenting in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI) from October 1998 to November 2001 in our hospital. Methods Primary PTCA was performed in 38 patients with acute myocardial infarction.29 cases were 20 male and 9 female, ranging in age from 30 to 76 old years.23 cases had anterior and 15 had inferior wall infarction. The patients we chose for direct coronary intervention therapy had stable hemodynamics. Of the 38 infarct related arteries (IRA), 23 were left anterior descend arteries (LAD), 4 left circumflex (LCX) and 11 right coronary arteries (RCA). 33 IRA were TIMI 0 flow and 5 TIMI 1 flow. The indications for coronary stent implantation were: ① Acute reocclusion and high risk of reocclusion due to initial dissection after PTCA; ② Severe residual stenosis (stenosis of diameter≥50%) after repeated balloon dilation; ③ No response to recurrent infusions of Nitroglycerin in Obviously elastic recoil. Results Of the 38 patients with AMI, PTCA was successful in 35 Two patients were given up because 014 guide wire entered into false lumen. One was selected for emergency coronary artery bypass graft because of LAD infarct related artery accompanied by 70%stenosis of left main. 35 intracoronary stents were implanted.16 patients were followed up, of whom 2 patients had restenosis and were successful in the second attempt. Conclusion Direct PTCA and stent implantation are effective and safe means of treatment for AMI and stent implantation can prevent and cure the acute reocclusion after PTCA.

EFFECT OF REPERFUSION THERAPY ON SOLUBLE CELL ADHESION MOLECULES IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Objective To observe the changes of serum soluble intercellular adhesion moiecuie type-1(ICAM-1) and E-selectin in patients with acute myocardial inlarction (AMI) receiving reperfusiontherapy. Methods Peripheral venous blood samples were taken from 21 patients with AMI before and4,8,12,24,48,72h after thrombolytic treatment or direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).Blood samples from 16 control subjects were drawn for one time. Serum concentration of ICAM-1 and E-selectinwas determined by double antibodies sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Serum levels ofICAM-1 and E-selectin were higher in patients with AMI than those in controls. Sixteen patients with AMIand successful roperfusion therapy had signifcantly reduction in serum concentration of ICAM-1 and E-selectinat 24 and 48h, but had a peak at 4h. The remaining live patients who failed in mperfusion theropy didn’t show anysignificant changes in these values. Conclusion The serum concentration of ICAM-1 and E-selectin waselevated significantly in patients with AMI Successful reperfusion therapy can reduce the increased serumconcentration.

Predictors and in-hospital prognosis of recurrent acute myocardial infarction

Objective To investigate the contributing factors and in-hospital prognosis of patients with or without recurrent acute myocardial infarction （AMI）. Methods A total of 1686 consecutive AMI patients admitted to Peking University People＇s Hospital from January 2010 to December 2015 were recruited. Their clinical characteristics were retrospectively compared between patients with or without a recurrent AMI. Then multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the predictors of recurrent myocardial infarction. Results Recurrent AMI patients were older （69.3 ± 11.5 vs. 64.7 ± 12.8 years, P 〈 0.001） and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus （DM） （52.2% vs. 35.0%, P 〈 0.001） compared with incident AMI patients, they also had worse heart function at admission, more severe coronary disease and lower reperfusion therapy. Age （OR = 1.03, 95% CI： 1.02-1.05; P 〈 0.001）, DM （OR = 1.86, 95% CI： 1.37-2.52; P 〈 0.001） and reperfusion therapy （OR = 0.74; 95% CI： 0.52-0.89; P 〈 0.001） were independent risk factors for recurrent AMI Recurrent AMI patients had a higher in-hospital death rate （12.1% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.039） than incident AMI patients. Conclusions Recurrent AMI patients presented with more severe coronary artery conditions. Age, DM and reperfusion therapy were independent risk factors for recurrent AMI, and recurrent AM1 was related with a high risk of in-hospital death.

Effectiveness and safety of antithrombotic strategies in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND Elderly patients represent a rapidly growing part of the population more susceptible to acute coronary syndromes and their complications.However,literature evidence is lacking in this clinical setting.AIM To describe the clinical features,in-hospital management and outcomes of“elderly”patients with myocardial infarction treated with antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy.METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients older than 80 years admitted to the Division of Cardiology of St.Andrea Hospital of Vercelli from January 2018 to December 2018 due to ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI).Clinical and laboratory data were collected for each patient,as well as the prevalence of previous or in-hospital atrial fibrillation(AF).In-hospital management,consisting of an invasive or conservative strategy,and the anti-thrombotic therapy used are described.Outcomes evaluated at 1 year follow-up included an efficacy ischemic endpoint and a safety bleeding endpoint.RESULTS Of the 105 patients enrolled(mean age 83.9±3.6 years,52.3%males),68(64.8%)were admitted due to NSTEMI and 37(35.2%)due to STEMI.Among the STEMI patients,34(91.9%)underwent coronary angiography and all of them were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI);among the NSTEMI patients,42(61.8%)were assigned to an invasive strategy and 16(38.1%)of them underwent a PCI.No significant difference between the groups was found concerning the prevalence of previous or in-hospital de-novo AF.10.5%of the whole population received triple antithrombotic therapy and 9.5%single antiplatelet therapy plus oral anticoagulation(OAC),with no significant difference between the subgroups,although a higher number of STEMI patients received dual antiplatelet therapy without OAC as compared with NSTEMI patients.A low rate of in-hospital death(5.7%)and 1-year cardiovascular death(3.3%)was registered.Seven(7.8%)patients experienced major adverse cardiovascular events,while the rate of minor and major bleeding at 1-year follow-up was 10%and 2.2%,respectively,with no difference between NSTEMI and STEMI patients.CONCLUSION In this real-world study,a tailored evaluation of an invasive strategy and antithrombotic therapy resulted in a low rate of adverse events in elderly patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction.

Long-Term Prognosis of Different Reperfusion Strategies for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Chinese County-Level Hospitals:Insight from China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry

Objective To evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)treated with different reperfusion strategies in Chinese county-level hospitals Methods A total of 2,514 patients with STEMI from 32 hospitals participated in the China Acute Myocardial Infarction registry between January 2013 and September 2014.The success of fibrinolysis was assessed according to indirect measures of vascular recanalization.The primary outcome was 2-year mortality.Results Reperfusion therapy was used in 1,080 patients(42.9%):fibrinolysis(n=664,61.5%)and primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)(n=416,38.5%).The most common reason for missing reperfusion therapy was a prehospital delay>12 h(43%).Fibrinolysis[14.5%,hazard ratio(HR):0.59,95%confidence interval(CI)0.44–0.80]and primary PCI(6.8%,HR=0.32,95%CI:0.22–0.48)were associated with lower 2-year mortality than those with no reperfusion(28.5%).Among fibrinolysistreated patients,510(76.8%)achieved successful clinical reperfusion;only 17.0%of those with failed fibrinolysis underwent rescue PCI.There was no difference in 2-year mortality between successful fibrinolysis and primary PCI(8.8%vs.6.8%,HR=1.53,95%CI:0.85–2.73).Failed fibrinolysis predicted a similar mortality(33.1%)to no reperfusion(33.1%vs.28.5%,HR=1.30,95%CI:0.93–1.81).Conclusion In Chinese county-level hospitals,only approximately 2/5 of patients with STEMI underwent reperfusion therapy,largely due to prehospital delay.Approximately 30%of patients with failed fibrinolysis and no reperfusion therapy did not survive at 2 years.Quality improvement initiatives are warranted,especially in public health education and fast referral for mechanical revascularization in cases of failed fibrinolysis.

A comparative study of primary coronary stenting andintravenous thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarctionusing^(99m) Tc-MIBI SPECT imaging

The theraputic effectiveness of primary coronary stenting was evaluated and compared with that of intravenous thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using99m Tc-MIBI myocardial SPECT imaging. 42 patients with AMI were undergone primary coronary stenting (stenting group, 23 patients) or intravenous thrombolysis therapy (thrombolysis group, 19 patients). 99mTc-MIBI myocardium SPECT imaging was performed before and 1 week after steming or thrombolysis therapy. The left ventricular myocardium of each patient was divided into 20 segments. The semiquantitative score of myocardial 99mTc-MIBI uptake was eXPressed with a five-point scoring system: 0 = normal; 1 = equivocal; 2 = mild defect; 3 = severe defect; 4 = absence of activity. The scores of scanning before stenting or intravenous throm-bolysis was SBS. The scores of scaning after stenting or intravenous thrombolysis was SAS. Deducting SAS from SBS was SDS. A comparison was made between the steming group and thrombolysis group: SBS was 41.3+9.8 and 39.4+7.9 (t=1.2, p <0.05); SAS was 17.8+6.4 and 27.3+6.7 (t=5.8, p <0.01); SDS was 24.5+4.2 and 12.2+2.3 (t = 7.3, P <0.01). In the 193 defect segments before stenting, 106 segments (54.9%) restored to normal after steming. In the 149 defect segments before intravenous thrombolysis, 61 segments (40.9%) restored to normal after thrombolysis therapy. Comparing between steming group and thrombolysis group in the improved rate of myocardial perfusion defect scores there was a significant difference (p <0.01). 99mTc-MIBI myocardial SPECT imaging has been proved to be an objective parameter for evaluating the therapeutic effectiveness of the stenting and the intravenous thrombolysis in the treatment of AMI. The results indicated that primary coronary stenting seems to be more effective than intravenous thrombolysis.

Thorombolytic therapy with rescue percutaneous coronary intervention versus primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute myocardial infarction： a multicenter randomized clinical trial

Background Although thrombolytic therapy with rescue percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） is a common treatment strategy for ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction （STEMI）, scant data are available on its efficacy relative to primary PCI, and comparison was therefore the aim of this study. Methods This multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel trial was conducted in 12 hospitals on patients （age 〈70 years） with STEMI who presented within 12 hours of symptom onset （mean interval 〉3 hours）. Patients were randomized to three groups： primary PCI group （n=101）; recombinant staphylokinase （r-Sak） group （n=-104）; and recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator （rt-PA） group （n=-106）. For all patients allocated to the thrombolytic therapy arm, coronary angiography was performed at 90 minutes after drug therapy to confirm infarct-related artery （IRA） patency; rescue PCI was performed in cases with TIMI flow grade 〈2. Bare-metal stent implantation was planned for all patients. Results After randomization it required an average of 113.4 minutes to start thrombolytic therapy （door-to-needle time）and 141.2 minutes to perform first balloon inflation in the IRA （door to balloon time）. Rates of IRA patency （TIMI flow grade 2 or 3） and TIMI flow grade 3 were significantly lower in the thrombolysis group at 90 minutes after drug therapy than in the primary PCI group at the end of the procedure （70.5% vs. 98.0%, P 〈0.0001, and 53.0% vs. 85.9%, P 〈0.0001, respectively）. Rescue PCI with stenting was performed in 117 patients （55.7%） in the thrombolytic therapy arm. Rates of patency and TIMI flow grade 3 were still significantly lower in the rescue PCI than in the primary PCI group （88.9% vs. 97.9%, P=-0.0222, and 68.4% vs. 85.0%, P=0.0190, respectively）. At 30 days post-therapy, mortality rate was significantly higher in the thrombolysis combined with rescue PCI group than in primary PCI group （7.1% vs. 0, P=0.0034）. Rates of death/MI and bleeding complications were significantly higher in the thrombolysis with rescue PCI group than in the primary PCI group （10.0% vs. 1.0%, P=-0.0380, and 28.10% vs. 8.91%, P=-0.O001, respectively）. Conclusions Thrombolytic therapy with rescue PCI was associated with significantly lower rates of coronary patency and TIMI flow grade 3, but with significantly higher rates of mortality, death/MI and hemorrhagic complications at 30 days, as compared with primary PCI in this group of Chinese STEMI patients with late presentation and delayed treatments.

Retrospective Analysis of Thrombolysis Therapy for 64 Cases of Acute Myocardial Infarction with Elevated ST Segment

Objective:To explore the cardiac protective effect of integrative therapy in acute myocardial infarction(AMI) with elevated ST segment after reperfusion.Methods:Sixty-four AMI patients who having received decimalization by thrombolysis were assigned to two groups by retrospective analysis,36 patients in the treated group and 28 in the control group.Both were treated by intravenous administering of urokinase for thrombolysis,and to the treated group,intravenous dripping of Xueshuantong Injection(血栓通注射液,XST) ...

Stenting versus non-stenting treatment of intermediate stenosis culprit lesion in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction： a multicenter random- ized clinical trial

Background The benefit/risk ratio of stenting in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI） patients with single vessel intermediate stenosis culprit lesions merits further study, therefore the subject of the present study. Methods and results It was a pro- spective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Between April 2012 and July 2015, 399 acute STEMI patients with single vessel disease and intermediate （40%-70%） stenosis of the culprit lesion before or after aspiration thrombectomy and/or intracoronary tirofiban （15 pg/kg） were enrolled and were randomly assigned （h 1） to stenting group （n = 201） and non-stenting group （n = 198）. In stenting group, patients received pharmacologic therapy plus standard percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） with stent implantation. In non-stenting group, pa- tients received pharmacologic therapy and PCI （thrombectomy）, but without dilatation or stenting. Primary endpoint was 12-month rate of major adverse cardiac and eerebrovascular events （MACCE）, a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction （M1）, repeat re- vascularization and stroke. Secondary endpoints were 12-month rates of all cause death, ischemia driven admission and bleeding complica- tion. Median follow-up time was 12.4 ~ 3.1 months. At 12 months, MACCE occurred in 8.0% of the patients in stenting group, as compared with 15.2% in the non-stenting group （adjusted HR： 0.42, 95% Ch 0.19-0.89, P = 0.02）. The stenting group had lower non-fatal MI rate than non-stenting group, （1.5% vs. 5.5%, P = 0.03）. The two groups shared similar cardiac death, repeat revascularization, stroke, all cause death, ischemia driven readmission and bleeding rates at 12 months. Conclusions Stent implantation had better efficacy and safety in reducing MACCE risks among acute STEMI patients with single vessel intermediate stenosis culprit lesions.

Assessment of post-myocardial infarction lipid levels and management:Results from a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan

BACKGROUND Lipid treatment practices and levels in post-acute myocardial infarction(AMI)patients,which are crucial for secondary prevention.AIM To evaluate the lipid treatment practices and lipid levels in post-myocardial infarction(MI)patients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.METHODS In this cross-sectional study,we analyzed patients who had experienced their first AMI event in the past 3 years.We assessed fasting and non-fasting lipid profiles,reviewed statin therapy prescriptions,and examined patient compliance.The recommended dose was defined as rosuvastatin≥20 mg or atorvastatin≥40 mg,with target total cholesterol levels set at<160 mg/dL and target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)at<55 mg/dL.RESULTS Among 195 patients,71.3%were male,and the mean age was 57.1±10.2 years.The median duration since AMI was 36(interquartile range:10-48)months and 60% were diagnosed with ST-segment elevation MI.Only 13.8% of patients were advised to undergo lipid profile testing after AMI,88.7% of patients were on the recommended statin therapy,and 91.8% of patients were compliant with statin therapy.Only 11.5% had LDL-C within the target range and 71.7% had total cholesterol within the target range.Hospital admission in the past 12 months was reported by 14.4%,and the readmission rate was significantly higher among non-compliant patients(37.5%vs 5.6%).Subsequent AMI event rate was also significantly higher among non-compliant patients(43.8%vs 11.7%).CONCLUSION Our study highlights that while most post-AMI patients received the recommended minimum statin therapy dose,the inadequate practice of lipid assessment may compromise therapy optimization and raise the risk of subsequent events.

Drug-coated balloons are not inferior to drug-coated stents in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction and shorten the duration of dual antiplatelet treatment

Background:Drug-coated balloons(DCBs)are an up-and-coming tactic in treating in-stent restenosis and coronary artery small vessel disease,but their efficacy in treating acute myocardial infarction needs to be further explored.Methods:A meta-analysis of 7 studies was conducted to make a comparison with the results of DCB and drug-eluting stent implantation after a median follow-up of 15 months.Results:A total of 922 patients were included in this analysis in total,including 375 patients in the DCB group and 547 patients in the stent group.A total of 962 vascular diseases were manifested in the 2 groups.After 6 to 24 months of follow-up,there was no statistically significant difference with respect to major adverse cardiovascular events(odds ratio[OR]:0.82;95%confidence interval[CI]:0.52–1.29;Z=0.85;P=0.39),cardiac death(OR:0.92;95%CI:0.39–2.12;Z=0.21;P=0.84),target lesion revascularization(OR:1.09;95%CI:0.53–2.25;Z=0.24;P=0.81),late lumen loss(MD:−0.05;95%CI:−0.15 to 0.06;Z=0.85;P=0.40),or dual antiplatelet therapy(DAPT)(OR:1.04;95%CI:0.53–2.05;Z=0.11;P=0.91)between the 2 groups.In the DCB group,persistent residual stenosis or C-F dissection occurrence necessitated that a total of 30 patients receive extra bailout implantations.The rate of bailout stenting was 11.8%(95%CI:7.1–16).Moreover,the DCB group had a shorter DAPT duration compared with the stent group.Conclusion:Drug-coated balloons with shorter DAPT durations may be as effective and safe as stent therapy in treating acute myocardial infarction.

Effect of fibrinolytic therapy on ST-elevation myocardial infarction clinical outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)is the result of transmural ischemia of the myocardium and is associated with a high mortality rate.Primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI)is the recommended first-line treatment strategy for patients with STEMI.The timely delivery of PPCI became extremely challenging for STEMI patients during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,leading to a projected steep rise in mortality.These delays were overcome by the shift from first-line therapy and the development of modern fibrinolytic-based reperfusion.It is unclear whether fibrinolytic-based reperfusion therapy is effective in improving STEMI endpoints.AIM To determine the incidence of fibrinolytic therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on STEMI clinical outcomes.METHODS PubMed,Google Scholar,Scopus,Web of Science,and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were queried from January 2020 up to February 2022 to identify studies investigating the effect of fibrinolytic therapy on the prognostic outcome of STEMI patients during the pandemic.Primary outcomes were the incidence of fibrinolysis and the risk of all-cause mortality.Data were meta-analyzed using the random effects model to derive odds ratios(OR)and 95%confidence intervals.Quality assessment was carried out using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.RESULTS Fourteen studies including 50136 STEMI patients(n=15142 in the pandemic arm;n=34994 in the pre-pandemic arm)were included.The mean age was 61 years;79%were male,27%had type 2 diabetes,and 47%were smokers.Compared with the pre-pandemic period,there was a significantly increased overall incidence of fibrinolysis during the pandemic period[OR:1.80(1.18 to 2.75);I2=78%;P=0.00;GRADE:Very low].The incidence of fibrinolysis was not associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in any setting.The countries with a low-and middle-income status reported a higher incidence of fibrinolysis[OR:5.16(2.18 to 12.22);I2=81%;P=0.00;GRADE:Very low]and an increased risk of all-cause mortality in STEMI patients[OR:1.16(1.03 to 1.30);I2=0%;P=0.01;GRADE:Very low].Meta-regression analysis showed a positive correlation of hyperlipidemia(P=0.001)and hypertension(P<0.001)with all-cause mortality.CONCLUSION There is an increased incidence of fibrinolysis during the pandemic period,but it has no effect on the risk of all-cause mortality.The low-and middle-income status has a significant impact on the all-cause mortality rate and the incidence of fibrinolysis.

Efficacy and safety of aspirin antiplatelet therapy within 48 h of symptom onset in patients with acute stroke

BACKGROUND Aspirin is a widely used antiplatelet agent that reduces the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke and other vascular events.However,the optimal timing and dose of aspirin initiation after an acute stroke remain controversial.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of aspirin antiplatelet therapy within 48 h of symptom onset in patients with acute stroke.METHODS We conducted a randomized,open-label,controlled trial in 60 patients with acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke who were admitted to our hospital within 24 h of symptom onset.Patients were randomly assigned to receive either aspirin 300 mg daily or no aspirin within 48 h of stroke onset.The primary outcome was the occurrence of recurrent stroke,myocardial infarction,or vascular death within 90 d.The secondary outcomes were functional outcomes at 90 d measured using the modified Rankin Scale(mRS),incidence of bleeding complications,and mortality rate.RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 67.8 years and 55%of them were male.The median time from stroke onset to randomization was 12 h.The baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two groups.The primary outcome occurred in 6.7%of patients in the aspirin group and 16.7%of patients in the no aspirin group(relative risk=0.40,95%confidence interval:0.12-1.31,P=0.13).The mRS score at 90 d was significantly lower in the aspirin group than in the no aspirin group(median,2 vs 3,respectively;P=0.04).The incidence of bleeding complications was similar between the groups(6.7%vs 6.7%,P=1.00).The mortality rates were also comparable between the two groups(10%vs 13.3%,P=0.69).CONCLUSION Aspirin use is associated with favorable functional outcomes but does not significantly reduce the risk of recurrent vascular events.Its acceptable safety profile is comparable to that of no aspirin.Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings.

Starting thrombolytic therapy for patients with acute myocardial infarction in Accident and Emergency Department:from implementation to evaluation

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of initiating thrombolysis for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the Accident and Emergency Department. Methods From January 1993 to December 1995, all AMI patients who were admitted to the United Christian Hospital and given thrombolytic therapy were studied. The patients' demographic data, time and mode of presentation, site of myocardial infarction, treatment modality and timing, and complications related to AMI or treatment were recorded prospectively in our AMI database. The frequency of thrombolysis administered in Accident and Emergency Department and Coronary Care Unit, as well as the median door-to-needle time (time interval between hospital arrival to initiation of thrombolytic therapy) were compared. Cases of inappropriate thrombolysis and complication were also analyzed.Results Over these 3 years, 257 patients received thrombolysis in the United Christian Hospital. The percentage of patients receiving thrombolysis in Accident and Emergency Department increased from 3.2% in 1993 to 12.3% in 1994, and to 39.4% in 1995. The median time interval between arrival to hospital and thrombolysis (door-to-needle time) was 25 minutes, compared with 81 minutes in the Coronary Care Unit. The door-to-needle time also improved over these 3 years: from 95 minutes in 1993 to 75 minutes in 1995 in Coronary Care Unit group, and from 35 minutes in 1993 to 20 minutes in 1995 in the Accident and Emergency Department group. Over these 3 years, 2 cases of inappropriate thrombolysis were reported but these did not result in any mortality. Four complications from thrombolytic therapy were reported, and these were managed appropriately by the staff in Accident and Emergency Department and did not result in mortality. Conclusions Starting thrombolytic therapy in Accident and Emergency Department is safe and effectively decreases the door-to-needle time.

Review:Cell therapy in congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure （CHF） has emerged as a major worldwide epidemic and its main causes seem to be the aging of the population and the survival of patients with post-myocardial infarction. Cardiomyocyte dropout （necrosis and apoptosis） plays a critical role in the progress of CHF; thus treatment of CHF by exogenous cell implantation will be a promising medical approach. In the acute phase of cardiac damage cardiac stem cells （CSCs） within the heart divide symmetrically and/or asymmetrically in response to the change of heart homeostasis, and at the same time homing of bone marrow stem cells （BMCs） to injured area is thought to occur, which not only reconstitutes CSC population to normal levels but also repairs the heart by differentiation into cardiac tissue. So far, basic studies by using potential sources such as BMCs and CSCs to treat animat CHF have shown improved ventricular remodelling and heart function. Recently, however, a few of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrated mixed results in heart failure with BMC therapy during acute myocardial infarction.