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.

Development of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention as a National Reperfusion Strategy for Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Assessment of Its Use in Egypt

Objective:Early treatment of acute ischemia of the heart by performing immediate percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)to restore blood fl ow in patients with the clinical presentation of an acute coronary syndrome and more specifi cally with ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)can save lives.This study aims to identify the mean time(door to balloon time and fi rst contact to balloon time)to primary PCI for STEMI patients and to assess the percentage of primary PCI and its success rate in Egypt.Methods:A registry study of patients presenting to cardiac centers in Egypt was designed,where patients’basic characteristics,the treatment strategy,and the door to balloon time and the fi rst contact to balloon time were assessed.Results:One thousand six hundred fi fty STEMI patients with a mean age of 57 years were included in the study.Immediate transfer for primary PCI was the most used treatment strategy,representing 74.6%of all treatment strategies used.The door to balloon time and the fi rst contact to balloon time were 50 and 60 minutes,respectively,with a primary PCI success rate of 65.1%.Conclusion:The registry study results showed a marked improvement by implementation of the best treatment strategy with respect to the time factor to achieve a better outcome for STEMI patients in Egypt.

Serum uric acid in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND:Few studies investigated serum uric acid levels in patients with acute STelevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).The study was to assess the clinical value of serum uric acid levels in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).METHODS:Totally 502 consecutive patients with STEMI were retrospectively studied from January 2005 to December 2010.The level of serum lipid,echocardiographic data and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE) in patients with hyperuricemia(n=119) were compared with those in patients without hyperuricemia(n=383).The relationship between the level of serum uric acid and the degree of diseased coronary artery was analyzed.All data were analyzed with SPSS version 17.0 software for Student's t test,the Chi-square test and Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis.RESULTS:Serum uric acid level was positively correlated with serum triglyceride level.Hyperlipidemia was more common in hyperuricemia patients than in non-hyperuricemia patients(43.7%vs.33.7%,P=0.047),and serum triglyceride level was significantly higher in hyperuricemia patients(2.11±1.24 vs.1.78±1.38,P=0.014).But no significant association was observed between serum uric acid level and one or more diseased vessels(P>0.05).Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDd) was larger in hyperuricemia patients than in non-hyperuricemia patients(53.52±6.19 vs.52.18±4.89,P=0.041).The higher rate of left systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction was discovered in hyperuricemia patients(36.4%vs.15.1%,P<0.001;68.2%vs.55.8%,P=0.023).Also,hyperuricemia patients were more likely to have in-hospital MACE(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:Serum uric acid level is positively correlated with serum triglyceride level,but not with the severity of coronary artery disease.Hyperuricemia patients with STEMI tend to have a higher rate of left systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction and more likely to have more in-hospital MACE.

Effect of ramipril on progression of nonculprit lesions in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective To investigate the effect of ramipril on progression of nonculprit lesions in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI). Methods A total of 200 patients(60.1 ± 11.3 years) with STEMI who underwent successful PPCI from January 2010 to December 2013 were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent PPCI as treatment for culprit lesions. Patients were divided into two groups according to the dosage of ramipril used at hospital discharge as follows: high dosage group(2.5–10 mg, q.d.) and low dosage group(1.25–2.5 mg, q.d.). Clinical and angiographic follow-up was performed for 12 months. The primary endpoint was clinically-driven percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) for nonculprit lesions. The clinical and angiographic features were analyzed. Results Clinical and angiographic follow-up was performed with 87 patients in the high dosage group and 113 patients in the low dosage group. The numbers of patients who underwent additional PCI were six and 20 in the high and low dosage groups, respectively. The rate of having additional PCI performed was lower in the high dosage group than in the low dosage group(6.90% vs. 17.70%, P = 0.03). Conclusions A high dosage of ramipril may prevent progression of nonculprit lesions, which could be the major cause of recurrent PCI in patients with STEMI after PPCI.

Impact of liver cirrhosis on ST-elevation myocardial infarction related shock and interventional management,a nationwide analysis

BACKGROUND Critical care is rapidly evolving with significant innovations to decrease hospital stays and costs.To our knowledge,there is limited data on factors that affect the length of stay and hospital charges in cirrhotic patients who present with STelevation myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock(SRCS).AIM To identify the factors that increase inpatient mortality,length of stay,and total hospital charges in patients with liver cirrhosis(LC)compared to those without LC.METHODS This study includes all adults over 18 from the National Inpatient Sample 2017 database.The study consists of two groups of patients,including SRCS with LC and without LC.Inpatient mortality,length of stay,and total hospital charges are the primary outcomes between the two groups.We used STATA 16 to perform statistical analysis.The Pearson's chi-square test compares the categorical variables.Propensity-matched scoring with univariate and multivariate logistic regression generated the odds ratios for inpatient mortality,length of stay,and resource utilization.RESULTS This study includes a total of 35798453 weighted hospitalized patients from the 2017 National Inpatient Sample.The two groups are SRCS without LC(n=758809)and SRCS with LC(n=11920).The majority of patients were Caucasian in both groups(67%vs 72%).The mean number of patients insured with Medicare was lower in the LC group(60%vs 56%)compared to the other group,and those who had at least three or more comorbidities(53%vs 90%)were significantly higher in the LC group compared to the non-LC group.Inpatient mortality was also considerably higher in the LC group(28.7%vs 10.63%).Length of Stay(LOS)is longer in the LC group compared to the non-LC group(9 vs 5.6).Similarly,total hospital charges are higher in patients with LC($147407.80 vs$113069.10,P≤0.05).Inpatient mortality is lower in the early percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)group(OR:0.79<0.11),however,it is not statistically significant.Both early Impella(OR:1.73<0.05)and early extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)(OR:3.10 P<0.05)in the LC group were associated with increased mortality.Early PCI(-2.57 P<0.05)and Impella(-3.25 P<0.05)were also both associated with shorter LOS compared to those who did not.Early ECMO does not impact the LOS;however,it does increase total hospital charge(addition of$24717.85,P<0.05).CONCLUSION LC is associated with a significantly increased inpatient mortality,length of stay,and total hospital charges in patients who develop SRCS.Rural and Non-teaching hospitals have significantly increased odds of extended hospital stays and higher adjusted total hospital charges.The Association of LC with worse outcomes outlines the essential need to monitor these patients closely and treat them early on with higher acuity care.Patients with early PCI had both shorter LOS and reduced inpatient mortality,while early Impella was associated with increased mortality and shorter LOS.Early ECMO is associated with increased mortality and higher total hospital charges.This finding should affect the decision to follow through with interventional management in this cohort of patients as it is associated with poor outcomes and immense resource utilization.

Correlation of serum iron levels with myocardial injury and pump failure in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Objective:To analyze the correlation of serum iron levels with myocardial injury and pump failure in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Methods:80 patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction were divided into high iron group (serum iron≥8.95μmol/L) (n=43) and low iron group (serum iron<8.95μmol/L) (n=37) according to serum iron levels, differences in myocardial injury markers, ventricular remodeling indexes and pump failure-related indexes on admission were compared between two groups of patients, and the correlation of serum iron levels with myocardial damage and pump failure in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction was further analyzed. Results:Serum myocardial injury markers troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), myoglobin (Myo), ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) content of high iron group on admission were significantly lower than those of low iron group (P<0.05);left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), left ventricular end-systolic interventricular septal thickness (IVST), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), end-systolic volume index (ESVI), end-diastolic volume index (EDVI), and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) levels under color Doppler ultrasound were lower than those of low iron group (P<0.05);serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), galectin-3, adiponectin (APN), soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) and Copeptin content were lower than those of low iron group (P<0.05). Pearson test showed that serum iron level was directly correlated with the degree of myocardial injury and pump failure in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Conclusions:Low serum iron levels is one of key factors causing severe cases and pump failure in STEMI patients, and early iron supplementation is expected to improve outcomes in STEMI patients with iron deficiency.

E/e’ as a Predictor of Short-Term Survival Following ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background: We examined the usefulness of tissue Doppler imaging in evaluating the diastolic dysfunction and assessed the prognostic value of ratio between early mitral inflow velocity and mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/e’) in unselected patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: Patients presenting with acute STEMI at Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad, India between January-2012 and June-2012 were examined in this study. All patients underwent echocardiographic examination comprising Doppler assessment of transmitral flow velocities (peak E-wave velocity) and Doppler tissue imaging of the medial mitral valve annulus (e’). All patients were followed up for 6 months and all-cause mortality was measured as the study endpoint. Role of E/e’ ratio as a predictor of survival after acute STEMI was evaluated by a comparative analysis of patients with E/e’ ≤15 and >15. Results: A total of 50 patients with acute STEMI (mean age: 52.2 ± 13.2 years;80% males) were analyzed in this study. Of them, 23 (46%) patients had an E/e’ >15. Clinical parameters such as Killip class ≥2 as well as left ventricular ejection fraction of 15. Five (10%) patients died during the 6-month follow-up period. All deaths occurred among patients from the E/e’ >15 group, indicating that E/e’ is an effective predictor of overall survival. Conclusion: E/e’ ratio was identified as a strong predictor of survival after acute myocardial infarction and can be suitable for risk-stratification of patients in this setting. Further studies are warranted to substantiate the findings.

The role of neutrophil to platelet ratio in predicting death in elderly patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction receiving percutaneous coronary intervention

Background Despite receiving percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),the mortality in elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)remains high.The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic value of neutrophil to platelet ratio(NPR)in elderly STEMI patients receiving PCI.Methods Patients≥65 years old with the diagnosis of STEMI who had received PCI was retrospectively enrolled between January 2010 and April 2016 in the Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital.The relationship between NPR and inhospital and 1-year mortality was evaluated.Results A total of 767 elderly patients with STEMI were included and divided into three groups according to the tertiles of NPR:<37(n=253),37-54(n=257),and≥54(n=257).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an independent correlation between elevated NPR and in-hospital death[odds ratio(OR)=1.02,95%confidential interval(CI):1.01-1.03,P<0.001].The receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)analysis demonstrated a relatively high predictive value for NPR in identifying in-hospital death(AUC=0.765,95%CI:0.704-0.825,P<0.001,sensitivity=77.1%,specificity=69.0%,optimal cut-off value=54).As for 1-year mortality,multivariate Cox survival analysis revealed that NPR[hazard ratio(HR)=1.003,95%CI:1.001-1.004,P<0.001],as a continuous variable,and NPR>54(HR=2.70,95%CI 1.72-4.22,P<0.001),as a categorial variable,were both independent predictors for 1-year mortality.Conclusions NPR is a feasible predictor of poor prognosis for elderly patients with STEMI receiving PCI.

Biomarkers enhance the long-term predictive ability of the KAMIR risk score in Chinese patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background:The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score is recommended by current ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) guidelines.But it has inherent defects.The present study aimed to investigate the more compatible risk stratification for Chinese patients with STEMI and to determine whether the addition of biomarkers to the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR) score could enhance its predictive value for long-term outcomes.Methods:A total of 1093 consecutive STEMI patients were included and followed up 48.2 months.Homocysteine,hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP),and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were detected.The KAMIR score and the GRACE score were calculated.The performance between the KAMIR and the GRACE was compared.The predictive power of the KAMIR alone and combined with biomarkers were assessed by the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The KAMIR demonstrated a better risk stratification and predictive ability than the GRACE (death:AUC = 0.802 vs.0.721,P<0.001;major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE):AUC = 0.683 vs.0.656,P<0.001).It showed that the biomarkers could independently predict death [homocysteine:HR= 1.019 (1.015–1.024),P<0.001;hs-CRP:HR= 1.052 (1.000–1.104),P= 0.018;NT-pro BNP:HR= 1.142 (1.004–1.280),P= 0.021] and MACE [homocysteine:HR= 1.019 (1.015–1.024),P<0.001;hs-CRP:HR= 1.012 (1.003–1.021),P= 0.020;NT-pro BNP:HR= 1.136 (1.104–1.168),P= 0.006].When they were used in combination with the KAMIR,the area under the ROC curve (AUC) significantly increased for death [homocysteine:AUC = 0.802 vs.0.890,Z = 5.982,P<0.001;hs-CRP:AUC = 0.802 vs.0.873,Z= 3.721,P<0.001;NT-pro BNP:AUC= 0.802 vs.0.871,Z = 2.187,P= 0.047;homocysteine,hs-CRP and NT-pro BNP:AUC = 0.802 vs.0.940,Z = 6.177,P<0.001] and MACE [homocysteine:AUC = 0.683 vs.0.771,Z= 6.818,P<0.001;hs-CRP:AUC= 0.683 vs.0.712,Z= 2.022,P= 0.031;NT-pro BNP:AUC= 0.683 vs.0.720,Z= 2.974,P= 0.003;homocysteine,hs-CRP and NT-pro BNP:AUC= 0.683 vs.0.789,Z= 6.900,P<0.001].Conclusion:The KAMIR is better than the GRACE in risk stratification and prognosis prediction in Chinese STEMI patients.A combination of above-mentioned biomarkers can develop a more predominant prediction for long-term outcomes.

Comparative effects of percutaneous coronary intervention for infarct-related artery only or for both infarct- and non-infarct- related arteries in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and multi-vessel disease

Background Rapid recanalization of infarct-related artery （IRA） has become the major target during primary percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction （MI）, but strategy for treatment of non-IRA lesions in this setting remains unclear. This study aimed to compare long-term effects between PCI for IRA only and that for both IRA and non-IRA in ST-elevation MI patients with multi-vessel disease.Methods A total of 242 eligible patients with ST-elevation MI and at least two diseased coronary arteries （luminal narrowing 〉70%） undergoing primary PCI were included. Of them, 149 patients underwent primary PCI for IRA only （group 1）, and 93 received primary PCI for IRA followed by elective PCI for non-IRA 7 to 15 days after acute myocardial infarction （AMI） （group 2）. Drug-eluting stents （DESs） were deployed in more than 90% of the patients. Results The two groups did not differ with respect to baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics. No significant differences were observed in 12-month clinical follow-up results regarding major adverse cardiac events （11.5% vs 15.1%, P 〉0.05） and target lesion revascularization （8.1% vs 7.6%, P 〉0.05） between the two groups. However, patients in group 1 had higher rates of recurrent angina （10.1% vs 2.1%, P 〈0.05） and depressed left ventricular ejection fraction evaluated by echocardiography （0.56±0.22 vs 0.63±0.25, P 〈0.05）. Conclusion With the use of DESs, complete revascularization with elective PCI for non-IRA after primary PCI may exert a beneficial effect on long-term symptomatology and left ventricular function in patients with ST-elevation Mt and multi-vessel disease.

Long-term Outcomes of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Second-generation Drug-eluting Stents in ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Caused by Very Late Stent Thrombosis

Background： The ST-segment elevation myocardial inthrction （STEMI） patients due to stent thrombosis （ST） remain a therapeutic challenge for a clinician. Till date, very few researches have been conducted regarding the safety and effectiveness of primary percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） with second-generation drug-eluting stents （DES） for STEMI caused by very late ST （VLST）. This retrospective study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of primary PCI with second-generation DES for STEM1 due to VLST compared with primary PCI for STEM1 due to de novo lesion. Methods： Between January 2007 and December 2013, STEMI patients with primary PCI in Fuwai Hospital had only second-generation DES implanted for de novo lesion （558 patients） and VLST （50 patients） were included in this retrospective study. The primary end points included cardiac death and reinfarction. The secondary end points included cardiac death, reinfarction, and target lesion revascularization. Continuous variables were expressed as mean （standard deviation） or median （interquartile range） and compared by Student＇s t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test as appropriate. Categorical variables were expressed as counts and percentages, and comparison of these variables was performed with Chi-square or Fisher＇s exact test. A two-tailed value of P 〈 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all comparisons. Statistical analyses were performed by SAS software （version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, USA） for Windows. Results： In-hospital primary end point and the secondary end point were no significant differences between two groups （P = 1.000 and P = 1.000, respectively）. No significant differences between two groups were observed according to the long-term primary end point and the secondary end point. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed no significant difference between the two groups in the primary end point and the secondary end point at 2 years （P- 0.340 and P = 0,243, respectively）. According to Cox analysis, female, intra-aortic balloon pump support, and postprocedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow 3 were found to be independent predictors fbr long-term follow-up. Conclusion： Primary PCI with second-generation DES is a reasonable choice for STEMI patients caused by VLST.

Direct intracoronary delivery of tirofiban during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI） is usually caused by acute occlusion of an infarct-related coronary artery （IRA）, resulting from rupture or erosion of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent platelet aggregation and thrombosis.l3 Prompt reperfusion is the key aspect of the optimal management,.7 and timely expert primary percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） becomes the best reperfusion strategy with respect to improvement in survival and reduction of combined clinical endpoints in the treatment of STEMI.

Application of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration and the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score to predict major adverse cardiac events in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after PCI

Identifying patients with high risk of death after myocardial infarction is a cornerstone of modern cardiovascular health care.The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive ability of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide(NT-pro-BNP)concentration and global acute coronary event register(GRACE)risk score in the prognosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)patients,to find a better method for early risk stratification and prognosis judgment in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of STEMI patients,and to provide reliable clinical basis for making the best individualized treatment strategies for patients.Methods The final analysis included 118 confirmed STEMI patients who had received acute percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Thirty patients with STEMI were included in the major cardiac adverse events(MACEs)group,and the rest were included in the non-MACEs group.Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the risk factors and MACEs.The receiver operator curves(ROC)were used to determine the area under the statistical curve(AUC).The linear correlation analysis confirmed the relationship between NT-proBNP concentration and GRACE score.Results After adjustment for sex,history of current smoking,hypertension,diabetes mellitus,cerebral artery disease and coronary artery vessel lesion(single-vessel lesion,2-vessel lesion,3-vessel lesion),onset time and medication,the multivariate Cox’s regression analysis showed that NT-proBNP concentration and GRACE score were the independent predictors for MACEs in STEMI patients who received PCI.Linear regression analysis showed that the level of NT-pro-BNP was positively correlated with GRACE score(r=0.612,P=0.000).The area under the curve(AUC)for GRACE,NT-pro-BNP and their combination were 0.757,0.723 and 0.782,respectively.Conclusions In a one-year follow-up,the concentration of NTpro-BNP and GRACE score were valuable of prediction for MACEs in STEMI patients who received PCI.In addition,NT-pro-BNP concentration was positively correlated with GRACE score.Additionally,the concentration of NT-pro-BNP could moderately enhance the GRACE score prediction of 1-year MACEs in STEMI patients who received PCI.

Relationship between diastolic blood pressure and adverse outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Background Low diastolic blood pressure(DBP)was reported to be associated with reduced coronary blood flow,subclinical myocardial damage,and cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of low DBP on clinical outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Methods A total of 1232 patients with STEMI were retrospectively enrolled and divided into two groups according to admission DBP level:≥70 mm Hg(n=817)and < 70 mm Hg(n=415). The relationship between DBP and in-hospital and 1-year adverse events was evaluated.Results In-hospital death occurred in 2.4% of patients. The in-hospital mortality(5.3% vs. 1.0%,P<0.001)and major adverse clinical events(11.1% vs. 7.5%,P=0.033)were significantly higher in patients with a low DBP.DBP <70 mm Hg was associated with in-hospital death(adjusted odds rate=3.31,95%CI:1.36-8.07,P=0.009).Additional significant indicators included eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m^2 and intra aorta balloon pump(IABP)treatment. Seventy-seven(6.3%)patients died in the one-year follow-up. DBP < 70 mm Hg was associated with increased risk of 1-year death(8.9% vs. 4.8%,Log-rank=9.9,P=0.002). Conclusion Low DBP was associated with increased risk of in-hospital and 1-year adverse prognosis in patients with STEMI undergoing PCI,which could be a tool for risk assessment.

The clinical relationship between corrected TIMI frame count and prognosis for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after primary coronary intervention

Background Corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction(TIMI)frame count(CTFC)was a simple and sensitive prognostic method that could reflect the perfusion status.Contemporary data on the relationship between CTFC and the prognosis for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction are not available.Methods Between January 2013 and December 2019,183 STEMI patients who attended in our center were retrospectively analyzed.All of the patients underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)and were with final TIMI grade 3 flow.Those patients were divided into high CTFC group(CTFC≥23 frames,n=76)and low CTFC group(CTFC<23 frames,n=107).The primary endpoint was the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)after 12 months.Univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis was performed to figure out prognostic factors.Results A total of 183 individuals were included in this study.MACE rate was significantly higher in those patients with high CTFC(32.9%vs.15.7%,P=0.012),especially the revascularization rate(18.4%vs.2.8%,P=0.012).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that CTFC was the independent predictors of worse prognosis[risk ratio(RR):0.75,95%confidence interval(CI)0.67-0.82,P<0.001].Conclusions CTFC is feasible to identify the high-risk group after primary PCI for STEMI patients.High CTFC was associated with poor short-term clinical outcome.[S Chin J Cardiol 2021;22(1):7-12]

Feasibility of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in predicting no-reflow phenomenon in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background The no-reflow phenomenon is correlated with adverse effects on short-term and long-term outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI) in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio(LMR) is a novel inflammatory marker which is associated with slow coronary flow. We aimed to investigate the predictive value of LMR for no-reflow phenomenon in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. Methods A total of 1350 STEMI patients were enrolled in this study from January 2014 to January 2018. Blood samples were obtained at initial admission for analysis of LMR.The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to study the relationship between LMR and no-reflow phenomenon. Results All the 156 patients among the study population suffered from no-reflow phenomenon during the procedure. The LMR level was significantly lower in patients with no-reflow(1.6 ±1.0 vs. 3.25 ± 1.8, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LMR was independently associated with no-reflow post primary PCI in STEMI patients.(OR 2.356, 95% CI 1.201-5.945;P=0.030). The area under the ROC curve for the LMR was 0.757 [95% confidence interval(CI) 0.686-0.828, P<0.001]. Conclusions LMR at admission could serve as a biomarker for no-reflow phenomenon in patients undertaken primary PCI for STEMI.[S Chin J Cardiol 2019;20(4):228-235]

Feasibility and efficacy of delayed pharmacoinvasive therapy for STelevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)refers to a clinical syndrome that features symptoms of myocardial ischemia with consequent ST-elevation on electrocardiography and an associated rise in cardiac biomarkers.Rapid restoration of brisk flow in the coronary vasculature is critical in reducing mortality and morbidity.In patients with STEMI who could not receive primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)on time,pharmacoinvasive strategy(thrombolysis followed by timely PCI within 3-24 h of its initiation)is an effective option.AIM To analyze the role of delayed pharmacoinvasive strategy in the window period of 24-72 h after thrombolysis.METHODS This was a physician-initiated,single-center prospective registry between January 2017 and July 2017 which enrolled 337 acute STEMI patients with partially occluded coronary arteries.Patients received routine pharmacoinvasive therapy(PCI within 3-24 h of thrombolysis)in one group and delayed pharmacoinvasive therapy(PCI within 24-72 h of thrombolysis)in another group.The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events(MACCE)within 30 d of the procedure.The secondary endpoints included major bleeding as defined by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium classification,angina,and dyspnea within 30 d.RESULTS The mean age in the two groups was comparable(55.1±10.1 years vs 54.2±10.5 years,P=0.426).Diabetes was present among 20.2%and 22.1%of patients in the routine and delayed groups,respectively.Smoking rate was 54.6%and 55.8%in the routine and delayed groups,respectively.Thrombolysis was initiated within 6 h of onset of symptoms in both groups(P=0.125).The mean time from thrombolysis to PCI in the routine and delayed groups was 16.9±5.3 h and 44.1±14.7 h,respectively.No significant difference was found for the occurrence of measured clinical outcomes in the two groups within 30 d(8.7%vs 12.9%,P=0.152).Univariate analysis of demographic characteristics and risk factors for patients who reported MACCE in the two groups did not demonstrate any significant correlation.Secondary endpoints such as angina,dyspnea,and major bleeding were non-significantly different between the two groups.CONCLUSION Delayed PCI pharmacoinvasive strategy in a critical diseased but not completely occluded artery beyond 24 h in patients who have been timely thrombolyzed seems a reasonable strategy.

Percutaneous treatment in acute coronary syndromes

Both ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are the result of an acute thrombotic lesion obstructing blood flow in the coronary vasculature. Percutaneous treatment has shown to improve clinical outcome in this clinical setting by resolving coronary obstruction with different devices directed to restore coronary blood flow. In comparison with balloon alone angioplasty, implantation of bare metal stents reduced the rate of restenosis and cardiac events, but high rates of restenosis remained, leading to further investigations to develop drug-eluting stents with different pharma- cological coatings that reduced restenosis rates and clinical events. In this review, we discuss the current treatment of ACS, reviewing recent randomized clinical trials and advances in medical treatment, including new antiplatelet agents and recent guideline recommendations.

Effects of intracoronary injection of nicorandil and tirofiban on myocardial perfusion and short-term prognosis in elderly patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after emergency PCI

BACKGROUND:This study investigated the effects of the intracoronary injection of nicorandil and tirofiban on myocardial perfusion and short-term prognosis in elderly patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).METHODS:Seventy-eight STEMI patients with age>65 years who underwent emergency PCI were consecutively enrolled.These patients received conventional PCI and were randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group(n=39 per group).The control group received an intracoronary injection of tirofiban followed by a maintenance infusion for 36 hours after surgery.The treatment group received intracoronary injection of tirofiban and nicorandil,and then intravenous infusion of tirofiban and nicorandil 36 hours after surgery.The following parameters were measured:TIMI grade,corrected TIMI frame count(c TFC),TIMI myocardial perfusion grade(TMPG),STsegment resolution(STR)rate 2 hours post-operatively,resolution of ST-segment elevation(STR)at 2 hours postoperatively,peak level of serum CK-MB,left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD)and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)at 7–10 days postoperatively,and major adverse cardiac events(MACEs)in-hospital and within 30 days post-operatively.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,more patients in the treatment group had TIMI 3 and TMPG 3,and STR after PCI was significantly higher.The treatment group also had significantly lower c TFC,lower infarction relative artery(IRA),lower peak CK-MB,and no reflow ratio after PCI.The treatment group had significantly higher LVEDD and LVEF but lower incidence of MACEs than the control group.CONCLUSION:The intracoronary injection of nicorandil combined with tirofiban can effectively improve myocardial reperfusion in elderly STEMI patients after emergency PCI and improve shortterm prognoses.

Cardioprotection and pharmacological therapies in acute myocardial infarction: Challenges in the current era

In patients with an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, timely myocardial reperfusion using primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the most effective therapy for limiting myocardial infarct size, preserving left-ventricular systolic function and reducing the onset of heart failure. Within minutes after the restoration of blood flow, however, reperfusion itself results in additional damage, also known as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. An improved understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying reperfusion injury has resulted in the identification ofseveral promising pharmacological(cyclosporin-A, exenatide, glucose-insulin-potassium, atrial natriuretic peptide, adenosine, abciximab, erythropoietin, metoprolol and melatonin) therapeutic strategies for reducing the severity of myocardial reperfusion injury. Many of these agents have shown promise in initial proofof-principle clinical studies. In this article, we review the pathophysiology underlying myocardial reperfusion injury and highlight the potential pharmacological interventions which could be used in the future to prevent reperfusion injury and improve clinical outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease.