Optimal timing of invasive intervention for high-risk non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients

OBJECTIVE To compare the immediate,early,and delayed percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)strategies in non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI)patients with high-risk.METHODS Medical records of patients treated at the Daping Hospital,Third Military Medical University,Chongqing,China between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.Only patients with complete available information were included.All patients assigned into three groups based on the timing of PCI including immediate(<2 h),early(2–24 h)and delayed(≥24 h)intervention.Multivariable Cox hazards regression and simpler nonlinear models were performed.RESULTS A total of 657 patients were included in the study.The median follow-up length was 3.29(interquartile range:1.45–4.85)years.Early PCI strategy improved the major adverse cardiac event(MACE)outcome compared to the immediate or delayed PCI strategy.Early PCI,diabetes mellitus,and left main or/and left anterior descending or/and left circumflex stenosis or/and right coronary artery≥99%were predictors for MACE outcome.The optimal timing range for PCI to reduce MACE risk is 3–14 h post-admission.For high-risk NSTEMI patients,early PCI reduced primary clinical outcomes compared to immediate or delayed PCI,and the optimal timing range was 3–14 h post-admission.Delayed PCI was superior for NSTEMI with chronic kidney injury.CONCLUSIONS Delayed invasive strategy was helpful to reduce the incidence of MACE for high-risk NSTEMI with chronic kidney injury.An immediate PCI strategy might increase the rate of MACE.

The effect of fasting plasma glucose on in-hospital mortality after acute myocardial infarction in patients with and without diabetes:findings from a prospective,nationwide,and multicenter registry

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the predictive value of fasting plasma glucose(FPG)for in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)with different glucose metabolism status.METHODS We selected 5,308 participants with AMI from the prospective,nationwide,multicenter CAMI registry,of which 2,081 were diabetic and 3,227 were nondiabetic.Patients were divided into high FPG and low FPG groups according to the optim-al cutoff values of FPG to predict in-hospital mortality for diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts,respectively.The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.RESULTS Overall,94 diabetic patients(4.5%)and 131 nondiabetic patients(4.1%)died during hospitalization,and the optimal FPG thresholds for predicting in-hospital death of the two cohorts were 13.2 mmol/L and 6.4 mmol/L,respectively.Compared with individuals who had low FPG,those with high FPG were significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality in diabet-ic cohort(10.1%vs.2.8%;odds ratio[OR]=3.862,95%confidence interval[CI]:2.542-5.869)and nondiabetic cohort(7.4%vs.1.7%;HR=4.542,95%CI:3.041-6.782).After adjusting the potential confounders,this significant association was not changed.Further-more,FPG as a continuous variable was positively associated with in-hospital mortality in single-variable and multivariable models regardless of diabetic status.Adding FPG to the original model showed a significant improvement in C-statistic and net reclassification in diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts.CONCLUSIONS This large-scale registry indicated that there is a strong positive association between FPG and in-hospital mor-tality in AMI patients with and without diabetes.FPG might be useful to stratify patients with AMI.

Association of prealbumin with short-term and long-term outcomes in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND Prealbumin is considered to be a useful indicator of nutritional status. Furthermore, it has been found to be associated with severities and prognosis of a range of diseases. However, limited data on the association of baseline prealbumin level with outcomes of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI) are available.METHODS We analyzed 2313 patients admitted for acute STEMI between October 2013 and December 2020. In-hospital outcomes and mortality during the 49 months(interquartile range: 26–73 months) follow-up period were compared between patients with the low prealbumin level(< 170 mg/L) and those with the high prealbumin level(≥ 170 mg/L).RESULTS A total of 114 patients(4.9%) died during hospitalization. After propensity score matching, patients with the low prealbumin level than those with the high prealbumin level experienced higher incidences of heart failure with Killip class Ⅲ(9.9%vs. 4.4%, P = 0.034), cardiovascular death(8.4% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.035) and the composite of major adverse cardiovascular events(19.2%vs. 10.3%, P = 0.012). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that the low prealbumin level(< 170 mg/L) was an independent predictor of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events(odds ratio = 1.918, 95% CI: 1.250–2.942, P = 0.003). The cutoff value of prealbumin level for predicting in-hospital death was 170 mg/L(area under the curve = 0.703, 95% CI: 0.651–0.754, P< 0.001;sensitivity = 0.544, specificity = 0.794). However, after multivariate adjustment of possible confounders, baseline prealbumin level(170 mg/L) was no longer independently associated with 49-month cardiovascular death. After propensity score matching, Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed consistent results.CONCLUSIONS Decreased prealbumin level closely related to unfavorable short-term outcomes. However, after multivariate adjustment and controlling for baseline differences, baseline prealbumin level was not independently associated with an increased risk of long-term cardiovascular mortality in STEMI patients.

Incidence,predictors and prognosis of acute kidney injury in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing emergent coronary angiography/primary percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury(AKI) after coronary angiography(CAG) and primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI) is frequently observed, and often interpreted as contrast induced-AKI. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, predictors and outcomes of AKI in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI) patients undergoing emergent CAG/PPCI using the control group of STEMI patients who were not exposed to contrast agents within the first 72 h.METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 1670 STEMI patients. Of them, 673 patients underwent emergent CAG/PPCI, and 997 patients treated with thrombolysis or no reperfusion therapy who were not exposed to contrast material during the first 72 h. AKI was defined as an increase of serum creatinine ≥ 44.2 mmol/L or ≥ 25% from baseline within 72 h. Patents were then followed up for the occurrence of all-cause mortality for 40 months(interquartile range: 24–55 months).RESULTS After propensity score matching, 505 pairs of patients were matched. Overall, the incidence of AKI was 27.4%, and AKI rates were not significantly different in patients with and without emergent CAG/PPCI procedure(27.5% vs. 27.3%, P = 0.944). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that the independent predictors of AKI were female, elevated interleukin-6 level,decreased lymphocyte count, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% and use of diuretics in patients with emergent CAG/PPCI. Patients with AKI than those without AKI experienced higher incidence of acute heart failure with Killip class Ⅲ(9.4% vs. 3.3%, P =0.005;15.2% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.003, respectively) and mortality(5.8% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.014;12.3% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.002, respectively) in patients with and without emergent CAG/PPCI. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that AKI was independently associated with long-term mortality rate at 40 months follow-up in patients with and without emergent CAG/PPCI(HR = 1.867, 95% CI:1.086–3.210, P = 0.024;HR = 1.700, 95% CI: 1.219–2.370, P = 0.002, respectively).CONCLUSIONS Approximately 27.0% of STEMI patients experience AKI, which is strongly associated with an increased shortand long-term mortality regardless of emergent CAG/PPCI procedure. The development of AKI is mainly related to female gender, inflammation reaction, heart failure and use of diuretics in STEMI patients undergoing emergent CAG/PPCI.

Discordance analysis for apolipoprotein and lipid measures for predicting myocardial infarction in statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease:a cohort study

BACKGROUND The optimal apolipoprotein or lipid measures for identifying statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease(CAD)at residual cardiovascular risk remain controversial.This study aimed to compare the predictive powers of apolipoprotein B(apoB),non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(non-HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),apoB/apolipoprotein A-1(apoA-1)and non-HDL-C/HDL-C for myocardial infarction(MI)in CAD patients treated with statins in the setting of secondary prevention.METHODS The study included 9191 statin-treated CAD patients with a five-year median follow-up.All measures were anal-yzed as continuous variables and concordance/discordance groups by medians.The hazard ratio(HR)with 95%CI was estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression.Patients were classified by the clinical presentation of CAD for further analysis.RESULTS The high-apoB-low-LDL-C and the high-non-HDL-C-low-LDL-C categories yielded HR of 1.40(95%CI:1.04–1.88)and 1.51(95%CI:1.07–2.13)for MI,respectively,whereas discordant high LDL-C with low apoB or non-HDL-C was not associa-ted with the risk of MI.No association of MI with discordant apoB versus non-HDL-C,apoB/apoA-1 versus apoB,non-HDL-C/HDL-C versus non-HDL-C,or apoB/apoA-1 versus non-HDL-C/HDL-C was observed.Similar patterns were found in patients with acute coronary syndrome.In contrast,no association was observed between any concordance/discordance category and the risk of MI in patients with chronic coronary syndrome.CONCLUSIONS ApoB and non-HDL-C better predict MI in statin-treated CAD patients than LDL-C,especially in patients with acute coronary syndrome.ApoB/apoA-1 and non-HDL-C/HDL-C show no superiority to apoB and non-HDL-C for predict-ing MI.

Edaravone administration and its potential association with a new clinical syndrome in cerebral infarction patients:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Edaravone is a widely used treatment for patients with cerebral infarction and,in most cases,edaravone-induced side effects are mild.However,edaravone-related adverse reactions have been receiving increasing attention.CASE SUMMARY We treated three patients with acute cerebral infarction who died following treatment with edaravone.Edaravone is a widely used treatment for patients with cerebral infarction and,in most cases,edaravone-induced side effects are mild.However,edaravone-related adverse reactions have been receiving increasing attention.CONCLUSION Our cases highlight the importance of educating clinicians regarding the new edaravone-induced clinical syndromes of cerebral infarction as potentially fatal adverse drug reactions.Considering that no laboratory or confirmatory test exists to diagnose edaravone-induced death from cerebral infarction,clinicians’knowledge is the key element in recognizing this phenomenon.

Effects of primary PCI and facilitated PCI on myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony in acute myocardial infarction patients

Objective To evaluate short time effects of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and rtPA thrombolysis+PCI (rtPA+PCI) on myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony in AMI patients.Methods Eighty seven patients with first AMI were divided into two groups: group A ( n =42), pPCI group, the patients underwent PCI within 6h after onset of AMI; group B ( n =45), rtPA+PCI group, the patients underwent PCI after thrombolysis within 6h after onset of AMI; Myocardial viability was measured by 99m Tc MIBI SPECT. While, the parameters of cardiac function LVEF and ventricular systolic synchrony LVPS were measured by 99m Tc gated cardiac blood pool image on the first and the fourth weekend. Results (1) The peak CK MB was significantly lower in group A than that in group B( P <0.01 ). (2) Myocardial infarction area (MIA) was decreased and radioactivity counts in MIA was significantly increased in group A and B on the 4th weekend compared with that on the first weekend ( P <0.01 ), but there were no significant difference between group A and group B. (3) LVEF, LVPS were no significant difference between group A and group B.Conclusions (1)pPCI in acute myocardial infartion can limit infarct area, maintain ventricular systolic synchrony and improve ventricular function; (2) but, in those hospitals that there were no any condition for PCI, they should transfer the patients to central hospital for PCI after thrombolysis at the first time. It is beneficial to improve myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony of AMI patients in short time.

A comparative study on transradial vs transfemoral artery access for primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Objective Comparative study on the feasibility,safety and outcome of transradial artery and transfemoral artery access for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Methods Two hundred and eight patients with AMI episoded within 12 hours, male 159, female 49, age 58.9 ±11.9 (34～88)years, were randomly divided into transradial artery access for primary PCI (TRA pPCI) group of 106 cases and transfemoral artery access for PCI (TFA pPCI) group of 102 cases during Sept, 2000 to Aug, 2002. The protocols of the manipulation duration and the effect for TRA pPCI and TFA pPCI procedures were respectively compared, including the time of transradial artery puncture and the rate of puncture success at first time ; the time of guiding catheter engaging into target coronary ostium; the rate of patence in infarct related artery (IRA); total duration of manipulation and the successful rate.The incidence of complications such as bleeding, vessel injury,thrombi and embolism as well as the average stay of hospitalization between two groups was compared. The status and the incidance of vessel spasm were observed and the effect of medicine administration to prevent from and relieve the vascular spasm was evaluated. The time of Allen’s test before and after TRA pPCI , the inner diameter and the peak of blood velocity of the right and left radial artery were investigated with color Doppler vessel echography as well as the complications of radial artery were followed up 1 month after TRA pPCI procedure. Results Two cases in every TRA pPCI and TFA pPCI groups were crossed over each other because procedure of the transradial or transfemoral access was failure. One handred and six vessels (48 vessels in LAD,22 vessels in LCX and 36 vessels in RCA) associated with 28 vessels of total occlusion in TRA pPCI group and 102 vessels (51 vessels in LAD,18 veesles in LCX and 33 vessels in RCA) with 24 vessels in total occlusion in TFA pPCI group were angioplasticized . The successful rates of the first time puncture in access artery, the re patence IRA and pPCI were similar in TRA pPCI and TFA pPCI groups ( 93.4% vs 96.1% ;100% vs 100%; 96.2% vs 97.1% , P >0.05 ). There were no significant diffierence in the average time of puncture time of access artery ,engaging in target vessels of guiding catheters and the total procedure of PCI between the two groups ( 1.3 ±0.3s vs 1.2 ±0.3s ; 6.0 ±1.6min vs 5.8 ±0.9min ; 49.2 ±24.1min vs 46.5 ± 26.4min , P >0.05 ). The access artery complications such as bleeding ,hematoma and embolism as well the veneous thrombosis in TFA pPCI group were much more than those in TRA pPCI group(p< 0.01 ). Although slight artery spasm of 4.7% cases in TRA pPCI group was happened during the procedure of PCI , the procedure had being continued after administration of medicine to release the spasm. The time of Allen’s test ,diameter and the systolic velocity of blood in daul radial arteries were no significant change before and after pPCI.Conclusions The duration and effect by TRA pPCI for AMI with stable hemodynamics was similar to TFA pPCI. The complications such as of bleeding,vessel injury, thrombi and embolism by TRA pPCI were few, and it was unnecessary to discontinue the anticoagulation medicine. TRA pPCI might be selected as a access vessel for pPCI in AMI patients with stable hemodynamics.

Clinical significance of diabetes on symptom and patient delay among patients with acute myocardial infarction——an analysis from China Acute Myocardial Infarction(CAMI) registry

Background Diabetes is frequently associated with poor prognosis among acute myocardial infarction(AMI)patients.Patients with these comorbidities often have atypical symptoms and subsequent delay in treatment.Few studies have reported detailed AMI symptoms in patients with diabetes.This study compared AMI symptoms and presentation characteristics between diabetics and non-diabetics.Methods We included patients from the China AMI registry diagnosed with AMI between January 2013 and September 2014.Baseline characteristics,symptomology,and delay in treatment were compared between diabetics and non-diabetics.Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore independent predictors of atypical symptoms.Results A total of 4450(20.2%)patients had diabetes.They were older,more often women,higher in body mass index,and more likely to have non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.Fewer diabetic patients presented with persistent precordial chest pain(63.1%vs.68%,P<0.0001),diaphoresis(60.1%vs.65.6%,P<0.0001),fatigue(16.7%vs.18.3%,P=0.0123),and incontinence(0.4%vs.0.7%,P=0.0093).Time to hospital presentation was longer among patients with diabetes than those without.In multivariable analysis,diabetes was identified as an independent predictor of atypical symptoms(OR:1.112,95%CI:1.034?1.196).Conclusions Our study is the first large-scale study providing evidence that diabetics are less likely to present with typical chest pain and more likely to experience treatment delay when suffering from an AMI.Our results may increase clinician awareness of recognizing AMI patients rapidly to reduce diagnosis and treatment delay,particularly in the context of diabetes.

Application of pulse index continuous cardiac output system in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: A prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND Cardiogenic shock (CS) secondary to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicates management of the condition, and often leads to poor prognosis. Prompt and accurate monitoring of cardiovascular and accompanying hemodynamic changes is crucial in achieving adequate management of the condition. Advances in technology has availed procedures such as pulse index continuous cardiac output (PiCCO), which can offer precise monitoring of cardiovascular functions and hemodynamic parameters. In this study, PiCCO is evaluated for its potential utility in improving management and clinical outcomes among elderly patients with AMI complicated by CS. AIM To assess whether use of the PiCCO system can improve clinical outcomes in elderly patients with AMI complicated by CS.METHODS Patients from emergency intensive care units (EICU) or coronary care units (CCU) were randomized to receive PiCCO monitoring or not. The APACHE II score, SOFA score, hs-TnI, NT-proBNP, PaO2/FiO2 ratio and lactate levels on day 1, 3 and 7 after treatment were compared. The infusion and urine volume at 0-24 h, 24-48 h and 48-72 h were recorded, as were the cardiac index (CI), extravascular lung water index (EVLWI), intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) and global end diastolic volume index (GEDVI) at similar time intervals. RESULTS Sixty patients with AMI complicated by CS were included in the study. The PiCCO group had a significantly lower APACHE II score, SOFA score, hs-TnI and NT-proBNP levels on day 1, 3 and 7 after treatment. The infusion and urine volume during 0-24 h in the PiCCO group were significantly greater, and this group also showed significantly higher ADL scores. Furthermore, the PiCCO group spent lesser days on vasoactive agents, mechanical ventilation, and had a reduced length of stay in EICU/CCU. Additionally, the CI was significantly higher at 48 h and 72 h in the PiCCO group compared with that at 24 h, and the EVLWI, ITBVI and GEDVI were significantly decreased at 48 h and 72 h. CONCLUSION Applying the PiCCO system could improve the clinical outcomes of elderly patients with AMI complicated by CS.

Predictive clinical features of cardioembolic infarction in patients aged 85 years and older

Objective To assess predictive clinical factors of cardioembolic infarction in very old patients(85 years of age and older).Methods Prospective hospital-based stroke registry("The Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona Stroke Registry")is an acute-care teaching hospital in Barcelona,Catalonia,Spain.From 956 first-ever cardioembolic stroke patients included in the stroke registry over a 24-year period,639 were younger than 85 years of age and 317 were 85 years or older(mean age:88.9 years).Demographics,clinical characteristics,risk factors and early outcome were compared.Predictors of cardioembolic infarction in the oldest age group were assessed by multivariate analyses.Results In a logistic regression model based on demographics,risk factors,clinical features and complications,female gender(odds ratio[OR]=1.74,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.27–2.39),heart failure(OR=2.27,95%CI:1.46–3.56),altered consciousness(OR=1.76,95%CI:1.28–2.42),and infectious complications(OR=2.01,95%CI:1.39–2.91)were predictors of cardioembolic stroke in the oldest age group.By contrast,heavy smoking,heart valve disease,hypertension,headache,early seizures,sensory deficit,and involvement of the posterior cerebral artery were independently associated with cardioembolic stroke in the younger group.Conclusions Identification of a differential clinical profile of cardioembolic stroke between patients aged 85 years or more and those younger than 85 years helps clinicians to the optimal management of ischemic infarction in the oldest segment of the population.

Efficacy of comprehensive remote ischemic conditioning in elderly patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND Remote ischemic conditioning(RIC)is used to protect against myocardial injury.However,there is no adequate evidence for comprehensive RIC in elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).This study aimed to test whether comprehensive RIC,started pre-primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI)and repeated daily on 1-30 days post-PPCI,can improve myocardial salvage index(SI),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score(KCCQ-CSS)and 6-min walk test distance(6MWD)in elderly patients with acute STEMI during 12 months follow-up.METHODS 328 consenting elderly patients were randomized to receive standard PPCI plus comprehensive RIC(the treatment group)or standard PPCI(the control group).SI at 5-7 days after PPCI,LVEF,left ventricular end-diastolic volume index(LVEDVI),left ventricular end-systolic volume index(LVESVI),KCCQ-CSS,6MWD and adverse events rates were measured and assessed.RESULTS SI was significantly higher in the treatment group[interquartile range(IQR):0.38-0.66,P=0.037].There were no significant differences in major adverse events at 12 months.Although the differences of LVEDVI,LVESVI and LVEF between the treatment group and the control group did not reach statistical significance at 6 months and 12 months,LVEF tended to be higher,LVEDVI tended to be lower in the treatment group.The KCCQ-CSS was significantly higher in the treatment group at 1 month(IQR:46.5-87,P=0.001)and 12 months(IQR:55-93,P=0.008).There was significant difference in 6MWD between the treatment group and the control group(IQR:258-360 vs.IQR:250-345,P=0.002)at 1 month and(IQR:360-445 vs.IQR:345-432,P=0.035)at 12 months.A modest correlation was found between SI and LVEF(r=0.452,P<0.01),KCCQ-CSS(r=0.440,P<0.01)and 6MWD(r=0.384,P<0.01)respectively at 12 months.CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive RIC can improve SI,KCCQ-CSS and 6MWD.It may be an adjunctive therapy to PPCI in elderly patients with STEMI.

Pre-hospital delay in patients with acute myocardial infarction in China:findings from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Acute Coronary Syndrome(CCC-ACS)project

OBJECTIVE To describe the duration of the pre-hospital delay time and identify factors associated with prolonged pre-hospital delay in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)in China.METHODS Data were collected from November 2014 to December 2019 as part of the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Dis-ease in China-Acute Coronary Syndrome(CCC-ACS)project.A total of 33,386 patients with AMI admitted to the index hospitals were included in this study.Two-level logistic regression was conducted to explore the factors associated with the pre-hospital delay and the associations between different pre-hospital delay and in-hospital outcomes.RESULTS Of the 33,386 patients with AMI,70.7%of patients arrived at hospital≥2 h after symptom onset.Old age,female,ru-ral medical insurance,symptom onset at early dawn,and non-use of an ambulance predicted a prolonged pre-hospital delay(all P<0.05).Hypertension and heart failure at admission were only significant in predicting a longer delay in patients with ST-seg-ment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)(all P<0.05).A pre-hospital delay of≥2 h was associated with an increased risk of mortality[odds ratio(OR)=1.36,95%CI:1.09-1.69,P=0.006]and major adverse cardiovascular events(OR=1.22,95%CI:1.02-1.47,P=0.033)in patients with STEMI compared with a pre-hospital delay of<2 h.CONCLUSIONS Prolonged pre-hospital delay is associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes in patients with STEMI in China.Our study identifies that patient characteristics,symptom onset time,and type of transportation are associated with pre-hospital delay time,and provides focuses for quality improvement.

Lactobacillus levels and prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between Lactobacillus and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction(AMI)patients treated by percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)and its correlation with clinical parameters.METHODS Consecutive patients with AMI in the coronary care unit of Tianjin Chest Hospital in China who received emergency PCI between July 2017 and December 2018 were enrolled.Subjects’fecal 16 S r DNA gene sequencing data were analyzed and subjects were categorized into low,medium and high level groups according to stool Lactobacillus measurements.The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events.Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between Lactobacillus and prognosis.Spearman correlation analysis and trend tests were used to assess the relationship between Lactobacillus and the clinical indicators.RESULTS The data of 254 patients were included in the analysis.Mean age was 65.90±11.56 years,and 152 patients(59.84%)were male.Follow-up time was 652(548.25-753.00)days.Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed a significantly lower risk of major adverse cardiac events in patients with Lactobacillus>7.1 copies/g[adjusted hazard ratio(HR)=0.216,95%CI:0.094-0.493,P<0.001]compared to patients with Lactobacillus≤3.6 copies/g.Statistically significant differences were shown in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)(HR=0.217,95%CI:0.085-0.551,P=0.001).Lactobacillus was a protective factor for male smokers aged over 60 years whose brain natriuretic peptide was over 1,000 pg/m L.Spearman correlation analysis showed that Lactobacillus correlated negatively with white blood cells,neutrophils,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,Troponin T,creatine kinase,creatine kinase-MB and brain natriuretic peptide(downward trend),and correlated positively with left ventricular ejection fraction(upward trend).CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to reveal the correlation between Lactobacillus and inflammation and myocardial damage after STEMI.STEMI patients,especially male smokers aged over 60 years with severe impairment of cardiac function,have better outcomes with high levels of Lactobacillus,suggesting new therapeutic strategies for improving the prognosis and quality of life of AMI patients.

Obstructive sleep apnea increases heart rhythm disorders and worsens subsequent outcomes in elderly patients with subacute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)is a potential cardiovascular risk.We aimed to investigate the association of OSA with heart rhythm disorders and prognosis in elderly patients with new-onset acute myocardial infarction(AMI).METHODS We prospectively enrolled 252 AMI elderly patients(mean age,68.5±6.9 years)who were undergoing revascularization and completed a sleep study during their hospitalization.All subjects were categorized into non-OSA(apnea–hypopnea index(AHI)<15,n=130)and OSA(AHI≥15,n=122)groups based on the AHI.The changes in the autonomic nervous system,incidence of arrhythmia during nocturnal sleep,and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events(MACCEs)were compared between the groups.RESULTS The mean AHI value in all AMI patients was 22.8±10.9.OSA patients showed higher levels of body mass index and peak high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and lower levels of minimum nocturnal oxygen saturation(Min Sa O2),as well as greater proportion of multivessel coronary artery disease(all P<0.05).The OSA group also showed significant increases in heart rate variability and heart rate turbulence onset(both P<0.05)and higher incidence of arrhythmia(including sinus,atrial,and ventricular in origin).At a median follow-up of 6 months(mean 0.8–1.6 years),OSA(AHI≥15)combined with hypoxia(Min Sa O2≤80%)was independently associated with the incidence of MACCEs(hazard ratio[HR]:4.536;95%confidence interval[CI]:1.461-14.084,P=0.009)after adjusting for traditional risk factors.CONCLUSIONS OSA and OSA-induced hypoxia may correlate with the severity of myocardial infarction,increase the occurrence of heart rhythm disorders in elderly subacute MI patients,and worsen their short-term poor outcomes.

Potassium variability during hospitalization and outcomes after discharge in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND The variability of metabolic biomarkers has been determined to provide incremental prognosis information,but the implications of electrolyte variability remained unclear.METHODS We investigate the relationships between electrolyte fluctuation and outcomes in survivors of acute myocardial infarction(n=4386).Ion variability was calculated as the coefficient of variation,standard deviation,variability independent of the mean(VIM)and range.Hazard ratios(HR)were estimated using the multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional regression method.RESULTS During a median follow-up of 12 months,161(3.7%)patients died,and heart failure occurred in 550(12.5%)participants after discharge,respectively.Compared with the bottom quartile,the highest quartile potassium VIM was associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality(HR=2.35,95%CI:1.36–4.06)and heart failure(HR=1.32,95%CI:1.01–1.72)independent of cardiac troponin I(c Tn I),N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide(NT-pro BNP),infarction site,mean potassium and other traditional factors,while those associations across sodium VIM quartiles were insignificant.Similar trend remains across the strata of variability by other three indices.These associations were consistent after excluding patients with any extreme electrolyte value and diuretic use.CONCLUSIONS Higher potassium variability but not sodium variability was associated with adverse outcomes post-infarction.Our findings highlight that potassium variability remains a robust risk factor for mortality regardless of clinical dysnatraemia and dyskalaemia.

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.

Clinical study of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating congestive heart failure

Objectives To observe the efficacy and safety of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(rh-BNP) on patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating congestive heart failure.Methods 40 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by congestive heart failure were randomly divided into control group and treatment group of 20 cases.The control group,15 cases of acute anterior myocardial infarction,5 cases of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction, 15 males and 5 females,aged 55-70 years,mean age 58±12 years;treated 16 cases of acute anterior myocardial infarction,4 cases of acute myocardial infarction,16 males and 4 females,aged 56-70 years,mean age 59±11 years;two groups of age,gender,severity of disease and vascular lesions no significant difference and comparable(P】0.05).Conventional group were given aspirin,clopidogrel, statins,Inotropic,diuretic and vasodilator therapy.In the con- ventional treatment group based on the use of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(new bios,Tibet Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd.Chengdu Nuodikang biopharmaceutical production, usage:1.5μg/Kg intravenous injection(impact), then 0.0075μg-0.01μg/(kg·min)infusion rate).Continuous medication 72 h.The clinical symptoms observed for 3 days in patients before treatment and after treatment,heart rate,blood pressure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),brain natriuretic peptide(BNP) levels were measured.Results In control group,8 cases markedly effect,5 cases effect and 7 cases no effect,the total effective rate was 65%;In treatment group,13 cases markedly effect,6 cases effect and 1 cases no effect,the total effective rate was 95%,compared with two groups P New bios treatment group significantly increased cardiac index(CI) in patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) than the control group(all P【0.05),further reduce the levels of tumor necrosis (TNF-α) and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP).Conclusions rh-BNP can improve symptoms and heart function,reduced plasma tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) and BNP levels of acute myocardial infarction patients with congestive heart failure,the treatment safe and reliable.As small sample size observed,larger sample to be accumulated to further evaluate its efficacy and safety.

Relationship between glutathione and malonaldehyde levels in erythrocytes and the deformation index of erythrocyte in patients at various periods following acute cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND： Glutathione, as an in vivo free radical scavenger, plays an important role in the anti-oxidation defense mechanism in patients with acute cerebral infarction. OBJECTIVE： To observe the relationship between the levels of glutathione （GSH） and malonaldehyde （MDA）, the metabolite of lipid peroxidation, in erythrocyte and deformation index of erythrocyte in patients at various periods following acute cerebral infarction. DESIGN： Controlled observation.SETTING： Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease of Qingdao Medical College. PARTICIPANTS： We chose 98 inpatients with acute cerebral infarction from Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January to December 2000 , serving as cerebral infarction group, including 50 male and 48 female, with mean age of （62±7）years. There were 23 cases found on the 1^st day after onset; 25 cases on the 3^rd day after onset; 25 cases on the 7^th day after onset; 25 cases on the 14th days after onset, and they were all confirmed by craniocerebral CT or MRI. Another 30 homeochronous inpatients with neurosis, cervical syndrome, lumbar intervertebral disc herniation and motor neuron disease were chosen as control group, including 20 male and 10 female, with mean age of （52±8）years . There was no significant difference in age and gender distribution between two groups （P 〉 0.05）. Patients in the two groups were informed of detected index.METHODS：①Ulnar venous blood was chosen from the patients who were fasted on the 1^st, 3^rd,7^th and 14^th days after onset. Deformation index of erythrocyte was measured with BL88-CKX laser diffraction erythrocyte deformeter and photographing was performed. GSH level in erythrocyte was measured with DTNB assay introduced by Beu-tler. MDA level in erythrocyte was measured with modified thiobarbituric acid colorimetric method.②At each sample collecting , according to the criteria accepted by the Fourth National Conference of Cerebrovascular Disease, intergrant of neurologic impairment 〈 15 points was regarded as mild （n=46）, 15 to 30 points as moderate （n=40）and, 〉 30 points as severe （n=12）. ③ t test was used to compare data between two groups , and linear correlation analysis was used in relationship analysis among indexes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ：① Comparison of erythrocyte GSH and MDA levels and deformation index of erythrocyte at various periods between patients with acute cerebral infarction and controls. ②Correlation of erythrocyte GSH level with erythrocyte MDA level and with deformation index of erythrocyte in patients with cerebral infarction . ③ Relationship between erythrocyte GSH level and severity of disease in patients with acute cerebral infarction. RESULTS： Totally 98 patients with acute cerebral infarction and 30 controls all entered the stage of result analysis. ① Erythrocyte GSH level and deformation index of erythrocyte were lower on the 1^st, 3^rd, 7^th and 14^th days after onset in cerebral infarction group than in control group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）, and erythrocyte MDA level was significantly higher in cerebral infarction group than in control group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. The three indexes changed most significantly on day 3 after onset in patients, and began to recover or decrease on day 7 after onset and inclined to be normal on day 14 after onset. ② Erythrocyte GSH level was significantly negatively correlated with erythrocyte MDA level in patients with acute cerebral infarction on the 1^st, 3^rd, 7^th and 14^th days after onset （r=-0.534, -0.713, -0.645, -0.656, respectively, P 〈 0.05-0.01 ） ,and significantly positively correlated with erythrocyte deformation index （t-=0.502, 0.560, 0.455, 0.504, respectively, P 〈 0.05）. ③Erythrocyte GSH level was significantly lower in moderate or severe patients with acute cerebral infarction than in mild patients[（0.215±0.088）,（0.192±0.102）, （0.281±0.090） g/L, P〈 0.05]. CONCLUSION：①Erythrocyte GSH and MDA levels and deformation index of erythrocyte change significantly on the 3^rd day following acute cerebral infarction. Index detection results gradually tended to be normal on from the 7^th day to 14^th days day after onset. ② Change of erythrocyte GSH level can reflect the severity of disease of patients with acute cerebral infarction.③Decrease of erythrocyte GSH level in patients with acute cerebral infarction is one of reasons that result in the decrease of deformation ability of erythrocyte.

Knowledge about Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) and attitudes to medical care seeking—A comparison between patients and the general public

Background: Patients with acute myocardial infarction often have long decision times before seeking medical care. The decision time is influenced by knowledge of AMI-symptoms, psychological factors and the response of people near the patient to the symptoms. Aim: To investigate and compare the knowledge of AMI, intended actions in response to AMI-symptoms and attitudes toward seeking medical care of patients and the general public. Method: This was a multicentre study with descriptive and comparative design, using questionnaires as an instrument. The population consisted of AMI-patients and representatives of the general public. Results: There was good knowledge about typical AMI-symptoms among the participants. The majority thought an AMI always starts suddenly. Patients did not know more about the time-dependency of treatment outcome than the general public. A greater proportion of the general public would contact an additional person before consulting medical professionals. Conclusions: Patients had no better knowledge about AMI than the general public, but would more commonly act appropriately in case of AMI-symptoms.