Outcome of alcohol septal ablation in mildly symptomatic patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: A comparison with medical therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was primarily to determine efficacy after alcohol septal ablation (ASA) in mildly symptomatic patients (NYHA class II) with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), as compared to medical therapy. METHODS: This retrospective study included 163 mildly symptomatic patients with HOCM evaluated in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between March 2001 and August 2019, consisting of the medical group (n = 105) and the ASA group (n = 58). All-cause mortality and HCM-related death were mainly observed. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in 161 patients and the median follow-up was 6.0 years. Compared to medically treated patients, patients post-ASA had comparable survival free of all-cause mortality (98.3% and 95.1% vs. 93.0% and 83.1% at 5 and 10 years, respectively; p = 0.374). Survival free of HCM-related death was also similar between ASA and medical groups (98.3% and 95.1% vs. 94.3% and 86.2% at 5 and 10 years, respectively; p = 0.608). However, compared to medical therapy, ASA had advantages on the improvement of NYHA class (1.4 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.5, p = .000) and lower occurrence of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) (7.8% vs. 20.4%, p = .048). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that resting LVOT gradient at the last clinical check-up was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.021, 95%CI 1.002-1.040, p = .027). CONCLUSION: This registry suggests that mildly symptomatic patients with HOCM treated with ASA have comparable survival to that of medically treated patients, with the improvement of NYHA class and lower occurrence of new-onset AF. All-cause mortality is independently associated with resting LVOT gradient at the last clinical check-up.

Impact of mean platelet aggregation degree on long-term clinical outcomes among patients undergoing a complex percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the mean platelet aggregation degree and long-term clinical outcomes in patients receiving a complex percutaneous coronary intervention (CPCI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We screened 2141 patients after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treated with aspirin and clopidogrel. CPCI was defined as a procedure targeted to at least one of the following: left main disease, bifurcation lesion, ostial lesion, chronic total occlusion, and small-vessel stenting. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was serially measured by light transmission aggregometry at least three times after PCI and the mean value was calculated. The population was categorized on the basis of the mean ADP degree and the presence of CPCI. The primary endpoint measured was a major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral event (MACCE). RESULTS: A total of 1245 patients enrolled in the study were divided into four groups: group A (CPCI and ADP≥40%), group B (CPCI and ADP<40%), group C (non-CPCI and ADP≥40%), and group D (non-CPCI and ADP<40%). The median follow-up was 29.9 months. The Cox multivariate analysis suggested that group A was an independent risk factor for MACCE (hazard ratio: 2.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-5.81; P<0.001). Compared with group A, the remaining groups (groups B, C, and D) had a lower rate of MACCE. When group C was set as the reference, groups B and D had similar risks for primary endpoints. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing CPCI with a high mean ADP degree are at a high risk for MACCE. Serial platelet function testing is therefore important in patients receiving CPCI.

Impact of chronic kidney disease on patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease treated with coronary artery bypass grafting or drug-eluting stents.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents (DESs) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease patients with and without chronic kidney disease. BACKGROUND: The optimal coronary revascularization strategy for ULMCA disease patients with chronic kidney disease remains uncertain. METHODS: The sample included 818 ULMCA disease patients who received DESs (n=358) or underwent CABG (n=460). We retrospectively compared clinical parameters and outcomes between different endogenous creatinine clearance rates [estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs), ml/min×1.73 m]. RESULTS: The incidences of major adverse cardiocerebral events, all-cause death, cardiac death, and stroke were not significantly different between the DES and the CABG groups. The DES group had significantly higher risks of myocardial infarction (MI) and target vessel revascularization than the CABG group. Compared with the CABG group, the hazard ratios for target vessel revascularization were 3.965 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.743-9.023, P=0.001] in the eGFR of at least 60 group and 46.463 (95% CI: 4.558-473.639, P=0.001) in the eGFR 45-59 group. The rate of MI was higher in patients treated with DESs in the eGFR of less than 45 group (hazard ratio: 14.098, 95% CI: 1.123-176.988, P=0.040). CONCLUSION: For patients with ULMCA disease at risk of higher repeat revascularization with normal renal function or eGFR of at least 45 ml/min×1.73 m, DESs are a safe alternative to CABG. However, for patients with severely reduced kidney function (eGFR<45 ml/min×1.73 m), DESs should be selected after careful evaluation of MI risk.

Very Long-term Outcomes and Predictors of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Drug-eluting Stents Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Patients with Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on longer-term outcomes (>5 years) for patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the drug-eluting stents (DES) era. This study aimed at comparing the long-term (>5 years) outcomes of patients with ULMCA disease underwent PCI with DES and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the predictors of adverse events. METHODS: All consecutive patients with ULMCA disease treated with DES implantation versus CABG in our center, between January 2003 and July 2009, were screened for analyzing. A propensity score analysis was carried out to adjust for potential confounding between the two groups. RESULTS: Nine hundred and twenty-two patients with ULMCA disease were enrolled for the analyses (DES = 465 vs. CABG = 457). During the median follow-up of 7.1 years (interquartile range 5.3-8.2 years), no difference was found between PCI and CABG in the occurrence of death (P = 0.282) and the composite endpoint of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke (P = 0.294). Rates of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were significantly higher in the PCI group (P = 0.014) in large part because of the significantly higher rate of repeat revascularization (P < 0.001). PCI was correlated with the lower occurrence of stroke (P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed ejection fraction (EF) (P = 0.012), creatinine (P = 0.016), and prior stroke (P = 0.031) were independent predictors of the composite endpoint of cardiac death, MI, and stroke in the DES group, while age (P = 0.026) and EF (P = 0.002) were independent predictors in the CABG group. CONCLUSIONS: During a median follow-up of 7.1 years, there was no difference in the rate of death between PCI with DES implantation and CABG in ULMCA lesions in the patient cohort. CABG group was observed to have significantly lower rates of repeat revascularization but higher stroke rates compared with PCI. EF, creatinine, and prior stroke were independent predictors of the composite endpoint of cardiac death, MI, and stroke in the DES group, while age and EF were independent predictors in the CABG group.

The Importance of the Mean Platelet Aggregation Degree in Long-term Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Following Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation.

INTRODUCTION: The dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and the response of clopidogrel were two pivotal issues in drug-eluting stent (DES) era. AIMS: To analyze the combined impacts of DAPT and the response to clopidogrel to evaluate their long-term effect on patients undergoing DES implantation. METHODS: Platelet aggregation was serially measured by light transmission aggregometry in all eligible patients during the course of treatment with DAPT, and the mean platelet aggregation degree of each participant was calculated. Based on the duration of DAPT and the mean platelet aggregation degree, all the enrolled patients were then divided into four groups. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events. RESULTS: We analyzed 1245 suitable patients in this study. They were divided into four groups: Group A (12-month DAPT & low platelet aggregation degree) with 233 subjects, Group B (12-month DAPT & high platelet aggregation degree) with 260 subjects, Group C (>12-month DAPT & low platelet aggregation degree) with 374 subjects, and Group D (>12-month DAPT & high platelet aggregation degree) with 378 subjects. Group C was associated with a decreased incidence of primary endpoints [HR 0.512, 95%CI (0.27-0.97); P = 0.040]. The Cox proportional hazard model was further analyzed with Groups A and B combined as the reference category [HR for Group C vs. Group A, 0.84, 95%CI (0.33-2.15); P = 0.719; HR for Group C vs. Group B, 0.45, 95%CI (0.21-0.98); P = 0.043]. Their respective multivariate Cox proportional hazard regressions confirmed these trends. CONCLUSIONS: The mean platelet aggregation degree is of importance in long-term use of DAPT; extension of DAPT beyond 1 year should be implemented cautiously in patients implanted with DESs.

[Long-term outcomes of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease post revascularization].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term real-world outcomes of consecutive patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCA) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Consecutive patients with ULMCA (defined as stenosis ≥ 50%) undergoing DES implantation or CABG between January 2003 to July 2009 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were enrolled. The follow-up period extended through August 2013. The end points of the study were death, cardiac death, repeat revascularization, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, the composite of cardiac death, MI or stroke and MACCE (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, the composite of cardiac death, MI, stroke or repeat revascularization). RESULTS: From January 2003 to July 2009, 922 ULMCA patients were enrolled in this study (465 PCI patients, and 457 CABG patients). The median follow-up was 7.1 years (interquartile range 5.3 to 8.2 years). The crude relative risk was as follows: overall death rate (13.0% (41/465) vs. 22.1% (72/457), P = 0.009), stroke rate (5.8% (11/465) vs. CABG 18.9% (46/457), P < 0.001) were significantly lower whereas the rate of repeat revascularization (32.3% (110/465) vs. CABG 19.2% (58/457), P < 0.001) was significantly higher in PCI group than in CABG group. MI rate was similar between PCI and CABG group (13.9% (33/465) vs. 6.7% (26/457), P = 0.196). MACCE rate was also similar between the 2 groups (42.9% (145/465) vs. 42.5% (142/457), P = 0.122). After multivariate adjusting, there was no significant difference in rates of death, MI and a composite of serious outcomes (cardiac death, MI, or stroke) between the 2 groups. Rates of MACCE were significantly higher in the PCI group (P = 0.009) due to increased rate of repeat revascularization (P < 0.001). However, stroke rate was still significantly higher in CABG group (P = 0.001) after multivariate adjusting. CONCLUSION: During a follow-up up to 8.2 years, the survival rate is similar between the PCI and the CABG group in patients with ULMCA disease. The rate of repeat revascularization is significantly higher and stroke rate is significantly lower in the PCI group compared to CABG group.

Angiotensin type 1 receptor A1166C gene polymorphism is associated with endothelial dysfunction and in-stent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been commonly used in the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular diseases, but the postprocedural in-stent restenosis (ISR) associated with altered endothelial functions has limited the clinical application of it; preventive medication with aspirin and statins has underlying adverse effects despite lowered risk of ISR. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) A1166C gene polymorphisms in the development of endothelial dysfunction and ISR after PCI. METHODS: A total of 483 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing PCI were prospectively genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. The demographic, clinical, laboratory and angiographic parameters were recorded peri-procedurally and the patients were followed within 3 years. The flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was used to reflect the short-term changes in endothelial functions among different genotypes. The significance of AT1R gene polymorphisms in the development of ISR was analyzed using univariable and multivariable models. RESULTS: Amongst 483 patients, the distribution of the AT1R genotypes (AA, AC and CC) was associated with the levels of blood biomarkers of oxidative stress and deteriorated FMD after PCI (P<0.05). In univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis, it was shown that AT1R CC genotype is strongly associated with the development of restenosis within 3 years after PCI (OR=3.736; P<0.001; calibrated OR=4.104; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The CC AT1R genotype was associated with deteriorated endothelial functions in the target vessels of PCI and intermediate to long-term ISR. Our findings contribute to the foundation of genome-based prevention for high risk groups of cardiovascular diseases and pretreatment for the patients undergoing PCI.

Predictive Ability of the SYNergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with TAXus and Cardiac Surgery Score II for Long-term Mortality in Patients with Three-vessel Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Treated with Second-generation Drug-eluting Stents.

BACKGROUND: The SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery Score II (SS-II) can well predict 4-year mortality in patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD), and guide decision-making between coronary artery bypass graft surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, there is lack of data regarding the utility of the SS-II in patients with three-vessel CAD undergoing PCI treated with second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ability of the SS-II to predict long-term mortality in patients with three-vessel CAD undergoing PCI with second-generation DES. METHODS: Totally, 573 consecutive patients with de novo three-vessel CAD who underwent PCI with second-generation DES were retrospectively studied. According to the tertiles of the SS-II, the patients were divided into three groups: The lowest SS-II tertile (SS-II ≤20), intermediate SS-II tertile (SS-II of 21-31), and the highest SS-II tertile (SS-II ≥32). The survival curves of the different groups were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between the SS-II and 5-year mortality. The performance of the SS-II with respect to predicting the rate of mortality was studied by calculating the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. The predictive ability of the SS-II for 5-year mortality was evaluated and compared with the SS alone. RESULTS: The overall SS-II was 27.6 ± 9.0. Among patients in the lowest, intermediate and the highest SS-II tertiles, the 5-year rates of mortality were 1.6%, 3.2%, and 8.6%, respectively (P = 0.003); the cardiac mortality rates were 0.5%, 1.9%, and 5.2%, respectively (P = 0.014). By multivariable analysis, adjusting for the potential confounders, the SS-II was an independent predictor of 5-year mortality (hazard ratio: 2.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.38-4.36; P = 0.002). The SS-II demonstrated a higher predictive accuracy for 5-year mortality compared with the SS alone (the area under the ROC curve was 0.705 and 0.598, respectively). CONCLUSION: The SS-II is an independent predictor of 5-year mortality in patients with three-vessel CAD undergoing PCI treated with second-generation DES, and demonstrates a superior predictive ability over the SS alone.

Influence of diabetes mellitus on long-term outcomes of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease treated with either drug-eluting stents or coronary artery bypass grafting.

Whether the effect of diabetes on patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease differs according to different strategies of revascularization was unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of diabetes on patients with ULMCA disease treated with either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG).A total of 922 patients with ULMCA disease who received drug-eluting stent (DES) (n = 465) implantation or underwent CABG (n = 457) were retrospectively analyzed. We compared the effects of these 2 treatments on clinical outcomes (death, myocardial infarction, stroke, repeat revascularization, and the composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke), according to diabetic status.During the median follow-up of 7.1 years (interquartile range, 5.3 to 8.2 years), no difference was found between PCI and CABG in the adjusted occurrence of death (P = 0.112) and the composite endpoints of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke (P = 0.235). Significantly higher incidence of repeat revascularization (P < 0.001) was observed in the DES group, whereas the CABG group had a significantly higher rate of stroke (P = 0.001). These trends were consistent in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. We did not observe significant interactions between treatment outcomes and the presence or absence of diabetes after adjustment for covariates (P(interaction) = 0.580 for the composite of death, MI and stroke, P(interaction) = 0.685 for death, P(interaction) = 0.416 for MI, P(interaction) = 0.470 for stroke, and P(interaction) = 0.502 for repeat revascularization).Presence of diabetes was not important for decision-making between CABG and PCI in patients with ULMCA disease.

The relationship between revascularization extent and the long-term prognosis of patients with stable angina pectoris and three-vessel disease treated by percutaneous coronary intervention in the era of drug-eluting stents.

BACKGROUND: The effects of revascularization extent (RE) on the long-term prognosis of patients with stable angina pectoris and 3-vessel disease who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention were unknown. HYPOTHESIS: The study was aimed at evaluating whether there was an effect of RE on patients presenting with stable angina pectoris and 3-vessel disease. METHODS: RE, which was calculated by baseline SYNTAX (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) score minus residue SYNTAX score divided by baseline SYNTAX score, was initially used in our study. Five hundred fifty-eight patients presenting with stable angina pectoris and 3-vessel disease were assigned to and compared among tertiles according to RE and clinical outcomes. The primary end point was the major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), a composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and any repeat revascularization. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 56.9 months (interquartile range, 52.1-63.6). The incidence of MACE increased significantly as RE increased (13.3%, 31.4%, and 44.1%, log-rank P < 0.001). The same tendency was observed in occurrences of target-vessel failure (TVF) (a composite of cardiac death, MI, or target-vessel revascularization) (8.8%, 20.3%, and 28.4%, log-rank P < 0.001), repeat revascularization (11.8%, 26.2%, and 35.6%, log-rank P < 0.001), and MI (1.1%, 2.9%, and 12.6%, log-rank P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed the tendencies mentioned above. CONCLUSIONS: For patients presenting with stable angina pectoris and 3-vessel disease, the increasing extent of revascularization resulted in a less favorable prognosis.

[Relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate level and clinical characteristics and outcome in patients with angiographic coronary artery disease and normal serum creatinine].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate level and clinical characteristics and outcome in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with normal serum creatinine. METHOD: A total of 548 hospitalized and angiographic CAD patients with normal fasting serum creatinine were enrolled. The kidney function was estimated by using the abbreviated modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) study equation. Patients were divided into three groups according to eGFR tertiles: high eGFR group (eGFR > 88.15 ml×min(-1)×1.73 m(-2), n = 184); intermediate group ZU(70.30 ml× min(-1)×1.73 m(-2) < eGFR ≤ 88.15 ml×min(-1)×1.73 m(-2), n = 187); low eGFR group (eGFR ≤ 70.30 ml × min(-1)×1.73 m(-2), n = 177). Clinical data and cardiovascular risk factors were recorded after admission and during (14.02 ± 8.31) months follow up. The primary end point was combined major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) including death, targeted vascular revascularization, non-fatal myocardial infarction, rehospitalization due to unstable angina and heart failure, and transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke. RESULTS: Patients in intermediate and low eGFR groups were older, more males, had more severe coronary artery disease, higher level of hsCRP, higher incidence of hypertension, and lower smoking rate than those in high eGFR group (all P < 0.05). A total of 89 MACCE were recorded during follow up. The level of eGFR was significantly lower in patients with MACCE than patients without MACCE [(73.76 ± 19.81) ml×min(-1)×1.73 m(-2) vs. (84.97 ± 23.42) ml×min(-1)×1.73 m(-2), P < 0.05]. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that eGFR was an independent predictor of MACCE in patients with CAD (univariate analysis: RR = 0.99, 95%CI:0.973-0.997, P < 0.05; multivariate analysis: RR = 0.98, 95%CI:0.976-0.998, P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that patients with low eGFR was linked with a decreased event free survival ratio (log-rank χ(2) = 7.271, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: eGFR level in CAD patients with normal serum creatinine is associated with coronary artery severity, inflammation level and serves as an independent predictor for MACCE in this patient cohort.

Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after implantation of the first-generation and second-generation drug-eluting stents.

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to determine the effect of the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for more than 12 months on long-term clinical outcomes in patients who had undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention with the first and second generations of drug-eluting stents (DES). BACKGROUND: The potential benefits of the use of DAPT beyond a 12-month period in patients receiving DES have not been established clearly. Moreover, it is also unclear whether the optimal duration of DAPT is similar for all DES types. METHODS: A total of 2141 patients with coronary artery disease treated exclusively with Cypher sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) or Endeavor zotarolimus-eluting stents (ZES) were considered for retrospective analysis. The primary endpoint [a composite of all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke] was compared between the 12-month DAPT and the >12-month DAPT group. RESULTS: A total of 1870 event-free patients on DAPT at 12 months were identified. The average follow-up was 28.2±7.4 months. The primary outcomes were similar between the two groups (4.1% 12-month DAPT vs. 1.9% >12-month DAPT; P=0.090). Incidences of death, MI, stroke, and target vessel revascularization did not differ significantly between the two groups. Subgroup analysis showed that in the patients with hypertension, >12-month DAPT significantly reduced the occurrence of death/MI/stroke compared with that in the 12-month DAPT group (P=0.04). In patients implanted with SES, the primary outcome was significantly lower with the >12-month DAPT group (5.2% 12-month DAPT vs. 1.6% >12-month DAPT; P=0.016), whereas in patients with ZES, the primary outcome was comparable between the two groups (2.3% 12-month DAPT vs. 2.0% >12-month DAPT; P=0.99). CONCLUSION: In our study, for all patients, >12-month DAPT in patients who had received DES was not significantly more effective than 12-month DAPT in reducing the rate of death/MI/stroke. Our findings, that patients who received SES benefit from >12-month DAPT whereas extended use of DAPT was not significantly more effective in those implanted with ZES, implied that the optimal duration of DAPT was different depending on different types of DES.

[Clinical characteristics of coronary artery disease patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and their prognostic analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and characteristics of coronary artery disease (CAD) and investigate the association between reduced LVEF and cardiovascular prognosis. METHODS: A total of 677 hospitalized patients with angiographic CAD were enrolled. All patients' clinical data were recorded. LVEF were measured, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), white blood cell (WBC) and classic cardiovascular risk factors were recorded after admission. All patients were followed up from admission. The primary end point was combination occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE), including death, targeted vascular revascularization, non-fatal myocardial infarction and rehospitalization due to unstable angina or heart failure, transient ischemic attack or stroke. RESULTS: All patients were tracked for (15±12) months, and patients were divided into normal LVEF group (LVEF≥0.50, n=585) and reduced LVEF group (LVEF<0.50, n=92) according to LVEF level. Compared with normal LVEF group, reduced LVEF group had more severe coronary stenosis (Gensini score: 62.85±41.45 vs. 47.68±33.26, P<0.05), a higher level of WBC and hs-CRP (WBC: 7.60±2.71 ×10(9)/L vs. 7.09±2.13 ×10(9)/L, hs-CRP: 5.68±3.97 mg/L vs. 3.97±3.75 mg/L, both P<0.05). A total of 146 MACCE occurred during follow-up periods. Compared with no-MACCE group, LVEF levels were significantly lower in MACCE group (0.576±0.113 vs. 0.603±0.101) and there were a higher level of hs-CRP and Gensini score in MACCE group (hs-CRP: 5.26±3.99 mg/L vs. 3.91±3.72 mg/L, Gensini score: 53.72±35.50 vs. 48.63±34.59, all P<0.05). Moreover, both of univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated LVEF be an independent predictor of MACCE in patients with CAD [univariate: relative risk (RR)=0.974, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 0.960 to 0.988, P=0.000; multivariate: RR=0.979, 95%CI 0.961 to 0.998, P=0.033]. Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that patients with reduced LVEF had an increased MACCE occurrence (χ(2)=14.56, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: LVEF level may be associated with coronary artery severity, and could be independently predict the prognosis of CAD.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on patients with unprotected left main coronary artery lesion disease treated with either percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary-artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of diabetes on patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease treated with either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG). BACKGROUND: The optimal coronary revascularization strategy in diabetic patients with unprotected LMCA disease remains uncertain. METHODS: A total of 823 consecutive patients having unprotected LMCA disease, who received drug-eluting stent (DES) (n=331) implantation or underwent CABG (n=492), were retrospectively analyzed. We compared the effects of these two treatments on clinical outcomes [death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, target vessel revascularization, and the composite of death, MI, or stroke], according to the patients' diabetic status. RESULTS: After multivariable adjustment, the risk of death [hazard ratio (HR): 1.096, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.541-2.222; P=0.799] and that of the composite of death, MI, or stroke (HR: 0.769, 95% CI: 0.446-1.328; P=0.346) were similar in the DES and CABG groups. However, the rate of target vessel revascularization was significantly higher in the DES group (HR: 0.169, 95% CI: 0.079-0.358; P<0.001). Incidence of MI (HR: 1.314, 95% CI: 0.238-7.254; P=0.754) and that of the composite of death, MI, or stroke (HR: 1.497, 95% CI: 0.682-3.289; P=0.315) were similar between DES and CABG in the nondiabetic group; however, in the diabetic population incidence of the composite of death, MI, or stroke (HR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.126-0.761; P=0.011) was significantly higher in the DES compared with the CABG group, driven mainly by the significantly higher rate of MI in the DES group (HR: 0.114, 95% CI: 0.022-0.593; P=0.01). Rate of repeat revascularization was higher with DES compared with CABG in both diabetic and nondiabetic groups. CONCLUSION: There was a prognostic impact of diabetes mellitus on treatment effects in patients with unprotected LMCA lesions who underwent DES or CABG. For patients with unprotected LMCA lesions, PCI with DES was an acceptable alternative to CABG at risk for higher repeat revascularization in the nondiabetic cohort, whereas in the diabetic cohort PCI with DES was inferior to CABG in terms of both safety and efficacy.

[The value of SYNTAX score in predicting outcome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of SYNTAX score to predict major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) among patients with three-vessel or left-main coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: 190 patients with three-vessel or left-main coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with Cypher select drug-eluting stent were enrolled. SYNTAX score and clinical SYNTAX score were retrospectively calculated. Our clinical Endpoint focused on MACCE, a composite of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and repeat revascularization. The value of SYNTAX score and clinical SYNTAX score to predict MACCE were studied respectively. RESULTS: 29 patients were observed to suffer from MACCE, accounting 18.5% of the overall 190 patients. MACCE rates of low (≤ 20.5), intermediate (21.0 - 31.0), and high (≥ 31.5) tertiles according to SYNTAX score were 9.1%, 16.2% and 30.9% respectively. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that SYNTAX score was the independent predictor of MACCE. MACCE rates of low (≤ 19.5), intermediate (19.6 - 29.1), and high (≥ 29.2) tertiles according to clinical SYNTAX score were 14.9%, 9.8% and 30.6% respectively. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that clinical SYNTAX score was the independent predictor of MACCE. ROC analysis showed both SYNTAX score (AUC = 0.667, P = 0.004) and clinical SYNTAX score (AUC = 0.636, P = 0.020) had predictive value of MACCE. Clinical SYNTAX score failed to show better predictive ability than the SYNTAX score. CONCLUSIONS: Both SYNTAX score and clinical SYNTAX score could be independent risk predictors for MACCE among patients with three-vessel or left-main coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Clinical SYNTAX score failed to show better predictive ability than the SYNTAX score in this group of patients.

Syntax score predicts clinical outcome in patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The Syntax score was recently developed as a comprehensive, angiographic tool grading the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD). It aims to assist in patient selection and risk stratification of patients with extensive CAD undergoing revascularization. However, the prognostic value of the Syntax score in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been validated. The aim of this study was to evaluate its role in predicting long-term incidences of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients undergoing PCI for 3-vessel disease. METHODS: Two hundred and three consecutive patients with de novo 3-vessel CAD undergoing PCI with sirolimus-eluting stents were studied. Their angiograms were scored according to the Syntax score. The patients were divided into tertiles according to the Syntax score: lowest Syntax score tertile (Syntax score ≤ 22), intermediate Syntax score tertile (Syntax score of 23 to 32), and the highest Syntax score tertile (Syntax score ≥ 33). During the 1-year follow-up, the MACCE-free survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relation between the Syntax score and the incidence of MACCE. Performance of the Syntax score was studied with respect to predicting the rate of MACCE by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves with an area under the curve. RESULTS: The overall Syntax score ranged from 6 to 66 with mean ± standard deviation of 27.9 ± 12.6 and a median of 26. At 1 year, the Syntax score significantly predicted the risk of MACCE (HR 1.07/U increase, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.11, P < 0.001). The rate of MACCE was significantly increased among patients in the highest Syntax score tertile (17.9%) as compared with those with the lowest Syntax score tertile (1.4%, P < 0.001) or intermediate Syntax score tertile (6.2%, P = 0.041). After the adjustment for all potential confounders, the Syntax score remained a significant predictor of the rate of MACCE (adjusted HR 1.12/U increase, 95%CI 1.05 to 1.20, P < 0.001). The Syntax score accurately predicted MACCE with an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.77 (95%CI 0.65 to 0.90, P < 0.001). A Syntax score of 29.5 was identified as the optimal cutoff to predict MACCE with a sensitivity of 82.4% and specificity of 65.6%. CONCLUSION: The Syntax score predicts the risk of MACCE in patients with 3-vessel disease undergoing PCI.

[Impact of left ventricular systolic function on the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for unprotected left main disease].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of left ventricular systolic function on the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for unprotected left main (ULM) disease. METHODS: The relevant baseline and outcome data of patients undergoing PCI for ULM disease at our hospital were collected from September 2006 to August 2009. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): LVEF ≥ 40% group (n = 130) and LVEF < 40% group (n = 56). The baseline and outcome data were compared between two groups. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to appraise the prognostic role of LVEF < 40% in patients undergoing PCI for ULM disease. RESULTS: There were more patients with diabetes mellitus, a previous history of myocardial infarction, previous PCI/CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) and NSTEMI (non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) in LVEF < 40% group than LVEF ≥ 40% group (P < 0.05). The major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral vascular event (MACCE) rate was higher in LVEF < 40% group than LVEF ≥ 40% group (33.9% vs 18.5%, P = 0.022). And the rates of cardiac death, all-cause death and MI were also higher in LVEF < 40% group than LVEF ≥ 40% group (7.1% vs 1.5%, P = 0.047; 10.7% vs 3.1%, P = 0.034; 14.3% vs 4.6%, P = 0.022). Female gender, diabetes mellitus, previous PCI/CABG, NSTEMI/STEMI, LVEF < 40%, multiple-vessel disease, LM distal or bifurcation lesion and multiple-stent implantation were independent predictors of MACCE in patients undergoing PCI for ULM disease. CONCLUSION: Impaired left ventricular systolic function (LVEF < 40%)affects the prognosis of ULM patients undergoing PCI. Reduced LVEF (LVEF < 40%) is the strongest predictor of adverse events in these patients.

[The clinical characteristics of 5 patients with inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: The clinical characteristics, electrocardiogram, serum chemistry and diagnostic methods were retrospectively investigated in 5 patients with inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. RESULTS: The electrocardiograms of all patients were abnormal, with prominent left ventricular voltage and ST-T changes. One male patient with clinicopathological features of early onset, muscle weakness, ventricular preexcitation, elevations of two serum proteins and intracytoplasmic vacuoles containing autophagic material and glycogen in biceps brachial muscle cells was diagnosed Danon's disease. Mitochondrial cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in one male patient with early onset, short PR interval and biopsy findings of ragged-red fibers in biceps brachial muscle. Three patients were diagnosed as Fabry's disease with clinical characteristics including pain and acroparesthesias, angiokeratoma and decrease of alpha-galactosidase A activity. CONCLUSION: Some of the rare inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy might easily be clinically misdiagnosed as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, systemic and careful case history inquiring and specific relevant examinations would help to make the right diagnosis in these patients.

[Angiographic characteristics and long term clinical outcomes post coronary stenting in non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients with coronary artery disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the angiographic characteristics and the long-term clinical outcomes following coronary stenting in non-diabetic (non-DM) and type 2 diabetic (DM) patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: This cohort study enrolled 1172 consecutive patients with coronary heart disease underwent elective coronary stenting (249 type 2 DM and 923 non-DM). The angiographic characteristics and the long-term clinical follow-up results were compared between non-DM and DM patients. RESULTS: The follow-up period was (39.2 +/- 6.4) months (6 - 83 months), follow-up rate was 90.3% in DM and 91.0% in non-DM group (P > 0.05). Compared with non-diabetic patients, there were significantly higher incidences of 2-vessel (P = 0.029) and 3-vessel (P = 0.013) diseases of coronary artery, severe stenosis lesion (P = 0.012), chronic total obstructive lesion (P = 0.044) and long lesion (P = 0.001), in-stent restenosis (ISR, P = 0.000) and revascularization (P = 0.000) and MACE (P = 0.000) in DM patients. COX multiple factorial analysis showed that DM is independent risk factor for ISR (P = 0.000), revascularization (P = 0.001) and MACE (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: CHD patients with type 2 DM are associated with multi- and more severe vessel lesions. Type 2 DM is also an independent risk factor for increased ISR, revascularization and MACE post stenting.

[The incidence and predictors of atrial fibrillation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the incidence and predictors of atrial fibrillation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHODS: 612 HCM patients were analyzed prospectively from July 1990 to November 2007. The age, sex, height, weight, medical history, main symptoms and incidence of atrial fibrillation were recorded. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was (47.8 +/- 14.9). 414 patients (67.6%) were male. 377 patients (61.6%) had left ventricular outflow truct obstruction. 94 patients (15.4%) and atrial fibrillation. 43 patients (6.0%) had sustained and 51 patients (9.4%) had paroxysmal. The patients with atrial fibrillation were older in age and were predominantly female. Their medical history were longer, left atrial diameter (LAD) longer and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) higher. logistic regression analysis indicated that the medical history (P = 0.012), LAD (P = 0.0001) and BNP (P = 0.017) were the independent predictors of atrial fibrillation in HCM. Atrial fibrillation was accompanied by a decrease in functional status and an increase in risk of stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of atrial fibrillation in HCM was high. The medical history, LAD and BNP were the independent predictors of its occurrence.