Prognosis Impact and Prediction of Trans-Radial Access Failure in Patients With STEMI, A Nationwide Observational Study.

Trans-radial access (TRA) is the primary arterial approach for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, occasionally, a crossover to trans-femoral access is necessary because of unsuccessful TRA. The impact of failed TRA on the prognosis in STEMI patients and the utility of predictive models for TRA failure remains uncertain. Data from the Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry (January 2014 to December 2020) were analyzed. Primary endpoints were 1-year mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events. Propensity score matching was employed to create a balanced cohort for comparing successful and failed TRA. The impact of unsuccessful TRA on prognosis was evaluated using Cox regression analysis. Machine learning techniques were applied to predict TRA failure. The performance and the clinical applicability of the novel and previous prediction models were comprehensively evaluated. Of 76,625 registered patients, 34,293 (69.8 ± 13.4 years, male/female: 21,893/12,400) underwent TRA (33,573) or failed TRA (720) PCI for STEMI. After propensity score matching, in the unsuccessful TRA group, the risk of mortality (34.3% vs 22.5%, hazard ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 2.0, p <0.001) and major adverse cardiovascular events (37.4% vs 26.8%, hazard ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 1.8, p <0.001) were significantly higher. Door-to-balloon time did not differ significantly (p = 0.835). In predictive analysis, Regularized Discriminant Analysis emerged as the most promising model, surpassing previous prediction models (area under the curve: 0.66, sensitivity: 0.32, specificity: 0.86). Nevertheless, Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) 2.0 score demonstrated a remarkable performance (area under the curve: 0.65, sensitivity: 0.51, specificity: 0.73). This study underscores the pivotal role of successful TRA in enhancing outcomes in STEMI cases, advocating for its prioritization. The inability to conclude interventions through this approach is linked to a poorer prognosis, even in risk-adjusted analyses. Our findings indicate that prediction models utilizing clinical parameters do not outperform the established GRACE 2.0 algorithm, questioning their utility. In conclusion, the results emphasize the significance of TRA success and the continued relevance of the GRACE score in clinical decision-making to optimize patient outcomes.

Comparing Endovascular Approaches in Lower Extremity Artery Disease: Insights from a Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapy offers an alternative for treating femoropopliteal (FP) and infrapopliteal (IP) lesions related to occlusive lower extremity artery disease. Despite numerous trials, the effectiveness of restenosis prevention using local drug delivery devices remains a topic of debate. OBJECTIVES: An updated systematic review and network meta-analysis was conducted. Our overall aim was to summarize the most recent clinical evidence regarding endovascular approaches for FP and IP atherosclerotic lesions. METHODS: We conducted a search for randomized trials in the MEDLINE database, and extracted data related to clinical endpoints. Our primary focus was on the rate of major adverse events (MAEs), including mortality, amputation, and target lesion revascularization (TLR). A multiple treatment network meta-analysis supplemented with component network analyses was performed to examine the impact of combined treatment. RESULTS: Our search yielded 33 randomized controlled trials encompassing 5766 patients. This included 19 studies focused on femoropopliteal and 14 on IP lesions, accounting for 3565 and 2201 patients, respectively. Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) and drug-eluting stents (DESs) displayed a reduced MAE risk in comparison to plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA)-RR for DCB: 0.64 (95% CI: 0.52-0.77) and for DES: 0.71 (95% CI: 0.51-0.99). The bare-metal stent (BMS) group manifested the most substantial MAE risk, being 59% higher relative to the DCB cohort (BMS vs. DCB RR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.03-2.47). For FP lesions, DES was the standout performer, curtailing MAE risk by 55% relative to POBA. Within IP lesions, DES mitigated the MAE risk by 25% versus POBA. DCB did not exhibit any notable MAE reduction when pitted against POBA. CONCLUSION: In FP arteries, both DESs and DCBs yielded significantly diminished MAEs, thus outpacing other techniques. Regarding IP arteries, only DESs resulted in significantly fewer MAEs. In alignment with contemporary research, our findings revealed no signs of elevated mortality in patients undergoing treatment with drug-eluting apparatuses.

Zero fluoroscopy catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently performed cardiac ablation procedure worldwide. The majority of ablations can now be performed safely with minimal radiation exposure or even without the use of fluoroscopy, thanks to advances in 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping systems and/or intracardiac echocardiography. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of zero fluoroscopy (ZF) versus non-zero fluoroscopy (NZF) strategies for AF ablation procedures. Methods: Electronic databases were searched and systematically reviewed for studies comparing procedural parameters and outcomes of ZF vs. NZF approaches in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF. We used a random-effects model to derive the mean difference (MD) and risk ratios (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Our meta-analysis included seven studies comprising 1,593 patients. The ZF approach was found to be feasible in 95.1% of patients. Compared to the NZF approach, the ZF approach significantly reduced procedure time [mean difference (MD): -9.11 min (95% CI: -12.93 to -5.30 min; p < 0.01)], fluoroscopy time [MD: -5.21 min (95% CI: -5.51 to -4.91 min; p < 0.01)], and fluoroscopy dose [MD: -3.96 mGy (95% CI: -4.27 to -3.64; p < 0.01)]. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of total ablation time [MD: -104.26 s (95% CI: -183.37 to -25.14; p = 0.12)]. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the acute [risk ratio (RR): 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02; p = 0.72] and long-term success rates (RR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.90-1.03; p = 0.56) between the ZF and NZF methods. The complication rate was 2.76% in the entire study population and did not differ between the groups (RR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.41-2.15; p = 0.89). Conclusion: The ZF approach is a feasible method for AF ablation procedures. It significantly reduces procedure time and radiation exposure without compromising the acute and long-term success rates or complication rates.

Individualized or Uniform De-Escalation Strategies for Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Review of Clinical Trials with Platelet Function Testing and Genetic Testing-Based Protocols.

This comprehensive literature review assessed the effectiveness of precision medicine approaches in individualizing P2Y12 de-escalation strategies, such as platelet function testing guidance, genetic testing guidance, and uniform de-escalation, for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Analyzing six trials with a total of 13,729 patients, the cumulative analyses demonstrated a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events (MACE), net adverse clinical events (NACE), and major and minor bleeding events with P2Y12 de-escalation. Specifically, the analysis found a 24% reduction of MACE and a 22% reduction of adverse event risk (relative risk (RR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71-0.82, and RR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.67-0.92, respectively). Reductions in bleeding events were highest with uniform unguided de-escalation, followed by guided de-escalations, while ischemic event rates were similarly lower across all three strategies. Although the review highlights the potential of individualized P2Y12 de-escalation strategies to offer a safer alternative to the long-term potent P2Y12 inhibitor-based dual antiplatelet therapy, it also indicates that laboratory-guided precision medicine approaches may not yet offer the expected benefits, necessitating further research to optimize individualized strategies and evaluate the potential of precision medicine approaches in this context.

Cardiovascular outcomes in patients treated with sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors, a network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Background: Gliflozins altering the sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) in the nephron, represent alone or in combination a promising treatment option for patients with type II diabetes mellitus. In addition to glucose control, these drugs provide benefits including reduced risk of long-term cardiovascular (CV) and renal complications. Several trials evaluated gliflozins in patients with various degrees of cardiac dysfunction with heterogeneous results. Objectives: We aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of the effect of gliflozins on CV outcomes. Methods: Systematic searches of electronic databases were conducted until September 2022. Multiple treatment network meta-analysis was performed in R. Random-effects model was used to combine risk estimates across trials calculating risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals as summary statistics. The primary endpoint of interest was the rate of heart failure-related hospitalization (HHF) and the composite of HHF with CV mortality (HHF + CVD). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiac events (MACE), CV- and overall mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. Results: Twenty-nine studies randomizing 88,418 patients were identified. Gliflozins reduced the risk of HHF (RR: 0.72 [0.69; 0.76]) and HHF + CVD (RR: 0.78 [0.75; 0.82]). The risk of MACE and its component also improved significantly except for stroke. The network analyses did not explore major differences among the individual substances. The only exception was sotagliflozin which appeared to be more effective regarding HHF + CVD, stroke, and MI compared to ertugliflozin, in HHF + CVD and stroke compared to dapagliflozin, and in stroke endpoint compared to empagliflozin. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis supports a group effect of gliflozins beneficial in a wide spectrum of patients with a risk of heart failure (HF) development. In addition to the improvement of HF-related outcomes, the risk of major adverse events is also reduced with SGLT2 inhibition. Systematic review registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [CRD42022358078].

Combination of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, component network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Despite numerous randomized clinical trials (RCT), data regarding the efficacy of antiplatelet and anticoagulant combinations are still conflicting. We aimed to analyze treatment options tested in various fields of cardiovascular prevention, regarding their efficacy and bleeding risk. Methods: Systematic searches of electronic databases were conducted until June 2022. A component network meta-analysis was performed in R. Risk estimates across trials were pooled using random-effects model selecting risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) as summary statistics. The primary endpoint of interest was the rate of major cardiac adverse events (MACE). Major bleeding events were assessed as main safety endpoint. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular- and overall mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis, and stroke. Results: Fifteen studies randomizing 73,536 patients were identified. The MACE risk reflected heterogeneity among the anticoagulants with dabigatran and apixaban significantly reducing the risk of MACE (RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.39-0.80 and RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.58-0.98, respectively). Vitamin K antagonist (VKA), rivaroxaban, or edoxaban did not reduced of MACE while it was associated with a significant increase of bleeding risk (RR 1.66; 3.66, and 5.47, respectively). The direct anticoagulant (DOAC) dose reduction resulted in tendencies of fewer bleeding but higher MACE risk, while combination with aspirin was followed with increased risk for bleeding, however, remained non-significant in these cases. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis supports that the ischemic-bleeding balance is different among direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) while this is not significantly affected by the dose reduction approaches. Long-term aspirin treatment as part of the anticoagulant and dual antiplatelet regimen provides no ischemic benefit but may increase bleeding risk. Systematic review registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [259703].

Abatement of potent P2Y12 antagonist-based dual antiplatelet therapy after coronary intervention: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) including prasugrel or ticagrelor is recommended in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) treated with coronary intervention (PCI). Acknowledging the importance of bleeding, multiple trials tested abatement schemes including uniform or guided de-escalation from the potent P2Y12 inhibitor (P2Y12-De) or P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy (P2Y12-Mo) with heterogeneous results. We aimed to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis of the impact of DAPT abatement strategies in patients with PCI. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for relevant randomized clinical studies evaluating clinical outcomes of patients after PCI. The rate of adverse events was evaluated using a frequentist network metanalysis. The random-effects model was used to combine risk estimates across trials and risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) served as summary statistics. The primary endpoints of interest were the rate of major cardiac adverse events (MACE, defined as the composite of cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke) and bleeding. Results: Ten studies were identified randomizing 42511 patients. 6359 switched to the P2Y12-De and 13062 switched to the P2Y12-Mo. The risk of MACE, reflected a 24% reduction in the P2Y12-De and a 14% in the P2Y12-Mo in comparison with the DAPT strategy using potent P2Y12 inhibitors (RR: 0.76 [0.62, 0.94], and RR: 0.86 [0.75, 0.99], p < 0.05 both). A 35% risk reduction of major bleeding was seen with monotherapy (RR: 0.65 [0.46, 0.91],) contrasting the de-escalation trials where this effect was not significant (RR: 0.84 [0.57, 1.22]). All bleeding and minor bleeding events were reduced with both strategies. Indirect P2Y12-Mo versus P2Y12-De comparisons exhibited them as similar alternatives without significant differences. Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that both P2Y12-De and P2Y12-Mo reduce ischemic events and bleeding among PCI-treated ACS patients. Ischemic benefit was more expressed with P2Y12-De, however, reduction of major bleeding was only significant with P2Y12-Mo strategy. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021258502, identifier CRD42021258502.

Use of drug-eluting stents in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction: An analysis of the Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry.

BACKGROUND: Bare-metal stents (BMS) are frequently implanted in elderly patients instead of drug-eluting stents (DES). We aimed to compare the prognosis of patients treated for myocardial infarction with the two types of stents over the age of 75. METHODS: Data of patients registered in the Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry, a mandatory nationwide programme for hospitals treating patients with myocardial infarction were processed. From patients included between January 2014 and December 2017 we created two groups according to DES and BMS implantation. The outcome measures included all-cause mortality, the composite of cardiac events (MACE), repeated revascularisation and transfusion. Propensity score matching was used to balance the groups and Cox proportional hazards' models to estimate the risk during the 1st year after the index event. RESULTS: From 7383 patients (age: 81.08 ± 4.38 years) 3266 (44.2%) patients received DES. The PS-matched cohort included 5780 cases with balanced characteristics. In the DES group, the mortality (HR 0.66 [0.60-0.72]), MACE (HR 0.66 [0.60-0.72]) and the rate of transfusion (HR 0.84 [0.73-0.97]) were significantly lower. The PS-matched cohort showed a similar trend but with a lower rate of benefits with a 21% reduction of mortality and 23% of MACE. Difference in transfusion did not reach the level of significance. In multivariate models, stent type prevailed as an independent predictor of mortality and but not of transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our analysis of a real-life, high-risk population, implantation of DES seems to be an advantageous strategy for elderly patients.

Lavas or ignimbrites? Permian felsic volcanic rocks of the Tisza Mega-unit (SE Hungary) revisited: A petrographic study.

Permian felsic volcanic rocks were encountered in petroleum exploration boreholes in SE Hungary (eastern Pannonian Basin, Tisza Mega-unit, Békés-Codru Unit) during the second half of the 20th century. They were considered to be predominantly lavas (the so-called "Battonya quartz-porphyry") and were genetically connected to the underlying "Battonya granite." New petrographic observations, however, showed that the presumed lavas are crystal-poor (8-20 vol%) rhyolitic ignimbrites near Battonya and resedimented pyroclastic or volcanogenic sedimentary rocks in the Tótkomlós and the Biharugra areas, respectively. The studied ignimbrites are usually massive, matrix-supported, fiamme-bearing lapilli tuffs with eutaxitic texture as a result of welding processes. Some samples lack vitroclastic matrix and show low crystal breakage, but consist of oriented, devitrified fiammes as well. Textural features suggest that the latter are high-grade rheomorphic ignimbrites.Felsic volcanic rocks in SE Hungary belong to the Permian volcanic system of the Tisza Mega-unit; however, they show remarkable petrographic differences as compared to the other Permian felsic volcanic rocks of the mega-unit. In contrast to the crystal-poor rhyolitic ignimbrites of SE Hungary with rare biotite, the predominantly rhyodacitic-dacitic pyroclastic rocks of the Tisza Mega-unit are crystal-rich (40-45 vol%) and often contain biotite, pyroxene, and garnet. Additionally, some geochemical and geochronological differences between them were also observed by previous studies. Therefore, the Permian felsic volcanic rocks in SE Hungary might represent the most evolved, crystal-poor rhyolitic melt of a large-volume felsic (rhyodacitic-dacitic) volcanic system.The Permian volcanic rocks of the studied area do not show any evident correlations with either the Permian felsic ignimbrites in the Finis Nappe (Apuseni Mts, Romania), as was supposed so far, or the similar rocks in any nappe of the Codru Nappe System. Moreover, no relevant plutonic-volcanic connection was found between the studied samples and the underlying "Battonya granite."

LA-ICP-MS and SIMS U-Pb and U-Th zircon geochronological data of Late Pleistocene lava domes of the Ciomadul Volcanic Dome Complex (Eastern Carpathians).

This article provides laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and secondary ionization mass spectrometry (SIMS) U-Pb and U-Th zircon dates for crystals separated from Late Pleistocene dacitic lava dome rocks of the Ciomadul Volcanic Dome Complex (Eastern Carpathians, Romania). The analyses were performed on unpolished zircon prism faces (termed rim analyses) and on crystal interiors exposed through mechanical grinding an polishing (interior analyses). 206Pb/238U ages are corrected for Th-disequilibrium based on published and calculated distribution coefficients for U and Th using average whole-rock and individually analyzed zircon compositions. The data presented in this article were used for the Th-disequilibrium correction of (U-Th)/He zircon geochronology data in the research article entitled "The onset of the volcanism in the Ciomadul Volcanic Dome Complex (Eastern Carpathians): eruption chronology and magma type variation" (Molnár et al., 2018) [1].

LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon geochronology data of the Early to Mid-Miocene syn-extensional massive silicic volcanism in the Pannonian Basin (East-Central Europe).

This article provides LA-ICP-MS in-situ U-Pb zircon dates performed on single crystals from dacitic to rhyolitic ignimbrites of the Bükkalja Volcanic Field (Hungary, East-Central Europe) temporally covering the main period of the Neogene silicic volcanic activity in the Pannonian Basin. The data include drift-corrected, alpha dose-corrected, Th-disequilibrium-corrected, and filtered data for geochronological use. The data presented in this article are interpreted and discussed in the research article entitled "Early to Mid-Miocene syn-extensional massive silicic volcanism in the Pannonian Basin (East-Central Europe): eruption chronology, correlation potential and geodynamic implications" by Lukács et al. (2018) [1].