Atrial septum anatomy as a predictor of ischemic neurological episodes in patients with a patent foramen ovale.

BACKGROUND: The correlation between atrial septum anatomy and the risk of ischemic neurological events remains underexplored. AIMS: This study aimed to examine both the functional and anatomical attributes of the atrial septum and identify predictors of stroke and/or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients diagnosed with patent foramen ovale (PFO). METHODS: A total of 155 patients diagnosed with PFO, with a cardiological cause of neurological events, were enrolled. Transesophageal echocardiography was utilized to assess the anatomy of the PFO canal, size of the right-to-left shunt, thickness of the primary and secondary atrial septum, presence of atrial septum aneurysm, and anatomical structures of the right atrium. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed that factors such as female sex, hypercholesterolemia, PFO canal width, and a large right-to-left shunt were significantly associated with stroke and/or TIA. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that the width of the PFO canal holds a relatively weak, although significant predictive, value for ischemic neurological episodes (area under the curve = 0.7; P = 0.002). A PFO canal width of 4 mm was associated with 70% sensitivity and 55% specificity for predicting stroke and/or TIA. CONCLUSIONS: The atrial septum's anatomy, especially the dimensions of the PFO canal and the magnitude of the right-to-left shunt, combined with specific demographic and clinical factors, are linked to ischemic neurological incidents in PFO patients.

In-Hospital Levels of Circulating MicroRNAs as Potential Predictors of Left Ventricular Remodeling Post-Myocardial Infarction.

Background and Objectives: Biochemical and molecular regulation of both adaptive and pathological responses of heart tissue to ischemic injury is widely investigated. However, it is still not fully understood. Several biomarkers are tested as predictors of left ventricle (LV) remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between selected microRNAs (miRNAs) and LV function and morphology in patients after MI. Materials and Methods: Selected miRNAs related to heart failure were assessed in the acute phase of MI: miR-150-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-19b-3p, miR-155-5p, miR-22-5p. Echocardiography with 3D imaging was performed at baseline and after 6 months. Remodeling was defined as >20% increase in LV end-diastolic volume, whereas reverse remodeling was defined as >10% reduction in LV end-systolic volume. Results: Eighty patients entered the registry. Remodeling occurred in 26% and reverse remodeling was reported in 51% of patients. In the presented study, none of the analyzed miRNAs were found to be a significant LV remodeling predictor. The observed correlations between miRNAs and other circulating biomarkers of myocardial remodeling were relatively weak. Conclusions: Our analysis does not demonstrate an association between the analyzed miRNAs and LV remodeling in patients with MI.

Experience in patent foramen ovale closure with the CERA Lifetech occluder in patients with cryptogenic stroke.

Introduction: Nowadays, percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in patients after cryptogenic stroke is becoming a dominating strategy. The most commonly used and investigated device is the Amplatzer occluder. However, several other devices have been designed for transcatheter closure of PFO, which are not so well examined. Aim: To assess the effectiveness and safety of PFO closure with the Lifetech CERA occluder. Material and methods: A prospective, single-arm registry of patients with PFO treated with CERA occluder (Lifetech Scientific, Shenzhen, China) implantation was conducted. We assessed peri-procedural and 12-month follow-up. Patients were screened for the residual shunt in transcranial Doppler/transesophageal echocardiography. Results: Ninety-six patients entered the registry. Most patients were women (76%) and the analyzed group was relatively young (mean age of 42.3 ±13.6 years). Before closure, most patients had a large shunt through the PFO. Procedures of PFO closure were performed under TEE guidance. All procedures were made under local anesthesia and all patients had the PFO successfully closed. No device-related complications were reported in the peri-procedural period or during follow-up. No recurrent neurological ischemic events were reported at 12 months. During follow-up we observed a 9% rate of residual shunts, which were mostly small. Conclusions: The study confirmed excellent immediate and 12-month results of CERA occluder implantation in patients with PFO.

The Impact of Age on the Physiological Assessment of Borderline Coronary Stenoses.

Background and Objectives: Coronary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD). In the case of borderline changes, patients require further diagnosis through ischemia assessment via one of the recommended methods of invasive evaluation. This study aimed to assess whether clinical factors influence the risk of a positive result in invasive myocardial ischemia assessment and if these potential factors change with the patient's age and the consistency of ischemia assessment. Materials and Methods: Data were collected retrospectively on all consecutive patients hospitalized in the University Hospital in Krakow between 2020 and 2021, on whom physiological assessments of coronary circulation were performed. Patients were divided into two groups: patients aged 60 or younger and patients older than 60. Results: Despite the older patients having more risk factors for CAD, their physiological assessment results of borderline lesions were similar to those of the younger patients. Positive fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessments were obtained from almost 50% of vessels. In the younger patients, cigarette use and type 2 diabetes mellitus increased the risk of a positive FFR result by 3.5 and 2.5 times, respectively. In the older patients, male gender and peripheral vascular disease significantly increased the risk of a positive FFR by 2.5 and 2 times, respectively. Conclusions: Clinical characteristics of patients undergoing physiological assessment of borderline coronary stenosis varied significantly by age. Refining the definition of borderline lesions to include age, gender, and other factors may improve the identification of patients who would benefit from physiological assessment and coronary revascularization.

Influence of sex on the functional assessment of myocardial ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and non-hyperemic resting pressure ratios, such as instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) and resting full-cycle ratio (RFR), are recommended for evaluating the significance of angiographically intermediate coronary stenoses. Despite their usefulness, approximately 20% of assessed lesions exhibit discordance between FFR and iFR/RFR. AIMS: The role of sex in this discrepancy remains uncertain; thus, we aimed to investigate its impact on the discordance between FFR and iFR/RFR. METHODS: We reviewed 417 consecutive intermediate stenotic lesions from 381 patients, stratified by sex and assessed with both FFR and iFR/RFR. FFR ≤0.80 and iFR/RFR ≤0.89 were considered positive for ischemia. RESULTS: Of the 381 patients, 92 (24.1%) were women. Women were older, had a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), higher ejection fraction, and were more likely to have peripheral artery disease than men. Median FFR and iFR/RFR values were lower in men than in women (FFR 0.86 vs. 0.80; P <0.001; iFR 0.92 vs. 0.90; P = 0.049). However, overall discordance prevalence was similar for both sexes (20.6% vs. 15.1%; P = 0.22). In men, eGFR, insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, and arterial hypertension were predictors of positive FFR | negative iFR/RFR discordance, while eGFR, insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were predictors of negative FFR | positive iFR/RFR discordance. No factors associated with either discordance were identified in women. CONCLUSIONS: FFR and iFR/RFR results indicating significant ischemia were more common in men than women when assessing intermediate coronary stenoses. Nevertheless, sex did not predict discordant results.

Operator-patient sex discordance and periprocedural outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (from the ORPKI Polish National Registry).

Introduction: A recent study suggested that sex discordance between surgeons and patients negatively affects the outcomes of patients undergoing common surgical procedures. Aim: We sought to assess whether such an impact exists for periprocedural outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Material and methods: From 2014 to 2020, data on 581,744 patients undergoing single-stage coronary angiography and PCI from 154 centers were collected. Patients were divided into four groups based on the patient and operator sex. Operator-patient sex discordance was defined as the procedure done by a male operator on a female patient or by a female operator on a male patient. Results: Of 581,744 patients treated by 34 female and 782 male operators, 194,691 patients were sex discordant with their operator (female operator with male patient 12,479; male operator with female patient 182,212) while 387,053 were sex concordant (female operator with female patient 6,068; male operator with male patient 380,985). Among female patients, no difference in the risk of periprocedural complications, including death (0.65% vs. 0.82%; p = 0.10), between patients discordant versus concordant with operators was observed. Among male patients the risk of death (0.55% vs. 0.43%; p = 0.037) and bleeding at the puncture site (0.13% vs. 0.08%; p = 0.046) was higher in patients discordant with operators. However, the differences were no longer significant after adjustment for covariates. Conclusions: No detrimental effect of operator-patient sex discordance on periprocedural outcomes was confirmed in all-comer patients undergoing PCI. Some of the observed differences in outcomes were primarily related to the differences in baseline risk profile.

Influence of diabetes mellitus on the invasive assessment of myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines recommend physiological evaluation of borderline coronary artery stenoses using hyperemic (fractional flow reserve [FFR]) and nonhyperemic (instantaneous wave­free ratio [iFR] and resting full­cycle ratio [RFR]) methods. However, comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), may influence the results of the assessment. OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate the impact of DM and insulin treatment on the discordance between FFR and iFR/RFR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 417 intermediate stenoses in 381 patients underwent FFR and iFR/RFR assessment. FFR lower than or equal to 0.8 and iFR/RFR lower than or equal to 0.89 indicated significant ischemia. The patients were categorized based on DM diagnosis and insulin treatment status. RESULTS: Of the 381 patients, 154 (40.4%) had DM. Among these, 58 patients (37.7%) received insulin treatment. Diabetic patients had higher body mass index and glycated hemoglobin levels, and lower ejection fraction. FFR and iFR/RFR analyses were conducted in 417 vessels with available measurements for both tests. A good correlation between FFR and iFR/RFR was confirmed in both diabetic (R = 0.77) and nondiabetic (R = 0.74) patients. Discordance between FFR and iFR/RFR occurred in approximately 20% of cases, and the frequency of discordance was not affected by the diabetic status. However, insulin­treated DM was independently associated with a higher risk of negative FFR and positive iFR/RFR discordance (odds ratio, 4.61; 95% CI, 1.38-15.4; P = 0.01). Also, the optimal cutoff value for FFR identifying significant ischemia in DM patients treated with insulin was higher (0.84) than the generally recommended value. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of FFR and iFR/FFR discordance was similar regardless of the diabetes status, and insulin­treated DM was associated with an increased risk of negative FFR and positive iFR/RFR discordance.

Thrombus containing lesions strategies during primary percutaneous coronary interventions in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: insights from ORPKI National Registry.

In the era of potent P2Y12 inhibitors, according to current guidelines, treatment with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) should be limited to bail-out and/or highly thrombotic situations. Similarly, the recommendation for aspiration thrombectomy (AT) is downgraded to very selective use. We examine the prevalence, and predictors of GPI and AT use in STEMI patients referred to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data on 116,873 consecutive STEMI patients referred to primary PCI in Poland between 2015 and 2020 were analyzed. GPIs were administered in 29.3%, AT was used in 11.6%, and combined treatment with both in 6.1%. There was a mild trend toward a decrease in GPI and AT usage during the analyzed years. On the contrary, there was a rapid growth of the ticagrelor/prasugrel usage rate from 6.5 to 48.1%. Occluded infarct-related artery at baseline and no-reflow during PCI were the strongest predictors of GPI administration (OR 2.3; 95% CI 2.22-2.38 and OR 3.47; 95% CI 3.13-3.84, respectively) and combined usage of GPI and AT (OR 4.4; 95% CI 4.08-4.8 and OR 3.49; 95% CI 3.08-3.95 respectively) in a multivariate logistic regression model. Similarly, the administration of ticagrelor/prasugrel was an independent predictor of both adjunctive treatment strategies. In STEMI patients in Poland, GPIs are selectively used in one in four patients during primary PCI, and the combined usage of GPI and AT is marginal. Despite the rapid growth in potent P2Y12 inhibitors usage in recent years, GPIs are selectively used at a stable rate during PCI in highly thrombotic lesions.

Comparison of Fractional Flow Reserve with Resting Non-Hyperemic Indices in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

Guidelines recommend using hyperemic (FFR) and non-hyperemic (iFR/RFR) methods of evaluating coronary artery stenoses in patients with coronary artery disease. However, in some cases, achieved results indicating significant ischemia may differ between those methods. Thus, we sought to identify predictors of such a discrepancy. Data were collected on all consecutive patients with chronic coronary syndrome hospitalized between 2020 and 2021. For 279 patients (417 vessels), results for both FFR and iFR/RFR were available. Values of ≤0.80 for FFR and ≤0.89 for iFR/RFR were considered positive for ischemia. Discordant measurements of FFR and iFR/RFR were observed in 80 (19.2%) patients. Atrial fibrillation was the only predictor of the overall FFR and iFR/RFR discordance - OR (95%CI) 1.90 (1.02-3.51); p = 0.040. The chance of positive FFR and negative iFR/RFR decreased independently with age - OR (95%CI) 0.96 (0.93-0.99); p = 0.024. On the contrary, insulin-treated diabetes mellitus was the predictor of negative FFR and positive iFR/RFR discrepancy - OR (95%CI) 4.61 (1.38-15.40); p = 0.013. In everyday clinical practice, iFR/FFR correlates well with FFR. However, discordance between these methods is quite common. Physicians should be aware of the risk of such discordance in patients with atrial fibrillation, advanced age, and insulin-treated diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes Mellitus Is Still a Strong Predictor of Periprocedural Outcomes of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Patients Presenting with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (from the ORPKI Polish National Registry).

The impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was confirmed by several studies. However, it is unclear whether this effect is still present in large groups of unselected patients undergoing up-to-date treatment. Thus, we sought to assess the impact of DM on periprocedural outcomes of primary PCI in STEMI using data from the Polish National Registry of PCI. Data on 150,782 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI were collected. Of them, 26,360 (17.5%) patients had DM. Patients with DM were higher-risk individuals who experienced longer reperfusion delays and were less likely to have closed infarct-related artery at baseline (TIMI 0 + 1 flow: 73.2% vs. 72.0%; p < 0.0001) and achieve optimal reperfusion after PCI (TIMI 3 flow: 91.8% vs. 88.5%; p < 0.0001). The periprocedural mortality (1.1% vs. 1.9%; p < 0.0001) was higher in patients with DM and DM was identified as an independent predictor of periprocedural death. In conclusion, despite continuous progress in STEMI treatment, DM remains a strong predictor of periprocedural mortality. However, this detrimental effect of DM may be partially explained by the overall higher risk profile of diabetic patients.

Dissections after bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation in the POLAR ACS Registry.

Introduction: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common method of treatment for patients with coronary artery disease. One of the most common complications during the PCI procedure is coronary artery dissection. It usually requires an additional action to assure the patency of the treated vessel. Aim: The aim of the publication is to describe the occurrence of coronary artery dissection after bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) implantation. This selected type of PCI procedure is especially interesting because precise target vessel measurement before BVS implantation is required for optimal determination of scaffold size. Material and methods: Based on angiographic data gathered in the POLAR ACS Registry, we assessed the frequency of dissections, their localization, and severity. Based on data regarding patients' demographic, clinical status, and details regarding treatment strategy, the factors that could have an influence on the dissection occurrence were identified. Results: A group of 100 patients included in the analyses. Group A consisted of 9 patients. This group was defined as patients in whom the significant dissection occurred after the BVS implantation. Group B comprised 91 patients. Both groups were very similar according to demographic data. The frequency of predilatation was similar; post-dilatation was performed more often in group A but without statistical significance. The presence of calcification in the target lesion was an independent factor of dissection during the index PCI procedure. Conclusions: The occurrence of significant dissection can be effectively treated, and the good angiographic results of this treatment immediately after the initial procedure translate into good clinical results in longer follow-up.

Knowledge and Prevalence of Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease in Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a short hospital stay and fast recovery. However, it might be related to insufficient implementation of lifestyle changes after the procedure. Conversely, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a highly invasive technique that requires a prolonged hospital stay and long rehabilitation with more opportunities for education. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CABG on adherence to lifestyle modifications and knowledge about coronary artery disease (CAD) in comparison with PCI. We also evaluated the level of education and tried to define groups of patients that might require targeted education. METHODS: Data was collected using a self-designed 56-item questionnaire. Questions assessed the knowledge of CAD risk factors and the level of their control. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 155 consecutive patients admitted to the Cardiology Department. Patients with a history of PCI (68%) (at least 8 weeks before) were included in the prior-PCI group, and patients with previous surgical revascularization (also at least 8 weeks before) were assigned to the prior-CABG group (32%). The knowledge score was higher in the prior-CABG group. The median (IQR) results in the prior-PCI vs. prior-CABG group were, respectively: 20 (12-24) vs. 22 (19-25) [points, per 31 max.]; p = 0.01. Similar results were obtained in the level of risk control (prior-PCI vs. prior-CABG, respectively: 6 (4-7) vs. 7 (6-8) [points, per 15 max.]; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The method of treatment of CAD might impact the implementation of lifestyle modifications after the procedure. More effort is required to improve secondary prevention, especially in PCI patients.

Risk factors of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at high risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), which is associated with prolonged hospitalization, higher morbidity and mortality after angiographic procedures. The occurrence of CIN is regarded as a transient and reversible condition. However, the persistence of CIN until hospital discharge in patients with ACS has not been thoroughly analyzed. AIMS: We aimed to analyze CIN persistent until hospital discharge in contemporary ACS population referred to invasive diagnostics and treatment. METHODS: A total of 2638 consecutive patients with ACS were included in a prospective registry. The occurrence of CIN was defined as a 25% increase in serum creatinine from baseline or a 0.5 mg/dl (44 µmol/l) increase in the absolute value. RESULTS: Criteria of CIN at hospital discharge were met in 10.7% of patients. Immediate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after angiography (67% of patients) was associated with higher rates of CIN compared to patients referred for other treatment strategies (P < 0.001). The logistic regression model showed that anemia at baseline (8.7% of patients) was an independent predictor of CIN, which occurred in 17.9% of anemic patients and 10% of patients without anemia (P < 0.001). Also, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presentation and immediate PCI were independent predictors of CIN. CONCLUSIONS: Despite intravenous fluid administration during the hospital stay, CIN persisted until hospital discharge in more than 10% of patients with ACS. Anemia at baseline, STEMI presentation, and immediate PCI strategy were independent predictors of CIN. Thus, preventive actions should be specially aimed at those groups of patients.

Frailty as a Predictor of In-Hospital Outcome in Patients with Myocardial Infarction.

(1) Background: Frailty is a condition associated with aging, co-morbidity, and disability. We aimed to investigate the relationship between frailty and in-hospital outcome in patients with myocardial infarction (MI), including the occurrence of delirium, hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), and length of hospital stay. (2) Methods: We analyzed 55 patients ≥ 75 years old with ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation MI. Assessment with Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) was performed. (3) Results: In ROC analysis, IADL and CFS presented good predictive values for the occurrence of delirium (AUC = 0.81, p = 0.023, and AUC = 0.86, p = 0.009, respectively). For predicting HAP, only AMTS showed a significant value (AUC = 0.69, p = 0.036). In regression analyses, all tests presented significant predictive values for delirium. For predicting HAP, only IADL and CFS presented significant values (in an analysis adjusted for age, gender and type of MI). Frail patients (≥5 points in CFS) had longer hospital stays (10 days IQR: 8-17 vs. 8 days IQR: 7-10; p = 0.03). (4) Conclusions: While recognizing the limitations of our study associated with the relatively low sample size, we believe that our analysis shows that frailty is a predictor of poorer in-hospital outcomes in patients with MI, including higher rates of delirium, HAP and longer hospital stay.

Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin and lactate dehydrogenase as predictors of left ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION: The main impact of myocardial infarction (MI) is shifting from acute mortality to adverse remodeling, chronic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, and heart failure. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess relationships between levels of circulating biomarkers and the function of LV after MI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of 80 patients with MI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. Novel biomarkers including mid­regional pro­adrenomedullin (MR­proADM), Notch­1, syndecan­4, myeloperoxidase, S­100 protein, soluble ST­2, as well as markers of inflammatory response and tissue injury: galectin­3, C­reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin­6 (IL­6) were assessed in the acute phase of MI. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and 6 month Results: Adverse remodeling, defined as more than 20% increase in LV end­diastolic volume, occurred in 26% of patients. Reverse remodeling (>10% reduction in LV end­systolic volume) was observed in 52% of patients. In the univariable analysis, higher levels of MR­proADM and LDH were predictors of adverse remodeling and higher levels of MR ­proADM, LDH, CRP, and IL ­6 were negative predictors of reverse remodeling. In the multivariable model, LDH remained an independent predictor of adverse remodeling (odds ratio [OR], 3.13; 95% CI, 1.42-8.18; P = 0.003) and a negative predictor of reverse remodeling (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.17-0.8; P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: LDH and MR ­proADM seem to be promising biomarkers of adverse remodeling. On the other hand, higher levels of these biomarkers were associated with reduced chance of occurrence of favorable reverse remodeling in MI patients. However, further studies on larger groups of patients are necessary to confirm these data.

Comparison of safety and effectiveness between the right and left radial artery approach in percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of data comparing the left radial approach (LRA) and right radial approach (RRA) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in all-comers populations and performed by operators with different experience levels. Thus, we sought to compare the safety and clinical outcomes of the RRA and LRA during PCI in "real-world" patients with either stable angina or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: To overcome the possible impact of the nonrandomized design, a propensity score was calculated to compare the 2 radial approaches. The study group comprised 18 716 matched pairs with stable angina and 46 241 with ACS treated with PCI and stent implantation between 2014 and 2017 in 151 tertiary invasive cardiology centers in Poland (the ORPKI Polish National Registry). RESULTS: The rates of death and periprocedural complications were similar for the RRA and LRA in stable angina patients. A higher radiation dose was observed with PCI via the LRA in both clinical presentations (stable angina: 1067.0±947.1 mGy vs 1007.4±983.5 mGy, P=.001; ACS: 1212.7±1005.5 mGy vs 1053.5±1029.7 mGy, P=.001). More contrast was used in LRA procedures but only in ACS patients (174.2±75.4mL vs 167.2±72.1mL, P=.001). Furthermore, periprocedural complications such as coronary artery dissection (0.16% vs 0.09%, P=.008), no-reflow phenomenon (0.65% vs 0.49%, P=.005), and puncture site bleeding (0.09% vs 0.05%, P=.04) were more frequently observed with the LRA in ACS patients. There was no difference in mortality between the 2 groups (P=.90). CONCLUSIONS: Our finding of poorer outcomes with the LRA may be related to lower operator experience with this approach. While both the LRA and RRA are safe in the setting of stable angina, the LRA was associated with a higher rate of periprocedural complications during PCI in ACS patients.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

Patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated during the COVID-19 pandemic might experience prolonged time to reperfusion. The delayed reperfusion may potentially aggravate the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in those patients. Limited access to healthcare, more reluctant health-seeking behaviors, and bystander readiness to render life-saving interventions might additionally contribute to the suggested change in the risk of OHCA in STEMI. Thus, we sought to explore the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on treatment delay and clinical outcomes of patients with STEMI with OHCA. Overall, 5,501 consecutive patients with STEMI complicated by OHCA and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation were enrolled. A propensity score matching was used to obviate the possible impact of non-randomized design. A total of 740 matched pairs of patients with STEMI and OHCA treated before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared. A similar mortality and prevalence of periprocedural complications were observed in both groups. However, patients treated during the COVID-19 outbreak experienced longer delays from first medical contact to angiography (88.8 (±61.5) vs. 101.4 (±109.8) [minutes]; p = 0.006). There was also a trend toward prolonged time from pain onset to angiography in patients admitted to the hospital in the pandemic era (207.3 (±192.8) vs. 227.9 (±231.4) [minutes]; p = 0.06). In conclusion, the periprocedural outcomes in STEMI complicated by OHCA were comparable before and during the COVID-19 era. However, treatment in the COVID-19 outbreak was associated with a longer time from first medical contact to reperfusion.

Treatment Delay and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Pandemic-specific protocols require additional time to prepare medical staff and catheterization laboratories. Thus, we sought to investigate treatment delay and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 positive and negative patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during on- and off-hours. All consecutive patients with STEMI treated with PCI between 1 March and 31 December 2020 were enrolled in the analysis. A propensity score match was used to compare COVID-19 positive and negative patients for on- and off-hours. The study group was comprised of 877 paired patients treated during regular hours (every day 7:00 a.m. to 16:59 p.m.) and 418 matched pairs with PCI performed during off-hours (every day 17:00 p.m. to 06:59 a.m.) (ORPKI Polish National Registry). No difference in periprocedural mortality was observed between the two groups (on-hours: COVID-19 negative vs. COVID-19 positive: 17 (1.9%) vs. 11 (1.3%); p = 0.3; off-hours: COVID-19 negative vs. COVID-19 positive: 4 (1.0%) vs. 7 (1.7%); p = 0.5). Additionally, a similar rate of periprocedural complications was reported. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were exposed to longer time from first medical contact to angiography (on-hours: 133.8 (±137.1) vs. 117.1 (±135.8) (min); p = 0.001) (off-hours: 148.1 (±201.6) vs. 112.2 (±138.7) (min); p = 0.003). However, there was no influence of COVID-19 diagnosis on mortality and the prevalence of other periprocedural complications irrespective of time of intervention.