Aortic cusp perforation during rotational atherectomy: a case report.

Background: Rotational atherectomy has become increasingly utilised over the past decade. Although a relatively safe procedure in appropriately trained physicians' hands, there are a number of recognised complications. Case summary: We describe the case of a 64-year-old female who presented with chest pain and was diagnosed with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed normal biventricular function and no valve disease. Invasive coronary angiogram was performed which revealed a severely calcified ostial right coronary artery (RCA) disease which was felt to be the culprit of the presentation. Balloon dilatation was unsuccessful, therefore, rotational atherectomy with an Amplatz left 0.75 guide and a 1.5 mm rota-burr was utilised and improved calcium burden. This was complicated by ostial dissection, treated with stenting. A TTE following the procedure revealed moderate aortic regurgitation (AR). The patient was discharged as she remained asymptomatic. An outpatient transoesophageal echocardiogram performed eight months later showed evidence of severe eccentric AR. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed severe AR with left ventricular dilatation. Repeat angiogram 10 months after index procedure revealed in-stent restenosis, and the patient was accepted by heart multidisciplinary team for aortic valve replacement and grafting of RCA. Discussion: As the field of rotational atherectomy continues to expand, we propose that novel complications such as reported in this case may become recognised. Finally, we stress the importance of multi-modality imaging in the investigation and timely planning of interventions in the management of these patients.

Impact of opioids on P2Y12 receptor inhibition in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who are pre-treated with crushed ticagrelor: Opioids aNd crushed Ticagrelor In Myocardial infarction Evaluation (ON-TIME 3) trial.

AIMS: Platelet inhibition induced by P2Y12 receptor antagonists in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can be affected by concomitant use of opioids. The aim of this trial was to examine the effect of intravenous (iv) acetaminophen compared with iv fentanyl on P2Y12 receptor inhibition in patients with STEMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Opioids aNd crushed Ticagrelor In Myocardial infarction Evaluation (ON-TIME 3) trial randomized 195 STEMI patients who were scheduled to undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and were pre-treated with crushed ticagrelor to iv acetaminophen (N = 98) or iv fentanyl (N = 97) in the ambulance. The primary endpoint, consisting of the level of platelet reactivity units (PRU) measured immediately after primary PCI, was not significantly different between the study arms [median PRU 104 (IQR 37-215) vs. 175 (63-228), P = 0.18]. However, systemic levels of ticagrelor were significantly higher in the acetaminophen arm at the start of primary PCI [151 ng/mL (32-509) vs. 60 ng/mL (13-206), P = 0.007], immediately after primary PCI [326 ng/mL (94-791) vs. 115 ng/mL (38-326), P = 0.002], and at 1 h after primary PCI [488 ng/mL (281-974) vs. 372 ng/mL (95-635), P = 0.002]. Acetaminophen resulted in the same extent of pain relief when compared with fentanyl [reduction of 3 points on 10-step-pain scale before primary PCI (IQR 1-5)] in both study arms (P = 0.67) and immediately after PCI [reduction of 5 points (3-7); P = 0.96]. CONCLUSION: The iv acetaminophen in comparison with iv fentanyl was not associated with significantly lower platelet reactivity in STEMI patients but resulted in significantly higher ticagrelor plasma levels and was effective in pain relief.

miR-30b-5p Downregulation as a Predictive Biomarker of Coronary In-Stent Restenosis.

In-stent restenosis (ISR) is one of the main limitations of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) therapy with drug-eluting stents (DES) implantation. The aim of this study was to determine if circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have diagnostic capability for determining ISR in a cohort of matched patients. Blood samples were collected from 55 patients who underwent previously PCI and were readmitted for a new coronary angiography. Patients were divided into subgroups comprising patients who presented ISR or not (non-ISR). A microarray analysis determined that up to 49 miRNAs were differentially expressed between ISR and non-ISR patients. Of these, 10 miRNAs are related to vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells proliferation, migration, and differentiation, well-known hallmarks of vascular remodeling. Additionally, we identified that the expression of miR-30b-5p is significantly lower in serum samples of ISR patients, as compared to non-ISR. A further analysis demonstrated that miR-30b-5p provides better values of the receiver operator characteristic curve than other miRNAs and biochemical parameters. Finally, the in-silico analysis suggests that miR-30b-5p is predicted to target 62 genes involved in different signaling pathways involved in vascular remodeling. In conclusion, we determined for the first time that circulating mi-R30b-5p can reliably prognose restenosis in patient with implanted DES, which could be potentially helpful in the establishment of an early diagnosis and therapy of ISR.

Primary coronary intervention in ST-elevation myocardial infarction / Primer coronariaintervenció ST-elevációs infarktusban.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Heveny myocardialis infarctusban a szívizommentés sikere, a beteg életkilátása nagymértékben függ a panasz kezdete és az elzáródott koszorúér rekanalizálása között eltelt ischaemiás idotol. Jelenleg az ér nyitása optimális esetben minden betegnél koszorúér-intervencióval történik. Célkituzés: Annak vizsgálata, hogy öt év alatt mennyit változtak az ischaemiás ido összetevoi, és miben változott az elzáródott ér nyitásának módszere ST-elevációs myocardialis infarctus (STEMI) miatt végzett primer coronariaintervencióban. Módszer: 2014. 01. 01. és 2018. 12. 31. között 1663, STEMI miatt koszorúér-intervencióval kezelt betegnél (1173 férfi és 490 no) vizsgáltuk évenkénti bontásban a panasztól a koszorúér nyitásáig eltelt ido összetevoit és a 30 napos halálozást. Eredmények: Öt év alatt a panasztól az elso egészségügyi kontaktusig medián 2:53 vs. 2:10 óra (p = 0,0132), ettol az intervenciós centrumba történt felvételig medián 1:17 vs. 1:03 óra (p = 0,009), a felvételtol a ballon nyitásáig medián 0:31 vs. 0:29 óra (p = ns) telt el. A panasztól a ballon nyitásáig eltelt ido (medián 5:29 vs. 4:07 óra, p = 0,0001) rövidült, döntoen 2014 és 2015 között. A gyógyszerkibocsátó stent beültetése 15%-ról 96%-ra nott. A vizsgált években a légzés/keringés támogatás aránya 8,2-10,6-13,9-7,6-8,4, a 30 napos halálozásé 4,1-6,8-11,1-7,4-5,7% volt; a két érték korrelációt mutat (p = 0,827). Következtetés: Öt év alatt a panasztól az elso egészségügyi kontaktusig és a kórházi beszállításig eltelt ido rövidült, de az Európai Kardiológiai Társaság ajánlásához képest hosszú; a kórházi felvételtol a ballon nyitásáig eltelt ido megfelelo. A négy órán belüli reperfúzió a betegek közel felében valósult meg. Az intervenciós centrumba való gyorsabb bekerülés javíthatna az eredményen. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(13): 497-503. INTRODUCTION: In acute myocardial infarction, the heart muscle salvage, the patient's life expectancy is highly dependent on the elapsed ischaemic time from the onset of complaint to target vessel recanalisation. Nowadays, target vessel recanalisation is performed with coronary intervention in all patients in optimal case. OBJECTIVE: To examine how the components of ischemic time and the opening procedure of the occluded coronary have changed over five years in primary intervention done in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHOD: Authors studied data of 1663 (1173 male and 480 female) STEMI patients in annual breakdowns treated with coronary intervention between 01. 01. 2014 and 31. 12. 2018, time from complaint to coronary artery opening, details of intervention and 30 days mortality rate. RESULTS: During the five years, time intervals were as follows: from onset of complaint to first medical contact: median 2:53 vs. 2:10 hours (p = 0.0132), from this to admission in the interventional centre: median 1:17 vs. 1:03 hours (p = 0.009), from hospital admission to balloon opening: median 0:31 vs. 0:29 hours (p = ns). In total, the complaint to balloon opening time (median 5:29 vs. 4:07 hours, p = 0.0001) diminished, decisively from 2014 to 2015. Ratio of drug-eluting stent implantation increased from 15% to 96%. In the investigated years, the need of respiratory and/or circulatory device support ratio was 8.2-10.6-13.9-7.6-8.4, 30-day mortality rate between 4.1-6.8-11.1-7.4-5.7%; these two values showed a correlation (p = 0.827). CONCLUSION: The time from complaint to first medical contact and transfer to hospital against the significant decrease is still longer than the recommendation of the European Society of Cardiology. The time from hospital admission to balloon opening is adequate. Reperfusion within four hours was achieved in half of the patients in total. Faster hospitalization may improve results. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(13): 497-503.

Association between age and infection in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in young patients has a unique risk profile. We aimed to detect bacteria in aspirate of infarct artery in young versus old patients. RESULTS: Aspirates of consecutive 140 patients who underwent a primary coronary intervention were taken for bacteriological, microscopical, and immunohistochemical (for bacterial pneumolysin) examinations. Their results were calculated in young (≤ 50 years) versus old (> 50 years) patients. Median age (interquartile range) was 45 (38-48) years in young (60 patients) and 59 (55-65) years in old (80 patients) patients, p < 0.0001. Both groups had similar baseline data except age, males, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, family history, lesion length, and ectatic vessel. Different bacteria were cultured in 11.3% of all patients involving 22.6% of young and 2.8% of old patients [hazard ratio 8.03 (95% CI 1.83-51.49), p = 0.002]. By multivariate analyses, age groups and leukocytic count were independent predictors of infection (bacteria and pneumolysin), p = 0.027 and p < 0.0001, respectively. Optimal cutoff value of leukocytic count was 12,250 cells/µl [ROC curve sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 86.4%, and AUC 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-1.0), p < 0.001]. Infection was an independent predictor of STEMI in young versus old patients, p < 0.001. Nevertheless, in-hospital events occurred insignificantly different and neither age groups nor infection was predictor of in-hospital events. CONCLUSIONS: Young patients had significantly higher percentage of bacteria in their infarcted artery than old patients. High leukocytic count in patients below 50 predicts infection that causes acute myocardial infarction. Antibacterial trials directed toward this group are required for secondary prevention.

Effect of Intravenous Abciximab on Coronary Flow Improvement After Re-vascularization in Primary Coronary Intervention and Short Term Impact.

INTRODUCTION: Of recognized fact the importance of early diagnosis and early management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction, to regain a normal or at least adequate coronary flow in the Primary Percutaneous Intervention. Slow or no-reflow is suboptimal myocardial reperfusion, without angiographic evidence of mechanical obstruction. Adenosine, Verapamil and saline flush are manoeuvres proved useful. The resolution of ST-segment is associated with successful revascularization and regarded as a predictor for future events. Glycoprotein IIB/IIIA inhibitors are a group of anti-platelets widely used in acute coronary syndrome. AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate that: uses of intra venous Abciximab, does not improve coronary flow in patients with MI that develop sub optimal flow after primary PCI within 30 minutes, but the improvement need 12 to 24 hour as founded in other studies, and its beneficial effect is related to early improvement in LV function and decrease of re-infarction and re-hospitalization. METHOD: Prospective, case-control study, enrolled fifty patients randomly assigned into two matching groups, first group (25 patients) received an intravenous Abciximab while the second group (25 patients) received intracoronary saline flush. Repeated angiography after 30 minutes, for immediate resultant flow assessment, Electrocardiographic changes resolution, bleeding and death. After a 30 days, a clinical assessment for primary outcome including, death, recurrent Myocardial infarction and Heart failure While the Secondary outcome including stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization in addition to the primary outcome. RESULT: There was no significant difference in the flow Improvement and ECG resolution between both groups. These findings not affected by the door to balloon time. However, patients with flow improvement had a significant resolution in their ECG. Bleeding propensity and mortality were not significantly affected. Literatures proved the benefit of Abciximab in acute coronary syndrome. CONCLUSION: Both intravenous Abciximab and intracoronary saline flush had comparable effect on coronary flow improvement post primary percutaneous intervention, with minimal variation in the bleeding and in-hospital mortality.

Predictors and Clinical Outcomes of Crossover From Radial to Femoral Access During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Access site complications are more common with femoral access (FA) than radial access (RA). However, due to the higher rate of failure and crossover, door-to-balloon time (DBT) is prolonged by RA. Records of 3600 patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) between January 2016 and June 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 130 patients with crossover from RA to FA were identified and compared with the data of 501 patients who underwent pPCI with successful RA during 2018. Regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of crossover. Crossover to the femoral approach occurred in 5.9% of our cases. Mean DBT was 17 minutes longer in the crossover group (61 ± 72 minutes vs 78 ± 79 minutes, P = .026). Female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8; 95% CI, 0.99-3.46, P = .046) and anterior myocardial infarction (AntMI; OR: 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33-0.88, P = .007) were independent predictors of crossover. In-hospital mortality rates were significantly higher in the crossover group than in the radial success group (5.4% vs 1.8%, P = .020). Crossover to FA due to radial failure is associated with delayed DBT and increased rate of in-hospital mortality. Female sex and AntMI were primary predictors of crossover.

Prevalence of bacterial and fungal infections the oral cavity in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary intervention.

The possible connection between oral health and overall health has been a subject of debate among medical practitioners and theoreticians for millenia. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of bacterial or fungal mouth infections in myocardial infarction patients treated with primary coronary intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 128 patients took part in the study (68 patients in the study group and 60 in the control group). The medical histories of the patients were taken, and the following tests were performed: a physical examination and an oral hygiene assessment. The oral hygiene assessment included a mycological evaluation of the oral cavity and bacteriological and mycological analyses of samples taken from gingival pockets. RESULTS: Fungal colonisation of the oral cavity was more prevalent in the study group than in the control group - 33 (50.0 %) vs 15 (25.0 %) p < 0.05. No statistically significant differences between the study and control groups were noted in terms of the number of positive bacteriological cultures. When it comes to predictors of myocardial infarction, fungal infections in the oral cavity were deemed to be a significant prognostic factor (OR 3.0). No similar correlation was identified in the case of bacterial infections. CONCLUSIONS: The study results suggest that poor oral health may be one of the predisposing factors for ischaemic heart disease, including in its acute form, i.e. myocardial infarction.

Clinical outcome of intracoronary versus intravenous high-dose bolus administration of tirofiban in diabetic patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Previous trials remain inconsistent regarding the advantages and hazards related to intracoronary (IC) compared with intravenous (IV) administration of thrombolytics. We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of IC versus IV tirofiban administration in diabetic patients (DM) with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: This trial included 95 patients who were randomised to high-dose bolus plus a maintenance dose of tirofiban administered either IV or IC. The groups were compared for the incidence of composite major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 30 days. Levels of cardiac markers were recorded pre- and post-intervention for myocardial perfusion. RESULTS: The MACE were not different between the groups, but post-procedure myocardial blush grade (MBG) 3 and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow were significant in the IC group (p = 0.45, 0.21, respectively), favouring the IC strategy. Peak values of both creatine kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB) and high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) were significantly lower in the IC group (155.68 ± 121, 4291 ± 334 ng/dl) versus the IV group (192.4 ± 86, 5342 ± 286 ng/dl) (p = 0.021, p = 0.035, respectively). The peak value was significantly lower in the IC group than the IV group in terms of ST-segment resolution and 30-day left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.016 and 0.023, respectively). CONCLUSION: Thirty days post PCI, IC tirofiban was more efficient in ameliorating blood flow in the coronary arteries and myocardial tissue perfusion in DM patients after STEMI despite bleeding events, and MACE rates showed no significant difference between the groups. The IC group showed better improvement in LVEF.

Treatment of severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Mallory-Weiss syndrome after primary coronary intervention for acute inferior wall myocardial infarction: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not an uncommon complication. Acute UGIB caused by Mallory-Weiss syndrome (MWS) is usually a dire situation with massive bleeding and hemodynamic instability. Acute UGIB caused by MWS after an AMI has not been previously reported. CASE SUMMARY: A 57-year-old man with acute inferior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction underwent a primary coronary intervention of the acutely occluded right coronary artery. Six hours after the intervention, the patient had a severe UGIB, followed by vomiting. His hemoglobin level dropped from 15.3 g/dL to 9.7 g/dL. In addition to blood transfusion and a gastric acid inhibition treatment, early endoscopy was employed and MWS was diagnosed. Bleeding was stopped by endoscopic placement of titanium clips. CONCLUSION: Bleeding complications after stent implantation can pose a dilemma. MWS is a rare but severe cause of acute UGIB after an AMI that requires an early endoscopic diagnosis and a hemoclip intervention to stop bleeding.

ST-segment depression in left precordial leads in electrocardiogram of patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The early identification of patients with acute inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with high risk features is particularly important. Acute inferior STEMI may be associated with ST-segment depression in the left precordial leads (V4-V6). This study assessed prognostic value of ST-segment depression in these left precordial leads during the admission of patients with acute inferior STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 1,374 patients with acute inferior STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty between March 2011 and June 2014. The patients were divided into two groups: one group (n = 687) with left precordial ST-segment depression and the other (n = 687) without such ST-segment changes. RESULTS: The patients with left precordial ST-segment depression were older and had higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and higher levels of troponin. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with left precordial ST-segment depression. Advanced coronary artery disease was more observed in these patients. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute inferior STEMI treated with primary coronary intervention, left precordial ST-segment depression during admission of ECG is associated with more advanced coronary artery disease, and worse in-hospital clinical outcomes.

Air pollution and ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty: A direct correlation.

PURPOSE: The relationships between air pollutant concentration levels and admission for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have never been assessed. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 4 consecutive years of medical and instrumental data (1st January 2012 to 1st March 2016) to identify patients admitted with STEMI and subsequently treated with primary PCI in our third referral center. Daily atmospheric pressure data (in hectopascal [hPa]) and air pollutant concentration levels were obtained from the regional meteorological service which had a monitoring site in our city (Rovigo, Italy). Pollutants investigated were nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter ≤10µm (PM10), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO). Safety air concentration levels for the air pollutants were also considered. RESULTS: PCI in STEMI patients was more frequent when AP was higher than 1013.15hPa (61.8% vs 38.2%, p<0.001). The incidences of STEMI patients when NO2, PM10 and O3 levels overcame the safe threshold were 83.1%, 52% and 8.5%, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the daily number of STEMI subsequently treated with primary PCI and the air pollutant levels of the same day for NO2 (r=0.205, p=0.001), PM10 (r=0.349, p<0.0001) and O3 (r=0.191, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: A direct and significant correlation exists between the number of daily STEMI patients and the NO2, PM10 and O3 air concentration levels of the same day.

Optimal Duration of Coronary Ligation and Reperfusion for Reperfusion Injury Study in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Reperfusion injury (RI) has an important impact on the clinical prognosis for patients with acute myocardial injury who had their coronary blood flow reestablished. However, no studies to date have investigated the timeframe of coronary occlusion and reperfusion effects on RI. METHODS: A total of 100 rats were divided into 4 groups based on the coronary ligation period: 30, 60, 120, and 180 min, and each group was further divided into 5 subgroups with different reperfusion periods: 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min. R0 was the baseline of each subgroup. All animals received the same protocols for designed ligation and reperfusion periods. Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride were used to distinguish different myocardial injury areas: area at risk (AAR) and myocardial necrosis. The differences of the ratios of the necrotic area to AAR between each subgroup and baseline were further averaged to calculate an overall value of each heart. RESULTS: The relative RI percentages showed significant differences (0.8 ± 2.3%, 4.9 ± 3.3%, 10.8 ± 3.1%, and 20.3 ± 3.6% respectively, p < 0.001) at different time points of reperfusion but not at different time points of ligation (p = 0.593). The effects of different time courses in RI showed that the L120R180 group (43.4 ± 2.3%) had the highest RI difference with the baseline group. CONCLUSIONS: Maximal RI occurred at the timeframe of L120R180 in our animal model. This result may be utilized to assess the substantial benefits of RI therapies in an experimental rat model setting.

Factors Associated With Delays in Seeking Medical Attention in Patients With ST-segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Prompt coronary reperfusion is crucial in patients with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with a delay in seeking medical attention after the onset of symptoms in patients with this condition. METHODS: Prospective cohort study in consecutive patients with ST segment elevation infarction. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with a longer delay in requesting medical help. RESULTS: In total, 444 consecutive patients were included (mean age, 63 years; 76% men, 20% with diabetes). Median total ischemia time was 225 (160-317) minutes; median delay in seeking medical attention was 110 (51-190) minutes. Older patients (age > 75 years; odds ratio = 11.6), women (odds ratio = 3.4), individuals with diabetes (odds ratio = 2.3), and those requesting medical care from home (odds ratio = 2.2) showed the longest delays in seeking medical attention. Lengthy delay was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (9.8% vs 2.7%; P<.005) and 1-year mortality (7.3% vs 2.9%; P<.05) than when attention was promptly solicited. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients, women, and diabetic individuals with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction show longer delays in seeking medical attention for their condition. Delays in seeking medical attention are associated with greater in-hospital and 1-year mortality.

Aortic counterpulsation in cardiogenic shock during acute myocardial infarction.

Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation is the most widely used form of mechanical hemodynamic support in the setting of cardiogenic shock due to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is also strongly recommended (class 1b) in the current European guidelines for treatment of STEMI. The evidence of a possible benefit of IABP in this setting is based mainly on registry data and a few randomized trials. Cardiogenic shock and subsequent death due to STEMI result from three factors: hemodynamic deterioration, occurrence of multiorgan dysfunction and systemic inflammatory response. IABP does not cause an immediate improvement in blood pressure, but the recent SHOCK II trial shows positive effects on multiorgan dysfunction. Some experimental and clinical studies have indicated that IABP results in hemodynamic benefits as a result of afterload reduction and diastolic augmentation with improvement of coronary perfusion. However, the effect on cardiac output is modest and may not be sufficient to reduce mortality. Furthermore we can say that the use of IABP before coronary revascularization in the setting of STEMI complicated with cardiogenic shock may make the interventional procedure safer by improving left ventricular unloading. The purpose of the present review is to clarify the state of the art on this topic.

Transportation to primary percutaneous coronary intervention, compared with on-site fibrinolysis, is a strong independent predictor of functional status after myocardial infarction: 5-year follow-up of the PRAGUE-2 trial.

AIMS: Subjective symptoms represent significant criteria of a patient's health condition; therefore, we focused on the long-term prevalence of heart failure symptoms and angina pectoris after myocardial infarction between two groups of patients in which two different therapeutic strategies were used during the acute phase of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: The PRAGUE-2 study enrolled 850 patients with STEMI. The patients were randomized into two groups - transport to a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centre (n=429) vs. fibrinolysis in community hospitals (n=421). The data were collected from either primary hospitals or PCI centres, as well as via questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 58 months. At 5 years, 45.4% of patients were in New York Heart Association class I following primary PCI vs. 31.8% of those treated with fibrinolysis (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.37-2.97, p<0.002). At 5 years, 83.6% of patients had no symptoms of angina pectoris following invasive therapy vs. 58% of patients treated with fibrinolysis (OR 4.47, 95% CI 2.79-7.18, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms of angina pectoris and heart failure were significantly lower in patients assigned to primary PCI in the acute stage of myocardial infarction compared with patients treated with fibrinolysis at the 5-year follow up.

Can doubling the maintenance dose of clopidogrel prevent from early stent thrombosis after the primary percutaneous coronary intervention?

BACKGROUND: Treatment of significant coronary artery disease with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) seems better than angioplasty balloon; because the incidence of restenosis is lower in this method, however, a serious complication of PCI is stent thrombosis which would lead to repeated myocardial infarction (MI) and increase the mortality and morbidity. One of the frequent medications which is used to prevent from stent thrombosis is clopidogrel, but, stent thrombosis was seen in many of the patients despite given the conventional dosage of this drug. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of doubling the maintenance dose of clopidogrel to prevent from early stent thrombosis, MI and mortality rate. METHODS: This was a clinical trial study which was done in Shahid Chamran Hospital in winter 2010 in Isfahan, Iran. A total of 400 patients with PCI were prospectively followed-up for 30 days. All the patients were randomly allocated into two groups. The control group received a maintenance dose of 75 mg clopidogrel while the case group received 150 mg clopidogrel after the initial dosage of 600 mg for 30 days after the PCI. The incidence of primary outcome such as total mortality was recorded during the study. RESULTS: Early stent thrombosis was observed in 4 patients (1%) (One subject in the control group and 3 in the case group) during the first 30 days after PCI, but the difference was not significant between the two groups (P=0.62). Mortality due to stent thrombosis occurred in 2 patients in the case group which showed no significant difference in this group (P=0.5). In addition, MI occurred in 2 patients (1 in each group) which also showed no significant difference between the two groups (P=1). Drug complication such as major bleeding had no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.9). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that doubling dose of clopidogrel could not reduce the incidence of early stent thrombosis, mortality and myocardial infarction in comparison with conventional dosage; therefore it is recommended that more studies be done in Iranian and Asian race for clinical decision-making to prevent form stent thrombosis using high dose of clopidogrel.

The Safety and Feasibility of Transradial Primary Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aggressive antithrombotic therapy and transfemoral primary intervention during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) restricts the patient's movement and may increase the risk of access site bleeding complications, and lengthen the duration of movement restriction and hospital stay. Transradial approach provides less bleeding complications and early ambulation. The purpose of this study is to know whether transradial primary intervention is safe and feasible in the patients with AMI. MATERIALS AND METHOD: From April 1998 to December 1998, transradial primary interventions were performed in the consecutive 28 patients (24 male, 57+/-7 years) by two experienced operators. The results were compared to the results of 44 (15 patients during same period, 29 during previous year) transfemoral primary interventions. RESULTS: 1)The success rates of transradial primary interventions was 93% (26/28) and comparable to 95% (42/44) of transfemoral primary interventions. 2)In transradial group, the time from the arrival of catheterization laboratory to arterial access and to reperfusion, the time from the arrival of emergency room to reperfusion were 8.1+/-3.4 minutes, 22.0+/-5.3 minutes, and 71.7+/-9.2 minutes, respectively and comparable to 9.0+/-3.1 minutes, 21.7+/-5.3 minutes, and 68.9+/-8.1 minutes of transfemoral group, respectively. 3)The complications of the procedure were treated successfully during transradial interventions. 4)In transradial group, puncture site bleeding complications were absent though heparin was continued and mild ambulation was possible early after the procedure. The hospital stay of transradial group was 5.3+/-1.3 days and shorter than 7.7+/-4.2 days of transfemoral group. CONCLUSION: In the low risk patients with AMI, transradial primary intervention might be safe and feasible with acceptable time delay by the experienced operators. It might be effective to reduce access site bleeding complications and to initiate early ambulation, resulting in the shortened hospital stay.