Adherence to guidelines regarding anticoagulation and risk factors for progression of atrial fibrillation in a nurse-led clinic.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest cardiac arrhythmia associated with an increased risk of stroke. Evidence suggests that management in a specialty clinic improves clinical outcomes of patients. AIMS: To assess level of adherence to evidence-based guidelines regarding anticoagulation and the risk factors for progression of AF in a nurse-led AF clinic. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical records of 136 patients seen at the AF clinic to determine their risk factors and progression of AF (change in AF type to more advanced types) during follow up. Additionally, the proportion of patients with CHA2 DS2 -VASC score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 (doubled), diabetes mellitus, stroke (doubled)-vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex category (female)) of ≥2 who were prescribed anticoagulants according to European Society of Cardiology guidelines before and after attending the clinic was determined. RESULTS: Rate of anticoagulation in patients with CHA2 DS2 -VASC score of ≥2 after attending the clinic (91.3%) was significantly higher than the rate before attending the clinic (79.3%) (P = 0.0076). Mean age in those with AF progression (72.5 ± 9.4) was higher than those without AF progression (66.9 ± 13.9) (P = 0.0072). Rate of AF progression was higher in those with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 ) (P = 0.0364) and those with excessive alcohol intake (>2 standard drinks) (P = 0.0039). History of hypertension was not a significant predictor of AF progression (P = 0.7507). CONCLUSIONS: Management of AF in a nurse-led clinic was associated with high level of adherence to anticoagulation guidelines. Age, obesity and excessive alcohol intake were significant predictors for progression of AF.

The Rise of Transradial Artery Access for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes in Australia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via transradial artery access (TRA) or transfemoral artery access (TFA). BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, evidence for the benefit of TRA for PCI has grown, leading to a steady uptake of TRA around the world. Despite this, the topic remains controversial with contrary evidence to suggest no significant benefit over TFA. METHODS: A retrospective study of consecutive ACS patients from 2011 to 2017 who underwent PCI via TRA or TFA. The primary outcome was Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE), a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularisation (TLR), or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding events scored 2 or higher, haematoma formation, and stent thrombosis, in addition to all individual components of MACE. RESULTS: We treated 3624 patients (77% male), with PCI via TFA (n = 2391) or TRA (n = 1233). Transradial artery access was associated with a reduction in mortality (3% vs 6.3%; p < 0.0001), MI (1.8% vs 3.9%; p=0.0004), CABG (0.6% vs 1.5%; p=0.0205), TLR (1% vs 2.9%; p < 0.0001), large haematoma (0.4% vs 1.8%; p=0.0003), BARC 2 (0.2% vs 1.1%; p=0.0029), and BARC 3 events (0.4% vs 1.0%; p=0.0426). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, TFA, age ≥ 75, prior PCI, use of bare metal stents, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and multivessel coronary artery disease were associated with an increased risk of MACE. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations secondary to the observational nature of our study and multiple confounders, our results are in line with results of major trials and, as such, we feel that our results support the use of TRA as the preferred access site in patients undergoing PCI for ACS to improve patient outcomes.

Gender is Not a Predictor of Mortality or Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Coronary Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Historically, studies of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have reported worse outcomes for women. We sought to determine if contemporary PCI techniques eliminate gender differences in PCI outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 4,776 consecutive patients who underwent PCI for acute coronary syndromes between January 2008 and July 2015. Primary outcomes studied were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and death at 1year. RESULTS: Percutaneous coronary intervention success was similar in men and women (97.8% v 97.7%, p=0.76). There was no significant gender difference in the number of vessels attempted (1.14 vs 1.12, p=0.25), mean number of lesions treated (1.34 vs 1.32, p=0.21) or the mean number of stents used (1.32 vs 1.30, p=0.31). There was equivalent use of drug eluting stents (38.2% vs 38.3%, p=0.94). Women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction STEMI had longer median symptom-to-door time (111 vs 90 mins, p=0.0411) but there was no gender difference in door-to-balloon time or symptom-to-balloon time. There was no significant difference in percentages of women and men <75years treated with prasugrel or ticagrelor (11.1% vs 13.4%, p=0.092). Unadjusted 1-year mortality was 6.4% for women and 4% for men (p=0.0012), but on multivariate analysis, female sex was not a predictor of death. There was no significant gender difference in the overall incidence of unadjusted 1-year MACE (11.6% vs 10.8%, p=0.434). CONCLUSIONS: When contemporary PCI techniques are applied equally to men and women with ACS there is no gender difference in mortality or MACE at 1year.

Differences in management and outcomes for men and women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether there are sex differences in the characteristics, management, and clinical outcomes of patients with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Design, setting: Cohort study; analysis of data collected prospectively by the CONCORDANCE acute coronary syndrome registry from 41 Australian hospitals between February 2009 and May 2016. PARTICIPANTS: 2898 patients (2183 men, 715 women) with STEMI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of revascularisation (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], thrombolysis, coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]), adjusted for GRACE risk score quartile. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: timely vascularisation rates; major adverse cardiac event rates; clinical outcomes and preventive treatments at discharge. RESULTS: The mean age of women with STEMI at presentation was 66.6 years (SD, 14.5 years), of men, 60.5 years (SD, 12.5 years). The proportions of women with hypertension, diabetes, prior stroke, chronic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, or dementia were larger than those of men; fewer women had histories of previous coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction, or of prior PCI or CABG. Women were less likely to have undergone coronary angiography (odds ratio, adjusted for GRACE score quartile [aOR], 0.53; 95% CI, 0.41-0.69) or revascularisation (aOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.34-0.52); they were less likely to have received timely revascularisation (aOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.63-0.83) or primary PCI (aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61-0.95). Six months after admission, the rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (aOR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.76-4.09) and mortality (aOR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.24-3.80) were higher for women. At discharge, significantly fewer women than men received ß-blockers, statins, and referrals to cardiac rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Women with STEMI are less likely to receive invasive management, revascularisation, or preventive medication at discharge. The reasons for these persistent differences in care require investigation.

Socioeconomic Equity in the Receipt of In-Hospital Care and Outcomes in Australian Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: The CONCORDANCE Registry.

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic status (SES) is a social determinant of both health and receipt of health care services, but its impact is under-studied in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study was to examine the influence of SES on in-hospital care, and clinical events for patients presenting with an ACS to public hospitals in Australia. METHODS: Data from 9064 ACS patient records were collected from 41 public hospitals nationwide from 2009 as part of the Cooperative National Registry of Acute Coronary Syndrome Care (CONCORDANCE) registry. For this analysis, we divided the cohort into four socioeconomic groups (based on postcode of usual residence) and compared the in-hospital care provided and clinical outcomes before and after adjustment for both patient clinical characteristics and hospital clustering. RESULTS: Patients were divided into four SES groups (from the most to the least disadvantaged: 2042 (23%) vs. 2104 (23%) vs. 1994 (22%) vs. 2968 (32%)). Following adjustments for patient characteristics, there were no differences in the odds of receiving coronary angiogram, revascularisation, prescription of recommended medication, or referral to cardiac rehabilitation across the SES groups (p=0.06, 0.69, 0.89 and 0.79, respectively). After adjustment for clinical characteristics, no associations were observed for in-hospital and cumulative death (p=0.62 and p=0.71, respectively). However, the most disadvantaged group were 37% more likely to have a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) than the least disadvantaged group (OR (95% CI): 1.37 (1.1, 1.71), p=0.02) driven by incidence of in-hospital heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: Although there may be gaps in the delivery of care, this delivery of care does not differ by patient's SES. It is an encouraging affirmation that all patients in Australian public hospitals receive equal in-hospital care, and the likelihood of death is comparable between the SES groups.

Impact of Mild-to-Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease on One Year Outcomes after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk of adverse events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There is conflicting evidence regarding the benefit of drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with CKD. This study is aimed at assessing the effect of mild-to-moderate CKD on PCI outcomes, and determining if DES reduce adverse events amongst these patients. METHOD: We used our PCI database to determine demographic, procedural and outcome variables for 1960 consecutive patients (October 2009-October 2012). Kidney function was measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR - CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine based). Multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent variables associated with mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). RESULTS: The independent variables, predictive of 12-month mortality in PCI patients, were: age >64 years (hazard ratio [HR] 3.10 [95% CI 1.73-5.55], p < 0.001), 3-vessel disease (HR 1.72 [95% CI 1.10-2.68], p = 0.016) and CKD stage. Compared to stage 1 CKD (eGFR >89), HR of death increased in a progressive pattern below eGFR <75: eGFR 60-74, HR 2.40 (95% CI 1.2-4.78), p = 0.013, eGFR 45-59, HR 3.27 (95% CI 1.55-6.9), p = 0.002, eGFR 30-44, HR 4.10 (95% CI 1.82-9.24), p = 0.001, eGFR <30, HR 7.97 (95% CI 3.65-17.40), p < 0.001. In patients with eGFR <75, multivariate analysis demonstrated that DES use was an independent predictor of lower MACE (HR BMS vs. DES 1.8, p = 0.0044). CONCLUSION: Age, severity of CKD and 3-vessel disease were independent predictors of mortality following PCI. The mortality risk in CKD patients increased progressively with eGFR <75. The use of DES was associated with a lower rate of MACE in CKD patients with eGFR <75.

Symptom-to-Balloon Time is a Strong Predictor of Adverse Events Following Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Results From the Australian Capital Territory PCI Registry.

BACKGROUND: Notwithstanding improvements in door-to-balloon time, adverse event rates after primary PCI have remained steady. We analysed the effect of symptom-to-balloon (STB) time, a reflection of total ischaemic time, on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and explored predictors of prolonged STB time. METHODS: The study population included 1002 consecutive patients (22.4% women) with a mean age of 62.3±13.2 years, who underwent primary PCI during 2008-2014. Groups were compared for STB ≤ and >240min. Primary endpoint was one-year MACE, a composite of death, reinfarction, stent thrombosis or target vessel revascularisation. RESULTS: Symptom-to-balloon time was available in 893 patients of which 588 (65.8%) had STB ≤240min and 305 (34.2%) had STB >240min. The incidence of one-year MACE increased significantly in a stepwise manner with increasing STB time (p for trend=0.003). Symptom-to-balloon time was an independent predictor of one-year MACE along with age >70 years, final TIMI flow <3, three vessel disease, cardiogenic shock and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We also performed a multivariate analysis to determine predictors of delayed treatment. Predictors of STB time >240min were age >70 years, female gender, diabetes, absence of prehospital catheter laboratory activation and presentation to a non-PCI centre. CONCLUSION: Incidence of MACE was strongly correlated with STB time and STB time was an independent predictor of MACE. We have identified specific subgroups with prolonged STB times (age >70, female gender, diabetes, absence of prehospital activation and presentation to a non-PCI centre). This information should inform future studies and strategies to minimise delays in these subgroups for improved outcomes.

Association Between Body Mass Index and Age of Presentation With Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is increasingly recognized as an important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). HYPOTHESIS: Patients with increased body mass index (BMI) present at a younger age with symptomatic CAD. METHODS: We analyzed data on 2137 consecutive patients admitted for treatment of CAD proven on angiography from 2010 to 2013, excluding those with prior coronary intervention or bypass surgery. RESULTS: Mean age was 64.1 ± 12.4 years; 75% were male; 43.6% were overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2 ) and 31.6% were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2 ). Patients with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 compared with <25 kg/m2 were more likely to have diabetes (24.5% vs 13.6%), hypertension (56.2% vs 45.5%), and hyperlipidemia (42.4% vs 31.6%; P < 0.0001 for all). On multivariate analysis adjusted for sex and cardiovascular risk factors, patients in higher BMI categories had lower mean age in a linear and stepwise fashion compared with those with normal BMI (P < 0.0001). For example, compared with patients with normal BMI, those with BMI of 35 to 39.9 kg/m2 were on average 9.2 years younger (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis examining the interaction between sex and BMI produced similar results for effect of BMI on age of presentation (P = 0.97 for interaction). CONCLUSIONS: After multivariate adjustment, patients with increased BMI presented at an earlier age with symptomatic CAD compared with patients with normal BMI. Primary prevention efforts in those with increased BMI to reduce risk-factor burden, including evidence-based treatments for weight reduction, promise to reduce risk or delay onset of CAD.

Mortality pattern and cause of death in a long-term follow-up of patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the pattern of mortality and cause of death in a cohort of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Consecutive patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI during 2006-2013 were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (1-8.4 years). We used hospital and general practice records and mortality data from The Australian National Death Index. RESULTS: Among 1313 patients (22.5% female) with mean age of 62.3±13.1 years, 181 patients (13.7%) died during long-term follow-up. In the first 7 days, 45 patients (3.4%) died, 76% of these due to cardiogenic shock. Between 7 days and 1 year, another 50 patients died (3.9%), 58% from cardiovascular causes and 22% from cancer. Beyond 1 year, there were 86 deaths with an estimated mean mortality rate of 2.05% per year, 36% of deaths were cardiovascular and 52% non-cardiovascular, including 29% cancer-related deaths. On multivariate analysis, age ≥75 years, history of diabetes, prior PCI, cardiogenic shock, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 and symptom-to-balloon time >360 min were independent predictors of long-term mortality. In 16 patients who died of sudden cardiac death postdischarge, only 4 (25%) had ejection fraction ≤35% and would have been eligible for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. CONCLUSIONS: In the era of routine primary PCI, we found a mortality rate of 7.3% at 1 year, and 2.05% per year thereafter. Cause of death was predominantly cardiovascular in the first year and mainly non-cardiovascular after 1 year. Age, diabetes, prior PCI, cardiogenic shock, eGFR <60 and delayed treatment were independent predictors of mortality.

Characteristics and Clinical Course of STEMI Patients who Received no Reperfusion in the Australia and New Zealand SNAPSHOT ACS Registry.

BACKGROUND: Cohort studies of STEMI patients have reported that over 30% receive no reperfusion. Barriers to greater use of reperfusion in STEMI patients require further elucidation. METHODS: We collected data on STEMI patients with no reperfusion as part of the SNAPSHOT ACS Registry, which recruited consecutive ACS patients in 478 hospitals throughout Australia and New Zealand during 14-27 May 2012. RESULTS: Of 4387 patients enrolled, 419 were diagnosed with STEMI. Primary PCI (PPCI) was performed in 160 (38.2%), fibrinolysis was used in 105 (25.1%), and 154 (36.7%) had no reperfusion. Patients with no reperfusion had a mean age of 70.3±15.0 years compared with 63.1±13.5 in the reperfusion group (p<0.0001). There were more females in the no reperfusion group (37.1% v 23.0% p=0.002) and they were significantly more likely to have prior PCI or CABG, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease and other vascular disease, and to be nursing home residents (all p<0.05). Patients without reperfusion had a significantly higher mortality in hospital (11.7% v 4.9%, p=0.011). In 370 patients who presented within 12hours, 28 had early angiography without PCI, which was considered an attempt at reperfusion. Therefore reperfusion was attempted in 293 of 370 eligible patients (79.2%). CONCLUSION: Of consecutive STEMI patients, 36.7% did not receive any reperfusion and they had a higher risk of death in hospital. In eligible patients, reperfusion was attempted in 79.2%. National strategies to encourage earlier medical contact and greater use of reperfusion in eligible patients may lead to better outcomes.

Predictors and outcome of no-reflow post primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: No-reflow (TIMI < 3) during primary PCI (PCI) for STEMI occurs in 11-41% of cases, indicates poor myocardial tissue perfusion, and is associated with a poor outcome. We aimed to determine predictors and 12 month outcomes of patients who developed no-reflow. METHODS: We analysed the PCI database of The Canberra Hospital and identified 781 patients who underwent primary PCI during 2008-2012. Follow-up at 12 months was with letter, phone call and review of hospital records. RESULTS: No-reflow was observed in 189 patients (25%) at the end of the procedure. Patients with no-reflow were older (64 vs. 61 years, p = 0.03). No-reflow patients were more likely to have initial TIMI flow < 3 (89% vs. 79%, p = 0.001), thrombus score ≥ 4 (83% vs. 69%, p = 0.0001), higher use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (57% vs. 48%, p = 0.03) and longer median symptom to balloon time (223 min vs. 192 min, p = 0.004). No-reflow was an independent predictor of mortality (HR 1.95, CI 1.04-3.59, p = 0.037) during 12 month follow-up. On multivariate analysis, age > 60 years, thrombus score ≥ 4 and symptom to balloon time > 360 min were independent predictors of no-reflow. In 17% of cases of no reflow, it occurred only after stent insertion. CONCLUSIONS: No-reflow occurred in 25% of STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI and was more likely with older age, high thrombus burden and delayed presentation. No-reflow was associated with a higher risk of death at 12 month follow-up.

Shorter ischaemic time and improved survival with pre-hospital STEMI diagnosis and direct transfer for primary PCI.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine if our regional program for pre-hospital STEMI diagnosis and direct transfer for primary PCI (PPCI) was associated with shorter ischaemic times and improved survival compared with ED diagnosis. METHODS: STEMI diagnosis was made at the scene by pre-hospital ECG or in local EDs depending on patient presentation. Ambulance ECGs were transmitted to our ED for cath lab activation. Patient variables and outcomes at 12 months were recorded. RESULTS: We treated 782 consecutive patients with PPCI during January 2008-June 2013. Cath lab activation was initiated prior to hospital arrival (pre-hospital) in 24% of cases and by ED in 76% of cases. Median total ischaemic time was 154 min for pre-hospital and 211 minutes for ED patients (p<0.0001). Mortality at 12 months was 7.9% in the ED group compared with 3.7% in the pre-hospital group (p=0.036). On multivariate Cox regression analysis including baseline and procedural variables, pre-hospital activation remained an independent predictor of mortality (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.20-1.0, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-hospital diagnosis of STEMI and direct transfer to the cath lab reduced total ischaemic time by 57 minutes and mortality by >50% following PPCI. Further efforts are needed to increase the proportion of STEMI patients treated using this strategy.

Patients' understanding of their heart attack and the impact of exposure to a media campaign on pre-hospital time.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have a limited understanding of AMI symptoms and risk factors. This can lead to delays in the recognition of an AMI and hospital presentation. We aimed to assess patients' understanding of their AMI symptoms and risk factors and also assess the impact of exposure to a media campaign on their pre-hospital time. METHODS: We surveyed 100 AMI patients admitted to the Canberra Hospital. We asked them about their AMI symptoms and risk factors and the impact of the National Heart Foundation (NHF) advertisements on their AMI experience. RESULTS: Only 26% of patients recognised that they were having an AMI. In 34% of cases, an ambulance was called. There was no significant difference in the median pre-hospital time between patients who encountered the NHF advertisements and those who had not (133 minutes vs. 137 minutes, p=0.809). Only 22% of patients could identify all of their personal AMI risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Most AMI patients do not initially recognise their condition nor do they call for an ambulance. Exposure to the NHF advertisements had no significant influence on reducing pre-hospital time in this cohort. Most patients have a limited understanding of AMI risk factors and causes.

Benefits of dual-axis rotational coronary angiography in routine clinical practice.

Dual-axis rotational coronary angiography (DARCA) is a new imaging technique involving three-dimensional rotation of the gantry around the patient with simultaneous left to right and craniocaudal movements. This allows complete imaging of the left or right coronary tree with a single acquisition run. Previous small studies have indicated that DARCA is associated with reduced radiation dose and contrast use in comparison with standard coronary angiography (SCA). We conducted a registry of unselected patients undergoing DARCA or SCA. DARCA was used in 107 patients and SCA in 105 patients. Mean number of acquisition runs was 2.6 for DARCA and 6.9 for SCA (P < 0.0001). Mean radiation dose (dose-area product, DAP) was 30.4 Gy cm(2) for SCA and 15.9 Gy cm(2) for DARCA (P < 0.0001). Mean contrast volume was 41.7 ml for SCA and 25.7 ml for DARCA (P < 0.0001). Case time for DARCA in the first half of the study was 20.8 ± 1.4 min compared with 15.2 ± 2.0 min in the second half of the study (P = 0.0015), suggesting a learning curve. In the DARCA group, 64 % of patients required only two acquisition runs for complete and satisfactory imaging. There were no adverse effects resulting from DARCA. Two cases are presented to illustrate the diagnostic ability of DARCA. DARCA was associated with a 48 % reduction in radiation dose and 36 % reduction in contrast volume in comparison with SCA, with comparable diagnostic ability.

Efficacy of non-compliant balloon post-dilation in optimization of contemporary stents: A digital stent enhancement study.

BACKGROUND: There is no evidence from randomized trials for the benefit of routine non-compliant balloon (NCB) post-dilation after stent deployment. Despite being the gold standard, intravascular ultrasound is infrequently performed due to time and cost constraints and a suitable alternative technology is required for routine assessment of stent expansion. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of NCB post-dilation in optimizing contemporary stents by using digital stent enhancement (DSE). METHODS: We treated 120 patients with stent insertion and assessed the stents with DSE before and after NCB use. Optimal expansion was defined as the minimum stent diameter (MSD) ≥ 90% of the nominal stent diameter, an adaptation of the MUSIC and POSTIT trial criteria. Stent deployment was performed at 12 atm pressure followed by routine NCB post-dilation at ≥ 14 atm. RESULTS: The mean reference diameter on QCA was 2.75 mm (SD 0.63) and mean stent diameter was 3.15 mm (SD 0.46). At a mean stent deployment pressure of 11.7 atm (SD 2.4), only 21% of stents were optimally expanded. After NCB inflation at a mean of 16.9 atm (SD 2.8), MSD increased by 0.26 mm (SD 0.24), optimal stent expansion increased from 21% to 58% and mean stent symmetry ratio increased from 0.83 to 0.87 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary stents are sub-optimally expanded in the majority of cases after standard deployment compared with nominal sizes. Adjunctive NCB post-dilation optimized an additional 37% of stents. DSE analysis can assist in qualitative and quantitative stent assessments and can potentially facilitate a selective NCB post-dilation strategy to achieve optimal stent expansion.

Diastolic function is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in patients with stage 4-5 Chronic Kidney disease (CKD, eGFR < 30). There are only limited data on the risk factors predicting these complications in CKD patients. Our aim was to determine the role of clinical and echocardiographic parameters in predicting mortality and cardiovascular complications in CKD patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 153 CKD patients between 2007 and 2009. All patients underwent echocardiography at baseline and were followed for a mean of 2.6 years using regular clinic visits and review of files and hospital presentations to record the incidence of cardiovascular events and death. RESULTS: Of 153 patients enrolled, 57 (37%) were on dialysis and 45 (78%) of these patients were on haemodialysis. An enlarged LV was present in 32% of patients and in 22% the LVEF was below 55%. LV mass index was increased in 75% of patients. Some degree of diastolic dysfunction was present in 85% of patients and 35% had grade 2 or higher diastolic dysfunction. During follow up 41 patients (27%) died, 15 (39%) from cardiovascular causes. Mortality was 24.0% in the non-dialysis patients versus 31.6% in patients on dialysis (p=ns). On multivariate analysis age >75 years, previous history of MI, diastolic dysfunction and detectable serum troponin T were significant independent predictor of mortality (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with stage 4-5 CKD had a mortality rate of 27% over a mean follow up of 2.6 years. Age >75 years, history of MI, diastolic dysfunction and troponin T were independent predictors of mortality.

Effect of transfer delay on left ventricular function after primary PCI for ST elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Primary PCI (PPCI) is superior to thrombolysis for treatment of acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). However, transfer to a PCI centre results in a treatment delay compared to those presenting directly to such hospitals. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of transfer delay on LV function and clinical outcomes in PPCI patients. METHODS: Of 113 consecutive PPCI patients, 69 presented directly to the PCI centre and 44 were transferred. Echocardiography was performed at day 1 and after 6 weeks to assess LV function using the Wall Motion Score Index (WMSI). Patients were followed for a mean of 3.51 years. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in WMSI at day 1 between local and transfer patients (1.52±0.36 and 1.48±0.34 respectively, p=ns). After 6 weeks the WMSI improved significantly in both groups (1.33±0.33 and 1.31±0.31 respectively, p<0.001 for both). On multivariate analysis, pain to balloon time>160 min, LAD stenosis and initial TIMI flow 0-1 were significant independent predictors of LV dysfunction. There was no significant difference in clinical events during long term follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients transferred for PPCI had similar LV function and clinical outcomes compared to those who presented directly to a PCI hospital.