Metrics of care and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with pharmacoinvasive strategy: a decade-long network in a populous city in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacoinvasive strategy is an effective myocardial reperfusion therapy when primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) cannot be performed in a timely manner. METHODS: Authors sought to evaluate metrics of care and cardiovascular outcomes in a decade-long registry of a pharmacoinvasive strategy network for the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Data from a local network including patients undergoing fibrinolysis in county hospitals and systematically transferred to the tertiary center were accessed from March 2010 to September 2020. Numerical variables were described as median and interquartile range. Area under the curve (AUC-ROC) was used to analyze the predictive value of TIMI and GRACE scores for in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 2,710 consecutive STEMI patients aged 59 [51-66] years, 815 women (30.1%) and 837 individuals with diabetes (30.9%) were analyzed. The time from symptom onset to first-medical-contact was 120 [60-210] minutes and the door-to-needle time was 70 [43-115] minutes. Rescue-PCI was required in 929 patients (34.3%), in whom the fibrinolytic-catheterization time was 7.2 [4.9-11.8] hours, compared to 15.7 [6.8-22,7] hours in those who had successful lytic reperfusion. All cause in-hospital mortality occurred in 151 (5.6%) patients, reinfarction in 47 (1.7%) and ischemic stroke in 33 (1.2%). Major bleeding occurred in 73 (2.7%) patients, including 19 (0.7%) cases of intracranial bleeding. C-statistic confirmed that both scores had high predictive values for in-hospital mortality, demonstrated by TIMI AUC-ROC of 0.80 [0,77-0.84] and GRACE AUC-ROC of 0.86 [0.83-0.89]. CONCLUSION: In a real world registry of a decade-long network for the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction based on the pharmacoinvasive strategy, low rates of in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular outcomes were observed, despite prolonged time metrics for both fibrinolytic therapy and rescue-PCI. Register Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02090712 date of first registration 18/03/2014.

Pharmaco-invasive Strategy in Myocardial Infarction: Descriptive Analysis, Presentation of Ischemic Symptoms and Mortality Predictors. / Estratégia Fármaco-Invasiva no Infarto do Miocárdio: Análise Descritiva, Apresentação de Sintomas Isquêmicos e Preditores de Mortalidade.

BACKGROUND: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is defined by symptoms accompanied by typical electrocardiogram changes. However, the characterization of ischemic symptoms is unclear, especially in subgroups such as women and the elderly. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the typification of ischemic symptoms, temporal metrics and observe the occurrence of in-hospital outcomes, in the analysis of predictive scores, in patients with STEMI, in a drug-invasive strategy. METHODS: Study involving 2,290 patients. Types of predefined clinical presentations: typical pain, atypical pain, dyspnea, syncope. We measured the time between the onset of symptoms and demand for care and the interval between arrival at the medical unit and thrombolysis. Odds-ratios (OR; CI-95%) were estimated in a regression model. ROC curves were constructed for mortality predictors. The adopted significance level (alpha) was 5%. RESULTS: Women had a high prevalence of atypical symptoms; longer time between the onset of symptoms and seeking care; delay between arrival at the emergency room and fibrinolysis. Hospital mortality was 5.6%. Risk prediction by Killip-Kimball classification: AUC: [0.77 (0.73-0.81)] in class ≥II. Subgroups studied [OR (CI-95%)]: women [2.06 (1.42-2.99); p=0.01]; chronic renal failure [3.39 (2.13-5.42); p<0.001]; elderly [2.09 (1.37-3.19) p<0.001]; diabetics [1.55 (1.04-2.29); p=0.02]; obese 1.56 [(1.01-2.40); p=0.04]: previous stroke [2.01 (1.02-3.96); p=0.04] correlated with higher mortality rates. CONCLUSION: Despite higher mortality rates in some subgroups, significant disparity persists in women, with delays in symptom recognition and prompt thrombolysis. We highlight the applicability of the Killip-Kimball score in prediction, regardless of the clinical presentation.

FUNDAMENTO: O infarto do miocárdio com elevação do segmento-ST (IAMCSST) é definido por sintomas acompanhados por alterações típicas do eletrocardiograma. Entretanto, a caracterização dos sintomas isquêmicos não é clara, principalmente em subgrupos, como mulheres e idosos. OBJETIVOS: Analisar a tipificação dos sintomas isquêmicos, métricas temporais e observar a ocorrência de desfechos intra-hospitalares, em análise dos escores preditivos, em pacientes com IAMCSST, em estratégia fármaco-invasiva. MÉTODOS: Estudo envolvendo 2.290 pacientes. Tipos de apresentações clínicas pré-definidas: dor típica, dor atípica, dispnéia, sincope. Medimos o tempo entre o início dos sintomas à demanda pelo atendimento e o intervalo entre a chegada à unidade-médica e trombólise. Odds-ratios (OR; IC-95%) foram estimadas em modelo de regressão. Curvas ROCs foram construídas para preditores de mortalidade. Nível de significância adotado (alfa) foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Mulheres apresentaram alta prevalência de sintomas atípicos; maior tempo entre o início dos sintomas e a procura por atendimento; atraso entre a chegada ao pronto-socorro e a fibrinólise. A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 5,6%. Predição de risco pela classificação Killip-Kimball: AUC: [0,77 (0,73-0,81)] em classe ≥II. Subgrupos estudados [OR (IC-95%)]: mulheres [2,06 (1,42-2,99); p=0,01]; insuficiência renal crônica [3,39 (2,13-5,42); p<0,001]; idosos [2,09 (1,37-3,19) p<0,001]; diabéticos [1,55 (1,04-2,29); p=0,02]; obesos 1,56 [(1,01-2,40); p=0,04]; acidente vascular cerebral prévio [2,01 (1,02-3,96); p=0,04] correlacionaram-se com maiores taxas de mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar das mais altas taxas de mortalidade em alguns subgrupos, disparidade significativa persiste nas mulheres, com atrasos no reconhecimento dos sintomas e trombólise imediata. Destaca-se a aplicabilidade do escore Killip-Kimball na predição, independentemente da apresentação clínica.

Prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing to pharmaco-invasive strategy.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the relationship between in-hospital mortality and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing with pharmaco-invasive strategy (PIS). BACKGROUND: Increased levels of white blood cells have been associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with (STEMI). NLR has recently emerged as a potent and more specific prognostic marker in predicting short- and long-term mortalityin patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. This association has never been reported in patients managed with PIS. METHODS: Between March 2010 and October 2016, 1860 STEMI patients managed with PIS were consecutively included in a dedicated database. The study population was divided into tertiles based on the admission NLR values (lower: <4.0, intermediate: 4.0 to <7.3, and upper: ≥7.3). Co-primary endpoints were in-hospital mortality and MACE (death, non-fatal reinfarction or stent thrombosis). RESULTS: Patients in the upper NLR tertile had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (9.0% vs. 4.8% versus. 1.8%, p < 0.001) and MACE (11.6% vs. 8.0% versus 2.9%, p < 0.001) than patients with intermediate or low NLR. By multivariable logistic regression analysis, the upper NLR tertile was an independent predictor of MACE (odds radio [OR] 4.19, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.23-7.88, p < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality [OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.19-9.28, p = 0.02]. CONCLUSION: High NLR values were independently associated with in-hospital MACE and death in STEMI patients submitted to a PIS. NLR might be a simple and useful risk stratification tool in this high-risk population.

Accuracy of Post-thrombolysis ST-segment Reduction as an Adequate Reperfusion Predictor in the Pharmaco-Invasive Approach. / Acurácia da Redução do Segmento-ST Pós-Trombólise como Preditor de Reperfusão Adequada em Estratégia Fármaco-Invasiva.

BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is considered the "gold standard" for coronary reperfusion. However, when not available, the drug-invasive strategy is an alternative method and the electrocardiogram (ECG) has been used to identify reperfusion success. OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to assess ST-Segment changes in post-thrombolysis and their power to predict recanalization and using the angiographic scores TIMI-flow and Myocardial Blush Grade (MBG) as an ideal reperfusion criterion. METHODS: 2,215 patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) undergoing fibrinolysis [(Tenecteplase)-TNK] and referred to coronary angiography within 24 h post-fibrinolysis or immediately referred to rescue therapy were studied. The ECG was performed pre- and 60 min-post-TNK. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with ideal reperfusion (TIMI-3 and MBG-3) and those with inadequate reperfusion (TIMI and MBG <3). The ECG reperfusion criterion was defined by the reduction of the ST-Segment >50%. A p-value <0.05 was considered for the analyses, with bicaudal tests. RESULTS: The ECG reperfusion criterion showed a positive predictive value of 56%; negative predictive value of 66%; sensitivity of 79%; and specificity of 40%. There was a weak positive correlation between ST-Segment reduction and ideal reperfusion angiographic data (r = 0.21; p <0.001) and low diagnostic accuracy, with an AUC of 0.60 (95%CI: 0.57-0.62). CONCLUSION: The ST-Segment reduction was not able to accurately identify patients with adequate angiographic reperfusion. Therefore, even patients with apparently successful reperfusion should be referred to angiography soon, to ensure adequate macro and microvascular coronary flow.

FUNDAMENTO: A intervenção coronária percutânea primária é considerada o "padrão-ouro" para reperfusão coronária. Entretanto, quando não disponível, a estratégia fármaco-invasiva é método alternativo, e o eletrocardiograma (ECG) tem sido utilizado para identificar sucesso na reperfusão. OBJETIVOS: Nosso estudo teve como objetivo examinar alterações no segmento-ST pós-lise e seu poder de prever a recanalização, usando os escores angiográficos TIMI e blush miocárdio (MBG) como critério de reperfusão ideal. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 2.215 pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supra-ST submetidos à fibrinólise [(Tenecteplase)-TNK] e encaminhados para angiografia coronária em até 24 h pós-fibrinólise ou imediatamente encaminhados à terapia de resgate. O ECG foi realizado pré-TNK e 60 min-pós. Os pacientes foram categorizados em dois grupos: aqueles com reperfusão ideal (TIMI-3 e MBG-3) e aqueles com reperfusão inadequada (fluxo TIMI <3). Foi definido o critério de reperfusão do ECG pela redução do segmento ST >50%. Consideramos p-valor <0,05 para as análises, com testes bicaudais. RESULTADOS: O critério de reperfusão pelo ECG apresentou valor preditivo positivo de 56%; valor preditivo negativo de 66%; sensibilidade de 79%; e especificidade de 40%. Houve fraca correlação positiva entre a redução do segmento-ST e os dados angiográficos de reperfusão ideal (r = 0,21; p <0,001) e baixa precisão diagnóstica, com AUC de 0,60 (IC-95%; 0,57-0,62). CONCLUSÃO: Em nossos resultados, a redução do segmento-ST não conseguiu identificar com precisão os pacientes com reperfusão angiográfica apropriada. Portanto, mesmo pacientes com reperfusão aparentemente bem-sucedida devem ser encaminhados à angiografia brevemente, a fim de garantir fluxo coronário macro e microvascular adequados.

Role of B lymphocytes in the infarcted mass in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Despite early reperfusion, patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may present large myocardial necrosis and significant impairment of ventricular function. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of subtypes of B lymphocytes and related cytokines in the infarcted mass and left ventricular ejection fraction obtained by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging performed after 30 days of STEMI. This prospective study included 120 subjects with STEMI submitted to pharmacoinvasive strategy. Blood samples were collected in subjects in the first (D1) and 30th (D30) days post STEMI. The amount of CD11b+ B1 lymphocytes (cells/ml) at D1 were related to the infarcted mass (rho = 0.43; P=0.033), measured by cardiac MRI at D30. These B1 cells were associated with CD4+ T lymphocytes at D1 and D30, while B2 classic lymphocytes at day 30 were related to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Higher titers of circulating IL-4 and IL-10 were observed at D30 versus D1 (P=0.013 and P<0.001, respectively). Titers of IL-6 at D1 were associated with infarcted mass (rho = 0.41, P<0.001) and inversely related to LVEF (rho = -0.38, P<0.001). After multiple linear regression analysis, high-sensitivity troponin T and IL-6 collected at day 1 were independent predictors of infarcted mass and, at day 30, only HDL-C. Regarding LVEF, high-sensitivity troponin T and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were independent predictors at day 1, and B2 classic lymphocytes, at day 30. In subjects with STEMI, despite early reperfusion, the amount of infarcted mass and ventricular performance were related to inflammatory responses triggered by circulating B lymphocytes.

Early Changes in Circulating Interleukins and Residual Inflammatory Risk After Acute Myocardial Infarction. / Alterações Precoces nas Interleucinas Circulantes e no Risco Inflamatório Residual após Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute myocardial infarction may have a large infarcted area and ventricular dysfunction despite early thrombolysis and revascularization. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the behavior of circulating cytokines in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and their relationship with ventricular function. METHODS: In the BATTLE-AMI (B and T Types of Lymphocytes Evaluation in Acute Myocardial Infarction) trial, patients with STEMI were treated with a pharmacoinvasive strategy. The plasma levels of cytokines (IL-1 ß , IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18) were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at baseline and after 30 days. Infarcted mass and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were examined by 3-T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. All p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, lower levels were detected for IL-1 ß (p = 0.028) and IL-18 (p < 0.0001) 30 days after STEMI, whereas higher levels were observed for IL-4 (p = 0.001) and IL-10 (p < 0.0001) at that time point. Conversely, no changes were detected for IL-6 levels (p = 0.63). The levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and IL-6 correlated at baseline (rho = 0.45, p < 0.0001) and 30 days after STEMI (rho = 0.29, p = 0.009). At baseline, correlation between IL-6 levels and LVEF was also observed (rho = -0.50, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: During the first month post-MI, we observed a marked improvement in the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, except for IL-6. These findings suggest residual inflammatory risk. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio podem apresentar uma grande área infartada e disfunção ventricular mesmo com trombólise e revascularização precoces. OBJETIVO: Investigar o comportamento das citocinas circulantes em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) e a relação delas com a função ventricular. MÉTODOS: No estudo BATTLE-AMI (Avaliação dos Linfócitos Tipos B e T no Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio), os pacientes com IAMCSST foram tratados com uma estratégia farmacoinvasiva. Os níveis de citocinas (IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 e IL-18) no plasma foram testados através de ensaio de imunoadsorção enzimática (ELISA) no início do estudo e após 30 dias. A massa infartada e a fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda (FEVE) foram examinadas por ressonância magnética cardíaca 3-T. Valores de p menores que 0,05 foram considerados significativos. RESULTADOS: Na comparação com o início do estudo, níveis mais baixos foram detectados para IL-1ß (p = 0,028) e IL-18 (p < 0,0001) após 30 dias do IAMCSST, enquanto níveis mais altos foram observados para IL-4 (p = 0,001) e IL-10 (p < 0,0001) no mesmo momento. Em contrapartida, nenhuma mudança foi detectada nos níveis de IL-6 (p = 0,63). Os níveis da proteína C-reativa de alta sensibilidade e de IL-6 se correlacionaram no início do estudo (rho = 0,45, p < 0,0001) e 30 dias após o IAMCSST (rho = 0,29, p = 0,009). No início do estudo, a correlação entre os níveis de IL-6 e FEVE também foi observada (rho = -0,50, p = 0,004). CONCLUSÕES: Durante o primeiro mês pós-infarto agudo do miocárdio, observamos uma melhora significativa no balanço das citocinas pró e anti-inflamatórias, exceto da IL-6. Esses achados sugerem risco inflamatório residual. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

The Impact of Advanced Age on Major Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing a Pharmaco-Invasive Strategy.

BACKGROUND: There is little research in the efficacy and safety of a pharmaco-invasive strategy (PIS) in patients ≥75 years versus <75 years of age. We aimed to evaluate and compare the influence of advanced age on the risk of death and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients undergoing PIS. METHODS: Between January 2010 and November 2016, 14 municipal emergency rooms in São Paulo, Brazil, used full-dose tenecteplase to treat patients with STEMI as part of a pharmaco-invasive strategy for a local network implementation. RESULTS: A total of 1852 patients undergoing PIS were evaluated, of which 160 (9%) were ≥75 years of age. Compared to patients <75 years, those ≥75 years were more often female, had lower body mass index, higher rates of hypertension; higher incidence of hypothyroidism, chronic renal failure, prior stroke, and diabetes. Compared to patients <75 years of age, in-hospital MACE and mortality were higher in patients with ≥75 years (6.5% versus 19.4%; p<0.001; and 4.0% versus 18.2%; p<0.001, respectively). Patients ≥75 years had higher rates of in-hospital major bleeding (2.7% versus 5.6%; p=0.04) and higher incidence of cardiogenic shock (7.0% versus 19.6%; p<0.001). By multivariable analysis, age ≥75 years was independent predictor of MACE (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.72 to 7.42, p=0.001) and death (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.12-3.82, p=0.020). CONCLUSION: In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing PIS, age ≥75 years was an independent factor that entailed a 3.5-fold higher MACE and 2-fold higher mortality rate compared to patients <75 years of age.

Cardiogenic shock after ST elevation myocardial infarction and IABP-SHOCK II risk score validation in a cohort treated with pharmacoinvasive strategy.

Objective: To validate the Intra-aortic Balloon Pump in Cardiogenic Shock II (IABP-SHOCK II) score in patients with cardiogenic shock after ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with pharmacoinvasive strategy (PhIS) and to analyse the influence of ischaemia time on different risk strata. Methods: We analysed 2143 patients with STEMI who underwent reperfusion with tenecteplase in primary health services between May 2010 and April 2017 and were transferred to a tertiary hospital for cardiac catheterisation and continuity of care. Those who evolved to cardiogenic shock were scored as low (0-2), moderate (3-4) or high (5-9) risk of death in 30 days and pairwise-log-rank test was used to compare strata. Time intervals between symptoms onset and lytic (pain-to-needle) and fibrinolytic-catheterisation were also compared. Results: Cardiogenic shock occurred in 212 (9.9%) individuals. The 30-day mortality using the IABP-SHOCK II score was 26.6% for low-risk (n=94), 53.2% for moderate-risk (n=62) and 76% for high-risk (n=25) analysed patients (p<0.001). Validation of the score showed good discrimination for death, area under the curve of 0.73 (CI: 0.66 to 0.81; p<0.001). The median intervals of pain-to-needle and fibrinolytic-catheterisation showed no association with the group stratification (220 vs 251 vs 200 min; p=0.22 and 390 vs 435 vs 315 min; p=0.18, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with cardiogenic shock after STEMI treated with PhIS, risk stratification using IABP-SHOCK II score was adequate. There was no influence of pain-to-needle and fibrinolytic-catheterisation times on the ability to the score model stratification.

Fatores preditivos de intervenção coronária percutânea de resgate após estratégia fármaco-invasiva em mulheres / Predictors of rescue percutaneous coronary intervention after pharmacoinvasive strategy in women

A estratégia fármaco-invasiva (EFI) é viável em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio comsupradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCST), quando a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) primáriaem tempo hábil não é possível. Neste estudo, comparamos mulheres submetidas à EFI com sucesso parareperfusão àquelas que necessitaram de ICP de resgate, para identificar possíveis preditores de insucesso do trombolítico.Métodos: De janeiro de 2010 a novembro de 2014, 327 mulheres com IAMCST e EFI foram encaminhadas aohospital terciário, sendo 206 após trombólise com sucesso (63%) e 121 que necessitaram de ICP de resgate.Os grupos foram comparados quanto a variáveis demográficas, desfechos clínicos e angiográficos, e escoresde risco clínico (TIMI, GRACE, ZWOLLE e CADILLAC) e de sangramento (CRUSADE). Um modelo de regressãologística multivariada foi utilizado para identificar preditores de insucesso do trombolítico. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre as características demográficas ou os antecedentes clínicos dos grupos. O grupo ICP de resgate apresentou valores significantemente maiores dos escores avaliados. Complicações clínicas hospitalares e mortalidade (2,5% vs. 22,0%; p < 0,0001) foram maisfrequentes no grupo ICP de resgate. As variáveis independentes associadas à ICP de resgate foram tempo dor-agulha > 3 horas (OR 3,07;IC95% 1,64-5,75; p < 0,0001), escore ZWOLLE (OR 1,25; IC95% 1,14-1,37; p =0,0001) e clearance de creatinina (OR 1,009; IC95% 1,0-1,02; p = 0,04).Conclusões: Mulheres com IAMCST submetidas à EFI e que necessitaram de ICP de resgate tiveram mortalidade significativamente maior quando comparadas àquelas que obtiveram sucesso inicial da EFI com ICP eletiva. Tempo dor-agulha > 3 horas, escore de ZWOLLE e clearance de creatinina foram preditores independentes da necessidade de ICP de resgate...

Pharmaco invasive therapy (PIT) is feasible in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) when timely primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unavailable. In this study, we compared women who underwent successful reperfusion PIT with those who required rescue PCI, to identify potential predictors of thrombolytic failure. Methods: From January 2010 to November 2014, 327 consecutive women with STEMI were referred to atertiary hospital, 206 after successful thrombolysis (63%) and 121 who required rescue PCI. The groups were compared regarding demographic, clinical and angiographic outcomes, and clinical (TIMI, GRACE,and ZWOLLE CADILLAC) and bleeding (CRUSADE) risk scores. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of thrombolytic failure Results: There was no significant difference between the demographic characteristics or the medical history of the groups. Rescue PCI group had significantly higher values of the evaluated scores. Clinical hospital complications and mortality (2.5% vs. 22.0%; p < 0.0001) were more frequent in rescue PCI group. The independent variables associated with rescue PCI were pain-to-needle time > 3h (OR: 3.07, 95%CI:1.64 to 5.75; p < 0.0001), ZWOLLE score (OR: 1.25; 95%CI: 1.14 to 1.37; p = 0.0001) and creatinine clearance(OR: 1.009, 95%CI: 1.0 to 1.02; p = 0.04).Conclusions: Women with STEMI who underwent PIT and who required rescue PCI had significantly higher mortality compared to those who achieved initial success of PIT with elective PCI. Pain-to-needle time> 3h, ZWOLLE score and creatinine clearance were independent predictors of the need for rescue PCI...

Mortality after myocardial infarction: the role of renal function and systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between renal dysfunction and mortality after myocardial infarction (MI) has been demonstrated in patients with reduced ejection fraction. The importance of diastolic dysfunction in this scenario is unknown. METHODS: We studied 749 patients with acute MI who were evaluated within 24 hours of symptom onset. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation was used to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Preserved and depressed renal functions were defined as eGFR >60 and <60 mL/min, respectively. Diastolic function was determined by echocardiography and classified as normal or mildly, moderately or severely reduced. The left ventricular systolic function (cutoff of 0.55) was assessed by echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 62 years (±13 years); 61.3% were male, 70.2% were hypertensive, 32% were diabetic and 34.8% had hyperlipidemia. Seventy-eight patients died in hospital (10.4%), and 319 (42.6%) had an eGFR <60 mL/min. Diastolic dysfunction was present in 520 (69.4%) patients. Renal function was independently associated with worse in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 3.12, 95% confidence interval 1.71-5.69, per 10 mL/min decrease in eGFR <60 mL/min). For patients with normal-to-moderate diastolic dysfunction, normal renal function was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality (p-interaction = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Impaired renal function and both systolic and diastolic dysfunctions were associated with worse in-hospital mortality. However, normal-to-moderate diastolic dysfunction in the presence of normal renal function was not associated with worse outcome. Efforts to preserve renal function in patients with acute myocardial infarction should be made, particularly in those with diastolic dysfunction.

ST-Elevation myocardial infarction network: systematization in 205 cases reduced clinical events in the public health care system.

BACKGROUND: The major cause of death in the city of São Paulo (SP) is cardiac events. At its periphery, in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction is estimated to range between 15% and 20% due to difficulties inherent in large metropoles. OBJECTIVE: To describe in-hospital mortality in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) of patients admitted via ambulance or peripheral hospitals, which are part of a structured training network (STEMI Network). METHODS: Health care teams of four emergency services (Ermelino Matarazzo, Campo Limpo, Tatuapé and Saboya) of the periphery of the city of São Paulo and advanced ambulances of the Emergency Mobile Health Care Service (abbreviation in Portuguese, SAMU) were trained to use tenecteplase or to refer for primary angioplasty. A central office for electrocardiogram reading was used. After thrombolysis, the patient was sent to a tertiary reference hospital to undergo cardiac catheterization immediately (in case of failed thrombolysis) or in 6 to 24 hours, if the patient was stable. Quantitative and qualitative variables were assessed by use of uni- and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: From January 2010 to June 2011, 205 consecutive patients used the STEMI Network, and the findings were as follows: 87 anterior wall infarctions; 11 left bundle-branch blocks; 14 complete atrioventricular blocks; and 14 resuscitations after initial cardiorespiratory arrest. In-hospital mortality was 6.8% (14 patients), most of which due to cardiogenic shock, one hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident, and one bleeding. CONCLUSION: The organization in the public health care system of a network for the treatment of STEMI, involving diagnosis, reperfusion, immediate transfer, and tertiary reference hospital, resulted in immediate improvement of STEMI outcomes.

Rede de infarto com supradesnivelamento de ST: sistematização em 205 casos diminui eventos clínicos na rede pública / ST-Elevation myocardial infarction network: systematization in 205 cases reduced clinical events in the public health care system

FUNDAMENTO: A principal causa de óbitos na cidade de São Paulo (SP) é por eventos cardíacos. Em hospitais periféricos de São Paulo estima-se a mortalidade hospitalar no infarto agudo entre 15% e 20%, pelas dificuldades existentes. OBJETIVO: Descrever a mortalidade intra-hospitalar do Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento de ST (IAMCSST) de pacientes admitidos via ambulância ou hospitais periféricos, como resultado da organização de uma estruturada rede de treinamento. MÉTODOS: Equipes de quatro prontos-socorros (Ermelino Matarazzo, Campo Limpo, Tatuapé e Saboya) e das ambulâncias avançadas do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (Samu) foram treinadas para uso de tenecteplase (TNK) ou para encaminhamento para angioplastia primária. Uma central de leitura de eletrocardiogramas foi usada quando necessário. Após uso de trombolítico, um hospital terciário recebia o paciente que era submetido a cinecoronariografia imediata (trombólise sem sucesso) ou entre 6 e 24 h, caso estável. Variáveis quantitativas, qualitativas foram avaliadas em análise uni e multivariável. RESULTADOS: De janeiro 2010 a junho 2011, 205 pacientes consecutivos utilizaram a rede de atendimento, ocorrendo 87 infartos de parede anterior, 11 bloqueios de ramo esquerdo, 14 bloqueios atrioventricular total, e em 14 houve reanimação pós-parada cardiorrespiratória inicial. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 6,8% (14 casos), a maioria por choque cardiogênico, um por acidente vascular encefálico hemorrágico e um por sangramento. CONCLUSÃO: A organização em instituições públicas de uma rede de tratamento, envolvendo diagnóstico, reperfusão, transporte imediato e hospital de retaguarda resultou em melhora imediata dos resultados de IAMCSST.

BACKGROUND: The major cause of death in the city of São Paulo (SP) is cardiac events. At its periphery, in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction is estimated to range between 15% and 20% due to difficulties inherent in large metropoles. OBJECTIVE:To describe in-hospital mortality in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) of patients admitted via ambulance or peripheral hospitals, which are part of a structured training network (STEMI Network). METHODS: Health care teams of four emergency services (Ermelino Matarazzo, Campo Limpo, Tatuapé and Saboya) of the periphery of the city of São Paulo and advanced ambulances of the Emergency Mobile Health Care Service (abbreviation in Portuguese, SAMU) were trained to use tenecteplase or to refer for primary angioplasty. A central office for electrocardiogram reading was used. After thrombolysis, the patient was sent to a tertiary reference hospital to undergo cardiac catheterization immediately (in case of failed thrombolysis) or in 6 to 24 hours, if the patient was stable. Quantitative and qualitative variables were assessed by use of uni- and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: From January 2010 to June 2011, 205 consecutive patients used the STEMI Network, and the findings were as follows: 87 anterior wall infarctions; 11 left bundle-branch blocks; 14 complete atrioventricular blocks; and 14 resuscitations after initial cardiorespiratory arrest. In-hospital mortality was 6.8% (14 patients), most of which due to cardiogenic shock, one hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident, and one bleeding. CONCLUSION: The organization in the public health care system of a network for the treatment of STEMI, involving diagnosis, reperfusion, immediate transfer, and tertiary reference hospital, resulted in immediate improvement of STEMI outcomes.

[Graduates from a postgraduate program in cardiology: are the results of almost 30 years adequate?]. / Alunos de um programa de pós-graduação em cardiologia: são os resultados de quase 30 anos adequados?

BACKGROUND: Stricto sensu post-graduation in Brazil was implemented in 1965 to increase university professors' teaching quality and to prepare full, independent researchers. The brazilian share in ISI publications has increased significantly since then, but little information is available on postgraduate quality. OBJECTIVE: To review 29 years of the postgraduate programs in cardiology at the Federal University of São Paulo and to analyze master and doctorate graduates' characteristics regarding their origin, publications and subsequent career. METHODS: We developed a questionnaire to evaluate 168 postgraduates who produced 196 theses (116 master's and 80 doctorate) over the period 1975-2004 and contacted 95.9% of them. Information on publications were obtained through the usual science databases. RESULTS: 30% of graduates came from the North-Northeast-Central West regions and only 50% returned to their original area. Mean age at admission was 32.5 and 34.9 years old for master and doctorate students, respectively; average program duration was, respectively, 39.0 and 43.2 months and approximately 50% went through it without any grants. Thesis publications throughout these 29 years averaged 36.5% for master's and 61.9% for doctorate, but any publishing afterwards occurred in 70.2 and 90.6% of the cases. The average impact factor of the published theses was 1.3 for master's degree and 3.1 for doctorate programs with 65.5% and 87.5% of Qualis A, respectively. Currently, there are graduates in 17 states of the country and 12 have became full professors. CONCLUSION: Although the stricto sensu program, especially the master's degree program, has many areas that need improvement, they seem to be contributing to improve professional quality and the number of brazilian indexed publications.

Pharmacological therapy for myocardial infarction in the elderly: An 8-year analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the changes in the medicamentous treatment of elderly patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction occurring over an 8-year period. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 379 patients above the age of 65 years with acute myocardial infarction who were admitted to the coronary unit of a university-affiliated hospital from 1990 to 1997. The patients were divided into 2 groups, according to the period of time of hospital admission as follows: group 1 - from 1990 to 1993; and group 2 - from 1994 to 1997. RESULTS: The use of beta-blockers (40.8% X 75.2%, p<0.0001) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (42% X 59.5%, p=0.001) was significantly greater in group 2, while the use of calcium antagonists (42% X 18.5%, p<0.0001) and general antiarrhythmic drugs (19.1% X 10.8%, p=0.03) was significantly lower. No significant difference was observed in regard to the use of acetylsalicylic acid, thrombolytic agents, nitrate, and digitalis in the period studied. The length of hospitalization was shorter in group 2 (13.4+/-8.9 days X 10.5+/-7.5 days, p<0.001). The in-hospital mortality was 35.7% in group 1 and 26.6% in group 2 (p=0.07). CONCLUSION: Significant changes were observed in the treatment of elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, with a greater use of beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and a lower use of calcium antagonists and antiarrhythmic drugs in group 2. The length of hospitalization and the mortality rate were also lower in group 2, even though the reduction in mortality was not statistically significant.