Acute Myocardial Infarction and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: What does the Epidemiological Data of the Last Years Indicate?

Abstract Background: ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a pathological process that involves cardiac muscle tissue death. Intravenous thrombolysis with fibrinolytics or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), an invasive technique, can be performed for tissue revascularization. PCI has been preferred as compared to non-invasive methods, although few studies have described its use in Brazil. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyze data on the use of primary PCI and investigate the relevance of hospitalizations for the treatment of STEMI in the country. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional analysis of data from the Brazilian Unified Health system (SUS) Department of Informatics (DATASUS) from 2010 to 2019 was conducted. Results: Hospitalizations for STEMI represented 0.6% of all hospital admissions in Brazil in the analyzed period, 0.9% of hospital costs, and 2.1% of deaths. The number of hospitalizations due to STEMI was 659,811, and 82,793 for PCIs. Length of hospital stay was 36.0% shorter and mortality rate was 53.3% lower in PCI. The mean cost of PCI was 3.5-fold higher than for treatment of STEMI. Conclusions: Data on hospitalizations for STEMI treatment in Brazil revealed high hospitalization and mortality rates, elevated costs, and long hospital stay. Although primary PCI is a more expensive and less used technique than other methods, it can reduce the length of hospital stay and mortality in the treatment of STEMI.

Síndrome de Wellens: o infarto agudo do miocárdio iminente / Wellens Syndrome: impending acute myocardial infarction

A síndrome de Wellens foi descrita em 1982 por Zwaan, Bär e Wellens. No eletrocardiograma, observam-se alterações morfológicas da onda T nas derivações precordiais, sugerindo estenose proximal grave da artéria coronária descendente anterior que representa iminente risco de infarto agudo do miocárdio e/ou morte súbita, com discreta ou nenhuma alteração da troponina sérica. Seu reconhecimento antecipado e a abordagem com reperfusão miocárdica precoce evitam desfechos desfavoráveis. A intervenção coronária percutânea e a revascularização miocárdica cirúrgica são as estratégias mais utilizadas para tratamento. Os autores descrevem dois casos de síndrome de Wellens tipos A e B tratados por diferentes estratégias de reperfusão.

Wellens syndrome was described by Zwaan, Bär and Wellens, in 1982. On the electrocardiogram, T wave morphological alterations are observed in precordial leads, suggesting severe proximal stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery and an imminent risk of acute myocardial infarction and/or sudden death, with slight or no alteration in serum troponin. Its early recognition and management with early myocardial reperfusion avoid unfavorable outcomes. Percutaneous coronary intervention and surgical myocardial revascularization are the most used strategies for treatment. The authors describe two cases of types A and B Wellens syndrome treated with different reperfusion strategies.

Perfil Aterosclerótico da Artéria Carótida como Preditor de Risco para Reestenose após Implante de Stent Coronário / Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Profile as Risk Predictor for Restenosis After Coronary Stenting

Resumo Fundamento: A incidência de reestenose da artéria coronária após o implante de um stent não farmacológico é mais baixa que na angioplastia com balão; no entanto, ainda apresenta altas taxas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar novos indicadores de risco para reestenose de stent usando ultrassonografia das carótidas que, em conjunto com indicadores já existentes, ajudariam na escolha do stent. Métodos: Realizamos um estudo prospectivo transversal incluindo 121 pacientes consecutivos com doença arterial coronariana que foram submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea com angiografia nos 12 meses anteriores. Após os casos de reestenose de stent serem identificados, os pacientes foram submetidos à ultrassonografia de carótidas para avaliar a espessura da camada íntima média e placas ateroscleróticas. Os dados foram analisados por regressão múltipla de Cox. O nível de significância foi p<0,05. Resultados: A idade mediana dos pacientes foi de 60 anos (1º quartil = 55, 3º quartil = 68), e 64,5% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino. A angiografia coronária mostrou que 57 pacientes (47,1%) apresentaram reestenose de stent. Cinquenta e cinco pacientes (45,5%) apresentaram placas ateroscleróticas ecolucentes nas artérias carótidas e 54,5% apresentaram placas ecogênicas ou nenhuma placa. Dos pacientes que apresentaram placas ecolucentes, 90,9% apresentaram reestenose do stent coronário, e daqueles com placas ecogênicas ou nenhuma placa, 10,6% apresentaram reestenose de stent. A presença de placas ecolucentes nas artérias carótidas aumentou o risco de reestenose de stent coronário em 8,21 vezes (RR=8,21;IC95%: 3,58-18,82; p<0,001). Conclusões: A presença de placas ateroscleróticas ecolucentes na artéria carótida constitui um preditor de risco de reestenose de stent coronário e deve ser considerada na escolha do tipo de stenta ser usado na angioplastia coronária.

Abstract Background: The incidence of restenosis of the coronary artery after a bare-metal stent implant has been lower than in simple balloon angioplasty; however, it still shows relatively high rates. Objective: The aim of this study was to find new risk indicators for in-stent restenosis using carotid ultrasonography, that, in addition to the already existing indicators, would help in decision-making for stent selection. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional prospective study including 121 consecutive patients with chronic coronary artery disease who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention with repeat angiography in the previous 12 months. After all cases of in-stent restenosis were identified, patients underwent carotid ultrasonography to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness and atherosclerosis plaques. The data were analyzed by Cox multiple regression. The significance level was set a p<0.05. Results: Median age of patients was 60 years (1st quartile = 55, 3rd quartile = 68), and 64.5% of patients were male. Coronary angiography showed that 57 patients (47.1%) presented in-stent restenosis. Fifty-five patients (45.5%) had echolucent atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries and 54.5% had echogenic plaques or no plaques. Of patients with who had echolucent plaques, 90.9% presented coronary in-stent restenosis. Of those who had echogenic plaques or no plaques, 10.6% presented in-stent restenosis. The presence of echolucent plaques in carotid arteries increased the risk of coronary in-stent restenosis by 8.21 times (RR=8.21; 95%CI: 3.58-18.82; p<0.001). Conclusions: The presence of echolucent atherosclerotic plaques in carotid artery constitutes a risk predictor of coronary instent restenosis and should be considered in the selection of the type of stent to be used in coronary angioplasty.

Door-to-balloon Time in Cardiovascular Emergency Care in a Hospital of Northern Brazil

Abstract Background The use of an adequate door-to-balloon time (≤ 90 minutes) is crucial in improving the quality of care provided to patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Objective To determine the door-to-balloon time in the management of STEMI patients in a cardiovascular emergency department in a hospital of northern Brazil. Methods This was a cross-sectional study based on review of medical records. A total of 109 patients with STEMI admitted to the emergency department of a referral cardiology hospital in Pará State, Brazil, between May 2017 and December 2017. Correlations of the door-to-balloon time with length of hospital stay and mortality rate were assessed, as well as whether the time components of the door-to-balloon time affected the delay in performing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Quantitative variables were analyzed by Spearman correlation and the G test was used for categorical variables. A p<0.05 was set as statistically significant. Results Median door-to-balloon time was 104 minutes. No significant correlation was found between door-to-balloon time and length of hospital stay or deaths, but significant correlations were found between door-to-balloon time and door-to-ECG time (p<0.001) and ECG-to-activation (of an interventional cardiologist) time (p<0.001). Conclusion The door-to-balloon time was longer the recommended and was not correlated with the length of hospital stay or in-hospital mortality. Door-to-ECG time and ECG-to-activation time contributed to the delay in performing the primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

SCA con elevación del ST: impacto del tiempo al diagnóstico en el tiempo puerta-balón en el mundo real. Datos del registro ARGEN-IAM-ST / ST-Segment Elevation ACS: Impact of Time to Diagnosis on Door-To-Balloon Time in the Real World. Data from the ARGEN-IAM-ST Registry

RESUMEN • Introducción: El tiempo trascurrido desde el inicio de los síntomas de infarto hasta el diagnóstico (TAD) puede influir en lograr un tiempo puerta-balón (TPB) <90 min. Material y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo que incluyó 1518 pacientes ingresados en forma prospectiva y consecutiva al registro ARGEN-IAM-ST. El 37,8% de ellos fue tratado con un TPB <90 min y el TAD (mediana) fue de 120 min (RIC 60-266). Se dividió a la población de acuerdo al TAD en dos grupos: menor de 120 min y mayor o igual que 120 min. Un TPB <90 min se logró más frecuentemente en el primer grupo (TAD <120 min): 44%, vs. 32,2% en el segundo grupo (p <0,001). Resutados: En el 56% de los pacientes con ATC in situ y TAD <120 min se logró un TPB <90 min, vs. en el 37,1% de quienes tuvieron un TAD >120 min (p <0,001). En pacientes derivados, no hubo diferencias en TPB <90 min de acuerdo al TAD: 27,5% vs. 25,7 (p: 0,3). En pacientes ingresados en horario laborable, el TPB <90 min se logró con TAD <120 min en un 49,8% vs. 36,3% con TAD >120 min (p: 0,003); la frecuencia siguió un patrón similar en los pacientes ingresados en horarios no laborables: 41,9% vs. 30,4%, respectivamente (p <0,001). Los predictores independientes de lograr un TPB <90 min en el análisis multivariado fueron la edad <75 años: OR 1,57 (1,1-2,25; p: 0,01), ATC en horario laborable: OR 1,32 (1,04-1,67; p: 0,002), ATC in situ: OR 2,4 (1,9-3,0; p <0,001), tener un ECG prehospitalario: OR 2,22 (1,73-2,86; p <0,001) y un TAD <120 min: OR 1,53 (1,23-1,9; p <0,001). Conclusiones: En los pacientes con un TAD <120 minutos se logra más frecuentemente un TPB <90 min, especialmente en los tratados in situ y en horario laborable. En los pacientes derivados, solo 1 de cada 3 logra un TPB <90 min y no hay relación con el TAD.

ABSTRACT • Background: Time elapsed from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis (TTD) can influence in achieving a door-to-balloon time <90 min (DBT <90 min). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 1,518 patients prospectively and consecutively included in the ARGEN-AMI-ST registry. In 37.8% of cases. patients were treated with DBT <90 min and a median TTD of 120 min (IQR 60-266). The population was divided according to TTD above or below 120 min. A DBT <90 min was achieved more frequently in those with TTD <120 min: 44% vs. 32.2% (p <0.001) respectively. Results: In patients with in situ percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and TTD <120 min, DBT <90 min was achieved in 56% vs. 37.1% of cases with TTD >120 min (p <0.001). In referred patients, there were no differences in DBT <90 min according to TTD: 27.5% vs. 25.7% (p: 0.3). In patients admitted during working hours, DBT <90 min was achieved with TTD <120 min in 49.8% vs. 36.3% with TTD >120 min (p: 0.003), as well as in patients admitted during non-working hours: 41.9% vs. 30.4% (p <0.001). The independent predictors of achieving a DBT <90 min in the multivariate analysis were age <75 years: OR 1.57 (1.1-2.25; p: 0.01), PCI during working hours: OR 1.32 (1.04-1.67; p: 0.002), PCI in situ: OR 2.4 (1.9-3.0; p <0.001), having a pre-hospital ECG: OR 2.22 (1.73-2.86; p <0.001) and a TTD <120 min: OR 1.53 (1.23-1.9; p <0.001). Conclusions: In patients with TTD <120 minutes, a DBT <90 minutes is more frequently achieved, especially in those treated in situ and during working hours. In referred patients, only 1 in 3 achieves a DBT<90 min and there is no relationship with TTD.

Comparative Analysis between Transferred and Self-Referred STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary Angioplasty / Análise Comparativa entre Pacientes com IAMCSST Transferidos e Pacientes de Demanda Espontânea Submetidos à Angioplastia Primária

Abstract Background: Studies have shown the benefits of rapid reperfusion therapy in acute myocardial infarction. However, there are still delays during transport of patients to primary angioplasty. Objective: To evaluate whether there is a difference in total ischemic time between patients transferred from other hospitals compared to self-referred patients in our institution. Methods: Historical cohort study including patients with acute myocardial infarction treated between April 2014 and September 2015. Patients were divided into transferred patients (group A) and self-referred patients (group B). Clinical characteristics of the patients were obtained from our electronic database and the transfer time was estimated based on the time the e-mail requesting patient's transference was received by the emergency department. Results: The sample included 621 patients, 215 in group A and 406 in group B. Population characteristics were similar in both groups. Time from symptom onset to arrival at the emergency department was significantly longer in group A (385 minutes vs. 307 minutes for group B, p < 0.001) with a transfer delay of 147 minutes. There was a significant relationship between the travel distance and increased transport time (R = 0.55, p < 0.001). However, no difference in mortality was found between the groups. Conclusion: In patients transferred from other cities for treatment of infarction, transfer time was longer than that recommended, especially in longer travel distances.

Resumo Fundamento: Estudos mostram o benefício da terapia de reperfusão rápida no infarto agudo do miocárdio. No entanto, ainda ocorrem atrasos durante o transporte de pacientes para angioplastia primária. Objetivo: Definir se existe uma diferença no tempo total de isquemia entre pacientes transferidos de outro hospital comparados aos que procuram o serviço espontaneamente. Método: Estudo de coorte histórico, incluindo pacientes atendidos com infarto entre abril de 2014 e setembro de 2015. Os pacientes foram divididos em pacientes transferidos (grupo A) e por demanda espontânea (grupo B). As características clínicas dos pacientes foram retiradas do banco de dados de infarto e o tempo de transferência foi estimado tendo como base o correio eletrônico de acordo com o horário de contato. O nível de significância adotado foi um p < 0,05%. Resultados: A amostra incluiu 621 pacientes, 215 no grupo A e 406 no grupo B. As características populacionais foram semelhantes nos dois grupos. O delta T foi significativamente maior no grupo de pacientes transferidos (385 minutos vs. 307 minutos para o grupo B, p < 0,001) com um atraso decorrente do transporte de 147 minutos. Houve relação significativa da distância de transferência e aumento do tempo de transporte (R = 0,55; p < 0,001). Entretanto, não houve diferença na mortalidade entre os grupos. Conclusão: Pacientes transferidos de outras cidades para tratamento de infarto tem Delta T de transferência acima do recomendado, com tempo ainda mais longo quanto maior a distância a ser percorrida.

Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of FFR Compared with Angiography in Multivessel Disease Patient / Impacto Clínico e Custo-Efetividade da FFR em Comparação à Angiografia em Pacientes com Doenças Multiarteriais Submetidos à ICP

Abstract Background: In multivessel disease patients with moderate stenosis, fractional flow reserve (FFR) allows the analysis of the lesions and guides treatment, and could contribute to the cost-effectiveness (CE) of non-pharmacological stents (NPS). Objectives: To evaluate CE and clinical impact of FFR-guided versus angiography-guided angioplasty (ANGIO) in multivessel patients using NPS. Methods: Multivessel disease patients were prospectively randomized to FFR or ANGIO groups during a 5 year-period and followed for < 12 months. Outcomes measures were major adverse cardiac events (MACE), restenosis and CE. Results: We studied 69 patients, 47 (68.1%) men, aged 62.0 ± 9.0 years, 34 (49.2%) in FFR group and 53 (50.7%) in ANGIO group, with stable angina or acute coronary syndrome. In FFR, there were 26 patients with biarterial disease (76.5%) and 8 (23.5%) with triarterial disease, and in ANGIO, 24 (68.6%) with biarterial and 11 (31.4%) with triarterial disease. Twelve MACEs were observed - 3 deaths: 2 (5.8%) in FFR and 1 (2.8%) in ANGIO, 9 (13.0%) angina: 4(11.7%) in FFR and 5(14.2%) in ANGIO, 6 restenosis: 2(5.8%) in FFR and 4 (11.4%) in ANGIO. Angiography detected 87(53.0%) lesions in FFR, 39(23.7%) with PCI and 48(29.3%) with medical treatment; and 77 (47.0%) lesions in ANGIO, all treated with angioplasty. Thirty-nine (33.3%) stents were registered in FFR (0.45 ± 0.50 stents/lesion) and 78 (1.05 ± 0.22 stents/lesion) in ANGIO (p = 0.0001), 51.4% greater in ANGIO than FFR. CE analysis revealed a cost of BRL 5,045.97 BRL 5,430.60 in ANGIO and FFR, respectively. The difference of effectiveness was of 1.82%. Conclusion: FFR reduced the number of lesions treated and stents, and the need for target-lesion revascularization, with a CE comparable with that of angiography.

Resumo Fundamentos: Em pacientes multiarteriais e lesões moderadas, a reserva de fluxo fracionada (FFR) avalia cada lesão e direciona o tratamento, podendo ser útil no custo-efetividade (CE) de implante de stents não farmacológicos (SNF). Objetivos: Avaliar CE e impacto clínico da angioplastia + FFR versus angioplastia + angiografia (ANGIO), em multiarteriais, utilizando SNF. Métodos: pacientes com doença multiarteriais foram randomizados prospectivamente durante ±5 anos para FFR ou ANGIO, e acompanhados por até 12 meses. Foram avaliados eventos cardíacos maiores (ECAM), reestenose e CE. Resultados: foram incluídos 69 pacientes, 47(68,1%) homens, 34(49,2%) no FFR e 35(50,7%) no ANGIO, idade 62,0 ± 9,0 anos, com angina estável e Síndrome Coronariana Aguda estabilizada. No FFR, havia 26 com doença (76,5%) biarterial e 8 (23,5%) triarterial, e no grupo ANGIO, 24(68,6%) biarteriais e 11(31,4%) triarteriais. Ocorreram 12(17,3%) ECAM - 3(4,3%) óbitos: 2(5,8%) no FFR e 1(2,8%) no ANGIO, 9(13,0%) anginas, 4(11,7%) no FFR e 5(14,2%) no ANGIO, 6 reestenoses: 2(5,8%) no FFR e 4 (11,4%) no ANGIO. Angiografia detectou 87(53,0%) lesões no FFR, 39(23,7%) com ICP e 48(29,3%) com tratamento clínico; e 77(47,0%) lesões no ANGIO, todas submetidas à angioplastia. Quanto aos stents, registrou-se 39(33,3%) (0,45 ± 0,50 stents/lesão) no FFR e 78(66,6%) (1,05 ± 0,22 stents/lesão) no ANGIO (p = 0,0001); ANGIO utilizou 51,4% a mais que o FFR. Análise de CE revelou um custo de R$5045,97 e R$5.430,60 nos grupos ANGIO e FFR, respectivamente. A diferença de efetividade foi 1,82%. Conclusões: FFR diminuiu o número de lesões tratadas e de stents e necessidade de revascularização do vaso-alvo, com CE comparável ao da angiografia.

Impact of myocardial revascularization method on smoking cessation: coronary artery bypass grafting versus percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Introduction: Smoking is a serious public health issue, being a precursor of heart disease and a predictor of sudden death due to myocardial ischemia. Major events in the patient's health can lead to radical changes in habits and the choice for different myocardial revascularization methods might differently impact smoking cessation and relapse. Objective: To study the rate and perpetuation of smoking cessation after myocardial revascularization comparing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Smokers submitted to myocardial revascularization were divided into CABG and PCI groups. The research was conducted through interviews at the Hospital Santa Lucinda outpatient clinic. Patients with smoking cessation longer than 90 days before hospital admission, combined procedures, hospital readmission before 360 days after discharge, cases of death at any time, and emergency procedures were excluded from the study. The start of the smoking cessation period was determined as just after hospital discharge, with a follow-up of 12 months. Results: The proportion of patients reporting smoking relapse was significantly lower in the CABG than in the PCI group at 30 (11.1% vs. 20.8%; P=0.039) and at 180 days (23.1% vs. 41.5%; P=0.002), but no differences were observed between the two groups at 360 days after hospital discharge (51.9% vs. 54.1%; P=0.719). High levels of nicotine dependence and passive smoking showed to be important predictors of smoking relapse in the long-term. Conclusion: The occurrence of a major surgical procedure seems to have beneficial psychological effects, representing an interesting setting for smoking cessation counseling to have higher chances of success.

Potential Utility of the SYNTAX Score 2 in Patients Undergoing Left Main Angioplasty / Utilidade Potencial do SYNTAX Score 2 em Pacientes Submetidos a Angioplastia do Tronco Comum

Abstract Background: The revascularization strategy of the left main disease is determinant for clinical outcomes. Objective: We sought to 1) validate and compare the performance of the SYNTAX Score 1 and 2 for predicting major cardiovascular events at 4 years in patients who underwent unprotected left main angioplasty and 2) evaluate the long-term outcome according to the SYNTAX score 2-recommended revascularization strategy. Methods: We retrospectively studied 132 patients from a single-centre registry who underwent unprotected left main angioplasty between March 1999 and December 2010. Discrimination and calibration of both models were assessed by ROC curve analysis, calibration curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Results: Total event rate was 26.5% at 4 years.The AUC for the SYNTAX Score 1 and SYNTAX Score 2 for percutaneous coronary intervention, was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.49-0.73) and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.57-0.78), respectively. Despite a good overall adjustment for both models, the SYNTAX Score 2 tended to underpredict risk. In the 47 patients (36%) who should have undergone surgery according to the SYNTAX Score 2, event rate was numerically higher (30% vs. 25%; p=0.54), and for those with a higher difference between the two SYNTAX Score 2 scores (Percutaneous coronary intervention vs. Coronary artery by-pass graft risk estimation greater than 5.7%), event rate was almost double (40% vs. 22%; p=0.2). Conclusion: The SYNTAX Score 2 may allow a better and individualized risk stratification of patients who need revascularization of an unprotected left main coronary artery. Prospective studies are needed for further validation.

Resumo Fundamento: A estratégia de revascularização na doença do tronco comum é determinante para os resultados clínicos. Objetivo: Procurou-se: 1) validar e comparar o desempenho do SYNTAX Score 1 e 2 na predição de eventos cardiovasculares aos 4 anos, em pacientes submetidos a angioplastia do tronco comum não protegido e 2) avaliar os resultados a longo prazo de acordo com a estratégia de revascularização recomendada pelo SYNTAX Score. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de centro único de 132 pacientes consecutivos submetidos a angioplastia do tronco comum não protegido entre março de 1999 e dezembro de 2010. A discriminação e calibração de ambos os modelos foram avaliadas por análise de curva ROC, curvas de calibração e teste de Hosmer-Lemeshow. Resultados: A taxa de eventos aos 4 anos foi de 26,5%. A AUC para o SYNTAX Score 1 e 2 foi de 0,61 (IC 95% 0,49-0,73) e 0,67 (IC 95% 0,57-0,78), respectivamente. Apesar de uma calibração global boa, o SYNTAX Score 2 tende a subestimar o risco. Nos 47 pacientes (36%) que deveriam ter sido submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização de acordo com o SYNTAX Score 2, a taxa de eventos foi numericamente superior (30% vs. 25%; p=0,54) e para os que tinham uma diferença superior entre as estimativas do SYNTAX Score 2 (>5,7%), a taxa de eventos foi quase o dobro (40% vs. 22%; p=0,2). Conclusão: O SYNTAX Score 2 permite uma estratificação de risco individualizada e melhor em pacientes que requerem revascularização do tronco comum não protegido. São necessários estudos prospectivos para validação adicional.

Impact of Cardiovascular Interventions on the Quality of Life in the Elderly

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The elderly population is growing rapidly. Political and socio-economic changes led to the demographic transition in this population with the highest number of surgeries and as well as many comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of cardiovascular intervention on quality of life of elderly patients after three and six months. METHODS: Analytical prospective cohort study with elderly between 60 and 80 years of age, of both sexes, with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease and underwent cardiovascular intervention during the period June 2010 to June 2011. Data were collected by individual interviews in the pre and postoperative periods (after three and six months) by telephone. We used the SF-36 to analyse quality of life in order to assess the physical and mental health of the study population. RESULTS: Of the 44 individuals evaluated, 59.1% were men, 75% in the range of 65 to 74 years, 38.6% were white and 38.6% were black, 31.8% were uneducated, 43.2% were married and 68.2% had less than a minimum wage. Prevailed patients: non-diabetics (68.2%), non-obese (81.8%), hypertensive (84.1%), non-alcoholic and non-smokers (68.2% and 61.4%, respectively). A significant increase in the average of the SF-36 scores between pre and post-surgical periods (three and six months) for the domains: functional capacity, pain, general health, vitality and emotional aspect. CONCLUSION: The elderly population undergoing intervention may have cardiovascular benefits and improvements of quality of life. Physical fitness improvement measures can be taken to resume that capability.

Nefropatia induzida por contraste após angioplastia primária no infarto agudo do miocárdio / Contrast-induced nephropathy after primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction

Resumo Introdução: A prevenção da nefropatia induzida por contraste (NIC) é difícil nas situações de emergência, tornando essenciais estudos sobre NIC em pacientes submetidos à angioplastia de urgência. Objetivo: Determinar a incidência e fatores associados à NIC em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) submetidos à angioplastia nas primeiras 12 horas após início dos sintomas. Métodos: Foram estudados 201 casos consecutivos de IAM com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST com menos de 12 horas de evolução. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao mesmo protocolo de angioplastia. A NIC foi definida como elevação absoluta da creatinina de pelo menos 0,5 mg/dL e/ou aumento relativo da creatinina de 25% em relação ao valor basal no período entre 48 e 72 horas após a administração do contraste. As variáveis que diferiram entre os pacientes com e sem NIC na análise univariada foram analisadas por regressão logística. Resultados: A amostra foi formada por 135 (67,2%) homens e 66 (32,8%) mulheres com idade média de 66,6 ± 11,7 anos. A incidência de NIC foi de 23,8%. Na análise univariada os pacientes com NIC eram mais idosos e com maior frequência de fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo ≤ 40% e da classificação Killip ≥ 2. Na análise multivariada não foram encontrados preditores independentes de NIC. Conclusão: A NIC acomete » dos pacientes com IAM submetidos à angioplastia sem variáveis preditoras. Esse resultado ressalta a necessidade de medidas preventivas para NIC após uso de contraste em angioplastia de urgência.

Abstract Introduction: The prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is difficult in emergency situations, making it essential to study CIN in patients submitted to urgent angioplasty. Objective: To determine the incidence and associated factors to CIN in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) submitted to primary angioplasty in the first 12 hours after onset of symptoms. Methods: We studied 201 consecutive cases of MI with ST-segment elevation with less than 12 hours of evolution. All patients were submitted to the same angioplasty protocol. CIN was defined as an absolute increase of creatinine of at least 0.5 mg/dL and/or a relative increase of creatinine of 25% in relation to baseline in a period between 48 and 72 hours after contrast administration. The variables that differed between patients with and without CIN in univariate analysis were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: The sample was formed by 135 (67.2%) men and 66 (32.8%) women, with mean age of 66.6 ± 11.7 years. The incidence of CIN was 23.8%. In univariate analysis the patients with CIN were older and had higher frequency of left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40% and Killip classification ≥ 2. In multivariate analysis, we did not find independent predictors of CIN. Conclusion: CIN occurred in » of the patients with MI submitted to angioplasty without predictor variables. This finding highlights the need for CIN preventive measures after contrast use in emergency angioplasty.

Aplicações do Balão Farmacológico na Doença Arterial Coronária / Applications of the Drug-Eluting Balloon in Coronary Artery Disease

As estratégias de revascularização percutânea evoluíram significativamente nas últimas décadas. No entanto, toda nova tecnologia apresenta um benefício sobre a anterior, mas traz consigo também novos riscos. A hiperplasia neointimal, associada aos stents não farmacológicos, e a endotelização tardia das hastes e reação inflamatória vascular ao polímero, associada aos stents farmacológicos, são exemplos dessa premissa. Os balões farmacológicos foram desenvolvidos com o racional de modular a hiperplasia neointimal após a intervenção e de não suscitar os problemas tardios relacionados aos stents com eluição de fármacos antiproliferativos. No entanto, as evidências e as recomendações para sua utilização ainda não foram adequadamente definidas. Esta revisão objetiva apresentar e caracterizar os tipos de balão farmacológico disponíveis no mercado mundial, fazendo uma revisão dos estudos mais relevantes presentes na literatura sobre seu uso nos diversos cenários clínicos e descrever as principais indicações e atuais recomendações para seu uso.

Percutaneous revascularization strategies have evolved significantly in the past decades. However, every new technology has advantages over the previous ones, but also carries new risks. Neointimal hyperplasia, associated with bare metal stents, and delayed strut endothelialization and vascular inflammatory reaction to the polymer, associated with drug-eluting stents, are examples of this premise. Drug-eluting balloons were developed with the aim to modulate neointimal hyperplasia after intervention, avoiding the late risks associated with drug-eluting stents. However, the evidence and recommendations for their use have not been adequately defined. This review aims to present and characterize the different types of drug-eluting balloons commercially available worldwide, reviewing the most relevant studies in the literature in different clinical scenarios and describe the main indications and recommendations for their use.

Stent farmacológico autoexpansível miniaturizado em coronárias de pequeno calibre: eficácia tardia / Miniaturized self-expanding drug-eluting stent in small coronary arteries: late effectiveness

FUNDAMENTO: Na angioplastia coronária percutânea (ACP), os vasos de fino calibre representam um fator de risco para reestenose. O stent farmacológico (SF) autoexpansível Sparrow®, de perfil menor que os sistemas atuais, nunca foi testado nesse cenário. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a eficácia tardia do SF Sparrow®, com relação à perda luminal tardia intrastent (PLT intrastent) aos oito meses. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, em P com doença arterial coronária (DAC) sintomática ou com isquemia documentada, submetido à ACP em vasos de calibre < 2,75 mm, dividido em dois grupos quanto ao tipo de stent Sparrow®: grupo 1, SF; grupo 2, stent não farmacológico (SNF). O seguimento clínico foi de 12 meses. De imediato e aos oito meses, avaliação pela angiografia coronária quantitativa (ACQ). Para o cálculo da amostra estimou-se diminuição de mais de 65% de PLT intrastent com o SF. Para análise estatística utilizou-se o programa IBM SPSS Statistics® versão 19 (Chicago, Illinois, EUA). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 24 p, 12 em cada grupo. Os grupos SF e SNF foram semelhantes quanto à idade (63,25 ± 10,01 versus 64,58 ± 11,54, p = 0,765), sexo masculino (58,3% versus 33,3%, p = 0,412), fatores de risco e todos os aspectos angiográficos. Os resultados imediatos foram satisfatórios em ambos os grupos. Aos oito meses, a PLT intrastent foi significativamente menor no SF do que no SNF (SF 0,25 ± 0,16 versus SNF 0,97 ± 0,76, p = 0,008). CONCLUSÃO: Em ACP de vasos de calibre < 2,75 mm, o SF Sparrow® determinou significativa redução da PLT intrastent, em comparação ao SNF Sparrow®.

BACKGROUND: Small vessels represent a risk factor for restenosis in percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCA). The Sparrow® self-expanding drug-eluting stent, which has a lower profile than the current systems, has never been tested in this scenario. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the late effectiveness of the Sparrow® drug-eluting stent, regarding in-stent late lumen loss (LLL). METHODS: Patients with ischemia, symptomatic or documented, were submitted to PCA in vessels with reference diameter < 2.75 mm, divided into two groups regarding Sparrow® stent type: group 1: Sparrow® drug-eluting stent (DES), group 2: Sparrow® bare metal stent (BMS). Clinical follow-up duration was 12 months. Evaluation using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was performed immediately and at 8 months. A decrease of over 65% of in-stent LLL with DES was estimated to calculate sample size. IBM® SPSS software, release 19 (Chicago, Illinois, USA) was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were randomized, 12 in each group. The DES and BMS groups were similar in age (63.25 ± 10.01 vs. 64.58 ± 11.54, p = 0.765), male gender (58.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.412), risk factors and all angiographs aspects. Immediate results were satisfactory in both groups. At 8 months in-stent late lumen loss was significantly lower in DES than in BMS group (DES vs. BMS 0.25 ± 0.16 0.97 ± 0.76, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: In small-vessel PCA, the Sparrow® DES determined significant reduction in in-stent LLL, when compared to Sparrow® BMS.

Efetividade de um protocolo assistencial para redução do tempo porta-balão da angioplastia primária / Effectiveness of a myocardial infarction protocol in reducing door-to-ballon time

FUNDAMENTO: Tempo porta-balão adequado (< 120 minutos) é a condição necessária para que a eficácia da angioplastia primária no infarto se traduza em efetividade. OBJETIVO: Descrever a efetividade de um protocolo de qualidade assistencial para redução do tempo porta-balão. MÉTODOS: Entre maio de 2010 e agosto de 2012, foram analisados todos os indivíduos que realizaram angioplastia primária em nosso hospital. O momento porta foi registrado eletronicamente, pela retirada de senha para atendimento na emergência, o que antecede o preenchimento da ficha e a triagem. O momento balão foi definido como o início da abertura da artéria (passagem do primeiro dispositivo). Os primeiros 5 meses de monitoramento corresponderam ao período pré-implementação do protocolo. O protocolo se constituiu de definição do fluxo de ações, desde a chegada do paciente ao hospital, a sensibilização da equipe quanto à priorização do tempo e a apresentação periódica de parecer dos resultados e de possíveis inadequações. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 50 indivíduos, divididos em cinco grupos de 10 pacientes sequenciais (um grupo pré e quatro grupos pós-protocolo). O tempo porta-balão referente aos 10 casos registrados antes da implementação do protocolo foi de 200 ± 77 minutos. Após a implementação do protocolo, houve progressiva melhora do tempo porta-balão, para 142 ± 78 minutos nos 10 primeiros pacientes, seguida de 150±50 minutos, 131±37 minutos e, finalmente, 116 ± 29 minutos no três grupos sequenciais de 10 pacientes, respectivamente. Regressão linear entre pacientes sequenciais e tempo porta-balão (r = - 0,41) evidenciou coeficiente de regressão de - 1,74 minutos. CONCLUSÃO: A implementação do protocolo se mostrou efetiva na redução do tempo porta-balão.

BACKGROUND: An adequate door-to-balloon time (<120 minutes) is the necessary condition for the efficacy of primary angioplasty in infarction to translate into effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effectiveness of a quality of care protocol in reducing the door-to-balloon time. METHODS: Between May 2010 and August 2012, all individuals undergoing primary angioplasty in our hospital were analyzed. The door time was electronically recorded at the moment the patient took a number to be evaluated in the emergency room, which occurred prior to filling the check-in forms and to the triage. The balloon time was defined as the beginning of artery opening (introduction of the first device). The first 5 months of monitoring corresponded to the period of pre-implementation of the protocol. The protocol comprised the definition of a flowchart of actions from patient arrival at the hospital, the team's awareness raising in relation to the prioritization of time, and provision of a periodic feedback on the results and possible inadequacies. RESULTS: A total of 50 individuals were assessed. They were divided into five groups of 10 sequential patients (one group pre- and four groups post-protocol). The door-to-balloon time regarding the 10 cases recorded before protocol implementation was 200 ± 77 minutes. After protocol implementation, there was a progressive reduction of the door-to-balloon time to 142±78 minutes in the first 10 patients, then to 150±50 minutes, 131±37 minutes and, finally, 116±29 minutes in the three sequential groups of 10 patients, respectively. Linear regression between sequential patients and the door-to-balloon time (r = - 0.41) showed a regression coefficient of - 1.74 minutes. CONCLUSION: The protocol implementation proved effective in the reduction of the door-to-balloon time.

Alta reatividade plaquetária durante tratamento é preditora de eventos cardíacos em pacientes com stents farmacológicos / High on-treatment platelet reactivity predicts cardiac events in patients with drug-eluting stents

FUNDAMENTO: O papel dos testes de reatividade plaquetária (RP) na predição de eventos em longo prazo em pacientes latino-americanos tratados com stents farmacológicos (SF) não foi estabelecido. OBJETIVOS: Analisar o papel dos testes de RP na predição de eventos após a implantação de SF. MÉTODOS: De maio de 2006 a janeiro de 2008, foram incluídos 209 pacientes brasileiros que se submeteram a tratamento eletivo com SF. A RP foi avaliada 12 a 18 horas após o procedimento, por agregometria de transmitância de luz com 5µM de ADP. Os pacientes foram acompanhados prospectivamente por até 4,8 anos. Dezessete (8%) dos indivíduos foram perdidos durante o acompanhamento e a coorte final foi composta de 192 pacientes. A curva ROC foi utilizada para determinar o melhor ponto de corte de 5µM de ADP para prever eventos. O endpoint primário foi uma combinação de morte cardiovascular, infarto agudo do miocárdio, trombose definitiva de stent, e revascularização de artéria alvo.Modelos de risco proporcional de Cox foram utilizados para determinar as variáveis independentemente associadas com o tempo até o primeiro evento. RESULTADOS: O melhor ponto de corte de 5µM de ADP foi de 33%. Cento e sete (55,7%) pacientes apresentaram 5mM de ADP > 33%. A taxa de sobrevivência livre de eventos em 1.800 dias foi de 55% contra 70% para os indivíduos com ADP5 acima e abaixo desse ponto de corte, respectivamente (p = 0,001). Preditores de tempo independentes para o primeiro evento foram tabagismo atual (HR 3,49, IC95%: 1,76-6,9, p = 0,0003), ADP 5mM > 33% (HR 1,95, IC95%: 1,09-3,51, p = 0,025) e idade (HR 1,03 IC 95%: 1,0-1,06, p = 0,041). CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo, 55,7% dos pacientes apresentaram alta reatividade plaquetária durante tratamento. 5µM de ADP > 33% foi um preditor independente de eventos em longo prazo.

BACKGROUND: The role of platelet reactivity (PR) tests in the prediction of long-term events in Latin-American patients treated with drug-eluting stents (DES) has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of PR tests in the prediction of events after DES implantation. METHODS: From May 2006 through January 2008, 209 Brazilian patients who underwent elective treatment with DES were included. PR was assessed 12 to 18h after the procedure by light transmittance aggregometry with 5µM of ADP. Patients were prospectively followed for up to 4.8 years. Seventeen (8%) individuals were lost to follow-up and the final cohort comprised 192 patients. Receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to determine the best 5µM of ADP cutoff to predict events. The primary endpoint was a combination of cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction, definite stent thrombosis, and target-artery revascularization. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the variables independently associated with the time to the first event. RESULTS: The best ADP 5µM cutoff was 33%. One hundred and seven (55.7%) patients had ADP 5µM >33%. Event-free survival rate at 1,800 days was 55% vs. 70% for individuals with ADP5 above and below such cutoff, respectively (p=0.001). Independent predictors of time to first event were current smoking (HR 3.49; 95% CI 1.76-6.9; p=0.0003), ADP 5µM >33% (HR 1.95; 95% CI 1.09-3.51; p=0.025) and age (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.0-1.06; p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 55.7% of the patients had high on-treatment platelet reactivity. ADP 5µM >33% was an independent predictor of long-term events.