Mohamed Sobhy

Reperfusion therapy for ST elevation acute myocardial infarction 2010/2011: current status in 37 ESC countries

AIMS Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the preferred reperfusion therapy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We conducted this study to evaluate the contemporary status on the use and type of reperfusion therapy in patients admitted with STEMI in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) member countries. METHODS AND RESULTS A cross-sectional descriptive study based on aggregated country-level data on the use of reperfusion therapy in patients admitted with STEMI during 2010 or 2011. Thirty-seven ESC countries were able to provide data from existing national or regional registries. In countries where no such registries exist, data were based on best expert estimates. Data were collected on the use of STEMI reperfusion treatment and mortality, the numbers of cardiologists, and the availability of PPCI facilities in each country. Our survey provides a brief data summary of the degree of variation in reperfusion therapy across Europe. The number of PPCI procedures varied between countries, ranging from 23 to 884 per million inhabitants. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis were the dominant reperfusion strategy in 33 and 4 countries, respectively. The mean population served by a single PPCI centre with a 24-h service 7 days a week ranged from 31 300 inhabitants per centre to 6 533 000 inhabitants per centre. Twenty-seven of the total 37 countries participated in a former survey from 2007, and major increases in PPCI utilization were observed in 13 of these countries. CONCLUSION Large variations in reperfusion treatment are still present across Europe. Countries in Eastern and Southern Europe reported that a substantial number of STEMI patients are not receiving any reperfusion therapy. Implementation of the best reperfusion therapy as recommended in the guidelines should be encouraged.

Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of In-Hospital Major Adverse Cardiac Events, New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation, and No-Reflow Phenomenon in Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background Neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio represents the balance between neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in the body and can be utilized as an index for systemic inflammatory status. The no-reflow phenomenon is defined as inadequate myocardial perfusion through a given segment of the coronary circulation without angiographic evidence of mechanical vessel obstruction. Systemic inflammatory status has been associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) as well as no-reflow. Aim To evaluate the predictive value of N/L ratio for in-hospital major adverse events, NOAF, and no-reflow in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients Two hundred consecutive patients with STEMI presenting to Alexandria Main University Hospital and International Cardiac Center Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt, from April 2013 to October 2013 were included in this study. Methods Laboratory investigation upon admission included complete blood count with mean platelet volume (MPV) and N/L ratio, and random plasma glucose (RPG) level. The results of coronary angiography indicating the infarct-related artery (IRA), initial thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow in the IRA, and the TIMI flow after stenting were recorded. The patients were studied according to the presence of various clinical and laboratory variables, such as age, gender, pain-to-balloon time, location of the infarction, RPG level and complete blood count including N/L ratio and MPV on admission, and initial TIMI flow in the IRA. They were also evaluated for the final TIMI flow after the primary percutaneous coronary intervention, incidence of NOAF, and the incidence of in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Results The incidence rate of no-reflow, NOAF, and in-hospital MACE was 13.2%, 8%, and 5%, respectively, with cardiac death as the predominant form of in-hospital MACE. The group of no-reflow, NOAF, and/or MACE showed significantly older age (62.29 ± 7.90 vs 56.30 ± 10.34, P = 0.014), longer pain-to-balloon time (15.90 ± 7.87 vs 6.08 ± 3.82 hours, P < 0.001), higher levels of RPG, N/L ratio (8.19 ± 3.05 vs 5.44 ± 3.53, P < 0.001), and MPV (11.90 ± 2.09 vs 8.58 ± 1.84 fL, P < 0.001) on admission. After adjustment of confounding factors, the independent predictors of NOAF, no-reflow, and in-hospital MACE were higher N/L ratio (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5, P = 0.02) and older age (OR = 3.1, P = 0.04). Conclusions Older patient age, longer pain-to-balloon time, hyperglycemia, higher N/L ratio, and MPV on admission are useful predictive factors for the occurrence of no-reflow postprimary percutaneous coronary intervention, NOAF, and/or in-hospital MACE. N/L ratio is a new strong independent predictor of no-reflow, NOAF, and/or in-hospital MACE in patients with STEMI. The use of this simple routine biomarker may have a potential therapeutic implication in preventing NOAF and improving prognosis in STEMI revascularized patients.

Impact of the Residual SYNTAX Score on Outcomes of Revascularization in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (P-PCI) has become the preferred reperfusion strategy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) when performed by an experienced team in a timely manner. However, no consensus exists regarding the management of multivessel coronary disease detected at the time of P-PCI. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the residual SYNTAX score (rSS) following a complete vs. culprit-only revascularization strategy in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease (MVD) to quantify the extent and complexity of residual coronary stenoses and their impact on adverse ischemic outcomes. Methods Between October 1, 2012, and November 30, 2013, we enrolled 120 consecutive STEMI patients with angiographic patterns of multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) who had a clinical indication to undergo PCI. The patients were subdivided into those who underwent culprit-only PCI (60 patients) and those who underwent staged-multivessel PCI during the index admission or who were staged within 30 days of the index admission (60 patients). Both the groups were well matched with regard to clinical statuses and lesion characteristics. Clinical outcomes at one year were collected, and the baseline SYNTAX score and rSS were calculated. Results The mean total stent length (31.07 ± 12.7 mm vs. 76.3 ± 14.1 mm) and the number of stents implanted per patient (1.34 ± 0.6 vs. 2.47 ± 0.72) were higher in the staged-PCI group. The rSS was higher in the culprit-only PCI group (9.7 ± 5.7 vs. 1.3 ± 1.99). The angiographic and clinical results after a mean follow-up of 343 ± 75 days demonstrated no significant difference in the occurrence of in-hospital Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events (MACCE) between both the groups (6.7% vs. 5%, P = 1.000). However, patients treated with staged PCI with an rSS ≤8 had significant reductions in one-year MACCE (10.7% vs. 30.5%, P = 0.020*), death/Myocardial infarction (MI)/Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (5% vs. 13.8%, P = 0.016*), and repeat revascularization (4.8% vs. 25%, P = 0.001*). We found that culprit-only, higher GRACE risk scores at discharge and an rSS >8 were independent predictors of MACCE at one year. Conclusions Staged PCI that achieves reasonable complete revascularization (rSS ≤8) improves mid-term survival and reduces the incidence of repeat PCI in patients with STEMI and MVD. Nonetheless, large-scale randomized trials are required to establish the optimal revascularization strategy for these high-risk patients.

The Role of 64/128-Slice Multidetector Computed Tomography to Assess the Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis

Objectives We studied the progression of coronary atherosclerosis over time as detected by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in relation to risk factors and plaque composition. Background Studies using MDCT are limited to the assessment of the degree of stenosis without taking into consideration the plaque composition that is seen by MDCT. Methods This study included 200 patients, complaining of chest pain and referred to do 64/128-contrast–enhanced MDCT for the second time, and both studies were retrieved and evaluated for the presence of plaque, plaque type, vessel wall remodeling, percent area, and diameter stenosis and compared in both studies. Plaque progression over time and its association with risk factors were determined. Results We included 200 patients, and 348 plaques were detected by 64/128 MDCT. The duration between follow-up and baseline studies was 25.9 ± 19.2 month. In all, 200 plaques showed progression (57.47%), 122 were stable (35.06%), and 26 regressed (7.47%). In longitudinal regression analysis, the presence of history of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia and the absence of intraplaque calcium deposits were independently associated with plaque progression over time (P < 0.0001). Conclusion Coronary plaque burden of patients with chest pain and no history of acute coronary syndrome significantly increased over time. Progression is dependent on plaque composition and cardiovascular risk factors. Larger studies and longer follow-up period are needed to confirm the determinant factors for plaque progression.

CRT-200.92 Gender Disparities in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Care and Outcomes in Emerging Countries: A Global Lumen Organization for Women (GLOW) Initiative and Call to Action

Over the past decade, outcomes for patients with acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have been improving in the developed world - mainly, USA and Europe. This is as a result of an organized revolution in AMI (Acute Myocardial Infarction)-care in general and STEMI-care in

Outcomes of DES in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients with Complex Coronary Artery Disease after Risk Stratification by the SYNTAX Score

Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of adverse outcomes after coronary revascularization. Controversy persists regarding the optimal revascularization strategy for diabetic patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD). Aim The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of drug-eluting stent (DES) insertion in DM and non-DM patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD) after risk stratification by the percutaneous coronary intervention with taxus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score. Methods and Results We performed multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for 601 lesions in 243 DM patients and 1,029 lesions in 401 non-DM patients. All included patients had MVD and one or more lesions of type B2/C. The two-year outcomes and event rates were estimated in the DM and non-DM patients using Kaplan–Meier analyses. The baseline SYNTAX score was ≤22 in 84.8% vs. 84%, P = 0.804, and 23-32 in 15.2% vs. 16%, P = 0.804, of the DM and non-DM patients, respectively. The number of diseased segments treated (2.57 ± 0.75 vs. 2.47 ± 0.72; P = 0.066) and stents implanted per patient (2.41 ± 0.63 vs. 2.32 ± 0.54; P = 0.134) were similar in both groups. After a mean follow-up of 642 ± 175 days, there were no differences in the major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; 26.7% vs. 20.9%; P = 0.091), composite end point of all-cause death/myocardial infarction (MI)/stroke (12.3% vs. 9%; P = 0.172), individual MACCE components of death (3.7% vs. 3.2%; P = 0.754), MI (6.6% vs. 4%; P = 0.142), and absence of stroke in the DM and non-DM patients. An increased need for repeat revascularization was observed in DM patients (18.5% vs. 10.2%; P = 0.003). In the multivariate analysis, DM was an independent predictor of repeat revascularization (hazard ratio: 1.818; 95% confidence interval: 1.162-2.843; P = 0.009). Conclusions DES implantation provides favorable early and mid-term results in both DM and non-DM patients undergoing PCI for complex lesions. After a mean follow-up of two years, DM and non-DM patients with complex CAD treated by PCI using new-generation DES showed no differences with regard to MACCE and other secondary end points. However, higher rates of ischemia-driven repeat revascularization were observed in DM patients.

Influence of thyroid function on the outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention in euthyroid patients with coronary artery disease

Background Thyroid hormonal disturbance plays an essential role in coronary artery disease (CAD) development and progress. Few studies have detected the relation between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), thyroid gland function, and morphology. We aimed to assess the influence of baseline thyroid function tests on the outcome of PCI in euthyroid patients with CAD, and to detect the effect of PCI on the thyroid function and ultrasound features. Patients and methods This study included 113 clinically euthyroid patients with stable CAD. Serum free T3, serum free T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid-stimulating hormone index, free T3/T4 ratio, anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein had been measured before, and then 24 h and 3 months after PCI. The morphology of thyroid was evaluated through thyroid ultrasound before and 3 months after PCI. Results One day after PCI, there was a significant increase in serum FT3 and serum FT4 and no significant change in the serum TSH compared with just before PCI (P < 0.001, P = 0.04, P = 0.97, respectively). In addition, there was a significant increase in serum FT3/FT4 ratio compared with just before PCI (P = 0.007). Three months after PCI, there was a significant increase in serum FT4, decrease in serum FT3 returning to baseline, and a significant increase in serum TSH compared with just before PCI (P = 0.42, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant decrease in the serum FT3/FT4 ratio and significant increase in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone index compared with just before PCI ( P ≤ 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Higher TSH and measured echogenicity index were independent pre-PCI predictors of unfavorable outcomes after 24 h with cutoff values greater than 0.95 mIU/ml and greater than 1.81, respectively. Lower FT3 and higher FT4 levels were independent pre-PCI predictors of unfavorable outcomes after 3 months with cutoff values less than or equal to 2.95 pg/ml and greater than 1.3 ng/dl, respectively. Conclusion A state of euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia was detected 24 h after PCI. A state of thyroid hormone resistance was detected 3 months after PCI. Higher TSH and measured echogenicity index independently predicted unfavorable outcome after 24 h. Lower FT3 and higher FT4 levels independently predicted unfavorable outcomes after 3 months.

Prevalence of lipid abnormalities and cholesterol target value attainment in Egyptian patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome

Background Effective management of hyperlipidemia is of utmost importance for prevention of recurring cardiovascular events after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Indeed, guidelines recommend a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level of <70 mg/dL for such patients. The Dyslipidemia International Study II (DYSIS II) – Egypt was initiated in order to quantify the prevalence and extent of hyperlipidemia in patients presenting with an ACS in Egypt. Methods In this prospective, observational study, we documented patients presenting with an ACS at either of two participating centers in Egypt between November 2013 and September 2014. Individuals were included if they were over 18 years of age, had a full lipid profile available (recorded within 24 h of admission), and had either been taking lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) for ≥3 months at time of enrollment or had not taken LLT. Data regarding lipid levels and LLT were recorded on admission to hospital and at follow-up 4 months later. Results Of the 199 patients hospitalized for an ACS that were enrolled, 147 were on LLT at admission. Mean LDL-C at admission was 127.1 mg/dL, and was not significantly different between users and non-users of LLT. Only 4.0% of patients had an LDL-C level of <70 mg/dL, with the median distance to this target being 61.0 mg/dL. For the patients with LDL-C information available at both admission and follow-up, LDL-C target attainment rose from 2.8% to 5.6%. Most of the LLT-treated patients received statin monotherapy (98.6% at admission and 97.3% at follow-up), with the mean daily statin dose (normalized to atorvastatin) increasing from admission (30 mg/day) to follow-up (42 mg/day). Conclusions DYSIS II revealed alarming LDL-C goal attainment, with none of the patients with follow-up information available reaching the target of LDL-C <70 mg/dL, either at hospital admission or 4 months after their ACS event. Improvements in guideline adherence are urgently needed for reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in Egypt. Strategies include the effective use of statins at high doses, or combination with other agents recommended by guidelines.

Long-term prognostic implication of coronary plaque characterization as detected by 64-multidetector computed tomography in Egyptian population

Objectives We aimed to determine the role of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in prognosis of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) by applying plaque characterization and whether obstructive versus non-obstructive plaque volume is a predictor of future cardiac events. Background Vulnerable plaques may occur across the full spectrum of severity of stenosis, underlining that also non-obstructive lesions may contribute to coronary events. Methods We included 1000 consecutive patients with intermediate pretest likelihood of CAD who were evaluated by 64-MDCT. Coronary artery calcium scoring, assessment of degree of coronary stenosis and quantitative assessment of plaque composition and volume were performed. The end point was cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, or symptom-driven revascularization. Results After a median follow-up of 16 months, 190 patients had suffered cardiac events. In a multivariate regression analysis for events, the total amount of non-calcified plaque (NCP) in non-obstructive lesions was independently associated with an increased hazard ratio for non-fatal MI (1.01–1.9/100-mm3 plaque volume increase, p = 0.039), total amount of obstructive plaque was independently associated with symptoms driven revascularization (p = 0.04) and coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) was independently associated with cardiac deaths (p = 0.001). Conclusion MDCT is a non-invasive imaging modality with a prognostic utility in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease by applying plaque characterization and it could identify vulnerable plaques by measuring the total amount of NCP in non-obstructive lesions which could be useful for detecting patients at risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and guide further preventive therapeutic strategies. CACS was shown to be an independent predictor of mortality, while total amount of obstructive volume was shown to be an independent predictor of symptoms driven revascularization.

Prognostic Value of Area Flow Index in Patients with Acute st Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Clinical and Echocardiographic Outcomes

Background: Early restoration of patency of infarct related artery is a universally accepted goal in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. These could be achieved by Primary PCI or fibrinolysis. Primary PCI is preferred reperfusion strategy over fibrinolysis. Identifying initial area at risk in patients with acute myocardial infarction had been shown to have a direct impact on patients adverse clinical outcomes as well as prediction of systolic dysfunction. Area flow index (AFI) calculation in patients with acute myocardial infarction may predict initial area at risk during primary PCI. Aim: To investigate the clinical utility of Area flow index to predict systolic dysfunction and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction Patients: 250 consecutive patients with acute anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary PCI presenting to Alexandria main university hospital and ICC hospital from June 2013 till December 2014. Methods: Echocardiographic assessment of LV systolic function 5-7 days after myocardial infarction by calculation of ejection fraction using modified simpson method. Area flow index was calculated by dividing culprit segment cross sectional area to total coronary cross sectional area. Where DC is the culprit segment diameter, D1 left anterior descending diameter, D2 left circumflex diameter, D3 right coronary diameter. All patients were followed one month for the occurrence of MACE. Results: Patients were grouped according to their ejection fraction following myocardial infarction into 3 groups: -Group I: severe LV systolic dysfunction EF 45% There was a significant negative correlation between AFI and LVEF (r=-0. 58, P 28.4% had a 75.6% sensitivity and 78.1% specificity in predicting severe LV systolic dysfunction. Also the composite one month MACE was higher in the group with AFI>28.4% (p<0. 001). Conclusion: Area flow index calculated from coronary angiography at time of primary PCI is a new strong independent predictor of LV systolic dysfunction and 1month MACE in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction.