Paul Lee

Outcomes of Patients Discharged the Same Day Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

OBJECTIVESnThis study evaluated the outcomes of patients discharged the day of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by analyzing the data from a single-center, large, multioperator registry of interventions.nnnBACKGROUNDnAlthough same-day discharge is likely safe after interventions on low-risk stable patients, there is limited data to guide selection of a broader population of patients. Due to numerous patient variables and physician preferences, standardization of the length of stay after PCI has been a challenge. Most of the reported studies on same-day discharge have strict inclusion criteria and hence do not truly reflect a real-world population.nnnMETHODSnWe analyzed the outcomes of consecutive same-day discharge in 2,400 of 16,585 patients who underwent elective PCI without any procedural or hospital complication. Composite end point included 30-day major adverse cardiac cerebral events and bleeding/vascular complications.nnnRESULTSnThe mean age of the study population was 57.0 +/- 23.7 years with 12% aged over 65 years. Twenty-eight percent received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor with closure devices in 90.5%. Clinical and angiographic success was noted in 97% of all PCIs. The average length-of-stay following PCI was 8.2 +/- 2.5 h. The composite end point was reached in 23 patients (0.96%). Major adverse cardiac cerebral events occurred in 8 patients (0.33%) and vascular/bleeding complications in the form of Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction minor bleeding in 14 patients (0.58%) and pseudoaneurysm in 1 patient (0.04%).nnnCONCLUSIONSnWhen appropriately selected, with strict adherence to the set protocol, same-day discharge after uncomplicated elective PCI is safe despite using femoral access in a wide spectrum of patients.

Effectiveness of tirofiban, eptifibatide, and abciximab in minimizing myocardial necrosis during percutaneous coronary intervention (TEAM pilot study) *

The TEAM pilot study underscores the importance of adequate platelet inhibition (>90% PI) in high-risk PCI, and demonstrates that attaining >90% PI is possible in most patients by adding a half-bolus of any GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor, with no increase in major/minor bleeding similar periprocedural myocardial necrosis, and 30-day MACE with all 3 GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors.

Postprocedure Chest Pain After Coronary Stenting: Implications on Clinical Restenosis

OBJECTIVESnThe goal of this study was to analyze the incidence and predictors of postprocedure chest pain (PPCP) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and its correlation with clinical restenosis.nnnBACKGROUNDnChest pain after PCI occurs frequently even in the absence of procedural events and is considered to be due to vasospasm or coronary artery stretch. The short- and long-term significance of PPCP after otherwise successful stenting is not clear.nnnMETHODSnWe analyzed 1,362 patients undergoing coronary stenting for PPCP, procedural and in-hospital events, 30-day major adverse cardiac events, and target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 6 to 9 months.nnnRESULTSnThere were 488 patients with PPCP and, of these, 312 patients were excluded due to procedural events. The remaining 176 patients with PPCP were compared with 874 patients without PPCP. Creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme elevation occurred in 25.6% of the PPCP group versus 9.6% of the no PPCP group (p < 0.001). Despite similar reference vessel diameter, the PPCP group had larger postprocedure minimum lumen diameter, higher stent-to-vessel ratio, and higher inflation pressure versus the no PPCP group (p < 0.01). At 30 days, the emergency room visits and repeat catheterization (16% vs. 2.7%; p < 0.001) were higher in the PPCP group versus the no PPCP group, but repeat intervention was similar. At 6- to 9-month follow-up, the TVR was significantly higher in the PPCP group compared with the no PPCP group (29.5% vs. 16.6%; p < 0.01).nnnCONCLUSIONSnOur analysis suggests micromyonecrosis and vessel stretch as causes of PPCP. Postprocedure chest pain is associated with similar short-term outcome as no PPCP, but has higher restenosis, perhaps mediated by deep vessel wall injury. Therefore, PPCP may identify patients at high risk for restenosis.

Safety of Temporary and Permanent Suspension of Antiplatelet Therapy After Drug Eluting Stent Implantation in Contemporary “Real-world” Practice

OBJECTIVESnTo define the incidence of stent thrombosis (ST) and/or AMI (ST/AMI) associated with temporary or permanent suspension of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after coronary drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in real-world patients, and additional factors influencing these events.nnnBACKGROUNDnAdherence to DAPT is critical for avoiding ST following DES implantation. However, the outcomes of patients undergoing antiplatelet therapy withdrawal following DES implantation remain to be clearly described.nnnMETHODSnPatients receiving DES from 05/01/2003 to 05/01/2008 were identified from a single-center registry. Complete follow-up data were available for 5,681 patients (67% male, age 66 ± 11 years, duration 1,108 ± 446 days) who were included in this analysis.nnnRESULTSnUninterrupted DAPT was maintained in 4,070/5,681 (71.6%) patients, with an annual ST/AMI rate of 0.43%. Antiplatelet therapy was commonly ceased for gastrointestinal-related issues, dental procedures or noncardiac/nongastrointestinal surgery. Temporary DAPT suspension occurred in 593/5,681 (10.4%) patients for 17.6 ± 74.1 days, with 6/593 (1.0%) experiencing ST/AMI during this period. Of patients permanently ceasing aspirin (n = 187, mean 338 ± 411 days poststenting), clopidogrel (n = 713, mean 614 ± 375 days) or both agents (n = 118, mean 459 ± 408 days), ST/AMI was uncommon with an annual rate of 0.1-0.2%. Overall, independent predictors of ST/AMI were unstable initial presentation, uninterrupted DAPT and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Factors predicting uninterrupted DAPT included diabetes, unstable presentation, prior MI, left main coronary PCI, and multivessel coronary disease.nnnCONCLUSIONSnIn real-world practice, rates of ST/AMI following DES implantation are low, but not insignificant, following aspirin and/or clopidogrel cessation. Use of uninterrupted DAPT appears more common in high-risk patients.

The long modified extended sliding trochanteric osteotomy

The modified extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) preserves the posterior capsule and short external rotators through a lateral approach to the hip. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of long ETOs, measuring 18xa0cm and above. Fifty three long ETOs were reviewed. The mean length of the osteotomy was 20.0xa0cm (range, 18–26). Mean scratch-fit length was 6.5xa0cm. Average follow-up was 57xa0months (range, 14–114xa0months). The Harris hip score improved from 37 preoperatively to 73 at last follow-up. Subsidence occurred in 12 (22.6%) cases. Eleven stems stabilised over the first year. One stem (1.9%) was revised for subsidence and loosening, one for a periprosthetic fracture and one for a fractured stem. Two (3.8%) cups had postoperative dislocations. Fifty two (98.1%) osteotomies united well. This series shows a low failure rate, with revision and union rates comparable to those reported for shorter ETOs. Performing the osteotomy through a lateral approach to the hip will enhance posterior stability.

Antibiotic treatment and timing of reimplantation.

PJI is traditionally treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics in order to obtain the minimum inhibitory concentration in the shortest time possible. Once this goal is met and there is clinical evidence of improvement, some IV antibiotic regimens can be switched to oral regimens. There is scarce literature reporting on the use of oral (combined or single) antibiotic therapy for the treatment of PJIs without an initial IV regimen [1–5]. Most of these studies were conducted in cases where the prosthesis was retained. There is one study in which no oral or prolonged IV regimen was used after debridement and the use of an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers led to a 87% eradication rate [6]. No literature conclusively supports the use of only oral (combined or single) antibiotic therapy prior to reimplantation. The recently-published guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) [7] suggest that pathogen-specific, highly bioavailable oral therapy (e.g. linezolid or fluoroquinolones) may be an alternative as initial therapy for some cases of PJI. Concerns against the routine use of appropriate oral agents in the treatment of PJI largely comprise questions of patient medication compliance and the long-term use of medication therapy with less intensive efficacy and toxicity monitoring.

Serum creatinine ratio: a novel predictor of mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with normal and abnormal renal function.

The occurrence of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with increased mortality after percutaneous revascularization procedures. However, the exact correlation between various levels of creatinine elevation relative to the baseline and subsequent mortality in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is not well established. In addition, the relationship between elevated postprocedural creatinine and ensuing mortality in patients with normal baseline renal function needs to be investigated. Methods: All percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients (n = 12,997) were analyzed for any rise in serum creatinine (SCr): CRI group (BSC ≥ 1.5 mg/dl) (n = 1,853) and normal baseline renal function (NBR BSC < 1.5 mg/dl) group (n = 11,144). Patients in each group were analyzed for any elevation in SCr postprocedure and subdivided based on the SCr ratio [peak SCr/Baseline creatinine (BSC)] of <1.25, 1.25–1.5, and >1.5. The overall incidence of CIN (defined as an increment of 25% over baseline creatinine) was 5.9%: 11.3% in the CRI group versus 5.1% in normal BSC group (P < 0.01). Recursive partitioning and Cox hazard modeling were used to assess significant variables associated with mortality within 1 year. Only serum creatinine ratio (SCrR) > 1.5 correlated with increased mortality in both CRI group as well as normal BSC group. Conclusions: SCrR > 1.5 predicts mortality at 1 year after PCI. The association between SCrR > 1.5 and increased mortality at follow‐up is observed in patients with CRI as well as normal baseline renal function. SCrR may thus serve as a useful clinical tool for risk stratification and prognostication of patients after PCI.

Fusospirochetal superinfection of pre-existing oral lesion in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Three patients with AIDS presented with nonbleeding, painful, fetid, oral ulcers overlaid with a grayish-black semiadherent membrane at the sites of a pre-existing lesion. These lesions persisted despite treatment directed toward the primary etiology (cytomegalovirus, Kaposis sarcoma). Gram- and Giemsa-stained smears of teased membrane fragments revealed an impressive bacterial flora with fusiforms and Borrelia-type spirochetes. Prompt treatment with penicillin brought amelioration of symptoms and sloughing of the overlaying membrane.