Przemysław Trzeciak

Comparison of Five-Year Outcomes of Patients With and Without Chronic Total Occlusion of Noninfarct Coronary Artery After Primary Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of concurrent chronic total occlusion (CTO) in a noninfarct-related artery (IRA) on the long-term prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary disease. Of 1,658 consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 666 with multivessel coronary disease who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention from 1999 to 2004 were included in the present analysis. The patients were divided into 2 groups: no CTO and CTO. The first group included 462 patients without CTO (69%) and the second group included 204 patients with CTO in a non-IRA (31%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.3% and 21.1% (p < 0.0001) and the 5-year mortality rate was 22.5% and 40.2% (p < 0.0001) for the no-CTO and CTO patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that after correction for baseline differences CTO in a non-IRA was a strong, independent predictor of 5-year mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (hazard ratio 1.85; 95% confidence interval 1.35 to 2.53; p = 0.0001). In conclusion, the presence of CTO in a non-IRA in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary disease is a strong and independent risk factor for greater 5-year mortality.

Mortality of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock treated by PCI is correlated to the infarct-related artery – Results from the PL-ACS Registry

BACKGROUND Mortality of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with cardiogenic shock (CS) on admission remains high despite invasive treatment. The aim of this analysis was to assess the relationship between the infarct-related artery (IRA) and the early and 12-month outcomes of patients with STEMI and CS treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS Two thousand ninety patients with STEMI and CS registered in the prospective Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes from October 2003 to November 2009 were included. RESULTS The in-hospital mortality in the left main (LM), left anterior descending artery (LAD), circumflex artery (Cx), and right coronary artery (RCA) groups was 64.7%, 41.0%, 36.0%, and 30.8%, respectively, with p<0.0001. The 12-month mortality in the LM, LAD, Cx, and RCA groups was 77.7%, 58.2%, 55.1%, and 45.0%, respectively, with p<0.0001. After multivariate adjustment, LM as the IRA was significantly associated with higher 12-month mortality (hazard ratio=1.71, 95% confidence interval=1.28-2.27, p=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS In-hospital and long-term mortality of patients with STEMI and CS treated by PCI are significantly correlated to the IRA, being highest for LM and lowest for RCA.

In-Hospital and 12-Month Outcomes After Acute Coronary Syndrome Treatment in Patients Aged <40 Years of Age (from the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes)

We aimed to compare the characteristics and in-hospital and 12-month outcomes in patients aged>40 and <40 years with acute coronary syndrome. The analysis involved 789 patients aged<40 years and 63,057 patients aged≥40 years enrolled in the ongoing Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes from October 2003 to December 2009. Patients aged<40 years with acute coronary syndrome differed from older patients in their clinical characteristics, treatment, and clinical outcome. The older patients more frequently had pulmonary edema (2.9% vs 0.4%, p<0.0001) and cardiogenic shock (4.7% vs 2.8%, p=0.011) on admission. For the younger patients, coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention were performed more often (71.5% vs 60.5%, p<0.0001 and 51.5% vs 47.7%, p=0.04, respectively). The younger patients had a lower mortality rate than the older patients during hospitalization (1.5% vs 5.2%, p<0.0001) and during 12-month follow-up period (4.1% vs 13.4%, p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that age<40 years was one of the strongest factors associated with lower mortality during the 12 months after discharge (hazard ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.29 to 0.62, p<0.0001). In conclusion, younger patients had more favorable in-hospital and 1-year outcomes than older patients, and the age<40 years was revealed to be one of the strongest factors associated with lower mortality during the 1-year follow-up.

The Relationships between Polymorphisms in Genes Encoding the Growth Factors TGF-β1, PDGFB, EGF, bFGF and VEGF-A and the Restenosis Process in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease Treated with Bare Metal Stent.

Background Neointima forming after stent implantation consists of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in 90%. Growth factors TGF-β1, PDGFB, EGF, bFGF and VEGF-A play an important role in VSMC proliferation and migration to the tunica intima after arterial wall injury. The aim of this paper was an analysis of functional polymorphisms in genes encoding TGF-β1, PDGFB, EGF, bFGF and VEGF-A in relation to in-stent restenosis (ISR). Materials and Methods 265 patients with a stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) hospitalized in our center in the years 2007–2011 were included in the study. All patients underwent stent implantation at admission to the hospital and had another coronary angiography performed due to recurrence of the ailments or a positive result of the test assessing the coronary flow reserve. Angiographically significant ISR was defined as stenosis >50% in the stented coronary artery segment. The patients were divided into two groups–with angiographically significant ISR (n = 53) and without significant ISR (n = 212). Additionally, the assessment of late lumen loss (LLL) in vessel was performed. EGF rs4444903 polymorphism was genotyped using the PCR-RFLP method whilst rs1800470 (TGFB1), rs2285094 (PDGFB) rs308395 (bFGF) and rs699947 (VEGF-A) were determined using the TaqMan method. Results Angiographically significant ISR was significantly less frequently observed in the group of patients with the A/A genotype of rs1800470 polymorphism (TGFB1) versus patients with A/G and G/G genotypes. In the multivariable analysis, LLL was significantly lower in patients with the A/A genotype of rs1800470 (TGFB1) versus those with the A/G and G/G genotypes and higher in patients with the A/A genotype of the VEGF-A polymorphism versus the A/C and C/C genotypes. The C/C genotype of rs2285094 (PDGFB) was associated with greater LLL compared to C/T heterozygotes and T/T homozygotes. Conclusions The polymorphisms rs1800470, rs2285094 and rs6999447 of the TGFB1, PDGFB and VEGF-A genes, respectively, are associated with LLL in patients with SCAD treated by PCI with a metal stent implantation.

Optimal timing for surgical revascularization in survivors of acute coronary syndromes eligible for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND Several patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are discharged home after the acute phase of ACS and are suitable for elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The aim of the study was to assess the optimal timing for surgical revascularization and its effect on 12-month outcome in patients discharged from hospital after ACS and referred for elective CABG surgery. METHODS The analysis involved 2028 patients enrolled into the ongoing Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (PL-ACS) who were discharged from hospital with the intention to undergo elective CABG surgery. CONCLUSIONS Among 2028 patients 1216 (60.0%) underwent surgery during 12months of follow-up. Patients who underwent surgical revascularization had a lower prevalence of mortality (5.7% vs 11.5%, p<0.0001). Patients who underwent surgery within the first month had a significantly higher prevalence of mortality than those who did not undergo surgery (5.7% vs 1.6%, p<0.0001). By the third month, the two cumulative mortalities were similar (4.2% vs 4.6%, p=0.65). From the beginning of the fourth month, the cumulative mortality was significantly higher among patients who did not undergo surgery.

Major hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications in patients with mechanical heart valves receiving oral anticoagulant therapy.

INTRODUCTION Patients with mechanical heart valve prostheses are obligated to receive lifelong oral anticoagulant therapy to prevent thromboembolic complications; however, this treatment is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of major hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications in patients with mechanical heart valves who received oral anticoagulant therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The analysis involved 225 patients who underwent successful surgery in 2000; the mean (+/-SD) follow-up period was 43.3 +/- 9.2 months. Aortic, mitral, and double valve replacement was performed in 128 (56.7%), 70 (31.1%), and 27 (12.1%) of the patients, respectively. There were 128 men (57.3%), and the mean patient age was 57.9 +/- 18.8 years. The following data were assessed: rate of major hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications, frequency of international normalized ratio (INR) rate measurements, and percentage of results within the therapeutic range. RESULTS Major hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications occurred in 25 patients (11.1%). Seventeen patients (7.5%) survived, and 8 (3.6%) died of the complications. Major hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications occurred in 17 patients (7.6%) and 8 patients (3.6%), respectively. The mean time between sequential measurements was 4.3 +/- 3.0 weeks, and of all the INR values collected, 42.4% were within, 31.3% were below, and 26.3% were above the target ranges. CONCLUSIONS Patients with a mechanical heart valve prosthesis receiving acenocoumarol are susceptible to major hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications, some of which lead to death. Despite the danger related to these complications, patients receiving anticoagulant therapy still have difficulty achieving INR values within the therapeutic range.

Coronary artery disease in women

Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD), are the leading cause of death among women and men. Mortality among women is higher than in men. Women more often report atypical anginal symptoms. Non-invasive diagnostic testing of CAD is less sensitive and characteristic in women than in men. Coronary angiography and rewascularization of coronary arteries is less common in women. However, women, who undergo angiography have lower rates of obstructive CAD. The worse prognosis of CAD in women is associated with the fact that the onset of obstructive coronary artery disease in women occurs 7–10 years later than in men. Older women are also more often burdened with comorbidities. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics, diagnostics, and treatment of CAD in women and men.

In-hospital and long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients ≤ 45 years of age and older (from the KROK registry)

BACKGROUND There is a paucity of data concerning the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in patients ≤ 45 years old. AIM We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics, and in-hospital and long-term outcomes of patients ≤ 45 years and > 45 years old, who underwent isolated CABG. METHODS We identified consecutive patients who had isolated CABG in the Department of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantology in the Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze between January 2006 and December 2011 and were enrolled in the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures (KROK registry). A total of 8196 patients were identified and split into two groups, age ≤ 45 years old (young group; n = 130) and > 45 years old (old group; n = 8066). RESULTS Patients ≤ 45 years old were less often females (18.5% vs. 27.6%, p < 0.027), more often smokers (84.6% vs. 66.9%, p < 0.0001), and had a higher incidence of previous myocardial infarction (MI) (40.8% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.008). Patients ≤ 45 years old more often received only one graft (27.7% vs. 15.0%, p < 0.0001), were operated on with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) technique (12.3% vs. 3.9%, p < 0.0001), and had complete arterial revascularisation (55.4% vs. 18.1%, p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding in-hospital mortality (0.8% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.808). Long-term outcomes revealed that young patients, compared with the older patients, showed no significant differences in the number of MI (4.6% vs. 5.6%), unstable angina (8.5% vs. 9.9%), coronary angioplasty (12.3% vs. 15.1%), reCABG (0.8% vs. 0.1%), and strokes (2.3% vs. 4.3%) during the follow-up period; long-term mortality occurred less often in the young patients (4.6% vs. 15.0%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that patients ≤ 45 years old requiring CABG differ from their older counterparts in clinical and surgical characteristics. We noted no significant differences in the in-hospital mortality; however, patients ≤ 45 years old had a lower mortality rate in the long-term follow-up.

Impact of CoreValve size selection based on multi-slice computed tomography on paravalvular leak after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND Paravalvular leak (PVL) has significant impact on long-term outcomes in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This study sought to determine whether multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT)-guided valve selection reduces PVL after CoreValve implantation. METHODS The analysis encompassed 69 patients implanted with CoreValve and were divided into two groups. In Group I (30 patients), valve selection was based on standard procedures, in Group II (39 patients), on MSCT measurements. Paravalvular leak was assessed with angiography and echocardiography. RESULTS Multi-slice computed tomography results influenced a change of decision as to the size of the implanted valve in 12 (30.9%) patients in Group II and would have caused the decision to change in 9 (37.5%) patients in Group I. The degree of oversizing in Group I and II was 12.8% ± ± 7.6% vs. 18.6% ± 5.1% (p = 0.0006), respectively. The oversizing among the patients with leak degree of 0-1 and ≥ 2 was 18.1% ± 6.0% and 12.8% ± 7.4% (p = 0.0036). Angiographic assessment indicated post-procedural PVL ≥ 2 in 50% of patients in Group I and 20.5% in Group II (p = 0.01), while echocardiographic assessment indicated the same in 73.3% of patients in Group I and 45.6% in Group II (p = 0.0136). The composite endpoint occurred in 26.6% (8/30) patients in Group I vs. 5.1% (2/39) patients in Group II (p = 0.0118). CONCLUSIONS Selecting the CoreValve device based on MSCT resulted in smaller rates of PVL and less frequent composite endpoint. In 1/3 of patients MSCT led to a change of the valve size. The degree of oversizing had a significant impact on PVL.

Prewencja infekcyjnego zapalenia wsierdzia u chorych po wszczepieniu zastawki serca poddawanych zabiegom laryngologicznym

Summary Every patient after heart valve replacement belongs to the risk group of infective endocarditis (IE). Some of the laryngological procedures are related to the transient bacteriaemia and consequently IE. Patients after heart valve replacement need a proper care before some laryngological procedures. The proper cooperation of cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, and laryngologist can decrease the risk of IE. In the paper the laryngological procedures for which prophylaxis against infective endocarditis is recommended have been identified. The standarts therapy for prophylaxis have been presented. The specificity of prophylaxis in the case of some other laryngological procedures have been shown. The other cardiac conditions predisposing to endocarditis demanding prophylaxis before laryngological procedures have been mentioned. Every patient after heart valve replacement in Silesian Center of Heart Disease in Zabrze obtains Identity Card of the Patient with Artificial Heart Valve. It contains a list of procedures, including laryngological ones, for which prophylaxis against IE is recommended.