ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (st-elevation + myocardial_infarction)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Mechanisms of Late Stent Malapposition After Primary Stenting in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Subanalysis of the Selection Trial

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
TANIA CHECHI M.D.
Background: One of the major predictors of late stent malapposition (LSM) is primary stenting in acute myocardial infarction. However, mechanisms of LSM are still under debate. Methods: Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and enrolled in the SELECTION trial (38 patients in the paclitaxel-eluting stent, PES, and 35 in the bare metal stent, BMS, cohort) were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate LSM, by means of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) data recorded at the index and 7-month follow-up procedures. Results: Stent malapposition was documented in 21 lesions in 21 patients (28.8%): in 8 of these 21 patients (38.1%) it was LSM. Although statistical significance was not reached, LSM was more frequent after PES than BMS implantation (15.8% vs. 5.7%). LSM was mainly located within the body of the stent (62.5% of the cases). At the LSM segment, a significant increase of vessel area (19.2 ± 3.3 mm2 vs. 21.9 ± 5.3 mm2, P = 0.04) and a reduction of plaque area (12.6 ± 4.6 mm2 vs. 9.1 ± 3.9 mm2, P = 0.04) were observed at IVUS between the index and follow-up procedure. Conclusions: After primary stenting for STEMI, LSM seems to be more frequent after PES rather than BMS implantation. In the STEMI setting, possible mechanisms leading to LSM include positive remodeling and plaque mass decrease. [source]


Body Mass Index and Effectiveness of Reperfusion Strategies: Implications for the Management of Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
M.S., RAJENDRA H. MEHTA M.D.
Background:Fibrinolytic therapy has maximum dose limit in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Consequently, obese patients receive lower dose of fibrinolytic per kg body weight compared to lower weight patients. Whether the relatively lower dose results in lower effectiveness of fibrinolytic agents versus primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with higher body mass index (BMI) is not known. Methods:We analyzed 7,630 STEMI patients receiving primary PCI (46%) or fibrinolysis (54%) <24 hours of symptom onset from the MITRA PLUS registry. The relative effectiveness of the 2 reperfusion strategies on in-hospital death (adjusted with propensity scores) and bleeding were studied in 3 BMI groups: I-BMI 20,24.9 kg/m2 (n = 2,277), II-BMI 25,29.9 kg/m2 (n = 3,763), and III-BMI ,30 kg/m2 (n = 1,590). Results:BMI was inversely related to death, shock, stroke, and bleeding in patients treated with either reperfusion strategy. However, compared with primary PCI, fibrinolysis was associated with higher adjusted death with similar relative adjusted difference in all 3 groups (group I OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.19,2.44; group II OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.39,2.56; group III OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.08,3.22). Conclusions:Compared with primary PCI, fibrinolysis was associated with relatively similar higher risk of death in all 3 BMI groups. Whether the differences in death between fibrinolysis and primary PCI in the high-BMI categories can be reduced by higher fibrinolytic doses without increasing bleeding risks needs evaluation in future studies. [source]


2009 Focused Updates: ACC/AHA Guidelines for the Management of Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Updating the 2004 Guideline and 2007 Focused Update) and ACC/AHA/SCAI Guidelines on Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (Updating the 2005 Guideline and 2007 Focused Update),

CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 7 2009
A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines
No abstract is available for this article. [source]


Biomarkers on Admission for the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events After Primary Stenting in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 12 2008
Young-Hoon Jeong MD
Abstract Background Several cardiac biomarkers have been shown to have predictive values for the development of cardiovascular disease and clinical outcome after events, and are now broadly used by clinicians. Little is known about the utility of these biomarker values on admission in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cases of primary drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation and intense medical therapy. Hypothesis Because little is known about the utility of these biomarkers on admission in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in cases primary drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation and intense medical therapy, we evaluated clinical outcomes. Methods We enrolled 207 consecutive STEMI patients treated with primary stenting (mean age, 57.3 ± 12.0 y). We evaluated the association between B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) on admission, and death, reinfarction, and new or worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) through 1 y. Results In backward-elimination models including all biomarkers, only the cTnI level was retained as a predictor of 1-y CHF (odds ratio [OR]: 1.017, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001,1.034, p = 0.039). There were no predictors in terms of 1-y death, reinfarction, and composite endpoint. When we applied a simple score system, in which patients were categorized on the basis of the number of elevated biomarkers, the 1-y risks of death (p = 0.600), reinfarction (p = 0.185), and composite endpoint (p = 0.620) did not increase in proportion to the number of elevated biomarkers on admission. One-y CHF only tended to increase according to the number of elevated biomarkers (p = 0.067). Conclusions The use of cardiac biomarkers on admission, in each or in combination, had only a minimal impact for the prediction of long-term cardiovascular events after primary stenting in STEMI patients. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Incremental Benefit of 80-Lead Electrocardiogram Body Surface Mapping Over the 12-Lead Electrocardiogram in the Detection of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Patients Without ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction: Results from the Optimal Cardiovascular Diagnostic Evaluation Enabling Faster Treatment of Myocardial Infarction (OCCULT MI) Trial

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 9 2010
Brian J. O'Neil MD
ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:932,939 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Background:, The initial 12-lead (12L) electrocardiogram (ECG) has low sensitivity to detect myocardial infarction (MI) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in the emergency department (ED). Yet, early therapies in these patients have been shown to improve outcomes. Objectives:, The Optimal Cardiovascular Diagnostic Evaluation Enabling Faster Treatment of Myocardial Infarction (OCCULT-MI) trial was a multicenter trial comparing a novel 80-lead mapping system (80L) to standard 12L ECG in patients with chest pain and presumed ACS. This secondary analysis analyzed the incremental value of the 80L over the 12L in the detection of high-risk ECG abnormalities (ST-segment elevation or ST depression) in patients with MI and ACS, after eliminating all patients diagnosed with ST-elevation MI (STEMI) by 12L ECG. Methods:, Chest pain patients presenting to one of 12 academic EDs were diagnosed and treated according to the standard care of that site and its clinicians; the clinicians were blinded to 80L results. MI was defined by discharge diagnosis of non,ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI) or unstable angina (UA) with an elevated troponin. ACS was defined as discharge diagnosis of NSTEMI or UA with at least one positive test result (troponin, stress test, angiogram) or revascularization procedure. Results:, Of the 1,830 patients enrolled in the trial, 91 patients with physician-diagnosed STEMI and 225 patients with missing 80L or 12L data were eliminated from the analysis; no discharge diagnosis was available for one additional patient. Of the remaining 1,513 patients, 408 had ACS, 206 had MI, and one had missing status. The sensitivity of the 80L was significantly higher than that of the 12L for detecting MI (19.4% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.0014) and ACS (12.3% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.0025). Specificities remained high for both tests, but were somewhat lower for 80L than for 12L for detecting both MI and ACS. Negative and positive likelihood ratios (LR) were not statistically different between groups. In patients with severe disease (defined by stenosis > 70% at catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft, or death from any cause), the 80L had significantly higher sensitivity for detecting MI (with equivalent specificity), but not ACS. Conclusions: Among patients without ST elevation on the 12L ECG, the 80L body surface mapping technology detects more patients with MI or ACS than the 12L, while maintaining a high degree of specificity. [source]


The Impact of Race on the Acute Management of Chest Pain

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 11 2003
Arvind Venkat MD
Abstract Objectives: African Americans with acute coronary syndromes receive cardiac catheterization less frequently than whites. The objective was to determine if such disparities extend to acute evaluation and noninterventional treatment. Methods: Data on adults with chest pain (N= 7,935) presenting to eight emergency departments (EDs) were evaluated from the Internet Tracking Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes. Groups were selected from final ED diagnosis: 1) acute myocardial infarction (AMI), n= 400; 2) unstable angina/non,ST-elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI), n= 1,153; and 3) nonacute coronary syndrome chest pain (non-ACS CP), n= 6,382. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for AMI and UA/NSTEMI were used to evaluate racial disparities with logistic regression models. Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for age, gender, guideline publication, and insurance status. Non-ACS CP patients were assessed by comparing electrocardiographic (ECG)/laboratory evaluation, medical treatment, admission rates, and invasive and noninvasive testing for coronary artery disease (CAD). Results: African Americans with UA/NSTEMI received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors less often than whites (OR, 0.41; 95% CI = 0.19 to 0.91). African Americans with non-ACS CP underwent ECG/laboratory evaluation, medical treatment, and invasive and noninvasive testing for CAD less often than whites (p < 0.05). Other nonwhites with non-ACS CP were admitted and received invasive testing for CAD less often than whites (p < 0.01). African Americans and other nonwhites with AMI underwent catheterization less frequently than whites (OR, 0.45; 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.71 and OR, 0.40; 95% CI = 0.17 to 0.92, respectively). A similar disparity in catheterization was noted in UA/NSTEMI therapy (OR, 0.53; 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.68 and OR, 0.68; 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.99). Conclusions: Racial disparities in acute chest pain management extend beyond cardiac catheterization. Poor compliance with recommended treatments for ACS may be an explanation. [source]


Door-to-Balloon Time: Performance Improvement in the Multidisciplinary Treatment of Myocardial Infarction

JOURNAL FOR HEALTHCARE QUALITY, Issue 4 2010
J. Mark Peterman
Abstract: The treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction with primary percutaneous coronary intervention is a time-sensitive process, with outcomes correlated with the speed with which the healthcare team can make the diagnosis, start preliminary treatment, and successfully perform the intervention. This requires multidisciplinary teamwork involving Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medicine and Nursing, the cardiac catheterization laboratory team, and interventional cardiology. The success of effectively delivering treatment is enhanced through focused analysis of key steps within the care process to identify systems problems and implement quality improvement initiatives. This article reviews the process whereby our institution achieved top decile performance in this multidisciplinary treatment. [source]


Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Comorbidities, and Mortality among Emergency Department,Admitted ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients in Florida

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
ELIZABETH BARNETT PATHAK Ph.D., F.A.H.A., M.S.P.H.
Background: Risk of mortality following an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can be significantly reduced by prompt percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). National guidelines specify primary PCI as the preferred recommended treatment for STEMI. In this study, we examined same-day PCI as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality, after adjustment for comorbidities, other patient factors, and hospital PCI-volume using unselected surveillance data from Florida. Methods: We analyzed hospital discharge data for adults, 18+ years old, with a primary diagnosis of STEMI who were admitted to PCI-capable hospitals through the emergency department during 2001,2005 (n = 43,849). Hierarchical (multilevel) logistic regression models were used for analysis. Results: Overall, 4,143 STEMI patients (9.4%) did not survive to hospital discharge. In late 2005, the in-hospital mortality rates were 1.9% for those who received same-day PCI versus 13.0% for those who did not. After adjustment for multiple patient factors, same-day PCI was a significant predictor of in-hospital survival with a strong protective effect (adjusted OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.31,0.38 P < 0.0001). Restriction of the analysis to those patients who survived the first day of admission did not appreciably change this result (adjust OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.33,0.42, P < 0.0001). Hospital PCI-volume did not significantly impact mortality risk. Conclusions: Same-day PCI markedly reduced the risk of in-hospital mortality among STEMI patients after multivariate adjustment. Serious comorbidities and complications, older age, and female gender continued to predict elevated risk of mortality after control for treatment status. Our results provide additional evidence in support of national clinical recommendations and aggressive treatment of STEMI. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:205,215) [source]


Clinical Experience with a Novel Intracoronary Perfusion Catheter to Treat No-Reflow Phenomenon in Acute Coronary Syndromes

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
GABRIEL MALUENDA M.D.
Background:,The no-reflow phenomenon is an often seen complication in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This event is associated with poor prognosis and poses a therapeutic challenge. Methods:,This retrospective study cohort was composed of 30 patients who presented with ACS between September 2007 and April 2009, and developed no-reflow during subsequent PCI. The primary end-point was defined as normal Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 3 flow with myocardial blush grade (MBG) ,2 or an increase in TIMI flow by ,2 grades with a MBG ,2 after intracoronary drug infusion via the ClearWay (CW) RX perfusion catheter. Results:,The population presented with a relatively high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. ST-elevation myocardial infarction was the most common presentation (60.0%), while 20% of the patients presented with cardiogenic shock. After intracoronary infusion of nicardipine or nitroprusside using the CW catheter, TIMI flow improved from the baseline in 19 cases (63.3%, P < 0.001), and 16 patients (53.3%, P < 0.001) achieved normal coronary flow at the end of the procedure. The rate of in-hospital death was 6.7% (2 cases). No clinical differences were noted between those patients who successfully achieved normal coronary flow and those with persistent no-reflow. Conclusion:,The infusion of intracoronary drugs using the novel perfusion CW RX catheter seems to be safe and could help to improve myocardial perfusion in a selected group of patients presenting with ACS who developed no-reflow during PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:109-113) [source]


Development and Validation of a Risk Scoring Model to Predict Net Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients Pretreated with 600 mg Clopidogrel: Rationale and Design of the RISK-PCI Study

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
IGOR MRDOVIC M.D., Ph.D
Background: No comprehensive primary PCI (pPCI) risk model to predict net adverse cardiovascular events (NACE) has been reported with the use of clopidogrel 600 mg, which is now considered the standard loading dose. The primary hypothesis of the RISK-PCI trial is that an accurate risk prediction may be achieved by using clinical, angiographic, and procedural variables available at the time of intervention. Methods: The present single-center, longitudinal, cohort study will include 1,750 consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), undergoing pPCI after pretreatment with 300 mg aspirin and 600 mg clopidogrel. The primary end-points of the trial (NACE) include major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major bleeding. A logistic regression model will be developed to predict 30-day and 1-year NACE after pPCI. A risk score derived from study set data will be validated using validation set data. Results: Until June 1, 2008, 1,166 patients have been enrolled. Thirty-day follow-up is available in 1,007 patients. Conclusions: The RISK-PCI study is designed to develop an accurate risk scoring system, using variables available at the time of intervention, to predict long-term adverse outcomes after pPCI. Trial Registration: Current Controlled Trials Register,ISRCTN83474650,http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN83474650). [source]


Mechanisms of Late Stent Malapposition After Primary Stenting in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Subanalysis of the Selection Trial

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
TANIA CHECHI M.D.
Background: One of the major predictors of late stent malapposition (LSM) is primary stenting in acute myocardial infarction. However, mechanisms of LSM are still under debate. Methods: Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and enrolled in the SELECTION trial (38 patients in the paclitaxel-eluting stent, PES, and 35 in the bare metal stent, BMS, cohort) were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate LSM, by means of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) data recorded at the index and 7-month follow-up procedures. Results: Stent malapposition was documented in 21 lesions in 21 patients (28.8%): in 8 of these 21 patients (38.1%) it was LSM. Although statistical significance was not reached, LSM was more frequent after PES than BMS implantation (15.8% vs. 5.7%). LSM was mainly located within the body of the stent (62.5% of the cases). At the LSM segment, a significant increase of vessel area (19.2 ± 3.3 mm2 vs. 21.9 ± 5.3 mm2, P = 0.04) and a reduction of plaque area (12.6 ± 4.6 mm2 vs. 9.1 ± 3.9 mm2, P = 0.04) were observed at IVUS between the index and follow-up procedure. Conclusions: After primary stenting for STEMI, LSM seems to be more frequent after PES rather than BMS implantation. In the STEMI setting, possible mechanisms leading to LSM include positive remodeling and plaque mass decrease. [source]


Body Mass Index and Effectiveness of Reperfusion Strategies: Implications for the Management of Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
M.S., RAJENDRA H. MEHTA M.D.
Background:Fibrinolytic therapy has maximum dose limit in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Consequently, obese patients receive lower dose of fibrinolytic per kg body weight compared to lower weight patients. Whether the relatively lower dose results in lower effectiveness of fibrinolytic agents versus primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with higher body mass index (BMI) is not known. Methods:We analyzed 7,630 STEMI patients receiving primary PCI (46%) or fibrinolysis (54%) <24 hours of symptom onset from the MITRA PLUS registry. The relative effectiveness of the 2 reperfusion strategies on in-hospital death (adjusted with propensity scores) and bleeding were studied in 3 BMI groups: I-BMI 20,24.9 kg/m2 (n = 2,277), II-BMI 25,29.9 kg/m2 (n = 3,763), and III-BMI ,30 kg/m2 (n = 1,590). Results:BMI was inversely related to death, shock, stroke, and bleeding in patients treated with either reperfusion strategy. However, compared with primary PCI, fibrinolysis was associated with higher adjusted death with similar relative adjusted difference in all 3 groups (group I OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.19,2.44; group II OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.39,2.56; group III OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.08,3.22). Conclusions:Compared with primary PCI, fibrinolysis was associated with relatively similar higher risk of death in all 3 BMI groups. Whether the differences in death between fibrinolysis and primary PCI in the high-BMI categories can be reduced by higher fibrinolytic doses without increasing bleeding risks needs evaluation in future studies. [source]


Inflammatory Cytokine Imbalance after Coronary Angioplasty: Links with Coronary Atherosclerosis

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 4 2007
NATALE DANIELE BRUNETTI M.D., Ph.D.
Aim:To investigate release of some inflammatory cytokines (Cys) after coronary angioplasty and its links with coronary atherosclerosis. Methods:Twenty-seven consecutive subjects with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled in the study: serial blood samples were taken in order to evaluate plasma concentrations of Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, IL-18, TNF,, and IFN, just before PCI at 12 and 24 hours. Patients were then divided, considering balance between each inflammatory Cy and IL-10, an antiinflammatory Cy, into four groups, ranging from a prevalent antiinflammatory response (stable inflammatory Cy,increasing IL-10 values) to a marked inflammatory imbalance (increasing inflammatory Cy,stable IL-10 values). Results:All Cys showed significant increases in plasma concentrations if compared with baseline values. Release curves were not significantly different when comparing subjects with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) versus unstable angina,non-STEMI (UA-NSTEMI), diabetics versus controls. Subjects with marked inflammatory response showed a higher incidence of stenosis on left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery (IL-2 ,2 and IFN, P < 0.05); Cy release was higher in patients with multivessel coronary disease (IL-2 and IFN,, ANOVA P < 0.01). Correlations were also referable between Cys and myocardial enzyme release. Subjects treated with sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) showed significantly lower Cy periprocedure ratio if compared with those treated with bare metal stents. Conclusions:A significant Cy release is detectable after PCI: inflammatory response seems to correlate with both PCI due to plaque instabilization and coronary atherosclerosis. A blunted inflammatory response is detectable in subjects treated with SES. [source]


Impact of an Audit Program and Other Factors on Door-to-balloon Times in Acute ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Destined for Primary Coronary Intervention

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009
Chao-Lun Lai MD
Abstract Objectives:, This before,after study investigated the association between an audit program and door-to-balloon times in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and explored other factors associated with the door-to-balloon time. Methods:, An audit program that collected time data for essential time intervals in acute STEMI was developed with data feedback to both the Department of Emergency Medicine and the Department of Cardiology. The door-to-balloon times for 76 consecutive acute STEMI patients were collected from February 16, 2007, through October 31, 2007, after the implementation of the audit program, as the intervention group. The control group was defined by 104 consecutive acute STEMI patients presenting from April 1, 2006, through February 15, 2007, before the audit was applied. A multivariate linear regression model was used for analysis of factors associated with the door-to-balloon time. Results:, The geometric mean 95% CI of the door-to-balloon time decreased from 164.9 (150.3, 180.9) minutes to 141.9 (127.4, 158.2) minutes (p = 0.039) in the intervention phase. The median door-to-balloon time was 147.5 minutes in the control group and 136.0 minutes in the intervention group (p = 0.09). In the multivariate regression model, the audit program was associated with a shortening of the door-to-balloon time by 35.5 minutes (160.4 minutes vs. 195.9 minutes, p = 0.004); female gender was associated with a mean delay of 58.4 minutes (208.9 minutes vs. 150.5 minutes; p = 0.001); posterolateral wall infarction was associated with a mean delay of 70.5 minutes compared to anterior wall infarction (215.4 minutes vs. 144.9 minutes; p = 0.037) and a mean delay of 69.5 minutes compared to inferior wall infarction (215.4 minutes vs. 145.9 minutes; p = 0.044). The use of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was associated with a 46.1 minutes mean shortening of door-to-balloon time (155.7 minutes vs. 201.8 minutes; p < 0.001). Conclusions:, The implementation of an audit program was associated with a significant reduction in door-to-balloon times among patients with acute STEMI. In addition, female patients, posterolateral wall infarction territory, and nonuse of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor were associated with longer door-to-balloon times. [source]


The Effect of Emergency Department Crowding on Clinically Oriented Outcomes

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 1 2009
Steven L. Bernstein MD
Abstract Background:, An Institute of Medicine (IOM) report defines six domains of quality of care: safety, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. The effect of emergency department (ED) crowding on these domains of quality has not been comprehensively evaluated. Objectives:, The objective was to review the medical literature addressing the effects of ED crowding on clinically oriented outcomes (COOs). Methods:, We reviewed the English-language literature for the years 1989,2007 for case series, cohort studies, and clinical trials addressing crowding's effects on COOs. Keywords searched included "ED crowding,""ED overcrowding,""mortality,""time to treatment,""patient satisfaction,""quality of care," and others. Results:, A total of 369 articles were identified, of which 41 were kept for inclusion. Study quality was modest; most articles reflected observational work performed at a single institution. There were no randomized controlled trials. ED crowding is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, longer times to treatment for patients with pneumonia or acute pain, and a higher probability of leaving the ED against medical advice or without being seen. Crowding is not associated with delays in reperfusion for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Insufficient data were available to draw conclusions on crowding's effects on patient satisfaction and other quality endpoints. Conclusions:, A growing body of data suggests that ED crowding is associated both with objective clinical endpoints, such as mortality, as well as clinically important processes of care, such as time to treatment for patients with time-sensitive conditions such as pneumonia. At least two domains of quality of care, safety and timeliness, are compromised by ED crowding. [source]


Novel mobile telemedicine system for real-time transmission of out-of-hospital ECG data for ST-elevation myocardial infarction,

CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 6 2009
Yoritaka Otsuka MD
Abstract The guidelines recommend routine use of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and advance notification to the emergency department for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, transmission of out-of-hospital 12-lead ECG to emergency department is still not widely practiced and ECG interpretation before arrival at the emergency department is not established. We have developed a novel mobile telemedicine system to transmit real-time 12-lead ECG data between moving ambulances and in-hospital physicians in cardiovascular emergency cases. When used, this system immediately identifies patients with STEMI and it is coupled to a centralized system to alert the cardiac catheterization teams to prepare for prompt intervention. This report presents the first case with STEMI who was successfully treated using this novel mobile telemedicine system. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Anticoagulation with the direct thrombin inhibitor argatroban in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes,

CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 2 2009
Robert W. Yeh MD
Abstract Objectives: This study examined the efficacy and safety of the direct thrombin inhibitor argatroban in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes undergoing cardiac catheterization. Background: Argatroban is a direct-thrombin inhibitor approved for use in percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Few studies have examined its use in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization for acute coronary syndromes. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes who received argatroban anticoagulation during cardiac catheterization. Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes who received argatroban while undergoing cardiac catheterization from 2002 to 2005 were included. Patient characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were examined retrospectively via detailed chart review. The primary endpoints of the study were combined death, myocardial infarction or urgent revascularization, and major bleeding during the index hospitalization. Results: A total of 144 patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome received argatroban during cardiac catheterization within the study period: 25% presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and 75% presented with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. The combined endpoint of death, myocardial infarction or urgent revascularization occurred in 13.2% of patients during the hospitalization. Major bleeding occurred in 2.1% of patients. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes, patients receiving argatroban during cardiac catheterization had a moderate rate of adverse cardiac events and a very low rate of major bleeding. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Outcomes with drug-eluting stents versus bare metal stents in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Results from the Strategic Transcatheter Evaluation of New Therapies (STENT) Group,

CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 7 2008
Bruce R. Brodie MD
Abstract Objectives: This study compares outcomes with drug-eluting stents (DES) versus bare metal stents (BMS) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background: DESs have been effective in elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but their safety and efficacy in patients with STEMI have not been well studied. Methods: The STENT Registry is a multicenter United States registry evaluating outcomes of DES. Our study population includes patients with STEMI treated with either a DES or BMS who completed 9-month or 2-year follow-up. Outcomes were adjusted using propensity score analysis. Results: DES patients were younger, had less prior infarction and prior bypass surgery, but had smaller vessels and longer lesions. After adjusting for differences in baseline variables, there were no significant differences between DES and BMS in death, reinfarction, or major adverse cardiac events (MACE). DES had lower rates of stent thrombosis at 9 months (1.0% vs. 2.7%, HR 0.40 [0.17,0.95]) and lower rates of target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 9 months (4.0% vs. 7.5%, HR 0.55 [0.34,0.88]) and 2 years (8.0% vs. 11.3%, HR 0.57 [0.35,0.92]). There was a nonsignificant increase in stent thrombosis with DES versus BMS from 1 to 2 years (1.1% vs. 0.3%, P = 0.28). Conclusions: Our data suggest that DES used with primary PCI for STEMI are more effective than BMS in reducing TVR and are safe for up to 2 years. Whether DES are safe beyond 2 years and whether the reduction in TVR is enough to justify their use in STEMI will have to wait for the results of large randomized trials. 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Adjunctive use of the Rinspiration system for fluidic thrombectomy during primary angioplasty: The Rinspiration international registry,

CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 2 2008
Marco De Carlo MD
Abstract Background: Atherothrombotic embolization during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) induces microvascular obstruction and reduces myocardial tissue reperfusion. A variety of thrombectomy devices have been evaluated as an adjunct to primary PCI in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to reduce distal embolization. Results have been inconsistent and difficult to predict. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of an innovative thrombectomy device, the Rinspiration System, which simultaneously "rinses" the vessel with turbulent flow and aspirates thrombus. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 109 patients at six academic institutions in three countries referred for primary or rescue PCI for STEMI presenting within 12 hr of symptom onset. The primary endpoint was ,50% ST-segment elevation resolution (STR) measured 60 min after PCI by continuous elctrocardiographic recording, Secondary end points included STR > 70% at 60 min, final TIMI flow, myocardial blush score, and 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Results: Mean symptom-to-PCI time was 4.7 ± 2.7 hr. Rinspiration was successfully delivered in 98% of cases. Final TIMI three flow was achieved in 89% of patients and myocardial blush ,2 in 78%. Rates of STR , 50% and >70% at 60 min were 97 and 80%, respectively. No device-related complications were observed. Thirty-day MACE rate was 4.6%. Conclusions: This international multicenter registry demonstrates that the adjunctive use of Rinspiration during primary PCI is safe and feasible. The excellent STR data compare favorably with results of previous trials using different devices for thrombus management, indicating a potential clinical benefit. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


A Bayesian Sensitivity Analysis of Out-of-hospital 12-lead Electrocardiograms: Implications for Regionalization of Cardiac Care

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 12 2007
Scott T. Youngquist MD
Background The effectiveness of out-of-hospital regionalization of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients to hospitals providing primary percutaneous coronary intervention depends on the accuracy of the out-of-hospital 12-lead electrocardiogram (PHTL). Although estimates of sensitivity and specificity of PHTL for STEMI have been reported, the impact of out-of-hospital STEMI prevalence on positive predictive value (PPV) has not been evaluated. Objectives To describe the relationship between varying population STEMI prevalences and PHTL predictive values, using ranges of PHTL sensitivity and specificity. Methods The authors performed a Bayesian analysis using PHTL, where values for sensitivities (60%,70%), specificities (98%), and two prevalence ranges (0.5%,5% and 5%,20%) were derived from a literature review. PPV prediction intervals were compared with three months of prospective data from the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency STEMI regionalization program. Results When the estimated prevalence of STEMI in the out-of-hospital population is 5%,20%, the median PPV of the PHTL is 83% (95% credible interval [CrI] = 53% to 97%). However, if the population prevalence of STEMI is between 0.5% and 5%, the median PPV is 43% (95% CrI = 12% to 86%). When the PPV prediction intervals were incorporated with the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency data, the PPV was 66%. Conclusions Even when assuming high specificity for PHTL, the false-positive rate will be considerable if applied to a population at low risk for STEMI. Before broadening application of PHTL to low-risk patients, the implications of a high false-positive rate should be considered. [source]


Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Elderly

CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 11 2009
Madhan Shanmugasundaram MD
The spectrum of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) including unstable angina, non,ST-elevation myocardial infarction and ST-elevation myocardial infarction accounts for increasing numbers of deaths among persons age , 65 years in the US. This is important given demographic changes involving falling birth rates and increasing life expectancy. Elderly patients are likely to benefit the most from treatment of ACS, even though community practice still demonstrates less use of cardial medications as an early-invasive approach among this population. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Biomarkers on Admission for the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events After Primary Stenting in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 12 2008
Young-Hoon Jeong MD
Abstract Background Several cardiac biomarkers have been shown to have predictive values for the development of cardiovascular disease and clinical outcome after events, and are now broadly used by clinicians. Little is known about the utility of these biomarker values on admission in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cases of primary drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation and intense medical therapy. Hypothesis Because little is known about the utility of these biomarkers on admission in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in cases primary drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation and intense medical therapy, we evaluated clinical outcomes. Methods We enrolled 207 consecutive STEMI patients treated with primary stenting (mean age, 57.3 ± 12.0 y). We evaluated the association between B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) on admission, and death, reinfarction, and new or worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) through 1 y. Results In backward-elimination models including all biomarkers, only the cTnI level was retained as a predictor of 1-y CHF (odds ratio [OR]: 1.017, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001,1.034, p = 0.039). There were no predictors in terms of 1-y death, reinfarction, and composite endpoint. When we applied a simple score system, in which patients were categorized on the basis of the number of elevated biomarkers, the 1-y risks of death (p = 0.600), reinfarction (p = 0.185), and composite endpoint (p = 0.620) did not increase in proportion to the number of elevated biomarkers on admission. One-y CHF only tended to increase according to the number of elevated biomarkers (p = 0.067). Conclusions The use of cardiac biomarkers on admission, in each or in combination, had only a minimal impact for the prediction of long-term cardiovascular events after primary stenting in STEMI patients. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]