Procedural and long-term outcome of primary percutaneous coronary intervention in octogenarians

Background/objectives. To investigate the procedural and long-term outcome of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in octogenarians with an acute myocardial infarction. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive octogenarian patients (n=98) with an acute myocardial infarction treated with primary PCI in the Catharina Hospital in the year 2006. We compared procedural results and outcome with a matched control group composed of non-octogenarians undergoing primary PCI. Follow-up period was one year. Results. The initial success rate of PCI was similar in the two groups but short-term mortality was higher among the elderly patients: 30-day mortality 26.3 vs. 9.6%. Age-adjusted mortality between 30 days and one year was comparable in the two groups and similar to natural survival in the Netherlands. Octogenarians were less likely to have a normal left ventricular function during follow-up (48.3 vs. 66.7%). New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and recurrence rate of myocardial infarction was higher among octogenarians. Conclusion. Technical success rate during primary PCI was as good for octogenarians as in younger patients, but 30-day mortality, though acceptable, was higher among the elderly. After 30 days, age-adjusted mortality was comparable in both groups. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:129-34.)     

Early versus late ST-segment resolution and clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction

Background. Absence of complete ST-segment resolution (STR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a determinant of mortality. Traditionally, STR is determined on the coronary care unit (CCU) 60 to 90 minutes after the initiation of reperfusion therapy. We studied the prognostic value of STR immediately after PCI. Methods. We analysed 223 consecutive patients with STEMI and successful PCI. Continuous ECG data were collected during PCI and at 30 minutes after arrival on the CCU (mean time 81±17 minutes after reflow of the culprit artery). Patients were divided into three groups: patients with complete STR immediately after PCI (‘early’), patients with complete and persistent STR at 30 minutes on the CCU, but not immediately after PCI (‘late’) and patients without STR. One-year follow-up was obtained for death and rehospitalisation for major adverse cardiac events. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the association between STR and outcome. Results. Early STR occurred in 115 (52%) and late STR in 43 (19%) patients. Patients with early or late STR had a lower incidence of one-year cardiac death than those without STR (1.9 vs. 9.2%; p=0.02). In contrast, rehospitalisation occurred more frequently in patients with early or late STR (20.3 vs. 6.2%; p=0.009). As compared with patients without STR, early and late STR had a similar prognostic value (hazard ratios [95% confidence interval] for cardiac death 0.40 [0.08-2.03] and 0.25 [0.03-2.08]). Conclusions. We found no (major) change in prognostic value of STR during the 0 to 90 minutes time window after PCI. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:416-22.)     

Standardised pre-hospital care of acute myocardial infarction patients: MISSION! guidelines applied in practice

Background. To improve acute myocardial infarction (AMI) care in the region ‘Hollands-Midden’ (the Netherlands), a standardised guideline-based care program was developed (MISSION!). This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of the pre-hospital part of the MISSION! program and to study potential differences in pre-hospital care between four areas of residency. Methods. Time-to-treatment delays, AMI risk profile, cardiac enzymes, hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, and pre-AMI medication was evaluated in consecutive AMI patients (n=863, 61±13years, 75% male) transferred to the Leiden University Medical Center for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results. Median time interval between onset of symptoms and arrival at the catheterisation laboratory was 150 (interquartile range [IQR] 101-280) minutes. The alert of emergency services to arrival at the hospital time was 48 (IQR 40-60) minutes and the door-to-catheterisation laboratory time was 23 (IQR 13-42) minutes. Despite significant regional differences in ambulance transportation times no difference in total time from onset of symptoms to arrival at the catheterisation room was found. Peak troponin T was 3.33 (IQR 1.23-7.04) µg/l, hospital stay was 2 (IQR 2-3) days and in-hospital mortality was 2.3%. Twelve percent had 0 known risk factors, 30% had one risk factor, 45% two to three risk factors and 13% had four or more risk factors. No significant differences were observed for AMI risk profiles and medication pre-AMI. Conclusions. This study shows that a standardised regional AMI treatment protocol achieved optimal and uniformly distributed pre-hospital performance in the region ‘Hollands-Midden’, resulting in minimal time delays regardless of area of residence. Hospital stay was short and in-hospital mortality low. Of the patients, 88% had ≥1 modifiable risk factor. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:408-15.)     

维拉帕米对急性前壁心肌梗死行急诊PCI术患者再灌注室性心律失常的影响

目的:探讨经指引导管早期应用维拉帕米对急性前壁心肌梗死行急诊经皮冠状动脉介入治疗术(Percutaneous Coronary Intervention,PCI)患者再灌注室性心律失常的影响。方法:采用单中心、随机对照、前瞻性研究方法。选取2014年5月-2016年11月诊断为急性前壁心肌梗死并于我院行急诊PCI的患者,共纳入162例患者,按随机方法(随机数字表)分成2组,其中治疗组82例,对照组80例。治疗组患者在首次球囊扩张后早期经指引导管内给予维拉帕米(200μg),对照组患者则给予生理盐水。观察再灌注后室性心律失常发生率,PCI术后冠脉血流情况,心肌梗死相关血清指标(CK-MB,cTn I)的峰值,住院期间发生的主要不良心血管事件(MACE)。结果:维拉帕米治疗组患者再灌注心律室性失常及无复流的发生率显著低于生理盐水对照组(P0.05);维拉帕米治疗组患者cTnI和CK-MB峰值分别为(46.63±13.77)μg/L和(139.87±35.45)U/L,生理盐水组cTnI和CK-MB峰值为(54.36±12.59)μg/L和(158.34±40.18)U/L,两组比较,P均0.01。MACE事件两组间未见有统计学差异。结论:急性前壁心肌梗死患者急诊PCI术前经导管早期给予维拉帕米不但可显著减少无复流现象,还可显著减少再灌注后室性心律失常的发生,住院期间MACE事件的发生率无显著性差异。     

Significant narrowing of the circumflex artery leads to worse outcomes than right coronary artery narrowing in patients with anterior myocardial infarction treated invasively

Background

Occlusion of the circumflex artery (Cx) often does not present signs in the ECG. It can lead to delayed angiography during ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this analysis was to determine if Cx narrowing is related to diverse outcomes in comparison with right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis in patients with STEMI, treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the left descending artery (LAD).

Methods and results

Inclusion criteria were as follows: first STEMI treated with PCI of the LAD and additional significant (≥ 70 %) Cx or RCA narrowing—two-vessel disease. A total of 234 consecutive patients with STEMI were included. Total mortality was estimated during long-term follow-up, at mean 639 (± 224) days after STEMI. Patients with Cx narrowing constituted 46 % (N = 108) of the study population, and patients with RCA narrowing amounted to 54 % (N = 126). Patients with narrowing of the Cx had worse long-term outcomes in terms of mortality than patients with RCA narrowing (22 vs. 11 %, p < 0.05, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed independent risk factors for death during long-term follow-up such as: age, ejection fraction and Cx narrowing.

Conclusion

Significant Cx narrowing leads to worse outcomes than RCA narrowing in patients with STEMI treated with PCI of the LAD.     

早期足量应用美托洛尔对急性心肌梗死疗效及安全性的研究

目的:研究早期足量应用美托洛尔对急性心肌梗死的疗效及安全性.方法:将40例AMI患者随机分为治疗组和对照组.治疗组静脉缓慢注射美托洛尔15mg后予关托洛尔150-200mg/d口服;对照组按常规剂量给予美托洛尔25-50mg/d口服.其它治疗相同,两组治疗4周.比较两组治疗后QTcd、心律失常发生的种类、心肌耗氧指数、梗死后心绞痛、梗死延展的发生率和心功能的变化.结果:治疗组QTcd、室性心律失常发生率、心肌耗氧指数、梗死后心绞痛和梗死延展的发生率均低于对照组(P<0.05).心功能两组无显著性差异.结论,AMI患者早期足量使用美托洛尔可以从多方面获益,安全性高.     

Genetic variants in post myocardial infarction patients presenting with electrical storm of unstable ventricular tachycardia

Electrical storm (ES) is a life threatening clinical situation. Though a few clinical pointers exist, the occurrence of ES in a patient with remote myocardial infarction (MI) is generally unpredictable. Genetic markers for this entity have not been studied. In the present study, we carried out genetic screening in patients with remote myocardial infarction presenting with ES by next generation sequencing and identified 25 rare variants in 19 genes predominantly in RYR2, SCN5A, KCNJ11, KCNE1 and KCNH2, CACNA1B, CACNA1C, CACNA1D and desmosomal genes - DSP and DSG2 that could potentially be implicated in electrical storm. These genes have been previously reported to be associated with inherited syndromes of Sudden Cardiac Death. The present study suggests that the genetic architecture in patients with remote MI and ES of unstable ventricular tachycardia may be similar to that of Ion channelopathies. Identification of these variants may identify post MI patients who are predisposed to develop electrical storm and help in risk stratification.     

冠脉内注射替罗非班不同给药方式对急性心肌梗死介入治疗术中血流异常的影响

目的：比较急性心肌梗死介入治疗中冠脉内常规给予以及必要时给予血小板膜糖蛋白（GP）Ⅱb／Ⅲa受体拮抗剂替罗非班两种给药方式对冠脉血流异常的影响,寻找较好的替罗非班用药方式。方法：入选九四医院2005年1月至2008年10月急性心肌梗死直接PCI患者58例,随机分成常规给药组（血管开通前所有患者冠状动脉内均注射替罗非班,n=30）与必要时给药组（血管开通后即时造影显示TIMI血流≤2级者冠脉内注射替罗非班,TIMI血流3级者不给药,n=28）,观察支架植入后30分钟TIMI血流、30天内主要不良心血管事件（MACE）、出血以及血小板减少情况。结果：必要给药组冠脉内给药可显著改善冠脉血流（TIMI3级给药前46．4％,给药后75％,P〈0．05）,常规给药组支架植入后30分钟TIMI3级获得率高于必要给药组（96．7％比75％,P〈0．05）,MACE、出血和血小板减少事件两组之间差异无统计学意义。结论：冠脉内给予替罗非班可有效降低急性心肌梗死PCI术中血流异常情况,血管开通前冠脉内常规给药方式优于必要时给药方式。     

Everolimus- and sirolimus-eluting stents in patients with and without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Aims

Everolimus-eluting stents (EES) were superior to sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) in a dedicated myocardial infarction trial, a finding that was not observed in trials with low percentages of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Therefore, this study sought to investigate the influence of clinical presentation on outcome after EES and SES implantation.

Methods

A pooled population of 1602 randomised patients was formed from XAMI (acute MI trial) and APPENDIX-AMI (all-comer trial). Primary outcome was cardiac mortality, MI and target vessel revascularisation at 2 years. Secondary endpoints included definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST). Adjustment was done using Cox regression.

Results

In total, 902 EES and 700 SES patients were included, of which 44 % STEMI patients (EES 455; SES 257) and 56 % without STEMI (EES 447; SES 443). In the pooled population, EES and SES showed similar outcomes during follow-up. Moreover, no differences in the endpoints were observed after stratification according to presentation. Although a trend toward reduced early definite/probable ST was observed in EES compared with SES in STEMI patients, long-term ST rates were low and comparable.

Conclusions

EES and SES showed a similar outcome during 2-year follow-up, regardless of clinical presentation. Long-term safety was excellent for both devices, despite wide inclusion criteria and a large sub-population of STEMI patients.     

Prognostic value of rising mean platelet volume during hospitalization in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

The prognostic significance of changes in mean platelet volume (MPV) during hospitalization in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) has not been previously evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the association of in-hospital changes in MPV and mortality in these patients.

Methods

Four hundred eighty consecutive STEMI patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patients were grouped as survivors (n?=?370) or non-survivors (n?=?110). MPV at admission, and at 48–72?h was evaluated. Change in MPV (MPV at 48–72?h minus MPV on admission) was defined as ΔMPV.

Results

At follow-up, long-term mortality was 23%. The non-survivors had a high ΔMPV than survivors (0.37 (??0.1–0.89) vs 0.79 (0.30–1.40) fL, p?<? 0.001). A high ΔMPV was an independent predictor of all cause mortality ((HR: 1.301 [1.070–1.582], p?=?0.008). Morever, for long-term mortality, the AUC of a multivariable model that included age, LVEF, Killip class, and history of stroke/TIA was 0.781 (95% CI:0.731–0.832, p?<? 0.001). When ΔMPV was added to a multivariable model, the AUC was 0.800 (95% CI: 0.750–0.848, z?=?2.256, difference p?=?0.0241, Fig. 1). Also, the addition of ΔMPV to a multivariable model was associated with a significant net reclassification improvement estimated at 24.5% (p?=?0.027) and an integrated discrimination improvement of 0.014 (p?=?0.0198).

Conclusions

Rising MPV during hospitalization in STEMI patients treated with pPCI was associated with long-term mortality.

     

Effect of myocardial infarction and ischemia on induction of cardiac reentries and ventricular fibrillation

The present work is aimed at investigating the effects of myocardial infarction and ischemia on induction of ventricular fibrillation. Electrophysiologic effects of global and local ischemia (variation of the dispersion of refractory periods as well as conduction velocity) on initiation of reentry mechanisms was studied by means of computer simulations based on a cellular automata model of propagation of activation wave through a ventricular surface element. A local area of ischemia where effects of the dispersion of refractory periods are investigated is then simulated. This is made using a Gaussian distribution characterized by its mean and standard deviation. These simulations show that ischemia is capable of initiating reentry phenomena which propagate through the whole ventricle; they are responsible for ventricular fibrillation which causes sudden cardiac death, even when ischemia only involves limited parts of the myocardium. Statistical study of the probability of reentries as a function of both of the size of ischemic zones and the rate of dispersion of refractory periods shows that the latter parameter is of primary importance in triggering cardiac reentries.     

Conditions mimicking acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background/Objectives. A rapid diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is mandatory for optimal treatment. However, a small proportion of patients with suspected STEMI suffer from other conditions. Although case reports have described these conditions, a contemporary systematic analysis is lacking. We report the incidence, clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with suspected STEMI referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a final diagnosis other than STEMI. Methods. From January 2004 to July 2005, 820 consecutive patients were included with suspected STEMI who were referred for primary PCI to a university medical centre, based on a predefined protocol. Clinical characteristics, final diagnosis and outcome were obtained from patient charts and databases. Results. In 19 patients (2.3%), a final diagnosis other than myocardial infarction was established: coronary aneurysm (n=1), (myo)pericarditis (n=5), cardiomyopathy (n=2), Brugada syndrome (n=1), aortic stenosis (n=1), aortic dissection (n=3), subarachnoidal haemorrhage (n=2), pneumonia (n=1), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=1), mediastinal tumour (n=1), and peritonitis after recent abdominal surgery (n=1). These patients less often reported previous symptoms of angina (p<0.001), smoking (p<0.05) and a positive family history of cardiovascular diseases (p<0.05) than STEMI patients. Mortality at 30 days was 16%. Conclusion. A 2.3% incidence of conditions mimicking STEMI was found in patients referred for primary PCI. A high clinical suspicion of conditions mimicking STEMI remains necessary. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:325-31.)     

Proximal embolic protection in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction (PREPARE): core lab adjudicated angiographic outcomes of a randomised controlled trial

Background. Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the Proxis system (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) achieved significantly better microvascular flow as measured by ST-segment resolution. However, no differences were observed in left ventricular ejection fraction or infarct size as obtained by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of combined proximal embolic protection and thrombus aspiration on core-lab adjudicated angiographic outcomes.Methods. In the PRoximal Embolic Protection in Acute myocardial infarction and Resolution of ST-Elevation (PREPARE) study, patients were randomised to primary PCI with the Proxis system (n=141) or primary PCI alone (n=143). An independent core laboratory re-evaluated all angiograms and adjudicated the angiographic outcomes and computerised quantitative blush evaluation (QuBE) value.Results. There were no significant differences in Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade, myocardial blush grade, or angiographic signs of distal embolisation among the two arms. QuBE values did not significantly differ between the Proxis-treated patients and control patients (15.1±5.4 vs. 15.8±5.5, respectively, p=0.34).Conclusion. Primary PCI with combined proximal embolic protection and thrombus aspiration in STEMI patients more frequently resulted in complete immediate ST resolution compared with control patients. However, there were no significant differences in core laboratory adjudicated angiographic outcomes. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:531–6.)     

Effect of primary percutaneous coronary intervention on stress hyperglycaemia in myocardial infarction

Diabet. Med. 29, 1317-1320 (2012) ABSTRACT: Aim To measure the effect of primary percutaneous coronary intervention on stress hyperglycaemia induced by ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods We measured blood glucose before primary percutaneous coronary intervention and 1?h after intervention in all patients presenting with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction for 2?months in our unit. A paired t-test was used for a statistical analysis. Results From 157 patients accepted for primary percutaneous coronary intervention, 90 patients were included in the analysis. Blood glucose before intervention was 8.4?±?2.46?mmol/l (mean?±?SD) and after intervention was 7.9?±?2.0?mmol/l (mean?±?sd) (P?=?0.003). In the subset of 15 patients with hyperglycaemia (glucose greater than 10?mmol/l), glucose before intervention was 12.7?±?2.62?mmol/l (mean?±?SD) and after intervention was 9.8?±?3.42?mmol/l (mean?±?sd) (P?=?0.0002). Conclusions Blood glucose in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction is significantly lower after primary percutaneous coronary intervention and this reduction is most marked in patients with hyperglycaemia. Waiting for the stress response to diminish means that 11.1% of patients' glucose levels fell below the treatment threshold of 10?mmol/l. Using the post-intervention blood glucose level avoids the need for treatment with insulin in this population. Further randomized studies are warranted to investigate the impact on mortality and morbidity of administering insulin triggered by pre-invention blood glucose vs. post-intervention blood glucose.     

PCI围术期消化道出血患者抗血小板治疗调整及近期疗效

目的:探讨经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)围术期发生消化道出血(GIB)患者抗血小板治疗的调整,评价其安全性及近期疗效。方法:回顾性分析2005年1月至2008年12月PCI围术期发生GIB的40例患者的临床资料,其中急性心肌梗死(AMI)22例(55%),不稳定型心绞痛18例(45%)。PCI围术期发生GIB的患者,除扩容、输血、抑酸、保护胃粘膜等支持疗法外,依据临床情况调整抗血小板药物。观察住院期间及术后3个月后主要不良心脑事件(MACCE:包括心绞痛、非致死性心肌梗死、心性死亡、再次血管重建、支架内血栓形成、缺血性卒中)及消化道再次出血的发生率。结果:40例患者PCI成功39例(病例成功率97.5%),1例慢性完全闭塞(CTO)病变导丝未通过,1例(2.5%)AMI患者PCI术后第5天发生支架内亚急性血栓(SAT)。出院后3月内,2例未完全血运重建的患者有心绞痛发作,无死亡,所有患者均无消化道再次出血,MACCE发生率(7.5%)。结论:PCI围术期发生GIB的患者,依据临床情况调整抗血小板药物,不增加MACCE风险及消化道再次出血发生率。     

Role of matricellular proteins in cardiac tissue remodeling after myocardial infarction

After onset of myocardial infarction (MI), the left ventricle (LV) undergoes a continuum of molecular, cellular, and extracellular responses that result in LV wall thinning, dilatation, and dysfunction. These dynamic changes in LV shape, size, and function are termed cardiac remodeling. If the cardiac healing after MI does not proceed properly, it could lead to cardiac rupture or maladaptive cardiac remodeling, such as further LV dilatation and dysfunction, and ultimately death. Although the precise molecular mechanisms in this cardiac healing process have not been fully elucidated, this process is strictly coordinated by the interaction of cells with their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The components of ECM include basic structural proteins such as collagen, elastin and specialized proteins such as fibronectin, proteoglycans and matricellular proteins. Matricellular proteins are a class of non-structural and secreted proteins that probably exert regulatory functions through direct binding to cell surface receptors, other matrix proteins, and soluble extracellular factors such as growth factors and cytokines. This small group of proteins, which includes osteopontin, thrombospondin-1/2, tenascin, periostin, and secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine, shows a low level of expression in normal adult tissue, but is markedly upregulated during wound healing and tissue remodeling, including MI. In this review, we focus on the regulatory functions of matricellular proteins during cardiac tissue healing and remodeling after MI.     

Prospective register of primary percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with acute myocardial infarction

The present study has evaluated the immediate angiographic results of primary percutaneous interventions (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction, as well as hospital and 6-month clinical outcomes. The analysis covered a total of 265 patients (females (23%) and males (77%)); their mean age was 57+/-11 years. The mean time before the first balloon dilatation during PCI was 278+/-135 minutes after the development of the pain syndrome or 109+/-94 minutes after hospital admission. PCI proved to be effective in 96% of the patients, as evidenced by angiography. TIMI 3 blood flow was achieved in 83% of cases during PCI. After primary PCI, hospital mortality was 98.9% and 95% survived 6 months. At 6-month follow-up, 22% patients had positive exercise tests, recurrent angina pectoris and/or more than 50% luminal stenosis of the infarct-related artery. Control angiography made less than 6 months later showed 11% restenosis. This prospective study has demonstrated the high immediate and long effectiveness and safety of primary interventions in acute myocardial infarction.     

Cardioprotective effect of des-Aspartate-angiotensin-I (DAA-I) on cytokine gene expression profile in ligation model of myocardial infarction

We investigate the influence of des-Aspartate-angiotensin-I (DAA-I) on the cytokine expression profile in a rodent model of myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction model was created in female Wistar rats by coronary artery ligation. Animals were randomized to receive intravenously either a daily dose of 1.2 mug DAA-I/kg body weight (group 1; n = 60) or saline (group 2; n = 60) for 14 days after infarction. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography. Animals were euthanized at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 31 days. Morphometric analysis using tetrazolium chloride staining revealed that infarct size was reduced by 32.2% (p < 0.05) in group 1 after 14 days of DAA-I treatment. Left ventricular ejection fraction in group 1 improved significantly (73.4%) as compared to group 2 (47.7%; p < 0.001). Immunostaining for immune cells at the infarct site showed that CD8+ lymphocytes infiltration at the infarct site declined in group 1 (15 +/- 5 cells) as compared to group 2 (50 +/- 6 cells; p < 0.001). Infiltration of monocytes and macrophages remained high at day 14 in group 2 (126 +/- 40 cells) as compared to group 1 (49 +/- 11 cells; p = 0.006). Multiplex PCR was done for differential gene expression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines. IL-6, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta and GM-CSF expression were significantly down-regulated in the infarct, peri-infarct and contra-lateral zones of the left ventricle in group 1 as compared to group 2. IL-6, TGF-beta and GM-CSF expression started to decline from day 1 of DAA-I treatment while TNF-alpha expression only reduced after 7 days of DAA-I treatment. We conclude that DAA-I prevented infarct expansion through suppression of inflammatory cytokines and immune cell infiltration in the infarct region.     

Association of admission testosterone level with ST-segment resolution in male patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Low level of testosterone may be associated with cardiovascular diseases in men, as some evidence suggests a protective role for testosterone in cardiovascular system. Little is known about the possible role of serum testosterone in response to reperfusion therapy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and its relationship with ST-segment recovery. The present study was conducted to evaluate the association of serum testosterone levels with ST-segment resolution following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in male patients with acute STEMI.

Methods

Forty-eight men (mean age 54.55 ± 12.20) with STEMI undergoing PPCI were enrolled prospectively. Single-lead ST segment resolution in the lead with maximum baseline ST-elevation was measured and patients were divided into two groups according to the degree of ST-segment resolution: complete (> or =50%) or incomplete (<50%). The basic and demographic data of all patients, their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and laboratory findings including serum levels of free testosterone and cardiac enzymes were recorded along with angiographic finding and baseline TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) flow and also in-hospital complications and then these variables were compared between two groups.

Results

A complete ST-resolution (≥50%) was observed in 72.9% of the patients. The serum levels of free testosterone (P = 0.04), peak cardiac troponin (P = 0.03) were significantly higher and hs-CRP (P = 0.02) were lower in patients with complete ST-resolution compared to those with incomplete ST-resolution. In-hospital complications were observed in 31.2% of patients. The patients with a lower baseline TIMI flow (P = 0.03) and those who developed complications (P = 0.04) had lower levels of free testosterone. A significant positive correlation was observed between the left ventricular function and serum levels of free testosterone (P = 0.01 and r = +0.362).

Conclusion

This study suggests that in men with STEMI undergoing PPCI, higher serum levels of testosterone are associated with a better reperfusion response, fewer complications and a better left ventricular function.