We retrospectively assessed the experience of our tertiary care center on the use of venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in 16 adult patients with refractory cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest was d...We retrospectively assessed the experience of our tertiary care center on the use of venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in 16 adult patients with refractory cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest was due to acute coronary syndrome in 10 patients (62.5%), Takotsubo Syndrome in 1 patient (6.25%), dilated cardiomyopathy in 4 (25%) patients and massive pulmonary embolism in 1 patient (6.25%). The device was implanted in the catheterization laboratory in 14 patients (87.5%), in the operating room in 1 patient (6.25%) and in the emergency department in 1 patient (6.25%). During support, 7 patients were submitted to percutaneous coronary intervention, while coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 1 patient, and cardiac surgery for repair of left ventricular wall rupture was performed in 1 patient. The device was successfully weaned in 6 patients (37.5%), among whom 2 patients died and 4 patients (25%) were discharged alive. In our institution 2/16 (12.5%) patients treated with VA-ECMO for refractory cardiac arrest survived to hospital discharge neurologically intact, and a good neurological function was observed in 3/16 (18.8%) at six-month follow-up.
OBJECTIVE: Assess if acid-base evaluation by Stewart's approach had a clinical role in cardiogenic shock (CS) following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). SETTING: There are three widely used approaches to inves...OBJECTIVE: Assess if acid-base evaluation by Stewart's approach had a clinical role in cardiogenic shock (CS) following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). SETTING: There are three widely used approaches to investigate metabolic acidosis: base excess (BE), anion gap (AG) and the Stewart's approach or strong ion gap (SIG). Available studies suggest the usefulness of SIG in sepsis and trauma. No data are so far available in CS. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 63 consecutive patients with CS following STEMI submitted to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). On admission, the APACHE II (Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II) score and HOMA (Homeostasis model assessment) index were assessed together with glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), quantitative BE, AG, lactate values and 12 h lactate clearance. Non-survivors showed a higher incidence of PCI failure, higher APACHE II score, lower LVEF, lower eGFR, lower 12 h lactate clearance; a higher admission lactate and more negative BE. No difference was detectable in AG and SIG. Only 3 patients exhibited pathological values of SIG (≥ 2) and only 1 of these patients died. CONCLUSIONS: According to our data the SIG approach does not seem to add further information to usual parameters in acid-base evaluation or early risk stratification in CS patients.
Djordjevic-Radojkovic D, Koracevic G, Stanojevic D
… +3 more, Damjanovic M, Apostolovic S, Pavlovic M
Acute Card Care
· 2013 Jun · PMID 23738623
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INTRODUCTION: Stress hyperglycemia (SH) in STEMI is associated with high risk of in-hospital mortality. It is still controversial if SH is marker of high post-hospital risk. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to analyze in-hospital...INTRODUCTION: Stress hyperglycemia (SH) in STEMI is associated with high risk of in-hospital mortality. It is still controversial if SH is marker of high post-hospital risk. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to analyze in-hospital and one-year risk associated with SH in STEMI and to study if SH is marker of LV remodeling. METHODS: We enrolled 275 patients who were admitted with first STEMI and reperfused. Patients were divided according to admission glycemia in three groups: (1) with diabetes mellitus (DM); (2) with SH, without DM and; (3) without both DM and SH. SH was defined as admission blood glucose level ≥ 8 mmol/l. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with known DM (5%) and highest in patients with SH without previous DM (9.3%), and only 1.6% in the third group, P < 0.05. In patients without known DM, SH was associated with 6.378-fold higher in-hospital mortality. Total mortality was double in group with SH without DM compared to the third group (13.9% versus 6.3%). EDV changed in patients with SH without DM from 126 ± 37 to 145 ± 30 ml after one year, P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: SH is associated with high in-hospital mortality risk and it could be marker of LV remodeling (significant increase of EDV during one year).
Hein T, Loo G, Ng WY
… +9 more, Tai BC, Kajiya T, Tan A, Khoo SM, Chan M, Low AF, Chia BL, Richards M, Lee CH
Acute Card Care
· 2013 Jun · PMID 23738622
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BACKGROUND: Relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea and atherosclerosis has not been confirmed using coronary angiography. We sought to investigate the relationships between the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and ang...BACKGROUND: Relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea and atherosclerosis has not been confirmed using coronary angiography. We sought to investigate the relationships between the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and angiographic coronary disease phenotypes. METHODS: SYNTAX score, lesion complexity, and thrombus burden grade were determined in 125 patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and had undergone a screening sleep study. Severe OSA was defined as AHI ≥ 30. RESULTS: Most of the recruited patients were male (97.6%). Severe obstructive sleep apnoea was diagnosed in 37% of the patients. The severe obstructive sleep apnoea group (n = 46) was older (P = 0.039) and more obese (P = 0.003) than the non-severe group (n = 79). There was no evidence of difference between the severe and non-severe obstructive sleep apnoea groups with regard to SYNTAX score (P = 0.871), number of complex lesions (P = 0.241), and thrombus burden grade (P = 0.433). Multivariate analysis adjusting for difference in age and body mass index did not change the findings. CONCLUSION: Using the three angiographic scoring systems, we found no association between AHI and angiographic coronary disease phenotypes, suggesting a limited effect of obstructive sleep apnoea on the amount and distribution of coronary plaques in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction.
OBJECTIVE: Evaluate treatment times and clinical outcome in a consecutive series of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Los Angeles C...OBJECTIVE: Evaluate treatment times and clinical outcome in a consecutive series of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Los Angeles County. BACKGROUND: Primary PCI for STEMI is beneficial if performed in a timely manner. Conflicting data exist regarding potential treatment delays for primary PCI performed during off hours. METHODS: The Emergency Medical Services STEMI Receiving Center Database was queried from 2007 to 2009 to identify patients with a pre-hospital ECG showing STEMI who underwent PCI. On-hour PCI (On-hour Group, n = 1324) was defined as PCI occurring from 8 am to 5 pm and off-hour PCI (Off-hour Group, n = 922) was defined as occurring from 5 pm to 8 am. Treatment times, length of stay, vascular complications, achievement of TIMI 3 flow and in-hospital mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Off-hours PCI occurred in 41% of patients. Medical contact to door time was similar in the Off-hour Group compared to the On-hour Group, 20.7 ± 14.6 versus 20.3 ± 12.3 min, respectively, P = 0.47. In patients with available data (n = 1366), the door-to-catheterization laboratory (CL) activation time was significantly shorter in the On-hour Group as compared to the Off-hour Group, -4.9 ± 11.9 versus -0.2 ± 27.5 min, respectively, P < 0.0001. Door-to-balloon time was significantly longer in the Off-hour Group compared to the On-hour Group, 74 ± 35 versus 60 ± 26 min respectively, P < 0.0001. Length of stay, vascular complications, final TIMI 3 flow and in-hospital mortality were similar between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In STEMI patients receiving primary PCI in Los Angeles County, off-hour PCI was common. Short-term clinical outcomes were similar despite longer door-to-balloon time in patients receiving off-hour PCI. The longer door-to-balloon time in the off-hour PCI patients were partly explained by longer door-to-CL activation time.
Batton K, Moussa I, Blackshear J
… +3 more, Mergo P, Austin C, Shapiro B
Acute Card Care
· 2013 Jun · PMID 23663012
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This is a report of a 58-year-old man with severe hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy who underwent alcohol septal ablation to relieve symptoms due to severe left ventricular outflow obstruction. Cardiac magnetic res...This is a report of a 58-year-old man with severe hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy who underwent alcohol septal ablation to relieve symptoms due to severe left ventricular outflow obstruction. Cardiac magnetic resonance was performed before and after the procedure. This case highlights the potential use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the surgical planning of alcohol septal ablation as well as following the procedure to assess for complications and morphological changes.
Chalkias A, Koutsovasilis A, Mystrioti D
… +2 more, Dragoumanos V, Xanthos T
Acute Card Care
· 2013 Jun · PMID 23662977
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INTRODUCTION: In-hospital cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death and despite recent advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the survival to hospital discharge is poor. The aim of our study was to evaluate the succ...INTRODUCTION: In-hospital cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death and despite recent advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the survival to hospital discharge is poor. The aim of our study was to evaluate the success of resuscitation efforts in a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected and analysed data on all patients in whom cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted after in-hospital cardiac arrest in one-year period. RESULTS: 96 cardiac arrest victims were studied. Sustained return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 15 (15.6%) patients, while all of them survived for 24 h. Training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, initiation of resuscitation efforts in less than 5 min, and intubation time < 1 min after team arrival were predictive factors associated with restoration of spontaneous circulation. Non-certified residents resuscitated 87 (90.6%) patients with 6 (6.8%) of them achieving return of spontaneous circulation and surviving for 24 h. On the contrary, certified ward residents resuscitated nine (9.3%) patients with 100% immediate and 24-h survival. CONCLUSION: In our hospital, certified providers had remarkably higher successful resuscitation rates for in-hospital cardiac arrest than non-certified providers. This finding suggests that training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, continuing medical education, and implementation of the existing legislation will result in increased survival.
Acute Card Care
· 2013 Mar · PMID 23425010
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The importance of potassium in maintaining stable cardiac function is a clinically understood phenomenon. Physiologically the importance of potassium in cardiac function is described by the large number of different kind...The importance of potassium in maintaining stable cardiac function is a clinically understood phenomenon. Physiologically the importance of potassium in cardiac function is described by the large number of different kinds of potassium ions channels found in the heart compared to channels and membrane transport mechanisms for other ions such as sodium and calcium. Potassium is important in physiological homeostatic control of cardiac function, but is also of relevance to the diseased state, as potassium-related effects may stabilize or destabilize cardiac function. This article aims to provide a detailed understanding of potassium-mediated cardiac function. This will help the clinical practitioner evaluate how modulation of potassium ion channels by disease and pharmacological manipulation affect the cardiac patient, thus aiding in decision making when faced with clinical problems related to potassium.
Lanzillo C, Di Roma M, Sciahbasi A
… +10 more, Minati M, Maresca L, Pendenza G, Romagnoli E, Summaria F, Patrizi R, Di Luozzo M, Preziosi P, Lioy E, Romeo F
Acute Card Care
· 2013 Mar · PMID 23425009
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INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular thrombosis (LVT) is a possible complication of acute myocardial infarction. Aim of our study was to evaluate incidence and clinical characteristics of patients with LVT after ST elevation m...INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular thrombosis (LVT) is a possible complication of acute myocardial infarction. Aim of our study was to evaluate incidence and clinical characteristics of patients with LVT after ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) using contrast- enhanced magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS AND RESULTS: In a prospective cohort of 36 consecutive patients with STEMI acutely reperfused with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, CMR was performed within one week. LVT was found in 7 patients (19%), and was located in left ventricle apex or adherent to antero-septum. Compared to the rest of population patients with LVT have lower ejection fraction (38 ± 7% versus 51 ± 6%, P = 0.009), larger left ventricle end systolic volume (95.8 ± 19 ml versus 68.9 ± 19 ml, P = 0.02), higher time to reperfusion (9.3 ± 7.2 versus 5 ± 3.6, P = 0.03) and left anterior descending artery was constantly involved (100% versus 41 %, P = 0.06). In 5 cases the LVT was also detected by echocardiography, however, in 2 cases it was missed. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of LVT after STEMI is not negligible and was accurately detected by CMR. Localization of myocardial infarction, time to reperfusion, ejection fraction and left ventricle end systolic volume are the most important predictors of left ventricle thrombus formation.
Dahdouh Z, Roule V, Lognone T
… +3 more, Sabatier R, Massetti M, Grollier G
Acute Card Care
· 2013 Mar · PMID 23425007
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The circulatory assistance, mainly the extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) restores hemodynamics and serves to limit the myocardial work, in order to avoid left ventricular dilation, high end-diastolic pressures,...The circulatory assistance, mainly the extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) restores hemodynamics and serves to limit the myocardial work, in order to avoid left ventricular dilation, high end-diastolic pressures, increased wall stress, subendocardial ischemia and consequently worsening pulmonary congestion and edema. In patients with large myocardial damage, sometimes an additional unloading of the left ventricle is warranted. We report a case of percutaneous blade and balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) as an add-on to the circulatory assistance to unload the left heart in a cardiogenic shock related to H1N1 infection.
Fox J, Fiechter R, Gerstl P
… +5 more, Url A, Wagner H, Lüscher TF, Eriksson U, Wyss CA
Acute Card Care
· 2013 Mar · PMID 23425006
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BACKGROUND: Novel mechanical chest compression devices offer the possibility to transport cardiac arrest patients with ongoing CPR and might shorten significantly the time delay to post-resuscitation care. METHODS: We si...BACKGROUND: Novel mechanical chest compression devices offer the possibility to transport cardiac arrest patients with ongoing CPR and might shorten significantly the time delay to post-resuscitation care. METHODS: We simulated an eight-minute cardiac resuscitation situation during ambulance transport using CPR training manikins. We compared teams consisting of two experienced resuscitators with the performance of a mechanical chest compression device (LUCAS). RESULTS: CPR-performance by two experienced resuscitators demonstrated ambivalent results. Whereas mean compression rate was within the recommended range (103/min, 95% CI: 93-113/min), mean compression depth was closely below the actually recommended compression depth of >5 cm (49.7 mm, 95% CI: 46.1-53.3mm). Nevertheless, only a mean of two thirds (67%) of all compressions were classified as manually correct (defined as sternal compression depth >5 cm). In contrast, the LUCAS device showed a constant and reliable CPR performance (99.96% correctly applied chest compressions correctly applied within the device programmed parameters, P = 0.0162) with almost no variance between the different sequences. CONCLUSION: The LUCAS CPR device represents a reliable alternative to manual CPR in a moving ambulance vehicle during emergency evacuation. Furthermore, it needs less human resources and is safer for the EMS personnel.
Acute Card Care
· 2012 Dec · PMID 23215749
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Massive pulmonary embolism poses a therapeutic challenge, especially when thrombolytics are controversial. We describe the complicated course of an exceptional case of massive pulmonary embolism exhibiting paradoxic embo...Massive pulmonary embolism poses a therapeutic challenge, especially when thrombolytics are controversial. We describe the complicated course of an exceptional case of massive pulmonary embolism exhibiting paradoxic embolization with a thrombus lodged in the foramen ovale. Thrombolysis was considered contraindicated and surgical intervention was performed. Postoperatively, persistent pulmonary hypertension and impending right ventricular (RV) failure necessitated the initiation of extracorporeal life support (ELS), accompanied by therapeutic heparinization, inhaled nitric oxide, levosimendan and sildenafil. On day 8, the patient was successfully weaned from ELS with excellent neurological recovery and virtual normalization of RV pressures and dimensions. (Contra-) indications for thrombolysis and surgical embolectomy are reviewed. The intriguing role of ELS in conjunction with therapeutic heparinization and pharmacological unloading of the right-sided vasculature and the RV is discussed.
Schueler M, Vafaie M, Becker R
… +5 more, Biener M, Thomas D, Mueller M, Giannitsis E, Katus HA
Acute Card Care
· 2012 Dec · PMID 23215748
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BACKGROUND: Elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) has been reported to occur with AVNRT. Little is known about prevalence, kinetic changes, and possible reasons of increased cTn. METHODS: We evaluated 139 consecutive patients...BACKGROUND: Elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) has been reported to occur with AVNRT. Little is known about prevalence, kinetic changes, and possible reasons of increased cTn. METHODS: We evaluated 139 consecutive patients presenting with AVNRT to the emergency department between 2006 and 2010. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) was measured serially at baseline, after three and six hours. Patients were evaluated for the presence of structural heart disease or CAD. Troponin was defined as elevated if a value exceeded the lower limit of detection (10 ng/l) using the fourth generation cTnT, or if the value > 99 th percentile (14 ng/l) using the new highly sensitive cTn assay. RESULTS: A cTnT > LLD (n = 29) or > 99 th percentile (n = 16) was found in 45 patients (32.4%) within the initial six hours after hospitalization. All patients were symptomatic with palpitations, chest discomfort or dyspnea. A complete cardiac evaluation was carried out, including coronary angiography in 32 patients demonstrating an underlying structural heart disease or CAD in 18 cases (56%). Significant CAD was detected in 16 cases. 8 cases required PCI during hospitalization. Elevated cTnT was seen in patients with and without structural heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: AVNRT is a possible reason for elevated cTnT, even in the absence of relevant structural heart disease or CAD.
Iantorno M, Panza JA, Cook NL
… +5 more, Jacobs S, Ritchey MB, O'Callaghan K, Caños D, Cooper HA
Acute Card Care
· 2012 Dec · PMID 23215747
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BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding gender- or race-based differences in critical care. We investigated whether gender or race was associated with pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) utilization or with in-hospital death a...BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding gender- or race-based differences in critical care. We investigated whether gender or race was associated with pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) utilization or with in-hospital death among patients with a PAC. A particular focus was patients with cardiogenic shock (CS), in whom guidelines recommend PAC use. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort analysis from the coronary care unit of a large tertiary-care hospital staffed with full-time cardiac intensivists. RESULTS: We analyzed 8845 consecutive adult patients, of whom 42.1% were women and 40.8% were black. PAC use rates were 11.3% in women and 11.5% in men (P = 0.79), and 11.3% in blacks and 11.5% in whites (P = 0.76). In CS patients, PAC use rates in women and men were 50.3% and 49.1% (P = 0.85) and in blacks and whites were 43.7% and 53.3% (P = 0.05). There was no independent association between gender or race and PAC use overall or in those with CS. Neither gender nor race was a predictor of in-hospital death in patients undergoing PAC. CONCLUSIONS: PAC use and in-hospital death were determined not by gender or race but by disease severity. Full-time intensivist staffing and the presence of definitive guidelines may reduce gender- and race-based treatment disparities.
Boudoulas KD, Pederzolli A, Saini U
… +7 more, Gumina RJ, Mazzaferri EL, Davis M, Bush CA, Capers Q, Magorien R, Pompili VJ
Acute Card Care
· 2012 Dec · PMID 23215746
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OBJECTIVE: Compare vascular complications and incidence of bleeding of Impella 2.5 and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). BACKGROUND: Large arterial sheath size for d...OBJECTIVE: Compare vascular complications and incidence of bleeding of Impella 2.5 and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). BACKGROUND: Large arterial sheath size for device insertion is associated with vascular and/or bleeding complications; gastrointestinal bleeding may also occur with anti-coagulation use. METHODS: Patients with an acute coronary syndrome receiving Impella 2.5 or IABP during high-risk PCI were studied (13 Impella; 62 IABP). Vascular complications and incidence of bleeding were compared. RESULTS: Post-procedure hematocrit was similar between groups. Blood transfusion occurred in 38.4% and 32.2% of patients in the Impella and IABP groups, respectively (P = NS); 65.3%, 30.7% and 3.8% of bleeding were due to vascular access site/procedure related, gastrointestinal and genitourinary, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference in vascular complications between the Impella and IABP groups (15.3% and 6.4% of patients, respectively); mesenteric ischemia (n = 1) and aortic rupture (n = 1) were only in the IABP group. In-hospital and one-year mortality were not statistically significant between groups. CONCLUSION: Impella can be used as safely as IABP during high-risk PCI with similar vascular and bleeding complications. Importantly, approximately one third of bleeding was from the gastrointestinal system warranting careful prophylactic measures and monitoring.
Vyas C, Shah S, Pancholy S
… +2 more, Patel T, Moussa I
Acute Card Care
· 2012 Dec · PMID 23215745
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We report a patient who presented with takotsubo cardiomyopathy but was misdiagnosed as an anterior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction (AWMI). We illustrate how misdiagnosis led to mismanagement by initiating intrav...We report a patient who presented with takotsubo cardiomyopathy but was misdiagnosed as an anterior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction (AWMI). We illustrate how misdiagnosis led to mismanagement by initiating intravenous inotropic agents that led to further hemodynamic compromise. Subsequent withdrawal of the inotropic agents and simultaneous administration of oral metoprolol therapy led to hemodynamic and clinical improvement re-affirming the diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
McCormick LM, Hoole SP, Brown AJ
… +2 more, Dutka DP, West NE
Acute Card Care
· 2012 Dec · PMID 23215744
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BACKGROUND: Historical data report fatal myocardial infarction occurring when mildly-stenotic coronary plaques rupture; however, recent data suggest haemodynamically-significant coronary stenoses with fractional flow res...BACKGROUND: Historical data report fatal myocardial infarction occurring when mildly-stenotic coronary plaques rupture; however, recent data suggest haemodynamically-significant coronary stenoses with fractional flow reserve (FFR) ≤ 0.8 and vessels with high plaque burden and minimum luminal area (MLA) < 4 mm(2) by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) may be prognostically important. Therefore, we sought to re-evaluate culprit stenosis severity in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: Patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for STEMI with adjunctive thrombectomy between October 2008 and February 2010 (n = 336/572; 59%) underwent quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) after thrombus aspiration to determine vessel reference area (RA), MLA and percentage area stenosis (AS). To validate findings, QCA and FFR were measured in 50 patients with stable angina and an angiographically-intermediate lesion. RESULTS: STEMI patients had anatomically-severe underlying culprit disease similar to that of the stable cohort (AS: 91.6 ± 9.5% versus 90.1 ± 8.1%; P = 0.11). Additionally, anatomically-severe lesions defined by QCA were more likely to be functionally-significant by FFR and vice-versa (P = 0.02 and 0.002 respectively). CONCLUSION: These contemporary data suggest that STEMI culprit lesions, defined by luminal stenosis after thrombus aspiration, are angiographically significant, with similar stenosis severity to stable, ischaemia-inducing lesions.