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1.
Diet quality of patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving public and private health care.
Costa, IMNBC, Silva, DGD, Barreto Filho, JAS, Oliveira, JLM, Silva, JRS, Buarque, MDBM, Nascimento, T, Jorge, JG, Almeida, AS, Almeida-Santos, MA, et al
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2019;:131-137
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of the diets consumed by patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who received public and private health care. METHODS This observational, prospective, longitudinal cohort study evaluated patients with ACS who attended three private and one public cardiology reference hospitals. Information about dietary parameters during the 6 mo before the acute ACS event was collected at admission and 180 d later using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (2010), and a multilinear regression model was developed to evaluate the associated variables. RESULTS The 581 volunteers included in this study comprised 325 (55.9%) and 256 (44.1%) patients treated at private and public hospitals, respectively. Although the dietary index increased significantly after ACS (P < 0001), diet quality remained unsatisfactory, particularly in terms of reductions in the consumption of cardioprotective components (vegetables, fruits, and eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic fatty acids). Compared with patients receiving private health care, those attending a public hospital reported lower dietary quality (P < 0.001). The best diet quality was found to correlate with female sex (P < 0.001), receipt of dietary guidance at hospital discharge (P < 0.001), private health care (P < 0.001), a stable relationship status (P, 0.016), and older age (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The overall post-ACS diet quality remained unsatisfactory, especially in terms of cardioprotective components and among patients receiving public health care. Sociodemographic factors and the assistance model/quality were determinants of the observed differences in dietary quality.
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2.
A multi-stage association study of plasma cytokines identifies osteopontin as a biomarker for acute coronary syndrome risk and severity.
Yu, K, Yang, B, Jiang, H, Li, J, Yan, K, Liu, X, Zhou, L, Yang, H, Li, X, Min, X, et al
Scientific reports. 2019;(1):5121
Abstract
Cytokines play a critical role in the pathogenesis and development of cardiovascular diseases. However, data linking cytokines to risk and severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are still limited. We measured plasma profile of 280 cytokines using a quantitative protein microarray in 12 ACS patients and 16 healthy controls, and identified 15 differentially expressed cytokines for ACS. Osteopontin, chemokine ligand 23, brain derived neurotrophic factor and C-reactive protein (CRP) were further validated using immunoassay in two independent case-control studies with a total of 210 ACS patients and 210 controls. We further examined their relations with incident ACS among 318 case-control pairs nested within the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort, and found plasma osteopontin and CRP concentrations were associated with incident ACS, and the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.29 (1.06-1.57) per 1-SD increase for osteopontin and 1.30 (1.02-1.66) for CRP, respectively. Higher levels of circulating osteopontin were also correlated with higher severity of ACS, and earlier ACS onset time. Adding osteopontin alone or in combination with CRP modestly improved the predictive ability of ACS beyond the Framingham risk scores. Our findings suggested that osteopontin might be a biomarker for incident ACS, using osteopontin adds moderately to traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
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3.
The Role of Colchicine in Acute Coronary Syndromes.
Vaidya, K, Martínez, G, Patel, S
Clinical therapeutics. 2019;(1):11-20
Abstract
PURPOSE Because inflammation is a key process implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis at all stages, including plaque formation, progression, instability, and rupture, and because colchicine has unique anti-inflammatory properties, this review article summarizes the pathophysiologic mechanisms underpinning inflammation in atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), outlines anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches that have been tested thus far, and evaluates the evidence supporting the potential role of colchicine in improving outcomes and reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients after ACS. METHODS PubMed was searched for publications on colchicine and ACSs and atherosclerosis, and www.clinicaltrials.org was searched for completed and ongoing trials of colchicine use in ACSs. FINDINGS Despite contemporary optimal medical therapy, patients remain at a high risk of future events after an ACS because of residual inflammation at culprit and nonculprit sites. Several attempts have been made to address this with targeted anti-inflammatory therapies, but until the recent promising results of canakinumab (an anti-interleukin-1β monoclonal antibody), most have failed to find any prognostic benefit in large clinical trials with hard end points. The pathogenic role of neutrophils and monocytes in atheroinflammation is well established, and a fundamental component in this process is the activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, a cytosolic multiprotein complex that, when activated by a stress signal such as cholesterol crystals, drives caspase-1-dependent release of 2 key proinflammatory cytokines, which are predictive of future adverse cardiovascular events: interleukin-1β and interleukin-18. Colchicine is a widely available, inexpensive, and well-tolerated medication that, among several anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action, inhibits activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome complex. A seminal trial has found the beneficial properties of colchicine in reducing adverse cardiovascular events in the stable coronary artery disease population. IMPLICATIONS Despite promising results in small prospective observational and randomized trials, there is a need for more evidence evaluating the role of colchicine as a secondary preventive agent after ACSs.
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4.
Prognostic value of elevated lipoprotein(a) in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
Gencer, B, Rigamonti, F, Nanchen, D, Vuilleumier, N, Kern, I, Aghlmandi, S, Klingenberg, R, Räber, L, Auer, R, Carballo, D, et al
European journal of clinical investigation. 2019;(7):e13117
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimal lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] target values are advocated for high-risk cardiovascular patients. We investigated the prognostic value of Lp(a) in the acute setting of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Plasma levels of Lp(a) were collected at time of angiography from 1711 patients hospitalized for ACS in a multicentre Swiss prospective cohort. Associations between elevated Lp(a) ≥30 mg/dL (cut-off corresponding to the 75th percentile of the assay) or Lp(a) tertiles at baseline, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1 year, defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction or stroke, were assessed using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and triglycerides. RESULTS Lp(a) levels range between 2.5 and 132 mg/dL with a median value of 6 mg/dL and a mean value of 14.2 mg/dL. A total of 276 patients (23.0%) had Lp(a) plasma levels ≥30 mg/dL. Patients with elevated Lp(a) were more likely to be of female gender and to have higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides. Higher Lp(a) was associated with failure to reach the LDL-C target <1.8 mmol/L at 1 year (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.13-2.58, P = 0.01). No association was found between elevated Lp(a) and MACE at 1 year (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.64-1.73), nor for Lp(a) tertiles (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.52-1.28, P > 0.20) or standardized continuous variables (0.98, 95% CI 0.82-1.19 for each increase of standard deviation). CONCLUSIONS Our real-world data suggest high Lp(a) levels at time of angiography are not predictive for cardiovascular outcomes in patients otherwise medically well controlled, but might be useful to identify patients who would not be on LDL-C targets 1 year after ACS.
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5.
Safety and efficacy outcomes of double vs. triple antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation following percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant-based randomized clinical trials.
Gargiulo, G, Goette, A, Tijssen, J, Eckardt, L, Lewalter, T, Vranckx, P, Valgimigli, M
European heart journal. 2019;(46):3757-3767
Abstract
AIMS: To investigate the safety and efficacy of double vs. triple antithrombotic therapy (DAT vs. TAT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute coronary syndrome or who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS AND RESULTS A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using PubMed to search for non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC)-based randomized clinical trials comparing DAT vs. TAT in AF patients undergoing PCI. Four trials encompassing 10 234 patients (DAT = 5496 vs. TAT = 4738) were included. The primary safety endpoint (ISTH major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding) was significantly lower with DAT compared with TAT [risk ratio (RR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56-0.78; P < 0.0001; I2 = 69%], which was consistent across all available bleeding definitions. This benefit was counterbalanced by a significant increase of stent thrombosis (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.01-2.50; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%) and a trend towards higher risk of myocardial infarction with DAT. There were no significant differences in all-cause and cardiovascular death, stroke and major adverse cardiovascular events. The comparison of NOAC-based DAT vs. vitamin K antagonist (VKA)-TAT yielded consistent results and a significant reduction of intracranial haemorrhage (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.17-0.65; P = 0.001; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION Double antithrombotic therapy, particularly if consisting of a NOAC instead of VKA and a P2Y12 inhibitor, is associated with a reduction of bleeding, including major and intracranial haemorrhages. This benefit is however counterbalanced by a higher risk of cardiac-mainly stent-related-but not cerebrovascular ischaemic occurrences.
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6.
Antithrombotic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndromes: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey.
Lane, DA, Dagres, N, Dan, GA, García Seara, J, Iliodromitis, K, Lenarczyk, R, Lip, GYH, Mansourati, J, Marín, F, Scherr, D, et al
Europace : European pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac electrophysiology : journal of the working groups on cardiac pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac cellular electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology. 2019;(7):1116-1125
Abstract
The management of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a patient with existing atrial fibrillation (AF) often presents a management dilemma both in the acute phase and post-ACS, since the majority of AF patients will already be receiving oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention and will require further antithrombotic treatment to reduce the risk of in-stent thrombosis or recurrent cardiac events. Current practice recommendations are based largely on consensus option as there is limited evidence from randomized controlled trials. Prior to the launch of the new European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus document, a survey was undertaken to examine current clinical management of these patients across centres in Europe. Forty-seven centres submitted valid responses, with the majority (70.2%) being university hospitals. This EHRA survey demonstrated overall the management of ACS in AF patients is consistent with the available guidance. Most centres would use triple therapy for a short duration (4 weeks) and predominantly utilize a strategy of OAC (vitamin K antagonist, VKA or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant, NOAC) plus aspirin and clopidogrel, followed by dual therapy [(N)OAC plus clopidogrel] until 12 months post-percutaneous coronary intervention, followed by (N)OAC monotherapy indefinitely. Where NOAC was used in combination with antiplatelet(s), the lower dose of the respective NOAC was preferred, in accordance with current recommendations.
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7.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol After an Acute Coronary Syndrome: How Low to Go?
Qamar, A, Libby, P
Current cardiology reports. 2019;(8):77
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent advances in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapy have now enabled reducing LDL-C safely to very low levels. This review summarizes evidence from recent randomized clinical trials of intensive LDL-C lowering in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and provides a practical approach for LDL-C lowering to reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic events in this population. RECENT FINDINGS The risk of atherothrombotic events falls linearly with LDL-C level extending to very low achieved LDL-C levels (< 10 mg/dL) without apparent safety concerns. The addition of ezetimibe or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors (i.e., evolocumab or alirocumab) to statin therapy lowers LDL-C to very low levels (≤ 30-50 mg/dL) with safety under the conditions studied and reduces the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Current data support LDL-C lowering to levels below 70 mg/dL in patients post-ACS. Combination of high-intensity statins, ezetimibe, and if needed PCSK9 inhibitors merits consideration in such patients with ACS to optimize outcomes.
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8.
Development of New Antithrombotic Regimens for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.
George, S, Onwordi, ENC, Gamal, A, Zaman, A
Clinical drug investigation. 2019;(6):495-502
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Abstract
Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) require long-term antithrombotic intervention to reduce the risk of further ischemic events; dual antiplatelet therapy with a P2Y12 inhibitor and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is the current standard of care. However, pivotal clinical trials report that patients receiving this treatment have a residual risk of approximately 10% for further ischemic events. The development of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has renewed interest in a 'dual pathway' strategy, targeting both the coagulation cascade and platelet component of thrombus formation. In the phase III ATLAS ACS 2 TIMI 51 trial, a 'triple therapy' approach (NOAC plus dual antiplatelet therapy) showed reduced ischemic events with rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily, albeit at an increased risk of bleeding. Two studies have investigated the role of NOACs in combination with a P2Y12 inhibitor, with or without ASA, in reducing bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention; two further studies are underway. Although these trials will help to inform optimal treatment protocols for secondary prevention of ACS, an individualized approach to treatment will be needed, taking account of the high frequency of co-morbid conditions found in this patient population.
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[Is it necessary to prescribe oral anticoagulant therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation during acute coronary syndrome, and for how long?].
Visconti, LO, Ferlini, M, Rordorf, R, Savastano, S
Giornale italiano di cardiologia (2006). 2019;(6):361-366
Abstract
There is limited knowledge on the occurrence of new-onset, transient atrial fibrillation during acute coronary syndromes; compared with patients in sinus rhythm, patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation have an increased risk of in-hospital and long-term recurrence of the arrhythmia, all-cause mortality and ischemic stroke. There is a lack of prospective, randomized studies on anticoagulant therapy modalities in this specific subset of patients. In the absence of a widely accepted anticoagulation algorithm, the international guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation recommend to initiate anticoagulant treatment during acute coronary syndromes estimating in each patient the thrombotic and bleeding risk using the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores, respectively. In the last updates of the guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation, non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants are recommended over warfarin and, in patients with atrial fibrillation who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting for acute coronary syndromes, dual antiplatelet therapy with rivaroxaban or dabigatran and clopidogrel is reasonable to reduce the risk of bleeding compared with triple therapy. Neither scientific evidences nor recommendations from the guidelines are available about the duration of anticoagulant therapy in case of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation during acute coronary syndromes.
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10.
Automated classification of dense calcium tissues in gray-scale intravascular ultrasound images using a deep belief network.
Lee, J, Hwang, YN, Kim, GY, Kwon, JY, Kim, SM
BMC medical imaging. 2019;(1):103
Abstract
BACKGROUND IVUS is widely used to quantitatively assess coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study was to automatically characterize dense calcium (DC) tissue in the gray scale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images using the image textural features. METHODS A total of 316 Gy-scale IVUS and corresponding virtual histology images from 26 patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent IVUS along with X-ray angiography between October 2009 to September 2014 were retrospectively acquired and analyzed. One expert performed all procedures and assessed their IVUS scans. After image acquisition, the DC candidate and corresponding acoustic shadow regions were automatically determined. Then, nine image-base feature groups were extracted from the DC candidates. In order to reduce the dimensionalities, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed, and selected feature sets were utilized as an input for a deep belief network. Classification results were validated using 10-fold cross validation. RESULTS The dimensionality of the feature map was efficiently reduced by 50% (from 66 to 33) without any performance decrease using PCA method. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the proposed method were 92.8 ± 0.1%, 85.1 ± 0.1%, and 88.4 ± 0.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). We found that the window size could largely influence the characterization results, and selected the 5 × 5 size as the best condition. We also validated the performance superiority of the proposed method with traditional classification methods. CONCLUSIONS These experimental results suggest that the proposed method has significant clinical applicability for IVUS-based cardiovascular diagnosis.