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Objectives: We investigated whether intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) combined with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was associated with favourable neurological outcomes for patients after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Moreover, we evaluated the aetiology of cardiac arrest on the effectiveness of this therapy in a sub-study.Background: There is insufficient research on the optimal combination of machines for patients after ROSC is not established.Methods: This is a large-scale, multicentre, 30-day cohort study. Among 80,716 patients who delivered to the emergency room, 935 patients treated with VA-ECMO after ROSC were included using the data from the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit Network Registry between 2010 and 2017. The study patients were stratified according to the use of IABP [the ECMO + IABP group (n = 762) vs. the ECMO-alone group (n = 173)]. We also evaluated the cause of cardiac arrest [acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and non-ACS] in the sub-study. To adjust the patients' backgrounds, we used the propensity score matching for additional analyses. The endpoint was 30-day favourable neurological outcome.Results: The ECMO + IABP group showed significantly better neurological outcomes than the ECMO-alone group (crude; 35% vs. 25%; log-lank P < 0.001). In the ACS subgroup, the ECMO + IABP group showed significantly better neurological outcome (crude; 34% vs. 18%; log-lank P < 0.001), but not in the non-ACS subgroup (crude; 38% vs. 32%; log-lank P = 0.11). These results are similar after adjustments to their backgrounds using propensity matching.Conclusions: Compared to VA-ECMO alone, the combined use of VA-ECMO and IABP is associated with better neurological outcomes after ROSC, especially in complicated ACS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the relationship between the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) level, a major residual risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), in statin-treated CAD patients following EPA therapy. Methods: We conducted a 6-month, prospective, randomized clinical trial to investigate the effect of the additional administration of EPA on the EPA/AA ratio and the serum non-HDL-C level in stable CAD patients receiving statin treatment. We assigned CAD patients already receiving statin therapy to an EPA group (1800 mg/day; n = 50) or a control group ( n = 50). Results: A significant reduction in the serum non-HDL-C level was observed in the EPA group, compared with the control group (−9.7 vs. −1.2%, p = 0.01). A multiple-regression analysis with adjustments for coronary risk factors revealed that achieved EPA/AA ratio was more reliable as an independent and significant predictor of a reduction in the non-HDL-C level at a 6-month follow-up examination ( β = −0.324, p = 0.033) than the absolute change in the EPA/AA ratio. Interestingly, significant negative correlations were found between the baseline levels and the absolute change values of both non-HDL-C and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, both markers of residual risk of CAD, indicating that patients with a higher baseline residual risk achieved a greater reduction. Conclusion: The present results suggest that the achieved EPA/AA ratio, but not the absolute change in EPA/AA ratio, following EPA therapy might be a useful marker for the risk stratification of CAD among statin-treated patients with a high non-HDL-C level. Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN () Study ID: UMIN000010452. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We hypothesized that the additional administration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) receiving statin has the potential to lower the serum pentraxin 3 (PTX3) level, an indicator of plaque stabilization. Methods: We randomly assigned CAD patients already receiving statin therapy to an EPA group (1800 mg/day, n = 53) or control group ( n = 53). Results: No significant difference was found in the change in the plasma PTX3 level between the groups. However, in a subgroup analysis, a significant percentage reduction in the plasma PTX3 level was observed in patients receiving strong statin compared with the patients receiving moderate statin in the EPA group (−5.6 vs. 14.7 %, p = 0.0082), while no such difference in the percentage change in the plasma PTX3 level was noted between the two same statin subgroups in the control group. A multiple logistic regression analysis identified the addition of EPA to ongoing strong statin treatment as an independent predictor of PTX3 level reduction. Furthermore, even in patients with relatively well-controlled serum lipid levels, pretreatment with EPA added to ongoing statin therapy reduced serum non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins as residual risk factors. Conclusion: Through this study design, the results could not support the hypothesis that adding EPA in patients with stable CAD receiving varying degrees of statin treatment reduces the plasma PTX3 level comprehensively. However, addition of EPA to ongoing strong statin treatment, but not ongoing moderate statin treatment, may reduce the plasma PTX3 level, possibly leading to coronary plaque stabilization. Clinical Trial Registration Information: UMIN (), Study ID: UMIN000010452. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, it is unclear how long prehospital resuscitation efforts should be continued to maximize lives saved.Methods and Results: Between 2005 and 2012, we enrolled 282 183 adult patients with bystander-witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from the All-Japan Utstein Registry. Prehospital resuscitation duration was calculated as the time interval from call receipt to return of spontaneous circulation in cases achieving prehospital return of spontaneous circulation or from call receipt to hospital arrival in cases not achieving prehospital return of spontaneous circulation. In each of 4 groups stratified by initial cardiac arrest rhythm (shockable versus nonshockable) and bystander resuscitation (presence versus absence), we calculated minimum prehospital resuscitation duration, defined as the length of resuscitation efforts in minutes required to achieve ≥99% sensitivity for the primary end point, favorable 30-day neurological outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Prehospital resuscitation duration to achieve prehospital return of spontaneous circulation ranged from 1 to 60 minutes. Longer prehospital resuscitation duration reduced the likelihood of favorable neurological outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.838-0.844). Although the frequency of favorable neurological outcome was significantly different among the 4 groups, ranging from 20.0% (shockable/bystander resuscitation group) to 0.9% (nonshockable/bystander resuscitation group; P<0.001), minimum prehospital resuscitation duration did not differ widely among the 4 groups (40 minutes in the shockable/bystander resuscitation group and the shockable/no bystander resuscitation group, 44 minutes in the nonshockable/bystander resuscitation group, and 45 minutes in the nonshockable/no bystander resuscitation group).Conclusions: On the basis of time intervals from the shockable arrest groups, prehospital resuscitation efforts should be continued for at least 40 minutes in all adults with bystander-witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/. Unique identifier: 000009918. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: There is growing evidence of an association between high uric acid (UA) levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We hypothesized that febuxostat, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, may be associated with suppressing the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and improving renal function in hyperurecemic patients with hypertension. Methods: We conducted a 6-month prospective study in which we randomized hypertensive hyperuricemic patients to either a febuxostat group ( n = 30) or a control group ( n = 30). The dose of febuxostat was adjusted to maintain the serum UA level at <6.0 mg/dL. Results: In the febuxostat group, the plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), and serum UA level significantly decreased by 33 % ( p = 0.0012), 14 % ( p = 0.001), and 29 % ( p < 0.0001), respectively. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) significantly increased by 5.5 % ( p = 0.001). Similar changes were not observed in the control group. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between the percent changes in the serum UA levels and the percent changes in the PRA ( r = 0.277, p = 0.033), PAC ( r = 0.310, p = 0.016), serum blood urea nitrogen levels ( r = 0.434, p = 0.0005), serum creatinine levels ( r = 0.413, p = 0.002), and eGFR ( r = −0.474, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that febuxostat might not only reduce serum UA levels but also suppress RAAS and improve renal function in hyperuricemic patients with hypertension, possibly leading to prevention of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher intakes of fish and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) are associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the relationships between fish-derived n-3PUFAs and prevalence of CAD, and to assess the association of n-3PUFAs with atherosclerosis-related markers in an urban area. This study was designed as a hospital-based cross-sectional study on 649 consecutive outpatients who had undergone regular examinations between April 2009 and October 2009. After adjustments for the coronary risk factors in a multilogistic regression analysis of variables for which a significant difference was identified between the group of patients with a prevalence of CAD and the group with no prevalence of CAD, the multivariable odds ratio (95 % confidence interval) was 0.394 (0.205/0.760; P = 0.005) for the highest (92.4-373.5 μg/ml) versus lowest (6.2-40.0 μg/ml) quartile of serum EPA values and 0.433 (0.228/0.824; P = 0.011) for the highest (160.7-451.8 μg/ml) versus lowest (35.7-100.7 μg/ml) quartile of serum DHA values. Multivariate regression analyses after adjustment for risk factors showed that higher serum EPA and DHA levels were independent variables of a higher level of serum apolipoprotein A-1, a major compound of high-density lipoprotein. However, the results suggested that there might be conflicting effects of EPA and DHA in regard of the serum levels of other lipid markers. This cross-sectional study suggests that higher serum levels of n-3PUFAs were associated with a lower prevalence of CAD and an increase in serum apolipoprotein A-1 level, even in an urban area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few data exist as to whether dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors affect cardio-renal interaction, which is a strong independent prognostic factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), in diabetic patients. We evaluated the effects of a DPP-4 inhibitor on atherogenic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) heterogeneity and albuminuria in diabetics as an indicator of the severity of diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Type 2 diabetes patients ( n = 47) inadequately controlled with diabetes therapy were treated with vildagliptin 50 mg bid for 8 weeks. LDL heterogeneity was evaluated on the basis of the patients’ small dense (sd) LDL levels and sd-LDL proportion (sd-LDL/LDL cholesterol [LDL-C]). The level of albuminuria was evaluated on the basis of the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, there was no significant change in serum LDL-C level, but the serum sd-LDL level had decreased significantly by 8.8 %, and the UACR had also decreased significantly by 44.6 %. Triglyceride (TG)-metabolism-related markers (TG, remnant-like particle cholesterol, apolipoprotein [apo] B, apoC-2, and apoC-3) had decreased significantly. The Δ (absolute change from baseline) sd-LDL values correlated positively with ΔTG-metabolism-related markers, but not with the Δ hemoglobin (Hb) A 1c or Δ fasting blood sugar (ΔFBS). Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis revealed that Δsd-LDL proportion, but not ΔHbA 1c or ΔFBS, was an independent predictor of ΔUACR ( β = 0.292, p = 0.0016). Conclusions: Although this was a single-arm study, treatment of type 2 diabetes with vildagliptin might prevent the progression of CVD complicating diabetes by improving LDL heterogeneity, and it might improve renal function by decreasing albuminuria. A randomized controlled trial is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) can effectively reduce serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the majority of patients at increased cardiovascular risk. However, some patients at increased cardiovascular risk have a high peripheral leukocyte count and this inflammatory marker has correlated with an increased incidence of coronary events. Recently, in a large clinical trial-based cohort, an increasing on-statin cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mass was inversely related to coronary events, particularly among those with a low serum LDL-C level. However, the role of the CETP mass in the development of atherosclerosis is still unclear. Objective: We investigated the possibility of whether the CETP mass was associated with the peripheral leukocyte count after intensive statin therapy, and whether the CETP mass was changed by switching statins. Methods: This study was an open-label lipid interventional study switching from atorvastatin to pitavastatin without a washout period. Between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011, 32 patients (mean age 64.0 ± 9.0 years, 63% male) with hypercholesterolemia receiving atorvastatin (10mg/day) were enrolled. Next, they were switched to pitavastatin (2 mg/day) for 6 months. The peripheral leukocyte count, the CETP mass measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and lipid parameters were measured at baseline and at follow-up. The type and dosage of concomitant drugs were not changed during the study periods. Results: The on-atorvastatin LDL-C level was well controlled with 94.4 ± 23.1 mg/dL, and peripheral leukocyte count was 6209 ± 1142 cells/mL. On atorvastatin therapy, the CETP mass correlated negatively with the peripheral leukocyte count (r = −0.418, p = 0.02). In univariate regression analysis, onatorvastatin peripheral leukocyte count was significantly correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = −42.1, p = 0.008), triglycerides (β = 8.2, p = 0.005), and the CETP mass (β = −1296.3, p = 0.02). In a multivariate analysis after adjusting for traditional risk factors, the CETP mass remained an independent negative determinant of the peripheral leukocyte count (β = −1162, p = 0.02). By switching atorvastatin to pitavastatin, the CETP mass was significantly increased from 1.9 to 2.1 mg/mL (8.8%, p = 0.007), and the peripheral leukocyte count was significantly decreased from 6209 to 5778 cells/mL (-5.9%, p = 0.005). As a result, the relationship between CETP mass and peripheral leukocyte count after pitavastatin treatment was diminished (r=−0.276, p = 0.13). Moreover, the change in peripheral leukocyte count was negatively correlated with the change in the CETP mass (r = −0.39, p = 0.03), suggesting that a decreased CETP mass may be closely associated with an elevated peripheral leukocyte count in atorvastatin-treated patients. Conclusion: The results suggest that residual cardiovascular risk after atorvastatin treatment may be associated with the CETP mass, which may be increased by switching to pitavastatin. Furthermore, a CETP mass-activating strategy may assist the therapeutic efficacy of statins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The level of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) achieved and change in serum LDL-C level in response to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy may not be reflected in coronary plaque regression in Japanese subjects, and plaque regression has occurred in many cases in the absence of any marked decrease in serum LDL-C level. We hypothesized that the indicators of coronary plaque regression in response to statin therapy in a Japanese population are different from the indicators in Western populations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictors of coronary plaque regression in Japanese patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) using a receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis. Methods: A 6-month prospective observational study to identify predictors of regression of coronary plaque as assessed by volumetric intravascular ultrasound was conducted on 113 CAD patients receiving usual doses of pravastatin at Nihon University Surugadai Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Results: The mean pravastatin dose was 12.5±3.2 mg/day. After 6 months of therapy, the average change in plaque volume was -9.9% (p<0.0001 vs baseline). Body mass index (BMI) before pravastatin therapy was significantly lower in the plaque regression group than in the plaque progression group (23.5±2.8 kg/m2 vs 25.3±2.5 kg/m2, p<0.01). Furthermore, significant increases in serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein (apo) A-1, and decreases in LDL-C/HDL-C, apoB/apoA-1, and monocyte count were observed in the plaque regression group (n=90) in comparison with the plaque progression group (n=23), while there were no differences in achieved LDL-C levels between the groups (101±25 mg/dL vs 101±24 mg/dL). The changes in plaque volume correlated with the changes in serum levels of HDL-C (r=-0.496, p<0.0001), LDL-C/HDL-C (r=0.361, p<0.0001), apoA-1 (r=-0.362, p=0.0005), apoB/apoA-1 (r=0.314, p=0.0003), monocyte count (r=0.325, p=0.0004), and with baseline BMI (r=0.278, p=0.003), but not with the change in LDL-C level (r=0.023, p=0.860). Moreover, an ROC analysis showed that the change in HDL-C level was better than any other parameter in terms of evaluating the predictor of plaque regression because it had a larger area under the ROC curve (0.751; sensitivity: 76.9%; specificity: 60.9%; cut off value: ±0%). Conclusions: Even with modest LDL-C lowering to maintain the serum LDL-C level at only 100 mg/dL, we demonstrated that reduction of the coronary plaque volume can be achieved by elevation of the serum HDL-C. The results suggest that the ameliorating action of statins on lipid metabolism and sensitivity to their inhibitory effect on the progression of coronary plaque may be different in Japanese and Western populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some investigations have looked into the ability of measurements of apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I (apoB/apoA-I) ratio to predict cardiovascular events. We hypothesized that a decrease in the apoB/apoA-1 ratio by statin therapy would act on suppression of coronary plaque progression. A 6-month prospective study was conducted of 64 patients with coronary artery disease treated with pravastatin. The plaque volume, assessed by volumetric intravascular ultrasonography, had decreased significantly by 12.6% (p <0.0001 vs baseline). Although a significant decrease of 6.4% and 14.6% was found in the serum level of apoB and the apoB/apoA-1 ratio (p = 0.0001 and p <0.0001, respectively, vs baseline), a significant increase of 14.0% of and 12.0% in the level of apoA-I and apoA-II (both p <0.0001 vs baseline). No significant changes were found in the level of apoC-II or apoE. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that the change in the apoB/apoA-1 ratio was an independent predictor of the change in coronary plaque volume (β coefficient 0.386; p = 0.0023). In conclusion, our results have indicated that the decrease in the apoB/apoA-I ratio is a simple predictor for coronary atherosclerotic regression: the lower the apoB/apoA-I ratio, the lower the risk of coronary atherosclerosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relation between differential leukocyte counts and inhibition of the development of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease. A 6-month prospective study was conducted in 84 patients treated with pravastatin. Plaque volume, as assessed by volumetric analysis using intravascular ultrasound, decreased significantly by 12.6% (p <0.0001 vs baseline) after treatment; furthermore, a corresponding decrease of total leukocyte count (8.9%, p <0.01 vs baseline) was seen. Change in plaque volume was correlated with changes in monocyte (r = 0.35, p = 0.002) and lymphocyte (r = 0.25, p = 0.03) counts but not with changes in neutrophil, eosinophil, or basophil counts. In a multivariate regression analysis with changes in serum lipids, traditional risk factors, and medications as covariates, the decrease in monocyte count was identified as an independent predictor of coronary plaque regression (beta coefficient 0.313, 95% confidence interval 0.089 to 0.353, p = 0.0014). No correlation was found between change in monocyte count and changes in any other lipid levels. This study demonstrated that monocyte count was the only leukocyte type significantly and independently associated with coronary atherosclerotic regression, even after adjustment for changes in any lipid levels. In conclusion, the decrease in monocyte count as a nonlipid-lowering effect of statins may be used as a novel marker of coronary atherosclerotic regression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Focal vasospasm is reportedly involved in a high incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as compared with diffuse vasospasm. No adequate studies have been conducted on the mechanism underlying the higher incidence of ACS involving focal vasospasm than of those involving diffuse vasospasm in patients with coronary spastic angina. Methods and results: Blood samples were collected from the aortic root (Ao) and the coronary sinus (CS) before provoking left coronary vasospasm using intracoronary administration of acetylcholine. After relief of vasospasm, volumetric analyses of vasospastic lesions were evaluated with 3-dimensional intravasucular ultrasound in 64 patients. The percent plaque volume was more prominent in focal (n =31) than in diffuse vasospasm (n =33) (40.9±9.4 vs. 23.3±9.2%, p <0.0001). The Cs-Ao difference of malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) level, as a marker of atherothrombosis, in focal vasospasm increased significantly as compared with diffuse vasospasm (6.9±6.7 vs. 1.2±5.7 U/L, p =0.001). In a multiple-logistic regression analysis with the traditional risk factors, the Cs-Ao difference of MDA-LDL level was a variable differing independently between the 2 types of vasospasm. Conclusions: Higher MDA-LDL levels were observed in the coronary circulation in patients with focal vasospasm than in those with diffuse vasospasm. Under these conditions, the dramatically increased percent plaque volume in cases with focal vasoconstriction may play an important role in the development of acute coronary events. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the peripheral blood leukocyte count could be used as a marker of the progression of atherosclerosis. Few data exist regarding the relationship between inhibition of the progression of coronary atherosclerosis and the anti-inflammatory effects of statins, especially the drugs’ effects on the leukocyte count in patients with coronary artery disease. A 6-month prospective study was, therefore, conducted in 50 patients treated with pravastatin. The plaque volume, as assessed by volumetric analysis using intravascular ultrasound, reduced significantly by 14% (p <0.0001, vs. baseline) following the treatment, furthermore, a corresponding decrease of the leukocyte count (8.9%, p <0.01, vs. baseline) was also seen. No correlation was found between the change in the leukocyte count and any of the changes in the lipid levels; changes in either of these are known to be associated with the rate of progression of atherosclerosis. A multivariate regression analysis using other traditional risk factors and medications as covariates revealed that the decrease in the leukocyte count was an independent predictor of inhibition of the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. In conclusion, a reduction of the leukocyte count as one of the non-lipid-lowering effects of pravastatin may be a novel marker of regression of coronary atherosclerosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article assesses the effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation with chest compression only and not mouth-to-mouth ventilation done by bystanders on people who had cardiac arrest. It is remarked that mouth-to-mouth ventilation is a barrier to bystanders who perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The authors conducted an observational study of patients who had cardiac arrest and assessed the technique of resuscitation done by the bystanders. The authors found that cardiac-only resuscitation by bystanders is a better approach to resuscitation of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, particularly those patients with apnea, shockable rhythm, or untreated arrest.

The increasing elderly population will influence the treatment policies adopted in cases of acute myocardial infarction. Considering reperfusion therapy in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, we compared three strategies, as follows: primary percutaneous coronary intervention (primary PCI: n = 26), facilitated PCI with half the standard dose of mutant tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) (half + PCI: n = 24), and facilitated PCI with a standard dose of mutant t-PA (standard + PCI: n = 15) between patients 75 and 80 years of age. The rate of acquisition of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI-3) flow on initial coronary arteriography was significantly lower in the primary PCI group than in the other two groups (7.7% in the primary PCI group vs 60% in the half + PCI and 66.7% in the standard + PCI group). The incidence of hemorrhagic complications including blood transfusion was not significantly different between primary PCI and facilitated PCI. Considering reperfusion therapy in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, we concluded that facilitated PCI may be effective in elderly patients aged 75–80 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gasping during resuscitation has been reported as a favorable factor for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We examined whether gasping during resuscitation is independently associated with favorable neurological outcomes in patients with refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT) undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation ECPR. Methods: Data from a 2014 study on advanced cardiac life support for ventricular fibrillation with extracorporeal circulation in Japan (SAVE-J), which examined the efficacy of ECPR for refractory VF/pVT, were analyzed. The primary endpoint was survival with a 6-month favorable neurological outcome in patients who underwent ECPR with or without gasping during resuscitation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between gasping and outcomes. Results: Of the 454 patients included in the SAVE-J study, data from 212 patients were analyzed in this study after excluding those with missing information and those who did not undergo ECPR. Gasping has been observed in 47 patients during resuscitation; 11 (23.4%) had a favorable neurological outcome at 6 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gasping during resuscitation was independently associated with a favorable neurological outcome (odds ratio [OR], 10.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.22–34.74]). The adjusted OR for gasping during emergency medical service transport and on arrival at the hospital was 27.44 (95% CI 5.65–133.41). Conclusions: Gasping during resuscitation is a favorable factor in patients with refractory VF/pVT. Patients with refractory VF/pVT with continuously preserved gasping during EMS transportation to the hospital are expected to have more favorable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Relationship between angiographic morphology and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels is not fully understood. The serum levels of hs-CRP levels were higher in focal than in diffuse vasospasm in patients with coronary spastic angina. Intravascular ultrasound showed greater plaque volume at the site of vasospasm in the focal vasospasm, in the absence of significant angiographic stenosis, whereas diffuse intimal thickening throughout the coronary arteries was observed in the diffuse vasospasm. The distinct differences in the hs-CRP levels may be closely associated with coronary plaque appearances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) commonly have multiple comorbidities, and some die in hospitals due to causes other than cardiac complications. However, limited information is available on noncardiac death in patients hospitalised for AMI. Therefore, the present study was performed to determine the incidence, annual trend, clinical characteristics, and predictors of in-hospital non-cardiac death in patients with AMI using the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit (CCU) network registry. The registry included 38,589 consecutive patients with AMI who were admitted to the CCU between 2010 and 2019. The primary endpoint was in-hospital noncardiac death. Further, predictors of cardiac and non-cardiac death were identified. The incidence of all-cause in-hospital mortality was 7.0% (n = 2700), and the proportion of mortality was 15.6% (n = 420) and 84.4% (n = 2280) for noncardiac and cardiac causes, respectively. The proportion of noncardiac deaths did not change annually over the last decade (p = 0.66). After adjusting for all variables, age, Killip classification grade, peak creatine kinase, hemoglobin, serum creatinine, and C-reactive protein were common predictors of cardiac and non-cardiac deaths. Indicators of malnutrition, such as lower body mass index (kg/m2) [odds 0.94, 95%CI (0.90–0.97), p < 0.001] and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (per 10 mg/dl) [odds 0.92, 95%CI (0.89–0.96), p < 0.001] were the specific predictors for non-cardiac deaths. The incidence of in-hospital noncardiac death was significant in patients with AMI, accounting for 15.6% of all in-hospital mortalities. Thus, prevention and management of non-cardiac complications are vital to improve acute-phase outcomes, especially those with predictors of non-cardiac death. Clinical Features and Predictors of Non-cardiac Death in Patients Hospitalised for Acute Myocardial Infarction. AMI acute myocardial infarction; CCU Cardiovascular Care Unit; BMI body mass index; LDL-C low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; CRP C-reactive protein; CK creatine kinase; CPA cardiopulmonary arrest; WBC white blood cell; LMCA left main coronary artery; BNP B-type natriuretic peptide. [Display omitted] • This study demonstrates the clinical importance of noncardiac death in AMI. • No previous study has focused on noncardiac death in patients hospitalised for AMI. • Incidence of non-cardiac death was high and has not changed over the last decade. • The management of non-cardiac complications with a comprehensive approach is vital. • Malnutrition may be a key factor for additional care in patients with AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Preventing loss of life in patients with type A acute aortic dissection (AAD) who present with cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) can be extremely difficult. Thus, we investigated the early outcomes in these patients. METHODS: Patients with type A AAD who were transported to hospitals belonging to the Tokyo Acute Aortic Super-network between January 2015 and December 2019 were considered for this study. We assessed the early mortality of these patients presenting with CPA and also investigated the differences in outcomes between patients with out-of-hospital and in-hospital CPA. RESULTS: A total of 3307 patients with type A AAD were transported, 434 (13.1%) of whom presented with CPA. The overall mortality of patients presenting with CPA was 88.2% (383/434), of which 94.5% (240/254) experienced out-of-hospital CPA and 79.4% (143/180) experienced in-hospital CPA (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that aortic surgery [odds ratio (OR), 0.022; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.008–0.060; P < 0.001] and patient age over 80 years (OR, 2.946; 95% CI, 1.012–8.572; P = 0.047) were related with mortality in patients with type A AAD and CPA. Between in-hospital and out-of-hospital CPA, the proportions of DeBakey type 1 (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.065–5.054; P = 0.034), cerebral malperfusion (OR, 0.188; 95% CI, 0.056–0.629; P = 0.007), aortic surgery (OR, 0.111; 95% CI, 0.045–0.271; P = 0.001), age (OR, 0.969; 95% CI, 0.940–0.998; P = 0.039) and the time from symptom onset to hospital admission (OR, 1.122; 95% CI, 1.025–1.228; P = 0.012) were significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with type A AAD presenting with CPA exhibited extremely high rates of death. Patient outcomes following in-hospital CPA tended to be better than those following out-of-hospital CPA; however, this difference was not significantly different. To prevent deaths, aortic surgery, when possible, should be considered in patients with type A AAD who sustained CPA. We previously reported a risk analysis for early death in emergency Stanford type A acute aortic dissection (AAD) surgery using the Tokyo Acute Aortic Super (TAAS)-network Registry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has been widely used for critically ill patients all over the world; however, comprehensive survey regarding the relationship between VA-ECMO duration and prognosis is limited. We conducted a survey of VA-ECMO patients in the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases-Diagnosis Procedure Combination (JROAD-DPC), which was a health insurance claim database study among cardiovascular centers associated with the Japan Circulation Society, between April 2012 and March 2016. Out of 13,542 VA-ECMO patients, we analyzed 5766 cardiovascular patients treated with VA-ECMO. 68% patients used VA-ECMO only for 1 day and 93% had VA-ECMO terminated within 1 week. In multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio of 1-day support was significantly high at 1.72 (95% confidence intervals; 95% CI 1.53–1.95) (p < 0.001), while that of 2-day [0.60 (95% CI 0.49–0.73)], 3-day [0.75 (95% CI 0.60–0.94)], 4-day [0.43 (95% CI 0.31–0.60)] and 5-day support [0.62 (95% CI 0.44–0.86)] was significantly low. Comprehensive database analysis of JROAD-DPC revealed that cardiovascular patients who were supported with VA-ECMO for 2–5 days showed lower mortality. The optimal VA-ECMO support window should be investigated in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response by Ken Nagao for the SOS-KANTO Committee to a letter to the editor about the article "Cardiopulmonary resuscitation by bystanders with chest compression only (SOS-KANTO): An observational study" in the March 17, 2007 issue is presented.

Aim: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has emerged as a promising resuscitation strategy for select patients suffering from refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), though limited data exist regarding the best practices for ECPR initiation after OHCA.Methods: We utilized a modified Delphi process consisting of two survey rounds and a virtual consensus meeting to systematically identify detailed best practices for ECPR initiation following adult non-traumatic OHCA. A modified Delphi process builds content validity and is an accepted method to develop consensus by eliciting expert opinions through multiple rounds of questionnaires. Consensus was achieved when items reached a high level of agreement, defined as greater than 80% responses for a particular item rated a 4 or 5 on a 5-point Likert scale.Results: Snowball sampling generated a panel of 14 content experts, composed of physicians from four continents and five primary specialties. Seven existing institutional protocols for ECPR cannulation following OHCA were identified and merged into a single comprehensive list of 207 items. The panel reached consensus on 101 items meeting final criteria for inclusion: Prior to Patient Arrival (13 items), Inclusion Criteria (8), Exclusion Criteria (7), Patient Arrival (8), ECPR Cannulation (21), Go On Pump (18), and Post-Cannulation (26).Conclusion: We present a list of items for ECPR initiation following adult nontraumatic OHCA, generated using a modified Delphi process from an international panel of content experts. These findings may benefit centers currently performing ECPR in quality assurance and serve as a template for new ECPR programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cholesterol-esterifying enzyme, lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), is believed to play a key role in reverse cholesterol transport. However, recent investigations have demonstrated that higher LCAT activity levels increase the formation of triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and atherogenesis. We hypothesized that higher LCAT activity measured as a serum cholesterol esterification rate by the endogenous substrate method might increase the formation of TRLs and thereby alter low-density lipoprotein (LDL) heterogeneity. The estimated LDL particle size [relative LDL migration (LDL-Rm)] was measured by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with the LipoPhor system (Joko, Tokyo, Japan) in 538 consecutive patients with at least risk factor for atherosclerosis. Multivariate regression analysis after adjustments for traditional risk factors identified elevated TRL-related marker (TG, remnant-like particle cholesterol, apolipoprotein C-II, and apolipoprotein C-III) levels as independent predictors of smaller-sized LDL particle size, both in the overall subject population and in the subset of patients with serum LDL cholesterol levels of <100 mg/dL. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the LCAT activity (0.79; sensitivity 60 %; specificity 84.8 %) was observed for the evaluation of the indicators of an LDL-Rm value of ≥0.40, which suggests the presence of large amounts of small-dense LDL. The results lend support to the hypothesis that increased LCAT activity may be associated with increased formation of TRLs, leading to a reduction in LDL particle size. Therefore, to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, it may be of importance to pay attention not only to a quantitative change in the serum LDL-C, but also to the LCAT activity which is possibly associated with LDL heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, investigation may have focused on modification of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) associated with anti-inflammatory effect for the potential prevention of cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of atorvastatin and pitavastatin on serum apoA-I levels and to investigate the role of apoA-I in the anti-inflammatory effect of statin. We conducted a 6-month, prospective, randomized, open-label study in which we assigned hypercholesterolemic patients to a pitavastatin group ( n = 52; 2 mg/day) or an atorvastatin group ( n = 52; 10 mg/day) to investigate the effects of these two statins on the serum apoA-I levels and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the changes in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), or hs-CRP levels, but the change in apoA-I in the pitavastatin group was significantly greater than in the atorvastatin group (5.3 vs. 1.4 %; p = 0.0001). A stepwise regression analysis revealed that the percent change in (Δ) serum apoA-I level was an independent predictor of the Δ serum hs-CRP (standard correlation coefficient = −0.198; p = 0.047). However, there was a significant negative correlation between the Δ apoA-I levels and Δ hs-CRP levels in the pitavastatin group ( r = −0.283, p = 0.042), but not the atorvastatin group ( r = −0.133, p = 0.356). The results suggest that the contribution of apoA-I to the reduction in serum hs-CRP levels by these two statins may be different. A decrease in hs-CRP level accompanied by an increase in apoA-I level may be involved in the pleiotropic effects of pitavastatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: A favorable neurological outcome is likely to be achieved in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients with ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT) on the initial electrocardiogram (ECG). However, in patients without pre-hospital restoration of spontaneous circulation despite the initial VF/VT, the outcome is extremely low by conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Extracorporeal CPR (ECPR) may enhance cerebral blood flow and recovery of neurological function. We prospectively examined how ECPR for OHCA with VF/VT would affect neurological outcomes. Methods and results: The design of this trial was a prospective, observational study. We compared differences of outcome at 1 and 6 months after OHCA between ECPR group (26 hospitals) and non-ECPR group (20 hospitals). Primary endpoints were the rate of favorable outcomes defined by the Glasgow-Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance and Overall Performance Categories (CPC) 1 or 2 at 1 and 6 months after OHCA. Based on intention-to-treat analysis, CPC 1 or 2 were 12.3% (32/260) in the ECPR group and 1.5% (3/194) in the non-ECPR group at 1 month (P <0.0001), and 11.2% (29/260) and 2.6% (5/194) at 6 months (P =0.001), respectively. By per protocol analysis, CPC 1 or 2 were 13.7% (32/234) in the ECPR group and 1.9% (3/159) in the non-ECPR group at 1 month (P <0.0001), and 12.4% (29/234) and 3.1% (5/159) at 6 months (P =0.002), respectively. Conclusions: In OHCA patients with VF/VT on the initial ECG, a treatment bundle including ECPR, therapeutic hypothermia and IABP was associated with improved neurological outcome at 1 and 6 months after OHCA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim To investigate the association between regional brain oxygen saturation (rSO2) on hospital arrival and neurological outcomes at hospital discharge in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted, registering 179 patients with OHCA who were referred to Senri Critical Care Medical Centre between April 2009 and June 2010. Of these patients, 92 met the inclusion criteria. The primary end point was “neurological outcomes” at hospital discharge according to the “Utstein style” guidelines. Results The overall rate of good neurological outcome at hospital discharge was 14% (n =13). Sixty-one patients with rSO2 ≤25% showed poor neurological outcome in the receiver operating curve analysis (optimal cut-off point, 25%; sensitivity, 0.772; specificity, 1.000; positive predictive value, 1.000; area under the curve (AUC), 0.919; p <0.0001). The AUC for rSO2 was greater than that for base excess (p =0.0461) or lactate (p =0.0128) measured on hospital arrival. Since rSO2 >40% was previously collated with good neurological outcome after cardiovascular surgery, we categorised our patients into three groups in a post hoc analysis: patients with rSO2 ≤25% (n =61); patients with rSO2 26–40% (n =9) and patients with rSO2 >40% (n =22). Patients with good neurological outcome were as follows: 0 (0%)/61 with rSO2 ≤25%; two (22.2%)/9 with rSO2 26–40% and 11 (50.0%)/22 with rSO2 >40% (p <0.0001). Conclusion rSO2 on hospital arrival may help predict neurological outcomes at hospital discharge in patients with OHCA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim: Although favourable outcomes in patients receiving extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have been frequently reported in Japanese journals since the late 1980s, there has been no meta-analysis of ECPR in Japan. This study reviewed and analysed all previous studies in Japan to clarify the survival rate of patients receiving ECPR. Material and methods: Case reports, case series and abstracts of scientific meetings of ECPR for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest written in Japanese between 1983 and 2008 were collected. The characteristics and outcomes of patients were investigated, and the influence of publication bias of the case-series studies was examined by the funnel-plot method. Results: There were 1282 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, who received ECPR in 105 reports during the period. The survival rate at discharge given for 516 cases was 26.7±1.4%. The funnel plot presented the relationship between the number of cases of each report and the survival rate at discharge as the reverse-funnel type that centred on the average survival rate. In-depth review of 139 cases found that the rates of good recovery, mild disability, severe disability, vegetative state, death at hospital discharge and non-recorded in all cases were 48.2%, 2.9%, 2.2%, 2.9%, 37.4% and 6.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Based on the results of previous reports with low publication bias in Japan, ECPR appears to provide a higher survival rate with excellent neurological outcome in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: The efficacy of repeated administration of vasopressin alone during prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) remains unconfirmed. This study was conducted to estimate the effectiveness of the repeated administration of vasopressin vs. epinephrine for cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) patients receiving prolonged CPR. Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized controlled study on patients who experienced out-of-hospital CPA. The patients were randomly assigned to receive a maximum of four injections of either 40IU of vasopressin (vasopressin group) or 1mg of epinephrine (epinephrine group) immediately after emergency room (ER) admission. Patients who received vasopressors before ER admission or suffered non-cardiogenic CPA were excluded after randomization. Results: In total, 336 patients were enrolled (vasopressin group, n =137; epinephrine group, n =118). No differences were found between these groups (vasopressin group vs. epinephrine group) in the rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (28.7% vs. 26.6%), 24-h survival (16.9% vs. 20.3%), or survival to hospital discharge (5.6% vs. 3.8%). In a subgroup analysis by the Fisher''s exact test, the rate of ROSC was higher in the vasopressin group than in the epinephrine group, among the patients whose arrests were witnessed (48.1% vs. 27.8%, p =0.010) or who received bystander CPR (68.0% vs. 38.5%, p =0.033). When the independent predictors of ROSC were calculated in the subgroup analysis, however, vasopressin administration (Odds ratio: 0.87–0.28) did not affect the outcome. Conclusions: This is the first report of a possible vasopressin-alone resuscitation without additional epinephrine. However, repeated injections of either vasopressin or epinephrine during prolonged advanced cardiac life support resulted in comparable survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES We investigated the various pre- and postoperative complications related to early (30-day) mortality after open surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS Data from the Tokyo Acute Aortic Super-network database spanning January 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative factors related to early postoperative mortality were assessed in 1504 of 2058 (73.0%) consecutive patients [age: 66.6 (SD: 13.5) years, male: 52.9%] who underwent acute type A aortic dissection repair. RESULTS The early mortality rate following surgical repair was 8.9%. According to multivariable analysis, male sex [odds ratio (OR) 1.670, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.063–2.624, P  = 0.026], use of percutaneous circulatory assist devices (n  = 116, 7.7%) including extracorporeal membrane oxygenators or intra-aortic balloon pumps (OR 4.857, 95% CI 2.867–8.228, P  < 0.001), shock (n  = 162, 10.8%) (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.741–5.387, P  < 0.001), cardiopulmonary arrest (n  = 41, 2.7%) (OR 7.534, 95% CI 3.407–16.661, P  < 0.001), coronary ischaemia (n  = 36, 2.3%) (OR 2.583, 95% CI 1.042–6.404, P  = 0.041) and cerebral ischaemia (n  = 59, 3.9%) (OR 2.904, 95% CI 1.347–6.261, P  = 0.007) were independent preoperative risk factors for early mortality, while cardiac tamponade (n  = 34, 2.3%) (OR 10.282, 95% CI 4.640–22.785, P  < 0.001), cerebral ischaemia (n  = 80, 5.3%) (OR 2.409, 95% CI 1.179–4.923, P  = 0.016) and mesenteric ischaemia (n  = 15, 1.0%) (OR 44.763, 95% CI 13.027–153.808, P  < 0.001) were independent postoperative risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Not only critical preoperative conditions but also postoperative cardiac tamponade and vital organ ischaemia are risk factors for early mortality after acute type A aortic dissection repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although antiarrhythmic drugs have long been used for the suppression of various types of arrhythmias, their prior use before the onset of ventricular arrhythmia with hemodynamic collapse and the effect on prognosis is not well known. Data from 1004 consecutive patients with cardiovascular shock in the Japanese Circulation Society's Shock Registry were analyzed. Eighty-four cases of ventricular arrhythmia-induced shock and ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) were divided into the prior amiodarone or β-blockers use group (Aβ group, n = 27) and the non-amiodarone and non-β-blockers use group (non-Aβ group; n = 57) based on treatment before the onset of those arrhythmias. Clinical outcomes related to hemodynamic collapse such as OHCA (out-of-hospital cardiovascular arrest) was less in the Aβ group [Aβ group, 11/26 (42%) vs. non-Aβ group, 41/56 (73%); p = 0.007]. Similarly, syncope was less common in the Aβ group than in the non-Aβ group [Aβ group 4/27 (15%) vs. non-Aβ group 27/57 (47%); p = 0.004]. Furthermore, prior amiodarone or β-blockers use before the onset of ventricular arrhythmias was strongly associated with both survival at discharge (odds ratio 3.19; 95% confidence interval 1.06–9.67; p = 0.040) and neurological outcomes at discharge (odds ratio 3.96; 95% confidence interval 1.32–11.85; p = 0.014) based on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Prior amiodarone or β-blockers use before the onset of malignant ventricular arrhythmia and maintaining appropriate blood concentrations in advance is associated with a good survival rate and better neurological outcomes after recovery from ventricular arrhythmia with hemodynamic collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the relationship between the time of occurrence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and the associated outcomes. We examined whether the one-month survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests differed depending on whether the cardiac arrest occurred during the day or night. Further, we examined whether this rate differed when comparing the period succeeding the 2005 International Resuscitation Guidelines (2006–2010) with that following the 2010 guidelines (2011–2015). Using data from the All-Japan Utstein Registry for 2006–2015, adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients whose collapse was witnessed and for whom the collapse-to-hospital-arrival interval was shorter than 120 min were included in this study. Patients were categorized in terms of whether their arrest occurred during the post-2005- or post-2010-guideline period. The primary measure was the one-month survival with a favorable neurological outcome. Of 481,624 cases analyzed, 20% occurred at night. For both guideline periods, nighttime out-of-hospital cardiac arrests were associated with significantly lower one-month survival rates than daytime incidents (used as a reference; adjusted odds ratio: 0.69 and 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.65–0.73 and 0.60–0.65, and P < 0.001 and <0.001 for the 2005 and 2010 guideline periods, respectively). One-month survival with a favorable neurological outcome was significantly lower for patients who experienced nighttime out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, compared to daytime out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. This could be addressed by improving cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for bystanders and expanding and improving nighttime emergency medical services. • Of all cardiac arrests analyzed, 20% occurred at night. • Nighttime occurrence negatively impacted one-month survival rate. • Daytime occurrence was linked to higher survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an evolving resuscitative method for refractory cardiopulmonary arrests. However, considering the substantial healthcare costs and resources involved, there is an urgent need for a full economic evaluation. We therefore assessed the cost-effectiveness of ECPR for refractory ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT).Methods: We developed a decision model to estimate lifetime costs and outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with VF/pVT who received either ECPR or conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) was used as the main outcome measure. This model was a combination of a decision tree model for the acute phase based on a prospective observational study (SAVE-J study), together with a Markov model for long-term follow-up periods extrapolated from published data. To evaluate the robustness of this model, we conducted a comprehensive deterministic sensitivity analysis (DSA) and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA).Results: ECPR was cost-effective, with an incremental cost of ¥3,521,189 (Є30,227), an incremental effectiveness of 1.34 QALY, and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of ¥2,619,692 (Є22,489) per QALY gained. DSA revealed that the present model was most sensitive to probability of Cerebral Performance Category 1 after ECPR (¥2,153,977/QALY to ¥3,186,475/QALY), patient age (¥2,170,112/QALY to ¥3,334,252/QALY), and long-term medical cost for modified Rankin Scale 0 (¥2,280,352/QALY to ¥2,855,330/QALY). PSA indicated ECPR to be cost-effective and below the willingness-to-pay threshold of ¥5,000,000 with an 86.7 % possibility.Conclusions: ECPR was an economically acceptable resuscitative strategy, and the results of the present study were robust even when considering the uncertainty of all parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the permanent pacemaker implantation rate and predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation in patients admitted for complete atrioventricular block (cAVB). The present study was a retrospective analysis based on a multicenter cohort of 797 patients with cAVB (mean age: 79.6 ± 10.7 years; males: 48.4%) registered with the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit Network multicenter registry between 2013 and 2016. Secondary cAVB due to acute coronary syndrome was excluded. The permanent pacemaker implantation rate was 82.9%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 140 mmHg [odds ratio (OR) 2.10; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–3.22; P < 0.001], male gender (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.07–2.49; P = 0.023), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% (OR 2.19; 95% CI 1.16–2.06; P = 0.016) were predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation while pre-admission β-blocker use (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.17–0.47; P < 0.001) was associated with a lower risk of permanent pacemaker implantation. Reversible cAVB was not rare in patients admitted for cAVB. Data on SBP on admission, gender, LVEF, and pre-admission β-blocker use may be important for assessing the requirement for permanent pacemaker implantation in the emergency care setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-world evidence of out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF), especially regarding intra-day change, remains unclear. We aimed to investigate that age- and gender-dependent difference of intra-day change of VF occurrence. We enrolled 71,692 patients (males: 56,419 [78.7%], females: 15,273 [21.3%]) in whom cardiac VF had been documented from the 2005–2015 All-Japan Utstein Registry data. Subjects were divided into four groups: group-I (<18 years old), group-II (18–39), group-III (40–69), and group-IV (≥70). Among four groups in each of male and female, we compared the intra-day change of VF occurrence, and evaluated the risk factors of the unfavorable neurologic outcomes at 1 month after VF. Regardless of age, the incidence of VF was significantly greater in male than in female subjects. In male subjects, VF in group-I, III and IV occurred higher at daytime, however, group-II had no intra-day difference because group-II had a higher VF events at midnight~ early morning compared with other aged groups (Poisson regression analysis, p =.03). While in female, each group showed similar intra-day pattern of VF occurrence. Logistic regression analysis revealed that some of the clinical parameters such as time periods from call receipt to first shock and the presence of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation were important for risk of 30-day neurologically unfavorable outcomes. The intra-day change of VF occurrence was age-dependently different in males but not in females, suggesting age- and gender-dependent differences in underlying cardiac diseases. These might affect the significant difference in unfavorable neurologic outcome. • VF occurred higher in male than in female subjects. • VF occurred higher at daytime than at nighttime except for 18–39-year old male. • No age-dependent difference in intra-day change of VF was observed in female. • Time to first shock may affect better neurological outcomes for 18–69 years old subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emergency life-saving technicians (ELSTs) are specially trained prehospital medical providers believed to provide better care than basic emergency medical technicians (BEMTs). ELSTs are certified to perform techniques such as administration of advanced airways or adrenaline and are considered to have more knowledge; nevertheless, ELSTs' effectiveness over BEMTs regarding out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains unclear. We investigated whether the presence of an ELST improves OHCA patient outcomes.Methods: In a retrospective study of adult OHCA patients treated in Japan from 2011 to 2015, we compared two OHCA patient groups: patients transported with at least one ELST and patients transported by only BEMTs. The primary outcome measure was one-month favorable neurological outcomes, defined as Cerebral Performance Category ≤ 2. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and their confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect of ELSTs.Results: Included were 552,337 OHCA patients, with 538,222 patients in the ELST group and 14,115 in the BEMT group. The ELST group had a significantly higher odds of favorable neurological outcomes (2.5% vs. 2.1%, adjusted OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.17-1.66), one-month survival (4.9% vs. 4.1%, adjusted OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.22-1.54), and return of spontaneous circulation (8.1% vs. 5.1%, adjusted OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.72-2.11) compared with the BEMT group. However, ELSTs' limited procedure range (adrenaline administration or advanced airway management) did not promote favorable neurological outcomes.Conclusions: Compared with the BEMT group, transport by the ELST group was associated with better neurological outcomes in OHCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The European Resuscitation Council guidelines recommend a slow rate of rewarming of 0.25 °C/h-0.5 °C/h for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients receiving therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Conversely, a very slow rewarming of 1 °C/day is generally applied in Japan. The rewarming duration ranged from less than 24 h up to more than 50 h. No randomized control trials have examined the optimal rewarming speed for TH in OHCA patients. Therefore, we examined the association between the rewarming duration and neurological outcomes in OHCA patients who received TH.Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of the Japanese Population-based Utstein-style study with defibrillation and basic/advanced Life Support Education and implementation-Hypothermia (J-PULSE-HYPO) study registry, a multicenter prospective cohort study. Patients suffering from OHCA who received TH (target temperature, 34 °C) after the return of spontaneous circulation from 2005 to 2011 in 14 hospitals throughout Japan were enrolled. The rewarming duration was defined as the time from the beginning of rewarming at a target temperature of 34 °C until reaching 36 °C. The primary outcome was an unfavorable neurological outcome at hospital discharge, i.e., a cerebral performance category of 3-5.Results: The J-PULSE-HYPO study enrolled 452 OHCA patients. Of these, 328 were analyzed; 79.9% survived to hospital discharge, of which 56.4% had a favorable neurological outcome. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the rewarming duration was independently associated with unfavorable neurological outcomes [odds ratio (per 5 h), 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.99; p =  0.032].Conclusion: A longer rewarming duration was significantly associated with and was an independent predictor of favorable neurological outcomes in OHCA patients who received TH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than 80% of public-access defibrillation attempts do not result in sustained return of spontaneous circulation in patients who have had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and a shockable heart rhythm before arrival of emergency medical service (EMS) personnel. Neurological and survival outcomes in such patients have not been evaluated. We aimed to assess the neurological status and survival outcomes in such patients.Methods: This is a retropective analysis of a cohort study from a prospective, nationwide, population-based registry of 1 299 784 patients who had an OHCA event between Jan 1, 2005, and Dec 31, 2015 in Japan. The primary outcome was favourable neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category of 1 or 2) at 30 days after the OHCA and the secondary outcome was survival at 30 days following the OHCA. This study is registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000009918.Findings: We identified 28 019 patients with bystander-witnessed OHCA and shockable heart rhythm who had received CPR from a bystander. Of these, 2242 (8·0%) patients did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation with CPR plus public-access defibrillation, and 25 087 (89·5%) patients did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation with CPR alone before EMS arrival. The proportion of patients with a favourable neurological outcome was significantly higher in those who received public-access defibrillation than those who did not (845 [37·7%] vs 5676 [22·6%]; adjusted odds ratio [OR] after propensity score-matching, 1·45 [95% CI 1·24-1·69], p<0·0001). The proportion of patients who survived at 30 days after the OHCA was also significantly higher in those who received public-access defibrillation than those who did not (987 [44·0%] vs 7976 [31·8%]; adjusted OR after propensity score-matching, 1·31 [95% CI 1·13-1·52], p<0·0001).Interpretation: Our findings support the benefits of public-access defibrillation and greater accessibility and availability of automated external defibrillators in the community.Funding: None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) cases are thought to have high blood pressure (BP) on admission; however, little data are available on BP prior to admission. The purpose of this study was to investigate systolic blood pressure (SBP) very early after symptom onset and before hospital transfer in patients with AAD to determine whether SBPs were high, and also whether SBPs were higher or lower compared with SBPs at hospital admission. We obtained results using three-year data derived from the Tokyo Acute Aortic Super Network Database. First, we selected 830 patients with AAD for which the "duration from symptom onset to first medical contact by ambulance crews" (SO-FMC) was within 60 min. We examined the SBPs of such patients. Next, we selected 222 patients with AAD whose SBPs were measured both at FMC, within 15 min after symptom onset, and at hospital admission, and compared SBPs at FMC with those at hospital admission. Among types A (n = 190) and B (n = 117), in patients with an SO-FMC ≤ 15 min, the median SBP was 100 mmHg and 178 mmHg (p < 0.001), respectively; 9% and 50% (p < 0.001) of such patients, respectively, exhibited an SBP ≥ 180 mmHg; and 43% and 10% (p < 0.001) of such patients, respectively, had an SBP < 90 mmHg. Of patients with types A (n = 124) and B (n = 98) AAD whose SBPs were measured both at FMC, within 15 min after symptom onset, and at hospital admission, SBPs at FMC were higher than those at hospital admission for the SBP ≥ 180 mmHg subgroups of both type A (194 mmHg vs. 159 mmHg, p < 0.001) and type B (199 mmHg vs. 186 mmHg, p < 0.001). Approximately 10 min after symptom onset and before hospital transfer, the measured SBPs of many patients with type A AAD were not necessarily high. However, the SBPs of cases with type B AAD were high as previously reported for SBP on admission. In addition, for the subgroup of SBP ≥ 180 mmHg at FMC within 15 min after symptom onset, SBPs at FMC were significantly higher than those at hospital admission for both types A and B; the higher SBP at symptom onset may have been partially associated with being a trigger of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is now recognized as a geriatric syndrome with multifactorial pathophysiology and clinical heterogeneity rather than a solely left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Because the pathophysiology of HFpEF is suggested to differ by age, this study compared the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors between HFpEF patients aged 65 to 84 years and those aged 85 years or older. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: The Tokyo CCU Network including 73 hospitals in Tokyo, Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 65 years or older with HFpEF (N = 4305). MEASUREMENTS: Very old patients were defined as those aged 85 years or older. Potential risk factors for in‐hospital mortality were selected by univariate analyses, and those with a P value <.10 were used in multivariate Cox regression analysis with forward selection (likelihood ratio) to identify significant factors. RESULTS: Prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in very old patients, whereas prevalence of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and smoking was significantly higher in patients aged 65 to 84 years. In very old patients, low systolic blood pressure (hazard ratio [HR] =.988), high serum creatinine level (HR = 1.34), and coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; HR = 2.01) were identified as independent risk factors for in‐hospital mortality. In contrast, low systolic blood pressure (HR =.987) and low body mass index (HR =.935) were identified as independent risk factors in patients aged 65 to 84 years. CONCLUSION: Significant differences were observed in the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors for in‐hospital mortality between HFpEF patients aged 65 to 84 and those 85 years and older. Of note, coexisting COPD was associated with significantly lower survival rate only in patients aged 85 years and older, suggesting the prognostic impact of concomitant pulmonary disease in HFpEF may increase with age. These results have implications for future research and management of older HFpEF patients. J Am Geriatr Soc 00:1–6, 2019. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2123–2128, 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiogenic shock frequently leads to death even with intensive treatment. Although the leading cause of cardiogenic shock is acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the clinical characteristics and the prognosis of ACS with cardiogenic shock in the present era still remain to be elucidated. We analyzed clinical characteristics and predictors of 30-day mortality in ACS with cardiogenic shock in Japan. The Japanese Circulation Society Cardiovascular Shock registry was a prospective, observational, multicenter, cohort study. Between May 2012 and June 2014, 495 ACS patients with cardiogenic shock were analyzed. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. The median [interquartile range; IQR] age was 71.0 [63.0, 80.0] years. The median [IQR] value of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate were 75.0 [50.0, 86.5] mm Hg and 65.0 [38.0, 98.0] bpm, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed an odds ratio (OR) of 4.76 (confidence intervals; CI 1.97–11.5, p < 0.001) in the lowest SBP category (< 50 mm Hg) for SBP ≥ 90 mm Hg. Moreover, age per 10 years increase (OR 1.38, CI 1.18–1.61, p = 0.002), deep coma (OR 3.49, CI 1.94–6.34, p < 0.001), congestive heart failure (OR 3.81, CI 2.04–7.59, p < 0.001) and left main trunk disease (LMTD) (OR 2.81, CI 1.55–5.10, p < 0.001) were independent predictors. Severe hypotension, older age, deep coma, congestive heart failure, and LMTD were independent unfavorable factors in ACS complicated by cardiogenic shock in Japan. A prompt assessment of high-risk patients referring to those predictors in emergency room could lead to appropriate treatment without delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the definition of type 2 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is obscure, the characteristics of this disease vary among studies. The clinical significance of type 2 AMI is unclear. We surveyed the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit (CCU) Network registry between 2010 and 2014. The difference in clinical characteristics and the impact of revascularization in patients with type 1 and type 2 AMI were evaluated. The cohort study included 12514 patients admitted to CCU (type 1 AMI, 12023; type 2 AMI, 491; mean age, 68 ± 15 years; 75% male). Coronary angiography was performed in 11402 patients (95%) with type 1 AMI and 427 (87%) with type 2 AMI (p < 0.001). Type 2 AMI was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (type 1 AMI, 769 (6.4%); type 2 AMI, 54 (11.0%); adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–2.41; p = 0.011) and higher non-cardiac mortality (adjusted OR 2.19; 95% CI 1.33–3.62; p = 0.002), but similar cardiac mortality rate compared to type 1 AMI (adjusted OR 1.17; 95% CI 0.71–1.91; p = 0.539). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 24 h after the onset was associated with lower in-hospital mortality in those with type 1 AMI (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.40–0.55; p < 0.001), but not in those with type 2 AMI (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.62–1.94; p = 0.763). The results persisted after adjustment for multivariate logistic regression analysis and inverted probability weighting. In conclusion, patients with type 2 AMI had higher in-hospital mortality owing to higher non-cardiac death. More refined definitions focusing on the treatment of comorbidities may be required, as the treatment strategy for type 2 AMI can be different from that for type 1 AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objective: The outcomes of patients with non-shockable out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (non-shockable OHCA) are poorer than those of patients with shockable out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (shockable OHCA). In this retrospective study, we selected patients from the SOS-KANTO 2012 study with non-shockable OHCA that developed after emergency medical service (EMS) arrival and analyzed the effect of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on non-shockable OHCA patients.Methods: Of 16,452 patients who have definitive data on the 3-month outcome in the SOS-KANTO 2012 study, we selected 241 patients who met the following criteria: age ≥ 18 years, normal spontaneous respiration or palpable pulse upon emergency medical services arrival, no ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia before hospital arrival, and achievement of spontaneous circulation without cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of TH and were analyzed.Results: Of the 241 patients, 49 underwent TH. Univariate analysis showed that the 1-/3-month survival rates and favorable 3-month cerebral function outcome rates in the TH group were significantly better than the non-TH group (46% vs 19%, respectively, P < 0.001, 35% vs 12%, respectively, P < 0.001, 20% vs 7%, respectively, P = 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TH was a significant, independent prognostic factor for cerebral function outcome.Conclusions: In this study, TH was an independent prognostic factor for the 3-month cerebral function outcome. Even in patients with non-shockable OHCA, TH may improve outcome if the interval from the onset of cardiopulmonary arrest is relatively short, and adequate cardiopulmonary resuscitation is initiated immediately after onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent randomized clinical trials have questioned the clinical benefits of thrombus aspiration (TA) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Real-world data on TA and the efficacy of TA for various culprit lesions have not been sufficiently evaluated. This study mainly aimed to evaluate whether the clinical impact of TA depends on culprit lesions in the setting of STEMI. We surveyed the Tokyo Coronary Care Unit Network Registry, a prospective cohort study, between 2010 and 2014, which included 10,232 patients with STEMI. In-hospital deaths occurred in 538 patients (5.3%). Improved Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow was more frequently observed in patients who underwent TA than in those who did not (87 vs. 80%; p < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that TA was associated with a lower in-hospital mortality rate [odds ratio (OR), 0.80; 95% confidential interval (CI), 0.66-0.96; p = 0.016]. However, the difference was not significant after multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.71-1.17; p = 0.355). Only TA for the left circumflex (LCx) lesions was associated with a better prognosis (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.21-0.72; p = 0.003). The effect persisted after adjustment (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.25-0.99; p = 0.049) but was attenuated after analysis using inverse probability weighting (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.93-0.99; p = 0.048). On the basis of the findings in a large Japanese cohort, a prognostic benefit of TA on in-hospital mortality was not observed. The effect of TA on the LCx lesions was marginally significant and limited. Therefore, TA is not recommended in Japanese patients with STEMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between glycemic control and outcome in patients with heart failure (HF) remains contentious. A recent study showed that patients with HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) more frequently had comorbid diabetes relative to other patients. Herein, we examined the association between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and in-hospital mortality in acute HF patients with reduced, mid-range, and preserved EF. A multicenter retrospective study was conducted on 5205 consecutive patients with acute HF. Potential risk factors for in-hospital mortality were selected by univariate analyses; then, multivariate Cox regression analysis with backward stepwise selection was performed to identify significant factors. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank testing were used to compare in-hospital mortality between groups. Across the study cohort, 44% (2288 patients) had reduced EF, 20% had mid-range EF, and 36% had preserved EF. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 4.6%, with no significant differences among the HF patients with reduced, mid-range, and preserved EF groups. For patients with HFmrEF, higher HbA1c level was a significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio 1.387; 95% confidence interval 1.014-1.899; P = 0.041). In contrast, HbA1c was not an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in HF patients with preserved or reduced EF. In conclusion, HbA1c is an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in acute HF patients with mid-range EF, but not in those with preserved or reduced EF. Elucidation of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind these findings could facilitate the development of more effective individualized therapies for acute HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defibrillation plays a crucial role in early return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and shockable rhythm. Prehospital adrenaline administration increases the probability of prehospital ROSC. However, little is known about the relationship between number of prehospital defibrillation attempts and neurologically favourable survival in patients treated with and without adrenaline. Using a nationwide Japanese OHCA registry database from 2006 to 2020, 1,802,084 patients with OHCA were retrospectively analysed, among whom 81,056 with witnessed OHCA and initial shockable rhythm were included. The relationship between the number of defibrillation attempts before hospital admission and neurologically favourable survival rate (cerebral performance category score of 1 or 2) at 1 month was evaluated with subgroup analysis for patients treated with and without adrenaline. At 1 month, 18,080 (22.3%) patients had a cerebral performance category score of 1 or 2. In the study population, the probability of prehospital ROSC and favourable neurological survival rate were inversely associated with number of defibrillation attempts. Similar trends were observed in patients treated without adrenaline, whereas a greater number of defibrillation attempts was counterintuitively associated with favourable neurological survival rate in patients treated with prehospital adrenaline. Overall, a greater number of prehospital defibrillation attempts was associated with lower neurologically favourable survival at 1 month in patients with OHCA and shockable rhythm. However, an increasing number of shocks (up to the 4th shock) was associated with better neurological outcomes when considering only patients treated with adrenaline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognosis after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has improved in the past few decades because of advances in interventions used outside and in hospital. About half of patients who have OHCA with initial ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation and who are admitted to hospital in coma after return of spontaneous circulation will survive to discharge with a reasonable neurological status. In this Series paper we discuss in-hospital management of patients with post-cardiac-arrest syndrome. In most patients, the most important in-hospital interventions other than routine intensive care are continuous active treatment (in non-comatose and comatose patients and including circulatory support in selected patients), cooling of core temperature to 32-36°C by targeted temperature management for at least 24 h, immediate coronary angiography with or without percutaneous coronary intervention, and delay of final prognosis until at least 72 h after OHCA. Prognosis should be based on clinical observations and multimodal testing, with focus on no residual sedation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prognosis of acute myocarditis is generally benign, but fulminant cases exist which require advanced life support devices, such as percutaneous cardio-pulmonary support (PCPS) and ventricular assist devices (VAD), and lead to fatal outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors and their values at admission which might foreshadow a fulminant course of myocarditis. Data from 138 patients (mean age 42.0 years, 79 males) with a diagnosis of acute myocarditis in the Tokyo CCU Network database from 2007 to 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into fulminant (in-hospital death, or PCPS or VAD requirement, N = 42) and non-fulminant groups ( N = 96). Clinical data at admission were compared between them. Overall in-hospital mortality was 14.5%. On multivariate analysis, low systolic blood pressure (BPsys, odds ratio (OR)/mmHg 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93-1.00, p = 0.032) and electrocardiographic QRS complex prolongation (OR/10 ms 1.28; 95% CI 1.10-1.59, p = 0.0034) at admission were independent factors associated with a fulminant course. By receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve predicting a fulminant course was 0.769 for low BPsys and 0.821 for prolongation of QRS duration. The optimal cut-off value was 101 mmHg for BPsys (sensitivity 79.5%, specificity 68.0%), and 120 ms for QRS duration (sensitivity 72.2%, specificity 88.0%). Systolic hypotension and prolonged QRS on admission are predictors of a fulminant course of myocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine whether early lactate reduction is associated with improved survival and good neurologic outcome in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.Design: Ad hoc data analysis of a prospective, multicenter observational study.Setting: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients at 67 emergency hospitals in Kanto, Japan between January 2012 and March 2013.Patients: Adult patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest admitted to the hospital after successful resuscitation were identified.Interventions: Blood lactate concentrations were measured at hospital admission and 6 h after hospital admission. Early lactate clearance was defined as the percent change in lactate level 6 h after a baseline measurement.Measurements and Main Results: The 543 patients (mean age, 65 ± 16 yr; 72.6% male) had a mean lactate clearance of 42.4% ± 53.7%. Overall 30-day survival and good neurologic outcome were 47.1% and 27.4%, respectively. The survival proportion increased with increasing lactate clearance (quartile 1, 29.4%; quartile 2, 42.6%; quartile 3, 51.5%; quartile 4, 65.2%; p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lactate clearance quartile was an independent predictor of the 30-day survival and good neurologic outcome. In the Cox proportional hazards model, the frequency of mortality during 30 days was significantly higher for patients with lactate clearance in quartile 1 (hazard ratio, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.14-4.53), quartile 2 (hazard ratio, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.46-3.11), and quartile 3 (hazard ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.01-2.19) than those with lactate clearance in quartile 4. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that lactate clearance was a significant predictor of good neurologic outcome at 30 days after hospital admission.Conclusions: Effective lactate reduction over the first 6 hours of postcardiac arrest care was associated with survival and good neurologic outcome independently of the initial lactate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited data exists on ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) managed by a well-organized cardiac care network in a metropolitan area. We analyzed the Tokyo CCU network database in 2009-2010. Of 4329 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients including STEMI ( n = 3202) and NSTEMI ( n = 1127), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed in 88.8 % of STEMI and 70.4 % of NSTEMI patients. Mean onset-to-door and door-to-balloon times in STEMI patients were shorter than those in NSTEMI patients (167 vs 233 and 60 vs 145 min, respectively, p < 0.001). Coronary artery bypass graft surgery was performed in 4.2 % of STEMI and 11.4 % of NSTEMI patients. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in STEMI patients than NSTEMI patients (7.7 vs 5.1 %, p < 0.007). Independent correlates of in-hospital mortality were advanced age, low blood pressure, and high Killip classification, statin-treated dyslipidemia and PCI within 24 h were favorable predictors for STEMI. High Killip classification, high heart rate, and hemodialysis were significant predictors of in-hospital mortality, whereas statin-treated dyslipidemia was the only favorable predictor for NSTEMI. In conclusion, patients with MI received PCI frequently (83.5 %) and promptly (door-to-balloon time; 66 min), and had favorable in-hospital prognosis (in-hospital mortality; 7.0 %). In addition to traditional predictors of in-hospital death, statin-treated dyslipidemia was a favorable predictor of in-hospital mortality for STEMI and NSTEMI patients, whereas hemodialysis was the strongest predictor for NSTEMI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]