Minimal myocardial damage during coronary intervention is associated with impaired outcome

M L Simoons1, M van den Brand, M Lincoff

  • 1Thoraxcenter, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Insights

Even small elevations in cardiac enzymes like creatine kinase-MB after percutaneous coronary intervention indicate a higher risk of death or myocardial infarction within six months. These findings highlight the importance of minimizing periprocedural infarcts.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can lead to procedure-related myocardial infarction (MI), sometimes indicated by elevated cardiac enzymes without clear symptoms.
  • The clinical significance of these 'creatine kinase leaks' has been debated.
  • Abciximab, a glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor blocker, is used in PCI, but periprocedural MI remains a concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between post-procedural creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) elevation and 6-month clinical outcomes.
  • To determine the clinical relevance of minor cardiac enzyme elevations after PCI.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) or total creatine kinase (CK) levels in 5025 patients from the CAPTURE, EPIC, and EPILOG trials.
  • Multivariable analysis to adjust for clinical and angiographic factors.

Main Results:

  • A graded increase in 6-month mortality was observed with rising CK-MB or CK levels (ratios relative to upper limit of normal).
  • Mortality rates ranged from 1.1% for ratios <1 to 6.7% for ratios >=10.
  • The incidence of death or recurrent MI was also associated with CK-MB/CK levels. Age, heart failure history, and enzyme levels were significant predictors of 6-month mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Modest elevations in cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, CK) post-PCI are linked to increased 6-month mortality and reinfarction risk.
  • These findings underscore the need for strategies to reduce periprocedural myocardial injury.
  • Minimizing periprocedural MI during PCI is crucial for improving long-term patient outcomes.
Abstract