SYNTAX score predicts major bleeding following drug-eluting stent implantation in an all-comers population

Previous studies have reported that coronary intervention for complex lesions is independently correlated with major bleeding. The SYNTAX score is an angiographic tool used to grade the complexity of coronary artery diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the SYNTAX score to predict major bleeding following drug-eluting stent implantation.

We analyzed 722 patients who underwent drug-eluting stent implantation in an all-comers population between January 2007 and April 2010. The incidence of major bleeding and stent thrombosis was investigated during a 2-year period. Major bleeding was evaluated using the CRUSADE score and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria. Patients were stratified into the following groups according to the SYNTAX trial: low (≤ 22; n=484), intermediate (23-32; n=128), and high (≥ 33; n=110).

Major bleeding was observed in 47 patients (6.5%) during the 2-year period, and there were 12 incidents of stent thrombosis (1.7%). Major bleeding rates for patients in the low, intermediate, and high SYNTAX score tertiles were 2.9%, 7.8%, and 20.9%, respectively (P < .0001). The SYNTAX score had an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.81 (95% confidence interval, 1.27-2.57) for 2-year major bleeding. The predictive value of the adjusted area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for major bleeding significantly improved after inclusion of the CRUSADE score (C statistic, 0.890 vs 0.812).

Although the SYNTAX score can predict major bleeding risk, the predictive value of the CRUSADE score was higher. These scores may be useful in clinical decision-making on revascularization strategies and on the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy following drug-eluting stent implantation.