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A T Marcel Gosselink

Publications and source records attributed to A T Marcel Gosselink.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Combination of electrocardiographic and angiographic markers of reperfusion in the prediction of infarct size in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing successful primary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Optimal epicardial recanalization does not guarantee optimal myocardial perfusion. The aim of the current study was to evaluate angiographic and electrocardiographic markers of reperfusion in the prediction of infarct size in patients with STEMI undergoing successful primary angioplasty. METHODS: Our population is represented by 270 STEMI patients with ST successful primary angioplasty (postprocedural TIMI 3 flow and residual stenosis <50%) with available corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC), myocardial blush grade (MBG), ST-segment resolution and enzymatic infarct size (peak CK-MB) analyses. RESULTS: A significant linear relationship with enzymatic infarct size was observed for all markers of reperfusion, except for ST-segment resolution. These data were confirmed even when analyzed as continuous variables in case of cTFC (r=0.13, p=0.035), postprocedural residual cumulative ST-segment elevation (r=0.41, p<0.0001) and deviation (r=0.45, p<0.0001). At multivariate analysis applied to postprocedural angiographic and electrocardiographic markers of reperfusion, cumulative residual ST-segment deviation, myocardial blush grade, and corrected TIMI frame count were independent predictors of enzymatic infarct size. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that, among patients with STEMI treated by primary angioplasty, cTFC, MBG and cumulative residual ST-segment deviation are independent predictors of infarct size. Therefore, angiography and electrocardiography may provide complementary information in the evaluation of myocardial perfusion.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Impact of statin therapy at discharge on 1-year mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Statin therapy can reduce long-term mortality in several subgroups of patients with coronary artery disease, but the benefits after primary angioplasty for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have yet to be established. The aim of the current study was to determine whether statin therapy is associated with a reduction in mortality in patients with STEMI treated with primary angioplasty. METHODS: Our population is represented by a total of 1513 consecutive in-hospital survivors treated with primary angioplasty for STEMI between April 1997 and October 2001. Patients were divided in two groups according to statin therapy (statin group, n=893; control group, n=620) at discharge. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1 year. A propensity score, built on the basis of variables independently associated with statin prescription, was used to investigate the benefits from statin therapy in subgroups of patients that were homogeneous in terms of baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics. RESULTS: At 1-year follow-up statin therapy was associated with a significantly lower mortality (1.2% versus 7.1%, R(2) [95% CI]=0.16 [0.09-0.32], p<0.0001). These benefits were confirmed in all subgroups according to the propensity score, and at multivariate analysis (adjusted R(2) [95% CI]=0.24 [0.12-0.47], p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Statin therapy at discharge was associated with a significant reduction in 1-year mortality after primary angioplasty for STEMI. Therefore, the use of statins is highly recommended in these patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Effect of coronary occlusion site on angiographic and clinical outcome in acute myocardial infarction patients treated with early coronary intervention.

In acute myocardial infarction that is treated with thrombolysis, proximal coronary artery occlusion is associated with worse prognosis, irrespective of the infarcted artery. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is currently the treatment of choice for ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, we evaluated the prognostic significance of proximal versus distal coronary artery occlusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction that was treated with primary PCI. Between 1994 and 2001, patients with a first acute myocardial infarction that was treated with primary PCI were analyzed. A lesion was considered proximal if it was located proximal to the first diagonal branch in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), the first marginal obtuse branch in the left circumflex coronary artery, and the first right acute marginal branch in the right coronary artery. Lesions distal of these side branches were considered distal. In total, 1,468 patients were analyzed. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) for proximal LAD lesions was lower than that for distal ones (37 +/- 11% vs 42 +/- 11%, p <0.0001). Adjusted relative risk of 3-year mortality for proximal versus distal LAD was 4.04 (95% confidence interval 1.95 to 8.38). In patients with infarcts related to the right or left circumflex coronary artery, no significant association between lesion location and LVEF or mortality was seen. No difference was seen in adjusted 3-year mortality between distal LAD and non-LAD-related infarcts (p = 0.145). In conclusion, our analysis shows that, even in patients with acute myocardial infarction that is treated with primary PCI, infarcts related to the proximal LAD have the worst 3-year survival and lowest residual LVEF compared with distal LAD or non-LAD-related infarcts.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed2006

Platelet microaggregation inhibition in patients with acute myocardial infarction pretreated with tirofiban and relationship with angiographic and clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the level of platelet aggregation inhibition in patients with acute myocardial infarction and their clinical outcome is unknown. METHODS: In patients with acute myocardial infarction included in the On-TIME trial and transferred to the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) center of Zwolle, who were pretreated with tirofiban on top of acetylsalicylic acid and heparin, platelet microaggregation inhibition was assessed on admission and immediately after PCI, using the Sysmex K4500 (Sysmex Corp, Kobe, Japan) platelet microaggregation measurement. The level of platelet microaggregation inhibition was compared with angiographic and clinical outcome. Patients were randomized to early prehospital initiation of tirofiban or to initiation in the catheterization laboratory. Therefore, the effect of tirofiban on platelet microaggregation inhibition could additionally be determined by measuring baseline platelet microaggregation also at entrance into the hospital. RESULTS: In 412 (89%) of 463 patients, platelet microaggregation inhibition was measured after receiving tirofiban. There was no difference between the 4 quartiles of the level of platelet microaggregation inhibition with regard to distal embolization, TIMI-3 flow and blush grade 3 after PCI, mean corrected TIMI frame count, ejection fraction, enzymatic infarct size, and percentage ST-segment resolution (P values .91, .97, .46, .94, .73, .33, and .72, respectively). The baseline platelet microaggregation inhibition in patients treated with tirofiban was 38% +/- 25% (mean +/- SD), and in the patients treated with placebo, 14% +/- 22% (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: We found no correlation between the level of platelet microaggregation inhibition after tirofiban and outcome, whereas only a modest increase in platelet microaggregation inhibition was observed after a commonly used dose of tirofiban.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Predictors and clinical implications of early reinfarction after primary angioplasty for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent infarction after fibrinolytic therapy has been shown to be associated with increased mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze predictors and outcome of reinfarction in a consecutive series of patients undergoing primary angioplasty. METHODS: Our population is represented by a total of 1955 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty between 1997 to 2002. All clinical, angiographic, and follow-up data were prospectively collected. Early reinfarction was defined when two clinical criteria were satisfied within 30 days after the procedure: (1) recurrent ischemic symptoms for >15 minutes after resolution of symptoms from initial MI; (2) new ST-T-wave changes or new Q waves; (3) reelevation in creatine kinase (CK) or CK-MB to higher levels than normal (or by another 20% if already higher than normal). RESULTS: Early reinfarction was observed in 75 (3.8%) patients. At multivariate analysis, advanced Killip class (P = .002), poor preprocedural TIMI flow (P = .014), administration of IIb-IIIa inhibitors (P = .02), and diabetes (P = .038) were independent predictors of 30-day reinfarction. A total of 107 (5.6%) patients had died. Early reinfarction was associated with a significantly higher mortality (22.7% vs 4.9%, P < .001), even after adjustment for confounding factors (blood pressure, diabetes, Killip class, preprocedural TIMI flow, coronary stenting, multivessel disease, anterior infarct location, preprocedural stenosis, and administration of IIb-IIIa inhibitors) (HR 3.32, 95% CI 1.88-5.84, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that, among patients undergoing primary angioplasty for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, advanced Killip class at presentation, poor preprocedural TIMI flow, the use of IIb-IIIa inhibitors, and diabetes are independently associated with 30-day reinfarction. Early reinfarction is an independent predictor of 1-year mortality.

Angioplasty↗
PubMed2006

Impact of infarct location on left ventricular ejection fraction after correction for enzymatic infarct size in acute myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular function and infarct size are strong predictors for prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Anterior MI is associated with greater reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and worse prognosis. Our objective was to study whether the impact of infarct size on global LVEF is dependent of infarct location. METHODS: We analyzed 888 patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute MI. Enzymatic infarct size and LVEF within 1 week were measured. In 490 patients (55%), LVEF was measured a second time at 6 months. RESULTS: Every 1000 U/L of cumulative lactate dehydrogense release corresponded to a decrease of 4.7% (95% CI 4.1-5.3) in LVEF measured within 1 week post MI for left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD)-related infarcts and to a decrease of 2.4% (95% CI 1.7-3.1) in LVEF measured within 1 week post MI for non-LAD-related infarcts (P < .0001). Left ventricular ejection fraction measured 6 months post MI showed a decrease for every 1000 U/L cumulative lactate dehydrogense release of 4.8% (95% CI 4.2-5.3) for LAD and 2.4% (95% CI 1.7-3.1) for non-LAD-related infarcts (P < .0001). Multivariate correction for relevant clinical and angiographic data did not change these results. CONCLUSION: In patients with a first acute MI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, LAD-related infarcts show for a similar amount of myocardial necrosis as determined by enzymatic infarct size, a lower residual LVEF when compared with non-LAD-related infarcts.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed2006

Impact of routine stenting on myocardial perfusion and the extent of myocardial necrosis in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Primary stenting for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been shown to improve the outcome because of the benefits in terms of restenosis. However, still controversial are the benefits in terms of reperfusion. In the Zwolle-6 randomized trial, a consecutive cohort of patients with STEMI was randomized to balloon angioplasty or stenting, without exclusion criteria. In this study, we analyzed data on myocardial perfusion and the extent of myocardial necrosis. METHODS: From April 1997 to October 2001, a total of 1683 consecutive patients with STEMI were randomized to stenting or balloon angioplasty. No exclusion criteria were applied. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution. The extent of myocardial necrosis was evaluated by enzymatic infarct size and predischarge ejection fraction. All data were prospectively collected. RESULTS: A total of 785 patients (92.5%) in the stent group and 763 patients (91.5%) in balloon group underwent primary angioplasty. The 2 groups showed similar baseline characteristics. No difference was observed between stent and balloon in myocardial blush grade, complete ST-segment resolution, distal embolization, enzymatic infarct size, and predischarge ejection fraction at both intention-to-treat and actual treatment analysis, even when restricted to patients with anterior infarction. Time delay to treatment (earlier or later than 6 hours) did not affect the results. No difference was observed in 1-year mortality (6.0% vs 5.9%, P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: As compared with balloon angioplasty, routine stenting does not improve myocardial perfusion, the rate of distal embolization, and the extent of myocardial necrosis in a large cohort of unselected patients with STEMI.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗
PubMed2006

Comparison between stenting and balloon angioplasty in patients undergoing primary angioplasty of small coronary vessels.

BACKGROUND: Primary angioplasty has been shown to improve outcomes in selected patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, no information has been reported so far in small vessels. In the Zwolle-6 randomized trial, consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were randomized to stenting or to balloon angioplasty without any exclusion criterion. In this study, we present data on patients with small vessels (< 3.0 mm). METHODS: From April 1997 to October 2001, 798 patients randomized to balloon angioplasty or to stenting before their initial angiogram underwent primary angioplasty of small vessels, defined according to a postprocedural reference diameter < or = 3 mm. One-year follow-up data were available from all patients. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-seven patients were randomized to stent, whereas 411 were to balloon. The crossover rates from balloon to stent and from stent to balloon were 28% and 13.9%, respectively (P < .001). The groups were comparable in terms of postprocedural TIMI flow, myocardial blush grade, distal embolization, and ST-segment resolution. No difference was observed in 1-year mortality (7.2% vs 5.8%, P = not significant [NS]), target vessel revascularization (17.8% vs 22.1%, P = NS), and major adverse cardiac events (24.8% vs 29.0%, P = NS) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: As compared with balloon angioplasty, routine stenting does not seem to improve clinical outcomes in patients undergoing primary angioplasty of small vessels. Future trials are certainly needed to evaluate the safety and benefits of drug-eluting stents in this high-risk subset of patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Successful reperfusion for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction is associated with a decrease in WBC count.

BACKGROUND: Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count on admission in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been associated with an adverse prognosis. Whether successful reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a decrease in WBC count is unknown. METHODS: In this subanalysis of the On-TIME trial, WBC count was measured on admission and 6 h and 24 h after primary PCI for STEMI (n = 364). Angiographic measurements of reperfusion, including TIMI-flow and myocardial blush grade, were compared with changes in WBC count. RESULTS: Restoration of TIMI 3 flow by primary PCI was associated with a significant decrease in median WBC count (11.5 (9.7-14.2), 10.7 (9.0-12.5), 9.9 (8.5-11.5) at baseline, 6 h and 24 h), whereas after unsuccessful PCI (TIMI < 3 flow) WBC count remained elevated (12.5 (9.5-14.6), 12.1 (9.9-14.4), and 11.4 (9.2-15.2)). Improved myocardial blush was also related to a decrease in WBC count. After multivariate analysis, improved myocardial perfusion (TIMI 3 flow and myocardial blush grade 3) was an independent predictor of a decrease of WBC count after PCI. CONCLUSION: Impaired myocardial reperfusion after primary PCI for STEMI is associated with persistent WBC elevation.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

Predictors of elevated cardiac troponin T on admission in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: In patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) on admission is associated with poorer outcomes despite early reperfusion. Presentation delay is thought to be the most important factor for the elevation of cTnT on admission. We evaluated presentation delay and other potential predictors of elevated cTnT on admission in patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for STEMI. METHODS: CTnT was measured upon arrival in the PCI centre in 444 patients with acute STEMI. An elevated cTnT was defined as > 0.05 microg/L. RESULTS: The mean age was 61.7 years and patients were admitted at a median of 155 min after symptom onset. Almost 50% had an elevated cTnT on admission. Patients with a positive cTnT on admission were less likely to have successful primary PCI (87 versus 93%, P=0.048) and had significantly higher rates of one-year mortality (4.9 versus 1.3%, P=0.031). There was a significant association between presentation delay and the prevalence of elevated admission cTnT, but even patients with early presentation (<120 min after symptom onset) still had a high prevalence of elevated cTnT (33%). After multivariate analysis, apart from presentation delay, anterior MI location and higher age were independent predictors of elevated cTnT on admission. CONCLUSION: In patients with STEMI, the prevalence of elevated cTnT on admission is high, even in patients with early presentation. Independent predictors of elevated cTnT on admission are presentation delay, increasing age and anterior MI location.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Incidence and predictors of subacute thrombosis in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for an acute myocardial infarction.

Subacute thrombosis (SAT) is a major concern in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). So far, only little data has been available on characteristics and outcome of patients with SAT after primary PCI for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). From 1997-2001, 1,548 unselected consecutive patients underwent primary PCI for STEMI as part of a randomized controlled trial stenting vs. balloon angioplasty. All patients received acetylsalicylic acid (500 mg i.v.) and heparin (5,000 IU) before the procedure. After stenting, all patients received ticlopidine 250 mg daily (before July 1999) or clopidogrel 75 mg daily (after July 1999) for one month. Five percent of patients received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers. We prospectively recorded incidence and characteristics of patients with SAT during one year follow-up. SAT occurred in 4.1% (63/1548) and reinfarction in 6.0% of patients. The incidence of SAT did not change over time (1997: 8/175[4.6%],1998: 8/325 [2.5%],1999: 13/358 [3.6%], 2000: 22/426 [5.2%], 2001: 12/264 [4.5%]). SAT occurred in 39/63(62%) patients during hospital stay. The incidence did not differ between patients after ticlopidine 23/681 (3.4%) or clopidogrel 40/867 (4.6%, p = 0.222). Univariate predictors of SAT were: patients with an LAD stenosis (5.4% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.016), with Killip class >1 at presentation (8.6% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.007) and in patients who received a stent (5.1% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.022). After multivariate analysis, Killip class >1 on admission was the only independent predictor of SAT(OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.14-4.47, p = 0.019). SAT was associated with a higher mortality at long-term follow-up (15% vs. 7%, p = 0.026). In a prospectively recorded, unselected consecutive series of patients undergoing PCI for STEMI, SAT occurred in 4.1% of patients at one-year follow-up. Signs of heart failure on admission, anterior myocardial infarction and stenting were predictors of SAT.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2005

Ventricular fibrillation in acute myocardial infarction before and during primary PCI.

BACKGROUND: There are scarce and sometimes contradictory data about ventricular fibrillation (VF) during the acute phase of MI. In-hospital VF most often occurs with inferior MI, when treated with fibrinolytics. Out-of-hospital VF seems to be associated with anterior MI. We studied characteristics of patients with VF during reperfusion therapy by primary angioplasty (PCI) versus patients with VF before PCI. METHODS: From January 1995 until December 2001, we treated 2826 patients for acute MI and reviewed clinical records of all patients who developed VF and classified the patients according to the first episode of VF: either before or during the angioplasty procedure. RESULTS: VF developed in 219 (8%) patients. Patients with VF during reperfusion therapy (n=74, 3%) were older (p=0.03), more frequently female (0.04), less often had heart failure (p=0.04), when compared with patient with VF before PCI (n=145, 5%). Patients with VF during PCI experienced more often preinfarction angina (p=0.009) and suffered more often from inferior MI (p=0.001), when compared with patients with VF before PCI. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with early VF before reperfusion have different characteristics when compared with patients with VF during reperfusion. Infarct location is a major determinant of timing of VF, when both groups are compared (p<0.001).

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed2005

Impact of beta-blocker therapy at discharge on long-term mortality after primary angioplasty for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

This study analyzed the effect of beta-blocker therapy at discharge on 1-year mortality rate in a large, unselected cohort of patients who had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction that was treated by primary angioplasty. Our population is represented by 1,513 patients. At 1-year follow-up, beta blockers at discharge were associated with a significant decrease in mortality rate (2.9% vs 8.5%, RR 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18 to 0.59, p <0.0001), particularly in patients who had anterior wall infarction (3.9% vs 13.4%, RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.54, p <0.0001), whereas nonsignificant benefits were observed in patients who had nonanterior wall infarction (2.0% vs 3.3%, RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.17 to 2.07, p = NS). Benefits in terms of mortality rate that were conferred by beta blockers were confirmed at multivariate analysis that was restricted to patients who had anterior wall infarction (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.86, p = 0.022).

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed2005

Absence of seasonal variation in myocardial perfusion, enzymatic infarct size, and mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty.

The present study investigated any seasonal variation in myocardial perfusion, enzymatic infarct size, and 1-year mortality in 1,548 patients who underwent primary angioplasty for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. No seasonal variation was observed in patients' demographic and clinical characteristics. No difference was observed in the prevalence of heart failure at presentation and in myocardial perfusion, enzymatic infarct size, and 1-year mortality.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed2005

The impact of glucose-insulin-potassium infusion in acute myocardial infarction on infarct size and left ventricular ejection fraction [ISRCTN56720616].

BACKGROUND: Favorable clinical outcomes have been observed with glucose-insulin-potassium infusion (GIK) in acute myocardial infarction (MI). The mechanisms of this beneficial effect have not been delineated clearly. GIK has metabolic, anti-inflammatory and profibrinolytic effects and it may preserve the ischemic myocardium. We sought to assess the effect of GIK infusion on infarct size and left ventricular function, as part of a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients (n = 940) treated for acute MI by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomized to GIK infusion or no infusion. Endpoints were the creatinine kinase MB-fraction (CK-MB) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). CK-MB levels were determined 0, 2, 4, 6, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after admission and the LVEF was measured before discharge. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups in the time course or magnitude of CK-MB release: the peak CK-MB level was 249 +/- 228 U/L in the GIK group and 240 +/- 200 U/L in the control group (NS). The mean LVEF was 43.7 +/- 11.0 % in the GIK group and 42.4 +/- 11.7% in the control group (P = 0.12). A LVEF < or = 30% was observed in 18% in the controls and in 12% of the GIK group (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Treatment with GIK has no effect on myocardial function as determined by LVEF and by the pattern or magnitude of enzyme release. However, left ventricular function was preserved in GIK treated patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Relation of interhospital delay and mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction transferred for primary coronary angioplasty.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of interhospital delay on mortality in 616 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction transferred for primary angioplasty to our hospital. Longer interhospital delay was associated with impaired perfusion, larger infarct size, and higher 1-year mortality (adjusted RR 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 2.12; p = 0.019). These results suggest that in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction transferred for primary angioplasty, all efforts should be made to reduce time to treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Hyperglycemia is an important predictor of impaired coronary flow before reperfusion therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate whether elevated glucose is associated with impaired Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: Reperfusion before primary PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with an improved outcome. Hyperglycemia in patients with STEMI is associated with an adverse prognosis. Hyperglycemia may induce a pro-thrombotic state and therefore be of influence on TIMI flow before PCI. METHODS: A total of 460 consecutive patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI were included in this analysis. Hyperglycemia was defined as a glucose > or =7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl). RESULTS: Hyperglycemia was observed in 70% and TIMI flow grade 3 before primary PCI in 17% of the patients. Patients with hyperglycemia less often had TIMI flow grade 3 before primary PCI (12% vs. 28%, p < 0.001). After adjustment for differences in baseline variables, hyperglycemia was a strong predictor of absence of reperfusion before primary PCI (odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 4.5). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycemia in patients with STEMI is an important predictor of impaired epicardial flow before reperfusion therapy has been initiated. Investigation of methods improving coronary flow before primary PCI in these patients is warranted.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗