Michael Johnson

Introduction: Survivors of Myocardial Infarction (MI) remain at increased risk for another cardiovascular event. The purpose of our study was to assess the role of index treatment strategy in developing early recurrent MI after acute MI. Methods: We analyzed all cases of MI at a single quaternary care medical center from January 1 ^st , 2010 to January 1 ^st , 2017, and identified all cases of recurrent MI within 90 days of index MI. Early recurrent MI cases were further stratified depending on the treatment strategy for index MI. Reinfarctions were also stratified according to the time of readmission into early (0-30 days after discharge) and late (30-90 days after discharge) time periods. Results: We identified 6,626 patients admitted with an acute MI and 168 cases of recurrent MI within 90 days of discharge. Among the index MI patients, 4354 (66%) patients underwent revascularization whereas 2272 (34%) underwent medical management. An unadjusted comparison of the risk of readmission among the 3 different revascularization strategies showed that the CABG group appeared to have the lowest risk of readmission with a recurrent MI, and there was no significant difference in the late risk of readmission between PCI and CABG groups (P=0.8). The medically managed group had the highest late risk of readmission with a recurrent MI. Conclusions: The risk of readmission with a recurrent MI is higher in patients who undergo medical management for index MI. Aiming to improve the standard of care in these patients should be the focal point of interest to curb these reinfarctions.

Background: Though the prevalence of coronary artery disease is known to be highest in African Americans, it is unclear if there are any racial factors predisposing patients for a recurrent Myocardial Infarction (MI) after index MI. Methods: We reviewed 6,626 cases of MI at a single quaternary care medical center from January 1 ^st , 2010 to January 1 ^st , 2017 (29% STEMI, 71% NSTEMI), and we identified all cases of recurrent MI within 90 days of discharge after index MI. The patients were categorized according to their corresponding races into White Americans, African Americans, and Others. Result: Out of the 6626 initial cases of MI, 72% were white patients, 25% were African Americans and 3% belonged to other races. A total of 2051 patients were readmitted within 90 days of index admission, of which 168 patients were readmitted with an MI. Only 2.1% of White patients developed a recurrent MI whereas 4% of African Americans were readmitted with a recurrent MI (P=0.003). Conclusion: We observed that African Americans were more likely to be readmitted with a recurrent MI than White Americans. Understanding the reasons for this increased risk in MI can translate into improved care for African Americans.

Background: Readmissions following acute myocardial infarction (MI) are associated with increased cost, healthcare utilization, and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to assess racial factors in influencing time for readmission after being admitted with myocardial infarction. Methods: We reviewed 6,626 cases of MI at a single quaternary care medical center from January 1^st, 2010 to January 1^st, 2017 (29% STEMI, 71% NSTEMI), and we identified all readmissions within 90 days after index MI. The patients were categorized according to their race into White Americans (72%), African Americans (25%) and others (3%). Readmissions were stratified into early (0-30 days) and late (31-90 days) time periods depending on the timing of readmission and these readmissions were also separated according to their corresponding race into White Americans (62%), African Americans (35%) and others (3%). Since White Americans and African Americans contributed to the bulk of our patient population, we analyzed the difference between these two groups. Results: There were a total of 2051 readmissions within 90 days after index MI. Overall, 50% of readmissions were in the early time period and 50% in the late period (after 30 days). 46% of African Americans were readmitted in the early time period compared to 52% of white patients whereas 54% of African Americans were readmitted in the late time period compared to 48% of white patients (P=0.0037). Conclusions: The temporal pattern of readmissions after myocardial infarction differed between Whites and African Americans. These findings may have implications regarding the development of readmission reduction strategies. Download figure Download PowerPoint

Background: It is unclear how revascularization strategy (medical management vs percutaneous coronary intervention vs coronary artery bypass surgery), affects 90-day readmissions after Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI). Methods: We identified cases of NSTEMI at a single quaternary care medical center between January 1^st, 2010 to January 1^st, 2017 and readmissions within 90 days. Cases were categorized based on revascularization strategy into medical management, PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) or CABG (coronary artery bypass surgery). The readmissions were categorized according to the time of readmission into early (0-30 days) and late (31-90 days) after discharge. The instantaneous risk of readmission following each treatment option was calculated using the parametric method. Results: We identified 6626 patients with index MI, of which 4692 patients had NSTEMI. There were a total of 2051 readmissions within 90 days. The risk of readmission for CABG and PCI treatment groups yielded an early peaking phase followed by a constant risk whereas the risk of readmission in the medically managed group showed an early decreasing phase followed by a constant risk. An unadjusted comparison of the risk of readmission between the three groups showed that the PCI group had the lowest early risk of readmission (P=0.03). The medically managed group had the highest risk of readmission. Conclusion: Patients with NSTEMI who are medically managed appear to be at higher risk for readmission than revascularized patients. Understanding the care processes for these patients may serve as a future opportunity to improve outcomes in these high-risk patients. Download figure Download PowerPoint

Background: Recurrent Myocardial Infarction (MI) after an index MI is a cause for considerable morbidity and mortality. However, the underlying factors that precipitate patients for a recurrent MI remain unclear. We aimed to assess the effect of index MI treatment strategy on the risk of developing a recurrent MI. Methods: We reviewed all cases of MI at a single quaternary care medical center from January 1^st, 2010 to January 1^st, 2017 and identified all cases of recurrent MI within 90 days after index MI. Readmissions were further stratified depending on the treatment strategy undertaken during index MI into medically managed and revascularized patients. The instantaneous risk of readmission following each of these treatment strategies was estimated by the parametric method. Results: We identified 6,626 patients admitted with an index MI, of which 168 patients were readmitted with a recurrent MI within 90 days. Among the index admissions, 4354 (66%) patients underwent revascularization and 2272 (34%) patients underwent medical management. Time-varying instantaneous risk of readmission analysis showed an early peaking risk followed by a late increasing risk in the revascularization group whereas, in the medically managed group, the analysis yielded an early peaking followed by a late almost constant risk of readmission for MI. Conclusion: Patients with acute MI who are medically treated are at a higher risk of developing a recurrent MI than patients who undergo revascularization. Defining the characteristics and underlying factors contributing to these readmissions can be pivotal in improving patient outcomes. Download figure Download PowerPoint

Background: Systems-based strategies to improve STEMI care have traditionally focused on improving door to balloon time (D2BT) performance. However, prompt guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and use of radial access for PCI are also associated with reduced mortality in patients with STEMI. The incremental value of each facet of STEMI care on mortality is unknown. Methods: On 7/15/14 we implemented a comprehensive four-step STEMI protocol at our institution: (1) ED physician cath lab activation (2) Safe STEMI Handoff Checklist with GDMT decision support (3) immediate transfer to an immediately available cath lab and (4) radial access for PCI. The protocol was intended to minimize care variability in GDMT (aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitor, and anticoagulant) prior to PCI, use of radial access for PCI, and D2BT. We studied consecutive patients with STEMI treated with PCI at our center (1/1/11-12/31/16) to assess the incremental prognostic value of these STEMI care processes using logistic regression models. Results: Of 1272 participants mean age was 61+/-12 years and 68% were men. STEMI presenting location was 25% primary ED, 69% inter-hospital transfer, and 6% in-hospital. The rates of GDMT prior to PCI (74% vs 83%, PConclusions: Prompt GDMT administration, radial access for PCI, and D2BT performance add incremental prognostic value. Expanding STEMI systems of care from a singular focus on D2BT to a comprehensive focus on multi-faceted STEMI care offers an opportunity to further improve STEMI outcomes. Download figure