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Reuben Ilia

Publications and source records attributed to Reuben Ilia.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Benefit of direct ambulance to coronary care unit admission of acute myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention.

BACKGROUND: Early reperfusion therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients improves left ventricular (LV) function and survival. However, emergency room (ER) triage may unnecessarily delay this time-dependent treatment. We sought to determine whether direct admission of STEMI patients from the mobile intensive care units to the intensive coronary care unit (ICCU), bypassing the ER, can shorten the time intervals for primary PCI (PPCI) and improve prognosis. METHODS: All STEMI patients who underwent PPCI between Jan-2002 to Nov-2005 were included. Baseline, clinical and time interval parameters were compared between groups. Mortality rates were obtained through the population register. RESULTS: Of 533 admissions, 115 (21%) were admitted directly to the ICCU. These patients were younger (mean (+S.D.) age of 58+13 years) than patients admitted via the ER (62+/-13 years, P<0.01) and had a lower proportion of women (9% vs. 22%, P<0.01), hypertension (45% vs. 62%, P<0.01) and diabetes (15% vs. 27%, P=0.01). Directly admitted patients had a substantially shorter median pain-to-balloon time (210 vs. 247 min, P=0.02) as well as s significantly shorter door-to-balloon time (70 vs. 94 min, P<0.01), a difference that was particularly pronounced during daytime (55 min vs. 90 min, P<0.01). There were no significant differences in LV function at 24 h as assessed by echocardiography or infarct size as determined by peak creatine kinase levels. We observed a trend towards reduced 30-day (5.2% vs. 9.8%, P=0.12) and 1-year (11.1% vs. 16.1%, P=0.25) mortality in directly admitted patients. CONCLUSIONS: Directly admitted STEMI patients differ from patients admitted via the ER; Direct ICCU admission, based on a pre-hospital ECG, can substantially shorten time to treatment.

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PubMed2006

Intracoronary nitroprusside for the prevention of the no-reflow phenomenon after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to test whether nitroprusside (NTP) injected intracoronary immediately before primary angioplasty for acute ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) prevents no-reflow and improves vessel flow and myocardial perfusion. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients presenting with STEMI were evenly randomized to receive either NTP (60 microg) or placebo. The drug was selectively injected into the infarct-related artery, distal to the occlusion, in a double-blind manner. The primary end points were postintervention angiographic corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count and the proportion of patients with complete (>70%) ST-segment elevation resolution. Secondary end points included myocardial blush score and clinical outcome at 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) age was 62 (+/-12) years, and 87% were men. Baseline characteristics (excluding sex) did not differ between groups. The corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count after angioplasty was 20.8 (+/-18.6) and 20.3 (+/-21.3) in patients given NTP and placebo, respectively (P = .78). Complete ST-segment resolution was achieved in 61.7% and 61.2% of NTP and placebo subjects, respectively (P = .96). The distribution of myocardial blush score did not differ between groups. At 6 months, the rate of target lesion revascularization, myocardial infarction, or death occurred in 6.3% of the NTP group and 20.0% of the placebo group (P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with STEMI, selective intracoronary administration of a fixed dose of NTP failed to improve coronary flow and myocardial tissue reperfusion but improved clinical outcomes at 6 months.

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PubMed2006

[Diabetics with normal coronary arteries: clinical features and prognosis].

BACKGROUND: Diabetic patients comprise a large proportion of patients referred for coronary angiography. Only a minority of these patients will be found to have normal coronary arteries. AIM: To characterize diabetic patients who have angiographically normal coronary arteries. METHODS: Case-control study based on a computerized database. RESULTS: Using our computerized database, 13,342 consecutive patients referred for coronary angiography were identified. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 24% of cases. Angiographically normal coronary arteries were found in 151 (5%) and 1228 (12%) of diabetic and non-diabetic patients, respectively (p<0.01). Diabetic patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries were matched with 155 diabetic patients who were catheterized on the same day but were found to have coronary artery disease. The median follow-up period was 1,774 days. The age of the diabetic patients with normal coronary arteries and diabetic patients with coronary artery disease was 5710 and 6410 years old respectively (p<0.01). A total of 39% and 60% of diabetic patients with normal coronary arteries and with coronary artery disease respectively were males, (p<0.01). Dyslipidemia was diagnosed in 66 (43%) of the diabetic patients with normal coronary arteries and 87 (57%) of the diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (P<0.01). After controlling for age and sex, the finding of normal coronary arteries was associated with decreased mortality (OR: 0.47, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: In diabetic patients referred for angiography it is unusual to find angiogrtaphically normal arteries. These patients have a relatively benign prognosis, as opposed to diabetic patients with evident coronary disease.

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PubMed2006

[Automatic external defibrillator (AED) and public access defibrillation (PAD)].

Sudden death is a major public hazard and is usually caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF). Although in the majority of cases witnesses are to be found, resuscitation efforts are begun only in a minority of victims. The only treatment for VF is electrical shock and the time from collapse to resuscitation and defibrillation determine prognosis. Automated external defibrillator (AED) is a new device capable of effectively identifying and treating VF. It is unique in the sense that it can be operated by a non-medical operator following short training. Recent evidence of the survival benefit of AED utility is emerging. During the coming years, AEDs will be introduced to a growing number of hospitals and public places. This review summarizes the rationale for use, advantages, and disadvantages as well as the current status of AEDs and recommendations for placement of AEDs in Israel.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗
PubMed2005

Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in patients with complicated acute coronary syndromes requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) may develop serious multiorgan complications and require prolonged intensive care. Our aim was to characterize and identify factors that are associated with outcomes in these patients. We retrospectively identified 267 consecutive patients admitted to the coronary care unit for an ACS who required >3 days of mechanical ventilation. Multiple clinical and laboratory variables were correlated with mortality. Patients' ages were 68.3 +/- 10.9 years (mean +/- SD) and 165 (62%) were men. Seventy-six patients (29%) died within 30 days of admission, and the 1 year mortality was 46%. Moderate or severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction was found in 72% of the patients. Eighty-nine patients (33.3%) required vasopressors, of whom 64 (72%) did not survive 30 days. Among 127 patients who required antibiotics (48.3%), 30-day mortality was 53% compared with 4% among patients who did not require antibiotics (p <0.001). The 30-day mortality among patients who received both antibiotics and vasopressors was 64 of 87 patients (74%), and the 1-year mortality in this subgroup was 86.2%. Parameters found to be independent predictors of 30-day mortality were (in descending order): vasopressor requirement, use of antibiotics, peripheral vascular disease, ST-elevation myocardial infarction, renal failure, obesity and Killip class on admission. In conclusion, mortality among patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation after an ACS is substantial. The main independent predictors of with mortality are the severity of heart failure and the presence of co-morbidities.

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PubMed2005

Grade 3 ischemia on admission and absence of prior beta-blockade predict failure of ST resolution following thrombolysis for anterior myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: ST segment resolution (STR) is a strong predictor of outcome following thrombolysis. If failure of STR could be predicted on admission, better selection of treatment may be possible. Among patients given reperfusion, those with terminal QRS distortion (grade 3 ischemia) have larger infarcts, but the mechanism underlying this association is unclear. Whether grade 3 ischemia on admission can predict STR is unknown. METHODS: We studied 180 consecutive patients given thrombolysis for a first anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Multiple variables available on admission were analyzed as predictors of STR at 1, 2, and 24 h and as predictors of the need for rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). RESULTS: Multivariate predictors of failure of STR were: for 1 h: extent of ST elevation (OR: 1.09 [1.01-1.18]); for 2 h: no previous use of beta-blockers (OR: 4.71 [1.56-13.98]) and grade 3 ischemia (OR: 6.77 [3.27-13.95]); for 24 h: previous use of aspirin (OR: 6.70 [1.31-34.01]) and grade 3 ischemia (OR: 29.44 [7.30-118.1]). Grade 3 ischemia had a strong positive predictive value for failure of STR at 1 and 2 h and was the strongest predictor of the need for rescue PCI. CONCLUSIONS: Grade 3 ischemia on admission is the strongest independent predictor of failure to achieve myocardial reperfusion after thrombolysis. This association may underlie the larger infarcts associated with grade 3 ischemia. Other predictors of reperfusion failure are the extent of ST segment elevation, prior use of aspirin and no prior use of beta-blockers.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed2004

What have the new definition of acute myocardial infarction and the introduction of troponin measurement done to the coronary care unit? Impacts on admission rate, length of stay, case mix and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the new American College of Cardiology/European Society of Cardiology definition of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the introduction of troponin measurement on the coronary care unit (CCU). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study performed in a tertiary care university hospital. All admissions to the CCU during the year before (period 1, year 2000, n = 1,134) and the year after (period 2, year 2002, n = 1,360) the introduction of troponin measurement and the new AMI definition were studied. We studied baseline characteristics, case load, distribution of admission diagnoses, management and outcome of patients in the two periods. RESULTS: There was a 20% increase in the number of CCU admissions, driven solely by a 141% increase in the burden of non-ST elevation AMI (NSTEMI) (p < 0.01). This increase was not a mere reflection of a change in diagnostic criteria, as the overall burden of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (ACS) (NSTEMI + unstable angina) increased by 46%, suggesting referral of many more patients to the CCU. Despite a 42% increase in the number of angiograms performed, the proportion of ACS patients who had an angiogram declined. AMI patients in period 2 were older and had higher rates of coronary risk factors but had a higher chance of receiving a guideline-based therapy. Length of CCU stay decreased by a whole day for all ACS patients. 30-day mortality for AMI patients did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The new AMI definition had a dramatic impact on the CCU case load, case mix and length of stay and on the ability to provide early coronary angiography.

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PubMed2004

Can enoxaparin safely replace unfractionated heparin during coronary intervention in acute coronary syndromes?

BACKGROUND: Enoxaparin has gained wide acceptance in patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, there is uncertainty regarding management of patients who require coronary intervention while on enoxaparin. Some physicians withhold the morning dose of enoxaparin prior to coronary intervention while others switch patients to unfractionated heparin. Both methods do not provide optimal anticoagulation in the hours preceding intervention. There are no published controlled data to assess the safety of coronary intervention using enoxaparin alone in patients with acute coronary syndromes. METHODS: We prospectively compared enoxaparin to unfractionated heparin during coronary angiography and intervention. Sixty four patients admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) were given enoxaparin twice daily, including on the morning of procedure. Coronary angiography and intervention were performed without additional unfractionated heparin. The control group comprised of 52 patients admitted to Internal Medicine for an acute coronary syndrome. These were also given enoxaparin but the morning dose was withheld and unfractionated heparin was used during procedure. RESULTS: Patients in both groups had similar baseline characteristics. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in procedural success rate, complications or bleeding. One year follow up showed similar rates of hospitalization and mortality. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin seems to offer safe and effective procedural anticoagulation in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention for acute coronary syndromes. Patients given enoxaparin can probably have coronary intervention without interruption of enoxaparin treatment and without additional procedural anticoagulation. These findings require confirmation in larger, randomized trials.

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PubMed2004

Improved procedural results in coronary thrombosis are obtained with delayed percutaneous coronary interventions.

We investigated the efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in coronary thrombotic lesions according to the timing of the procedure. Eighty-two patients who underwent immediate PCI (IPCI) were compared to 24 patients who underwent PCI 4.9 3 days after the diagnostic catheterization [delayed PCI (DPCI)]. DPCI was associated with a lower rate of thrombus-related angiographic events (4% versus 27%; p < 0.03), including coronary embolism (0% versus 7%; p = NS), no-reflow phenomenon (0% versus 8%; p = NS), acute closure (0% versus 10%; p = NS), stent thrombosis (4% versus 1%; p = NS) and residual thrombus (0% versus 17%; p = 0.03). No differences were seen in the hospital clinical outcome, including non-fatal myocardial infarction (4% versus 9%; p = NS), death (4% versus 0%; p = NS) or major bleeding (4% versus 3%). Delayed PCI after pharmacological treatment is a safe and efficient strategy of treatment for coronary thrombus.

Abciximab↗
PubMed2004

Simple clinical risk stratification and the safety of ambulation two hours after 6 French diagnostic heart catheterization.

Heart catheterization is frequently applied in patients with coronary artery disease for diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Using the femoral approach, post-procedure bed rest of 4 to 6 hours is recommended to prevent groin complications. This extended strict bed rest is associated with patient discomfort and increased medical costs, and interferes with more efficient catheterization laboratory management of referred outpatients. Accordingly, we tested a simple clinical approach to identify low-risk patients who may benefit from ambulation within two hours after sheath removal. Ninety-eight outpatients were stratified to early (time=1.5 to 2.0 hours; n=74) or conventional ambulation (time=4 to 5 hours; n=24) based on difficulties in obtaining arterial access, presence of oozing or hematoma after completing manual compression. Ecchymosis was the most frequent complication, noted in one early ambulated and three conventionally ambulated patients at hospital discharge and in eleven early ambulated and six conventionally ambulated patients at one-week follow-up. No large hematomas, retroperitoneal bleeding or need for blood transfusion occurred in any patients. Using simple clinical parameters, most outpatients who undergo elective diagnostic catheterization may benefit from safe early ambulation.

Ambulatory Care↗
PubMed2003

The predictive value of exercise QRS duration changes for post-PTCA coronary events.

BACKGROUND: The sensitivity and predictive values of exercise ECG testing using ST-T criteria after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are low, precluding its routine use for screening for restenosis. The predictive value of QRS duration criteria during exercise testing (ET) ECG after PTCA for future coronary events has not been reported. The aim of the study was to compare QRS duration changes with ST-T criteria during ET, as a predictor of coronary events after PTCA. METHODS: A prospective study of 206 consecutive patients who underwent ET at a mean of 34 +/- 14 days after their first PTCA, and were the followed for a mean of 23 +/- 9 months. Patients were divided by QRS duration into two groups-Q1: ischemic response (QRS duration prolongation of more than 3 ms relative to the resting duration), and Q2: normal response (QRS duration shortening or without change from resting duration). Patients were also divided by their ST-T response, S1: ischemic response, and S2: normal response. RESULTS: During follow-up 52 patients (58%) experienced restenosis or MI, or underwent CABG-Q1: 44 (85%), Q2: 8(15%) (P < 0.0002), S1: 8 (15%), S2: 44 (85%), (P < 0.641), two patients died-Q1: 1 (1%) and Q2: 1 (1%). For QRS and ST-T, the relative risk of having at least one of the coronary events was 4.02 (CI 2.1-9.9) versus 1.13 (CI 0.8-2.9), respectively. The sensitivity for future coronary events was 85% and 52% and the specificity was 48% and 98% for the QRS and ST-T criteria, respectively. CONCLUSION: QRS prolongation during peak ET ECG after PTCA is a more sensitive marker than ST-T criteria for detection of patients at risk for later coronary events.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed2003

Reperfusion arrhythmias during coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction predict ST-segment resolution.

BACKGROUND: Despite early recanalization of an occluded infarct-related artery, myocardial reperfusion may remain impaired due to microvascular injury. Reperfusion arrhythmias may indicate successful microvascular reperfusion. METHODS: Microvascular reperfusion was assessed prospectively in 42 consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by evaluation of the resolution of ST-segment elevation (<50% of initial level) immediately after successful coronary angioplasty. Patients were divided into two groups: those with ST resolution (n=24) and those without ST resolution (n=18). The presence of reperfusion arrhythmias immediately after recanalization was recorded. RESULTS: Patients with ST resolution were younger (54+/-12 years compared with 64+/-17 years, P=0.04), their pain-to-recanalization time was shorter (195+/-87 min compared with 294+/-179 min, P=0.05), they were less often diabetic (13% compared with 24%, P=0.05) and were more often given IIb/IIIa inhibitors (58% compared with 22%, P=0.02). Reperfusion arrhythmias were observed in 15 out of 24 patients with ST resolution (62%) but in only one out of 18 without ST resolution (5%) (P<0.01). Reperfusion arrhythmias included accelerated idioventricular rhythm, 13 (81%); multifocal ventricular premature beats, two (13%); and ventricular tachycardia, one (6%). The sensitivity and specificity of reperfusion arrhythmias for ST resolution were 62 and 95%, respectively. In a logistic regression model including age, time to treatment, diabetes, use of IIb/IIIa inhibitors and reperfusion arrhythmias, only the latter was found to be an independent predictor of ST resolution (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Reperfusion arrhythmias following coronary angioplasty for AMI are a highly specific marker for ST resolution and may indicate successful microvascular reperfusion.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Acute myocardial infarction: patient selection for reperfusion with coronary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Despite the clinical advantages of mechanical reperfusion in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction, widespread use of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has been limited by a lack of human and institutional resources. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of a PTCA-based reperfusion strategy for AMI patients selected according to high risk clinical criteria. METHODS: The study group included 110 patients selected for mechanical reperfusion out of 1,080 AMI patients according to the following criteria: hemodynamic disturbance (40%), large anterior wall MI (54%), contraindication to thrombolysis (15%), previous MI (13%), re-infarction (4.5%), non-diagnostic electrocardiogram (0.9%), and unsuccessful thrombolysis (30%). RESULTS: Cardiogenic shock was present in 23% of the cases and cardiac arrest with prolonged resuscitation in 8%. The cohort 30 day mortality rate was 15%. The 30 day mortality rate for patients without cardiogenic shock was 6.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Selection of high risk patients who would benefit most from mechanical reperfusion appears feasible, resulting in low mortality rates when compared with those in the literature. Widespread implementation of well-defined selection criteria should promote better utilization of the limited resources available for primary PTCA.

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