American heart journal
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American heart journal · May 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyVariations in practice and outcomes in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention in the United States and Canada: insights from the Assessment of Pexelizumab in Acute Myocardial Infarction (APEX AMI) trial.
Information on practice patterns and outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in Canada vs United States is limited. ⋯ Compared with US patients, Canadian patients had shorter door-to-PCI time but similar 90-day outcomes. These data suggest an opportunity for US sites to examine and learn from the Canadian systems of processes of care and implement changes so as to improve the timeliness of primary PCI.
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American heart journal · May 2012
Comparative StudyThe changing definition of contrast-induced nephropathy and its clinical implications: insights from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium (BMC2).
The traditional definition of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has been an absolute rise of serum creatinine (Cr) of ≥0.5 mg/dL, although most recent clinical trials have included a ≥25% increase from baseline Cr. The clinical implication of this definition change remains unknown. ⋯ Our data suggest that the traditional definition of CIN (a rise in Cr of ≥0.5 mg/dL) in patients undergoing PCI is superior to ≥25% increase in Cr at identifying patients at greater risk for adverse renal and cardiac events.