[Guideline-conforming interventional treatment of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in rural areas using network collaboration]

Abstract

Background and objectives: Therapy of acute myocardial infarction demands rapid and complete myocardial reperfusion. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed is superior to thrombolytic therapy in reducing mortality, non-fatal reinfarction and stroke, but is not available in rural Germany.

Patients and methods: : From 8/2001 to 12/2002 322 patients with STEMI were treated by PCI with standardized therapeutic guidelines within a regional infarction-network comprising one interventional centre and 7 community hospitals without PCI facilities. 160 patients were relocated (transferred) from a community hospital without PCI facilities (transfer group, 63.4 yrs., 71.8 % men); 162 patients were admitted directly to the interventional centre (centre group, 61.7 yrs., 73.8 % men). The interval from onset of symptoms to first medical contact was 205 minutes in the transfer group, and 195 minutes in the centre group. 7.8 % of the centre group and 7.2 % of the transfer group patients were in cardiogenic shock. 95 % of patients have completed a 6-month's follow-up.

Results: In the transfer group median transportation time to PCI was 54 minutes. PCI of the infarct-related artery (IRA) was performed in 95.1 % of transferred patients after transfer and in 94.1 % of patients with direct admission. In addition 96 % of all patients received a GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor. In case of pre-interventional application of the GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor 22.3 % of patients revealed normal (TIMI-3) flow of the IRA before PCI, compared to 14.9 % TIMI-3 flow with 5000 IE Heparin/500 mg aspirin alone (p < 0.05). After PCI normalized flow in the IRA was documented in 87.5 % after direct admission and 86.3 % after transfer. No differences between groups were shown with respect to infarct size (transfer vs. centre: CK 2482 vs. 2481 U/I; CKMB 302 vs. 264 U/I), mortality (30 days: 5.3 vs. 5.2 %, 6 months: 7.3 vs. 7.1 %); NYHA (1.41 vs. 1.43) and left ventricular ejection fraction (0.41 vs. 0.43).

Conclusions: The organization of a regional infarction-network with logistic alliance of community hospitals with one experienced interventional centre ensures timely PCI for patients with STEMI according to present guidelines even in rural areas.