60-day major adverse cardiac events in emergency department patients with non-low modified HEART scores

BackgroundA low (0–3) History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk factors and Troponin (HEART) score reliably identifies ED chest pain patients who are low risk for near-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE). To optimize sensitivity, many clinicians employ a modified HEART score by repeating troponin measurements and excluding patients with abnormal troponin values or ischemic electrocardiograms (ECGs). The residual MACE risk among patients with otherwise non-low (≥4) modified HEART scores is thus likely much lower than with non-low original HEART scores.ObjectiveTo explore residual 60-day MACE risks among patients with non-low modified HEART scores.MethodsSecondary analysis of a retrospective cohort of ED patients presenting with chest pain to an integrated healthcare system between 2013 and 2015. Patients with serial troponin measurements within 6 h of ED arrival were considered for inclusion. Exclusions included an ischemic ECG, troponin values above the 99th percentile or a lack of continuous health plan coverage through the 60-day follow-up period. MACE was defined as a composite of myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock or death.ResultsThere were 22,976 study eligible patients encounters, 13,521 (59%) of which had non-low (≥4) modified HEART scores. The observed 60-day MACE risk among non-low HEART score patients was 2.0% (95% CI 1.8–2.3). When including all coronary revascularizations (MACE-R), the risk was 4.4% (95% CI 4.1–4.4).ConclusionRisk of near-term MACE among patients with non-low modified HEART scores (excluding those with abnormal troponin or ischemic ECGs) appears to be much lower than in the original HEART score validation studies.     

Performance of cardiac troponins within the HEART score in predicting major adverse cardiac events at the emergency department

BackgroundThis study compared the performance of a single blood draw of high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) and conventional troponin I (cTnI) within a modified HEART score for predicting 30-day MACE at Emergency Department (ED) presentation, and established local reference norms for all three assays by determining the cut-off point which yielded the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value for acute myocardial infarction and 30-day MACE.MethodsThis single-center prospective cohort study recruited chest pain patients at the ED, whose hsTnT, hsTnI and cTnI were taken on admission. Subjects were classified into low and non-low risk group according to their modified HEART score, with MACE as the primary endpoint. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated, area under the curves (AUCs) were calculated; the performance characteristics were determined.ResultsThe performance of modified HEART scores was comparable among the three assays for 30-day MACE (84.9–87.0% sensitivity, 95.6–96.0% NPV, 95%CI) and none of these had very high AUC and specificity (AUC 0.70–0.71, 53.7–56.7% specificity, 95% CI). The modified HEART score using a single blood draw of either hsTnT (3.9 ng/L), hsTnI (0.9 ng/L) or cTnI (0.0 ng/L) at presentation yielded a sensitivity of 100% for 30-day MACE.ConclusionThe modified HEART score using a single blood draw of either hsTnT, hsTnI or cTnI was equally effective in risk-stratifying chest pain patients for safe discharge. The theoretical cut-off points yielding 100% sensitivity are potentially useful (when achieved) for safely discharging low risk patients with undifferentiated chest pain in the ED.     

Utility of HEART Pathway in Identifying Low-Risk Chest Pain in Emergency Department

BackgroundChest pain is a common presenting symptom in the emergency department (ED). The HEART (history, electroencephalogram [ECG], age, risk factors, and troponin I) score, with addition of troponin at 3 h, helps to determine appropriate risk stratification of the patients.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the utility of the HEART pathway as a decision aid designed for risk stratification of patients with acute-onset chest pain for early and safe disposition.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study done in a tertiary care center. Focused history, 12-lead ECG, and baseline troponin I level on arrival and at hour 3 were recorded. Subjects were classified as low risk (HEART score 0–3) or high risk (HEART score ≥ 4). Patients with a HEART score of 0–3 with negative troponin I at 3 h were discharged and were followed up for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) within 30 days of ED presentation.ResultsA total of 250 patients were screened for the study, of which 151 were included for the final analysis. One hundred and two patients (68%) were male and 54% of patients were younger than 45 years. HEART scores of 0 (n = 16), 1 (n = 43), 2 (n = 44), and 3 (n = 48) were observed. There was only 1 MACE (0.7%) in 30 days after ED discharge in the study population. The mean length of ED stay in the low-risk group was 4.5 h.ConclusionsLow-risk patients, as per the HEART pathway, can be discharged safely from the ED, which reduces ED stay and health care resource use.     

A HEART Pathway pitfall in an admitted patient

This paper discusses a possible weakness of the HEART Pathway specific to patients identified as high risk, requiring admission for inpatient risk stratification. Emergency Department (ED) crowding is at an all-time high and the possibility that many of these patients will board in the ED for a period of time before they are transported to an inpatient ward is becoming more likely. Given troponins peak at 6?h after the initial cardiac injury, it is plausible an initial troponin could still remain negative upon arrival. Extending the HEART Pathway to include a 3-hour delta troponin for admitted patients boarded in the emergency department may help alert the patient's inpatient team of those requiring more aggressive evaluations or more timely interventions. The case discussed herein highlights the course of a patient who was admitted to a medicine floor for chest pain along the HEART Pathway. After remaining in the ED for 3?h following admission a second troponin was drawn that resulted in the diagnosis of a non-ST segment myocardial infarction. The patient then received further management in the ED and a change in admission to the Cardiac Care Unit instead of the medicine floor. The patient ultimately received a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft during admission. If the patient had not had the second troponin while in the ED this care would have been delayed.     

Role of HEART score in evaluating clinical outcomes among emergency department patients with different ethnicities

ObjectiveWe aimed to examine the role of the HEART (history, EKG, age, risk factors, and troponin) score in the evaluation of six clinical outcomes among three groups of patients in the emergency department (ED).MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational study among three ED patient groups including White, Black, and Hispanic patients. ED providers used the HEART score to assess the need for patient hospital admission and for emergent cardiac imaging tests (CITs). HEART scores were measured using classification accuracy rates. Performance accuracies were measured in terms of HEART score in relation to four clinical outcomes (positive findings of CITs, ED returns, hospital readmissions, and 30-day major adverse cardiac events [MACE]).ResultsA high classification accuracy rate (87%) was found for use of the HEART score to determine hospital admission. HEART scores showed moderate accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.66–0.78) in predicting results of emergent CITs, 30-day hospital readmissions, and 30-day MACE outcomes.ConclusionsProviders adhered to use of the HEART score to determine hospital admission. The HEART score may be associated with emergent CIT findings, 30-day hospital readmissions, and 30-day MACE outcomes, with no differences among White, Black, and Hispanic patient populations.     

The association of chest pain duration and other historical features with major adverse cardiac events

ObjectiveWe sought to determine if the duration of pain or other features of the history predict major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with chest pain in the emergency department (ED).MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of patients presenting to a single ED with chest pain. Consenting patients filled out a survey about their symptoms. After 6 weeks, we assessed patients for MACE via chart review and direct contact. We used this data to calculate the likelihood ratios (LRs) of a number of historical features for acute myocardial infarction (MI) (primary endpoint) and MACE within 6 weeks (secondary endpoint). We planned a priori to analyze patients who reported chest pain for ≤1 min or continuously for ≥24 h.ResultsWe enrolled 1002 patients, and 83.6% had successful 6-week follow up. Regarding chest pain lasting for ≤1 min, the positive LR was 0.95 (95% CI 0.24 to 3.80) for acute MI and 0.67 (95% CI 0.17 to 2.72) for MACE within 6 weeks. The positive LRs of continuous pain lasting ≥24 h for acute MI and MACE within 6 weeks were 0.15 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.58) and 0.36 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.74), respectively. Amongst other historical features assessed, radiation to the right arm was the strongest positive predictor of acute MI.ConclusionPatients with continuous chest pain for ≥24 h are unlikely to have an acute MI. Chest pain lasting ≤1 min does not exclude acute MI.     

Single test rule-out of acute myocardial infarction using the limit of detection of a new high-sensitivity troponin I assay

ObjectivesTo determine the diagnostic accuracy of a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay in patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with suspected acute coronary syndromes. Specifically, we evaluated the use of a single blood test at the time of arrival in the ED, using low hs-cTnI cut-offs.MethodsIn a prospective diagnostic test accuracy study at 14 centers, we included patients presenting to the ED with suspected ACS within 12 h of symptom onset. We drew blood for hs-cTnI (Siemens ADVIA Centaur, overall 99th percentile 47 ng/L, limit of quantification [LoQ] 2.50 ng/L) on arrival. Patients underwent serial cardiac troponin testing over 3–6 h. The primary outcome was an adjudicated diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We evaluated the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE: death, AMI or revascularization) after 30 days. Test characteristics for hs-cTnI were calculated using previously reported cut-offs set at the LoQ and 5 ng/L.ResultsWe included 999 patients, including 131 (13.1%) with an adjudicated diagnosis of AMI. Compared to the LoQ (100.0% sensitivity [95% CI 95.9–100.0%]), 99.7% negative predictive value [NPV; 95% CI 97.6–100.0%]), a 5 ng/L cut-off had slightly lower sensitivity (99.2%; 95% CI 95.8–100.0%) and similar NPV (99.8%; 95% CI 98.6–100.0%) but would rule out more patients (28.6% at the LoQ vs 50.4% at 5 ng/L). MACE occurred in 2 (0.7%) patients with hs-cTnI below the LoQ and 7 (1.4%) patients with hs-cTnI < 5 ng/L. Accounting for time from symptom onset or ECG ischemia did not further improve sensitivity.ConclusionThe Siemens ADVIA Centaur hs-cTnI assay has high sensitivity and NPV to rule out AMI with a single blood test in the ED. At the LoQ cut-off a sensitivity > 99% can be achieved. At a 5 ng/L cut-off it may be possible to rule out AMI for over 50% patients.     

Impact of the HEART Pathway on Admission Rates for Emergency Department Patients with Chest Pain: An External Clinical Validation Study

Background

Chest pain is a common emergency department (ED) chief complaint. Safe discharge mechanisms for low-risk chest pain patients would be useful.

Effect of Emergency Medical Services Use on Hospital Outcomes of Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke

Background: It is unclear whether the use of emergency medical services (EMS) is associated with enhanced survival and decreased disability after hemorrhagic stroke and whether the effect size of EMS use differs according to the length of stay (LOS) in emergency department (ED). Methods: Adult patients (19 years and older) with acute hemorrhagic stroke who survived to admission at 29 hospitals between 2008 and 2011 were analyzed, excluding those who had symptom-to-ED arrival time of 3 h or greater, received thrombolysis or craniotomy before inter-hospital transfer, or had experienced cardiac arrest, had unknown information about ambulance use and outcomes. Exposure variable was EMS use. Endpoints were survival at discharge and worsened modified Rankin Scale (W-MRS) defined as 3 or greater points difference between pre- and post-event MRS. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the outcomes were calculated, including potential confounders (demographic, socioeconomic status, clinical parameter, comorbidity, behavior, and time of event) in the final model and stratifying patients by inter-hospital transfer and by time interval from symptom to ED arrival (S2D). ED LOS, classified into short (<120 min) and long (≥120 min), was added to the final model for testing of the interaction model. Results: A total of 2,095 hemorrhagic strokes were analyzed in which 75.6% were transported by EMS. For outcome measures, 17.4% and 41.4% were dead and had worsened MRS, respectively. AORs (95% CIs) of EMS were 0.67 (0.51–0.89) for death and 0.74 (0.59–0.92) for W-MRS in all patients. The effect size of EMS, however, was different according to LOS in ED. AORs (95% CIs) for death were 0.74 (0.54–1.01) in short LOS and 0.60 (0.44–0.83) in long LOS group. AORs (95% CIs) for W-MRS were 0.76 (0.60–0.97) in short LOS and 0.68 (0.52–0.88) in long LOS group. Conclusions: EMS transport was associated with lower hospital mortality and disability after acute hemorrhagic stroke. Effect size of EMS use for mortality was significant in patients with long ED LOS.     

Best Clinical Practice: Current Controversies in the Evaluation of Low-Risk Chest Pain with Risk Stratification Aids. Part 2

Background

Chest pain accounts for 10% of emergency department (ED) visits annually, and many of these patients are admitted because of potentially life-threatening conditions. A substantial percentage of patients with chest pain are at low risk for a major cardiac adverse event (MACE).

Emergency Department Chest Pain Patients With or Without Ongoing Pain: Characteristics,Outcome, and Diagnostic Value of the Electrocardiogram

BackgroundIn emergency department (ED) chest pain patients, it is believed that the diagnostic accuracy of the electrocardiogram (ECG) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is higher during ongoing than abated chest pain.ObjectivesWe compared patient characteristics and the diagnostic performance of the ECG in ED patients presenting with ongoing, vs. abated, chest pain.MethodsIn total, 1132 unselected ED chest pain patients were analyzed. The patient characteristics and diagnostic accuracy for index visit ACS of the emergency physicians’ interpretation of the ECG was compared in patients with and without ongoing chest pain. Logistic regression analysis was performed to control for possible confounders.ResultsPatients with abated chest pain (n = 508) were older, had more comorbidities, and had double the risk of index visit ACS (15%) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 30 days (15.6%) compared with patients with ongoing pain (n = 631; ACS 7.3%, 30-day MACE 7.4%). Sensitivity of the ECG for ACS was 24% in patients with ongoing pain and 35% in those without, specificity was 97% in both groups, negative predictive value was 94% and 89%, respectively, and positive likelihood ratio 10.6 and 7.8, respectively. When the diagnostic performance was controlled for confounders, there was no significant difference between the groups.ConclusionOur results indicate that ED chest pain patients with ongoing pain at arrival are younger, healthier, and have less ACS and 30-day MACE than patients with abated pain, but that there is no difference in the diagnostic accuracy of the ECG for ACS between the two groups.     

Identifying low-risk chest pain in the emergency department: Obstructive coronary artery disease and major adverse cardiac events

BackgroundAccurate risk stratification for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and major cardiac adverse events (MACE) is important in emergency departments. We compared six established chest pain risk scores (the HEART score, CAD basic model, CAD clinical model, TIMI, GRACE, uDF) for prediction of obstructive CAD and MACE.MethodsPatients who presented to the emergency department with chest pain or symptoms of suspected CAD and underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography were analyzed. The primary endpoint was adverse outcomes including the presence of obstructive CAD (≥50% stenosis) and the occurrence of MACE within 6 weeks. We compared the risk scores by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calculated their respective net reclassification index (NRI).ResultsAdverse outcomes occurred in 285 (28.4%) out of the 1002 patients included. For the prediction of adverse outcomes, the AUC of the HEART score (0.792) was superior to those of the CAD clinical model (0.760), CAD basic model (0.749), TIMI (0.749), uDF (0.703), and GRACE (0.653). In terms of the NRI, the HEART score significantly improved the reclassification abilities of the uDF (0.39), GRACE score (0.27), CAD basic model (0.11), TIMI (0.10), and CAD clinical model (0.08) (all P < 0.05). The HEART score also had the highest negative predictive value as well (0.893).ConclusionsThe HEART score was superior to other cardiac risk scores in predicting both obstructive CAD and MACE. However, due to the high false-negative rate (11%) of the HEART score, its use for identifying low-risk patients should be considered with caution.     

Prognosticating Clinical Prediction Scores Without Clinical Gestalt for Patients With Chest Pain in the Emergency Department

Background

Assessment of patients with chest pain is a regular challenge in the emergency department (ED). Recent guidelines recommended quantitative assessment of ischemic risk by means of risk scores.

The prognostic value of HEART score in patients with cocaine associated chest pain: An age-and-sex matched cohort study

IntroductionHEART score is widely used to stratify patients with chest pain in the emergency department but has never been validated for cocaine-associated chest pain (CACP). We sought to evaluate the performance of HEART score in risk stratifying patients with CACP compared to an age- and sex-matched cohort with non-CACP.MethodsThe parent study was an observational cohort study that enrolled consecutive patients with chest pain. We identified patients with CACP and age/sex matched them to patients with non-CACP in 1:2 fashion. HEART score was calculated retrospectively from charts. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 30 days of indexed encounter.ResultsWe included 156 patients with CACP and 312 age-and sex-matched patients with non-CACP (n = 468, mean age 51 ± 9, 22% females). There was no difference in rate of MACE between the groups (17.9% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.54). Compared to the non-CACP group, the HEART score had lower classification performance in those with CACP (AUC = 0.68 [0.56–0.80] vs. 0.84 [0.78–0.90], p = 0.022). In CACP group, Troponin score had the highest discriminatory value (AUC = 0.72 [0.60–0.85]) and Risk factors score had the lowest (AUC = 0.47 [0.34–0.59]). In patients deemed low-risk by the HEART score, those with CACP were more likely to experience MACE (14% vs. 4%, OR = 3.7 [1.3–10.7], p = 0.016).ConclusionIn patients with CACP, HEART score performs poorly in stratifying risk and is not recommended as a rule out tool to identify those at low risk of MACE.     

Effect on emergency department efficiency of an accelerated diagnostic pathway for the evaluation of chest pain

Objective: To compare ED efficiency measures between a trial period using an accelerated diagnostic pathway (ADP) for chest pain evaluation, and a control period using a traditional diagnostic pathway (TDP). Methods: The TDP used cardiac Troponin I assays at arrival and 6 h. The ADP used point‐of‐care multimarker (myoglobin, creatine kinase‐MB fraction and cardiac Troponin I) assays at arrival and 2 h. Outcomes for consecutive eligible patients included ED length of stay (LOS), discharges and admissions within 4 and 8 h, ED occupancy and cardiac cubicle throughput. Results: There were 413 and 258 eligible patients during the 81 day TDP and 66 day ADP periods. The ED LOS for chest pain patients was reduced in the ADP period for both discharged patients (median 297 [interquartile range {IQR} 230–437]vs 545 [IQR 457–677] min, P < 0.0001) and admitted patients (median 609.5 [IQR 464–857]vs 733.5 [IQR 532–1070] min, P= 0.007). For the whole ED, the percentage of patients discharged or admitted within 4 or 8 h and ED occupancy were similar between periods. Cardiac cubicle throughput increased during the ADP period (217 [95% confidence interval 209.6–224.4]vs 188 [95% confidence interval 174.5–201.8] patients per week, P= 0.005). Conclusions: The ADP utilizing point‐of‐care multimarkers led to significantly shorter ED LOS for both discharged and admitted chest pain patients. This was associated with increased cardiac cubicle throughput, but improvements in other whole ED performance indicators were not demonstrated.     

Diagnostic Accuracy of History and Physical Examination for Predicting Major Adverse Cardiac Events Within 30 Days in Patients With Acute Chest Pain

BackgroundThe cornerstones in the assessment of emergency department (ED) patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are patient history and physical examination, electrocardiogram, and cardiac troponins. Although there are several prior studies on this subject, they have in some cases produced inconsistent results.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of elements of patient history and the physical examination in ED chest pain patients for predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 30 days. Methods: This was a prospective observational study that included 1167 ED patients with nontraumatic chest pain. We collected clinical data during the initial ED assessment of the patients. Our primary outcome was 30-day MACE.ResultsPain radiating to both arms increased the probability of 30-day MACE (positive likelihood ratio [LR+] 2.7), whereas episodic chest pain lasting seconds (LR+ 0.0) and >24 h (LR+ 0.1) markedly decreased the risk. In the physical examination, pulmonary rales (LR+ 3.0) increased the risk of 30-day MACE, while pain reproduced by palpation (LR+ 0.3) decreased the risk. Among cardiac risk factors, a history of diabetes (LR+ 3.0) and peripheral arterial disease (LR+ 2.7) were the most predictive factors.ConclusionsNo clinical findings reliably ruled in 30-day MACE, whereas episodic chest pain lasting seconds and pain lasting more than 24 h markedly decreased the risk of 30-day MACE. Consequently, these two findings can be adjuncts in ruling out 30-day MACE.     

Diurnal variation in admission troponin concentrations in patients with chest pain in the emergency department

BackgroundRecent studies have suggested that there may be large diurnal variation in cardiac troponin T (cTnT) concentrations measured with a high sensitive assay.ObjectiveTo investigate if clinically relevant diurnal variation in cTnT concentrations is present in patients with chest pain in the emergency department (ED).MethodsWe included all patients with chest pain, but no myocardial infarction (MI), and no other acute condition that may affect troponin concentrations in the ED at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, 2011–2014. Time periods for blood sampling were: 00.00–03.59 am, 04.00–07.59 am, 08.00–11.59 am, 00.00–03.59 pm, 04.00–07.59 pm, and 08.00–11.59 pm. Negative binomial regression models were used to calculate least-square means of admission cTnT concentrations with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsA total of 19,460 patients were included with a mean age of 54 ± 16 years. Patients who arrived during the night were younger, but other characteristics were similar among the time periods. The greatest mean admission cTnT concentrations for men (9.0 ng/l, 95% CI, 8.7–9.3), and women (8.0 ng/l, 95% CI, 7.8–8.2) were found at 08.00–11.59 am. After adjustment for age and estimated glomerular filtration rate, no significant diurnal variation in admission cTnT concentrations was observed.ConclusionsIn a cohort of unselected patients with chest pain, and no acute condition affecting troponin admission concentrations, we found no evidence of clinically relevant diurnal variation in admission cTnT concentrations. There is no need to take the time point when blood is drawn into account in the assessment of admission cTnT concentrations in the ED.     

Performance of a sensitive troponin assay in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in the emergency department

Aim: Troponin assays have high diagnostic value for myocardial infarction (MI), but sensitivity has been weak early after chest pain onset. New, so‐called ‘sensitive’ troponin assays have recently been introduced. Two studies report high sensitivity for assays taken at ED presentation, but studied selected populations. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance for MI of a sensitive troponin assay measured at ED presentation in an unselected chest pain population without ECG evidence of ischaemia. Methods: This is a sub‐study of a prospective cohort study of adult patients with potentially cardiac chest pain who underwent evaluation for acute coronary syndrome. Patients with clear ECG evidence of acute ischaemia or an alternative diagnosis were excluded. Data collected included demographic, clinical, ECG, biomarker and outcome data. A ‘positive’ troponin was defined as >99th percentile of the assay used. MI diagnosis was as judged by the treating cardiologist. The outcomes of interest were sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios (LR) for positive troponin assay taken at ED presentation. Data were analysed by clinical performance analysis. Results: Totally 952 were studied. Median age was 61 years; 56.4% were male and median TIMI score was 2. There were 129 MI (13.6, 95% CI 11.5–15.9). Sensitivity of TnI at ED presentation was 76.7% (95% CI 68.5–83.7%), specificity 93.6% (95% CI 91.7–95.1%), with LR positive 11.92 and LR negative 0.25. Conclusion: Sensitive TnI assay at ED presentation has insufficient diagnostic accuracy for detection of MI. Serial biomarker assays in patients with negative initial TnI are required.