Introduction and objectives: Few data are available on the use of invasive treatment in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) and systolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of invasive treatment on the prognosis of patients with NSTEACS, with or without systolic dysfunction.
Methods: The study included 972 consecutive patients admitted for NSTEACS (i.e. ST-segment depression or an elevated troponin-I level). Systolic dysfunction was defined as an ejection fraction <50% on transthoracic echocardiography. The primary long-term endpoint was death or myocardial infarction. The effect of invasive treatment on prognosis was evaluated by Cox regression analysis.
Results: Overall, 23.4% of patients had systolic dysfunction, and 303 (31.2%) reached the primary endpoint, which was more frequent in those with systolic dysfunction (49.8% vs. 25.5%; P< .001). Usage of coronary angiography and revascularization procedures were similar in patients with systolic dysfunction and those with an ejection fraction >/=50% (59% vs. 63.4%; P=.239; and 38.3% vs. 38.8%; P=.9; respectively). Detailed adjusted multivariate analysis, including the use of a propensity score, demonstrated that coronary angiography had a differential effect on prognosis depending on the presence or absence of systolic dysfunction (interaction, P=.01). Catheterization was clearly beneficial in patients with systolic dysfunction (hazard ratio [HR]=0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3-0.75; P=.001) but not in those with an ejection fraction >/=50% (HR=0.9; 95% CI, 0.63-1.29; P=.567).
Conclusions: The presence of systolic dysfunction identifies those patients with NSTEACS who will benefit most from invasive treatment.