Cocaine consumption and acute coronary syndromes: a cross sectional study from the Swiss registry AMIS Plus

INTRODUCTION Cocaine abuse is a relevant public health issue which causes medical, psychological and social drawbacks. Only limited data are currently available on outcomes of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in cocaine-addicted patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular impact of cocaine in a population of patients enrolled in the Swiss nationwide AMIS Plus registry, with a focus on in-hospital outcomes. METHODS We retrospectively analysed data of patients enrolled in the Swiss AMIS Plus registry from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2018. Baseline and in-hospital data of ACS patients with self-reported regular cocaine abuse were compared with the remaining AMIS Plus population and a sex and age-matched group of non-cocaine user ACS patients (ratio 1:5, 540 patients). Primary endpoints were in-hospital death and major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events (MACCEs). RESULTS A total of 20,036 patients were included in the AMIS Plus registry for ACS in the study period, of whom 110 (0.5%) reported regular cocaine abuse. As compared with the remaining AMIS population, cocaine users were significantly younger (46.4 ± 10.8 vs 66.4 ± 13.2 years, p <0.001), presented more frequently with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (11.8% vs 4.7%, p <0.001) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (68.2% vs 54.7%, p = 0.007). Of the traditional cardiovascular risk factors, there was a higher incidence of positive family history and active smoking, but a lower incidence of arterial hypertension, diabetes and obesity. In-hospital mortality (3.6% vs 4.4%, p = 1) and MACCEs (5.4% vs 5.5%, p = 0.83) were comparable. When compared with an age-matched non-cocaine user ACS population, cocaine users were more frequently smokers (87.6% vs 63.6%, p <0.001) but less frequently obese (10.4% vs 25.6%, p = 0.001). Clinical presentation was comparable between the two groups. However, cocaine abuse was associated with a higher incidence of in-hospital death (3.7% vs 0.7%, p <0.05) and MACCEs (5.6% vs 1.3%, p <0.05). CONCLUSION Cocaine abuse increases the risk of mortality by a factor of 5 and the risk of major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events by a factor of 4 as compared with a sex and age-matched population hospitalised after an acute coronary syndrome.

P3625Cocaine consumption and acute coronary syndrome: an analysis from the Swiss registry AMIS Plus

Introduction The aim of this study is to evaluate the cardiovascular impact of cocaine in a population of patients enrolled in the Swiss nationwide AMIS Plus registry with a focus on in-hospital outcomes. Methods We retrospectively analysed data of patients enrolled in the Swiss AMIS Plus registry from 2007 to 2018. Baseline and in-hospital data of patients with ACS and cocaine use were compared with the remaining AMIS population as well as to a sex and aged matched ACS patients (1:5 ratio, 540 patients) without history of cocaine consumption. Primary endpoints were death and major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events (MACCE). Results A total of 20'981 patients had been included in the AMIS Plus registry for ACS in the study period, of them 110 (0.5%) were cocaine user. As compared to the remaining AMIS population, cocaine abusers were significantly younger (46.4±10.8 vs 66.4±13.2 years; p<0.001), presented more frequently with out of hospital cardiac arrest (11.8% vs 4.7%, p<0.001) and STEMI (68,2% vs 54.7%, p=0.007). Apart from active smoke and family history, had a lower burden of CV risk factors. In hospital mortality (3.6% vs 4.4%; p=1) and MACCE (5.4% vs 5.5%; p=0.83) were comparable. When compared to the age matched ACS population without history of cocaine consumption, cocaine abusers were more frequently smokers (87.6% vs 63.6%, p<0.001) but less frequently obese (10.4% vs 25.6%, p=0,001). Clinical presentation was comparable among the two groups, nonetheless cocaine abuse was associated with a higher incidence of death (3.7% vs 0.7%, p<0.05) and MACCE (5.6% vs 1.3%, p<0.05). Conclusion This analysis presents the largest series of cocaine associated ACS available in literature. Cocaine abuse increases by 5 the risk of mortality and by 4 the risk of MACCE as compared to an age matched ACS population. No differences where observed in outcomes when compared to a 20 years older population.

Cocaine-induced toxic leucoencephalopathy with complete clinical recovery

A 45-year-old man, a regular cocaine user, presented with confusion and unusual behaviour to the emergency room. On examination he was unable to perform simple tasks or follow commands. He was treated for possible central nervous system infection. MRI of the brain showed multiple bilateral T2 hyperintense periventricular and deep white matter foci, best appreciated on FLAIR with contrast enhancement. He continued deteriorating, eventually becoming catatonic with extensor posturing and increased tone, requiring intensive therapy unit management. Repeat MRIs were also noted to show worsening changes. He was treated for a presumed inflammatory leucoencephalopathy with intravenous methylprednisolone, immunoglobulins, as well as plasmapheresis. After 2 weeks, the patient started to show clinical improvement with eventual transfer to a rehabilitation hospital. A year after his first presentation, the patient scored 30 out of 30 on the MMSE and his neurological examination was normal.