Outcome of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for STEMI due to Stent Thrombosis

Background: Stent thrombosis (ST) is a critical complication following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Advances in drug-eluting stent technology and antiplatelet therapy have mitigated, but not eliminated, the risk of ST. The management of STEMI due to ST in resource-limited settings remains a challenging endeavor, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation of treatment outcomes. Objective: To assess the mortality rates and clinical outcomes following primary PCI in patients with STEMI attributed to stent thrombosis in a resource-constrained setting, and to analyze the association of mortality with patient age and TIMI flow grade post-PCI. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from July to December 2023. A total of 150 patients presenting with STEMI due to ST and undergoing PCI were included. Diagnostic measures included electrocardiography, troponin levels, echocardiography, and angiography to assess left ventricular function and stent thrombosis. The procedures were performed by experienced interventional cardiologists, followed by standard post-procedure management. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on mortality rates, the association of mortality with patient age, and TIMI flow grades. Results: Among the 150 patients studied, mortality was observed in 36 cases (24%). The mean age of patients who died was 48.33 years (SD = 14.267), compared to 42.47 years (SD = 12.618) for survivors, with a significant association between age and mortality (P = 0.02). Analysis of TIMI flow grade post-PCI revealed a strong correlation with mortality; patients with TIMI flow grades I and II exhibited higher mortality rates, with a highly significant P value of 0.0001. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant mortality rate among patients with STEMI due to stent thrombosis undergoing primary PCI in a resource-limited setting. Advanced age and lower TIMI flow grades post-PCI were significantly associated with increased mortality. These findings underscore the necessity for vigilant post-PCI monitoring and tailored management strategies to improve clinical outcomes in this high-risk population.