Age-related differences in treatment strategies and clinical outcomes in unselected cohort of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction transferred for primary angioplasty.

Data concerning the benefits and risks of primary PCI in the elderly patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are limited. Thus, the objective of the study was to assess age-dependent differences in the treatment and outcomes of STEMI patients transferred for primary PCI. Data were gathered on 1,650 consecutive STEMI patients from hospital networks in seven countries of Europe from November 2005 to January 2007 (the EUROTRANSFER Registry population). Patients <65, 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and ≥ 85 years of age comprised 49.3, 27.5, 20.2, and 3 % of the registry population, respectively. Elderly patients were higher risk individuals and have experienced longer delays to reperfusion than their younger counterparts and were more likely to be treated conservatively after coronary angiography. Despite similar frequency of TIMI 3 flow before PCI, elderly patients were less likely to achieve TIMI 3 flow and ST-segment resolution >50 % after PCI, and were more likely to have PCI complications. The rates of death at 30 days, as well as at 1 year were increased with age. In the Cox regression analysis model age was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality. A trend toward higher risk of major bleeding requiring transfusion was observed. Age was an important determinant of treatment strategies selection and clinical outcomes in the group of consecutive STEMI patients transferred for primary PCI. Further efforts should be made to reduce delays and to optimize treatment of STEMI, regardless of patients' age.