ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES - This study sought to evaluate the prognostic value of the SYNTAX (SYNergy between PCI with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery) scores in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for multivessel coronary disease with infarct-related cardiogenic shock (CS).

BACKGROUND - The prognostic value of the SYNTAX score in this high-risk setting remains unclear.

METHODS - The CULPRIT-SHOCK (Culprit Lesion Only PCI versus Multivessel PCI in Cardiogenic Shock) trial was an international, open-label trial, where patients presenting with infarct-related CS and multivessel disease were randomized to a culprit-lesion-only or an immediate multivessel PCI strategy. Baseline SYNTAX score was assessed by a central core laboratory and categorized as low SYNTAX score (SS ≤22), intermediate SYNTAX score (22<SS≤32) and high SYNTAX score (SS>32). Adjudicated endpoints of interest were the 30-day risk of death or renal replacement therapy (RRT) and 1-year death. Associations between baseline SYNTAX score and outcomes were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS - Pre-PCI SYNTAX score was available in 624 patients, of whom 263 (42.1%), 207 (33.2%) and 154 (24.7%) presented with low, intermediate and high SYNTAX score, respectively. A stepwise increase in the incidence of adverse events was observed from low to intermediate and high SYNTAX score for the 30-day risk of death or RRT and the 1-year risk of death (p < 0.001, for all). After multiple adjustments, intermediate and high SYNTAX score remained strongly associated with 30-day risk of death or renal replacement therapy and 1-year risk of all-cause death. There was no significant interaction between SYNTAX score and the coronary revascularization strategy for any outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS - In patients presenting with multivessel disease and infarct-related CS, the SYNTAX score was strongly associated with 30-day death or RRT and 1-year mortality.