Key result
COVID-19 pandemic linked to ~19% drop in primary PCI for STEMI vs. 2019.
Why the study?
Fear of contagion during the COVID-19 pandemic may have refrained STEMI patients from accessing emergency care, potentially impacting treatment delays and mortality.
Does the COVID-19 pandemic reduce the incidence of primary PCI and increase treatment delays and mortality in patients with STEMI?
Observational (n=6,609)
Yes
Does the COVID-19 pandemic reduce the incidence of primary PCI and increase treatment delays and mortality in patients with STEMI?
Relative Risk: 0.811 (95% CI 0.78–0.84)
Absolute Event Rate: 494% vs 595%
p-value: p=<0.0001
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Captured external expert commentary on this paper, strongest first. Original sources are linked where available.
“One thing we encountered in Italy was a high rate of infection among healthcare providers. Probably some hospitals, due to better organization and protection devices, [had] less contamination and this could have created more trust towards the institution”
“Many countries are now experiencing second waves of the COVID-19 outbreak, in which optimal and well-timed STEMI management seems like a candle flickering in the wind.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a 19% reduction in primary PCI procedures for STEMI and longer treatment delays, contributing to significantly increased in-hospital mortality.
Luca et al. (2020) conducted an observational in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (n=6,609). COVID-19 pandemic (March/April 2020) vs. Pre-pandemic period (March/April 2019) was evaluated on Incidence of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) per million residents (IRR 0.811, 95% CI 0.78-0.84, p=<0.0001). The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an 18.9% reduction in primary percutaneous coronary intervention procedures for STEMI compared to 2019 (IRR 0.811).
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