INTRODUCTION: Observational data from the 90's demonstrates that elderly population has an increased risk when treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in-hospital outcomes in patients aged > 70 years old who underwent PCI in the current era. METHODS: In a single center, from January/2005 to June/2007, a total of 296 patients who underwent PCI were included in this analysis. The presence of risk factors, angiographic characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were recorded and compared among patients < 70-yo (n = 186) and > 70-yo (n = 110) in a dedicated database. For comparison purposes, unpaired t test and chi-square were used for continuous and dichotomous variables respectively. An alpha < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups < 70-yo and > 70-yo regarding clinical presentation and the presence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Also, there was a homogenous distribution of treated vessels, angiographic pattern, coronary calcification and success rate (96.6% in > 70-yo group x 97.1% < 70-yo, p = 0.91). Regarding complications, there was an increased rate of contrast induced nephropathy in the older group (2.7% x 0%, p = 0.02) that required dialysis. Additionally, we observed a trend in higher mortality (1.81% x 0.53%, p = 0.06) and neurological compromise (1.81% x 0%, p = 0.06) in the elderly population. Vascular complication rates and urgent surgical revascularization were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Patients older and younger than 70-yo present similar clinical profile, angiographic characteristics and success rate. However, the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy requiring dialysis, mortality and neurological compromise are higher in the older group.
Angioplasty, transluminal, percutaneous coronary; Stents; Aged
