Comparison of outcomes in young versus nonyoung patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty.

Objectives: We sought to determine in-hospital and intermediate-term outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in young adults.

Methods: We reviewed 2424 consecutive patients treated with primary angioplasty for acute MI; 465 were aged 45 or less (young group) and 1959 were 46-74 years of age (nonyoung group). Clinical characteristics, in-hospital and intermediate-term outcomes of primary PCI were analyzed.

Results: Compared with nonyoung patients, the young patients had significantly lower in-hospital and intermediate-term mortality (for in-hospital mortaliy: 5.4 vs. 1.2%, P<0.001; for intermediate-term mortality: 5 vs. 1.3%, P<0.001). By multivariate Cox regression analysis in all 2424 patients; cardiogenic shock, diabetes mellitus, anterior MI and unsuccessful procedure were independent predictors of both in-hospital and intermediate-term mortality whereas age [odds ratio (OR): 1.07, P<0.001], female sex (OR: 1.88, P = 0.04), MI history (OR: 3.05, P = 0.001) and multivessel disease (OR: 2.15, P = 0.01) were independent predictors of only intermediate-term mortality. The young group had lower unsuccessful procedure rates of primary PCI for STEMI (4.9 vs. 10.1%, P = 0.001).

Conclusion: These results suggest that young adults who underwent primary PCI have favorable in-hospital and intermediate-term outcomes. Moreover, primary PCI for young adults with STEMI is safer, more feasible and effective than for a relatively older population.