High osteoprotegerin levels predict MACCE in STEMI patients, but are not associated with myocardial salvage

AbstractObjectives. High circulating levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) carry prognostic impact in cohorts with various cardiovascular diagnoses. With the present study, we aim to investigate the role of OPG within the scale of myocardial damage. Design. This study includes 219 consecutive patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction randomized to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) or pPCI and remote ischemic per-conditioning. Salvage index via myocardial single-photon emission CT assessment (data available in 61% of the patients) was performed, and derived from Day 1 (myocardial area at risk) and Day 30 (final infarct size). Plasma OPG levels were measured using an in-house immunoassay. A combined end-point of all-mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, readmission for heart failure and ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events [MACCE]) was used for follow-up; 45 (38–48 months). Results. High OPG levels were associated with the sev...