Changes in process and outcome for ST elevation myocardial infarction in central China from 2011 to 2018

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on the changes in the quality of care for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during China's health system reform from 2009 to 2020. This study aimed to assess the changes in care processes and outcome for STEMI patients in Henan province of central China between 2011 and 2018. METHODS: We compared the data from the Henan STEMI survey conducted in 2011–2012 (n = 1548, a cross-sectional study) and the Henan STEMI registry in 2016–2018 (n = 4748, a multicenter, prospective observational study). Changes in care processes and in-hospital mortality were determined. Process of care measures included reperfusion therapies, aspirin, P2Y12 antagonists, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and statins. Therapy use was analyzed among patients who were considered ideal candidates for treatment. RESULTS: STEMI patients in 2016–2018 were younger (median age: 63.1 vs. 63.8 years) with a lower proportion of women (24.4% [1156/4748] vs. 28.2% [437/1548]) than in 2011–2012. The composite use rate for guideline-recommended treatments increased significantly from 2011 to 2018 (60.9% [5424/8901] vs. 82.7% [22,439/27,129], P <0.001). The proportion of patients treated by reperfusion within 12 h increased from 44.1% (546/1237) to 78.4% (2698/3440) (P <0.001) with a prolonged median onset-to-first medical contact time (from 144 min to 210 min, P <0.001). The use of antiplatelet agents, statins, and β-blockers increased significantly. The risk of in-hospital mortality significantly decreased over time (6.1% [95/1548] vs. 4.2% [198/4748], odds ratio [OR]: 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50–0.88, P = 0.005) after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Gradual implementation of the guideline-recommended treatments in STEMI patients from 2011 to 2018 has been associated with decreased in-hospital mortality. However, gaps persist between clinical practice and guideline recommendation. Public awareness, reperfusion strategies, and construction of chest pain centers need to be further underscored in central China.