Prior and new onset anemia in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a different prognostic role?

The present investigation, performed in 1,122 consecutive STEMI patients treated with primary coronary intervention, was aimed at evaluating: (1) the prevalence of prior anemia and its prognostic significance in the short term; and (2) the prevalence of new anemia and its impact in the short term. The prevalence of prior anemia was 27.4%. Patients with a prior anemia were older and exhibited a higher incidence of chronic diseases and comorbidities. They showed a higher intra-hospital mortality rate (p < 0.001), a higher incidence of PCI failure (p < 0.001) and major bleedings (p < 0.001). Prior anemia was an independent predictor for intra-hospital mortality (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.21-3.70, p = 0.009). Patients with a new anemia account for 46.8% of our series, and showed a higher early mortality rate and incidence of major bleedings in respect to those who maintained normal Hb values (p < 0.05 and <0.05, respectively). our data strengthens the prognostic role of Hb values in STEMI patients submitted to primary PCI, since the presence of prior anemia identified a subset of patients, characterized by advanced age, higher comorbidities and serious coronary artery disease, at higher risk for intra ICCU mortality and complications. Moreover, the development of anemia during an ICCU stay is common, and is associated with a higher mortality rate and incidence of complications in respect to patients who maintain normal Hb values.