Impact of normal-hours versus off-hours primary percutaneous coronary intervention on patient outcome in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Conflicting data exist regarding the outcome of primary percutaneous coronary intervention, (PPCI) performed during the night hours. We sought to investigate this issue in a tertiary care center dealing with a high load of STEMI patients. Seventy three consecutive patients presenting with STEMI were divided in 2 groups with similar baseline characteristics. In-hospital mortality and morbidity during one month between March and April 2010 was analyzed between those treated with PPCI during normal-hours, (weekdays, 7AM to 7pm) vs. those in whom PPCI was done after normal working hours, (7pm to 7am). Mortality was 16.1% in normal-hours group and 4.8% in off-hours group (p<0.2); morbidity was 3.2% and 2.4% respectively (p<0.9) and angioplasty success was 100% in both groups. PPCI can be performed safely during the night.