Door-to-Balloon Time and Mortality Among Patients Undergoing Primary PCI, Challenges and Experience from Somalia’s Largest PCI Center

Abstract

Introduction

The door-to-balloon time, the time between a patient’s arrival at the hospital and percutaneous coronary intervention, is crucial for managing myocardial infarction. Aiming for less than 90 minutes is recommended, as shortened times are associated with improved outcomes. However, limited healthcare resources, infrastructure, transportation and poverty impact management, leading to poorer outcomes and delayed door to balloon time. Addressing these challenges and their causes is essential for optimal care.

Methodology

A retrospective analysis of 103 patients’ medical history records from May 2022 to June 2023 at the Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital in Somalia was conducted. The data was mainly collected from the hospital’s electronic medical records system, analyzing patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and angiographical records. The study analyzed variables responsible for door-to-balloon (D2B) time delay, patient angiography results, cause of delay, procedure length, etc.

Results

A study of 103 patients who had angiography performed between May 2022 and July 2023 was done. The predominant gender in the study was 73% male, with a mean age of 58 years. The most common risk factors were hypertension (33%), smoking (38%), and diabetes (39%). Of all the vessels, the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) was the most commonly obstructed (63%). Time delays from door-to-balloon were frequent, median door-to-balloon time was 169 minutes, frequently brought on by social problems and financial limitations. The majority (77.4%) of the patients had only percutaneous angiography (PCI), while 22.6% were recommended for bypass following PCI of the infarct-related artery (IRA). Complications in the delayed treatment group were the main cause of the death rate of 24.2%.

Conclusion

Door-to-balloon time is crucial for acute myocardial infarction treatment which is challenging in impoverished countries like Somalia. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, public health education, and emergency services can improve patient outcomes.