Periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) is a common complication associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), occurring in approximately 15% to 20% of patients undergoing the procedure. The established diagnostic criteria for PMI is an increase in cardiac biomarkers, specifically creatine kinase-MB levels > 3 times the upper limit of normal. As PMI has been associated with an increased risk of mortality after PCI, investigative efforts have been directed at therapies that can potentially decrease PMI. One such therapy is the use of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) administered as a loading dose before PCI. Multiple small, randomized, controlled trials have demonstrated significant reductions in the incidence of PMI with statin loading before PCI. The risk reduction was seen in patients with stable and unstable coronary artery disease, as well in statin-naive patients or those on chronic statin therapy. Potential mechanisms for the rapid benefits of statin loading include: anti-inflammatory effects, reversal of endothelial dysfunction, decrease in oxidative stress, and inhibition of the thrombotic system. None of the current studies were of sufficient power or duration to detect benefits on mortality, though a recent meta-analysis did demonstrate a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events. In addition to long-term effects, several additional questions remain with regard to statin loading, such as statin type, dose, and optimal timing of administration. However, given the current evidence of benefit and the low risk of adverse events, it can be recommended that all patients undergoing PCI be considered for statin loading before the procedure.

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Introduction: New Mexico is currently ranked 17th in the United States for drug overdose death rates. Our project seeks to decrease opioid overdose deaths in a community by increasing the number of patients with naloxone in a local family medicine residency clinic. Methods: We developed a protocol wherein providers asked patients at risk of opioid overdose about naloxone access. Free naloxone was distributed in partner with the county health department, accompanied by teaching of use. We reviewed patient encounters during a 45-day control and study period to measure naloxone possession among patients at risk. Results: Nearly two-thirds of patients at risk of opioid overdose had no naloxone. A standardized protocol implemented to distribute an opioid reversal agent doubled naloxone prescribed by providers at visits (10.3%) compared to a control period (4.3%), but lacked statistical significance. Conclusion: Patients in a family medicine residency clinic who were at risk of opioid overdose overwhelmingly did not have naloxone, and a standardized protocol with a community-based partnership increased access to naloxone. Further project data will have implications for ongoing naloxone distribution programs in primary care.