AimsClinical trials suggest that intracoronary delivery of autologous bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs) 1–7 days post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may improve left ventricular (LV) function. Earlier time points have not been evaluated. We sought to determine the effect of intracoronary autologous BMC on LV function when delivered within 24 h of successful reperfusion therapy.Methods and resultsA multi-centre phase II randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. One hundred patients with anterior AMI and significant regional wall motion abnormality were randomized to receive either intracoronary infusion of BMC or placebo (1:1) within 24 h of successful primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI). The primary endpoint was the change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between baseline and 1 year as determined by advanced cardiac imaging. At 1 year, although LVEF increased compared with baseline in both groups, the between-group difference favouring BMC was small (2.2%; 95% confidence interval, CI: −0.5 to 5.0; P = 0.10). However, there was a significantly greater myocardial salvage index in the BMC-treated group compared with placebo (0.1%; 95% CI: 0.0–0.20; P = 0.048). Major adverse events were rare in both treatment groups.ConclusionThe early infusion of intracoronary BMC following PPCI for patients with AMI and regional wall motion abnormality leads to a small non-significant improvement in LVEF when compared with placebo; however, it may play an important role in infarct remodelling and myocardial salvage.Clinical trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT00765453 and EudraCT 2007-002144-16.

We discuss the reasons behind these gaps in the evidence base and support the idea that nursing education has not placed enough emphasis on how to critically appraise research. This accounts for the very small proportion of nurses that get involved in conducting research and generating guidelines. Additionally, we argue that nurses can play a key role in identifying and addressing research questions that lead to improved patient outcome. Thus, we support proposals to enhance nurses' opportunities to pursue academic careers to achieve adequate research skills.