Acta Clinica Belgica: International Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Medicine, cilt.80, sa.5, ss.146-158, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Background: Systemic inflammation contributes to arrhythmogenesis in acute coronary syndromes, but its role in NSTEMI-related ventricular arrhythmias remains poorly defined. The pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) is a novel composite biomarker reflecting immune and thrombotic activity derived from routine blood counts. This study aimed to assess the association between PIV and the risk of sustained VT/VF in NSTEMI. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 1,788 NSTEMI patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of sustained VT or VF during hospitalization. PIV was calculated as (neutrophil × platelet × monocyte)/lymphocyte. Logistic regression, ROC analysis, Kaplan–Meier curves, reclassification indices (NRI, IDI), and restricted cubic spline modeling were used. Results: VT/VF occurred in 34 patients (1.9%). Those with VT/VF had significantly higher PIV values (median 1132 vs. 329, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, PIV remained an independent predictor (OR: 1.356 per 1000 unit increase; 95% CI: 1.028–1.787; p = 0.031). The risk of VT/VF rose progressively across PIV quartiles (Q4 vs. Q1 OR: 4.0, p for trend < 0.001). Adding PIV to conventional predictors improved risk classification (NRI: +0.089; IDI: 0.007). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly reduced arrhythmia-free survival in high-PIV tertiles (log-rank p < 0.001), and cubic spline modeling revealed a non-linear association with increased arrhythmic risk at higher PIV levels. Conclusions: Elevated PIV is independently associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias in NSTEMI. As an accessible biomarker, PIV may aid early arrhythmic risk stratification and guide clinical surveillance strategies.