Donor predicted heart mass as predictor of primary graft dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Concern over the hazards associated with undersized donor hearts has impeded the utilization of otherwise viable allografts for transplantation. Previous studies have indicated predicted heart mass (PHM) may provide better size matching in cardiac transplantation than total body weight (TBW). We investigated whether size-matching donor hearts by PHM is a better predictor of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) than matching by TBW.

METHODS

Records of consecutive adult cardiac transplants performed between 2012 and 2016 at a single-center academic hospital were reviewed. We compared patients implanted with hearts undersized by ≥30% with those implanted with donor hearts matched for size (within 30%), and performed the analysis both for undersizing by PHM and for undersizing by TBW. The primary outcome was moderate/severe PGD within 24 hours, according to the 2014 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation consensus. Secondary outcome was 1-year survival.

RESULTS

Of 253 patients, 21 (8%) and 30 (12%) received hearts undersized by TBW and PHM, respectively. The overall rate of moderate/severe PGD was 13% (33 patients). PGD was associated with undersizing if performed by PHM (p = 0.007), but not if performed by TBW (p = 0.49). One-year survival was not different between groups (log-rank, p > 0.8). Multivariate analysis confirmed that undersizing donor hearts by PHM, but not by TBW, was predictive of moderate/severe PGD (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 8.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Undersized donor hearts by ≥30% by PHM may increase rates of PGD after transplantation, confirming that PHM provides more clinically appropriate size matching than TBW. Better size matching may ultimately allow for expanding the donor pool.

Reoperative sternotomy is associated with primary graft dysfunction following heart transplantation

OBJECTIVES

Prior sternotomy is associated with increased morbidity and mortality following heart transplantation. However, its effect on primary graft dysfunction (PGD), a major contributor to early mortality, is unknown. Herein, this effect is studied using the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation consensus definition for PGD.

METHODS

Medical records of consecutive adult cardiac transplants between 2012 and 2016 were reviewed. Baseline characteristics, postoperative findings and 1-year survival were compared between patients with and without prior sternotomy.

RESULTS

Among 255 total patients included, 139 (55%) had undergone prior sternotomy; these recipients were older, more often male, had higher body mass index, higher frequencies of united network for organ sharing (UNOS) 1A status and ischaemic cardiomyopathy and experienced longer waitlist times when compared with those without prior sternotomy (all P < 0.018). Postoperatively, the prior sternotomy group exhibited higher rates of mild to severe PGD (32% vs 18%; P = 0.015) and higher short-term mortality (P = 0.017) and 1-year mortality (P = 0.047). They required more blood transfusions, had more postoperative pneumonia, wound infection and longer hospital stays. A stepwise multivariable regression model identified prior sternotomy as a predictor of PGD (odds ratio 2.7). Multiple prior sternotomies was associated with even more UNOS 1A status, ischaemic cardiomyopathy and pneumonia. However, logistic modelling did not show a difference in the rate of PGD between those with 1 or ≥2 prior sternotomies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that prior sternotomy is a risk factor for PGD. Consistent with previous reports, prior sternotomy is associated with increased morbidity, blood product utilization and 1-year mortality following cardiac transplantation.

Relation of Vasoplegia in the Absence of Primary Graft Dysfunction to Mortality Following Cardiac Transplantation

Vasoplegia following cardiac transplantation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have not accounted for primary graft dysfunction (PGD). The definition of vasoplegia is based on pressor requirement at 48 hours, many PGD parameters may have normalized after the initial 24 hours on inotropes. We surmised that the purported negative effects of vasoplegia following transplantation may in part be driven by PGD. We reviewed 240 consecutive adult cardiac transplants at our center between 2012 and 2016. The severity of vasoplegia was evaluated as a risk factor for 1-year survival, and the analysis was repeated for the subgroup of 177 patients who did not develop PGD. Overall, 63 (26%) of patients developed mild, moderate, or severe PGD. In those without PGD, vasoplegia was associated with length of stay but not with short- or long-term mortality. Moderate and/or severe vasoplegia occurred in 35 (15%) patients and was associated with higher short-term mortality, length of stay, and PGD. Multivariate logistic regression identified body mass index ≥35 kg/m2, left ventricular assist device before transplantation, and use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as joint risk factors for vasoplegia. In patients without PGD, only left ventricular assist device before transplantation was associated with vasoplegia. In conclusion, our results show that, in the sizeable subgroup of patients with no signs of PGD, vasoplegia had a much more modest impact on post-transplant morbidity and no significant effect on 1- and 3-year survival. This suggests that PGD may be a confounder when assessing vasoplegia as a risk factor for adverse outcomes.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics, Complications, and Outcomes in Recipients Having Heart Transplants <65 Years of Age Versus ≥65 Years of Age

Advanced recipient age remains a limiting factor for heart transplant candidacy, with many centers reluctant to transplant older patients. Here, we report our experience with recipients aged ≥65 years compared with younger recipients in terms of baseline characteristics, intraoperative and immediate postoperative experiences, and post-transplant morbidity and survival. The main study outcome was primary graft dysfunction (PGD), which has not been widely studied in this population. Donor and recipient data from 255 heart transplantations performed between 2012 and 2016 were reviewed. Seventy (27%) recipients were ≥65 years and 185 were younger. The older group had a higher frequency of ischemic cardiomyopathy and more frequently had a previous sternotomy than the younger recipients (all p <0.007). We found no significant differences in post-transplant morbidity (intensive care unit and hospital stay, pneumonia, infections, reoperation for bleeding, stroke, renal failure, or in-hospital mortality; all p >0.12). One-year survival was also similar in the 2 groups (p = 0.88). The incidence of moderate or severe PGD was lower in the older group (6%) than in the younger group (16%; p = 0.037). Multivariate logistic regression found pretransplant creatinine and donor undersizing by predicted heart mass to be predictors of moderate to severe PGD, whereas recipient age ≥65 years was identified as protective against PGD in this cohort. In conclusion, our study showed comparable survival and outcomes in recipients ≥65 years of age with otherwise similar nutritional status and body mass composition.

Trends in Hospital Admissions for Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure in the United States Between 2004 and 2017

Heart failure (HF) affects 6 million people in the United States and costs $30 billion annually. It is unclear whether improvements in length of stay and mortality over the last few decades hold true for both systolic and diastolic HF. To better assess the epidemiological and economic burden of HF, we assessed the trends in outcomes and costs for both systolic and diastolic HF. We identified hospitalizations for systolic and diastolic HF in the National Inpatient Sample database and evaluated trends over the period from 2004 to 2017, adjusting for demographics and co-morbidities. The proportion of patients admitted with an exacerbation of systolic HF increased from 42% to 63% over the study period. We found an overall decreasing trend between 2004 and 2011 in the length of stay for HF in general with a sharper decrease in diastolic than systolic HF. Inpatient mortality decreased between 2004 and 2007 and stabilized between 2008 and 2016. Systolic HF was associated with higher mortality than diastolic HF. The total inflation-adjusted cost did not change significantly over the study period, with systolic HF costing, on average, $3,036 more than diastolic HF per admission. In conclusion, systolic HF overtook diastolic HF, accounting for most HF hospitalizations in 2008. The higher hospitalization costs for systolic HF relative to diastolic HF may have resulted, in part, from greater use of advanced support devices in patients with systolic HF.

A system-wide extracorporeal membrane oxygenation quality collaborative improves patient outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use in adult patient populations has grown rapidly with wide variation in practices and outcomes. We evaluated the impact on patient outcomes, resource use, and costs of an initiative to coordinate and standardize best practices across ECMO programs within a large integrated health care system.

METHODS

The ECMO Collaborative Project brought clinicians and service-line leaders from 4 programs within a single health care system together with operational subject matter experts tasked with developing and implementing standardized guidelines, order sets, and an internal database to support an automated quarterly report card. Patient outcomes, resource use, and financial measures were compared for the 16 months before (January 2017 to April 2018; "precollaborative," n = 185) versus the 14 months after (November 2018 to December 2019, "postcollaborative," n = 243) a 6-month implementation and blanking period. Subset analyses were performed for venoarterial ECMO, venovenous ECMO, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

RESULTS

Survival to discharge/transfer increased significantly (in-hospital mortality hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.58-0.99) for the postcollaborative versus the precollaborative period (107/185, 57.8% vs 113/243, 46.5%, P = .03), predominantly due to improvement among patients receiving venoarterial ECMO (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.41-0.91). The percentage of patients successfully weaned from ECMO increased from 58.9% (109/185) to 70% (170/243), P = .02. Complication rates decreased by 40% (incidence rate ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.49-0.72). No significant changes were observed in ECMO duration, intensive care unit or hospital length of stay, or cost-per-case; payment-per-case and contribution-margin-per-case both decreased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

The ECMO Collaborative Project improved survival to discharge/transfer, weaning rates and complications, without additional costs, through coordination and standardization across ECMO programs within a health care system.

Gene expression profiling scores in dual organ transplant patients are similar to those in heart-only recipients

BACKGROUND

Serial gene expression profiling (GEP) may reduce the need for endomyocardial biopsies for detecting acute cellular rejection (ACR) after transplantation, but its performance in dual organ transplant recipients is currently unknown.

METHODS

We analyzed 18 months of follow-up in a national cohort of 27 dual organ recipients (18 heart-kidney, 8 heart-liver, 1 heart-lung) matched to 54 heart-only recipients for gender, age, and time to first GEP (AlloMap®) test. ACR, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), cytomegalovirus infections, biopsies, and longitudinal GEP scores were evaluated.

RESULTS

During the first 90 days post-transplant, the mean GEP score for dual organ recipients was 25.2 ± 9.1, vs. 23.5 ± 7.7 for heart-only recipients (P = 0.48), with final GEP scores being 29.1 ± 6.1 and 32.3 ± 3.4, respectively (P = 0.34). GEP scores increased over time (P < 0.001) at a similar rate (P = 0.33) for both groups. One heart-only recipient had treated ACR (GEP score = 17). Fourteen subjects had cytomegalovirus infection, 8 of whom were dual-organ. During follow-up, mean GEP score among patients with cytomegalovirus infection was 32.3, compared to 26.7 (p < 0.001) in patients without cytomegalovirus. Only 4 (2%) of 233 biopsies were positive for mild AMR; all occurring in 2 heart-only recipients (GEP scores = 18-33).

CONCLUSIONS

This largest cohort to date suggests that dual organ transplantation alone should not be reason to omit GEP testing from post-transplant medical management, as the two groups' scores did not differ significantly. Confirming that GEP scores increase over time for heart-only and dual organ recipients and in the presence of cytomegalovirus infection, our work shows promise for the use of serial GEP testing in dual organ recipients.

Patient "Activation" of Patients Referred for Advanced Heart Failure Therapy

Advanced heart failure (HF) is a devastating chronic illness requiring complex treatment regimens and patient engagement. Having the information, motivation, and skills to live with a medical condition are conceptualized by the term, "activation." Patients referred for advanced HF therapy and their unpaid family caregiver were invited to participate in this study by completing the 10-item patient activation measure (PAM) questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were assessed via the hospital anxiety and depression scale. We compared activation, anxiety, and depression between those selected versus not selected for advanced HF therapy (left ventricular assist device or heart transplantation). We analyzed those who subsequently underwent advanced HF therapy in regards to activation and 1-year survival. There were 133 (68%) patients selected for therapy. Neither depression nor anxiety differed by selection status, but PAM levels did (p = 0.02). Those not selected for therapy were approximately 4 times more likely to have lower activation than those who were selected (8% vs 2%). Of the 133 selected patients, 110 (84%) subsequently underwent advanced HF therapy and 15 (14%) of those died within 1 year. Survival was independent of baseline anxiety (p = 0.92) and depression (p = 0.70), as well as patient and caregiver PAM (p = 0.50 and 0.77, respectively). In conclusion, patients with higher activation were more likely to be selected for advanced HF therapy.

De novo tacrolimus extended-release tablets (LCPT) versus twice-daily tacrolimus in adult heart transplantation: Results of a single-center non-inferiority matched control trial

Extended-release tacrolimus for prophylaxis of allograft rejection in orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) recipients is currently not FDA-approved. One such extended-release formulation of tacrolimus known as LCPT allows once-daily dosing and improves bioavailability compared to immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-tacrolimus). We compared the efficacy and safety of LCPT to IR-tacrolimus applied de novo in adult OHT recipients. Twenty-five prospective recipients on LCPT at our center from 2017 to 2019 were matched 1:2 with historical control recipients treated with IR-tacrolimus based on age, gender, and baseline creatinine. The primary composite outcome of death, acute cellular rejection, and/or new graft dysfunction within 1 year was compared using non-inferiority analysis. LCPT demonstrated non-inferiority to IR-tacrolimus, with a primary outcome risk reduction of 20% (90% CI: -40%, -.5%; non-inferiority P = .001). Tacrolimus trough levels peaked at 2-3 months and were higher in LCPT (median 14.5 vs. 12.7 ng/ml; P = .03) with similar dose levels (LCPT vs. IR-tacrolimus: .08 vs. .09 mg/kg/day; P = .33). Cardiovascular-related readmissions were reduced by 62% (P = .046) in LCPT patients. The complication rate per transplant admission and all-cause readmission rate did not differ significantly. These results suggest that LCPT is non-inferior in efficacy to IR-tacrolimus with a similar safety profile and improved bioavailability in OHT.

ALLY in fighting COVID-19: magnitude of albumin decline and lymphopenia (ALLY) predict progression to critical disease

The global severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is straining hospitals. Judicious resource allocation is paramount but difficult due to the unpredictable disease course. Once hospitalized, discerning which patients may progress to critical disease would be valuable for resource planning. Medical records were reviewed for consecutive hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a large healthcare system in Texas. The main outcome was progression to critical disease within 10 days from admission. Albumin trends from admission to 7 days were analyzed using mixed-effects models, and progression to critical disease was modeled by multivariable logistic regression of laboratory results. Risk models were evaluated in an independent group. Of 153 non-critical patients, 28 (18%) progressed to critical disease. The rate of decrease in mean baseline-corrected (Δ) albumin was -0.08 g/dL/day (95% CI -0.11 to -0.04; p<0.001) or four times faster, in those who progressed compared with those who did not progress. A model of Δ albumin combined with lymphocyte percentage predicting progression to critical disease was validated in 60 separate patients (sensitivity, 0.70; specificity, 0.74). ALLY (delta albumin and lymphocyte percentage) is a simple tool to identify patients with COVID-19 at higher risk of disease progression when: (1) a 0.9 g/dL or greater albumin drop from baseline within 5 days of admission or (2) baseline lymphocyte of ≤10% is observed. The ALLY tool identified >70% of hospitalized cases that progressed to critical COVID-19 disease. We recommend prospectively tracking albumin. This is a globally applicable tool for all healthcare systems.

Outpatient COVID-19 surveillance testing in orthotopic heart transplant recipients

COVID-19 case fatality rate in the United States is currently reported at 4.8% based on the confirmed cases of COVID-19. However, there are conflicting reports of estimated deaths in the post-cardiac transplantation patient population associated with COVID-19.

METHODS

Observational, retrospective analysis of a large cohort of post Orthotopic Heart Transplantation (OHT) patients in a high volume heart transplantation program in Dallas, Texas underwent outpatient COVID-19 screening and testing for both SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal RT-PCR and anti-SARS-CoV2 IgG serology as a result of a clinic protocol to facilitate re-opening of face-to-face outpatient clinical visits.

RESULTS

The full outpatient cohort tested at time of their clinic visit tested negative for COVID-19 by nasopharyngeal RT-PCR. Only 2 patients tested seropositive for anti-SARS-COV2 IgG. Five positive inpatient cases were also identified and all, but one recovered.

CONCLUSION

A COVID-19 surveillance protocol can be easily instituted in this high-risk population and facilitate safe transplant clinic operation. As the cases and prevalence increase across the United States, further strategies will need to be developed to determine the best course of action to help manage this select population while minimizing their exposure to the ongoing pandemic.

The Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on 3-Year Outcomes in Patients Who Underwent Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

Despite the well-known association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease, there is a paucity of data regarding OSA in orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) recipients and its effect on clinical outcomes. Hence, we sought to determine the association between OSA, as detected by polysomnography, and late graft dysfunction (LGD) after OHT. In this retrospective review of consecutive OHT recipients from 2012 to 2014 at our center, we examined LGD, i.e., graft failure >1 year after OHT, through competing risks analysis. Due to small sample size and event counts, as well as preliminary testing which revealed statistically similar demographics and outcomes, we pooled patients who had treated OSA with those who had no OSA. Of 146 patients, 29 (20%) had untreated OSA, i.e., OSA without use of continuous positive airway pressure therapy, at the time of transplantation. Patients with untreated OSA were significantly older, heavier, and more likely to have baseline hypertension than those with treated/no OSA. Although there were no differences between groups in regard to short-term complications of acute kidney injury, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, or primary graft dysfunction, there were significant differences in the occurrence of LGD. Those with untreated OSA were at 3 times the risk of developing LGD than those with treated/no OSA (hazard ratio 3.2; 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 7.9; p = 0.01). Because OSA is a common co-morbidity of OHT patients and because patients with untreated OSA have an elevated risk of LGD, screening for and treating OSA should occur during the OHT selection period.

Salvage of severe primary graft dysfunction following heart transplantation using extracorporeal life support

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is the leading cause of early mortality after heart transplantation. Typically, mechanical circulatory support is necessary to provide hemodynamic support and to enable graft recovery. However, both the reported incidence of PGD and the reported salvage rates with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) vary widely. This may partly be due to variations in the definition of PGD and its levels of severity. We analyzed a prospectively maintained database of 255 transplant recipients at our institution to determine the effectiveness of ECMO support in those who develop severe PGD as defined by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation consensus guidelines. Nineteen (7.5%) patients (aged 32-69 years) developed severe PGD and were treated with veno-arterial (VA) ECMO, which was initiated in the operating room at the time of transplant in most patients. The majority received VA ECMO through femoral cannulation. Two patients required veno-venous ECMO for respiratory support after VA ECMO separation. The 30-day in-hospital survival rate following transplantation was 63% (n = 12). In conclusion, ECMO proved to be a viable option for early hemodynamic support in patients with severe PGD and has become our preferred modality for mechanical circulatory support in these patients.

Usefulness of harmonica playing to improve outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes a multidisciplinary approach of exercise and pursed-lip diaphragmatic breathing. Pursed-lip diaphragmatic breathing reduces alveolar collapse during exhalation, and diaphragmatic breathing improves inspiratory pressures. Harmonica playing has maneuvers similar to those taught in pursed-lip diaphragmatic breathing, with diaphragmatic breathing to create musical tones. Hence, we designed a trial to determine whether patients with COPD would benefit from harmonica playing. COPD patients who completed pulmonary rehabilitation at least 6 months prior were eligible for this trial. Patients attended 12 weeks of harmonica training sessions for 2 hours a week and were encouraged to practice at home. Participants completed pre- and postspirometry testing, maximum inspired and expired pressure (PImax, PEmax) testing, and 6-minute walk tests. Eleven of the 14 participants completed the 12-week trial. PImax and PEmax increased by an average of 15.4 ± 12.0 cm H2O (P = 0.0017) and 14.4 ± 14.0 cm H2O (P = 0.0061), respectively. Additionally, 6-minute walk distance increased by approximately 60 m (61 ± 78, P = 0.03). This pilot study showed that a 12-week harmonica program significantly improved PImax, PEmax, and 6-minute walk distance in COPD patients after rehabilitation. Larger-scale harmonica studies are warranted to evaluate this program's adjunctive potential benefit to formal pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pneumothorax and Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 Suggest a Pneumocystic Pathology

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the apparent excess incidence of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is explained adequately by iatrogenic causes vs reflecting sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients within our health care system from March 15, 2020, through May 31, 2020, who had a diagnosis of pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum during hospitalization for confirmed COVID-19 infection with attention to timing of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum; presence, laterality, and placement, or attempts at central lines; and presence of mechanical ventilation before the event.

RESULTS

We report clinical data and outcomes from 9 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who developed pneumothorax and/or pneumomediastinum among more than 1200 hospitalized patients admitted within our hospital system early in the pandemic. Many events were inexplicable by iatrogenic needle injury, including 1 spontaneous case without central line access or mechanical ventilation. One occurred before central line placement, 2 in patients with only a peripherally inserted central line, and 1 contralateral to a classic central line. Three of these 9 patients died of complications of COVID-19 during their hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

With COVID-19 affecting the peripheral lung pneumocytes, patients are vulnerable to develop pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum irrespective of their central line access site. We hypothesize that COVID-19 hyperinflammation, coupled with the viral tropism that includes avid involvement of peripheral lung pneumocytes, induces a predisposition to peripheral bronchoalveolar communication and consequent viral hyperinflammatory-triggered pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum.

Tracheal resection for tracheal stenosis

Anatomically, patients with refractory tracheal stenosis benefit from tracheal resection, depending on the medical comorbidities or challenging tracheal anatomy, which is often the reason for denial of this option in these patients. We evaluated 15 patients undergoing tracheal resection at our institution from May 2016 through December 2017. Eleven patients had a history of previous tracheostomy, six in place at the time of resection. One had idiopathic stenosis with no known comorbidities. Major comorbidities included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. One had a left ventricular assist device, and one was a lung transplant recipient. All had primary resection through the cervical approach with a median length of 3.5 cm. Fourteen patients were eventually decannulated. One patient had re-resection 1 year later for recurrent stenosis. Twelve were alive at a median follow-up of 15 months with patent airways. In conclusion, tracheal stenosis patients have significant comorbidities that increase the risks after resection. However, these patients should still be considered for surgery for an improved quality of life and eventual resolution of severe stenosis.

Unexpected Twists: A 61-Year-Old Male with Repeated HeartMate II Complications andSubsequent Replacement with HeartMate III

An outflow graft twist of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) remains a challenging clinical diagnosis and may even be misdiagnosed for other outflow obstructions. We present a case of a patient with two LVAD exchanges due to suspected outflow graft twisting in both clinical scenarios. As new LVADs continue to be designed and upgraded, clinicians must have a high index of suspicion for this rare complication.

Outcomes of orthotopic heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device in patients aged 65 years or more with end-stage heart failure

Age has traditionally been a limiting factor for advanced heart failure (HF) therapies. Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) age guidelines have become less restrictive, and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly utilized as destination therapy for patients ≥65 years. Although indications differ, we assessed outcomes for both modalities in this older population. We reviewed charts of consecutive advanced HF therapy recipients aged ≥65 years at our center from 2012 to 2016. Of 118 patients evaluated, 46 (39%) received an LVAD and 72 (61%) received OHT. Gender, body mass index, and rate of prior sternotomy were similar between groups; OHT recipients were younger, less likely to have diabetes mellitus, and more likely to have HF due to ischemic etiology. Forty-six percent of patients receiving LVADs were urgent need (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support [INTERMACS] profile 1-2), compared to 29% of patients receiving OHT (United Network for Organ Sharing 1A criteria; P = 0.068). OHT recipients had shorter lengths of stay and better 1-year survival compared to LVAD recipients. Although many centers do not offer advanced HF therapy to patients aged ≥65 years, our results indicate that age alone should not be prohibitive for advanced HF therapy, particularly OHT.

Bioimpedance Spectroscopy in Heart Transplantation: Posttransplant Changes in Body Composition and Effects in Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Bioimpedance spectroscopy yields measurements of fat-free mass, fat mass, phase angle, and other measures. Bioimpedance spectroscopy has been validated as a preoperative assessment tool in cardiac surgical studies, in which low phase angle predicted morbidity and mortality. No studies have evaluated bioimpedance spectroscopy following heart transplantation.

METHODS

We evaluated body composition, nutrition status (Subjective Global Assessment, body mass index, midarm muscle circumference, and triceps skinfolds), and functional status (handgrip strength and 6-min walk test) in 60 adults. Body composition measurements via a 256-frequency bioimpedance spectroscopy device included fat and fat-free mass as well as phase angle calculated at 50 kHz. Testing was completed at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo following heart transplantation. Mortality and hospital readmissions were analyzed.

RESULTS

Phase angle and fat mass increased while fat-free mass decreased; grip strength and 6-min walk test improved after transplantation (all P <  0.001). Improvement in phase angle in the first month postoperatively was associated with reduced risk of readmission. Low perioperative and 1-mo phase angles were associated with prolonged posttransplant length of stay (median: 13 versus 10 d, P =  0.03), increased infection-related readmissions (40% versus 5%, P =  0.001), and increased 4-y mortality (30% versus 5%, P =  0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Phase angle, grip strength, and 6-min walk test distance improved after heart transplantation. Low phase angle appears to be associated with suboptimal outcomes and may be a feasible and affordable method to predict outcomes. Further research should ascertain whether preoperative phase angle can predict outcomes.

Usefulness of endobronchial stenting for nonmalignant right middle lobe syndrome

We report herein a case of nonmalignant middle lobe atelectasis of the right lung resulting in significant stenosis of the airway. The new short self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) were used to perform temporary stenting and expansion of the right middle lobe airway. SEMS have been used to treat airway obstructions in the trachea, as well as the right and left carina, but few studies have looked at placing SEMS at the level of the bronchi, especially right middle lobe bronchus.

Left upper lobectomy for a large incidental simple arteriovenous malformation

We present an incidental finding of a large left upper lobe diffuse pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) presenting with cyanosis, exertional shortness of breath, polycythemia, and low peripheral oxygen saturation. PAVMs are mostly diagnosed in symptomatic patients with therapeutic embolization as the first choice of therapy. This young woman had no symptoms but showed signs of hypoxemia, and further investigation revealed a huge central left upper lobe PAVM. A successful upper lobectomy resulted in a quick recovery and immediate return to normal peripheral oxygen saturation levels with no further comorbidity or recurrence during 3 years of current follow-up.

Trends in post-heart transplant biopsies for graft rejection versus nonrejection

With alternatives such as gene profiling available for surveillance after orthotopic heart transplantation, we sought to evaluate the utilization of endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) for hospitalized patients after heart transplantation. Surveillance EMBs in patients with and without complications were evaluated from the 2004 to 2014 National Inpatient Sample. Over the study period, there was no significant change in the number of EMB procedures performed (P = 0.44). Of 37,955 EMBs, 2283 (6%) were in the setting of graft complications, while 35,672 EMBs were not related to graft complications. EMBs in graft complications did not show a significant increase in length of stay over time (P = 0.06), but had a significant increase in cost over time (P = 0.001). However, those with graft complications had an average of a 5-day longer length of stay (P < 0.001) and costs that were $88,816 (P < 0.001) more expensive compared with those without graft complications. In conclusion, the vast majority of in-hospital EMBs were not related to heart transplantation complications. Nevertheless, EMB hospitalizations with graft complications showed significantly greater length of stay and cost. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems more effective to use minimal-contact health surveillance methods rather than invasive EMBs.

The impact of active cytomegalovirus infection on donor-derived cell-free DNA testing in heart transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the relationship between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in heart transplant recipients.

METHODS

In our study, CMV and dd-cfDNA results were prospectively collected on single-organ heart transplant recipients. If the CMV study was positive, a CMV study with dd-cfDNA was repeated 1-3 months later. The primary aim was to compare dd-cfDNA between patients with positive and negative CMV results.

RESULTS

Of 44 patients enrolled between August 2022 and April 2023, 12 tested positive for CMV infections, 25 were included as controls, and seven patients with a viral infection without CMV were excluded. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between CMV-positive and CMV-negative patients with the exception of a later median time post-transplant in the CMV-positive group (253 days vs. 120 days, p = .03). Dd-cfDNA levels were significantly higher in patients with CMV infections compared to those without (p < .001) with more patients in the CMV positive group showing dd-cfDNA results ≥.12% (75% vs. 8%, p < .001) and ≥.20% (58% vs. 8%, p = .002). Each 1 log10 copy/ml reduction in CMV viral load from visit 1 to visit 2 was associated with a.23% reduction in log10 dd-cfDNA (p = .002).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that active CMV infections may raise dd-cfDNA levels in patients following heart transplantation. Larger studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings.

Three-year outcomes of de novo tacrolimus extended-release tablets (LCPT) compared to twice-daily tacrolimus in adult heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Extended-release tacrolimus for prophylaxis of allograft rejection in heart transplant (HT) recipients is currently not FDA-approved. One such extended-release formulation of tacrolimus known as LCPT allows once-daily dosing and improves bioavailability compared to immediate-release (IR-) tacrolimus. We compared long-term efficacy and safety of LCPT to IR-tacrolimus applied de novo in adult OHT recipients.

METHODS

25 prospective recipients on LCPT at our center from 2017 to 2019 were matched 1:2 with historical control recipients treated with IR-tacrolimus based on age, gender, and baseline creatinine. The primary composite outcome of death, acute cellular rejection, and/or new graft dysfunction within 3 years following transplant was compared between groups using non-inferiority analysis.

RESULTS

LCPT demonstrated non-inferiority to IR-tacrolimus, with a primary outcome risk reduction of 16% (90%CI, -37%, -1%, non-inferiority p = 0.002) up to 3 years following heart transplant. Up to 3-years post-transplant, 14 patients remained on once-daily LCPT and 10 patients were switched to IR-tacrolimus due to lack of insurance coverage. There were no significant differences in the rate of chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis, cytomegalovirus requiring treatment, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, and malignancy within 3 years following transplant.

CONCLUSION

LCPT is non-inferior in efficacy to IR-tacrolimus in heart transplantation with a similar safety profile. Narrowly-constrained FDA labels specific to kidney transplant remain a barrier to consistent access to many immunosuppressant medications for recipients of non-kidney solid organs. We recommend the FDA consider developing facile pathways for expanding the approved label of extended-release tacrolimus formulations to heart transplant recipients.