Vaccination Recommendations in Solid Organ Transplant Adult Candidates and Recipients

Prevention of infections is crucial in solid organ transplant (SOT) candidates and recipients. These patients are exposed to an increased infectious risk due to previous organ insufficiency and to pharmacologic immunosuppression. Besides infectious-related morbidity and mortality, this vulnerable group of patients is also exposed to the risk of acute decompensation and organ rejection or failure in the pre- and post-transplant period, respectively, since antimicrobial treatments are less effective than in the immunocompetent patients. Vaccination represents a major preventive measure against specific infectious risks in this population but as responses to vaccines are reduced, especially in the early post-transplant period or after treatment for rejection, an optimal vaccination status should be obtained prior to transplantation whenever possible. This review reports the currently available data on the indications and protocols of vaccination in SOT adult candidates and recipients.

Corrigendum: Five-Year Outcome After Continuous Flow LVAD With Full-Magnetic (HeartMate 3) Versus Hybrid Levitation System (HeartWare): A Propensity-Score Matched Study From an All-Comers Multicentre Registry

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.11675.].

Five-Year Outcome After Continuous Flow LVAD With Full-Magnetic (HeartMate 3) Versus Hybrid Levitation System (HeartWare): A Propensity-Score Matched Study From an All-Comers Multicentre Registry

Despite the withdrawal of the HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD), hundreds of patients are still supported with this continuous-flow pump, and the long-term management of these patients is still under debate. This study aims to analyse 5 years survival and freedom from major adverse events in patients supported by HVAD and HeartMate3 (HM3). From 2010 to 2022, the MIRAMACS Italian Registry enrolled all-comer patients receiving a LVAD support at seven Cardiac Surgery Centres. Out of 447 LVAD implantation, 214 (47.9%) received HM3 and 233 (52.1%) received HVAD. Cox-regression analysis adjusted for major confounders showed an increased risk for mortality (HR 1.5 [1.2-1.9]; p = 0.031), for both ischemic stroke (HR 2.08 [1.06-4.08]; p = 0.033) and haemorrhagic stroke (HR 2.6 [1.3-4.9]; p = 0.005), and for pump thrombosis (HR 25.7 [3.5-188.9]; p < 0.001) in HVAD patients. The propensity-score matching analysis (130 pairs of HVAD vs. HM3) confirmed a significantly lower 5 years survival (81.25% vs. 64.1%; p 0.02), freedom from haemorrhagic stroke (90.5% vs. 70.1%; p < 0.001) and from pump thrombosis (98.5% vs. 74.7%; p < 0.001) in HVAD cohort. Although similar perioperative outcome, patients implanted with HVAD developed a higher risk for mortality, haemorrhagic stroke and thrombosis during 5 years of follow-up compared to HM3 patients.

Does the distance between residency and implanting center affect the outcome of patients supported by left ventricular assist devices? A multicenter Italian study on radial mechanically assisted circulatory support (MIRAMACS) analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with LVAD require continuous monitoring and care, and since Implanting Centers (ICs) are more experienced in managing LVAD patients than other healthcare facilities, the distance between patient residency and IC could negatively affect the outcomes.

METHODS

Data of patients discharged after receiving an LVAD implantation between 2010 and 2021 collected from the MIRAMACS database were retrospectively analyzed. The population was divided into two groups: A (n = 175) and B (n = 141), according to the distance between patient residency and IC ≤ or >90 miles. The primary endpoint was freedom from Adverse Events (AEs), a composite outcome composed of death, cerebrovascular accident, hospital admission because of GI bleeding, infection, pump thrombosis, and right ventricular failure. Secondary endpoints were incidences of mortality and complications. All patients were followed-up regularly, according to participating center protocols.

RESULTS

Baseline clinical characteristics and indications for LVAD did not differ between the two groups. The mean duration of support was 25.5 ± 21 months for Group A and 25.7 ± 20 months for Group B (p = 0.79). At 3 years, freedom from AEs was similar between Group A and Group B (p = 0.36), and there were no differences in rates of mortality and LVAD-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Distance from the IC does not represent a barrier to successful outcomes as long as regular and continuous follow-up is provided.

P55 A CHALLENGING RIGHT ATRIAL MASS

A 64–year–old woman presented at the Emergency Department with worsening dyspnoea and fever. Blood tests revealed normal white blood count, elevated C–reactive protein (244 mg/L) and D–dimer (2618 ng/mL). At arterial blood gases test hypoxaemia and hypocapnia was found (pH 7.48, pO2 83 mmHg, pCO2 30 mmHg, base excess –1.2 mmol/L, lactates 1.0 mmol/L). She underwent thoracic computed tomography (CT), which showed right inferior pulmonary embolism with infarction. A transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed the presence of a mobile heterogeneous iso–hyperechoic neoformation completely occupying the right atrial cavity and moving partially across the tricuspid valve (Figure 1). A right atrial thrombotic formation was hypothesized and, due to its dimension, despite a valid hemodynamic, the patient underwent thrombolysis with rtPA 100 mg iv infusion over 2 hours. However, the next day at CT and TTE the mass was still there and unmodified. The screening for thrombophilia and for cancer markers were negative. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was waived because the clinical conditions were rapidly deteriorating. Indeed, the patient was transferred for urgent cardiac surgery. The excised mass was 5 cm x 3.5 cm large and adherent to the right atrial roof, 1 cm close to the atrioventricular node. It was completely removed by the cardiac surgeon (Figure 2). The subsequent journey was regular, without complications. The histologic exam revealed that the mass was a giant myxoma (Figure 3). At follow–up the patient persisted asymptomatic. Figure 1. Transthoracic echocardiography. Figure 2. The excised right atrial mass. Figure 3. Histologic examination of the right atrial mass.

P226 LONGITUDINAL EVALUATION OF CONGESTION AND RENAL FUNCTION IN ADVANCED HEART FAILURE PATIENTS TREATED WITH A LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE

Introduction

In patients affected by advanced heart failure (advHF) long term mechanical support with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) is a established therapeutic option. Congestion and renal function in pts treated with a LVAD require expert management.

Aim

Describe the longitudinal trend of congestion and renal function during a 12th follow–up in advHF pts treated with a LVAD, examine the correlation between congestion and renal function, study predictors of sustained improvement of congestion and renal function.

Methods

retrospective single–centre analysis of 39 pts treated with a LVAD and followed in ASST–PG23 Hospital for at least 12 months. Biochemical, echocardiographic and clinical parameters were collected at specific time points from baseline to 12 months after hospitalization during which a LVAD was implanted. Congestion was studied with BNP, bilirubin, haematocrit and daily diuretics dosage. Renal function was studied with absolute changes of eGFR (Cockcroft–Gault). Primary endpoint was sustained improvement of congestion and renal function, derived after comparing baseline pre–LVAD and 12th month parameters.

Results

congestion improved early after LVAD implantation, with steep and high reduction of BNP, bilirubin and daily diuretics dosage. The improvement was higher in those pts with a baseline BNP&gt;median. Bilirubin, haematocrit and daily diuretics dosage showed statistically significant correlations with BNP. Sustained improvement of congestion was present in 59% pts, in particular in those with higher baseline BNP (p = 0.04 after χ²–test). Renal function showed an early steep improvement from baseline pre–LVAD to discharge, more significant in those pts with baseline CKD; during the following months renal function did not show significant changes. Sustained improvement of renal function was present in 54% pts, in particular in those with baseline CKD (p = 0.002 after χ²–test). No significant correlations were found after comparing the trend of congestion and renal function. At multivariable logistic regression, no significant predictors were found for sustained improvement of congestion or renal function.

Conclusions

A multiparametric evaluation of congestion in pts with a LVAD is feasible. The benefit derived from LVAD support appears to be higher in those pts with a baseline higher risk, both in term of congestion and renal function. No significant correlation between the trend of congestion and renal function was found.

C15 DOES THE DISTANCE BETWEEN RESIDENCY AND IMPLANTING CENTER AFFECT THE OUTCOME OF PATIENTS SUPPORTED BY LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE? A MULTICENTER ITALIAN STUDY ON RADIAL MECHANICALLY ASSISTED CIRCULATORY SUPPORT (MIRAMACS) ANALYSIS

Background

Patients with LVAD require continuous monitoring and care, and since Implanting Centers (IC) are more experienced in managing LVAD patients than other health care facilities, the distance between patient residency and IC could negatively affect the outcomes.

Methods

Data of patients discharged after receiving a LVAD implantation between 2010 and 2021 collected into the MIRAMACS database were retrospectively analyzed. The population was divided into two groups: A (n = 175) and B (n = 141), according to a distance between patient residency and IC ≤ or &gt;of 90 miles. The primary end–point was freedom form Adverse Events (AEs), a composite outcome composed by death, cerebrovascular accident, hospital admission because of GI bleeding, infection, pump thrombosis or right ventricular failure. Secondary end–points were incidences of mortality and complications. All patients were followed–up regularly, according to participating centers protocols, by means of clinical visits, telemonitoring and local care–sharing.

Results

Baseline clinical characteristics and indications for LVAD did not differ between the two groups (Figure 1). Mean duration of support was 25.5±21 months for Group A and 25.7±20 months for Group B (p = 0.79). At 3 years, freedom from AEs was similar between Group A and B (p = 0.32, Figure 2), and there were no differences in rates of mortality and LVAD–related complications (Figure 2).

Conclusions

Distance from the IC does not represent a barrier to successful outcome, as long as regular and continuous follow–up is provided. Telemonitoring could offer several benefits, including early detection of complications and continuous evaluation of patient conditions and data of the pump. Moreover, it seemed to reduce the patient anxiety related to the device, increasing direct communication with the VAD–team. On the other hand, shared health programs with local facilities remains an attractive way to follow–up patient, provided that LVAD specific resources and trained staff are available. The dissemination of LVAD–specific care knowledge is also important to face urgent or emergent needs in the rapidly enlarging population of LVAD patients, by empowering local healthcare facilities.

Study design and rationale of the pAtients pResenTing with cOngenital heaRt dIseAse Register (ARTORIA-R)

Aim

Due to improved therapy in childhood, many patients with congenital heart disease reach adulthood and are termed adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). ACHD often develop heart failure (HF) as a consequence of initial palliative surgery or complex anatomy and subsequently require advanced HF therapy. ACHD are usually excluded from trials evaluating heart failure therapies, and in this context, more data about heart failure trajectories in ACHD are needed to guide the management of ACHD suffering from HF.

Methods and results

The pAtients pResenTing with cOngenital heaRt dIseAse Register (ARTORIA‐R) will collect data from ACHD evaluated or listed for heart or heart‐combined organ transplantation from 16 countries in Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. We plan retrospective collection of data from 1989–2020 and will include patients prospectively. Additional organizations and hospitals in charge of transplantation of ACHD will be asked in the future to contribute data to the register. The primary outcome is the combined endpoint of delisting due to clinical worsening or death on the waiting list. The secondary outcome is delisting due to clinical improvement while on the waiting list. All‐cause mortality following transplantation will also be assessed. The data will be entered into an electronic database with access to the investigators participating in the register. All variables of the register reflect key components important for listing of the patients or assessing current HF treatment.

Conclusion

The ARTORIA‐R will provide robust information on current management and outcomes of adults with congenital heart disease suffering from advanced heart failure.

The frequency of rare and monogenic diseases in pediatric organ transplant recipients in Italy

Background

Rare diseases are chronic and life-threatening disorders affecting < 1 person every 2,000. For most of them, clinical symptoms and signs can be observed at birth or childhood. Approximately 80% of all rare diseases have a genetic background and most of them are monogenic conditions. In addition, while the majority of these diseases is still incurable, early diagnosis and specific treatment can improve patients’ quality of life. Transplantation is among the therapeutic options and represents the definitive treatment for end-stage organ failure, both in children and adults. The aim of this paper was to analyze, in a large cohort of Italian patients, the main rare genetic diseases that led to organ transplantation, specifically pointing the attention on the pediatric cohort.

Results

To the purpose of our analysis, we considered heart, lung, liver and kidney transplants included in the Transplant Registry (TR) of the Italian National Transplantation Center in the 2002–2019 timeframe. Overall, 49,404 recipients were enrolled in the cohort, 5.1% of whom in the pediatric age. For 40,909 (82.8%) transplant recipients, a disease diagnosis was available, of which 38,615 in the adult cohort, while 8,495 patients (17.2%) were undiagnosed. There were 128 disease categories, and of these, 117 were listed in the main rare disease databases. In the pediatric cohort, 2,294 (5.6%) patients had a disease diagnosis: of the 2,126 (92.7%) patients affected by a rare disease, 1,402 (61.1%) presented with a monogenic condition. As expected, the frequencies of pathologies leading to organ failure were different between the pediatric and the adult cohort. Moreover, the pediatric group was characterized, compared to the adult one, by an overall better survival of the graft at ten years after transplant, with the only exception of lung transplants. When comparing survival considering rare vs non-rare diseases or rare and monogenic vs rare non-monogenic conditions, no differences were highlighted for kidney and lung transplants, while rare diseases had a better survival in liver as opposed to heart transplants.

Conclusions

This work represents the first national survey analyzing the main genetic causes and frequencies of rare and/or monogenic diseases leading to organ failure and requiring transplantation both in adults and children.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-02013-x.

COVID-19 in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Analysis of the Northern Italian Outbreak

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical course and outcomes of all heart transplant recipients affected by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) who were followed at the leading heart transplant centers of Northern Italy.

BACKGROUND

The worldwide severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for public health, demanding exceptional efforts for the successful management and treatment of affected patients. Heart transplant patients represent a unique cohort of chronically immunosuppressed subjects in which SARS-CoV-2 may stimulate an unpredictable clinical course of infection.

METHODS

Since February 2020, we enrolled all 47 cases (79% male) in a first cohort of patients, with a mean age of 61.8 ± 14.5 years, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, out of 2,676 heart transplant recipients alive before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic at 7 heart transplant centers in Northern Italy.

RESULTS

To date, 38 patients required hospitalization while 9 remained self-home quarantined and 14 died. Compared to the general population, prevalence (18 vs. 7 cases per 1,000) and related case fatality rate (29.7% vs. 15.4%) in heart transplant recipients were doubled. Univariable analysis showed older age (p = 0.002), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.040), extracardiac arteriopathy (p = 0.040), previous PCI (p = 0.040), CAV score (p = 0.039), lower GFR (p = 0.004), and higher NYHA functional classes (p = 0.023) were all significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. During the follow-up two patients died and a third patient has prolonged viral-shedding alternating positive and negative swabs. Since July 1st, 2020, we had 6 new patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 5 patients asymptomatic were self-quarantined, while 1 is still hospitalized for pneumonia. A standard therapy was maintained for all, except for the hospitalized patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence and mortality of SARS-CoV-2 should spur clinicians to immediately refer heart transplant recipients suspected as having SARS-CoV2 infection to centers specializing in the care of this vulnerable population.

A case series of novel coronavirus infection in heart transplantation from 2 centers in the pandemic area in the North of Italy

Background

Little is known about the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) in solid organ transplanted patients. We here report a series of heart transplanted patients with COVID-19 from two centers of Italy.

Methods

All heart transplanted patients of Transplant Centers of Bergamo and Torino with a microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled. Data collection included clinical presentation, laboratory and radiological findings, treatment and outcome. Follow-up was performed by visit or phone.

Results

From February to March 2020 twenty-six heart transplanted patients (age 62±12 years; 77% males; time from transplant 10±10 years; 69% with comorbidities) had a microbiologically confirmed COVID-19. The most frequent symptom was fever, followed by cough. Seventeen patients had a pneumonia, 8 of them severe pneumonia. Seven patients died (27%) and 17 (65%) were hospitalized. Discontinuation of immunosuppression was associated with death (71 vs 21%, p=0.02). Conversely, all patients receiving steroids survived (p<0.001). Patients who received heart transplantation during COVID-19 outbreak survived and no acute graft rejection occurred. Patients who died were older than survivors, had a longer time from transplant and a worse clinical presentation at diagnosis.

The current regimen enabled the prolonged survival and function of orthotopic cardiac xenografts in altogether 6 of 8 baboons, of which 4 were now added. These results exceed the threshold set by the Advisory Board of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.

Conclusions

COVID-19 has a significant impact on long term heart transplanted patients. Conversely, SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to have a limited influence on more recent transplants. Our experience may suggest that heart transplantation programs can be maintained even during the pandemic phase if specific and tailored paths to prevent and to limit virus transmission are provided.

X-ray scanning microscopies of microcalcifications in abdominal aortic and popliteal artery aneurysms

Abdominal aortic and popliteal artery aneurysms are vascular diseases which show massive degeneration, weakening of the vascular wall and loss of the vascular tissue functionality. They are driven by inflammatory, hemodynamical factors and biological alterations that may lead, in the case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, to sudden and dangerous ruptures of the arteries. Here, human aortic and popliteal aneurysm tissues were obtained during surgical repair, and studied by synchrotron radiation X-ray scanning microdiffraction and small-angle scattering, to investigate the microcalcifications present in the tissues. Data collected during the experiments were transformed into quantitative microscopy images through the combination of statistical approaches and crystallographic methods. As a result of this multi-step analysis, microcalcifications, which are markers of the pathology, were classified in terms of chemical and structural content. This analysis helped to identify the presence of nanocrystalline hy-droxy-apatite and microcrystalline cholesterol, embedded in myofilament, and elastin-containing tissue with low collagen content in predominantly nanocrystalline areas. The generality of the approach allows it to be transferred to other types of tissue and other pathologies affected by microcalcifications, such as thyroid carcinoma, breast cancer, testicular microli-thia-sis or glioblastoma.

Mechanical circulatory support: 60 years of evolving knowledge

Since the 1950s when the first devices for mechanical circulatory support were developed, there has been an impressive evolution of their technology. The first pioneering pumps were used to rescue acute complications after cardiac surgery. Advances in technology, increased knowledge of flow dynamics, and a more appropriate selection of the patients who actually need this support have contributed to significantly improve the benefits of this therapy. Today, mechanical circulatory support is an essential tool for the treatment of advanced heart failure. This strategy is used either as a bridge to heart transplantation or as a destination therapy for patients who do not meet the transplant criteria. A third indication is the bridge to recovery option for those patients in whom the improvement in cardiac function may be so important that the pump can be removed and the transplantation circumvented. In addition, mechanical circulatory support has fostered marked improvements in several clinical aspects affecting both patient health and quality of life. Despite the improvements in the technology of the devices of the last generation, severe adverse effects are still the Achilles heel of mechanical circulatory support therapy. This review summarizes the history, the technology, the clinical outcomes, and the possible future directions of this therapy.

Comparison of growth factor and interleukin content of adult peripheral blood and cord blood serum eye drops for cornea and ocular surface diseases

INTRODUCTION

Various blood-derived products have been proposed for the topical treatment of ocular surface diseases. The aim of the study was to compare the different content of Growth Factors (GFs) and Interleukins (ILs) in peripheral blood (PB-S) and Cord Blood (CB-S) sera.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sera were obtained from 105 healthy adult donors (PB-S) and 107 umbilical/placental veins at the time of delivery (CB-S). The levels of epithelial-GF (EGF), fibroblast-GF (FGF), platelet-derived-GF (PDGF), insulin-GF (IGF), transforming-GF alpha (TGF-α,) and beta 1-2-3 (TGF-β1-β2-β3), vascular endothelial-GF (VEGF), nerve-GF (NGF), Interleukin (IL)-1β,IL-4,IL-6,IL-10, and IL-13 were assessed by Bio-Plex Protein Array System (Bio-Rad Laboratories, CA, USA). The Mann-Whitney test for unpaired data was applied to compare GFs and ILs levels in the two sources. The associations among each GF/IL level and the obstetric data for CB-S and hematological characteristics for PB-S were also investigated.

RESULTS

The levels of EGF, TGF-α, TGF-β2, FGF, PDGF, VEGF, NGF, IL-1B, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13 were significantly higher in CB-S compared to PB-S. Conversely, the levels of IGF-1, IGF-2, and TGF-β1 were significantly higher in PB-S. The female sex and the weight of the child showed a significant association in predicting EGF and PDGF levels.

CONCLUSION

A significantly different content in those GFs and ILs was demonstrated in the two blood sources. Since each GF/IL selectively regulates different cellular processes involved in corneal healing, the use of PB-S or CB-S should be chosen on the basis of the cellular mechanism to be promoted in each clinical case.

Therapeutic Possibilities of 131I-Mibg in Metastatic Carcinoid Tumors - Preliminary Report

The poor results of traditional therapy in advanced carcinoid tumors and the well-proven uptake of 131I-MIBG shown by some of these tumors induced us to attempt a radiometabolic approach. We selected for the treatment 5 patients (3 men and 2 women) who showed progression of disease, a fairly good uptake of 131l-MIBG with severe related symptoms, and a poor response to traditional therapy. A cumulative radioactivity of 5.5-29.6 GBq was given. Acute side effects after 131l-MIBG ad ministration or late radiation-induced damages were not observed. Symptoms increased during the first 2-4 weeks in 2 patients: in one of these relief was achieved with drugs. Results concerning objective remission of the disease were unsatisfactory. In contrast, definite improvement of symptoms was shown in 2 of 5 patients, resulting in a better quality of life.

Body Fluid Spaces in Patients on CAPD

Total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were determined in 9 CAPD patients on treatment from 5 to 14 months (mean 8.6 months).

The mean value of TBW was normal and directly correlated to body weight, but TBW was abnormally distributed between extracellular and intracellular space. ECW volume was significantly lower than the predicted value (12.1 ± 1.4 I versus 16.8 ± 1.9 I) and out of proportion to TBW (34.8 ± 3.9% versus 47.8 ± 1.5%). The calculated ICW, therefore, appeared clearly hyperexpanded.

The data suggest that cell overhydration was the distinctive feature in our CAPD patients.

Sentinel Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer: The Experience of Brescia Civic Hospital

The accuracy of the sentinel node technique in the evaluation of axillary node involvement in breast cancer was evaluated in 83 consecutive patients with monofocal T1–2 carcinoma, who were clinically N0 and who underwent lymphoscintigraphy with 99mTc-colloid integrated with intraoperative sentinel node detection by a portable probe. Lymphoscintigraphy revealed at least one sentinel node in 75 patients (90.4%), always identified by the probe. In eight patients (9.6%) the sentinel node was detected neither by lymphoscintigraphy nor by the probe. All removed lymph nodes were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin histology and the sentinel node by immunostaining. In 28/75 patients (37.3%) at least one metastatic axillary lymph node was detected; in 16 of the 28 N+ subjects (57%) only the sentinel node was positive. The false negative rate (sentinel node negative/other axillary lymph nodes positive) was 17.85% (5/28 patients). In 9/23 patients (39%) micrometastases were found in the sentinel node only. In conclusion, specific sentinel node positivity in 57% of cases supports the validity of the sentinel node concept. Moreover, nine patients would have been considered No by standard hematoxylin-eosin histology without sentinel node-aided immunostaining. A 17.8% false negative rate calls for caution in patients with negative sentinel nodes.

Effects of processing on structural, mechanical and biological properties of collagen-based substrates for regenerative medicine

The aim of this work was to investigate the structural features of type I collagen isoforms and collagen-based films at atomic and molecular scales, in order to evaluate whether and to what extent different protocols of slurry synthesis may change the protein structure and the final properties of the developed scaffolds. Wide Angle X-ray Scattering data on raw materials demonstrated the preferential orientation of collagen molecules in equine tendon-derived collagens, while randomly oriented molecules were found in bovine skin collagens, together with a lower crystalline degree, analyzed by the assessment of FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum), and a certain degree of salt contamination. WAXS and FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared) analyses on bovine collagen-based films, showed that mechanical homogenization of slurry in acidic solution was the treatment ensuring a high content of super-organization of collagen into triple helices and a high crystalline domain into the material. In vitro tests on rat Schwannoma cells showed that Schwann cell differentiation into myelinating cells was dependent on the specific collagen film being used, and was found to be stimulated in case of homogenization-treated samples. Finally DHT/EDC crosslinking treatment was shown to affect mechanical stiffness of films depending on collagen source and processing conditions.

Echocardiographic outflow pump ramp test in centrifugal-flow left ventricular assist device

This study sought to develop a novel echocardiogram outflow ramp test to detect device malfunctions in centrifugal-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This new ramp pump test is based on the direct analyses of systolic and diastolic ratio (S/D) Doppler velocity in the outflow cannula in the HeartWare LVAD during progressive increases in speed. The results showed that in patients with normal pump function, the Doppler velocity S/D ratio gradually decreased during LVAD speed increases. This test is easily performed and seems promising to detect normal pump function in patients assisted by a centrifugal flow LVAD.

Protective Effect of Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction on Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury of Rat Liver

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids have been subjected to considerable investigation because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is no previously reported study about its effect on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). We investigated the effects of micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) on hepatic I/R injury in rats.

METHODS

Thirty rats were recruited in the study as follows: group A, sham operation (n = 10); group B, I/R (n = 10); and group C, I/R+MPFF (n = 10). In group C, rats received (80 mg/kg/day) MPFF by gavage for 3 days before surgery, 30 minutes before ischemia and just before the reperfusion. Blood samples were taken, and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured to assess liver functions. Liver tissues were taken for histological evaluation and to determine the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and myeloperoxidase (MPO).

RESULTS

The present data showed a decrease in AST, ALT, and LDH levels in the MPFF-treated rats when compared with I/R group rats (P < .001 for all). In the MPFF-treated rats, tissue levels of TOS, OSI, and MPO were significantly lower than those in the I/R group (P < .01, P < .001, and P < .05, respectively). Increases in TAC and CAT levels were statistically significant in the MPFF-treated rats compared with the I/R group (P = .01 for both). On the other hand, MPFF attenuated histological alterations that were induced by I/R.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that MPFF ameliorates I/R-induced liver damage, probably through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Is heart transplantation for complex congenital heart disease a good option? A 25-year single centre experience

OBJECTIVES

Heart transplantation (HTx) in patients with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) is a challenge because of structural anomalies and multiple previous procedures. We analysed our results in adult and paediatric patients to evaluate outcome and assess risk factors affecting mortality.

METHODS

Between 1985 and 2011, among 839 patients who underwent HTx, 85 received transplantation for end-stage CHD. Patients were divided into four age subgroups: <1 year (8 patients, Group I), 1-10 years (20 patients, Group II), 11-18 years (24 patients, Group III) and >18 years (33 patients, Group IV) and into two time periods: 1985-2000 (47 patients) and 2001-2011 (38 patients). Anatomical diagnoses were single-ventricle defect in 37 patients (44%) and two-ventricle defect in 48 patients (56%). Seventy-three patients (86%) had undergone one or more cardiac surgical procedures prior to HTx (mean 2.4 ± 0.9). Twenty-two of them were suffering from Fontan failure. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was 25.2 ± 14.2 mmHg. Mean transpulmonary gradient was 9.4 ± 6.9 mmHg.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up after HTx was 7.8 ± 6.8 years. Survival at 1 month was 37.7% in Group I, 85.8% in Group II, 96.8% in Group II and 98.4% in Group IV and was significantly worse in younger recipients. Overall 30-day mortality was 17.6%. Currently 56 patients (65.8%) are alive. Overall survival at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years is 83-, 73-, 67- and 58%, respectively. There were 14 late deaths. Univariate analysis found that risk factors for early and late death were those related to recipient illness, such as pre-transplant creatinine, intravenous inotropic drugs, intravenous diuretics, mechanical ventilation and presence of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). Multivariate analysis for all events (early and late deaths) identified preoperative mechanical ventilation as an independent risk factor for mortality. Number of previous procedures did not influence survival. Previous Fontan procedure did not increase mortality. We documented the reversibility of PLE in survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that heart transplantation for patients with CHD can be performed with the expectation of excellent results. Previous procedures, including the Fontan operation, do not reduce survival. Mortality is related to preoperative patient condition. We advocate early referral of complex CHD patients for transplant assessment and for inclusion in waiting lists before the detrimental effects of end-stage failure manifest themselves.