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Immohr MB, Aubin H, Erbel-Khurtsidze S, Dalyanoglu H, Bruno RR, Westenfeld R, Tudorache I, Akhyari P, Boeken U, Lichtenberg A. Impact of pretransplant left ventricular assist device support duration on outcome after heart transplantation. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2021; 34:462-469. [PMID: 34647129 PMCID: PMC8860434 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivab265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Heart transplantation after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains challenging. It is still unclear whether its support duration impacts the outcome after transplantation.
METHODS All patients undergoing heart transplantation between 2010 and 2021 at a single department after previous left ventricular assistance were retrospectively reviewed and divided into 4 different study groups with regard to the duration of LVAD support to examine the impact on the postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS A total of n = 198 patients were included and assigned to the 4 study groups (group 1: <90 days, n = 14; group 2: 90 days to 1 year, n = 31; group 3: 1–2 years, n = 29; group 4: >2 years, n = 24). Although there were no differences between the 4 groups concerning relevant mismatch between the recipients and donors, the incidence of primary graft dysfunction was numerically increased in patients with the shortest support duration, and also those patients with >1 year of support (group 1: 35.7%, group 2: 25.8%, group 3: 41.4%, group 4: 37.5%, P = 0.63). The incidence of acute graft rejection was by trend increased in patients of group 1 (group 1: 28.6%, group 2: 3.3%, group 3: 7.1%, group 4: 12.5%, P = 0.06). Duration of LVAD support did not impact on perioperative adverse events (infections, P = 0.79; acute kidney injury, P = 0.85; neurological events, P = 0.74; thoracic bleeding, P = 0.61), neither on postoperative survival (1-year survival: group 1: 78.6%, group 2: 66.7%, group 3: 80.0%, group 4: 72.7%, P = 0.74). CONCLUSION We cannot identify a significant impact of the duration of pretransplant LVAD support on postoperative outcome; therefore, we cannot recommend a certain timeframe for transplantation of LVAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Benjamin Immohr
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hug Aubin
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sophiko Erbel-Khurtsidze
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hannan Dalyanoglu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Raphael Romano Bruno
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Angiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ralf Westenfeld
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Angiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Igor Tudorache
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Udo Boeken
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Artur Lichtenberg
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Clarke B, Ducharme A, Giannetti N, Kim D, McDonald M, Pflugfelder P, Rajda M, Sénéchal M, Stadnick E, Toma M, Zieroth S, Isaac D. Multicenter evaluation of a national organ sharing policy for highly sensitized patients listed for heart transplantation in Canada. J Heart Lung Transplant 2017; 36:491-498. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
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Bienia S, Feider A, Griauzde R, Patel KD, Minhaj MM. CASE 13—2016 Minimally Invasive Left Ventricular Assist Device Insertion Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2016; 30:1716-1726. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2015.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Quantification, identification, and relevance of anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies formed in association with the berlin heart ventricular assist device in children. Transplantation 2013; 95:1542-7. [PMID: 23778570 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3182925242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are increasingly being used in pediatric patients to provide long-term cardiac support. One potential complication of VAD therapy is the development of antibodies directed against human leukocyte antigens (HLA). This phenomenon has not been well described with the Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD, the most commonly used VAD in pediatric patients. METHODS The records of all pediatric patients undergoing VAD support using the Berlin Heart device at our institution between April 2005 and August 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic and clinical data regarding the VAD course were collected. Assessment of anti-HLA antibodies was performed using Luminex, and antibodies were quantified using mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). Assessment for anti-HLA antibodies was performed before VAD implantation and in serial fashion after VAD implantation. Clinically significant anti-HLA antibodies (sensitization) were defined by an MFI of more than 1000. RESULTS Thirty-six patients were supported with the Berlin Heart VAD; 13 met inclusion criteria. The majority (85%) carried the diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy. Evidence of sensitization pre-VAD was found in 69%; new-onset sensitization (the development of new antibodies on VAD) occurred in 69%. All patients survived to transplantation. In two patients, the retrospective crossmatch was positive, but only in one patient was the crossmatch positive for antibodies formed while on VAD. CONCLUSIONS Using Luminex and MFI quantification, anti-HLA antibodies are common before VAD implantation in pediatric patients. While on VAD support, new anti-HLA antibodies formed in a majority, but the immediate impact of these antibodies appears to be limited.
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Grutter G, Amodeo A, Brancaccio G, Parisi F. Panel reactive antibody monitoring in pediatric patients undergoing ventricle assist device as a bridge to heart transplantation. Artif Organs 2013; 37:435-8. [PMID: 23419042 DOI: 10.1111/aor.12016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We describe the incidence and patterns of anti-human leukocyte antigens antibody production in a pediatric population undergoing ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation. Serial panel reactive antibody was obtained prior to VAD implant, during VAD support, and after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Seven children (median age 15 months) underwent VAD support as bridge to OHT. Posttransplant sensitization occurred in 42% of VAD patients and in 14% during VAD support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Grutter
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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6
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Kahan BD. Forty years of publication of Transplantation Proceedings--the fourth decade: Globalization of the enterprise. Transplant Proc 2011; 43:3-29. [PMID: 21335147 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2010.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Barry D Kahan
- Division of Immunology and Organ Transplantation, The University of Texas-Health Science Center at Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Shuhaiber JH, Hur K, Gibbons R. The influence of preoperative use of ventricular assist devices on survival after heart transplantation: propensity score matched analysis. BMJ 2010; 340:c392. [PMID: 20147346 PMCID: PMC2820162 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.c392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of the preoperative placement of a left ventricular assist device on survival after heart transplantation. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Organ sharing database with patient level data on heart transplants in the United States. PARTICIPANTS 2786 adults aged 18 or older in status 1A or 1B (highest priority for heart transplantation with either some form of ventricular assist device, intravenous inotrope, or life expectancy of less than seven days), based on the United Network for Organ Sharing Registry, 1996-2004. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Survival after heart transplantation in patients who did and did not receive a left ventricular assist device. RESULTS The left ventricular assist device was not associated with decreased survival, even after the data were stratified by propensity score (the odds of being a treated patient). Inspection of the strata showed no difference in survival between patients who received the device and those who did not. The hazard ratios in strata 1 to 5 were 0.69, 1.37, 1.55, 0.75, and 1.19, respectively, and none was statistically significant. CONCLUSION Overall, survival after heart transplantation in patients who received a left ventricular assist device before transplantation was comparable to those who did not receive the device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey H Shuhaiber
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, MLC 2004, Cincinnati, OH 45229-0309, USA.
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Abstract
Cardiac transplantation remains the best treatment in patients with advanced heart failure with a high risk of death. However, an inadequate supply of donor hearts decreases the likelihood of transplantation for many patients. Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are being increasingly used as a bridge to transplantation in patients who may not survive long enough to receive a heart. This expansion in VAD use has been associated with increasing rates of allosensitization in cardiac transplant candidates. Anti-HLA antibodies can be detected before transplantation using different techniques. Complement-dependent lymphocytotoxicity assays are widely used for measurement of panel-reactive antibody (PRA) and for crossmatch purposes. Newer assays using solid-phase flow techniques feature improved specificity and offer detailed information concerning antibody specificities, which may lead to improvements in donor-recipient matching. Allosensitization prolongs the wait time for transplantation and increases the risk of post-transplantation complications and death; therefore, decreasing anti-HLA antibodies in sensitized transplant candidates is of vital importance. Plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab have been used to decrease the PRA before transplantation, with varying degrees of success. The most significant post-transplantation complications seen in allosensitized recipients are antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Often, AMR manifests with severe allograft dysfunction and hemodynamic compromise. The underlying pathophysiology is not fully understood but appears to involve complement-mediated activation of endothelial cells resulting in ischemic injury. The treatment of AMR in cardiac recipients is largely empirical and includes high-dose corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab. Diffuse concentric stenosis of allograft coronary arteries due to intimal expansion is a characteristic of CAV. Its pathophysiology is unclear but may involve chronic complement-mediated endothelial injury. Sirolimus and everolimus can delay the progression of CAV. In some nonsensitized cardiac transplant recipients, the de novo formation of anti-HLA antibodies after transplantation may increase the likelihood of adverse clinical outcomes. Serial post-transplantation PRAs may be advisable in patients at high risk of de novo allosensitization.
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O'Connor MJ, Menteer J, Chrisant MR, Monos D, Lind C, Levine S, Gaynor JW, Hanna BD, Paridon SM, Ravishankar C, Kaufman BD. Ventricular assist device-associated anti-human leukocyte antigen antibody sensitization in pediatric patients bridged to heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant 2010; 29:109-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2009.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2009] [Revised: 08/27/2009] [Accepted: 08/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Coppage M, Baker M, Fialkow L, Meehan D, Gettings K, Chen L, Massey HT, Blumberg N. Lack of significant de novo HLA allosensitization in ventricular assist device recipients transfused with leukoreduced, ABO identical blood products. Hum Immunol 2009; 70:413-6. [PMID: 19275923 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2009.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2008] [Revised: 02/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ventricular assist devices provide support for a failing heart and often serve as a bridge to transplantation. The use of these devices has also been associated with allosensitization to HLA antigens because of transfusion of blood products. Our program established a protocol mandating the use of leukoreduced, irradiated and ABO identical products, including platelets, in patients receiving initial implantations of VADs as a bridge to transplantation. Recipients were tested for anti-HLA antibodies before VAD implantation and monthly post-implantation by cytotoxicity and solid phase assays. We observed minimal de novo anti-HLA sensitization (<10%) in this population of 55 patients, each receiving a mean of 90 blood components, using this approach. No patient developed broad sensitization (PRA>50%). In conclusion, The use of leukoreduced, irradiated, ABO identical blood products abrogates broad allosensitization in this highly transfused population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myra Coppage
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Update on ventricular assist device technology. AACN Adv Crit Care 2009; 20:26-34; quiz 35-6. [PMID: 19174634 DOI: 10.1097/nci.0b013e31819437d3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ventricular assist devices are an important component in the arsenal of therapies to support the failing heart. This article provides an update on the variety of pulsatile, centrifugal, and axial-flow devices available in the United States. Common indications such as Bridge to Recovery and Bridge to Transplant are explored, as are the emerging indications Destination Therapy, Bridge to Decision, and Bridge to Bridge. Ventricular assist devices as support during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention and the devices that can be rapidly deployed for this support are included. Clinical aspects of patient care including common complications, psychosocial concerns, and ethical considerations are reviewed.
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Nwakanma LU, Williams JA, Weiss ES, Russell SD, Baumgartner WA, Conte JV. Influence of Pretransplant Panel-Reactive Antibody on Outcomes in 8,160 Heart Transplant Recipients in Recent Era. Ann Thorac Surg 2007; 84:1556-62; discussion 1562-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2007.05.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2006] [Revised: 05/28/2007] [Accepted: 05/29/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Pollock-BarZiv SM, den Hollander N, Ngan BY, Kantor P, McCrindle B, West LJ, Dipchand AI. Pediatric Heart Transplantation in Human Leukocyte Antigen–Sensitized Patients. Circulation 2007; 116:I172-8. [PMID: 17846300 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.107.709022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background—
There is an elevated risk for poor outcomes after heart transplant (HTx) in patients sensitized to human leukocyte antigens including graft dysfunction, acute cellular and antibody-mediated (AMR) rejection, and cardiac allograft vasculopathy. We report our experience with human leukocyte antigens–sensitized pediatric HTx recipients.
Methods and Results—
We identified pediatric HTx patients with elevated pre-HTx Panel Reactive Antibody (Class I/II; >10%), or a positive T- or B-cell crossmatch. Thirteen patients met criteria (5 female, 39%). The median age at HTx was 7 months (3.5 months to 15.5 years). Nine were infants who had prior palliation for congenital heart disease. Four were older patients (median 7.3 years; 4.8 to 15.5 years): 2 had congenital heart disease (Fontan), 2 were re-HTx. B-cell therapies were used in all patients, guided by assessment of CD19+ and CD20+ cells. Immunosuppression included thymoglobulin induction, and tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. Daily plasmapheresis ± intravenous immunoglobulin G was used if there was a positive crossmatch on day 1, with a gradual, biopsy-guided weaning schedule. Rituximab was used when AMR was detected on biopsy: more recently (n=3), used empirically perioperatively. AMR was confirmed in 9 patients within median 0.9 months post-HTx. Seven had early acute cellular rejection (≥ ISHLT Grade 2 R) with no hemodynamic compromise or graft dysfunction. There were 4 deaths post-HTx (range, 11 days to 9 months). The median follow-up of 9 survivors was 1.7 years (0.3 to 3.7 years). Of 7 patients >6 months post-HTx, no AMR or cardiac allograft vasculopathy was observed at a mean of 1.9+1.1 years post-HTx and no cardiac allograft vasculopathy.
Conclusions—
Despite aggressive management, acute cellular rejection and AMR occurred frequently early post-HTx. An algorithm of B cell–directed strategies can be effective in managing these patients with reasonable intermediate-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey M Pollock-BarZiv
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children/University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Monkowski DH, Axelrod P, Fekete T, Hollander T, Furukawa S, Samuel R. Infections associated with ventricular assist devices: epidemiology and effect on prognosis after transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2007; 9:114-20. [PMID: 17461996 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2006.00185.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventricular assist devices (VADs) can be used as a bridge to orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) in people with severe congestive heart failure. Although they can be inserted for an indefinite time period (unlike balloon pumps), they do carry a substantial risk of infection. We studied the epidemiology, microbiology, and consequences of infection in patients with VADs who ultimately had cardiac transplantation. METHODS Records of VAD-supported patients at our institution between January 1995 and January 2005 were identified by ICD-9 code. Infection was classified as driveline infection, pocket infection, mediastinitis, or VAD endocarditis in increasing severity of illness. RESULTS Of 73 patients identified by ICD-9 code, 60 had charts available for review. Of these 60, 72% had a VAD infection: 13 had VAD endocarditis; 3, mediastinitis; 25, pocket infection; and 29, driveline infection. The only association of infection (43 patients, 72%) and demography or underlying disease was that of endocarditis with older age (median age 59 vs. 53 years; P=0.02) and diabetes mellitus (13 patients, 30%; risk ratio 3.4; P=0.01). The duration of VAD support was longer in infected patients (median 125 days) vs. uninfected ones (25 days). Median survival measured from the time of VAD placement (although also true from the time of transplantation) was shorter in patients with VAD endocarditis (120 days) and pocket infection (350 days) vs. no infection (>2400 days) with a significant P=0.017 for endocarditis. Four patients had infections after transplantation that were caused by the same organism as their VAD infection. The predominant pathogens in VAD infection were Staphylococcus and Enterococcus spp. CONCLUSION VAD use as a bridge to cardiac transplantation is associated with a large number of device-related infections. Patients with infected VADs, on average, wait longer for transplantation than patients with uninfected VADs, and patients with VAD endocarditis have a shorter survival than patients with no VAD infection or simple driveline infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D H Monkowski
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Temple University School of Medicine and Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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Abstract
Ventricular assist devices (VADs) play an increasingly important role in the care of cardiovascular patients. Developed initially for support of cardiothoracic surgery patients experiencing difficulty in weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, these devices have been used extensively as a bridge to cardiac transplantation for patients who are failing on medical management. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of a VAD as destination therapy, providing a permanent means of support for patients with advanced heart failure who are not eligible for heart transplantation. Applications for VADs are expanding and advances in technology occurring to support these new applications. This article provides an overview of current and emerging VADs and nursing management of the VAD patient.
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Jhang J, Middlesworth W, Shaw R, Charette K, Papa J, Jefferson R, Torloni AS, Schwartz J. Therapeutic plasma exchange performed in parallel with extra corporeal membrane oxygenation for antibody mediated rejection after heart transplantation. J Clin Apher 2007; 22:333-8. [DOI: 10.1002/jca.20151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Newell H, Smith JD, Rogers P, Birks E, Danskine AJ, Fawson RE, Rose ML. Sensitization following LVAD implantation using leucodepleted blood is not due to HLA antibodies. Am J Transplant 2006; 6:1712-7. [PMID: 16827875 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2006.01342.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) is associated with HLA antibody sensitization. The objective of this study was to determine the specificity of antibodies produced by LVAD recipients using a combination of ELISA, Luminex and microcytotoxicity assays. Fifty-one LVAD patients were studied, from 44 to 838 days post-implantation. No patient developed HLA antibodies, although 24 produced IgG antibodies detectable in both ELISA and Luminex assays. These antibodies manifest as positive reactions with class I and class II wells of the ELISA and also blank wells. In Luminex assays, they produce high MFI readings with the negative control beads. Antibodies were detected 18 to 228 days after implantation. This reactivity was found to be directed against bovine serum albumin (BSA), commonly used to block non-specific binding in ELISA and Luminex assays; absorption of sera with BSA-coated beads completely abrogated reactivity in all solid phase assays, but did not eliminate anti-HLA antibodies in control sera. Ten of the 24 patients have proceeded to transplantation, with a 1-year graft survival of 69%. In conclusion, it appears that implantation of LVADS disrupts immunoregulatory pathways leading to production of anti-albumin antibodies. These can be misinterpreted as anti-HLA antibodies in solid phase assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Newell
- Transplant Immunology, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, Middx UB9 6JH, UK
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