Effect of Preoperative Albumin Levels on Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Device Implantation. ASAIO J. 2015;61:734-737. [PMID: 26262585 DOI: 10.1097/mat.0000000000000272]

Development and validation of prealbumin-bilirubin score (preALBI score) for predicting long-term survival after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter analysis versus ALBI score

BACKGROUND

The Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) score, widely used in predicting long-term prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has limitations due to serum albumin variability. This study aimed to develop and validate the Prealbumin-Bilirubin (preALBI) score as a reliable alternative.

METHODS

A multicenter cohort of HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy was randomly divided into the training and validation cohorts. The preALBI score was developed using Cox regression models within the training cohort, incorporating serum prealbumin and bilirubin levels as crucial determinants. The survival predictive accuracy was evaluated and compared between the preALBI score with two other staging systems, including the ALBI score and the Child-Pugh grade.

RESULTS

A total of 2409 patients were enrolled. In the training cohort, the preALBI score demonstrated superior performance in predicting long-term survival after hepatectomy. The preALBI score was associated with the best monotonicity of gradients (linear trend χ2: 72.84) and homogeneity (likelihood ratio χ2: 74.69), and the highest discriminatory ability (the areas under curves for 1-, 3-, and 5-year mortality: 0.663, 0.654, and 0.644, respectively). In addition, the preALBI was the most informative staging system in predicting survival (Akaike information criterion: 11325.65).The results remained consistent in both training and validation cohorts, indicating its reliable performance across different populations.

CONCLUSION

The preALBI score, leveraging the stability of prealbumin, represents a promising tool for better patient stratification, providing more accurate prognostic predictions than the ALBI score and the Child-Pugh grade.

Value of nutritional indices in predicting survival free from pump replacement and driveline infections in centrifugal left ventricular assist devices

Objective

There is a paucity of data assessing the impact of nutritional status on outcomes in patients supported with the HeartMate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Methods

Patients ≥18 years of age who underwent HM3 LVAD implantation between 2015 and 2020 were identified from a single tertiary care center. The primary outcome assessed was death or device replacement. A secondary outcome of driveline infection was also evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and a multivariate Cox-proportional hazards model were used to identify predictors of outcome.

Results

Of the 289 patients identified, 94 (33%) experienced a primary outcome and 96 (33%) a secondary outcome during a median follow-up time of 2.3 years. Independent predictors of the primary outcome included peripheral vascular disease (hazard ratio [HR], 3.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66-6.97, P < .01), diabetes mellitus (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.27-0.80, P < .01), body mass index ≥40 kg/m2 (HR, 2.63 per 1 kg/m2 increase; 95% CI, 1.22-5.70, P < .05), preoperative creatinine level (HR, 1.86 per 1 mg/dL increase; 95% CI, 1.31-2.65, P < .01), and preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) score (HR, 0.88 per 1-point increase; 95% CI, 0.81-0.96, P < .01). Independent predictors of driveline infection included age at the time of implantation (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99, P < .01) and diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.17-2.73, P < .01).

Conclusions

Preoperative PNI scores may independently predict mortality and the need for device replacement in patients with HM3 LVAD. Routine use of the PNI score during preoperative evaluation and, when possible, supplementation to PNI >33, may be of value in this population.

Use of Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device Before Durable Device Implantation in Patients With Cardiac Cachexia: Case Series

Frailty and malnutrition in patients with heart failure are barriers to durable left ventricular assist device (D-LVAD) support and heart transplantation. Moreover, cachexia in patients with advanced heart failure carries a high mortality risk. There are no guidelines for these patients other than increased caloric intake and rehabilitation. Patients suffering from cardiac cachexia and heart failure may benefit from temporary, percutaneous assist device support to improve the underlying heart disease and reverse the catabolic state. We retrospectively reviewed patients from January 2017 to January 2022. All patients who received Impella support (5.0 or 5.5, Abiomed) before D-LVAD implantation were screened. Those who met the criteria for cardiac cachexia were included. Patient demographics, nutritional and biochemical markers, and survival data were collected. A total of 14 patients were included. The majority of patients were male (85.7%) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (64.3%). Caloric intake, physical strength, and ambulation improved. Prealbumin levels improved from a median of 13.7-18.0 mg/dl ( p < 0.006) while on Impella 5.0 or 5.5 support. All patients survived to discharge and the 6 month follow-up. In conclusion, use of the Impella device improves cardiogenic shock symptoms and, consequently, may improve cachexia status prior to D-LVAD implantation.

Impact of Preoperative Liver Function on Short-Term HeartMate 3 Outcomes

Although left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is associated with improved survival, the impact of preoperative liver function on short-term outcomes is unclear. We conducted a retrospective review of all primary HeartMate 3 LVAD implants at a single center. Composite metrics of hepatic function including the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), the MELD with sodium, and the MELD excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI) were evaluated. Receiver operator characteristic curves were compared to determine which equation was most predictive of 1-year survival. Primary stratification was based on MELD-XI tertiles. Secondary stratification was based on hypoalbuminemia (<3.0 mg/100 ml). A total of 94 patients underwent primary LVAD implantation from 2017 to 2022. MELD-XI and hypoalbuminemia were most associated with 1-year outcomes. When stratified by MELD tertiles, higher MELD was strongly associated with decreased 30 days (100.00% vs 100.00% vs 90.32%, p = 0.04), 1-year (93.00% vs 93.32% vs 69.79%, p = 0.01), and 2-year survival (93.00% vs 83.21% vs 69.79%, p = 0.04). In addition, while hypoalbuminemia was associated with similar 30 days (97.87% vs 95.74%, p = 0.56) survival, it was associated with a significant decrease in 1-year (92.93% vs 77.92%, p = 0.03) and 2-year survival (92.93% vs 68.89%, p <0.01). These results persisted on multivariable analysis for both MELD-XI score (p = 0.04) and hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.04). In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate that preoperative MELD-XI score and serum albumin levels are associated with short-term HeartMate 3 outcomes.

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis

The preoperative serum albumin level has been shown to be associated with adverse postoperative complications, meaning that hypoalbuminemia may also be a risk factor. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of serum albumin levels with survival and complication rates after cardiac surgery. Relevant articles were identified through seven databases. Twenty studies with 22553 patients (hypoalbuminemia group, n = 9903; normal group, n = 12650) who underwent cardiac surgery met the inclusion criteria after screening. The primary outcomes were that hypoalbuminemia was significantly correlated with serious long-term all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.95 [1.54-2.48]; P < 0.00001) and increased mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 1.91 [1.61-2.27], P < 0.00001). Hypoalbuminemic patients with cardiopathy were more likely to suffer postoperative complications (bleeding, infections, renal injury, and others) than those whose serum albumin levels were normal. Furthermore, hypoalbuminemia increased the time in the intensive-care unit (ICU) (mean difference [MD] = 1.18 [0.49-1.87], P = 0.0008), length of hospital stay (LOS) (MD = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.88-4.80, P < 0.00001), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPB) (MD = 12.40 [1.13-23.66], P = 0.03). Hypoalbuminemia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery appears to have a poor all-cause mortality or increased risk of complications. Adjusted perioperative serum albumin levels and treatment strategies for this high-risk population have the potential to improve the survival.

Low albumin levels are independently associated with neonatal acute kidney injury: a report from AWAKEN Study Group

BACKGROUND

Data from adult and pediatric literature have shown an association between albumin levels and AKI. Whether hypoalbuminemia and neonatal AKI are associated has not been studied.

METHODS

We evaluated the association of albumin with early (during the first postnatal week) and late (after the first postnatal week) AKI for 531 neonates from the Assessment of Worldwide AKI Epidemiology in Neonates (AWAKEN) database and for 3 gestational age (GA) subgroups: < 29, 29 to < 36, and ≥ 36 weeks GA.

RESULTS

Low albumin levels were associated with increased odds of neonatal AKI; for every 0.1 g/dL decrease in albumin, the odds of late AKI increased by 12% on continuous analysis. After adjustment for potential confounders, neonates with albumin values in the lowest quartiles (< 2.2 g/dL) had an increased odds of early [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AdjOR) 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1-5.3, p < 0.03] and late AKI [AdjOR 13.4, 95% CI = 3.6-49.9, p < 0.0001] compared to those with albumin in the highest quartile (> 3.1 g/dL). This held true for albumin levels 2.3 to 2.6 g/dL for early [AdjOR 2.5, 95% CI = 1.2-5.5, p < 0.02] and late AKI [AdjOR 6.4, 95% CI = 1.9-21.6, p < 0.01]. Albumin quartiles of (2.7 to 3.0 g/dL) were associated with increased odds of late AKI. Albumin levels of 2.6 g/dL and 2.4 g/dL best predicted early (AUC = 0.59) and late AKI (AUC = 0.64), respectively. Analysis of albumin association with AKI by GA is described.

CONCLUSIONS

Low albumin levels are independently associated with early and late neonatal AKI. Albumin could be a potential modifiable risk factor for neonatal AKI.

Heart, kidney and left ventricular assist device: a complex trio

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome affecting the whole body, kidneys included. The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a valid option for patients with very severe HF. Focusing on renal function, LVAD implantation could theoretically reverse the detrimental effects of HF syndrome on kidneys. However, implanting an LVAD is a high-risk surgical procedure, and LVAD patients have higher risk of bleeding, device thrombosis, strokes, renal impairment, multi-organ failure and infections. Furthermore, an LVAD has its own particular effects on the renal system.

METHODS

In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the complex interaction between LVAD and the kidneys from the pathophysiological and clinical perspectives. An analysis of the different effects of pulsatile-flow and continuous-flow LVAD is provided.

RESULTS

Despite their limitations, creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formulas help to stratify patients by their post-LVAD placement prognosis. Poor basal renal function, the onset of acute kidney injury or the need for renal replacement therapy after LVAD implantation negatively influences a patient's prognosis. LVAD can also prompt an improvement in renal function, however, with some counterintuitive effects on a patient's prognosis.

CONCLUSION

It is still hard to say whether different trends in eGFR depend on different renal conditions before LVAD placement, on a patient's better overall status or on a particular patient management strategy before and/or after the device's implantation. Steps should be taken to solve this question because finding the best candidates for LVAD implantation is of paramount importance to ensure the best outcomes.

Nutritional assessment and comparison of nutritional indices in predicting adverse outcomes in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation

BACKGROUND

Preoperative malnutrition has been correlated to postoperative complications in patients with advanced heart failure undergoing placement of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). We sought to determine whether nutritional risk scores could identify a subset of patients with an LVAD who were at high risk of adverse events.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing LVAD placement at a single center. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), nutritional risk index (NRI), and nutrition risk in the critically ill (NUTRIC) score were calculated retrospectively from data abstracted from chart review. The primary endpoint was a composite of mortality and other adverse events associated with LVAD implantation. We used χ² or Fisher exact tests to compare these three indices against the primary outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients with a mean age of 57.2 ± 13.7 y and a mean body mass index of 29.3 ± 6.3 kg/m² underwent LVAD placement between 2011 and 2019. The composite outcome at 1 y occurred in 31 (76%) patients. Preoperatively, 3 patients were identified as at high nutritional risk by the PNI score and 39 by the NRI score but none by the NUTRIC score. Most patients received nutritional interventions. The nutritional risk scores did not differ significantly between patients who experienced the composite outcome and those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

The NRI, NUTRIC, and PNI scores did not identify a subset of patients at high risk for the composite outcome. Further studies are needed to determine how to better assess the true nutritional risk of the LVAD population. However, until better risk stratification is available, all patients with an LVAD should be consider at high risk and given appropriate nutritional interventions.

Incidence and impact of acute kidney injury on patients with implantable left ventricular assist devices: a Meta-analysis

Background: We aimed to evaluate the acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence and its associated risk of mortality in patients with implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD).Methods: A systematic literature search in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Databases was conducted through January 2020 to identify studies that provided data on the AKI incidence and AKI-associated mortality risk in adult patients with implantable LVADs. Pooled effect estimates were examined using random-effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian-Laird.Results: Fifty-six cohort studies with 63,663 LVAD patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of reported AKI was 24.9% (95%CI: 20.1%-30.4%) but rose to 36.9% (95%CI: 31.1%-43.1%) when applying the standard definition of AKI per RIFLE, AKIN, and KDIGO criteria. The pooled incidence of severe AKI requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) was 12.6% (95%CI: 10.5%-15.0%). AKI incidence did not differ significantly between types of LVAD (p = .35) or indication for LVAD use (p = .62). While meta-regression analysis did not demonstrate a significant association between study year and overall AKI incidence (p = .55), the study year was negatively correlated with the incidence of severe AKI requiring RRT (slope = -0.068, p < .001). The pooled odds ratios (ORs) of mortality at 30 days and one year in AKI patients were 3.66 (95% CI, 2.00-6.70) and 2.22 (95% CI, 1.62-3.04), respectively. The pooled ORs of mortality at 30 days and one year in severe AKI patients requiring RRT were 7.52 (95% CI, 4.58-12.33) and 5.41 (95% CI, 3.63-8.06), respectively.Conclusion: We found that more than one-third of LVAD patients develop AKI based on standard definitions, and 13% develop severe AKI requiring RRT. There has been a potential improvement in the incidence of severe AKI requiring RRT for LVAD patients. AKI in LVAD patients was associated with increased 30-day and 1 year mortality.

The Utility of Albumin Level as a Marker of Postoperative Course in Infants Undergoing Repair of Congenital Heart Disease

We sought to examine the role of preoperative and 2nd postoperative day albumin levels as predictors for postoperative course in infants undergoing repair of congenital heart disease. This retrospective, single-center, observational study comprised consecutive infants younger than 1 year who had undergone repair of tetralogy of Fallot, ventricular septal defect, complete atrioventricular canal or transposition of the great arteries over a 25 months period. We correlated preoperative and postoperative day (POD) #2 albumin level to vaso-inotropic score (VIS) and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) as markers for degree and duration of postoperative cardiac support. A composite outcome was defined as maximal vaso-inotropic score of > 10 and ICU LOS > 96 h. Preoperative albumin level negatively correlated with VIS and ICU LOS. Compared to preoperative albumin level of > 4 g/dL, the relative risk of meeting composite criteria was 1.5 for preoperative albumin of 3.1-4 g/dL and 2.6 for preoperative albumin ≤ 3 g/dL. Compared to POD#2 albumin level > 3 g/dL, the relative risk of meeting composite criteria was 1.8 for albumin of 2.6-3 g/dL, and 2.5 for albumin ≤ 2.5 g/dL. In summary, we found that preoperative and POD#2 albumin levels predicted prolonged and complicated postoperative course. These finding may help clinicians to inform the patient's parents, early in the ICU hospitalization, as to the predicted risks and difficulties of their infant's postoperative course.

Recommendations for Preoperative Assessment and Shared Decision-Making in Cardiac Surgery

Purpose of review

Recommendations about shared decision-making and guidelines on preoperative evaluation of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery are abundant, but respective recommendations for cardiac surgery are sparse. We provide an overview of available evidence.

Recent findings

While there currently is no consensus statement on the preoperative anesthetic evaluation and shared decision-making for the adult patient undergoing cardiac surgery, evidence pertaining to specific organ systems is available.

Summary

We provide a comprehensive review of available evidence pertaining to preoperative assessment and shared decision-making for patients undergoing cardiac surgery and recommend a thorough preoperative workup in this vulnerable population.

Variables of importance in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database predictive of heart transplant waitlist mortality

The prelisting variables essential for creating an accurate heart transplant allocation score based on survival are unknown. To identify these we studied mortality of adults on the active heart transplant waiting list in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database from January 1, 2004 to August 31, 2015. There were 33 069 candidates awaiting heart transplantation: 7681 UNOS Status 1A, 13 027 Status 1B, and 12 361 Status 2. During a median waitlist follow-up of 4.3 months, 5514 candidates died. Variables of importance for waitlist mortality were identified by machine learning using Random Survival Forests. Strong correlates predicting survival were estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum albumin, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ventricular assist device, mechanical ventilation, peak oxygen capacity, hemodynamics, inotrope support, and type of heart disease with less predictive variables including antiarrhythmic agents, history of stroke, vascular disease, prior malignancy, and prior tobacco use. Complex interactions were identified such as an additive risk in mortality based on renal function and serum albumin, and sex-differences in mortality when eGFR >40 mL/min/1.73 m. Most predictive variables for waitlist mortality are in the current tiered allocation system except for eGFR and serum albumin which have an additive risk and complex interactions.

Preoperative prealbumin level as an independent predictor of long-term prognosis after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-institutional study

BACKGROUND

Serum prealbumin is a sensitive and stable marker for nutritional status and liver function. Whether preoperative prealbumin level is associated with long-term prognosis in patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear.

METHODS

Patients who underwent liver resection for HCC between 2001 and 2014 at six institutions were enrolled. These patients were divided into the low and normal prealbumin groups using a cut-off value of 170 mg/L for preoperative prealbumin level. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between them.

RESULTS

In 1483 patients, 437 (29%) had a low prealbumin level. The 3- and 5-year OS and RFS rates of patients in the low-prealbumin group were 57 and 31%, and 40 and 20%, respectively, which were significantly poorer than those in the normal-prealbumin group (76 and 43%, and 56 and 28%, respectively, both p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox-regression analyses revealed that preoperative prealbumin level was an independent predictor of OS (HR, 1.45, 95% CI: 1.24-1.70, p <0.001) and RFS (HR, 1.28, 95% CI: 1.10-1.48, p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative prealbumin level could be used in predicting long-term prognosis for patients undergoing liver resection for HCC.

Fluids and Organ Dysfunction: A Narrative Review of the Literature and Discussion of 5 Controversial Topics

Evidence-based clinical decision making is at the forefront of modern cardiothoracic anesthesia practice. Therefore, as a field, cardiac anesthesiologist should strive to ensure that the available evidence is of the highest possible quality. In this narrative review, 5 important topics that the authors believe require additional investigation in cardiothoracic anesthesia and critical care related to fluid therapy and organ dysfunction are outlined briefly. In particular, the authors believe that the areas of pulmonary artery catheter use, restrictive versus liberal transfusion strategies, cardiopulmonary bypass prime composition, colloid use in resuscitation and its effects on acute kidney injury, and management of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery hold many unanswered questions and opportunities for continued improvement in the specialty of cardiac anesthesia. This article accompanies a presentation at the 46th Association of Cardiac Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting on October 22, 2017.

Prognostic Implications of Changes in Albumin Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in Patients With Severe Heart Failure

Mechanical assist devices have emerged as an established therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart failure. Because preimplant hypoalbuminemia is a known risk factor for adverse outcomes, we hypothesized that change in albumin may be a prognostic indicator in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (cfLVADs). This is a retrospective single-center study of patients who underwent cfLVAD implantation (HeartMate II and HeartWare HVAD) at an academic center from 2008 to 2014. After excluding those who died, were transplanted, or hospitalized during the first 3 months post-implant, albumin values were obtained and stratified by an increase or a decrease from pre-implant to 3 months post-implant on 171 (81% male, mean age 57 ± 16 years) patients (139 for the survival analysis and 90 for the hospitalization analysis). Decrease in albumin from pre-implant to 3 months after implant correlated with increased mortality (hazard ratio 2.93, confidence interval 1.57 to 5.44, p <0.01) and reduced time to next hospitalization (hazard ratio 1.70, confidence interval 1.03 to 2.81, p = 0.04). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve estimated a 49.43% 2-year survival rate in those whose albumin decreased versus 83.62% in those whose albumin increased over 3 months (p <0.01). Improved outcomes were seen in patients whose albumin normalized versus patients whose albumin remained normal over 3 months. In conclusion, our study is the first to demonstrate the importance of change in albumin from pre- to postimplant on the prognosis of cfLVAD patients. Future studies are needed to determine whether therapeutic intervention to improve albumin post-implant will prevent hospitalizations and improve outcomes.

Preoperative Prealbumin Level as a Predictor of Outcomes in Patients Who Underwent Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Malnutrition has been associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in patients who undergo cardiac surgery. However, many measurements of malnutrition have been inadequate prognostic markers. In this study, we sought to determine whether low preoperative serum prealbumin level was associated with morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation. From November 2003 to March 2016, 526 patients with chronic heart failure underwent implantation of a CF-LVAD (HeartMate II, n = 403; HeartWare HVAD, n = 123). Our cohort comprised the 317 CF-LVAD recipients whose records included the preoperative serum prealbumin level. These patients were divided into 2 groups: those with a normal preoperative serum prealbumin level (>17 g/dL) and those with hypoprealbuminemia (≤17 g/dL). These groups were then compared with regard to preoperative demographics, incidence of postoperative complications, long-term survival rate, and cause of death. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with a low preoperative prealbumin level had significantly decreased survival rates at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months (p <0.001) after CF-LVAD implantation and higher overall mortality (p = 0.04) than the patients with a normal prealbumin level, and that exacerbated heart failure made up the majority of this difference within the first 6 months. However, we found no significant correlations between low prealbumin level and postoperative complications. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that preoperative serum prealbumin levels predict patient outcomes after CF-LVAD implantation.

Causal relationship between hypoalbuminemia and acute kidney injury

Our meta-analysis published in 2010 provided evidence that low levels of serum albumin (hypoalbuminemia) are a significant independent predictor of acute kidney injury (AKI) and death following AKI. Since then, a large volume of additional data from observational clinical studies has been published further evaluating the relationship between serum albumin and AKI occurrence. This is an updated review of the literature to re-evaluate the hypothesis that hypoalbuminemia is independently associated with increased AKI risk. Eligible studies published from September 2009 to December 2016 were sought in PubMed (MEDLINE) and forty-three were retained, the great majority being retrospective observational cohort studies. These included a total of about 68000 subjects across a diverse range of settings, predominantly cardiac surgery and acute coronary interventions, infectious diseases, transplant surgery, and cancer. Appraisal of this latest data set served to conclusively corroborate and confirm our earlier hypothesis that lower serum albumin is an independent predictor both of AKI and death after AKI, across a range of clinical scenarios. The body of evidence indicates that hypoalbuminemia may causally contribute to development of AKI. Furthermore, administration of human albumin solution has the potential to prevent AKI; a randomized, controlled study provides evidence that correcting hypoalbuminemia may be renal-protective. Therefore, measurement of serum albumin to diagnose hypoalbuminemia may help identify high-risk patients who may benefit from treatment with exogenous human albumin. Multi-center, prospective, randomized, interventional studies are warranted, along with basic research to define the mechanisms through which albumin affords nephroprotection.

Novel Scoring System to Predict Ineligibility for Bridge to Implantable Left Ventricular Assist Device as Destination Therapy Before Extracorporeal Ventricular Assist Device Implantation - For the Coming Era of Destination Therapy in Japan

BACKGROUND

Although destination therapy (DT) is now expected to be a promising strategy for those who are not suitable for heart transplantation in Japan, there has not been any investigation into ineligibility for bridging to implantable left ventricular assist device (I-LVAD) as DT among patients with extracorporeal LVAD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively studied 85 patients who had received an extracorporeal LVAD. To assess ineligibility for a bridge to I-LVAD for DT, we defined DT ineligibility (DTI) as BiVAD requirement, death within 6 months, and persistent end-organ dysfunction (medium or high J-VAD risk score) at 6 months after extracorporeal LVAD implantation. DTI was recorded for 32 patients. Uni/multivariate analysis showed that smaller left ventricular diastolic dimension (<64 mm; [odds ratio (OR) 4.522]), continuous hemodiafiltration (OR 4.862), past history of cardiac surgery (OR 6.522), and low serum albumin level (<3.1 g/dl; OR 10.064) were significant predictors of DTI. By scoring 2, 2, 3, 4 points, respectively, considering each OR, we constructed a novel scoring system for DTI (DTI score), which stratified patients into 3 risk strata: low (0-3 points), medium (4-6 points), and high (7-11 points), from the view point of DTI risk (low 8%, medium 46%, high 93%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

DTI score is a promising tool for predicting ineligibility for I-LVAD as DT before extracorporeal VAD implantation.