A coordinated approach to improving pediatric heart transplant waitlist outcomes: A summary of the ACTION November 2019 waitlist outcomes committee meeting

Optimal Donor Allograft Function: The Search for the Lowest Acceptable Donor Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Pediatric Heart Transplantation

BACKGROUND

The availability of heart donors is limited by organ shortage. Due to concerns of reduced survival, donors with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <50%) have been cautiously used in pediatric heart transplantation. One strategy to expand the donor pool is to re-evaluate whether lower donor LVEF may be acceptable for transplantation.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients <18 y receiving heart transplants from April 2007 to September 2021 using the United Network of Organ Sharing dataset. We excluded retransplants and multiorgan transplants. Cut-point analyses of LVEF was performed and Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare 1-y survival for new cut-points and the standard (LVEF >50%).

RESULTS

The analytic sample consisted of 5255 patients. Recipients receiving hearts with lower LVEFs were more likely to be on ventilator and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Recipients did not differ in waitlist times or transplant status. Cut-point analysis identified LVEF 45% as a potentially new cutoff. One-year survival of recipients of donors with LVEF ≥45% (92.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 91.3%-92.8%) was similar to that of LVEF >50% (92.1%; CI, 91.4%-92.9%). Survival for the LVEF 45%-49% (88.8%; CI, 72.9%-95.7%) cohort was slightly lower than the ≥50% cohort, albeit nonsignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

One-year survival among pediatric heart transplants using a donor heart LVEF threshold of 45% or 40% was similar to a threshold of 50%. However, the finding is based on a small number of patients with LVEF <50%, and future larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm the findings of this study before a lower LVEF threshold is considered.

Deceased donor organ allocation in pediatric transplantation: A historical narrative

BACKGROUND

Since the earliest clinical successes in solid organ transplantation, the proper method of organ allocation for children has been a contentious subject. Over the past 30-35 years, the medical and social establishments of various countries have favored some degree of preference for children on the respective waiting lists. However, the specific policies to accomplish this have varied widely and changed frequently between organ type and country.

METHODS

Organ allocation policies over time were examined. This review traces the reasons behind and the measures/principles put in place to promote early deceased donor transplantation in children.

RESULTS

Preferred allocation in children has been approached in a variety of ways and with varying degrees of commitment in different solid organ transplant disciplines and national medical systems.

CONCLUSION

The success of policies to advantage children has varied significantly by both organ and medical system. Further work is needed to optimize allocation strategies for pediatric candidates.

Learning networks in pediatric heart failure and transplantation

BACKGROUND

Learning networks have emerged in medicine as a novel organizational structure that contains elements of quality improvement, education, and research with the goal of effecting rapid improvements in clinical care. In this article, the concept of a learning network is defined and highlighted in the field of pediatric heart failure and transplantation.

METHODS

Learning networks are defined, with particular attention paid to the recent creation of the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) for children with heart failure and those being supported with ventricular assist devices (VAD).

RESULTS

The mission, goals, and organizational structure of ACTION are described, and recent initiatives promoted by ACTION are highlighted, such as stroke reduction initiatives, practice harmonization protocols, and use of ACTION data to support the recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of newer VAD for pediatric patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The learning network, exemplified by ACTION, is distinguished from traditional clinical research collaboratives by contributions in research, quality improvement, patient-reported outcomes, and education, and serves as an effective vehicle to drive clinical improvement in the care of children with advanced heart failure.