Joost Felius

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

Advanced recipient age remains a limiting factor for heart transplant candidacy, with many centers reluctant to transplant older patients. Here, we report our experience with recipients aged ≥65 years compared with younger recipients in terms of baseline characteristics, intraoperative and immediate postoperative experiences, and post-transplant morbidity and survival. The main study outcome was primary graft dysfunction (PGD), which has not been widely studied in this population. Donor and recipient data from 255 heart transplantations performed between 2012 and 2016 were reviewed. Seventy (27%) recipients were ≥65 years and 185 were younger. The older group had a higher frequency of ischemic cardiomyopathy and more frequently had a previous sternotomy than the younger recipients (all pu2009<0.007). We found no significant differences in post-transplant morbidity (intensive care unit and hospital stay, pneumonia, infections, reoperation for bleeding, stroke, renal failure, or in-hospital mortality; all pu2009>0.12). One-year survival was also similar in the 2 groups (pu2009=u20090.88). The incidence of moderate or severe PGD was lower in the older group (6%) than in the younger group (16%; pu2009=u20090.037). Multivariate logistic regression found pretransplant creatinine and donor undersizing by predicted heart mass to be predictors of moderate to severe PGD, whereas recipient age ≥65 years was identified as protective against PGD in this cohort. In conclusion, our study showed comparable survival and outcomes in recipients ≥65 years of age with otherwise similar nutritional status and body mass composition.

Utilization of high donor sequence number grafts in cardiac transplantation

Donor sequence number (DSN) represents the number of candidates to whom a graft was offered and declined prior to acceptance for transplantation. We sought to investigate the outcomes of patients receiving high DSN grafts. Consecutive isolated adult cardiac transplantations performed at a single‐center were reviewed. Recipients were grouped into standard (≤75th percentile) DSN and high (>75th percentile) DSN. A previously validated donor risk index was used to quantify the risk associated with donor grafts, and recipient outcomes were assessed. Overall, 254 patients were included: 194 standard DSN (range 1‐79) and 60 high DSN (range 82‐1723). High DSN grafts were harvested at greater distance (P < .001) with increased ischemia time (P < .001), resulting in a modest increase in donor risk index (1 point median difference, P = .014). High DSN recipients were less frequently listed as UNOS status 1A (P < .001). Despite a nonsignificant trend toward increased in‐hospital/30‐day mortality in high DSN recipients, there were no differences in primary graft dysfunction or 1‐year survival (high DSN 89% vs standard DSN 88%, P = .82). After adjustment for risk factors, high DSN was not associated with increased 1‐year mortality (hazard ratio 1.18, 95%‐CI 0.54‐2.58, P = .68).

Determinants and Outcomes of Vasoplegia Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Background Vasoplegia is associated with adverse outcomes following cardiac surgery; however, its impact following left ventricular assist device implantation is largely unexplored. Methods and Results In 252 consecutive patients receiving a left ventricular assist device, vasoplegia was defined as the occurrence of normal cardiac function and index but with the need for intravenous vasopressors within 48 hours following surgery for >24 hours to maintain a mean arterial pressure >70 mm Hg. We further categorized vasoplegia as none; mild, requiring 1 vasopressor (vasopressin, norepinephrine, or high‐dose epinephrine [>5 μg/min]); or moderate to severe, requiring ≥2 vasopressors. Predictors of vasoplegia severity were determined using a cumulative logit (ordinal logistic regression) model, and 1‐year mortality was evaluated using competing‐risks survival analysis. In total, 67 (26.6%) patients developed mild vasoplegia and 57 (22.6%) developed moderate to severe vasoplegia. The multivariable model for vasoplegia severity utilized preoperative Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile, central venous pressure, systolic blood pressure, and intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time, which yielded an area under the curve of 0.76. Although no significant differences were noted in stroke or pump thrombosis rates (P=0.87 and P=0.66, respectively), respiratory failure and major bleeding increased with vasoplegia severity (P<0.01). Those with moderate to severe vasoplegia had a significantly higher risk of mortality than those without vasoplegia (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–4.18; P=0.03). Conclusions Vasoplegia is predictive of unfavorable outcomes, including mortality. Risk factors for future research include preoperative INTERMACS profile, central venous pressure, systolic blood pressure, and intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time.

Donor predicted heart mass as predictor of primary graft dysfunction

BACKGROUNDnConcern over the hazards associated with undersized donor hearts has impeded the utilization of otherwise viable allografts for transplantation. Previous studies have indicated predicted heart mass (PHM) may provide better size matching in cardiac transplantation than total body weight (TBW). We investigated whether size-matching donor hearts by PHM is a better predictor of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) than matching by TBW.nnnMETHODSnRecords of consecutive adult cardiac transplants performed between 2012 and 2016 at a single-center academic hospital were reviewed. We compared patients implanted with hearts undersized by ≥30% with those implanted with donor hearts matched for size (within 30%), and performed the analysis both for undersizing by PHM and for undersizing by TBW. The primary outcome was moderate/severe PGD within 24 hours, according to the 2014 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation consensus. Secondary outcome was 1-year survival.nnnRESULTSnOf 253 patients, 21 (8%) and 30 (12%) received hearts undersized by TBW and PHM, respectively. The overall rate of moderate/severe PGD was 13% (33 patients). PGD was associated with undersizing if performed by PHM (p = 0.007), but not if performed by TBW (p = 0.49). One-year survival was not different between groups (log-rank, p > 0.8). Multivariate analysis confirmed that undersizing donor hearts by PHM, but not by TBW, was predictive of moderate/severe PGD (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 8.6).nnnCONCLUSIONSnUndersized donor hearts by ≥30% by PHM may increase rates of PGD after transplantation, confirming that PHM provides more clinically appropriate size matching than TBW. Better size matching may ultimately allow for expanding the donor pool.

Reoperative sternotomy is associated with primary graft dysfunction following heart transplantation

OBJECTIVESnPrior sternotomy is associated with increased morbidity and mortality following heart transplantation. However, its effect on primary graft dysfunction (PGD), a major contributor to early mortality, is unknown. Herein, this effect is studied using the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation consensus definition for PGD.nnnMETHODSnMedical records of consecutive adult cardiac transplants between 2012 and 2016 were reviewed. Baseline characteristics, postoperative findings and 1-year survival were compared between patients with and without prior sternotomy.nnnRESULTSnAmong 255 total patients included, 139 (55%) had undergone prior sternotomy; these recipients were older, more often male, had higher body mass index, higher frequencies of united network for organ sharing (UNOS) 1A status and ischaemic cardiomyopathy and experienced longer waitlist times when compared with those without prior sternotomy (all Pu2009<u20090.018). Postoperatively, the prior sternotomy group exhibited higher rates of mild to severe PGD (32% vs 18%; Pu2009=u20090.015) and higher short-term mortality (Pu2009=u20090.017) and 1-year mortality (Pu2009=u20090.047). They required more blood transfusions, had more postoperative pneumonia, wound infection and longer hospital stays. A stepwise multivariable regression model identified prior sternotomy as a predictor of PGD (odds ratio 2.7). Multiple prior sternotomies was associated with even more UNOS 1A status, ischaemic cardiomyopathy and pneumonia. However, logistic modelling did not show a difference in the rate of PGD between those with 1 or ≥2 prior sternotomies.nnnCONCLUSIONSnOur data suggest that prior sternotomy is a risk factor for PGD. Consistent with previous reports, prior sternotomy is associated with increased morbidity, blood product utilization and 1-year mortality following cardiac transplantation.

Patient activation with respect to advanced heart failure therapy in patients over age 65 years

Background: Clinical and ethical issues persist in determining candidacy for advanced heart failure (HF) therapies in elderly patients. Selection takes many factors into account, including “activation” (engagement and ability to self‐manage). Objective: To investigate effects of age, activation, and depression/anxiety on selection and 6‐month survival of participants considered for therapy. Methods: Consecutive people referred for advanced HF therapy completed the Patient Activation Measure and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We analyzed data from participants by age (≥65 vs. <65 years), stratified by approval for therapy. Results: Among 168 referred, 109 were approved, with no difference in activation between age groups (88% highly activated). Similarly, activation was not associated with age among those not approved. Activation was related to anxiety in older, approved participants, but not to depression. Conclusions: Concerns regarding reduced self‐management in the elderly may not be valid. Age alone should not disqualify a candidate for advanced HF therapy.

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

Abstract Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is the leading cause of early mortality after heart transplantation. Typically, mechanical circulatory support is necessary to provide hemodynamic support and to enable graft recovery. However, both the reported incidence of PGD and the reported salvage rates with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) vary widely. This may partly be due to variations in the definition of PGD and its levels of severity. We analyzed a prospectively maintained database of 255 transplant recipients at our institution to determine the effectiveness of ECMO support in those who develop severe PGD as defined by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation consensus guidelines. Nineteen (7.5%) patients (aged 32–69 years) developed severe PGD and were treated with veno-arterial (VA) ECMO, which was initiated in the operating room at the time of transplant in most patients. The majority received VA ECMO through femoral cannulation. Two patients required veno-venous ECMO for respiratory support after VA ECMO separation. The 30-day in-hospital survival rate following transplantation was 63% (nu2009=u200912). In conclusion, ECMO proved to be a viable option for early hemodynamic support in patients with severe PGD and has become our preferred modality for mechanical circulatory support in these patients.

Validation of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-Derived Fick Cardiac Outputs in Patients with Heart Failure

The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) remains the gold standard to calculate Fick cardiac outputs (FCOs) in patients with heart failure admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) provides long-term intravenous access and is used outside the ICU; however, there is scant literature validating venous oxygen saturations (VOSs) from PICC lines. Heart failure patients in the ICU with an existing PAC requiring a PICC line to transition were enrolled. Three blood samples were taken per person (1 at PICC, 1 at central venous pressure [CVP], and 1 at distal PAC). We performed repeated measures analysis of variance, as well as reliability analysis on 31 subjects (77% male, 71% Caucasian, meanu2009±u2009standard deviation age 60u2009±u20098 years, 80% on inotropes). The average VOSs were 62u2009±u200911%, 62u2009±u200912%, and 61u2009±u20099% for the PICC line, CVP, and distal port, respectively (pu2009=u20090.66); there was excellent reliability (0.79). The median FCOs were 5 [4, 6], 5 [4, 6], and 5 [4, 6] L/min at the PICC, CVP, and distal port, respectively (pu2009=u20090.91); there was fair-to-good reliability (0.67). In conclusion, VOS and FCO did not differ by location, on average. Reliable data may be obtained through the PICC line, after evaluation from the PAC. The PICC may provide longer-term hemodynamic assessment while improving patient comfort.