The Hemodynamic Effects of Aortic Regurgitation in Patients Supported by a HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device.

BACKGROUND: Aortic regurgitation (AR) is a common complication following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We evaluated the hemodynamic implications of AR in patients with HeartMate 3 (HM3) LVAD at baseline and in response to speed changes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinically stable outpatients supported by HM3 who underwent a routine hemodynamic ramp test were retrospectively enrolled in this analysis. Patients were stratified based on the presence of at least mild AR at baseline speed. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters were compared between the AR and non-AR groups. Sixty-two patients were identified. At the baseline LVAD speed, 29 patients (47%) had AR, while 33 patients (53%) did not. Patients with AR were older and supported on HM3 for a longer duration. At baseline speed, all hemodynamic parameters were similar between the groups including central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary arterial pressures, cardiac output and index, and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (p > 0.05 for all). During the subacute assessment, AR worsened in some, but not all, patients, with increases in LVAD speed. There were no significant differences in 1-year mortality or hospitalization rates between the groups, however, at 1-year, ≥ moderate AR and right ventricular failure (RVF) were detected in higher rates among the AR group compared to the non-AR group (45% vs. 0%; p < 0.01, and 75% vs. 36.8%; p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of stable outpatients supported with HM3 who underwent a routine hemodynamic ramp test, the presence of mild or greater AR did not impact the ability of HM3 LVADs to effectively unload the left ventricle during early subacute assessment. Although the presence of AR did not affect mortality and hospitalization rates, it resulted in higher rates of late hemodynamic-related events in the form of progressive AR and RVF.

Prognostic Implications of Quantifying Vasoactive Medications in Cardiogenic Shock.

None.

Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Outcomes Associated With the Use of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists After Heart Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The use of glucagon-like-peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) has dramatically increased over the past 5 years for diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) and obesity. These comorbidities are prevalent in adult heart transplant (HT) recipients. However, there are limited data evaluating the efficacy of this drug class in this population. The aim of the current study was to describe cardiometabolic changes in HT recipients prescribed GLP1-RA at a large-volume transplant center. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all adult HT recipients who received GLP1-RA after HT for a minimum of 1-month. Cardiometabolic parameters including body mass index (BMI), lipid panel, hemoglobin A1C, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and NT-proBNP were compared prior to initiation of the drug and at most recent follow-up. We also evaluated for significant dose adjustments to immunosuppression after drug initiation and adverse effects leading to drug discontinuation. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were included (28% female, 53% White, 20% Hispanic) and followed for a median of 383 days [IQR 209, 613] on a GLP1-RA. The majority of patients (n = 56, 76%) were prescribed semaglutide. The most common indication for prescription was T2DM alone (n = 33, 45%), followed by combined T2DM and obesity (n = 26, 35%). At most recent follow-up, mean BMI decreased from 33.3 to 31.5 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001), HbA1C from 7.3% to 6.7% (p = 0.005), LDL from 78.6 to 70.3 mg/dL (p = 0.018) and basal insulin daily dose from 32.6 to 24.8 units (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: HT recipients prescribed GLP1-RA therapy showed improved glycemic control, weight loss, and cholesterol levels during the study follow-up period. GLP1-RA were well tolerated and were rarely associated with changes in immunosuppression dosing.

Long-term outcomes for pediatric heart transplant recipients transitioning to adult care teams.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data evaluating the success of a structured transition plan specifically for pediatric heart transplant (HT) recipients following their transfer of care to an adult specialist. We sought to identify risk factors for poor adherence, graft failure, and mortality following the transfer of care to adult HT care teams. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent transition from the pediatric to adult HT program at our center between January 2011 and June 2021. Demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and psychosocial history were collected at the time of HT, the time of transition, and the most recent follow-up. Adverse events including mortality, graft rejection, infection, and renal function were also captured before and after the transition. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were identified (54.1% male, 54.2% Caucasian). Mean age at the time of transition was 23 years after a median of 11.6 years in the pediatric program. The use of calcineurin inhibitors was associated with reduced mortality (HR .04, 95% CI .0-.6, p = .015), while prior psychiatric hospitalization (HR 45.3, 95% CI, 6.144-333.9, p = .0001) was associated with increased mortality following transition. Medication nonadherence and young age at the time of transition were markers for high-risk individuals prior to the transition of care. CONCLUSIONS: Transition of HT recipients from a pediatric program to an adult program occurs during a vulnerable time of emerging adulthood, and we have identified risk factors for mortality following transition. Development of a formalized transition plan with a large multidisciplinary team with focused attention on high-risk patients, including those with psychiatric comorbidities, may favorably influence outcomes.

Comparative Analysis of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Heart Transplantation: A Single-Center Study Evaluating Conventional Ice-Cold Storage versus the Paragonix SherpaPak Cardiac Transport System.

BACKGROUND: Since the 2018 allocation system change in heart transplantation (HT), ischemic times have increased, which may be associated with peri-operative and post-operative complications. This study aimed to compare ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in hearts preserved using ice-cold storage (ICS) and the Paragonix SherpaPak TM Cardiac Transport System (CTS). METHODS: From January 2021 to June 2022, consecutive endomyocardial biopsies from 90 HT recipients were analyzed by a cardiac pathologist in a single-blinded manner: 33 ICS and 57 CTS. Endomyocardial biopsies were performed at three-time intervals post-HT, and the severity of IRI manifesting histologically as coagulative myocyte necrosis (CMN) was evaluated, along with graft rejection and graft function. RESULTS: The incidence of IRI at weeks 1, 4, and 8 post-HT were similar between the ICS and CTS groups. There was a 59.3% statistically significant reduction in CMN from week 1 to 4 with CTS, but not with ICS. By week 8, there were significant reductions in CMN in both groups. Only 1 out of 33 (3%) patients in the ICS group had an ischemic time >240 mins, compared to 10 out of 52 (19%) patients in the CTS group. During the follow-up period of 8 weeks to 12 months, there were no significant differences in rejection rates, formation of de novo donor-specific antibodies and overall survival between the groups. CONCLUSION: The CTS preservation system had similar rates of IRI and clinical outcomes compared to ICS despite longer overall ischemic times. There is significantly more recovery of IRI in the early post operative period with CTS. This study supports CTS as a viable option for preservation from remote locations, expanding the donor pool.

Utility of a fusion protein T-cell co-stimulation blocker Belatacept in heart transplant recipients: Real world experience from a high volume center.

BACKGROUND: Belatacept (BTC), a fusion protein, selectively inhibits T-cell co-stimulation by binding to the CD80 and CD86 receptors on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and has been used as immunosuppression in adult renal transplant recipients. However, data regarding its use in heart transplant (HT) recipients are limited. This retrospective cohort study aimed to delineate BTC's application in HT, focusing on efficacy, safety, and associated complications at a high-volume HT center. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients who underwent HT between January 2017 and December 2021 and subsequently received BTC as part of their immunosuppressive regimen. Twenty-one HT recipients were identified. Baseline characteristics, history of rejection, and indication for BTC use were collected. Outcomes included renal function, graft function, allograft rejection and mortality. Follow-up data were collected through December 2023. RESULTS: Among 776 patients monitored from January 2017 to December 2021 21 (2.7%) received BTC treatment. Average age at transplantation was 53 years (± 12 years), and 38% were women. BTC administration began, on average, 689 [483, 1830] days post-HT. The primary indications for BTC were elevated pre-formed donor-specific antibodies in highly sensitized patients (66.6%) and renal sparing (23.8%), in conjunction with reduced calcineurin inhibitor dosage. Only one (4.8%) patient encountered rejection within a year of starting BTC. Graft function by echocardiography remained stable at 6 and 12 months posttreatment. An improvement was observed in serum creatinine levels (76.2% of patients), decreasing from a median of 1.58 to 1.45 (IQR [1.0-2.1] to [1.1-1.9]) over 12 months (p = .054). eGFR improved at 3 and 6 months compared with 3 months pre- BTC levels; however, this was not statistically significant (p = .24). Treatment discontinuation occurred in seven patients (33.3%) of whom four (19%) were switched back to full dose CNI. Infections occurred in 11 patients (52.4%), leading to BTC discontinuation in 4 patients (19%). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, BTC therapy was used as alternative immunosuppression for management of highly sensitized patients or for renal sparing. BTC therapy when combined with CNI dose reduction resulted in stabilization in renal function as measured through renal surrogate markers, which did not, however, reach statistical significance. Patients on BTC maintained a low rejection rate and preserved graft function. Infections were common during BTC therapy and were associated with medication pause/discontinuation in 19% of patients. Further randomized studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of BTC in HT recipients.

Fulminant myocarditis proven by early biopsy and outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: While endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is recommended in adult patients with fulminant myocarditis, the clinical impact of its timing is still unclear. METHODS: Data were collected from 419 adult patients with clinically suspected fulminant myocarditis admitted to intensive care units across 36 tertiary centres in 15 countries worldwide. The diagnosis of myocarditis was histologically proven in 210 (50%) patients, either by EMB (n = 183, 44%) or by autopsy/explanted heart examination (n = 27, 6%), and clinically suspected cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed in 96 (23%) patients. The primary outcome of survival free of heart transplantation (HTx) or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) at 1 year was specifically compared between patients with early EMB (within 2 days after intensive care unit admission, n = 103) and delayed EMB (n = 80). A propensity score-weighted analysis was done to control for confounders. RESULTS: Median age on admission was 40 (29-52) years, and 322 (77%) patients received temporary mechanical circulatory support. A total of 273 (65%) patients survived without HTx/LVAD. The primary outcome was significantly different between patients with early and delayed EMB (70% vs. 49%, P = .004). After propensity score weighting, the early EMB group still significantly differed from the delayed EMB group in terms of survival free of HTx/LVAD (63% vs. 40%, P = .021). Moreover, early EMB was independently associated with a lower rate of death or HTx/LVAD at 1 year (odds ratio of 0.44; 95% confidence interval: 0.22-0.86; P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: Endomyocardial biopsy should be broadly and promptly used in patients admitted to the intensive care unit for clinically suspected fulminant myocarditis.

Relationship between indexed surgery and postcardiotomy extracorporeal life support outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Veno-arterial extracorporeal life support (V-A ECLS) is increasingly being utilized for postcardiotomy shock (PCS), though data describing the relationship between type of indexed operation and outcomes are limited. This study compared V-A ECLS outcomes across four major cardiovascular surgical procedures. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study of patients who required V-A ECLS for PCS between 2015 and 2022. Patients were stratified by the type of indexed operation, which included aortic surgery (AoS), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve surgery (Valve), and combined CABG and valve surgery (CABG + Valve). Factors associated with postoperative outcomes were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 149 PCS patients who received V-A ECLS, there were 35 AoS patients (23.5%), 29 (19.5%) CABG patients, 59 (39.6%) Valve patients, and 26 (17.4%) CABG + Valve patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass times were longest in the AoS group (p < 0.01). Regarding causes of PCS, AoS patients had a greater incidence of ventricular failure, while the CABG group had a higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmia (p = 0.04). Left ventricular venting was most frequently utilized in the Valve group (p = 0.07). In-hospital mortality was worst among CABG + Valve patients (p < 0.01), and the incidence of acute kidney injury was highest in the AoS group (p = 0.03). In multivariable logistic regression, CABG + Valve surgery (odds ratio (OR) 4.20, 95% confidence interval 1.30-13.6, p = 0.02) and lactate level at ECLS initiation (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.29; p < 0.01) were independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that indications, management, and outcomes of V-A ECLS for PCS vary by type of indexed cardiovascular surgery.

Continuous near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy monitoring to guide distal perfusion can minimize limb ischemia surgery for patients requiring femoral venoarterial extracorporeal life support.

BACKGROUND: Patients requiring femoral venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal life support (ECLS) are at risk of distal lower limb hypoperfusion and ischemia of the cannulated leg. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of using continuous noninvasive lower limb oximetry with near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to detect tissue hypoxia and guide distal perfusion catheter (DPC) placement on the rates of leg ischemia requiring surgical intervention. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone femoral VA-ECLS at our institution from 2010 to 2014 (pre-NIRS era) and 2017 to 2021 (NIRS era). Patients who had undergone cannulation during the 2015 to 2016 transition era were excluded. The baseline characteristics, short-term outcomes, and ischemic complications requiring surgical intervention (eg, fasciotomy, thrombectomy, amputation, exploration) were compared across the two cohorts. RESULTS: Of the 490 patients included in the present study, 141 (28.8%) and 349 (71.2%) had undergone cannulation before and after the routine use of NIRS to direct DPC placement, respectively. The patients in the NIRS cohort had had a greater incidence of hyperlipidemia (53.7% vs 41.1%; P = .015) and hypertension (71.4% vs 60%; P = .020) at baseline, although they were less likely to have been supported with an intra-aortic balloon pump before ECLS cannulation (26.9% vs 37.6%; P = .026). These patients were also more likely to have experienced cardiac arrest (22.9% vs 7.8%; P ≤ .001) and a pulmonary cause (5.2% vs 0.7%; P = .04) as an indication for ECLS, with ECLS initiated less often for acute myocardial infarction (15.8% vs 34%; P ≤ .001). The patients in the NIRS cohort had had a smaller arterial cannula size (P ≤ .001) and a longer duration of ECLS support (5 vs 3.25 days; P ≤ .001) but significantly lower rates of surgical intervention for limb ischemia (2.6% vs 8.5%; P = .007) despite comparable rates of DPC placement (49.1% vs 44.7%; P = .427), with only two patients (1.1%) not identified by NIRS ultimately requiring surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a smaller arterial cannula (≤15F) and continuous NIRS monitoring to guide selective insertion of DPCs could be a valid and effective strategy associated with a reduced incidence of ischemic events requiring surgical intervention.

Early post-transplant leukopenia in heart transplant recipients and its impact on outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Leukopenia in the early period following heart transplantation (HT) is not well-studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for the development of post-transplant leukopenia and its consequences for HT recipients. METHODS: Adult patients at a large-volume transplant center who received HT between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020 were included. The incidence of leukopenia (WBC ≤3 × 103 /µL) in the first 90-days following HT, individual risk factors, and its effect on 1-year outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 506 HT recipients, 184 (36%) developed leukopenia within 90-days. Median duration of the first leukopenia episode was 15.5 days (IQR 8-42.5 days). Individuals who developed leukopenia had lower pre-transplant WBC counts compared to those who did not (6.1 × 103 /µL vs. 6.9 × 103 /µL, p = .02). Initial immunosuppressive and infectious chemoprophylactic regimens were not significantly different between groups. Early leukopenia was associated with a higher mortality at 1-year (6.6% vs. 2.1%, p = .008; adjusted HR 3.0) and an increased risk of recurrent episodes. Rates of infection and rejection were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Leukopenia in the early period following HT is common and associated with an increased risk of mortality. Further study is needed to identify individuals at highest risk for leukopenia prior to transplant and optimize immunosuppressive and infectious chemoprophylactic regimens for this subgroup.

The utilization of molecular microscope in management of heart transplant recipients in the era of noninvasive monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: Monitoring for graft rejection is a fundamental tenet of post-transplant follow-up. In heart transplantation (HT) in particular, rejection has been traditionally assessed with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). EMB has potential complications and noted limitations, including interobserver variability in interpretation. Additional tests, such as basic cardiac biomarkers, cardiac imaging, gene expression profiling (GEP) scores, donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) and the novel molecular microscope diagnostic system (MMDx) have become critical tools in rejection surveillance beyond standard EMB. METHODS: This paper describes an illustrative case followed by a review of MMDx within the context of other noninvasive screening modalities for rejection. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest MMDx be used to assist with early detection of rejection in cases of discordance between EMB and other noninvasive studies.

How I manage differential gas exchange in peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Dual circulation is a common but underrecognized physiological occurrence associated with peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Competitive flow will develop between blood ejected from the heart and blood travelling retrograde within the aorta from the ECMO reinfusion cannula. The intersection of these two competitive flows is referred to as the "mixing point". The location of this mixing point, which depends upon the relative strengths of the native and extracorporeal pumps, will determine which regions of the body are perfused with blood ejected from the left ventricle and which regions are perfused by reinfused blood from the ECMO circuit, effectively establishing dual circulations. Because gas exchange within these circulations is dictated by the native lungs and membrane lung, respectively, oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal may differ between regions-depending on how well gas exchange is preserved within each circulation-potentially leading to differential oxygenation or differential carbon dioxide, each of which may have important clinical implications. In this perspective, we address the identification and management of dual circulation and differential gas exchange through various clinical scenarios of venoarterial ECMO. Recognition of dual circulation, proper monitoring for differential gas exchange, and understanding the various strategies to resolve differential oxygenation and carbon dioxide may allow for more optimal patient management and improved clinical outcomes.

Acute kidney injury during extracorporeal life support in cardiogenic shock: Does flow matter?

BACKGROUND: This study examines the role of extracorporeal life support flow in the development of acute kidney injury in cardiogenic shock. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 465 patients placed on extracorporeal life support at our institution between January 2015 and December 2020 for cardiogenic shock. Flow index was calculated by dividing mean flow by body surface. Stages of acute kidney injury were determined according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) organization guidelines. RESULTS: There were 179 (38.5%) patients who developed acute kidney injury, 63.1% of which were classified as Stage 3--the only subgroup associated with 1-year mortality (hazard ratio = 2.03, p < .001). Risk of kidney injury increased up to a flow index of 1.6 L/min/m2, and kidney injury was more common among patients with flow index greater than 1.6 L/min/m2 (p = .034). Those with kidney injury had higher baseline lactate levels (4.4 vs 3.1, p = .04), and Stage 3 was associated wit higher baseline creatinine (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, kidney injury was common and Stage 3 kidney injury was associated with worse outcomes compared to other stages. Low flow was not associated with increased risk of kidney injury. Elevated baseline lactate and creatinine among patients with acute kidney injury suggest underlying illness severity, rather than flow, may influence kidney injury risk.

Long-term outcomes of patients bridged to recovery with venoarterial extracorporeal life support.

OBJECTIVE: Our study examines the long-term outcomes of patients discharged from the hospital without heart replacement therapy (HRT) after recovery from cardiogenic shock using venoarterial extracorporeal life support (VA-ECLS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 615 cardiogenic shock patients who recovered from VA-ECLS at our institution between January 2015 and July 2021. Of those, 166 patients (27.0%) who recovered from VA-ECLS without HRT were included in this study. Baseline characteristics, discharge labs, vitals, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms were assessed. Patients were contacted to determine vital status. The primary outcome was post-discharge mortality. RESULTS: Of 166 patients, 158 patients (95.2%) had post-discharge follow-up, with a median time of follow-up of 2 years (IQR: [1 year, 4 years]). At discharge, the median ejection fraction (EF) was 52.5% (IQR: [32.5, 57.5]). At discharge, 92 patients (56%) were prescribed ß-blockers, 28 (17%) were prescribed an ACE inhibitor, ARB or ARNI, and 50 (30%) were prescribed loop diuretics. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a 1-year survival rate of 85.6% (95% CI: [80.1%, 91.2%]) and a 5-year survival rate of 60.6% (95% CI: [49.9%, 71.3%]). A Cox regression model demonstrated that a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) was strongly predictive of increased mortality hazard (HR = 1.929; p = 0.036), while neither discharge EF nor etiology of VA-ECLS were associated with increased post-discharge mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients discharged from the hospital after full myocardial recovery from VA-ECLS support without HRT should have close outpatient follow-up due to the risk of recurrent heart failure and increased mortality in these patients.

Impella percutaneous left ventricular assist device as mechanical circulatory support for cardiogenic shock: A retrospective analysis from a tertiary academic medical center.

OBJECTIVES: To describe hemodynamic efficacy and clinical outcomes of Impella percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). BACKGROUND: Percutaneous LVADs are increasingly used in CS management. However, device-related outcomes and optimal utilization remain active areas of investigation. METHODS: All CS patients receiving pLVAD as mechanical circulatory support (MCS) between 2011 and 2017 were identified. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. A multivariable logistic regression model was created to predict MCS escalation despite pLVAD. Outcomes were compared between early and late implantation. RESULTS: A total of 115 CS patients (mean age 63.6 ± 13.8 years; 69.6% male) receiving pLVAD as MCS were identified, the majority with CS secondary to acute myocardial infarction (AMI; 67.0%). Patients experienced significant cardiac output improvement (median 3.39 L/min to 3.90 L/min, p = .002) and pharmacological support reduction (median vasoactive-inotropic score [VIS] 25.4 to 16.4, p = .049). Placement of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) occurred in 48 (41.7%) of patients. Higher pre-pLVAD VIS was associated with subsequent MCS escalation in the entire cohort and AMI subgroup (OR 1.27 [95% CI 1.02-1.58], p = .034 and OR 1.72 [95% CI 1.04-2.86], p = .035, respectively). Complications were predominantly access site related (bleeding [9.6%], vascular injury [5.2%], and limb ischemia [2.6%]). In-hospital mortality was 57.4%, numerically greater survival was noted with earlier device implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with pLVAD for CS improved hemodynamic status but did not uniformly obviate MCS escalation. Mortality in CS remains high, though earlier device placement for appropriately selected patients may be beneficial.

The impact of pre-transplant weight loss on survival following cardiac transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Significant weight loss due to cardiac cachexia is an independent predictor of mortality in many heart failure (HF) clinical trials. The impact of significant weight loss while on the waitlist for heart transplant (HT) has yet to be studied with respect to post-transplant survival. METHODS: Adult HT recipients from 2010 to 2021 were identified in the UNOS registry. Patients who experienced an absolute weight change from the time of listing to transplant were included and classified into two groups by percent weight loss from time of listing to time of transplant using a cut-off of 10%. The primary endpoint was 1-year survival following HT. RESULTS: 5951 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 763 (13%) experienced ≥10% weight loss from the time of listing to transplant. Weight loss ≥ 10% was associated with reduced 1-year post-transplant survival (86.9% vs. 91.0%, long-rank p = .0003). Additionally, weight loss ≥ 10% was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality in a multivariable model adjusting for significant risk factors (adjusted HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04-1.46). In secondary analyses, weight loss ≥ 10% was associated with reduced 1-year survival independent of hospitalized status at time of transplant as well as obesity status at listing (i.e., body mass index [BMI] < 30 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative weight loss ≥ 10% is associated with reduced survival in patients listed for HT. Nutrition interventions prior to transplant may prove beneficial in this population.

Letermovir for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in high-risk heart transplant recipients.

Letermovir is a novel agent for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease that, unlike traditional CMV DNA polymerase inhibitors, does not carry the risk of myelosuppression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical application of letermovir for CMV prophylaxis in heart transplant (HT) recipients. Between November 1, 2019, and October 1, 2021, at a single, tertiary care hospital, 17 HT recipients were initiated on letermovir due to leukopenia while on valganciclovir. Fifteen (88%) had high-risk mismatch (CMV D+/R-). Median time on letermovir was 5 months (interquartile range, 2-8 months.) At the end of the study period, nine of 17 patients (52.9%) were still on letermovir and four of the 17 (23.5%) had successfully completed the prophylaxis window on letermovir and been switched to the pre-emptive strategy. One patient developed clinically significant CMV viremia in the setting of being unable to obtain medication due to insurance barriers but was later successfully restarted on letermovir. One patient was unable to tolerate letermovir due to symptoms of headache and myalgias. Two patients developed low-level non-clinically significant CMV viremia and were switched back to valacyclovir. All patients had tacrolimus dosages reduced at time of letermovir initiation to minimize the risk of supratherapeutic tacrolimus concentration. One patient required hospitalization due to symptomatic tacrolimus toxicity. For HT recipients who cannot tolerate valganciclovir, letermovir presents an alternative for CMV prophylaxis. Close monitoring for breakthrough CMV and calcineurin inhibitor levels is necessary. Larger studies are required to further delineate its use and help provide further evidence of its safety and efficacy.

Stroke patterns and cannulation strategy during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane support.

Stroke has potentially devastating consequences for patients receiving veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane support (VA-ECMO). Arterial cannulation sites for VA-ECMO include the ascending aorta, axillary artery, and femoral artery. However, the influence of cannulation site on stroke risk has not been well described. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between occurrence and patterns of stroke with ECMO arterial cannulation sites. We retrospectively reviewed 414 consecutive patients who received VA-ECMO support for cardiogenic shock between March 2007 and May 2018. Patients were categorized by cannulation strategy. The rates, subtype and location of strokes as assessed by neuroimaging during and after VA-ECMO support were analyzed. Median age was 61 years (IQR 50-69); 67% were men. 77 patients were cannulated via the ascending aorta (17%), 31 via the axillary artery (7%), and 306 (69%) via the femoral artery. In total, 26 patients (6.3%) developed 30 stroke lesions at a median of 6.0 (IQR 3.1-8.7) days after ECMO cannulation. Ischemic stroke was the most common subtype (64%), followed by hemorrhagic transformation (20%) and hemorrhagic stroke (16%). Location by CT was right hemispheric in 38%, left hemispheric in 24%, bilateral in 21%, and vertebrobasilar in 17%. The incidence of stroke was similar across cannulation strategies: aorta (n = 5, 6.5%), axillary artery (n = 2, 6.5%), and femoral artery (n = 19, 6.2%), (p = 0.99). Incidence of stroke does not appear to differ among patients cannulated via the ascending aorta, axillary artery, or femoral artery. Ischemic stroke was the most common subtype of stroke.

Clinical considerations for the evaluation of patients with left ventricular assist devices.

ABSTRACT: A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) provides mechanical circulatory support for patients with end-stage heart failure. As these devices become more prevalent, clinicians must be familiar with the device's function, common complications, and management strategies when evaluating this patient population.

COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Disease.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic affecting 185 countries and >3 000 000 patients worldwide as of April 28, 2020. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which invades cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. Among patients with COVID-19, there is a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, and >7% of patients experience myocardial injury from the infection (22% of critically ill patients). Although angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 serves as the portal for infection, the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers requires further investigation. COVID-19 poses a challenge for heart transplantation, affecting donor selection, immunosuppression, and posttransplant management. There are a number of promising therapies under active investigation to treat and prevent COVID-19.