Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonism as Adjunct Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

ABSTRACT

While left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) successfully unload the failing ventricle, most hearts do not regain sufficient function to allow for device explantation. Herein, we report a pilot series of LVAD patients treated with interleukin-1 receptor antagonism as a biologic adjuvant that safely and effectively treated inflammation so as to create a milieu whereby the heart could functionally improve. This pilot study sets the stage for a more rigorous, controlled trial of interleukin-1 receptor antagonism in treating heart failure and promoting myocardial recovery in patients supported by LVADs.