Abstract 17014: Cardiologist Assessment and Approval Was the Primary Predictor of Kidney Transplant Candidacy and Transplantation Among Patients With Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Abstract

Introduction: End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with concomitant heart failure (HF) are often denied kidney transplantation (KTx). The aims of this study were to explore factors predictive of suitability for KTx and to assess cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) presenting for KTx evaluation. Methods: We evaluated 109 consecutive adults with LVEF≤40% at the time of initial KTx evaluation between 2013 and 2018. Post-transplant CV outcomes were defined as non-fatal MI, admission for HF, CV death and all-cause mortality. Results: Mean age was 58.2 years (SD11.9), 78% were male, 58% had diabetes, 70% had history of CV events and 42% had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Mean LVEF was 31.5% (SD 6.47). Eighty patients had nuclear stress imaging; 10% were positive for reversible ischemia and 43% for prior infarct. Mean VO2max was 14.4(SD 5.71)ml/kg/min (31 patients). A cardiologist evaluated 93% of patients and was present at 58% of selection committee meetings. Twenty-four patients (22%) were denied by a cardiologist for KTx and 59 (54%) were denied by the selection committee, of whom 43 were due to CV risk. On univariate analysis, the variables associated with denial for KTx were: cardiologist denial, denial due to CV risk, Native American race (6% of cohort), higher NT-pro-BNP, prior MI, coronary intervention, positive stress study, anemia, lower EF and lower VO2max (all p<0.05). On multivariate analysis, cardiologist denial was the only significant predictor of denial for KTx (OR: 29.4, p=0.0007). At median follow-up of 15 months, 5 (5%) suffered non-fatal MI, 13 (12%) were hospitalized for HF exacerbation and 17 (16%) died. Only 22 (20%) underwent KTx. Post-KTx, there was one death, one non-fatal MI and 3 hospitalizations for HF. Mean LVEF improvement was 16% (SD12.9). Conclusions: Only 38% of ESRD patients with LVEF≤40% presenting for KTx evaluation were approved and of those, only 52% received KTx. Cardiologist approval was the primary predictor of suitability for KTx. Despite careful selection, prevalence of CV events and mortality after KTx was 23%. There is need for a consistent multidisciplinary approach during KTx evaluation, including cardiologist input, to improve CV outcomes.