Abstract

<h3>Purpose</h3> Heart-liver transplant (HLvTx) has been demonstrated to show an immune protective effect with the transplanted liver protecting the heart. There are several reports suggesting less rejection in the HLvTx group. It has not been established whether this benefit is present in the current era. <h3>Methods</h3> Between 2007 and 2017, we assessed 13 HLvTx patients compared to heart alone patients (HATx, n=758). Patients were assessed for freedom from 1-year rejection [acute cellular rejection (ACR) and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR)] and donor-specific antibodies (DSA). Other endpoints included 5-year survival and freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV, stenosis ≥30% by angiography) and non-fatal major adverse cardiac event (NF-MACE: myocardial infarction, new congestive heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention, implantable cardioverter defibrillator/pacemaker implant, stroke). <h3>Results</h3> HLvTx compared to HATx showed similar freedom from 1-year rejection (ACR, AMR) and DSA. 5-year survival, freedom from CAV and NF-MACE were also similar between the two groups (see table). <h3>Conclusion</h3> In the current era, HLvTx does not appear to provide immune protection in either rejection or CAV. A larger number of heart-liver transplant patients will be needed to confirm these findings.

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