Orthotopic Heart Transplantation Research Articles

119 Axillary Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump, Biventricular Assist Device Implantation and Subsequent Orthotopic Heart Transplantation in a Patient with Sickle Cell Trait

Abstract A 38-year-old Caucasian male presented to a local hospital with breathlessness. After thorough investigation, transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated dilated cardiomyopathy. He continued to deteriorate and developed florid pulmonary oedema, necessitating transfer to our centre. Routine work-up for cardiac transplantation found him to be a carrier of the HbS sickle cell trait, with an HbS concentration of 34.4%. Due to uncertainty of candidacy and further deterioration, axillary-IABP supported his bridge-to-decision. An IABP was inserted under fluoroscopic guidance via the right axillary artery using Seldinger technique. He continued to deteriorate requiring implantation of a BiVAD. He developed cardiac tamponade 23 days after BiVAD implantation demanding surgical evacuation. His condition improved with recovery of renal and liver function and resolution of pulmonary oedema. As there was no evidence of myocardial recovery, he was placed on the super-urgent heart transplant (HTX) list. After 45 days of BiVAD support, he underwent orthotopic HTX. The donor heart was from a 31-year-old male transported on cold storage. The patient remained normothermic throughout and diastolic arrest was achieved with cold blood cardioplegia delivered via the aortic root. Upon completion of anastomoses, bleeding from the posterior aortic wall occurred, requiring further aortic cross-clamping, cold-blood cardioplegia and administration of multiple blood products. Subsequently, the right ventricle distended, and the septum became dyskinetic. Central veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated uneventfully. VA-ECMO was weaned on the 5th-postoperative day, and he was discharged from the CTCCU six days later, he returned home 28 days after HTX. He maintained recovery and remains alive and well 34 months after discharge.

Effect of cardiac graft rejection on semilunar valve function: implications for heart valve transplantation.

The treatment of neonates with unrepairable heart valve dysfunction remains an unsolved problem because there are no growing heart valve replacements. Heart valve transplantation is a potential approach to deliver growing heart valve replacements. Therefore, we retrospectively analysed the semilunar valve function of orthotopic heart transplants during rejection episodes. We included children who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation at our institution and experienced at least one episode of rejection between 1/1/2010 and 1/1/2020. Semilunar valve function was analysed using echocardiography at baseline, during rejection and approximately 3 months after rejection. Included were a total of 31 episodes of rejection. All patients had either no (27) or trivial (4) aortic insufficiency prior to rejection. One patient developed mild aortic insufficiency during a rejection episode (P = 0.73), and all patients had either no (21) or trivial (7) aortic insufficiency at follow-up (P = 0.40). All patients had mild or less pulmonary insufficiency prior to rejection, which did not significantly change during (P = 0.40) or following rejection (P = 0.35). Similarly, compared to maximum pressure gradients across the valves at baseline, which were trivial, there was no appreciable change in the gradient across the aortic valve during (P = 0.50) or following rejection (P = 0.42), nor was there any meaningful change in the gradient across the pulmonary valve during (P = 0.55) or following rejection (P = 0.91). This study demonstrated that there was no echocardiographic evidence of change in semilunar valve function during episodes of rejection in patient with heart transplants. These findings indicate that heart valve transplants require lower levels of immune suppression than orthotopic heart transplants and provide partial foundational evidence to justify future research that will determine whether heart valve transplantation may deliver growing heart valve replacements for children.

Reintervention for Superior Vena Cava Obstruction After Heart Transplant

BackgroundChildren undergoing orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) may require complex reconstruction of superior vena cava (SVC) anomalies. SVC anatomy and mode of reconstruction are potential risk factors for SVC obstruction. MethodsA retrospective single-center review was conducted of patients undergoing initial OHT between January 1, 1990, and July 1, 2021. Simple SVC anatomy included a single right SVC to the right atrium or bilateral SVCs with a left SVC to an intact coronary sinus, without prior superior cavopulmonary connection. Presence of anomalous SVC anatomy, superior cavopulmonary connection, or previous atrial switch operation defined complex anatomy. Reconstructive strategies included atrial anastomosis; direct SVC-to-SVC anastomosis; and augmented SVC anastomosis using innominate vein, patch, cavopulmonary connection, or interposition graft. The primary outcome was reintervention for SVC obstruction. ResultsOf 288 patients, pretransplant diagnoses included congenital heart disease (n = 155 [54%]), cardiomyopathy (n = 125 [43%]), and other (n = 8 [3%]). Most (n = 208 [72%]) had simple SVC anatomy compared with complex SVC anatomy (80 [28%]). Reintervention for SVC obstruction occurred in 15 of 80 (19%) with complex anatomy and 1 of 208 (0.5%) with simple anatomy (P = .0001). Reintervention was more common when innominate vein or a patch was used (9/25 [36%]) compared with an interposition graft (1/7 [14%]) or direct anastomosis (6/82 [7%]; χ2 = 13.1; P = .001). Most reinterventions occurred within 30 days of OHT (14/16 [88%]). ConclusionsPatients with complex SVC anatomy have a higher rate of reintervention for SVC obstruction after OHT compared with those with simple SVC anatomy. In cases of complex SVC anatomy, interposition grafts may be associated with less reintervention compared with complex reconstructions using donor tissue.

Observations and Single-Center Outcomes in Orthotopic Heart Transplant for Patients With Adult Congenital Heart Disease: A Call for Equity and Parity

For persons with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), optimum patient selection and eligibility for orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) is not well defined. There is difficulty quantifying risk in patients with ACHD, leading to variability in OHT listing time and status. They are often disadvantaged due to a lack of mechanical support options, a shortage of congenital surgeons, and encounters with risk adverse health care programs. We examined patient characteristics and outcomes of a contemporary cohort of patients with ACHD undergoing OHT at a single high-volume Adult Congenital Heart Association accredited transplant center. Retrospective analysis of 49 consecutive patients with ACHD who underwent OHT from November 2010 through March 2020 was performed. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Survival at 1 month, 1 year, 3 years, and 10 years was 94%, 92%, 92%, and 83%, respectively. This study highlights the diversity and complexity of the population with ACHD proceeding to OHT as well as the multispecialty care needed to overcome disadvantages and optimize survival. Continued national discussions and policy adjustments will be necessary to bring parity and equity to this unique population.

How does protocolization improve outcomes in cardiogenic shock due to end-stage heart failure?

BackgroundProtocolized team-based care has been shown to improve outcomes in cardiogenic shock (CS) in patients with end-stage heart failure (ESHF). This study tested the hypothesis that protocolized care improves survival by reducing multi-organ dysfunction prior to orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) or durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD). MethodsWe developed a protocolized Recognize/rescue-Optimization-Stabilization-Exit/de-Escalation (ROSE) framework for CS due to ESHF. Six-month survival pre-ROSE (2014–2018) and post-ROSE (2018–2021) were compared. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was calculated as a measure of multi-organ dysfunction pre-MCS and pre-“Exit” therapy (OHT, LVAD or recovery). Results101 consecutive patients with CS due to ESHF who were deteriorating on inotropes (INTERMACS 1 or 2) were included (63 in Pre-ROSE and 38 in Post-ROSE). The proportions of patients who died on support (26 (41%) vs 11 (29%), p = 0.213) or bridged to “Exit” therapy were comparable between Pre- and Post-ROSE: OHT (28 (44%) vs 21 (55%), p = 0.292); durable LVAD (8 (13%) vs 5 (13%), p = 0.947); or recovery (1 (2%) vs 1 (3%), p = 0.715). SOFA score prior to “Exit” therapy was higher Pre-ROSE compared to Post-ROSE (4 (2–7) vs 2 (1–5), p = 0.012). Six-month survival from initial MCS (71% vs 41%, p = 0.004) and in patients who underwent “Exit” therapy (100% vs 71%, p = 0.001) were higher Post-ROSE vs Pre-ROSE, respectively. Higher pre-“Exit” SOFA score was associated with 6-month survival. None of the patients with Pre-“Exit” SOFA score ≥ 9 survived at 6 months. ConclusionProtocolization of CS care in ESHF improved six-month survival by improving multi-organ dysfunction (SOFA score) prior to OHT and LVAD implant.

Bilateral Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation for Treatment-Resistant Ventricular Arrhythmias in Heart Failure Patients with a Reduced Ejection Fraction.

The sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation (BCSD) is performed for refractory VAs. We sought to assess our institutional experience with BCSD in managing treatment-resistant monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (MMVT) in heart failure patients with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Four patients with HFrEF (EF 30.0 ± 8.2%, New York Heart Association [NYHA] class IV 1) underwent BCSD for MMVT (VT storm 3, repetitive VT requiring implantable cardioverter defibrillator [ICD] therapy 1) refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs, catheter ablation and ICD therapy. BCSD was effective for suppressing VT in 3 patients for whom deep sedation was effective for suppressing VT. One patient remained alive after 14 months of follow-up without episodes of VT. One patient died of acute myocardial infarction before discharge and 1 patient died from unknown cause at 3 days post-discharge. In contrast, BCSD was completely ineffective for suppressing VT in a patient with NYHA class IV for whom deep sedation and stellate ganglion block were ineffective. This patient died on the 10th post-CSD day, despite left ventricular assist device implantation. In all cases, BCSD was successfully performed without procedure-related complications.Despite the limited number of cases, our results showed that BCSD in patients with HFrEF suppressed refractory MMVT in acute-phase except for a patient with NYHA class IV; however, the prognoses were not good. BCSD may be a treatment option at an earlier stage of NYHA and a bridge to orthotopic heart transplantation, even if BCSD is effective for suppressing VAs.

Complications and management of functional single ventricle patients with Fontan circulation: From surgeon's point of view.

Fontan surgery by step-wise completing the isolation of originally mixed pulmonary and systemic circulation provides an operative approach for functional single-ventricle patients not amenable to biventricular repair and allows their survival into adulthood. In the absence of a subpulmonic pumping chamber, however, the unphysiological Fontan circulation consequently results in diminished cardiac output and elevated central venous pressure, in which multiple short-term or long-term complications may develop. Current understanding of the Fontan-associated complications, particularly toward etiology and pathophysiology, is extremely incomplete. What’s more, ongoing efforts have been made to manage these complications to weaken the Fontan-associated adverse impact and improve the life quality, but strategies are ill-defined. Herein, this review summarizes recent studies on cardiac and non-cardiac complications associated with Fontan circulation, focusing on significance or severity, etiology, pathophysiology, prevalence, risk factors, surveillance, or diagnosis. From the perspective of surgeons, we also discuss the management of the Fontan circulation based on current evidence, including post-operative administration of antithrombotic agents, ablation, pacemaker implantation, mechanical circulatory support, and final orthotopic heart transplantation, etc., to standardize diagnosis and treatment in the future.

Management of the Dental Patient with an Implanted Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), A Case Report and Suggested Guidelines for Care

Background and Overview: Nearly 6 million Americans suffer from heart failure (HF). For patients with advanced HF refractory to medical therapy, Orthotopic Heart Transplantation (OHT) is the therapy of choice, limited primarily by donor availability. A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) can be used as a “bridge to transplant” while awaiting OHT, or as a “destination therapy”. These devices improve quality of life allowing patients to proceed with the activities of daily living independently, including presenting for routine dental care. There are few existing guidelines available for the care of these complex patients. The purpose of this study is to educate the clinician on the LVAD and to establish guidelines on the care of these patients. Case Description: A 55-year-old male suffering from HF secondary to nonischemic cardiomyopathy, a left ventricular ejection fraction of 15-20%, and severe mitral regurgitation underwent LVAD implantation as a bridge to OHT at NYU Langone Health (NYULH) in December 2017. In September of 2019 he was referred to NYU College of Dentistry for oral health clearance prior to OHT. Evaluation revealed localized chronic mild periodontitis, several teeth requiring endodontic treatment, and several non-restorable teeth requiring extraction to address potential odontogenic infections. Dental treatment was safely completed at the NYU College of Dentistry in cooperation with the patient’s LVAD coordinator for the purpose of receiving an OHT. Conclusions and Practical Implications: Dental patients with LVADs have specific needs due to their implanted cardiac device and their secondary underlying comorbidities. There are few published guidelines for the evaluation and care of the dental patient with an implanted LVAD. DHCP (dental healthcare professionals) should be aware of this cohort of patient as they may present themselves for routine or emergent care to the dental office. Management of the dental patient with an implanted VAD should be done through appropriate close interdisciplinary consultation and coordination.

Orthotopic Heart Transplant with Concurrent Supracoronary Ascending Aortic Replacement

We report a case of successful orthotopic heart transplant with concurrent supracoronary ascending aortic replacement (SCAAR) using a vascular conduit. An orthotopic heart transplant was performed on a 29-year-old White man with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and reduced ejection fraction (20%). During the revision of the donor heart, a wall defect was detected in the ascending part of the donor aorta that could not be corrected. It was decided to perform a SCAAR using a 22-mm polytetrafluoroethylene vascular conduit and double-patch sandwich technique with Teflon patches. Two months later postoperative computed topography scan demonstrated sufficient patency of the vascular conduit and aorta with an improvement in the general somatic and functional state of the patient, and normal systolic and diastolic function of the transplanted heart. Our clinical case is unique in the complexity of the procedure with potential high intraoperative and early postoperative risks as well as the fact that SCAAR was performed immediately after heart transplant. In this clinical case, reconstruction of the ascending aorta with a vascular conduit is a strategically correct solution in the event of aortic defects that cannot be corrected with a suture technique.

COVID-19 Infection in Heart Transplant Recipients: Results of a Six-Month Prospective Survey-Based Study

Solid-organ transplantation recipients were assumed highly vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the results of previous studies in patients with orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) under immunosuppressive therapy are contradictory. Therefore, we aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 infection and associated risk factors, along with the six-month outcomes in COVID-19 positive OHT patients. This single-center telephone-based survey was conducted on OHT patients. Using a detailed questionnaire, exposure to COVID-19, related symptoms, and preventive self-care measures were collected. Outcomes of COVID-19-positive patients were reassessed using another survey six months later. 118 OHT patients (male: n=87, 73.7%) were included with a mean age of 45.3±13.1 years. Sixteen patients (13.5%) reported one or more symptoms compatible with COVID-19, of whom 12 (10.2%) tested positive. Our results indicated no statistically significant association between COVID-19 and comorbidities. Poor adherence to self-care measures and contact with positive index cases were both significantly associated with COVID-19 infection (P<0.001). A later six months follow-up showed that two out of 12 (16.6%) COVID-19 positive OHT patients died. There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of COVID-19 in our patients compared to Iran’s general population (P=0.152). Non-compliance with personal protective protocols and a history of contact with COVID-19 cases were the most risk factors for COVID-19 infection in OHT patients.

Impact of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of Donors on Days Alive and Out of Hospital after Orthotopic Heart Transplantation.

Background: The number of patients waiting for heart transplantation (HTX) is increasing. Optimizing the use of all available donor hearts is crucial. While mortality seems not to be affected by donor cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the impact of donor CPR on days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) is unclear. Methods: This retrospective study included adults who underwent HTX at the University Hospital Duesseldorf, Germany from 2010–2020. Main exposure was donor-CPR. Secondary exposure was the length of CPR. The primary endpoint was DAOH at one year. Results: A total of 187 patients were screened and 171 patients remained for statistical analysis. One-year mortality was 18.7%. The median DAOH at one year was 295 days (interquartile range 206–322 days). Forty-two patients (24.6%) received donor-CPR hearts. The median length of CPR was 15 (9–21) minutes. There was no significant difference in DAOH between patients with donor-CPR hearts versus patients with no-CPR hearts (CPR: 291 days (211–318 days) vs. no-CPR: 295 days (215–324 days); p = 0.619). Multivariate linear regression revealed that there was no association between length of CPR and DAOH (unstandardized coefficients B: −0.06, standard error: 0.81, 95% CI −1.65–1.53, p = 0.943). Conclusions: Donor CPR status and length of CPR are not associated with reduced DAOH at one year after HTX.

Aortic valve replacement using On-X valve in a child postorthotopic heart transplantation.

A 20-month-old girl presented with severe dilated cardiomyopathy and decompensated congestive cardiac failure. Despite escalating inotropic and mechanical ventilation support, she required placement on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and transfer to the transplant centre in Newcastle, England. She was placed on biventricular assist device and then Berlin Heart but failed to show any recovery of ventricular function. She underwent orthotopic heart transplantation at 2 years of age. She developed bacterial endocarditis with Enterococcus faecalis resulting in severe aortic valve regurgitation requiring aortic valve replacement with a 19 mm On-X valve (Airtivion) 11 days after her transplant. Given the size of the donor heart, it was possible to implant a 19-mm valve in this 12 kg child with minimal risk of patient prosthesis mismatch. She was anticoagulated with warfarin (On-X valve INR 2-3 for first 3 months; INR 1.5-2.0 thereafter). Although she suffered several other post-operative complications, including malabsorption, nasojejunal feeding, liver dysfunction, vertebral fractures, renal impairment and renal calcification, and need for repeat opening of her tracheostomy site following her initial decannulation, her aortic valve function has remained stable.

Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy: a rare but deadly complication post orthotopic heart transplantation.

Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy: a rare but deadly complication post orthotopic heart transplantation.

Theophylline Use to Prevent Permanent Pacing in the Contemporary Era of Heart Transplantation: The Rotterdam Experience.

IntroductionSinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular conduction disorders occur increasingly after orthotopic heart transplantation (HTX) due to aging donors and may require permanent pacemaker (PM) implantation. Theophylline has been used in the past in selected cases as an alternative to PM implantation.PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the rate and success of oral theophylline administration after orthotopic heart transplantation preventing permanent PM implantation.MethodsWe included all patients treated with theophylline post HTX due to bradyarrhythmia's in our center from January 1985 to January 2020. Data was obtained retrospectively through electronic patient files. Re-transplants and patients who died within 1 month post HTX were excluded from the analysis.ResultsOf the total of 751 heart transplant recipients, 73 (9,7%) patients (mean age 46 ± 15.2 years; 73% male) were treated with theophylline for bradyarrhythmia's early post HTX. Of these patients, 14 (19%) patients needed a permanent PM during hospitalization and 10(14%) patients stopped using theophylline because of adequate heart rhythm. In the end, 49 (6.5% of the total) patients were discharged with a theophylline (mean maintenance doses of 354 ± 143 mg). At the outpatient clinics, additional 6 (12%) patients needed a PM within 7 months after discharge, with the rest stable sinus rhythm.ConclusionIn this retrospective data analyses oral theophylline remained a viable alternative to permanent PM implantations in patients post HTX with increased heart rates, facilitating the withdrawal of chronotropic support and avoiding the need of permanent PM implantation.

Pulmonary Vein Extension for Large Left Atrium Size Mismatch During Heart Transplantation

In cases with a large recipient left atrium (LA), matching of the donor and recipient anastomoses can be challenging. In the presented case, this is addressed by reducing the circumference of the recipient LA cuff by extending the pulmonary veins. The inferior pulmonary veins were extended by making neopulmonary veins using the remnant recipient LA cuff; the circumference of the recipient LA cuff could then be reduced to easily make an anastomosis. This new technique could be an alternative method to resolve LA size discrepancies in orthotopic heart transplantation.

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance for Rejection Surveillance After Cardiac Transplantation.

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is the gold standard method for surveillance of acute cardiac allograft rejection (ACAR) despite its invasive nature. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-based myocardial tissue characterization allows detection of myocarditis. The feasibility of CMR-based surveillance for ACAR-induced myocarditis in the first year after heart transplantation is currently undescribed. CMR-based multiparametric mapping was initially assessed in a prospective cross-sectional fashion to establish agreement between CMR- and EMB-based ACAR and to determine CMR cutoff values between rejection grades. A prospective randomized noninferiority pilot study was then undertaken in adult orthotopic heart transplant recipients who were randomized at 4 weeks after orthotopic heart transplantation to either CMR- or EMB-based rejection surveillance. Clinical end points were assessed at 52 weeks. Four hundred one CMR studies and 354 EMB procedures were performed in 106 participants. Forty heart transplant recipients were randomized. CMR-based multiparametric assessment was highly reproducible and reliable at detecting ACAR (area under the curve, 0.92; sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 92%; negative predictive value, 99%) with greater specificity and negative predictive value than either T1 or T2 parametric CMR mapping alone. High-grade rejection occurred in similar numbers of patients in each randomized group (CMR, n=7; EMB, n=8; P=0.74). Despite similarities in immunosuppression requirements, kidney function, and mortality between groups, the rates of hospitalization (9 of 20 [45%] versus 18 of 20 [90%]; odds ratio, 0.091; P=0.006) and infection (7 of 20 [35%] versus 14 of 20 [70%]; odds ratio, 0.192; P=0,019) were lower in the CMR group. On 15 occasions (6%), patients who were randomized to the CMR arm underwent EMB for clarification or logistic reasons, representing a 94% reduction in the requirement for EMB-based surveillance. A noninvasive CMR-based surveillance strategy for ACAR in the first year after orthotopic heart transplantation is feasible compared with EMB-based surveillance. HREC/13/SVH/66 and HREC/17/SVH/80. ACTRN12618000672257.

Giant ventral hernia following left ventricular assist device bridge to heart transplantation.

Ventral hernias following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement are rare. With the improvement in technology, and miniaturization of devices associated with intrapericardial placement, these complications have largely been abolished. The mere presence of a large ventral hernia should not exclude recipients from being candidates for orthotopic heart transplantation.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators in patients with orthotopic heart transplant: A multicenter case series.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is common after orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). No clear guidelines for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation in OHT patients at high risk for SCD currently exist. To assess the safety, efficacy, and benefit of ICDs and resynchronization therapy post-OHT. We also provide a systematic review of previous reports. A retrospective multicenter cohort study within the United States. Patients with ICD post-OHT between 2000 and 2020 were identified. We analyzed 16 patients from 4 centers. The mean standard-deviation (SD) age was 43 (18) years at OHT and 51 (20) years at ICD implantation. The mean (SD) duration from OHT to ICD implantation was 9 (5) years. The mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 35% (17%). There were 2 (13%) postprocedural complications: 1 hematoma and 1 death. Mean (SD) follow-up was 24 (23) months. Survival rate was 63% (10/16) at 1 year and 56% (9/16) at 2 years, with 6/7 of those who died having LVEF < 35% at the time of the ICD implantation. Patients were more likely to receive appropriate therapy if their ICD was implanted for secondary (5/8) rather than primary (0/8) prevention (p = .007). Of those who did, 4 patients survived to 30 days post-ICD therapy. Severe CAV was not associated with the rate of appropriate therapy. Beneficial outcomes were observed when ICDs were implanted for secondary prevention only, and in patients with higher baseline LVEF. We also observed benefits with resynchronization therapy.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Histopathology in Baboons Following Genetically-Engineered Pig Orthotopic Heart Transplantation.

BackgroundAlthough improving, survival after pig orthotopic heart transplantation (OHTx) in baboons has been mixed and largely poor. The causes for the high incidence of early failure remain uncertain.Material/MethodsWe have carried out pig OHTx in 4 baboons. Two died or were euthanized within hours, and 2 survived for 3 and 8 months, respectively. There was evidence of a significant ‘cytokine storm’ in the immediate post-OHTx period with the elevations in IL-6 correlating closely with the final outcome.ResultsAll 4 baboons demonstrated features suggestive of respiratory dysfunction, including increased airway resistance, hypoxia, and tachypnea. Histopathological observations of pulmonary infiltration by neutrophils and, notably, eosinophils within vessels and in the perivascular and peribronchiolar space, with minimal cardiac pathology, suggested a role for early lung acute inflammation. In one, features suggestive of transfusion-related acute lung injury were present. The 2 longer-term survivors died of (i) a cardiac dysrhythmia with cellular infiltration around the conducting tissue (at 3 months), and (ii) mixed cellular and antibody-mediated rejection (at 8 months).ConclusionsThese initial findings indicate a potential role of acute lung injury early after OHTx. If this response can be prevented, increased survival may result, providing an opportunity to evaluate the factors affecting long-term survival.

Permanent pacing in a very long-term follow-up after orthotopic heart transplantation: A matter of when or why?

BackgroundOrthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is associated with a high incidence of conduction disturbances (CD) leading to permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation. However, the improved posttransplant survival raises the question about the pacemaker dependence (PD) in a prolonged follow‐up.HypothesisThe prevalence of PPM in OHT is high but not all patients are PD in a very long‐term follow‐up. Device implantation has no prognostic relevance.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patient medical records focusing on device interrogation data at the most recent follow‐up.ResultsThe study population consisted of 183 patients with a mean follow‐up of 15.0 ± 6.8 years. One‐fourth of the patients had undergone PPM implantation (n = 49, 26.8%). Among these, two‐thirds were PD at last follow‐up (n = 32, 65.3%). PPM was more often in biatrial OHT and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.26–7.29, p = .013 and OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.03–3.87, p = .041, respectively). Early sinus node dysfunction (SND) was the most persistent CD. PPM was associated with a poorer outcome in OHT (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.06–3.46, p = .031) and a higher rate of fatal septicemia (HR 5.1, 95% CI 1.41–18.14, p = .013).ConclusionsOne‐fourth of the OHT recipients develop CD requiring PPM implantation, although one‐third among these are not PD in follow‐up. Early SND is associated with a higher rate of PD. PPM is associated with an inferior prognosis.