Trasplante cardíaco y autólogo de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas en pacientes con amiloidosis AL / Cardiac and autologous stem cell transplantation hematopoietic in patients with AL amyloidosis

Resumen Objetivo: Describir la evolución de las cadenas livianas libres séricas (CLL) en el período comprendido entre el trasplante cardíaco ortotópico (TCO) y el trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH), la respuesta hematológica al año tras el TCPH y el tratamiento quimioterápico e inmunosupresor en pacientes con amiloidosis AL. Método: Serie de casos de pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de amiloidosis AL que recibieron TCO seguido de TCPH del Registro Institucional de Amiloidosis del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, entre enero de 2010 y noviembre de 2021. Se reportaron los valores de CLL entre trasplantes y al año del TCPH. Las variables cuantitativas se describieron como mediana e intervalo intercuartil, y las variables categóricas como frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: De 106 pacientes con amiloidosis AL, seis tuvieron TCO seguido de TCPH. La mediana de edad fue de 55 años. La mayoría eran hombres (n = 5). En el período entre trasplantes, la CLL involucrada disminuyó en dos pacientes y se mantuvo estable en tres. Todos lograron la remisión hematológica completa al año del TCPH. Un solo paciente presentó recaída en el órgano sólido trasplantado. Tacrolimus, micofenolato de mofetilo y corticoides fue el esquema inmunosupresor utilizado después del TCO. Conclusiones: El TCO representa una opción de tratamiento en pacientes con falla cardíaca grave por amiloidosis, permitiendo luego un tratamiento intensivo con quimioterapia de inducción y TCPH. Si bien faltan estudios, la terapia inmunosupresora después del TCO podría tener algún efecto sobre las células plasmáticas clonales.

Abstract Objective: To describe the evolution of serum free light chains (FLC) in the period between orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the hematological response one year after ASCT and chemotherapy and immunosuppressive treatment in patients with AL amyloidosis. Method: Case series of consecutive patients diagnosed with AL amyloidosis who received OHT followed by ASCT from the Institutional Registry of Amyloidosis of the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, between January 2010 and November 2021. FLC values between transplants and at year post ASCT. Quantitative variables were described with their median and interquartile range. Categorical variables as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Of 106 patients with AL amyloidosis, 6 had an OHT followed by ASCT. The median age was 55 years. Most were men (n = 5). In the period between transplants, the involved CLL decreased in two patients and remained stable in three. All achieved complete hematologic remission 1 year after ASCT. A single patient presented relapse in the transplanted solid organ. Tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids were the immunosuppressive regimen used after OHT. Conclusions: OHT represents a treatment option in patients with severe heart failure due to amyloidosis, allowing later intensive treatment with induction chemotherapy and ASCT. Although studies are lacking, immunosuppressive therapy after OHT might have some effect on clonal plasma cells.

Evaluación de resultados en una serie de pacientes con trasplante cardiaco: experiencia en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología

Exponemos la experiencia del Instituto Nacional de Cardiología de una serie de casos de pacientes sometidos a trasplante cardiaco entre mayo de 2016 y junio 2022. Se realizaron 14 trasplantes, 13 fueron del sexo masculino. La edad osciló entre 19 y 62 años. Las etiologías fueron cardiopatías de tipo idiopática en 57% y valvular en 21%. El 50% se trasplantó en INTERMACS 4 (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support), 21% INTERMACS 3 y solo 28% en INTERMACS 2. Tres pacientes se trasplantaron con asistencia circulatoria tipo membrana circulación extracorpórea. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron las infecciosas. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue 35,7%. Hubo un fallecido en el seguimiento tras 5 años de trasplante.

We present the experience of the National Institute of Cardiology of a series of cases of patients undergoing heart transplantation between May 2016 and June 2022. Fourteen transplants were performed, 13 of the patients were male. The age ranged between 19 and 62 years. The etiologies were idiopathic heart disease in 57% and valvular heart disease in 21%. Fifty percent was transplanted in INTERMACS 4 (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support), 21% in INTERMACS 3 and only 28% in INTERMACS 2. Three patients were transplanted with membrane type extracorporeal circulation circulatory support. The most frequent complications were infectious. Hospital mortality was 35.7%. There was one patient who died during follow-up after 5 years of transplantation.

The clinical impact of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with a biatrial orthotopic heart transplant / 医学前沿

In this study, we aim to elucidate the clinical impact and long-term course of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), taking into account its dynamic nature, after biatrial orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). All consecutive adult patients undergoing biatrial OHT (1984-2017) with an available follow-up echocardiogram were included. Mixed-models were used to model the evolution of TR. The mixed-model was inserted into a Cox model in order to address the association of the dynamic TR with mortality. In total, 572 patients were included (median age: 50 years, males: 74.9%). Approximately 32% of patients had moderate-to-severe TR immediately after surgery. However, this declined to 11% on 5 years and 9% on 10 years after surgery, adjusted for survival bias. Pre-implant mechanical support was associated with less TR during follow-up, whereas concurrent LV dysfunction was significantly associated with more TR during follow-up. Survival at 1, 5, 10, 20 years was 97% ± 1%, 88% ± 1%, 66% ± 2% and 23% ± 2%, respectively. The presence of moderate-to-severe TR during follow-up was associated with higher mortality (HR: 1.07, 95% CI (1.02-1.12), p = 0.006). The course of TR was positively correlated with the course of creatinine (R = 0.45). TR during follow-up is significantly associated with higher mortality and worse renal function. Nevertheless, probability of TR is the highest immediately after OHT and decreases thereafter. Therefore, it may be reasonable to refrain from surgical intervention for TR during earlier phase after OHT.

Reabilitação Cardíaca na Pessoa Transplantada com Distrofia Muscular de Emery-Dreifuss / Cardiac Rehabilitation in a Transplanted Person with Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy

Resumo A distrofia muscular de Emery-Dreifuss é uma doença neuromuscular hereditária rara. Suas manifestações começam principalmente na infância. As manifestações mais frequentes são fraqueza muscular progressiva, atrofia que geralmente se inicia na região escápulo-vertebral, estendendo-se posteriormente para a cintura pélvica e rigidez da coluna vertebral. Os pacientes também podem manifestar envolvimento cardíaco como palpitações, síncope, intolerância ao exercício, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva e distúrbios variáveis do ritmo cardíaco. 1 - 3 A presença e a gravidade dessas manifestações podem variar de acordo com o indivíduo e os subtipos da doença. 2 O envolvimento cardíaco é a característica mais preocupante desta doença, havendo alguns relatos da necessidade de transplante cardíaco nesta distrofia. 4

Abstract Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a rare hereditary neuromuscular disease. Its manifestations begin primarily in childhood. The most frequent manifestations are progressive muscle weakness, atrophy that usually begins in the scapula-vertebral region, extending later to the pelvic girdle, and spinal stiffness. Patients can also manifest cardiac involvement as palpitations, syncope, exercise intolerance, congestive heart failure, and variable heart rhythm disturbances.1 - 3 The presence and severity of these manifestations can vary according to the individual and the disease's subtypes. 2 Cardiac involvement is the most worrisome feature of this disease, and there are some reports of the need for heart transplantation in this dystrophy. 4

Contribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Conventional Medicine Treatment for a Long-Term Survivor of Heart Transplant with Severe COVID-19： A Case Report / 中医杂志

We report a case of a long-term survivor of heart transplant who developed severe COVID-19 and was treated with a traditional Chinese medicine combined with conventional medicine. Throughout the treatment， the patient received active conventional medical treatment， and traditional Chinese medicine interventions included tonifying qi， invigorating the spleen and transforming phlegm， promoting yang and eliminating stagnation， resolving dampness and dissipating phlegm， and promoting blood circulation and eliminating stasis. The main therapeutic principles adopted were to recuperating depleted yang and rescuing the patient from collapse and to resolve phlegm and promote water. Pogezilong Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction （破格子龙宣白承气汤） with modifications was administered. In summary， it is crucial to the timely adjust the immunosuppressive regimen， combine use of various anti-infective agents with a focus on COVID-19， to protect of cardiac and renal function， and to integrate traditional Chinese medicine in the entire treatment process. As this case is rare， the diagnostic and therapeutic methods in traditional Chinese medicine， the use of immunosuppressive agents， and follow-up monitoring strategies can be a valuable reference.

A rare case of mucormycosis in heart transplantation

Mucormycosisis the third most common invasive fungal infection with a high mortality rate seen in immunocompromised patients. It is an increasingly well-reported invasive fungal infection that affects recipients of solid-organ transplant. The incidence of mucormycosis in patients with heart transplants ranges from 0 to 0.6%. We reporteda case of mucormycosis in a young heart transplant male recipient.

Early reduction of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients using a long-term mechanical ventricular assistance device: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a contraindication for heart transplantation (HT). It has been correlated with increased early and late mortality, mainly associated with right ventricular failure. Ventricular assistance devices (VADs) can promote reduction of intracardiac pressures and consequent reduction of PAH over the medium and long terms, thus enabling future candidature for HT. The diminution of early pulmonary pressure within this scenario remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reduction of PAH and correlate data from right catheterization with the earliness of this reduction. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a general hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis on the medical records of patients undergoing VAD implantation in a single hospital. Patients for whom VAD had been indicated as a bridge to candidature for HT due to their condition of constant PAH were selected. RESULTS: Four patients with VADs had constantly severe PAH. Their mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) before VAD implantation was 66 mmHg. Over the 30-day period after the procedure, all the patients evolved with a drop in PASP to below 60 mmHg. Their new average was 36 mmHg, which was a drop of close to 50% from baseline values. The one-year survival of this sample was 100%. CONCLUSION: VAD implantation can reduce PAH levels. Early reduction occurred in all patients. Thus, use of VAD is an important bridge tool for enabling candidature for HT among patients with constantly severe PAH.

El riñón en el trasplante cardíaco, relato de una travesía / The Kidney in Heart Transplantation, Tale of a Journey

RESUMEN La intención de esta actualización es destacar la relación que se establece entre el corazón y el riñón a lo largo de toda la travesía que implica un trasplante cardíaco. Frente al mismo, el sistema cardiovascular y el renal se comportan como compañeros de un viaje que, a veces, es difícil determinar cuándo comienza, y que los obliga a superar diferentes obstáculos, como los cambios hemodinámicos, la respuesta neurohumoral e inflamatoria, la injuria quirúrgica, la reacción inmunológica y la toxicidad medicamentosa. Esta relación puede verse como una aventura que indefectiblemente deben compartir. En este viaje trataremos de acompañar a ambos órganos, pero fijando la atención especialmente en el riñón, y describir las conexiones, mecanismos de protección y de perjuicio que se generan a lo largo del recorrido. En la travesía podemos reconocer respuestas solidarias, para sostener el equilibrio entre ambos sistemas, pero en ese intento de protección se producen daños colaterales.

ABSTRACT The aim of this update is to highlight the relationship between the heart and the kidney throughout the entire journey involved in heart transplantation. Faced with heart transplantation, the cardiovascular and renal systems behave as mates of a journey that, at times, is difficult to determine when it starts, and that forces them to overcome different obstacles, such as hemodynamic changes, neurohumoral and inflammatory response, surgical injury, immune reaction, and drug toxicity. This relationship can be seen as an adventure that they must inevitably share. We will try to accompany both organs in this journey, but paying special attention to the kidney, describing the associations and the protection and damage mechanisms that are generated throughout its course. In this journey we can recognize solidarity responses to maintain the balance between both systems, but in this attempt to protect, collateral injury occurs.

Transplante cardíaco no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais: custo do paciente internado / Cardiac transplantation at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Minas Gerais: inpatient cost

Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar o custo do paciente internado para transplante cardíaco no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais nos anos de 2019 e 2020. Por meio da metodologia de custeio ABC e Diagrama de Pareto foram levantados os valores inerentes aos materiais, medicamentos e exames realizados pelos pacientes no período de internação em que ocorreram os transplantes. Também foram investigados os custos referentes ao tempo disponibilizado pela equipe cirúrgica e os custos relativos aos dias de internação em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e Enfermaria. O método de pesquisa envolveu estudo de caso e pesquisa documental, especialmente prontuários físicos e eletrônicos dos pacientes, nos quais foram verificados os registros de dados clínicos. Os preços dos materiais, medicamentos e exames foram obtidos em bancos de dados utilizados pelo hospital como: Comprasnet, Banco de Preços, Painel de Preços e sistemas internos de gestão de compras. Os custos de internação foram levantados junto ao setor responsável pela apuração de custos do HC-UFMG, enquanto as informações utilizadas para cálculo do custo da equipe cirúrgica são provenientes do Portal da Transparência do Governo Federal e plano de cargos, carreiras e salários da Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares e UFMG. Alcançado o objetivo foi produzido relatório situacional, que poderá ser utilizado pelas instituições de saúde como referência de pesquisa e negociação com os entes responsáveis pelo financiamento da saúde no Brasil, principalmente dos transplantes cardíacos. A pesquisa se mostrou relevante do ponto de vista clínico e de gestão, possibilitando uma visão sistêmica e integrada dos processos, à medida que amplia o conhecimento dos custos de uma importante linha de cuidado, além de contribuir com o redimensionamento de recursos e dar mais subsídios à tomada de decisão. Os resultados mostraram que no Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG o Custo do Transplante Cardíaco é de R$ 141.958,91.

This study aimed to identify the cost of patients hospitalized for heart transplantation at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais in the years 2019 and 2020. Through the ABC costing methodology and Pareto's Diagram, the values inherent to the materials, drugs and diagnostic procedures to which the patients were submitted during the period of hospitalization for the transplant were raised. The costs related to the time made available by the surgical team and the costs related to the days of hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit and ward were also investigated. The research method involved case study and documental research, especially physical and electronic patient records, in which clinical data records were verified. The prices of materials, medicines and exams were obtained from databases used by the hospital such as: Comprasnet, Price Bank, Price Panel and internal purchasing management systems. The hospitalization costs were collected from the sector responsible for calculating the costs of the HC-UFMG, while the information used to calculate the cost of the surgical team comes from the Federal Government's Transparency Portal and the and Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares and UFMG's career and salary plan. Having achieved the objective, a situational report was produced, which can be used by health institutions as a reference for research and negotiation with the entities responsible for health financing in Brazil, especially heart transplants. The research proved to be relevant from a clinical and management point of view, enabling a systemic and integrated view of the processes, as it expands the knowledge of the costs of an important line of care, in addition to contributing to the resizing of resources and providing more subsidies to decision making. The results showed that at the Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG the cost of Heart Transplantation is R$ 141.958,91.

C-Reactive protein level and left ventricular mass are associated with acute cellular rejection after heart transplant

OBJECTIVES: Acute cellular rejection (ACR) remains a major complication of heart transplant (HT). The gold standard for its diagnosis is endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), whereas the role of non-invasive biomarkers for detecting ACR is unclear. This study aimed to identify non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of ACR in patients undergoing HT and presenting with normal left ventricular function. METHODS: We evaluated patients who underwent HT at a single center between January 2010 and June 2019. Patients were enrolled after HT, and those with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction before EMB were excluded. We included only the results of the first EMB performed at least 30 days after HT (median, 90 days). Troponin, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured and echocardiography was performed up to 7 days before EMB. ACR was defined as International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grade 2R or 3R on EMB. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify the non-invasive predictors of ACR (2R or 3R) and evaluated the accuracy of each using area under the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: We analyzed 72 patients after HT (51.31±13.63 years; 25 [34.7%] women); of them, 9 (12.5%) developed ACR. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, we performed forward stepwise selection (entry criteria, p<0.05). The only independent predictors that remained in the model were CRP level and LV mass index. The optimal cut-off point for CRP level was ≥15.9 mg/L (odds ratio [OR], 11.7; p=0.007) and that for LV mass index was ≥111 g/m2 (OR, 13.6; p=0.003). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve derived from this model was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.99), with sensitivity of 85.7% (95% CI, 42.1%-99.6%), specificity of 78.4% (95% CI, 64.7%-88.7%), positive predictive value of 35.3% (95% CI, 14.3%-61.7%), and negative predictive value of 97.6% (95% CI, 87.1%-99.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing HT, CRP level and LV mass were directly associated with ACR, but troponin and BNP levels were not.

Evaluation of right ventricular function by fully automated three-dimensional echocardiography right ventricular quantification software in patients after heart transplantation / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility, accuracy and reproducibility of a novel, fully automated three-dimensional echocardiography right ventricular(RV) quantification software(3D Anto RV) to evaluate the RV volume and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) using artificial intelligence in patients after heart transplantation (HT) comparing with the gold reference-cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).Methods:Forty-six patients after HT who were scheduled for echocardiogram at their routine follow-up examinations and also agreed to undergo CMR examination within the following 24 hours in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from October 2018 to June 2019 were prospectively included. The right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV), right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV) and RVEF of HT patients were measured by CMR 3D Auto RV and conventional semi-automated three-dimensional echocardiography RV quantification software (Tomtec 4D RV function 2.0). The results of the 3D Auto RV and conventional semi-automated Tomtec were respectively compared with CMR using paired two-tailed student′s t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analyses. Results:The feasibility of the 3D Auto RV was 87%.The fully automated analysis realized in 27 (59%) patients by 3D Auto RV and the analysis time required only (12±1)s. The results of the remaining 19 (41%) patients needed manual adjustment and the mean analysis time in manual adjustment was also <2 min that was shorter than the conventional semi-automated three-dimensional echocardiography RV quantification software[(108±15)s vs (160±34)s, P<0.001]. For the results of RV volumes: There were good correlations between the 3D Auto RV and CMR, conventional semi-automated Tomtec and CMR for the measurements of RVEDV, RVESV and RVSV ( r=0.77-0.84, all P<0.001). In addition, compared with CMR, although there were significantly underestimated RV volumes by the 3D Auto RV and conventional semi-automated Tomtec, the negative bias was smaller in the 3D Auto RV than the conventional semi-automated Tomtec. For the results of RVEF: the corresponding RVEF derived from 3D Auto RV and CMR showed an excellent correlation and consistency ( r=0.84, P<0.001; bias=-1.1%, Limit of agreement=-8.1%-6.0%). In addition, the correlations between the manual adjustment by 3D Auto RV and the CMR ( r=0.63-0.72, all P<0.001) was lower than the correlations between the 3D Auto RV and the CMR ( r=0.76-0.82, all P<0.001) for RV volumes and RVEF.Finally, 3D Auto RV had a good reproducibility. Conclusions:The new fully 3D Auto RV quantification software underestimate RV volumes that less than the conventional semi-automated Tomtec. And the 3D Auto RV quantification software can accurately evaluate the RVEF in patients after HT with rapid analysis and higher reproducibility, which may also support the routine adoption of this method during follow-ups of HT patients in the daily clinical workflow.

Factores asociados a la mortalidad en el primer año postrasplante cardíaco / Factors associated with mortality in the first year post-cardiac transplantation

Resumen Introducción: en el trasplante cardiaco la sobrevida es del 81 al 85% en el primer año; las infecciones y la falla del injerto son las principales causas de mortalidad. Objetivo: determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a mortalidad al año postrasplante cardiaco en un hospital de alta complejidad del suroccidente colombiano. Métodos: cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con trasplante de corazón llevado a cabo entre 1996 a 2015. Se obtuvo la información de las características del donante, receptor y procedimiento quirúrgico. Se realizó una regresión de Cox; el evento de interés fue la mortalidad al primer año de seguimiento. En el análisis multivariable se incluyeron variables con p ≤ 0,20 y significancia clínica. Resultados: se incluyeron 158 pacientes, con mediana de edad de 50 años (RIC: 39-57), 76% hombres. La principal etiología de falla cardiaca fue idiopática (45%). La mediana de tiempo de isquemia fue 187 minutos (RIC: 142-300). La mortalidad fue 24%, y se atribuyó principalmente a infecciones (29%). Fueron factores asociados a mortalidad la cardiopatía congénita como etiología de falla cardíaca (p 0,048), antecedente de diabetes mellitus (p 0,001), cirugía cardiaca previa (p 0,023) tiempo de isquemia mayor a 150 minutos (p 0,038) y relación receptor hombre/donante mujer (p 0,022). Conclusiones: los factores asociados a mayor mortalidad en el primer año postrasplante cardiaco fueron: etiología de la falla cardíaca por cardiopatía congénita, antecedente de diabetes mellitus, cirugía cardiaca previa, relación receptor hombre con donante mujer, tiempo de isquemia mayor a 150 minutos.

Abstract Introduction: The survival rate in the first year after heart transplant is between 81% and 85%. The main causes of mortality are infections and failure of the graft. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with mortality at one year post- cardiac transplant in a high complexity hospital in south-west Colombia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients with a heart transplant carried out between 1996 and 2015. Information was obtained on the characteristics of the donor, recipient, and surgical procedure. A Cox regression was performed, with the event of interest being mortality in the first year of follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, variables were included that had a P≤ .20 and clinical significance. Results: The study included a total of 158 patients, with a median age of 50 years (IQR: 39-57), of whom 76% were males. The most common origin was idiopathic heart failure (45%). The median time of ischaemia was 187 minutes (IQR: 142-300). The mortality was 24% and was mainly due to infections (29%). There were factors associated with the congenital heart failure mortality such as origin of heart failure (P = .048), history of diabetes mellitus (P = .001), previous cardiac surgery (P = .023), ischaemia time greater than 150 minutes (P = .038), and the male recipient / female donor ratio (P = .022). Conclusions: The factors associated with higher mortality in the first year post-cardiac transplant were: origin of heart failure due to congenital heart disease, history of diabetes mellitus, previous cardiac surgery, the male recipient / female donor ratio, and an ischaemia time greater than 150 minutes.

Role of Immunosuppression in Patients with Inflammatory Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Role of immunosuppression treatment in patients with inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy is controversial. The aim of this review is to summarize current evidence for immunosuppressive therapy in inflammatory cardiomyopathy. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and MELDINE to identify trials comparing immunosuppressive therapy with either placebo or conventional medical therapy in adult patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy. Combined primary outcome in our study was all cause mortality and heart transplantation. Secondary outcomes included improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD). Results: Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified and four trials with similar comparable groups, with a total of 359 adult patients were included for analysis. Pooled data demonstrated no reduction in all-cause mortality and heart transplantation amongst the immunosuppression or the placebo arm (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.48-1.98). There was a significant improvement in LVEF (1.34%, 95% CI 0.37-2.30) in patients treated with immunosuppressive medications, however no difference was observed in LVEDD [-0.11mm (95% CI -1.92 – 1.71)] in the treatment arm. Conclusion: There was no survival benefit or reduction in heart transplantation events with a significant improvement in LVEF in inflammatory cardiomyopathy patients treated with immunosuppression therapy.

Dispositivos de asistencia ventricular en insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada

La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) continúa siendo una enfermedad de alta prevalencia, afectando al 1-2% de la población en países desarrollados y constituye por ello un problema de salud por los altos costos que esto conlleva. A pesar de los avances en el tratamiento farmacológico y mediante dispositivos implantables presenta un pronóstico pobre. Aproximadamente un 5% de los pacientes con diagnóstico de IC se hallan en un estadio avanzado de la enfermedad o estadio D. En las últimas tres décadas el trasplante cardíaco (TC) se ha convertido en el tratamiento de elección para este grupo de altísimo riesgo. Desafortunadamente, un pequeño porcentaje de pacientes cumple con la edad adecuada y con la ausencia de comorbilidades necesarias para poder acceder a este tratamiento, además de la limitante de la escasez de donantes en la actualidad. Debido a ello y a las largas listas de espera a nivel mundial, cada vez es mayor el desarrollo y la utilización de dispositivos de asistencia ventricular (DAV), que han mejorado la supervivencia a corto y largo plazo, dada la calidad de vida de pacientes con esta grave afección, generando una reducción progresiva de la tasa de complicaciones. Estos beneficios no solo aportan una alternativa a pacientes que esperan un TC, sino que permiten a aquellos con contraindicaciones reversibles a disponer del tiempo y la oportunidad de convertirse en candidatos adecuados, o en caso de que esto no sea posible, su final utilización como terapia de destino. Aun así son muchas las limitaciones de estos dispositivos: su costo, su durabilidad, la tasa de complicaciones y su aplicación a un espectro limitado de pacientes. El avance tecnológico para paliar las complicaciones, la mayor experiencia en los centros de manejo y su generalización para permitir un costo más reducido son estrategias que permitirán que la utilización de DAV en los pacientes con IC avanzada se continúe afianzando.

Heart failure (HF) continues to be a highly prevalent disease, affecting 1-2% of the population in developed countries and is therefore a health problem due to the high costs that this entails. Despite advances in pharmacological treatment and implantable devices, it has a poor prognosis. Approximately 5% of patients diagnosed with HF are in an advanced stage of the disease or stage D. In the last three decades, heart transplantation (HT) has become the treatment of choice for this group of very high risk. Unfortunately, a small percentage of patients meet the appropriate age and the absence of comorbidities necessary to access this treatment, in addition to the limitation of the shortage of donors at present. Due to this and the long waiting lists worldwide, the development and use of ventricular assist devices (VAD), which have improved short and long-term survival, due to the quality of life of patients with This serious condition, generating a progressive reduction in the rate of complications. These benefits not only provide an alternative for patients waiting for a HT, but also allow those with reversible contraindications to have the time and opportunity to become suitable candidates, or in case this is not possible, their final use as therapy of destiny. Even so, there are many limitations of these devices: their cost, their durability, the rate of complications and their application to a limited spectrum of patients. The technological advance to alleviate the complications, the greater experience in the centers of management and its generalization to allow a lower cost are strategies that will allow the use of VAD in patients with advanced HF to continue strengthening.

A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) continua a ser uma doença altamente prevalente, afetando 1-2% da população nos países desenvolvidos e, portanto, é um problema de saúde devido aos altos custos que isso acarreta. Apesar dos avanços no tratamento farmacológico e dispositivos implantáveis, tem um mau prognóstico. Aproximadamente 5% dos pacientes com diagnóstico de IC estão em estágio avançado da doença ou estágio D. Nas últimas três décadas, o transplante cardíaco (TC) tornou-se o tratamento de escolha para esse grupo de risco muito alto. Infelizmente, uma pequena porcentagem de pacientes atinge a idade adequada e a ausência de comorbidades necessárias para acessar esse tratamento, além da limitação da falta de doadores no momento. Devido a isso e as longas listas de espera em todo o mundo, o desenvolvimento e uso de dispositivos de assistência ventricular (DAV), que melhoraram a sobrevivência a curto e longo prazo, devido à qualidade de vida dos pacientes com Esta condição séria, gerando uma redução progressiva na taxa de complicações. Esses benefícios não apenas fornecem uma alternativa para pacientes que aguardam um TC, mas também permitem que aqueles com contraindicações reversíveis tenham tempo e oportunidade de se tornarem candidatos adequados ou, caso isso não seja possível, seu uso final como terapia. de destino. Mesmo assim, existem muitas limitações desses dispositivos: seu custo, sua durabilidade, a taxa de complicações e sua aplicação a um espectro limitado de pacientes. O avanço tecnológico para aliviar as complicações, a maior experiência nos centros de gestão e sua generalização para permitir um menor custo são estratégias que permitirão que o uso do DAV em pacientes com IC avançada continue fortalecendo-se.

Subcutaneous infection by Graphium basitruncatum in a heart transplant patient

ABSTRACT Graphium basitruncatum, a synanamorph of Pseudoallescheria has been rarely reported in human infections. We report a case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by this fungus in a heart transplant recipient. We also describe the phenotypic, molecular methods and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) used to achieve isolate identification.

Cuidado clínico de enfermagem fundamentado em Parse: contribuição no processo de transcendência de transplantados cardíacos / Cuidado clínico de enfermería fundamentado en Parse: contribución en el proceso de trascendencia trasplantados cardíacos / Clinical care of nursing reasoned in Parse: contribution in the transcendence process of cardiac transplantation

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar como os cuidados clínicos e educativos de enfermagem, fundamentados na Teoria Human Becoming, contribuem para o processo de transcendência das pessoas transplantadas cardíacas na busca do bem viver. Método Pesquisa-intervenção desenvolvida com quatro transplantados cardíacos vinculados a um Hospital de referência em transplantes do Ceará. Dados coletados em 2014, mediante entrevistas, analisados pelo referencial teórico de Parse e literatura pertinente. Resultados Os significados de viver como transplantado cardíaco revelaram ambiguidade, mostrando satisfação e insatisfação. Restrições alimentares, dificuldades com a medicação e curiosidade acerca do transplante foram apontadas como desarmonias que envolvem o processo. Visando a mobilização da transcendência, foi desenvolvido um cuidado educativo com os temas alimentação saudável, rejeição do órgão, uso de imunossupressores e curiosidades sobre o transplante cardíaco. Conclusão O cuidado educativo, fundamentado em Parse, favorece a tomada de decisão e a autonomia dos sujeitos diante de sua saúde, contribuindo para a transcendência na busca do bem viver.

RESUMEN Objetivo Identificar cómo los cuidados clínicos y educativos de enfermería, fundamentados en la Teoría Human Becoming, contribuyen para el proceso de trascendencia de las personas trasplantadas cardíacas en búsqueda del bien vivir. Método Investigación de intervención desarrollada con cuatro trasplantados de corazón vinculados a un hospital de referencia en trasplantes de Ceará. Los datos recogidos en el año de 2014 a través de entrevistas, analizaron el marco teórico de Parse y su literatura. Resultados El significado de la vida como trasplantado de corazón reveló ambigüedad, que muestra la satisfacción y la insatisfacción. Restricciones en la dieta, las dificultades con la medicación y la curiosidad por el trasplante fueron identificados como desarmonías relacionadas con el proceso. Objetivando la movilización de la trascendencia, se desarrolló atención educativa con temas sanos de alimentación, el rechazo del órgano, el uso de inmunosupresores y curiosidades sobre el trasplante de corazón. Conclusión Cuidado educativo, sobre la base de Parse, favorece la toma de decisiones y la autonomía de las personas delante de su salud, lo que contribuye a la trascendencia en búsqueda del bien vivir.

ABSTRACT Objetivo To identify how the clinical and educational nursing care based on the Theory of Human Becoming can contribute to the transcendence process of heart transplant patients in pursuit of good living. Method Research-intervention developed with four heart transplant patients linked to a reference transplant hospital in Ceara. Data was collected through interviews in 2014 and analyzed using Parse's theoretical framework and pertinent literature. Resultados Transplant patients revealed they gave living in such condition an ambiguous meaning, showing satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Dietary restrictions, difficulties with medication and curiosity about the transplant were identified as disharmonies involving the process. Care was developed focused on educating the transplant patients, approaching the themes healthy eating, organ rejection, immunosuppressant use and facts about heart transplantation. Conclusion Educative care based on Parse favors the decision-making and autonomy of individuals regarding their health, contributing to transcendence in pursuit of good living.

Effect of de novo donor-specific HLA alloantibodies on cardiac function and mortality after heart transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To study the effect of de novo donor-specific antigen (DSA) on transplant heart function and recipient survival after heart transplantation.Methods 195 recipients went through heart transplantion from March 2013 to January 2016 in our center,13 patients with preoperative panel reactive antibody (PRA) and 10 patients suffered from in-hospital death were exclude from this study,and the actual number of patients enrolled in this study was 172.By detecting HLA typing and DSA,recipients were divided into DSA positive group,anti-HLA antigen positive but DSA negative group (DSA negative group) and anti-HLA negative group.Cardiac dysfunction,coronary heart disease and cardiovascular death were recorded as cardiac events during the follow-up period.By analyzing the cardiac events rate among 3 groups,the relationship between DSA and cardiac events was acknowledged.Results The mean follow-up period of all patients was (1.3 ± 0.8) years.Among 172 patients,6 were positive for DSA (3.4％).In the DSA positive group,66％ of DSA were directed at HLA Ⅱ,mainly against HLA-DQ,1 developed only anti-HLA I antibody,1 developed both anti-HLA Ⅰ and Ⅱ antibody.The median developing time of DSA was (256 ± 125) days,and the distribution was centralized in the first half year.84％ of patients in DSA positive group were witnessed cardiac events.One patient was diagnosed as coronary heart disease and received PCI at 145th days after DSA was developed.Four out of 6 patients experienced cardiac dysfunction with median developing time of (54 ± 13) days,and the cardiac function restored after treatment with immunosuppression modification,high-dose glucocorticoid and IVIG.In the DSA negative PRA positive group,the incidence of cardiac events was 13％.There was one cardiovascular death,and 2 cases of cardiac dysfunction.In the HLA antigen negative group,the incidence of cardiac events was 4％.Cox regression analysis revealed that DSA could be seen as an independent risk factor in leading to cardiac events and affecting mid-long term survival of recipients (P =0.02).Significant difference was observed in Kaplan-Meier analysis among 3 groups (P＜0.001).Conclusion DSA has strong impact on outcome after heart transplantation.Routine surveillance and appropriate treatment should be attached to DSA.

Associations of CYP3A4/5 and POR Polymorphisms with Tacrolimus Concentrations in Chinese Adult Heart Transplant Recipients / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between CYP3A4/5 and POR single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and tacrolimus dose-corrected concentrations(ρ0/D) in Chinese adult heart transplant recipients, providing individualized dose-adjustment for this population. METHODS: A total of 90 Chinese adult heart transplant recipients in the early stage were enrolled. CYP3A4*1G G>A(rs2242480) genotype was assessed by pyrophosphate sequencing. CYP3A5*3 A>G(rs776746) and POR*28 C>T(rs1057868) genotype were determined by Sanger sequencing. Tacrolimus trough concentration(ρ0) was evaluated by enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique(EMIT). Associations between genotypes and ρ0/D as well as time and dose to get the target range were completely analyzed. RESULTS: Allele frequencies of all the evaluated SNPs were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.05). The ρ0/D in CYP3A5*3/*3 carriers was considerably higher than that in *1/*1and *1/*3 carriers. Moreover, time to get the target range was significantly shortened and required dosage was also significantly reduced in CYP3A5*3/*3 carriers. The ρ0/D in CYP3A4*1/*1G carriers was remarkably decreased in comparison with the wild type. After stratification by CYP3A5*3 genotypes, no associations were observed between CYP3A4*1G and POR*28 genotypes and tacrolimus ρ0/D. POR*28 was not related to ρ0/D, but significantly prolonged time to target range. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrats that CYP3A4*1G and CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms are associated with tacrolimus concentrations, the test of these genotypes before transplantation may be useful for individualized medicine of tacrolimus.

Thoracic aorta aneurysm open repair in heart transplant recipient; the anesthesiologist’s perspective.

Many years following transplantation, heart transplant recipients may require noncardiac major surgeries. Anesthesia in such patients may be challenging due to physiological and pharmacological problems regarding allograft denervation and difficult immunosuppressive management. Massive hemorrhage, hypoperfusion, renal, respiratory failure, and infections are some of the most frequent complications related to thoracic aorta aneurysm repair. Understanding how to optimize hemodynamic and infectious risks may have a substantial impact on the outcome. This case report aims at discussing risk stratification and anesthetic management of a 54‑year‑old heart transplant female recipient, affected by Marfan syndrome, undergoing thoracic aorta aneurysm repair.