Background: Because allograft rejection results from specific T-cell activation by donor human leukocyte antigens (HLA), new immunomodulatory therapies for organ-transplant recipients are used to selectively block T-cell activity without global immunosuppression. We investigated whether blockade of the high-affinity interleukin (IL)-2 receptor effectively prevented T-cell alloreactivity in cardiac transplantation.
Methods And Results: A study of a humanized monoclonal antibody against the high-affinity IL-2 receptor (daclizumab) was performed in 70 adult, cardiac-transplant recipients.
J Heart Lung Transplant
March 2003
Background: Diabetes remains a relative contraindication to cardiac transplantation. Previous reports have described small numbers of diabetic patients without end-organ damage who have undergone successful cardiac transplantation.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of diabetic patients transplanted and their outcome in a single large center from 1/1/95 to 12/31/99 was performed.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate in patients with moderate to severe heart failure that exertional dyspnea can be alleviated by improving muscle function.
Background: Dyspnea is a frequent limiting symptom in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). This sensation may originate from activation of receptors in the musculature rather than the lung.
Background: Myocardial recovery has been observed after placement of left ventricular assist devices in some patients awaiting cardiac transplantation. Left ventricular assist devices provide profound volume and pressure unloading while restoring systemic blood flow. However, the optimal degree of left ventricular unloading during left ventricular assist device support is unknown.
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