Publications by authors named "Ambalavanan Arunachalam"
Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with detrimental outcomes after lung transplantation (LTX); primary prophylaxis (PPX) with valganciclovir (VGC) is guideline-recommended. VGC is associated with myelosuppression, spurring interest in letermovir (LTV).
Methods: Adults undergoing LTX between January 1, 2021, and July 30, 2022 at our institution who were converted from VGC to LTV for PPX were evaluated.
Article Synopsis
- Right heart remodeling is commonly observed in patients suffering from severe COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but there is limited information on the recovery of the right heart following lung transplantation for these patients.
- A study at Northwestern University analyzed data from 36 patients who underwent lung transplantation for COVID-19-related ARDS between June 2020 and June 2022, finding that none of the patients died within 90 days, and the 1-year survival rate was 88.8%.
- Postoperative evaluations revealed significant improvements in right ventricle (RV) size and function, as well as reduced pulmonary artery pressure, indicating that right heart recovery can occur relatively quickly after lung transplantation in this specific patient population.
Background: Although swallowing impairment is prevalent following lung transplantation, baseline respiratory and swallowing characteristics are often overlooked. Respiratory disease processes may predispose lung transplant candidates to altered respiratory-swallow patterning and swallowing impairment.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients referred for a Modified Barium Swallow Study during lung transplant evaluation.
Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a driver of negative outcomes after lung transplant (LTX) and primary prophylaxis (PPX) with valganciclovir (VGC) is standard-of-care. VGC is associated with myelosuppression, prompting interest in letermovir (LTV).
Methods: Adults receiving LTX between April 1, 2015, and July 30, 2022, at our institution were evaluated.
Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with a poor prognosis after lung transplantation, and donor and recipient CMV serostatus is a risk factor for reactivation. CMV prophylaxis is commonly administered in the first year following transplantation to reduce CMV infection; however, the risk factors for long-term reactivation remain unclear. We investigated the timing and risk factors of CMV infection after prophylactic administration.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurrent guidelines recognize the utility of provocative maneuvers during right heart catheterization to aid the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. Few studies have compared the performance of different provocation maneuvers. To assess the hemodynamic correlation among three provocative maneuvers, including their effect on pulmonary hypertension classification.
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- Lung transplantation can be a lifesaving option for patients suffering from COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but its long-term outcomes remain uncertain.
- A study was conducted on 102 lung transplant patients at Northwestern University, focusing on 30 individuals specifically with COVID-19-associated ARDS to analyze their clinical characteristics and outcomes.
- The findings revealed significant differences in medical management and transplant experiences between COVID-19 ARDS patients and those with chronic lung disease, highlighting the greater complexity and resource needs for COVID-19 patients during the transplant process.
Everolimus is a mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor used for the treatment of various cancers and prevention of allograft rejection in solid organ transplantation. We present a case of a lung transplant recipient on everolimus who was admitted with generalized weakness, hypoxia and new onset bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on imaging. Extensive workup revealed no infectious etiology and high levels of serum everolimus levels.
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