Prevalence and risks of allosensitization in HeartMate left ventricular assist device recipients: the impact of leukofiltered cellular blood product transfusions.

Objective: Allosensitization of left ventricular assist device recipients has been associated with perioperative transfusion of cellular blood products. The relative sensitizing contribution of leukofiltered cellular blood products, however, remains unclear. We investigated the pattern of sensitization in left ventricular assist device recipients in relation to cellular blood product transfusions received.

Low-dose prophylactic intravenous immunoglobulin does not prevent HLA sensitization in left ventricular assist device recipients.

Background: The use of left ventricular assist devices is associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allosensitization. We investigated whether prophylactic treatment with low-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), analogous to the use of IgG anti-D (anti-Rh) in preventing Rh immunization, can abrogate HLA allosensitization after left ventricular assist device implantation.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data from 84 consecutive heart failure patients who underwent implantation of a left ventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation.

Effect of mechanical circulatory support on outcomes after heart transplantation.

Background: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) before heart transplantation was previously associated with worse post-transplant outcomes than when MCS was not required. Given the changes in technology, expertise, patient selection, and timing of subsequent transplantation, we hypothesized that patients who require MCS before heart transplantation have similar outcomes after transplantation as those not requiring pre-transplant MCS.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 278 patients who underwent cardiac transplantation from 1993 to 2002.