Valganciclovir Dosing for Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis in Solid-organ Transplant Recipients on Continuous Veno-venous Hemodialysis.

Background: Optimal valganciclovir dosing for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in solid-organ transplant (SOT) patients on continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) is not known. Ganciclovir trough concentrations ≥0.60 μg/mL have been suggested for CMV prophylaxis.

Evaluation of anticoagulation and nonsurgical major bleeding in recipients of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices.

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement has become a standard of care in advanced heart failure treatment. Bleeding is the most frequently reported adverse event after LVAD implantation and may be increased by antithrombotic agents used for prevention of pump thrombosis. This retrospective cohort included 85 adult patients implanted with a Heartmate II LVAD.

Morbid obesity and functional status as predictors of surgical complication after renal transplantation.

Background: This study evaluated the impact of body mass index (BMI) and patient functional status on the risk for surgical complications after kidney transplant.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study of adult kidney transplant recipients grouped patients by baseline Karnofsky status (low function ≤ 70%) and further stratified by morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m) to assess surgical complication risk.

Results: 736 patients were included with surgical complications occurring in 25%.

Assessment of Bleeding and Thrombosis Based on Aspirin Responsiveness after Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement.

Pump thrombosis (PT) is a severe complication of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. This study evaluated PT and bleeding after LVAD placement in patients responsive to a standard aspirin dose of 81 mg using platelet inhibition monitoring compared with initial nonresponders who were then titrated upward to achieve therapeutic response. Patients ≥ 18 years of age with initial placement of HeartMate II LVAD at our institution and at least one VerifyNow Aspirin test performed during initial hospitalization were included.