Factors Associated With Sinoatrial Reinnervation After Heart Transplantation.

Background: Factors associated with sympathetic and parasympathetic sinoatrial reinnervation after heart transplantation (HTx) are inadequately studied.

Methods: Fifty transplant recipients were examined at 7 to 12 wk (index visit), 6, 12, 24, and 36 mo after HTx. Supine rest heart rate variability in the low-frequency (LF) domain (sympathetic and parasympathetic sinoatrial reinnervation) and the high-frequency (HF) domain (parasympathetic sinoatrial reinnervation) were measured repeatedly and related to selected recipient, donor, and perisurgical characteristics.

Predictors of Hypertension Development 1 Year After Heart Transplantation.

Background: Hypertension after heart transplantation (HTx) is common. We investigated predictors of and mechanisms for hypertension development during the first year after HTx, with particular attention toward immunosuppressive agents, reinnervation processes, and donor/recipient sex.

Methods: Heart transplant recipients (HTxRs) were consecutively enrolled 7 to 12 wk after surgery and followed prospectively for 12 mo.

Strong evidence for parasympathetic sinoatrial reinnervation after heart transplantation.

Background: Heart transplantation (HTx) surgically denervates the heart. We examined indices of sinoatrial reinnervation, with emphasis on (1) the occurrence and timing of parasympathetic reinnervation, and (2) the consequences of reinnervation for heart rate (HR) responsiveness and arterial baroreceptor sensitivity.

Methods: Fifty HTx recipients were prospectively followed for 36 months after surgery.

Functional evidence of low-pressure cardiopulmonary baroreceptor reinnervation 1 year after heart transplantation.

Purpose: Heart transplantation (HTx) implies denervation of afferent neural connections. Reinnervation of low-pressure cardiopulmonary baroreceptors might impact the development and treatment of hypertension, but little is known of its occurrence. The present prospective study investigated possible afferent reinnervation of low-pressure cardiopulmonary baroreceptors during the first year after heart transplantation.

Early Signs of Sinoatrial Reinnervation in the Transplanted Heart.

Background: Heart transplantation (HTx) surgically transects all connections to the heart, including the autonomic nerves. We prospectively examined signs, timing and consequences of early sympathetic and parasympathetic sinoatrial reinnervation, as well as explored indirect evidence of afferent cardiopulmonary reinnervation.

Methods: Fifty HTx recipients were assessed at 2.

Autonomic cardiovascular control changes in recent heart transplant recipients lead to physiological limitations in response to orthostatic challenge and isometric exercise.

Purpose: Heart transplantation causes denervation of the donor heart, but the consequences for cardiovascular homeostasis remain to be fully understood. The present study investigated cardiovascular autonomic control at supine rest, during orthostatic challenge and during isometric exercise in heart transplant recipients (HTxR).

Methods: A total of 50 HTxRs were investigated 7-12 weeks after transplant surgery and compared with 50 healthy control subjects.

Spontaneous prenatal ductal closure: postnatal diagnosis?

Prenatal ductal constriction and closure usually are related to maternal intake of prostaglandin receptor inhibitors during late gestation but may occur spontaneously. This report describes three live-born infants sharing echocardiographic features of spontaneous intrauterine ductal constriction, closure, or both, although only one had a prenatal diagnosis. Interestingly, in addition to severely hypertrophied right ventricles, all three had hyperechogenic tricuspid valve papillary muscles.