The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · May 2009
Prognostic value of bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophilia in stable lung transplant recipients.
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) neutrophilia may identify patients prone to develop bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after lung transplantation (LTx). This study assessed the predictive value of BAL neutrophilia in stable recipients. ⋯ BAL neutrophilia in stable recipients is of predictive value to identify recipients at risk for BOS. These data warrant prospective confirmation and further studies to evaluate the benefit of preemptive therapy for potential BOS patients.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · May 2009
Relationship of hormonal resuscitation therapy and central venous pressure on increasing organs for transplant.
Hormonal resuscitation therapy (HRT) has been shown to increase the number of organs available for transplant. Likewise, optimal fluid balance, as measured by central venous pressure (CVP), impacts the function of donor lungs. The purpose of this study is to examine the interplay of these two variables in donor management and the impact they have on organs transplanted, with particular emphasis on hearts and lungs. ⋯ Standardization of HRT, in combination with a CVP <10 mm Hg, significantly increases the utilization of hearts and lungs for transplantation, without negatively impacting other organ systems.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · May 2009
Levosimendan: a new therapeutic option in the treatment of primary graft dysfunction after heart transplantation.
Primary graft dysfunction after heart transplantation is a severe complication generally related to prolonged ischemia time, size mismatch, or poor quality of the organ. Current therapeutic options include pharmacologic inotropic support with catecholamines or phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and mechanical circulatory support. ⋯ The patients showed a rapid reduction of the doses of inotropic drugs, and no patient needed mechanical support. Levosimendan may be a useful, adjunctive inotropic drug in the treatment of patients with primary graft dysfunction after heart transplantation.