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. · Mar 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyImprovement in renal function after everolimus introduction and calcineurin inhibitor reduction in maintenance thoracic transplant recipients: the significance of baseline glomerular filtration rate.
The NOCTET (NOrdic Certican Trial in HEart and lung Transplantation) trial demonstrated that everolimus improves renal function in maintenance thoracic transplant (TTx) recipients. Nevertheless, introduction of everolimus is not recommended for patients with advanced renal failure. We evaluated NOCTET data to assess everolimus introduction amongst TTx recipients with advanced renal failure. ⋯ Everolimus introduction and reduced CNI significantly improved renal function amongst maintenance TTx patients with pre-existing advanced renal failure. This beneficial effect was limited to patients undergoing conversion in less than 5 years after TTx, indicating a window of opportunity that is appropriate for pharmacologic intervention with everolimus.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Mar 2012
Short-term and long-term outcomes of acute kidney injury after lung transplantation.
The effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) after lung transplantation has been described infrequently and with inconsistent results. Using a newly adopted and validated definition of AKI proposed by the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN), we examined the incidence of AKI and associated renal morbidity and short-term and long-term mortality. ⋯ AKI is a common complication after lung transplantation and is associated with increased risk of CKD and all cause-mortality on long-term follow-up.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Mar 2012
Histologic and functional evaluation of lungs reconditioned by ex vivo lung perfusion.
Only about 15% of donor lungs are considered suitable for transplantation (LTx). Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has been developed as a method to reassess and repair damaged lungs. We report our experience with EVLP in non-acceptable donor lungs and evaluate its ability to recondition these lungs. ⋯ EVLP improved lung function (oxygenation capacity) of organs considered unsuitable for transplantation. Lung tissue structure did not deteriorate even after 1 hour of normothermic perfusion.
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Mar 2012
Pre-operative risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with vasoplegia in recipients of orthotopic heart transplantation in the contemporary era.
Patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) can develop vasoplegia, which is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Herein we examine the pre-operative risk in OHT recipients at our institution. ⋯ High body mass index, long cardiopulmonary bypass time, prior cardiothoracic surgery, mechanical support, use of aspirin, and thyroid disease are risk factors associated with development of vasoplegia syndrome.