Objective:To explore the trends and outcomes for heart transplantation (HT) in elderly recipients and further examine the related risk factors.Methods:Between June 2004 and December 2021, retrospective review was conducted for the relevant clinical data and age distribution of 1044 HT recipients aged ≥18 year at Fuwai Hospital. The study population was assigned into two groups of elder (≥60 year, n=877) and non-elder (<60 year, n=157). Subgroup analysis was made between recipients aged <65 year (n=107) and those aged ≥ 65 year (n=50) in elder group. Baseline demographic profiles, clinical data, in-hospital and one-year post-transplant mortality and long-term survival were compared between two groups. Then a further comparison of long-term survival was conducted among the groups of non-elder, elder aged <65 year and elder aged ≥65 year. Cox proportional risk regression and multivariate Logistic regression models were utilized for examining the relevant risk factors for cumulative survival rate and short-term mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis was employed for plotting survival curves and Log-rank test for comparison. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression model was utilized for examining the relevant risk factors for cumulative survival rate and multivariate Logistic regression model for analyzing the relevant risk factors for short-term mortality. After adjusting for other confounding factors, the impact of recipient age on survival post-HT was determined.Results:The number of elderly HT recipients spiked annually at our center while average age of adult recipients and average age of elderly recipients have remained relatively constant. The median follow-up period was 6.5 years. Regarding baseline data, statistically significant differences existed in ratio of males [84.7%(113/157) vs 77.5%(687/877)], hypertension history [20.4%(32/157) vs 8.9%(79/877)], smoking history [47.1%(74/157) vs 36.1%(320/877)], diabetic history [33.8%(53/157) vs 14.7%(130/877)], preoperative ICD/CRT/CRT-D implantation [28.0%(44/157) vs 18.0%(160/877)], value of creatinine [(105.3±25.3) vs (96.8±35.0) μmol/L], IMPACT score [(6.9±2.4) vs (4.2±2.9) point], serum total bilirubin [19.7(13.6, 30.3) vs 23.7(15.8, 36.8) μmol/L], mean pulmonary arterial pressure [(26.0±10.3) vs (29.7±11.0) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)] and ischemic duration [(274.7±105.6) vs (296.0±120.4) min] (all P<0.05). No significant inter-group difference existed in in-hospital mortality [4.5%(7/157) vs 4.7%(42/887)] or 1-year mortality [5.7%(9/157) vs 6.5%(58/887)] ( P=0.88, P=0.70); in-hospital mortality and 1-year postoperative mortality of recipients aged ≥65 years 10.0%(5/50) and 14.0%(7/50) were both higher than those aged <65 year [1.9%(2/107), 1.9%(2/107)]. The differences were both statistically significant ( P=0.02, P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that long-term survival rate was lower in elder group than that in non-elder group and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.046). Long-term survival rate of elders aged ≥65 year was lower than that of non-elders aged <65 year and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01). Regression analysis indicated that age of recipient ≥65 year, preoperative creatinine ≥133 μmol/L, preoperative total bilirubin ≥25.65 μmol/L and preoperative support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were independent risk factors for short/long-term mortality post-HT. Conclusion:Although long-term prognosis of elderly recipients is slightly worse than that of non-elderly ones, in-hospital mortality and one-year postoperative mortality are similar between two groups. For elderly recipients with fewer comorbidities and better preoperative status, they should not be excluded from HT based solely upon age. The long-term prognosis of recipients aged ≥65 year remains poor and HT decisions should be made carefully.

Objectives:To investigate the feasibility of using bedside echocardiography on the evaluation of potential donors with different causes of brain death for adult heart transplantation. Methods:Bedside echocardiographic and clinical data of consecutive potential donors for adult heart transplantation evaluated by the team of our institution from February 2018 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Based on different causes of brain death,the potential donors were divided into stroke(ischemic or hemorrhagic,n=398)and non-stroke(head trauma,brain tumor,anoxia,n=272)groups.The clinical and echocardiographic features were compared between the two groups.A total of 350 donors were assigned to our hospital by the China Organ Transplant Response System and met the inclusion criteria for donor selection.There were 195 cases in the stroke group and 155 in the non-stroke group.Retrieval operations were performed and the retrieval rate of hearts for transplantation in stroke donors was compared to that in non-stroke donors. Results:(1)Among the 670 potential heart donors,compared with the non-stroke group,donors in the stroke group were significantly older,had higher body mass index,larger left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,thicker interventricular septum,higher rates of echocardiographic abnormalities,higher prevalence of hypertension(all P<0.001).Among the 670 potential heart donors,17.5%(117 cases)did not meet the echo selection criteria,the common causes were left ventricular hypertrophy(59 cases,50.4%),left ventricular ejection fraction<50%(27 cases,23.1%),wall motion abnormalities(21 cases,17.9%),and left ventricular dilation(14 cases,12.0%).(2)Among the 350 donors who had met the selection criteria and assigned to our hospital by the China Organ Transplant Response System and underwent retrieval operation,70.3%(246 cases)were successfully procured,110 cases(44.7%)in the stroke group and 136 cases(55.3%)in the non-stroke group.The retrieval rate of stroke donors(110/195,56.4%)was lower compared with that of non-stroke(136/155,87.7%,P<0.001),104 cases(29.7%)were not retrieved,and the leading cause of unsuccessful organ retrieval was the occlusion of at least one major coronary artery(91 cases,87.5%). Conclusions:Bedside echocardiography is of great value as a screening tool for cardiac donors.Cardiac structures of the potential donor with stroke as the cause of brain death were different from those with non-stroke causes.The retrieval rate of stroke donors was lower than that of non-stroke donors,even if the initial criteria for donor selection were fulfilled.

Objective:To summarize the incidence and long-term outcomes of postoperative renal dysfunction(RD) and explore the clinical predictors of postoperative RD to provide reference for preoperative evaluation and perioperative management of heart transplantation(HT).Methods:The relevant clinical data are retrospectively reviewed for 1 095 HT recipients.They are grouped into two groups of RD(352 cases)and non-RD(normal, 743 cases)according to whether or not RD occurred after HT.Two groups are compared to explore the clinical predictors associated with postoperative RD.For further examining the prognostic impact of perioperative renal dysfunction, the recipients are assigned into four groups based upon perioperative renal function.The long-term outcomes of four groups are compared.Results:The median follow-up period is 5.6 years.Among 352 RD patients (32.1%), there are new-onset(276 cases, 25.2%), occurring during postoperative hospitalization (99, 28.1%)and post-discharge until Year 1(111 cases, 31.5%).Compared with normal group, RD group have advanced age, greater body mass index(BMI), higher preoperative serum creatinine, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, a higher ratio of male, diabetic history, preoperative RD, transplantation for previous graft failure, preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenerator(ECMO)and intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP); donors in this group had advanced age and higher ratio of male (all P<0.05).In terms of postoperative data, RD group had higher ratios of ECMO/IABP implantation, tracheostomy, infection, longer postoperative mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit(ICU)stay and in-hospital stay than normal group( P<0.05).Long-term survival of patients with postoperative RD is significantly lower than that with postoperative normal kidney function( P<0.01).Long-term survival rate of patients with preoperative RD is significantly lower than that of those without preoperative RD, regardless of whether or not kidney function normalized postoperatively; long-term survival rate of patients with postoperative new-onset RD is significantly lower than that in those with normal kidney function( P<0.01).Advanced recipient age, higher BMI, existence of preoperative RD, postoperative cyclosporine dosing(versus tacrolimus)and cold ischemic time≥6 h are independent risk factors of RD post-HT. Conclusions:RD occurs predominantly within the first year post-HT.Advanced recipient age, higher BMI, existence of preoperative RD and cold ischemic time≥6 h are independent predictors of RD post-HT.The incidence of RD post-HT significantly affects perioperative and long-term survivals.

Objective:To explore the morbidity and risk factors of de novo malignancy after heart transplantation (HT).Methods:From June 2004 to August 2021, 995 patients undergoing HT were selected and followed up.The epidemiological characteristics, the morbidity of de novo malignancy (DNM) and its risk factors were examined.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed for calculating the cumulative incidence and mortality of DNM.Log rank test was utilized for comparing the survival rate of each subgroup.Cox regression model was employed for examining the relationship between the included factors and the endpoint of DNM.Results:The median follow-up period was 6.36(3.64, 10.18) years.Thirty-six patients (3.6%) developed DNM during follow-up.Lung cancer accounted for 22.2%(8/36) of DNM while digestive system tumors accounted for 38.9% (including gastric cancer 6/36, 16.7%; liver cancer 3/36, 8.3%; colon cancer 2/36, 5.6%). The cumulative morbidity of DNM at Year 1/5/10/15 post-HT was 0.1%, 2.3%, 4.9% and 7.6% respectively.The median survival time of DNM recipients was 83.32 months.The mean survival time was significantly lower than those without DNM[(115.32±13.12) vs.(194.22±2.58), P<0.001]. The mortality of DNM recipients was around 6.57 folds higher ( HR=6.57, 95% CI: 4.06-10.64, P<0.01). Age was an independent risk factor for an occurrence of DNM.Hypertension and diabetes were also correlated with DNM. Conclusions:DNM after HT is associated with shorter survival time.And age is an independent risk factor for DNM after HT.

Objective To evaluate the effect of renal insufficiency before heart transplantation on perioperative death, complications and long-term survival, and to compare the differences between preoperative serum creatinine (Scr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in preoperative risk assessment. Methods Clinical data of 1 095 heart transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. According to preoperative Scr level, all recipients were divided into the Scr < 133 μmol/L(n=980), Scr 133-176 μmol/L (n=83) and Scr≥177 μmol/L groups (n=32). According to preoperative eGFR, all recipients were divided into eGFR≥90 mL/(min·1.73m²) (n=436), eGFR 60-89 mL/(min·1.73m²) (n=418) and eGFR < 60 mL/(min·1.73m²) groups (n=241). Clinical prognosis of postoperative renal function, perioperative and long-term outcomes of recipients were compared among different groups. The effect of eGFR and Scr level on renal function injury and long-term survival after heart transplantation was assessed. Results With the increase of preoperative Scr level, the proportion of recipients undergoing postoperative continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was increased, the proportion of recipients receiving postoperative mechanical circulatory support was elevated, the incidence of postoperative complications was increased, the duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit(ICU) stay was prolonged, and the in-hospital fatality was increased. The differences among three groups were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). With the decrease of preoperative eGFR, the proportion of recipients receiving postoperative CRRT was increased, the proportion of recipients using postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was elevated, the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay was prolonged, and the in-hospital fatality was increased. The differences among three groups were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Scr≥177 μmol/L was an independent risk factor for postoperative death [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 3.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.89-6.99, P < 0.01]. Among different groups classified by Scr and eGFR, the cumulative incidence rate of postoperative renal function injury and long-term survival rate were statistically significant among three groups (all P < 0.05). In patients with preoperative Scr < 133 μmol/L, the cumulative incidence rate of postoperative long-term renal function injury was significantly increased with the decrease of preoperative eGFR (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in postoperative long-term survival rate among patients stratified by different eGFR (P > 0.05). Conclusions Renal insufficiency before heart transplantation is associated with poor perioperative and long-term prognosis. Preoperative Scr and eGFR are the independent risk factors for postoperative renal function injury. Scr yields low sensitivity in the assessment of preoperative renal function, whereas it has high accuracy in predicting perioperative death risk. And eGFR is a more sensitive parameter to evaluate preoperative renal function, which may identify early-stage renal functional abnormality and take effective measures during early stage to reduce adverse effect on prognosis.

Objective To evaluate the effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on early allograft dysfunction (EAD) after heart transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 614 heart transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. All recipients were divided into the ECMO group (n=43) and non-ECMO group (n=571) according to postoperative application of ECMO. In the ECMO group, the conditions of recipients undergoing ECMO after heart transplantation were summarized. Perioperative status and long-term prognosis of recipients were compared between two groups. Results Among 43 recipients undergoing ECMO, 17 cases underwent thoracotomy due to bleeding, 10 cases of infection, 4 cases of venous thrombosis of the lower limbs, and 1 case of stroke, respectively. Twenty-six recipients were recovered and discharged after successful weaning from ECMO, six died during ECMO support, six died after weaning from ECMO, five received retransplantation due to unsuccessful weaning from ECMO, and only one survived after retransplantation. Compared with the non-ECMO group, intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass duration was significantly longer, the proportion of recipients requiring postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), dialysis due to renal insufficiency, reoperation for hemostasis, infection, mechanical ventilation time≥96 h and tracheotomy was significantly higher, and the length of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay was significantly longer in the ECMO group (all P < 0.05). The survival rate after discharge and 90-d survival rate in the ECMO group were 63% and 96%, significantly lower than 97% and 100% in the non-ECMO group (both P < 0.05). Survival analysis showed that the long-term survival rate in the ECMO group was significantly lower than that in the non-ECMO group (P < 0.05). After excluding the recipients who died within 90 d after heart transplantation, no significant difference was observed in the long-term survival rate (P > 0.05). Conclusions ECMO is an effective treatment of EAD after heart transplantation. The short-term survival rate of recipients using ECMO after heart transplantation is lower than that of those who do not use ECMO, and there is no significant difference in long-term survival of recipients surviving 90 d after heart transplantation.

Objective:To analyze the case characteristics and outcomes of 12 idiopathic giant cell myocarditis(IGCM)cases after heart transplantation(HT).Methods:From June 2004 to May 2022, clinical data were retrospectively reviewed for 12 cases with pathologically confirm IGCM after HT at Fuwai Hospital.General characteristics, clinical manifestations, pathological examinations and postoperative follow-ups are recorded.Results:From June 2004 to May 2022, a total of 1 143 HT operations are performed at Fuwai Hospital and 12 cases of IGCM(1.05%)are confirmed by postoperative pathology.The age is(47.6±7.3)years.There are 5 boys and 7 girls.Initial presenting manifestations are congestive heart failure(7 cases, 58.3%)and arrhythmia(4 cases, 33.3%). Median time from symptom onset to HT is 6 months.All of them are undiagnosed pre-operation.And dilated cardiomyopathy(5 cases, 41.7%)and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy(3 cases, 25%)are confirmed.The follow-up period is(4~142)months post-HT.One death occurred during perioperative period and another is due to heart failure at 68 months post-HT.Only 1 case of grade 1R transplant heart rejection occurrs at 9 years post-HT and there is no case of recurrence.According to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, cumulative survival rates of 1/5/10 years post-HT in IGCM patients are 91.7%, 91.7% and 73.3% respectively.No significant difference exist in survival rate for other etiologies post-HT(Log-rank P=0.265). Conclusions:HT is efficacious for end-stage IGCM.Regular and sufficient postoperative immunosuppression is vital for preventing heart transplant rejection and recurrent IGCM.Most IGCM patients have a decent prognosis post-HT.

Objective To summarize the incidence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) after heart transplantation and the effect on the long-term survival of recipients. Methods Clinical data of 1 006 heart transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. Of 48 CAV patients, 4 cases were not included in this analysis due to lack of imaging evidence. A total of 1 002 recipients were divided into the CAV group (n=44) and non-CAV group (n=958) according to the incidence of CAV. The incidence of CAV was summarized. Clinical data of all patients were statistically compared between two groups. Imaging diagnosis, coronary artery disease, drug treatment and complications, postoperative survival and causes of death of CAV patients were analyzed. Results Among 1 006 heart transplant recipients, 48 cases (4.77%) developed CAV. Compared with the non-CAV group, the proportion of preoperative smoking history, preoperative hypertension history, coronary artery disease and perioperative infection was significantly higher in the CAV group (all P < 0.05). Among 44 patients diagnosed with CAV by imaging examination, 24 cases were diagnosed with CAV by coronary CT angiography (CTA), 4 cases by coronary angiography (CAG), and 16 cases by coronary CTA combined with CAG. Among 44 patients, the proportion of grade Ⅰ CAV was 45% (20/44), 30% (13/44) for grade Ⅱ CAV and 25% (11/44) for grade Ⅲ CAV, respectively. All patients received long-term use of statins after operation, and 20 patients were given with antiplatelet drugs. Among 44 CAV patients, 11 patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, 6 cases received repeated heart transplantation, and 8 patients died. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the long-term survival rate between the CAV and non-CAV groups (P > 0.05), whereas the survival rate of patients tended to decline after the diagnosis of CAV (at postoperative 6-7 years). The long-term survival rates of patients with grade Ⅰ, grade Ⅱ and grade Ⅲ CAV showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Even for patients with grade Ⅰ CAV, the long-term survival rate tended to decline. Conclusions CAV is a common and intractable complication following heart transplantation, and the long-term survival rate of patients after the diagnosis of CAV tended to decline. Deepening understanding of CAV, prompt prevention, diagnosis and treatment should be delivered to improve the long-term survival rate of patients after heart transplantation.

Objective To analyze the early outcomes of heart transplantation in critical patients and its significance in donor allocation decision. Methods Clinical data of 449 recipients undergoing heart transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. According to preoperative status, all patients were divided into the critical status group (n=64) and general status group (n=385). The incidence of critical status was summarized. Clinical data of recipients were statistically compared between two groups. Postoperative survival and causes of death in recipients between two groups were analyzed. Perioperative results of critical recipients undergoing different mechanical circulation support as a bridge to heart transplantation were compared. Results Critical patients accounted for 14.3% of the total number of transplant recipients. The proportion of critical patients gradually increased in recent 5 years. Compared with the general status group, the recipients in critical status group had a lower proportion of smoking history, a higher proportion of cardiac surgery history, a higher serum level of creatinine, and a higher proportion of primary diseases of heart failure before heart transplantation(all P≤0.01). The proportion of undergoing mechanical circulation support was higher, the incidence of complications was higher, the stay time in intensive care unit (ICU) was longer and the in-hospital fatality was higher after heart transplantation in the critical status group (all P≤0.01). The 1-year survival rate of recipients in critical status group was significantly lower than that in general status group (83% vs. 95%, P < 0.01). The fatality of recipients due to infection and multiple organ failure in critical status group was higher than that in general status group. Among 64 critical recipients, 1 recipient received ventilator alone, and 63 recipients underwent mechanical circulation support devices as a bridge to heart transplantation. Among them, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) alone was applied in 49 cases (77%), 8 cases (13%) of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) combined with IABP, 4 cases (6%) of ECMO alone, and 2 cases (3%) of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) alone. Critical patients who received preoperative ECMO and ECMO combined with IABP bridging to heart transplantation have a higher proportion of postoperative complications, a longer ICU stay time, a longer mechanical ventilation time, and a higher proportion of hospital deaths. Conclusions The overall prognosis of critical patients undergoing heart transplantation is relatively poor. Effective preoperative management may reverse the high-risk status of critical patients in a certain extent. The limited quantity of donor heart should be allocated to the most urgent patients who can obtain the greatest benefit from heart transplantation.

Objective:To explore the effects of cold ischemia time (CIT) and donor age upon postoperative and long-term follow-ups of heart transplantation.Methods:A total of 761 patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation from 2004 to 2018. According to the length of CIT, they were divided into group of >4 hours (n=502) and group of <4 hours (n=259). Each group was further divided into two subgroups according to the age of donors: group of <40 years and group of <40 years. The basic profiles of recipients and donors were recorded, including applying mechanical assistance during and after operation, postoperative mortality and follow-up survival rate.Results:The average age of donors was (31.1±8.6)(5-58) years and the average CIT (5.3±2.0)(1.0-12.0) hours. No significant difference existed in hospital mortality between CIT groups (3.5% vs 5.6%, P=0.22). In subgroup analysis, there was a significant increase (4.3% vs 12.0%, P=0.01) in subgroup with CIT >4 hours and higher donor age. No significant difference existed in the number of patients using mechanical assistance during or after operation. During follow-ups, no significant difference existed in survival rate between CIT groups ( P=0.97) or survival rate among subgroups. Conclusions:Long CIT has a more significant effect on postoperative mortality of heart donors. However, it does not significantly increase the proportion of mechanical assistance, follow-up mortality and the incidence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy.