Pre-operative pulmonary artery pulsatility index does not predict mortality post cardiac transplantation but PVR is a prognostic tool in LVAD-bridged patients

• Published in: European heart journal Vol. 41; no. Supplement_2
• Main Authors: Bart, N, Hungerford, S.L, Emmanuel, S, Kearney, K, Kotlyar, E, Keogh, A.M, Hayward, C.S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.11.2020
• ISSN: 0195-668X; 1522-9645
• DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.2228

Abstract   The Pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) is a novel haemodynamic marker that has been shown to be a strong predictor of right heart failure and mortality in patients with pulmonary hypertension and advanced heart failure. Its utility in predicting post transplant outcomes is currently unknown. Aim To determine the prognostic significance of pre-transplant haemodynamic assessment of PAPi, right atrial pressure (RA), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in predicting mortality post cardiac transplant. Methods All patients who underwent cardiac transplantation between January 2010 and June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Pre-operative right heart catheter data was obtained. The PAPi was calculated as the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP)- diastolic pulmonary artery pressure (dPAP) divided by RA. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS v25. Results A total of 158 patients, with a mean age of 48.6±13.5 were studied (115 non- LVAD, 43 LVAD pre-transplant), and 3 patients were excluded due to missing data. There was no significant difference in the non-LVAD group in RA, PVR or PAPi for mortality post transplant. In the LVAD group there was no significant difference in RA, or PAPi with regards to mortality, however there was a significant difference in mean PVR between those that died post transplant (222±100) and those still alive (138±59) Conclusion Despite having a role in prognostication for right heart failure in pulmonary hypertension and post LVAD implantation, PAPi did not discriminate mortality outcomes for patients post cardiac transplantation. PVR remains a marker of mortality in an LVAD cohort bridged to transplant. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None