12 May After CPR, Some Donor Hearts Still Suitable For Heart Transplantation

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Jaimin Trivedi

Jaimin Trivedi, MD, MPH
Instructor
Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40202

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Trivedi: There is a donor heart shortage in United States and certain donor hearts are likely to be turned down because the donors required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prior to procurement. The rationale behind conducting the study was to identify impact of donor CPR and its duration on recipient survival after transplantation.

Our findings show that presence of CPR and duration of CPR does not adversely impact the post heart transplant survival. The study also shows that ejection fraction and peak cardiac troponins between the CPR and non-CPR donors were comparable at time of transplant suggesting recovery of cardiac function.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Dr. Trivedi: These findings are suggestive that some donor hearts can recover their cardiac function following CPR and are safe to use for heart transplant hence CPR donor hearts should be carefully evaluated for transplant particularly in times of donor organ shortage.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Trivedi: There are several factors that impact use of donor hearts for transplant and post-transplant survival. Focus of future research should be on identifying donor factors that influence use of donor hearts for transplant as well as their impact on post-transplant survival to generate an objective system for donor organ allocation to maximize reach of heart transplant therapy.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Does Donor Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Time Affect Heart Transplantation Outcomes and Survival?

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on May 12, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD