Predictors and outcomes of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis use after implantation of a left ventricular assist device.
BACKGROUND
Post-operative renal failure is a common complication after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. This study was designed to evaluate predictors and outcomes of acute renal failure after LVAD insertion.


METHODS
Two-hundred one patients undergoing LVAD implantation at a single institution from June 1996 through April 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: those who required post-operative continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) (Group 1, n = 65, 32.3%) and those who did not (Group 2, n = 136, 67.7%). Independent predictors of post-operative renal failure requiring CVVHD were determined using multivariate logistic regression techniques.


RESULTS
Patients who had post-operative renal failure requiring CVVHD were older (53.7 +/- 12.9 vs 48.2 +/- 14.2 years, p = 0.009), had a higher incidence of intra-aortic balloon pump use (46.6% vs 26.2%, p = 0.006), and had a higher pre-operative mean LVAD score (5.8 +/- 3.5 vs 3.8 +/- 3.3, p = 0.001) than those without renal failure. LVAD score was the only independent predictor of post-operative renal failure requiring CVVHD (odds ratio = 1.226, p = 0.006). Sepsis rate was higher (33.3% vs 6.9%, p < 0.001) and bridge-to-transplantation rate was lower (52.4% vs 83.5%, p < 0.001) in Group 1 than in Group 2. Post-LVAD survival rates at 1, 3, 5 and 7 years for Group 1 and Group 2 were 43.2%, 39.1%, 34.7% and 34.7% vs 79.2%, 74.0%, 68.3% and 66.4%, respectively (log rank, p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Acute renal failure necessitating CVVHD remains a serious complication after LVAD and confers significant morbidity and mortality. Pre-operative evaluation of patient risk factors and optimization of peri-operative hemodynamics are of utmost importance to prevent this major complication.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, USA.
Veli K
VK
Topkara
Nicholas C
NC
Dang
Fabio
F
Barili
Faisal H
FH
Cheema
Timothy P
TP
Martens
Isaac
I
George
Hasmet
H
Bardakci
Mehmet C
MC
Oz
Yoshifumi
Y
Naka
D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery*; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome