title: Usefulness of the INTERMACS scale to predict outcomes after mechanical assist device implantation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) scale classifies advanced heart failure patients according to hemodynamic status. This study assessed the usefulness of the INTERMACS scale to predict outcomes in advanced heart failure patients undergoing mechanical circulatory support (MCS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-four patients underwent MCS implantation from 2001 to 2007. Group A included 27 patients at INTERMACS level 1 and 2. Group B included 27 at INTERMACS level 3 and 4. Patient characteristics pre-MCS implant, incidence of complications during support, and survival between groups were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Before MCS implantation, Group A had significantly lower cardiac index, mean arterial blood pressure, systolic pulmonary pressure, higher central venous pressure, and lower urine output (p < .05). After MCS, Group A had a lower incidence of infections (17% vs 46%; odds ratio [OR], 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.6) and a higher incidence of liver injury (39% vs 11%; OR 5, 95% CI, 1.15-25). Mortality at 30 days was higher in Group A (38% vs 11%; OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.1-21); however, the mortality after 30 days post-MCS support was significantly higher in Group B (0% vs 18%, p < .05). Cox model showed overall survival was poorer in Group A (hazard ratio, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1-7).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  INTERMACS levels identified patients at risk for developing complications after MCS support. INTERMACS is a valid score system that should be considered as a tool to assess patient profile and predict complications and mortality after MCS implantation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology and Heart Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Carolina.Alba@uhn.on.ca
authors.forename: Ana C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Alba
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ivanov
authors.forename: Heather J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Diego H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Delgado
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult