Mitigation of Risk in the Development of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy

Authors

Ashley Malliett, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Cardiology

Advisor

Nancy Reid

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the modifiable, non-immune risk factors associated with cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) development in early heart transplant (HT) recipients and identify ways to mitigate risk of development.

Background: CAV remains one of the foremost risk factors for graft loss and survival with 30% of patients developing CAV by year five post HT and nearly 50% by year ten.Numerous immune and non-immune risk factors associated with the development of CAV have been identified however strategies for the mitigation of risk have been incompletely investigated.

Methods: Citations were identified in electronic databases and references of included studies.Observational studies pertaining to the development of CAV and associated risk factors were included. Qualitative analysis of data was performed and summarized mitigation risk strategy proposed.

Results: Summation of data showed independent, non-immune risk factors for CAV could be modified to allow for a reduction in the incidence of the CAV in early post-HT.

Conclusion: Utilization of standardized screening in early post-HT patients is a cost-effective strategy to mitigate risk and reduce incidence of CAV through early detection and treatment of present modifiable recipient risk factors.

Keywords: Heart Transplant, Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy, Risk Factors

Recommended Citation

Malliett A. Mitigation of Risk in the Development of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2020; 2(3).