Cognitive function after heart transplantation: Comparing everolimus‐based and calcineurin inhibitor‐based regimens

Abstract

Given the high prevalence of cognitive impairment in the sample, plus the known negative impact of cognitive impairment on clinical outcome, our results indicate that cognitive assessment should be an integrated part of routine clinical follow-up after HTx. However, everolimus- and CNI-based immunosuppressive regimens did not show differential impacts on cognitive function.

Cognitive function among long‐term survivors of heart transplantation

“…However, the magnitude and pattern (ie, broad range of cognitive domains affected) of cognitive impairment in HTx candidates appear grossly comparable to the findings of this study in long‐term survivors . Concerning published data on cognitive function among HTx recipients, findings from our previous study of cognitive function among medium‐term survivors can be compared relatively straightforwardly to the findings from this study due to the use of the same neuropsychological test protocol. At the group level, cognitive function appears similar, as mean test performance on the individual cognitive measures differs by less than 0.5 SD between the two study samples.…”

“…This report is the first on cognitive function among long‐term survivors of HTx. Differences in study designs and assessment methods largely hamper comparison to findings from earlier published studies on cognitive function among HTx candidates and recipients . However, the magnitude and pattern (ie, broad range of cognitive domains affected) of cognitive impairment in HTx candidates appear grossly comparable to the findings of this study in long‐term survivors .…”

“…These tests yielded 17 specific cognitive measures (Table ) spanning five cognitive domains: attention, processing speed, executive functions, verbal and visual memory, as well as language functions. Further details of the administered neuropsychological test battery and the specific cognitive measures, which we have used in HTx recipients previously, are provided elsewhere . Premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ) was estimated with a Norwegian version of the National Adult Reading Test .…”

“…Cognitive impairment has been documented in the first years after successful heart transplantation (HTx), but cognitive function has not been studied beyond the fourth year post‐transplant.…”

Brain metabolic alterations in patients with long‐term calcineurin inhibitor therapy after liver transplantation

“…However, only sparse data are available addressing the long‐term effect of CNI therapy on brain function, structure and metabolism. Long‐term cognitive impairment has been previously described in different solid organ transplant recipients but the actual effect of CNIs has not been addressed in the respective studies . The few studies available for liver patients describe cognitive impairment and brain atrophy in patients who underwent liver transplantation about 6‐10 years before.…”