Impact of body mass index on adverse events after implantation of left ventricular assist devices: An IMACS registry analysis

Abstract

Although BMI was not correlated with 2-year mortality, an increased rate of infectious and device-related AEs was noted in OB and MO LVAD patients. In a group with few options for transplant, the event morbidity in obese patients can be expected to impact morbidity with longer support durations.

Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation of LVAD Patients—Updated Recommendations from the Working Group of the German Society for Prevention and Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Diseases

“…51 The results of a recently published, comprehensive register study including over 9,000 patients show that the pure BMI at the time of implantation seems to have no influence on mortality. 52 For overweight patients, some peculiarities nevertheless apply which should be taken into account in the CR and communicated. If the patient could potentially be a candidate for HTX (bridge to transplant), weight should be reduced in the long term to meet the HTX inclusion criteria.…”

“…Morbidly obese patients have a significantly increased risk of contracting device-related and non-device-related infections, as well as right heart failure. [52][53][54] During CR, patients should be carefully monitored for relevant symptoms (e.g., secretion, positive microbiological findings, pneumonia, edema, vena cava width).…”

Outcome of patients on heart transplant list treated with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device: Insights from the TRans-Atlantic registry on VAd and TrAnsplant (TRAViATA)

“…Increased BMI was also associated with worse outcomes in both the US and EU cohorts. This has historically been shown to be a risk factor for patients that undergo HTx as well [10,11]. This may be due to the fact that larger patients may have to wait a longer time to find a suitable donor.…”

Gender differences in psychosocial and clinical characteristics in the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support

“…Based on Forest et al, who reported that obese and morbidly obese patients are at risk for adverse events, BMI was categorized as underweight (18.5), non-obese (>18.5 to <30), obese (30 to <40) and morbidly obese (40). 23 Psychological characteristics included the anxiety/depression item of the EQ-5D 24 as an indicator of mood. In addition, pre-implant health-related quality of life was included using the EQ-5D summary index and self-rated health (Visual Analog Scale), 24 and the dimensions pain/discomfort, mobility, self-care ("washing and dressing myself"), and usual activities.…”