| 1. |
- Bućin, Dragan, et al.
(författare)
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Desensitization and Heart Transplantation of a Patient With High Levels of Donor-Reactive Anti-Human Leukocyte Antigen Antibodies.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Transplantation. - 1534-6080. ; 90, s. 1220-1225
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND.: To prepare a highly immunized recipient for heart transplantation, reduction of high levels of cytotoxic antibodies against human leukocyte antigen (HLA) was deemed essential to prevent antibody-mediated graft failure. METHODS.: Antibodies were analyzed by lymphocytotoxic and solid-phase assays. The pretransplant desensitization treatment protocol included daily tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, weekly protein-A immunoadsorption (IA), intravenous immunoglobulin, and daclizumab. Posttransplant treatment consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, prednisolone, IA, and daclizumab. RESULTS.: During pretransplant desensitization, each of the weekly immunoadsorption treatments reduced anti-HLA antibody levels by 50% to 70%, but they returned to the pretreatment level within 1 week as measured by flow cytometry. Cytotoxic antibodies remained reduced. After perioperative immunoadsorption, the donor-reactive antibodies (DRAs) were reduced to low levels. The patient underwent successful heart transplantation after 6 weeks on a waiting list. During the first week posttransplant, DRAs remained low. However, after the first week, anti-HLA DRAs reappeared and increased slightly over a 3-week period and then decreased slowly. Cytotoxic crossmatches were negative before and 3 week after transplantation. No clinical rejection was encountered. The patient was doing well 3 years after transplantation, and yearly clinical cardiac investigations were all normal. Three hyperimmunized patients have now undergone successful heart transplantation at our center using this desensitization protocol. CONCLUSIONS.: IA in combination with pretransplant immunosuppressive drug treatment temporarily reduces antibody levels. The therapeutic levels of drug treatment at the time of transplantation may be of crucial importance. The treatment protocol resulted in freedom from rejection and other clinical adverse events.
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| 2. |
- Bucin, Dragan, et al.
(författare)
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Heart transplantation across the antibodies against HLA and ABO
- 2006
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Ingår i: Transplant International. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1432-2277 .- 0934-0874. ; 19:3, s. 239-244
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have intentionally performed heart transplantation in a 5-year-old child, despite the most unfavourable risk factors for patient survival; the presence of high level of antibodies against donor's human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I/II and blood group antigens. Pretransplant treatment by mycophenolate mofetil, prednisolone, tacrolimus, intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab, protein-A immunoadsorption (IA) and plasma exchange reduced antibody titres against the donor's lymphocytes from 128 to 16 and against the donor's blood group antigen from 256 to 0. The patient was urgently transplanted with a heart from an ABO incompatible donor (A(1) to O). A standard triple-drug immunosuppressive protocol was used. No hyperacute rejection was seen. Antibodies against the donor's HLA antigens remained at a low level despite three acute rejections. Rising anti-A(1) blood group antibodies preceded the second rejection and were reduced by two blood group-specific IAs and remained at a low level. The patient is doing well despite the persistence of donor-reactive antibodies.
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| 3. |
- Rådegran, Göran, et al.
(författare)
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Characteristics and survival of adult Swedish PAH and CTEPH patients 2000-2014
- 2016
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1401-7431 .- 1651-2006. ; 50:4, s. 243-250
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: The Swedish Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Register (SPAHR) is an open continuous register, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients from 2000 and onwards. We hereby launch the first data from SPAHR, defining baseline characteristics and survival of Swedish PAH and CTEPH patients.DESIGN: Incident PAH and CTEPH patients 2008-2014 from all seven Swedish PAH-centres were specifically reviewed.RESULTS: There were 457 PAH (median age: 67 years, 64% female) and 183 CTEPH (median age: 70 years, 50% female) patients, whereof 77 and 81%, respectively, were in functional class III-IV at diagnosis. Systemic hypertension, diabetes, ischaemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation were common comorbidities, particularly in those >65 years. One-, 3- and 5-year survival was 85%, 71% and 59% for PAH patients. Corresponding numbers for CTEPH patients with versus without pulmonary endarterectomy were 96%, 89% and 86% versus 91%, 75% and 69%, respectively. In 2014, the incidence of IPAH/HPAH, associated PAH and CTEPH was 5, 3 and 2 per million inhabitants and year, and the prevalence was 25, 24 and 19 per million inhabitants.CONCLUSION: The majority of the PAH and CTEPH patients were diagnosed at age >65 years, in functional class III-IV, and exhibiting several comorbidities. PAH survival in SPAHR was similar to other registers.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Arora, Satish, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of Everolimus Introduction on Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy-Results of a Randomized, Multicenter Trial
- 2011
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Ingår i: Transplantation. - : Williams and Wilkins. - 0041-1337 .- 1534-6080. ; 92:2, s. 235-243
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background. Everolimus reduces the progression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in de novo heart transplant (HTx) recipients, but the influence on established CAV is unknown. Methods. In this Nordic Certican Trial in Heart and lung Transplantation substudy, 111 maintenance HTx recipients (time post-HTx 5.8 +/- 4.3 years) randomized to everolimus+reduced calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) or standard CNI had matching (intravascular ultrasound) examinations at baseline and 12 months allowing accurate assessment of CAV progression. Results. No significant difference in CAV progression was evident between the treatment groups (P=0.30). When considering patients receiving concomitant azathioprine (AZA) therapy (n=39), CAV progression was attenuated with everolimus versus standard CNI (Delta maximal intimal thickness 0.00 +/- 0.04 and 0.04 +/- 0.04 mm, Delta percent atheroma volume 0.2%+/- 3.0% and 2.6%+/- 2.5%, and Delta total atheroma volume 0.25 +/- 14.1 and 19.8 +/- 20.4 mm(3), respectively [Pless than0.05]). When considering patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), accelerated CAV progression occurred with everolimus versus standard CNI (Delta maximal intimal thickness 0.06 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.02 +/- 0.06 mm and Delta percent atheroma volume 4.0%+/- 6.3% vs. 1.4%+/- 3.1%, respectively; Pless than0.05). The levels of C-reactive protein and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 declined significantly with AZA+everolimus, whereas MMF+everolimus patients demonstrated a significant increase in levels of C-reactive protein, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and von Willebrand factor. Conclusions. Conversion to everolimus and reduced CNI does not influence CAV progression among maintenance HTx recipients. However, background immunosuppressive therapy is important as AZA+everolimus patients demonstrated attenuated CAV progression and a decline in inflammatory markers, whereas the opposite pattern was seen with everolimus +MMF. The different effect of everolimus when combined with AZA versus MMF could potentially reflect hitherto unknown interactions.
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| 8. |
- Arora, Satish, et al.
(författare)
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Improvement in renal function after everolimus introduction and calcineurin inhibitor reduction in maintenance thoracic transplant recipients: The significance of baseline glomerular filtration rate
- 2012
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Ingår i: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. - : Elsevier. - 1053-2498 .- 1557-3117. ; 31:3, s. 259-265
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The NOCTET (NOrdic Certican Trial in HEart and lung Transplantation) trial demonstrated that everolimus improves renal function in maintenance thoracic transplant (FIX) recipients. Nevertheless, introduction of everolimus is not recommended for patients with advanced renal failure. We evaluated NOCTET data to assess everolimus introduction amongst TTx recipients with advanced renal failure. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMETHODS: This 12-month multicenter Scandinavian study randomized 282 maintenance TTx recipients to everolimus introduction with calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) reduction or standard CNI therapy. The measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) was noted at baseline and after 1-year using Cr-ethylenediarninetetraacetic acid clearance. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanRESULTS: In 21 patients with a baseline mGFR of 20 to 29 ml/min/1.73 m(2), renal function improved in the everolimus group compared with the control group ((Delta mGFR 6.7 +/- 9.0 vs -1.6 +/- 5.1 ml/min/1.73 m(2); p = 0.03). Amongst 173 patients with moderate renal impairment (mGFR 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), renal function improvement was also greater amongst everolimus patients than in controls (Delta mGFR 5.1 +/- 11.1 vs -0.5 +/- 8.7 ml/min/1.73 m(2); p andlt; 0.01). In 55 patients with mGFR 60 to 89 ml/min/1.73 m(2), mGFR did not change significantly in either group. Improvement in mGFR was limited to patients with a median time since TTx of less than 4.6 years and was also influenced by CM reduction during the study period. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanCONCLUSIONS: Everolimus introduction and reduced CNI significantly improved renal function amongst maintenance TTx patients with pre-existing advanced renal failure. This beneficial effect was limited to patients undergoing conversion in less than 5 years after TTx, indicating a window of opportunity that is appropriate for pharmacologic intervention with everolimus.
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| 9. |
- Arora, Satish, et al.
(författare)
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Virtual Histology Assessment of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Following Introduction of Everolimus—Results of a Multicenter Trial
- 2012
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Ingår i: American Journal of Transplantation. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 1600-6135 .- 1600-6143. ; 12:10, s. 2700-2709
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this 12-month multicenter Scandinavian study, 78 maintenance heart transplant (HTx) recipients randomized to everolimus with reduced calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) exposure or continued standard CNI-therapy underwent matched virtual histology (VH) examination to evaluate morphological progression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Parallel measurement of a range of inflammatory markers was also performed. A similar rate of quantitative CAV progression was observed in the everolimus (n = 30) and standard CNI group (n = 48) (plaque index 1.9 +/- 3.8% and 1.6 +/- 3.9%, respectively; p = 0.65). However, VH analysis revealed a significant increase in calcified (2.4 +/- 4.0 vs. 0.3 +/- 3.1%; p = 0.02) and necrotic component (6.5 +/- 8.5 vs. 1.1 +/- 8.6%; p = 0.01) among everolimus patients compared to controls. The increase in necrotic and calcified components was most prominent in everolimus patients with time since HTx andgt;5.1 years and was accompanied by a significant increase in levels of von Willebrand (vWF) factor (p = 0.04) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) (p = 0.03). Conversion to everolimus and reduced CNI is associated with a significant increase in calcified and necrotic intimal components and is more prominent in patients with a longer time since HTx. A significant increase in vWF and VCAM accompanied these qualitative changes and the prognostic implication of these findings requires further investigation.
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| 10. |
- Carlsson, Marcus, et al.
(författare)
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Cardiac output and cardiac index measured with cardiovascular magnetic resonance in healthy subjects, elite athletes and patients with congestive heart failure
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. - 1097-6647. ; 14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) enables non-invasive quantification of cardiac output (CO) and thereby cardiac index (CI, CO indexed to body surface area). The aim of this study was to establish if CI decreases with age and compare the values to CI for athletes and for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods: CI was measured in 144 healthy volunteers (39 +/- 16 years, range 21-81 years, 68 females), in 60 athletes (29 +/- 6 years, 30 females) and in 157 CHF patients with ejection fraction (EF) below 40% (60 +/- 13 years, 33 females). CI was calculated using aortic flow by velocity-encoded CMR and is presented as mean +/- SD. Flow was validated in vitro using a flow phantom and in 25 subjects with aorta and pulmonary flow measurements. Results: There was a slight decrease of CI with age in healthy subjects (8 ml/min/m(2) per year, r(2) = 0.07, p = 0.001). CI in males (3.2 +/- 0.5 l/min/m(2)) and females (3.1 +/- 0.4 l/min/m(2)) did not differ (p = 0.64). The mean +/- SD of CI in healthy subjects in the age range of 20-29 was 3.3 +/- 0.4 l/min/m(2), in 30-39 years 3.3 +/- 0.5 l/min/m(2), in 40-49 years 3.1 +/- 0.5 l/min/m(2), 50-59 years 3.0 +/- 0.4 l/min/m(2) and >60 years 3.0 +/- 0.4 l/min/m(2). There was no difference in CI between athletes and age-controlled healthy subjects but HR was lower and indexed SV higher in athletes. CI in CHF patients (2.3 +/- 0.6 l/min/m(2)) was lower compared to the healthy population (p < 0.001). There was a weak correlation between CI and EF in CHF patients (r(2) = 0.07, p < 0.001) but CI did not differ between patients with NYHA-classes I-II compared to III-IV (n = 97, p = 0.16) or patients with or without hospitalization in the previous year (n = 100, p = 0.72). In vitro phantom validation showed low bias (-0.8 +/- 19.8 ml/s) and in vivo validation in 25 subjects also showed low bias (0.26 +/- 0.61 l/min, QP/QS 1.04 +/- 0.09) between pulmonary and aortic flow. Conclusions: CI decreases in healthy subjects with age but does not differ between males and females. We found no difference in CI between athletes and healthy subjects at rest but CI was lower in patients with congestive heart failure. The presented values can be used as reference values for flow velocity mapping CMR.
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| 11. |
- Ekmehag, Björn, et al.
(författare)
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Contractile and metabolic characteristics of creatine-depleted vascular smooth muscle of the rat portal vein
- 1988
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Ingår i: Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. - 0001-6772. ; 133:4, s. 525-533
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The functional consequences of phosphocreatine (PCr) depletion for mechanical properties, O2 consumption, and lactate production of the rat portal vein were investigated. After feeding rats for 8-9 weeks on a diet containing 2% beta-guanidino propionic acid (BGPA), PCr of the portal vein was reduced to 14% of control, whereas ATP was unchanged. No significant change was found in the level of spontaneous contractile activity or the force developed in a high-K+ contracture. Lactate production and the relationship between contractile force and O2 consumption were uninfluenced by BGPA treatment. The force-velocity relation of electrically stimulated portal veins showed no influence of BGPA treatment on Vmax. To investigate whether decrease in PCr influenced the response to metabolic stress, portal veins were exposed to graded concentrations (0.1-0.5 mM) of cyanide to depress cellular respiration. Veins from control and BGPA-treated rats showed the same relative decrease of contractile activity and O2 consumption, and the same increase in lactate production. Cyanide treatment resulting in a reduction of electrically stimulated force to 70-80% of the original gave a reduction of Vmax to 85-90%. The relative degree of reduction was uninfluenced by BGPA treatment. Reduction of PCr content thus does not affect the functional properties of metabolism or contractility under normoxic conditions. Furthermore, it can be inferred that the PCr reduction known to occur in smooth muscle exposed to hypoxia (Lovgren & Hellstrand 1985) is not in itself the major factor causing hypoxic inhibition of mechanical activity.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Ekmehag, Björn, et al.
(författare)
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Shortening velocity, myosin light chain phosphorylation and Ca2+ dependence of force during metabolic inhibition in smooth muscle of rat portal vein
- 1989
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Ingår i: Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. - 0001-6772. ; 136:3, s. 367-376
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The concentration-response relation for Ca2+ (0.2-5.0 mM) of high-K+ contractures (40 mM) in the rat portal vein during respiratory inhibition by 0.2 mM cyanide was investigated. A reduction of force in the presence of cyanide to about 30% of control was associated with a leftward shift of the normalized concentration-response relation. When force at the plateau of high-K+ contractures (at about 2 min) was reduced to 65 +/- 2% due to the addition of cyanide, the maximal shortening velocity (Vmax) was 94 +/- 5% of control (n = 6). In electrically (AC) stimulated preparations giving short tetanic contractions, a reduction of active force to 58 +/- 2% of control in the presence of cyanide was associated with a reduction of Vmax to 83 +/- 5% (n = 7). Phosphorylation of the 20-kDa regulatory light chains (LC20) of the myosin molecule was studied in the relaxed state and at the plateau of high-K+ contractures for comparison with the mechanical data. Both control and cyanide-treated preparations showed 9% LC20 phosphorylation in nominally Ca2+-free solution (n = 6). After activation the level of phosphorylation increased to 30 +/- 3% (n = 9) in the control veins. In cyanide-treated veins, where force was reduced to 42 +/- 6% compared to a preceding control period, the phosphorylation level was 17 +/- 2% (n = 7). The study suggests that the mechanical changes caused by inhibition of cellular respiration may involve the combined effect of several metabolic alterations, including decreased LC20 phosphorylation during contraction, but apparently not decreased intracellular Ca2+ concentration or sensitivity of the contractile system to Ca2+.
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| 14. |
- Engblom, Henrik, et al.
(författare)
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Peak oxygen uptake in relation to total heart volume discriminates heart failure patients from healthy volunteers and athletes
- 2010
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Ingår i: Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. - 1097-6647 .- 1532-429X. ; 12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: An early sign of heart failure (HF) is a decreased cardiac reserve or inability to adequately increase cardiac output during exercise. Under normal circumstances maximal cardiac output is closely related to peak oxygen uptake (VO(2)peak) which has previously been shown to be closely related to total heart volume (THV). Thus, the aim of this study was to derive a VO(2)peak/THV ratio and to test the hypothesis that this ratio can be used to distinguish patients with HF from healthy volunteers and endurance athletes. Thirty-one patients with HF of different etiologies were retrospectively included and 131 control subjects (60 healthy volunteers and 71 athletes) were prospectively enrolled. Peak oxygen uptake was determined by maximal exercise test and THV was determined by cardiovascular magnetic resonance. The VO(2)peak/THV ratio was then derived and tested. Results: Peak oxygen uptake was strongly correlated to THV (r(2) = 0.74, p < 0.001) in the control subjects, but not for the patients (r(2) = 0.0002, p = 0.95). The VO(2)peak/THV ratio differed significantly between control subjects and patients, even in patients with normal ejection fraction and after normalizing for hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis the VO(2)peak/THV ratio was the only independent predictor of presence of HF (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The VO(2)peak/THV ratio can be used to distinguish patients with clinically diagnosed HF from healthy volunteers and athletes, even in patients with preserved systolic left ventricular function and after normalizing for hemoglobin levels.
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| 15. |
- Estensen, Mette, et al.
(författare)
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Pregnancy in heart- and heart/lung recipients can be problematic
- 2011
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1651-2006 .- 1401-7431. ; 45:6, s. 349-353
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. The first successful pregnancy after heart transplantation was reported in 1988. Worldwide experience with heart and heart/lung transplanted (H-HLTx) pregnant women is limited. To expand this knowledge the collaborating Nordic thoracic transplant centers wanted to collect information on all such pregnancies from their centers. Design. Information was retrospectively collected on all H-HLTx pregnancies in the Nordic countries. Results. A total of 25 women have had 42 pregnancies and all survived the gestation. Minor complications were increasing incidence of proteinuria, hypertension and diabetes. Major problems were two rejections (early post partum), two severe renal failures, seven pre-eclampsias and 17 abortions. Five women died two to 12 years after delivery. Of 25 live born children, one was born with cancer and one died early after inheriting the mother's cardiomyopathi. Conclusion. Pregnancy after H-HLTx can be successful for both mother and child. There are, however, many obstacles which should be addressed. Respecting the couple's desire for children the attitude should be carefully, not too optimistic, after proper pre-pregnant information and counseling. Delivery should preferably take place at the transplant center.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Gullestad, Lars, et al.
(författare)
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Everolimus With Reduced Calcineurin Inhibitor in Thoracic Transplant Recipients With Renal Dysfunction: A Multicenter, Randomized Trial
- 2010
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Ingår i: Transplantation. - : Williams and Wilkins. - 0041-1337 .- 1534-6080. ; 89:7, s. 864-872
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background. The proliferation signal inhibitor everolimus offers the potential to reduce calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) exposure and alleviate CNI-related nephrotoxicity. Randomized trials in maintenance thoracic transplant patients are lacking. Methods. In a 12-month, open-labeled, multicenter study, maintenance thoracic transplant patients (glomerular filtration rate greater than= 20 mL/min/1.73m(2) and less than90 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) greater than1 year posttransplant were randomized to continue their current CNI-based immunosuppression or start everolimus with predefined CNI exposure reduction. Results. Two hundred eighty-two patients were randomized (140 everolimus, 142 controls; 190 heart, 92 lung transplants). From baseline to month 12, mean cyclosporine and tacrolimus trough levels in the everolimus cohort decreased by 57% and 56%, respectively. The primary endpoint, mean change in measured glomerular filtration rate from baseline to month 12, was 4.6 mL/min with everolimus and -0.5 mL/min in controls (Pless than0.0001). Everolimus-treated heart and lung transplant patients in the lowest tertile for time posttransplant exhibited mean increases of 7.8 mL/min and 4.9 mL/min, respectively. Biopsy-proven treated acute rejection occurred in six everolimus and four control heart transplant patients (P=0.54). In total, 138 everolimus patients (98.6%) and 127 control patients (89.4%) experienced one or more adverse event (P=0.002). Serious adverse events occurred in 66 everolimus patients (46.8%) and 44 controls (31.0%) (P=0.02). Conclusion. Introduction of everolimus with CNI reduction offers a significant improvement in renal function in maintenance heart and lung transplant recipients. The greatest benefit is observed in patients with a shorter time since transplantation.
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| 18. |
- Gullestad, Lars, et al.
(författare)
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Two-Year Outcomes in Thoracic Transplant Recipients After Conversion to Everolimus With Reduced Calcineurin Inhibitor Within a Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized Trial.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Transplantation. - : Williams and Wilkins. - 1534-6080 .- 0041-1337. ; 90:12, s. 1581-1589
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND.: Use of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus with an accompanying reduction in calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) exposure has shown promise in preserving renal function in maintenance thoracic transplant patients, but robust, long-term data are required. METHODS.: In a prospective, open-label, multicenter study, thoracic transplant recipients more than or equal to 1 year posttransplant with mild-to-moderate renal insufficiency were randomized to continue their current CNI-based immunosuppression or convert to everolimus with predefined CNI exposure reduction. After a 12-month core trial, patients were followed up to month 24 after randomization. RESULTS.: Of 245 patients who completed the month 12 visit, 235 patients (108 everolimus and 127 controls) entered the 12-month extension phase. At month 24, mean measured glomerular filtration rate had increased by 3.2±12.3 mL/min from the point of randomization in everolimus-treated patients and decreased by 2.4±9.0 mL/min in controls (P<0.001), a difference that was significant within both the heart and lung transplant subpopulations. During months 12 to 24, 5.6% of everolimus patients and 3.1% of controls experienced biopsy-proven acute rejection (P=0.76). There were no significant differences in the rate of adverse events or serious adverse events (including pneumonia) between groups during months 12 to 24. CONCLUSIONS.: Converting maintenance thoracic transplant recipients to everolimus with low-exposure CNI results in a renal benefit that is sustained to 2 years postconversion, with significantly improved measured glomerular filtration rate in both heart and lung transplant patients. Despite reductions of more than 50% in CNI exposure, there was no marked loss of efficacy. The safety profile of the everolimus-based regimen was acceptable.
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| 19. |
- Hesselstrand, Roger, et al.
(författare)
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Survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis from a Swedish single centre: prognosis still poor and prediction difficult
- 2011
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 40:2, s. 127-132
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: To describe the survival rate in a cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and to evaluate possible predictors for SSc-PAH in a cohort of SSc patients. Methods: Thirty patients with SSc-PAH and 150 SSc patients without PAH were included. Survival and survival on therapy were calculated. Clinical features at baseline were correlated to the risk for development of PAH during follow-up. Results: The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year survival rates were 86, 59, 39, and 22%, respectively, from diagnosis of PAH. The hazard ratio for total mortality in the SSc-PAH group was 3.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-5.7] compared to SSc without PAH (p < 0.001). Risk factors at baseline for the development of PAH were: limited skin involvement, low diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), high N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTProBNP), increased estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (ESPAP), and the presence of teleangiectases. Severe peripheral vascular disease requiring iloprost treatment during follow-up was associated with an eightfold increased risk of PAH. Conclusion: Despite modern treatment and yearly screening by echocardiography, the survival in SSc-PAH is still low in our cohort. The identified risk factors should be assessed to select patients eligible for right heart catheterization (RHC) to make an earlier diagnosis.
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| 20. |
- Ingemansson, Richard, et al.
(författare)
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Clinical transplantation of initially rejected donor lungs after reconditioning ex vivo.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Annals of Thoracic Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1552-6259 .- 0003-4975. ; 87:1, s. 255-260
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: A major problem in clinical lung transplantation is the shortage of donor lungs. Only about 20% of donor lungs are accepted for transplantation. A method to evaluate and recondition lungs ex vivo has been tested on donor lungs that have been rejected for transplantation. METHODS: The donor lungs were reconditioned ex vivo in an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit with STEEN solution (Vitrolife AB, Kungsbacka, Sweden) mixed with erythrocytes. The hyperoncotic solution dehydrates edematous lung tissue. Functional evaluations were performed with deoxygenated perfusate by varying the inspired fraction of oxygen. After the reconditioning, the lungs were kept immersed at 8 degrees C in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation until transplantation was performed. RESULTS: Six of nine initially rejected donor lungs were reconditioned to acceptable function, and in six recipients, double lung transplantation was performed. Three-month survival was 100%. One patient has since died due to sepsis after 95 days, and one due to rejection after 9 months. Four recipients are alive and well without any sign of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome 24 months after the transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The result from the present study is promising, and we continue to transplant reconditioned lungs.
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| 21. |
- Ivarsson, Bodil, et al.
(författare)
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Heart or lung transplanted patients' retrospective views on information and support while waiting for transplantation.
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Clinical Nursing. - : Wiley. - 1365-2702 .- 0962-1067. ; 22:11-12, s. 1620-1628
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the patients' retrospective experiences of the information and support they received while on the heart or lung transplant waiting list. BACKGROUND: Patients differ in the way that they cope with the time spent waiting for a heart or lung transplant. Patients must already before the transplantation be taught about a new lifestyle, risk factors, medication, food restrictions and exercise, so they can take an active role and responsibility for disease management after transplantation. Little is known about patients' experiences of information and support in these situations. DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive design. METHODS: Sixteen patients (16-67 year) were strategically selected from one transplant centre in Sweden and interviewed six months after heart or lung transplantation. Using content analysis, transcribed data were organised into subcategories that reflected emerging categories. RESULTS: Three categories that describe patients' experiences of information and support have been identified: 'Achieving confidence and trust by information and support', 'Experiencing a lack of input and understanding' and 'Struggling with a life-threatening illness and an insecure future'. Each category consists of different subcategories. CONCLUSIONS: Information and support in connection to heart or lung transplantation are a complex and multifaceted issue involving patient-related, family-related, disease-related and treatment-related factors as well as experiences related to the social situation, the healthcare system and society. Transplant patients are very vulnerable, and a deeper understanding of patients' experiences should help healthcare providers in optimising the care for these very sick patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A holistic approach to the patient is necessary in meeting the needs of patients with chronic illness, especially patients with children at home, as well as the needs of their families. An important implication is the necessity to enhance awareness about transplant patients in society in general, in particular in other institutions, by sharing knowledge and by improving cooperation.
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| 22. |
- Ivarsson, Bodil, et al.
(författare)
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Information experiences and needs in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
- 2014
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Ingår i: Nursing Research and Practice. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2090-1429 .- 2090-1437. ; 2014
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are fatal, noncurable, but treatable diseases that strongly affect the patients. Objective. To describe patients' experience of information relating to PAH or CTEPH. Methods. A qualitative method using content analysis was applied. Seventeen patients (thirteen women and four men) aged 28-73 years from a regional PAH centre were individually interviewed. Results. Three categories that describe patients' experiences of information emerged: handling of information, struggling with feelings that also affect others, and vulnerability associated with uncertainty. The patients would have welcomed more information to relatives from the healthcare professionals. Shortcomings on communicating a prognosis were experienced. The mediated information and knowledge gave the patients insight into physical or psychosocial problems. Mutual exchange of information between patients and healthcare professionals were marred by different experiences of attitudes, behaviour, and ownership. Conclusions. In the future, healthcare organizations must struggle to achieve a holistic healthcare by making it more person-centred, and they must also promote cooperation between PAH centres and local healthcare providers. It is essential to determine the most appropriate and valuable path of information and communication and, thereby, the most cost-effective management of PAH or CTEPH.
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| 23. |
- Ivarsson, Bodil, et al.
(författare)
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Patients experiences of information and support during the first six months after heart or lung transplantation.
- 2013
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953. ; 12:4, s. 400-406
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Heart or lung recipients are taught about a new lifestyle, risk factors, medication, food restrictions and exercise so they can take an active role and responsibility for disease management after transplantation. However, little is known about patients' experiences of information and support in these situations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to illuminate how patients, six months after a heart or lung transplantation, experienced the information and support they received in connection with the transplantation. METHODS: Sixteen patients were included in the study, and interviews were analysed using a qualitative content analysis method. RESULTS: The findings are presented in three themes: Alternating between gratitude and satisfaction and resignation, Striving to follow treatment strategies and Returning to a relatively normal life. The patients expressed gratitude when their health improved markedly but resignation when complications or side effects occurred due to the lack of information and support they received. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals can make specific improvements in the information they provide to patients to increase their preparedness. Information and support should be provided regularly so as to avoid non-adherence to essential guidelines. To return to a normal life, patients need support from healthcare organizations, families, employers and society in general. These findings should be taken into account in the clinical management of transplant patients, particularly those with dependent children or failing social networks.
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| 24. |
- Ivarsson, Bodil, et al.
(författare)
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Perceptions of received information, social support, and coping in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
- 2014
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Ingår i: Clinical medicine insights. Circulatory, respiratory and pulmonary medicine. - 1179-5484. ; 8, s. 21-28
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Patients with a life-limiting diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) need disease-specific information, ability to cope, and functioning social networks. This cohort study investigated the experiences of PAH and CTEPH patients who received information about their diagnosis, treatment, and management, in addition to coping and social support. Sixty-eight adult patients (mean ± SD, age 67 ± 14; 66% women) were included. A total of 54% of the patients wanted more information. Patients received information mostly in areas concerning medical test procedures, the diagnosis, disease severity, possible disease causes, and how to manage their disease. Coping ability was significantly better in patients who were satisfied with the received information (P = 0.0045). The information given to PAH or CTEPH patients and their communication with healthcare professionals can be greatly improved. Gaps in information and misunderstandings can be avoided by working in cooperation with the patients, their relatives, and within the PAH team.
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| 25. |
- Ivarsson, Bodil, et al.
(författare)
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Recently accepted for the waiting list for heart or lung transplantation - patients' experiences of information and support.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Clinical Transplantation. - : Wiley. - 1399-0012 .- 0902-0063. ; 25, s. 664-671
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the study was to describe the patients' experiences of the information and support they received after being placed on the waiting list for a heart or lung transplant. The design was qualitative, and the critical incident technique was used. Incidents were collected via interviews with 21 patients. A total of 357 important events, both positive and negative, were identified and divided into two main groups: Body and mind and Information and support. The following subgroups emerged: chronic illness affects the patients, attitudes towards the future, impact of information, support from public organizations, and support from the private sphere. The patients showed knowledge of and involvement in the upcoming transplantation, which indicates that healthcare professionals managed to convey information and support effectively. By identifying the importance of factors such as body and mind and information and support for patients recently accepted for heart or lung transplantation, healthcare professionals are able to make specific improvements in the information and support that they provide. An important implication is to enhance the knowledge regarding transplant patients in other institutions and improve cooperation. Specific support programs to assist patients who have dependent children should be developed. Society needs to become more enlightened about organ donation and transplantation patients.
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| 26. |
- Ivarsson, Bodil, et al.
(författare)
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Relative's experiences before and after a heart or lung transplantation
- 2014
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Ingår i: Heart & Lung. - : Elsevier BV. - 0147-9563 .- 1527-3288. ; 43:3, s. 198-203
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Relatives take on great responsibilities during patients' heart or lung transplant process and an understanding for their situation is required. Objective: To describe relative's experiences before and during the patient's hospital stay as well as during the first 6 months after a heart or lung transplantation. Methods: Using qualitative content analysis, 15 relatives (eight women and seven men) aged 36-65 years were interviewed within 6 months of a heart or lung transplantation. Result: Three categories that illuminate relatives' experiences have been identified: "Navigate specific circumstances," "Facilitate throughout the transplantation journey" and "Experiences of strength and weakness of information and support." The relatives reported involvement in the transplantation decision, peer support, information seeking, burden and coping. Conclusion: Greater awareness about relatives' experiences with identification of appropriate support and information exchange between health care professionals and relatives is important. This awareness could provide benefits for heart or lung transplant patients, families and health care organizations. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 27. |
- Ivarsson, Bodil, et al.
(författare)
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Support Experienced by Patients Living with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
- 2016
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Ingår i: Heart, Lung and Circulation. - : Elsevier BV. - 1443-9506 .- 1444-2892. ; 25:1, s. 35-40
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background As pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are debilitating and fatal diseases it is essential to increase the understanding of patients' experience of support. The aim was to describe patients' experiences of support while living with PAH or CTEPH. Methods Seventeen patients (13 women and four men) aged 28-73 years were strategically selected from a regional PAH centre and individually interviewed. The answers were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Three categories that describe patients' experiences of support emerged: Support linked to the healthcare; support linked to the private sphere; and support linked to persons outside the private sphere. Conclusion Healthcare practitioners must work more in collaboration to detect patients' need for support and to develop the patient's own skills to manage daily life. The PAH teams should tailor interventions to provide emotional, informational and instrumental support and guidance to patients and their families.
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
- Nilsson, Johan, et al.
(författare)
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The International Heart Transplant Survival Algorithm (IHTSA): A New Model to Improve Organ Sharing and Survival.
- 2015
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Ingår i: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 10:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Heart transplantation is life saving for patients with end-stage heart disease. However, a number of factors influence how well recipients and donor organs tolerate this procedure. The main objective of this study was to develop and validate a flexible risk model for prediction of survival after heart transplantation using the largest transplant registry in the world.
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| 30. |
- Petter, Hedelin, et al.
(författare)
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Measurement of cardiac output with non-invasive Aesculon impedance versus thermodilution.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. - 1475-0961. ; 31:1, s. 39-47
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study compared the non-invasive thoracic electrical bioimpedance Aesculon technique (TEB(Aesculon) ) with thermodilution (TD) to evaluate whether TEB(Aesculon) may offer a reliable means for estimating cardiac output (CO) in humans.
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| 31. |
- Sigurdardottir, Vilborg, et al.
(författare)
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Long-term follow-up of lung and heart transplant recipients with pre-transplant malignancies
- 2012
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Ingår i: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. - : Elsevier BV. - 1557-3117 .- 1053-2498. ; 31:12, s. 1276-1280
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Concern regarding recurrence of pre-transplant (Tx) malignancy has disqualified patients from Tx. Because this has been poorly studied in lung and heart Tx recipients our aim was to investigate the influence of pre-Tx malignancy on post-Tx recurrence and long-term survival, focusing on pre-operative cancer-free intervals. METHODS: From our lung and heart Tx programs (1983 to 2011) we retrospectively identified 111 (lung, 37; heart, 74) of 3,830 recipients with 113 pre-Tx malignancies. The patients were divided into 3 groups by pre-Tx cancer-free interval: Group I, <12 months (n = 24); Group II, >= 12 to <60 months (n = 18); and Group III, >= 60 months (n = 71). RESULTS: Mean age at pre-Tx malignancy was 35 +/- 18 years. Mean post-Tx follow-up time was 70 +/- 63 months (range, 0-278 months), and malignancy recurrence was 63% in Group I, 26% in Group II, and 6% in Group III. Kaplan-Meier analysis of freedom from post-Tx recurrence revealed the following differences among the groups: Group I vs 11, p = 0.08; II vs III, p = 0.002; and I vs III, p < 0.001. Overall survival (51 deaths) was significantly poorer in Group I than in Groups II and III (p = 0.044). Survival between Groups II and III did not differ significantly (p = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Cancer-free survival of >= 5 years pre-Tx is associated with the lowest recurrence. However, recurrence is related to the time the patients were cancer-free, as seen in Groups I and II. J Heart Lung Transplant 2012; 31: 1276-80 (C) 2012 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. All rights reserved.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Sjögren, Johan, et al.
(författare)
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Heart transplantation with ABO-identical versus ABO-compatible cardiac grafts: Influence on long-term survival.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Scandinavian cardiovascular journal : SCJ. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1651-2006 .- 1401-7431. ; 44:6, s. 373-379
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Abstract Objectives. To compare identical versus compatible, ABO blood group matching effects on rejection and long-term survival after heart transplantation (HT). Design. Data were collected from 196 patients who underwent HT at Lund University Hospital between 1988 and 2008. Cox proportion hazard regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with reduced long-term survival. Results. One hundred and sixty six patients (85%) had an identical ABO blood group match and 30 patients (15%) had a compatible, ABO blood group match. Four non-pharmacological variables reducing overall survival were identified: recipient blood group AB, age >55 years, ischemic time, and year of transplantation. Two pharmacological variables improved overall survival: glucocorticoids and cyclosporine. There was no significant difference in long-term survival between patients with identical blood groups compared to compatible ABO blood group matching. However, there was a trend towards graft failure as cause of death being more common in the compatible ABO group match compared identical blood group match (13% versus 5%, p=0.118). Conclusions. Six factors associated with overall survival were identified. One of these was related to blood group AB. No significant difference in survival following identical, versus compatible, ABO matching was demonstrated.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Ugander, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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The relationship between left ventricular ejection fraction and infarct size assessed by MRI.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1651-2006 .- 1401-7431. ; 42:2, s. 137-145
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. We sought to study the relationship between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and infarct size in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to determine a dysfunction index based on the maximum possible LVEF in relation to infarct size. Design. In 149 patients with chronic IHD, LVEF and infarct size were quantified by MRI. Dysfunction index was defined as the maximum possible LVEF minus measured LVEF. Results. The maximum possible LVEF was found to be LVEF=72.2-[1.18*infarct size]. Dysfunction index for the study population was mean 20 (range -6 to 57), 74% of the study population had a dysfunction index >10 and 44% had a dysfunction index >20. Conclusions. The present study suggests that infarct size by MRI can be used to estimate a maximum possible LVEF and a dysfunction index. The distribution of dysfunction index in the population suggests a considerable prevalence of dysfunctional but viable myocardium. Future studies are needed to assess if the dysfunction index can be useful to assess the potential for improvement in LVEF following revascularization.
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| 37. |
- Ågren, Susanna, et al.
(författare)
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Patients' self-perceived health, coping, anxiety, depression and stress before and up to 2 years after a heart or lung transplantation.
- 2015
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Psychosocial factors are important aspects for patients before, on waiting list, and after a heart or lung transplantation.Aim: To illuminate patients' self-‐perceived health, coping, anxiety, depression and stress before and up to 2 years after heart or lung transplantation.Method: Fifty-‐four adult patients (28 cardiac and 26 lung) were included. They responded to questionnaires about quality of life, coping, anxiety, depression and stress when they were accepted for the transplant waiting list, then 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after a heart or lung transplantation. Result: Mean waiting time was 37 weeks for cardiac patients and 29 weeks for lung patients. The patients had a lower coping ability and self-‐perceived health at baseline and showed an improvement over time after the transplantation. Excluding pain, which increased and persisted over time after the transplantation, especially for the lung patients. Twenty-‐three percent of all patients showed clinically anxiety before transplantation compared to 0-‐8 % after transplantation. However, both before and after, clinical depression was significantly less frequent. Nearly half (44 %) of the patients scored medium or high level of intrusion stress and 38% of avoidance stress before the transplantation, which declined gradually over the years.Conclusion: Transplantation has led to positive psychosocial effects at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after the heart or lung transplantation for most of the patients. The healthcare professionals must ensure to be aware of the challenges faced by their patients in daily living, not only the symptoms of their severe chronic disease but also psychosocial factors mainly before but even after a heart or lung transplantation. Patients have an underlying serious, chronic disease where severe long-‐term life-‐threatening complications suddenly can occur
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| 38. |
- Ågren, Susanna, 1964-, et al.
(författare)
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Psycho-social aspects before and up to 2 years after heart or lung transplantation - experience of patients and their next of kin.
- 2017
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Ingår i: Clinical Transplantation. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0902-0063 .- 1399-0012. ; 31:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Psychosocial factors are important for patients undergoing heart (HTx) or lung (LTx) transplantation, and for their next of kin (NoK).AIM: To describe health-related quality of life (patients only), anxiety, depression, stress, coping ability and burden (NoK only) for patients and their NoK before and up to 2 years after HTx or LTx.DESIGN: Adult patients (28 heart and 26 lung) and their appointed NoK were surveyed with questionnaires about specific psychosocial topics when they were accepted for the transplantation waiting list and 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after transplantation.FINDINGS: Patients' coping ability and self-perceived health were low at baseline and improved over time after the transplantation. However, lung patients took longer time to recover in terms of health-related quality of life, depression, and stress than heart patients. Similarly, NoK of lung patients experienced a higher burden and more stress 1 year after transplantation than NoK of heart patients.CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should be aware of the psychosocial challenges patients and their NoK face in daily living and provide support both before and after heart or lung transplantation. Especially, given that these patients have a serious, chronic, underlying disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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