Exploring weight evolution and nutritional status during the first year after implantation of a left ventricular assist device
I Milaniak, G W Wasilewski, K W Wierzbicki, L D Drabik, I G K Gorkiewicz-Kot, W P PlazakAbstract
Introduction
Current treatment options for end-stage heart failure, such as transplantation, can be limited by obesity guidelines. Left Ventricular Assistive Devices (LVAD) can bridge heart failure patients to transplantation or maybe a target treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate weight changes following LVAD implantation.
Material and methods
This was a retrospective cohort study. We analyzed 139 electronic health records of patients aged 26–74 years who were referred for LVAD implantation between October 2015 and December 2022. To achieve the study's aim, the final analysis included 108 subjects who survived 1 year with an LVAD and had available data. Clinical data were collected before and after LVAD implantation. Patients were evaluated at three time points post LVAD implantation: 3, 6, and 12 months for changes in weight and BMI.
Results
The mean BMI of the overall cohort at the time of LVAD implantation was 28 kg/m2. During the first 6 months after surgery, the patients' body mass index decreased to 27,21 kg/m2. During the first year, we observed a significant weight gain of up to 29.04 kg/m2. We observed a reduction in NT pro BNP from 5264,06 pg/ml to 3160,05 pg/ml after 6 months, followed by an increase to 4149 pg/ml after 12 months.
Conclusion
Although the initial 6 months progress favorably, all patients gain weight in the first year.