Background: Recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTA) are "A factor" modifiers in the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profile. The effect of recurrent VTA on clinical outcome, however, is controversial. We evaluated the impact of recurrent VTA on outcome in Japanese heart transplant candidates with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
Methods and results: Sixty-six adult patients with advanced heart failure who were listed for heart transplantation between January 2005 and October 2017 were enrolled in the study. Recurrent VTA (modifier A status) was defined as a sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation that required implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks or an external defibrillator more than twice weekly. The primary outcome was death from any cause. The secondary outcomes were the first occurrence of VTA and recurrent VTA after LVAD implantation. Sixteen patients (24%) met the criteria for modifier A status, and 15 patients had an LVAD implanted. During a median follow-up of 1,124 days, 21 of 60 patients with an LVAD died. There was a significantly higher mortality rate in LVAD patients with modifier A status than in those who did not meet the modifier A criteria. On multivariate analysis, patients with modifier A status had an increased risk of mortality (HR, 3.43; 95% CI: 1.30-8.61, P=0.001).
Conclusions: Recurrent VTA might be a marker for worse outcome in Japanese heart transplant candidates with an LVAD.
Keywords: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator; Left ventricular assist device; Mortality; Transplantation; Ventricular arrhythmia.