Genetic and Genomic Approaches to Predict Cardiac Allograft Rejection

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this paper is to review the current state of and ongoing developments in the detection and diagnosis of cardiac allograft rejection using genetic and genomic approaches.Recent FindingsThe current strength of genetic and genomic methods is primarily in reducing the overall number of surveillance endomyocardial biopsies in otherwise low-risk patients. Tissue-based analyses of endomyocardial samples are beginning to identify a more objective phenotypic description of cardiac allograft rejection than traditional histologic evaluation; however, a true “gold” standard remains elusive.SummaryThe current success of genetic and genomic techniques for identifying cardiac allograft rejection is in their high negative predictive value and ability to rule this condition out. Future testing platforms will build upon the success of AlloMap to hopefully improve the diagnostic accuracy and prediction of this technology. The molecular microscope technique may eventually lead the field towards a “gold” standard for cardiac allograft rejection; however, this technique is still under development.
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research