Outcomes of pre- heart transplantation desensitization in a series of highly sensitized patients bridged with left ventricular assist devices

Desensitization therapy for heart transplantation (HT) candidates can shorten transplant wait times and broaden the donor pool. Specific evidence-based recommendations on both protocols and indications are lacking. We retrospectively assessed left ventricular assist devices-bridged candidates who received pre-HT desensitization therapy. The therapeutic protocol consisted of intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab followed by bortezomib and plasmapheresis if an insufficient response was achieved.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Source Type: research