Post-Transplant Sensitization: Does it Make a Difference in the Development of First-Year Intimal Thickening?

J. Patel, M. Kittleson, L. Czer, T. Aintablian, E. Stimpson, B. Azarbal, D. Geft, D. Chang, F. Esmailian, J. Kobashigawa.

Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles

Meeting: 2017 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: C109

Keywords: Antibodies, Heart transplant patients, Sensitization

Session Information

Session Name: Poster Session C: Hearts and VADS: All Topics

Session Type: Poster Session

Date: Monday, May 1, 2017

Session Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm

Presentation Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm

Location: Hall D1

Background: The development of donor specific antibody (DSA) after heart transplantation has been reported to be associated with the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). In addition, the development of DSA has even greater association with CAV. The first year change in intimal thickening via intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) after heart transplantation is reported to be associated with an increase in mortality and development of CAV. Therefore, we assessed if the development of DSA would result in an increase in intimal thickening by IVUS in the first year after heart transplantation.

Methods: Between 2010 and 2014 we assessed 172 heart transplant patients in their first year of transplantation. Baseline IVUS was performed at 4-6 weeks after heart transplantation and repeated after 1 year. Parameters for assessment included maximal intimal thickness (MIT) and first-year change in MIT>0.5mm. The detection of antibodies was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after heart transplantation. Patients were categorized into those that developed no antibodies, non-specific antibodies, and DSA. Change in first-year intimal thickening parameters was assessed for these three antibody groups.

Results: Patients who developed first-year DSA after heart transplantation did not have a significant increase in the development of MIT after transplant compared to the non-specific antibody and no antibody group. Among the 3 groups, there was no significant difference in 2-year survival or freedom from CAV, 1-year freedom from antibody-mediated rejection and intimal thickening. (see table)Conclusion: First-year DSA after heart transplantation is not associated with first-year intimal thickening by IVUS. Further study into characteristics of DSA (such as ability to fix complement) and longer follow up is needed.

CITATION INFORMATION: Patel J, Kittleson M, Czer L, Aintablian T, Stimpson E, Azarbal B, Geft D, Chang D, Esmailian F, Kobashigawa J. Post-Transplant Sensitization: Does it Make a Difference in the Development of First-Year Intimal Thickening? Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Patel J, Kittleson M, Czer L, Aintablian T, Stimpson E, Azarbal B, Geft D, Chang D, Esmailian F, Kobashigawa J. Post-Transplant Sensitization: Does it Make a Difference in the Development of First-Year Intimal Thickening? [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2017; 17 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/post-transplant-sensitization-does-it-make-a-difference-in-the-development-of-first-year-intimal-thickening/. Accessed May 12, 2025.

« Back to 2017 American Transplant Congress