Heart Transplantation Medication

  • Author: Donald M Botta Jr, MD; Chief Editor: John Geibel, MD, DSc, MA   more...
 
Updated: Feb 16, 2012
 

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy are to prevent complications, to reduce morbidity, and to reduce the chances for organ rejection.

Next

Immunosuppressants

Class Summary

Immunosuppression is started soon after surgery. Transplant recipients are maintained on an immunosuppression regimen that includes 1-3 drugs. Generally, the drugs fall into 3 categories: steroids, antimetabolites, and other immunosuppressants.Several regimens can be used, including pretransplantation induction therapy and simple postoperative maintenance therapy; the choice of regimen depends on the training and experience of the transplantation center.[24, 25]

View full drug information

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, GENGRAF)

 

Cyclosporine is a cyclic polypeptide that suppresses some humoral immunity and, to a greater extent, cell-mediated immune reactions such as delayed hypersensitivity, allograft rejection, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, and graft versus host disease for various organs.

For children and adults, base dosing on ideal body weight. Maintaining appropriate levels of the drug in the bloodstream is crucial to the maintenance of the allograft. Foods can alter the level of the drug and time of administration. Medication must be taken at the same time every day.

Neoral is the capsular form of cyclosporine, available in 25- and 100-mg capsules. Sandimmune is the liquid form. GENGRAF is the branded generic form, available in 25- and 100-mg capsules.

View full drug information

Prednisone

 

Prednisone is an immunosuppressant used for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. It may decrease inflammation by reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte activity. It is an oral steroid with approximately 5 times the potency of endogenous steroids. Minimal to no oral prednisone should be given for the first 21 days after transplantation unless rejection occurs.

View full drug information

Methylprednisolone (Medrol, Solu-Medrol, A-Methapred)

 

Methylprednisolone is an immunosuppressant used to treat autoimmune disorders. It may decrease inflammation by reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing PMN activity. It is the intravenous (IV) form of prednisone.

View full drug information

Tacrolimus (Prograf)

 

Tacrolimus suppresses humoral immunity (T-cell activity). It is a calcineurin inhibitor with 2-3 times the potency of cyclosporine. Tacrolimus can be used at lower doses than cyclosporine, but it has severe adverse effects, including renal dysfunction, diabetes, and pancreatitis. Levels are adjusted according to renal function, hepatic function, and adverse effects.

View full drug information

Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept, Myfortic)

 

Mycophenolate mofetil inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and suppresses de novo purine synthesis by lymphocytes, thus inhibiting their proliferation. It inhibits antibody production.

View full drug information

Azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan)

 

Azathioprine antagonizes purine metabolism and inhibits synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. It may decrease proliferation of immune cells, which results in lower autoimmune activity. Antimetabolites are used to block the uptake of vital nutrients needed by the cells. As implied, these drugs affect not only the cells of the immune system but also other cells of the body. The potency of therapy is dose dependent. Azathioprine is not effective treatment for acute rejection episodes but remains an economical choice for long-term immunosuppression.

View full drug information

Sirolimus (Rapamune)

 

Sirolimus, also known as rapamycin, is a macrocyclic lactone produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It is a potent immunosuppressant that inhibits T-cell activation and proliferation by a mechanism that is distinct from those of all other immunosuppressants. This inhibition suppresses cytokine-driven T-cell proliferation by inhibiting progression from the G1 phase to the S phase in the cell cycle.

Previous
Next

Inotropic Agents

Class Summary

After the procedure, the patient is maintained on a combination of pressor agents while the donor heart regains energy stores. Once stabilized, the patient is rapidly weaned from the ventilator and the pressors. The chosen combination depends on the training and experience of the center.

View full drug information

Dopamine

 

Dopamine is a naturally occurring endogenous catecholamine that stimulates beta1-and alpha1-adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors in a dose-dependent fashion. It stimulates the release of norepinephrine.

In low doses (2-5 μg/kg/min), dopamine acts on dopaminergic receptors in renal and splanchnic vascular beds, causing vasodilatation in these beds. In midrange doses (5-15 μg/kg/min), it acts on beta-adrenergic receptors to increase heart rate and contractility. In high doses (15-20 μg/kg/min), it acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors to increase systemic vascular resistance and raise blood pressure.

View full drug information

Dobutamine

 

Dobutamine is a sympathomimetic amine with stronger beta than alpha effects. It increases the inotropic state. Vasopressors augment the coronary and cerebral blood flow during the low-flow state associated with severe hypotension.

Dopamine and dobutamine are the drugs of choice to improve cardiac contractility, with dopamine the preferred agent in hypotensive patients. Higher dosages may cause an increase in heart rate, exacerbating myocardial ischemia.

View full drug information

Epinephrine (Adrenalin)

 

Its alpha-agonist effects include increased peripheral vascular resistance, reversed peripheral vasodilatation, systemic hypotension, and vascular permeability. Its beta2-agonist effects include bronchodilation, chronotropic cardiac activity, and positive inotropic effects.

View full drug information

Norepinephrine (Levophed)

 

Norepinephrine stimulates beta1- and alpha-adrenergic receptors, increasing cardiac muscle contractility and heart rate, as well as vasoconstriction; this results in systemic blood pressure and coronary blood flow increases. After obtaining a response, the rate of flow should be adjusted and maintained at a low-normal blood pressure, such as 80-100 mm Hg systolic, sufficient to perfuse vital organs.

Previous
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Donald M Botta Jr, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Cardiac Surgery, Surgical Director, Cardiac Transplantation, Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support, Yale University School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Mary C Mancini, MD, PhD  Professor and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport

Mary C Mancini, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Surgical Association, Phi Beta Kappa, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Southern Surgical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

John Geibel, MD, DSc, MA  Vice Chair and Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Gastrointestinal Medicine, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine; Director, Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Yale-New Haven Hospital

John Geibel, MD, DSc, MA is a member of the following medical societies: American Gastroenterological Association, American Physiological Society, American Society of Nephrology, Association for Academic Surgery, International Society of Nephrology, New York Academy of Sciences, and Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract

Disclosure: AMGEN Royalty Consulting; ARdelyx Ownership interest Board membership

Additional Contributors

Deepak M Gangahar, MBBS, MD Professor, Department of Surgery, Chief, Section of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Surgical Director, Heart Transplant and VAD Services, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Deepak M Gangahar, MBBS, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Cardiology, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nebraska Medical Association, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Shreekanth V Karwande, MBBS Chair, Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine and Medical Center

Shreekanth V Karwande, MBBS is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Surgeons, American Heart Association, Society of Critical Care Medicine, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Western Thoracic Surgical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Richard Thurer, MD B and Donald Carlin Professor of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, University of Miami, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine

Richard Thurer, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Thoracic Society, Florida Medical Association, Society of Surgical Oncology, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

  1. Griepp RB, Ergin MA. The history of experimental heart transplantation. J Heart Transplant. 1984;3:145.

  2. Ramakrishna H, Jaroszewski DE, Arabia FA. Adult cardiac transplantation: A review of perioperative management Part - I. Ann Card Anaesth. Jan-Jun 2009;12(1):71-8. [Medline].

  3. Heart Failure Society of America. The Stages of Heart Failure - New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification. Heart Failure Society of America Web site. Available at http://www.abouthf.org/questions_stages.htm. Accessed May 1, 2009.

  4. Hill JD. Bridging to cardiac transplantation. Ann Thorac Surg. Jan 1989;47(1):167-71. [Medline].

  5. Portner PM, Oyer PE, Pennington DG, et al. Implantable electrical left ventricular assist system: bridge to transplantation and the future. Ann Thorac Surg. Jan 1989;47(1):142-50. [Medline].

  6. Holman WL, Kormos RL, Naftel DC, Miller MA, Pagani FD, Blume E, et al. Predictors of death and transplant in patients with a mechanical circulatory support device: a multi-institutional study. J Heart Lung Transplant. Jan 2009;28(1):44-50. [Medline].

  7. Davies RR, Russo MJ, Yang J, et al. Listing and transplanting adults with congenital heart disease. Circulation. Feb 22 2011;123(7):759-67. [Medline].

  8. Kramer BL, Massie BM, Topic N. Controlled trial of captopril in chronic heart failure: a rest and exercise hemodynamic study. Circulation. Apr 1983;67(4):807-16. [Medline].

  9. Overcast TD, Evans RW, Bowen LE, et al. Problems in the identification of potential organ donors. Misconceptions and fallacies associated with donor cards. JAMA. Mar 23-30 1984;251(12):1559-62. [Medline].

  10. Schuh A, Liehn EA, Sasse A, Schneider R, Neuss S, Weber C, et al. Improved left ventricular function after transplantation of microspheres and fibroblasts in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Basic Res Cardiol. Jan 12 2009;[Medline].

  11. Sauer H. Recent advances using stem cell-derived cardiac and vascular cells for cardiomyoplasty. Xenotransplantation. Sep 2008;15(5):306. [Medline].

  12. Reichart B, Brandl U. 40 years of heart transplantation and the DFG-Transregio Research Group Xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation. Sep 2008;15(5):293-294. [Medline].

  13. Copeland JG, Emery RW, Levinson MM, et al. Selection of patients for cardiac transplantation. Circulation. Jan 1987;75(1):2-9. [Medline].

  14. Moriguchi J, Davis S, Jocson R, Esmailian F, Ardehali A, Laks H, et al. Successful use of a pneumatic biventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation in cardiogenic shock. J Heart Lung Transplant. Oct 2011;30(10):1143-7. [Medline].

  15. Kilic A, Conte JV, Shah AS, Yuh DD. Orthotopic Heart Transplantation in Patients With Metabolic Risk Factors. Ann Thorac Surg. Feb 2 2012;[Medline].

  16. Arnaoutakis GJ, George TJ, Allen JG, Russell SD, Shah AS, Conte JV, et al. Institutional volume and the effect of recipient risk on short-term mortality after orthotopic heart transplant. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. Jan 2012;143(1):157-67, 167.e1. [Medline].

  17. Lee I, Localio R, Brensinger CM, Blumberg EA, Lautenbach E, Gasink L, et al. Decreased post-transplant survival among heart transplant recipients with pre-transplant hepatitis C virus positivity. J Heart Lung Transplant. Nov 2011;30(11):1266-74. [Medline].

  18. Caves PK, Stinson EB, Billingham M, Shumway NE. Percutaneous transvenous endomyocardial biopsy in human heart recipients. Experience with a new technique. Ann Thorac Surg. Oct 1973;16(4):325-36. [Medline].

  19. Hunt J, Lerman M, Magee MJ, et al. Improvement of renal dysfunction by conversion from calcineurin inhibitors to sirolimus after heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant. Nov 2005;24(11):1863-7. [Medline].

  20. Kaczmarek I, Sadoni S, Schmoeckel M, et al. The need for a tailored immunosuppression in older heart transplant recipients. J Heart Lung Transplant. Nov 2005;24(11):1965-8. [Medline].

  21. Pedotti P, Mattucci DA, Gabbrielli F, Venettoni S, Costa AN, Taioli E. Analysis of the complex effect of donor's age on survival of subjects who underwent heart transplantation. Transplantation. Oct 27 2005;80(8):1026-32. [Medline].

  22. McGee E, McCarthy PM, Hoercher KJ, et al. Donor Tricuspid Annuloplasty Reduces Post-Transplant Tricuspid Regurgitation (Abstract 22). The Kaufman Center for Heart Failure, The Cleveland Clinic. International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Meeting, San Francisco,. April 21-24, 2004.

  23. Chan MC, Giannetti N, Kato T, et al. Severe tricuspid regurgitation after heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant. Jul 2001;20(7):709-17. [Medline].

  24. Griffith BP, Hardesty RL, Deeb GM, et al. Cardiac transplantation with cyclosporin A and prednisone. Ann Surg. Sep 1982;196(3):324-9. [Medline].

  25. Ye F, Ying-Bin X, Yu-Guo W, Hetzer R. Tacrolimus versus cyclosporine microemulsion for heart transplant recipients: a meta-analysis. J Heart Lung Transplant. Jan 2009;28(1):58-66. [Medline].

  26. Hofflin JM, Potasman I, Baldwin JC, et al. Infectious complications in heart transplant recipients receiving cyclosporine and corticosteroids. Ann Intern Med. Feb 1987;106(2):209-16. [Medline].

  27. Tambur AR, Pamboukian SV, Costanzo MR, et al. The presence of HLA-directed antibodies after heart transplantation is associated with poor allograft outcome. Transplantation. Oct 27 2005;80(8):1019-25. [Medline].

  28. Kfoury AG, Renlund DG, Snow GL, Stehlik J, Folsom JW, Fisher PW, et al. A clinical correlation study of severity of antibody-mediated rejection and cardiovascular mortality in heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant. Jan 2009;28(1):51-7. [Medline].

  29. Sweeney MS, Macris MP, Frazier OH, et al. The treatment of advanced cardiac allograft rejection. Ann Thorac Surg. Oct 1988;46(4):378-81. [Medline].

  30. Tremmel JA, Ng MK, Ikeno F, Hunt SA, Lee DP, Yeung AC, et al. Comparison of drug-eluting versus bare metal stents in cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Am J Cardiol. Sep 1 2011;108(5):665-8. [Medline].

  31. Ford MA, Almond CS, Gauvreau K, Piercey G, Blume ED, Smoot LB, et al. Association of graft ischemic time with survival after heart transplant among children in the United States. J Heart Lung Transplant. Nov 2011;30(11):1244-9. [Medline].

 
Previous
Next
 
View of the recipient's chest after the heart is removed, with the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass.
Suturing of the donor heart. Note that the left atrial anastomosis is performed first.
Completed operation. Note suture lines on now-implanted heart.
Heterotopic transplantation.
View after cardiectomy, showing cuffs for bicaval anastomosis.
Completed bicaval transplantation technique.
 
 
 
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2012 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.