2625. Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Patients with a Left Ventricular Assist Device

BACKGROUND: Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) infected with SARS-CoV-2 may be at increased risk of complications and mortality. The purpose of the study was to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of LVAD patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection at our center. METHODS: A retrospective review of LVAD patients diagnosed with COVID-19 via PCR between March 1st, 2020, and March 1st, 2023, was conducted. Patient demographics, clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected. We performed descriptive statistical analysis on the data obtained. RESULTS: During the study period, we were actively following 130 LVAD patients, 34 (26.2%) developed COVID-19. Our cohort consisted of 27 males (79.4%) with a median age of 63.5 years and median BMI of 27.6 (Table 1). Eighteen and 12 self-identified as African American (52.9%) and Hispanic (35.3%), respectively. The common comorbidities included hypertension (94.1%), hyperlipidemia (79.4%), atrial fibrillation (67.4%), and chronic kidney disease (61.8%). The most common presenting symptoms were shortness of breath (41.2%), cough (35.3%), and fever (29.4%). Nine (26.5%) patients were asymptomatic. Twenty-eight (82.4%) and 16 (57.1%) were admitted to the hospital and ICU, respectively (Table 2). Ten (35.7%) and 2 (7.1%) patients required supplemental oxygen via nasal canula, and mechanical ventilation, respectively. Most of the hospitalized patients were managed with Remdesivir (71.4%) and systemic corticosteroids (42.9%). No complications of pump hemolysis or thrombosis, or systemic embolisms were noted. Two deaths were reported: one patient (2.9%) died while in the hospital from COVID-19, and another patient died 16 months later secondary to acute respiratory failure in the setting of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis. [Figure: see text] [Figure: see text] CONCLUSION: This is the largest single center study analyzing outcomes of COVID-19 in LVAD patients to date. Our cohort experienced a lower mortality rate from COVID-19 infection compared to prior studies. Larger studies are needed to guide management strategies and determine optimal timing for heart transplant after COVID-19. DISCLOSURES: All Authors: No reported disclosures