Right ventricular failure following left ventricular assist device implantation is associated with a preoperative pro-inflammatory response

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation during implant of a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may contribute to adverse outcomes. We investigated the association of the preoperative inflammatory markers with subsequent right ventricular failure (RVF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective data was collected on 489 patients from 2003 through 2017 who underwent implantation of a durable LVAD. Uni- and multivariable correlation with leukocytosis was determined using linear and binary logistic regression. The population was also separated into low (< 10.5 K/ul, n = 362) and high (> 10.5 K/ul, n = 127) white blood cell count (WBC) groups. Mantel-Cox statistics was used to analyze survival data. RESULTS: Postop RVF was associated with a higher preop WBC (11.3 + 5.7 vs 8.7 + 3.1) and C-reactive protein (CRP, 5.6 + 4.4 vs 3.3 + 4.7) levels. Multivariable analysis identified an independent association between increased WBC preoperatively with increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, P < 0.001), heart rate (P < 0.001), CRP (P = 0.006), creatinine (P = 0.048), and INR (P = 0.049). The high WBC group was more likely to be on preoperative temporary circulatory support (17.3% vs 6.4%, P < 0.001) with a trend towards greater use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (55.9% vs 47.2%, P = 0.093). The high WBC group had poorer mid-term survival (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Postop RVF is associated with a preoperative pro-inflammatory environment. This may be secondary to the increased systemic stress of decompensated heart failure. Systemic inflammation in the decompensated heart failure may contribute to RVF after LVAD implant.