The effect of recipient BMI on waitlist and post‐transplant outcomes after the 2018 heart transplant allocation policy change

OBJECTIVE: The effects of recipient body mass index (BMI) on waitlist strategies, waitlist outcomes, and post‐transplant outcomes among adult patients listed for heart transplantation under the updated 2018 allocation system have not been well characterized. METHODS: The United Network of Organ Sharing data set between October 2015 and March 2021 was analyzed, and patients were grouped based on recipient BMI and whether listing occurred in the old (pre‐October 2018) or new allocation system. RESULTS: Listing strategies differed by BMI group, but trends of increased use of temporary mechanical support and decreased use of durable support remained among all BMI groups, except those with BMI > 35 kg/m(2). Waitlist outcomes improved among all BMI cohorts in the new allocation system, including among patients with BMI 30–34.9 and >35 kg/m(2), although patients with higher BMIs continued to have longer waitlist times. Post‐transplant outcomes in the new allocation system are worse for patients with BMI > 30 kg/m(2) (hazard ratio: 1.47; confidence interval: 1.19–1.82; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The 2018 change to the heart transplant allocation system was associated with similar changes in the use of mechanical support for listing strategy across BMI ranges, except in the most obese, and improved waitlist outcomes across all BMI ranges. Post‐transplant outcomes in the new allocation system are worse for patients with BMI > 30 kg/m(2) compared to patients with BMI < 30 kg/m(2). These findings have important clinical implications for our understanding of the ongoing influence of BMI on waitlist courses and post‐transplant outcomes among patients listed for heart transplantation