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Molecular Diagnostic Testing in Cardiac Transplantation
Kiran Khush1, Shirin Zarafshar2
1Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Falk CVRC, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. kiran@stanford.edu.
Current Cardiology Reports
|October 15, 2017
Summary
Molecular diagnostic tests offer non-invasive alternatives for detecting acute rejection after cardiac transplantation. These methods aim to improve post-transplant care by providing early detection of acute cellular rejection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation immunology
- Molecular diagnostics
Background:
- Acute rejection is a significant complication following cardiac transplantation.
- Current surveillance relies heavily on invasive endomyocardial biopsy.
- Non-invasive methods for rejection detection are highly sought after.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular diagnostic tests for acute cellular rejection in cardiac transplant recipients.
- To highlight advancements in non-invasive rejection surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Review of current and emerging molecular diagnostic assays.
- Focus on gene expression, microRNA, molecular microscopy, and cell-free DNA.
Main Results:
- Several molecular assays show promise as non-invasive alternatives to biopsy.
- These tests can aid in the detection of acute cellular rejection.
- Gene expression, microRNA, and cell-free DNA assays are key areas of development.
Conclusions:
- Molecular diagnostics represent a paradigm shift in cardiac transplant rejection surveillance.
- Non-invasive tests offer a potential reduction in complications associated with biopsies.
- Further validation is needed for widespread clinical adoption.