Changes in renal function after left ventricular assist device placement in pediatric patients: A Pedimacs analysis

Renal dysfunction (RD) is prevalent among pediatric patients with advanced heart failure. Data are limited regarding changes in renal function after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement in this population.

Pediatric LVAD recipients enrolled in the Pediatric Interagency Registry for Mechanical Circulatory Support (Pedimacs) between September 19, 2012 and June 30, 2016 were included. Longitudinal changes in renal function were analyzed for the entire cohort as well as subgroups stratified by patient and device characteristics. Logistic regression was used to attempt to identify factors associated with lack of improvement in renal function after LVAD placement. Post-LVAD outcomes were assessed using the Kaplan‒Meier method.

Data from 247 patients from 39 centers were analyzed. Baseline RD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <90 ml/min/1.73 m²) was present in 150 (61%) patients. Overall, eGFR improved post-LVAD, peaking at 1 month post-implant. There was an inverse relationship between baseline eGFR and the degree of improvement at 1 month. Degree of improvement in eGFR at 1 month was not impacted by device type, age, Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile, or diagnosis. Failure to normalize renal function at 1 week was correlated with persistent RD at 1 month. Post-implant outcomes did not differ among patients stratified by pre-implant renal function.

Renal function improves post-LVAD placement in pediatric patients regardless of age, diagnosis, illness severity, or device type, with improvement most pronounced in patients with baseline RD. Identifying patients with irreversible renal dysfunction before LVAD placement remains difficult. Pre-LVAD renal function does not appear to impact survival to transplant.