Occult restrictive hemodynamics after pediatric heart transplantation

Although resting hemodynamics after pediatric heart transplantation are generally within normal limits, we hypothesized that occult restrictive hemodynamics suggesting diastolic dysfunction may be unmasked by acute volume loading (fluid challenge) during cardiac catheterization. We wished to determine the incidence of diastolic dysfunction and to assess whether it progressed over time.

From 1988 through 1993, a total of 100 fluid challenges were performed at the time of surveillance endomyocardial biopsy in 31 survivors of orthotopic heart transplantation. Cyclosporine-based immunosuppression was used in 16 patients, and FK506 was used in 15 patients. Right heart hemodynamics and cardiac output (thermodilution) were obtained at baseline and after a fluid challenge with 10 ml/kg of normal saline solution. The data were analyzed to determine whether type of immunosuppression or time elapsed since transplantation predicted the response to fluid challenge.

Baseline hemodynamics were normal; however, a marked increase in atrial filling pressures occurred after fluid challenge (p < 0.001). Findings were similar in cyclosporine- and FK506-treated patients. Hemodynamic response to fluid challenge was not related to duration of time since transplantation, including studies on patients surviving more than 4 years.

Diastolic dysfunction after heart transplantation is common; however, the abnormalities do not progress in severity, suggesting stable long-term graft function.