10 tips for the intensive care management of heart transplant patients

Abstract

Admission of heart transplant patients to the ICU is common, both immediately after transplantation and later on. The management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach due to the intricated cardiac, infectious, immunologic and pharmacologic issues involved. First, we will discuss the perioperative aspects of heart transplantation with its specific complications. We will then discuss issues that may arise at a more distant stage: bacterial infections, opportunistic infections, immunosuppressive therapy management, diagnosis and treatment of acute rejection, graft vasculopathy, renal failure and, finally, the role of mechanical circulatory support.