Vasoplegia Syndrome Is Not Associated with Higher Mortality Rate after Heart Transplant

Background: Vasoplegia syndrome (VS) is characterized by severe refractory hypotension, metabolic acidosis, and decreased systemic vascular resistance (SVR), with a high associated risk and mortality rate. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence and prognosis of VS after a orthotopic heart transplant (HT) identify the possible risk factors. and review the current management strategy for VS.Methods: Between November 2002 and July 2010, 47 consecutive patients underwent orthotopic HT in the Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan. The mean age was 48±12 years, 74.5% (35/47) were male, and donor ischemic duration was 153±72min. Twelve of 47 (24.5%) developed VS which was defined as SVR ＜ 800 dyne see per cm^5 with serum bicarbonate (HCO(subscript 3)(superscript -)) ＜ 20m Eq/l. We used Mann -Whitney, Fisher's exact, and chi-squared tests to compare variables and to determine significance.Results: VS had an incidence of 24.5% without early mortality post HT in our study.