0000000000855614
AUTHOR
Nancy R. Mendell
Social isolation and depression predict 12-month outcomes in the "waiting for a new heart study".
Identification of modifiable psychosocial characteristics related to survival of heart transplant (HTx) candidates is needed to prevent clinical deterioration and improve prognosis.A multi-site, prospective study was conducted with 318 HTx candidates (18% female, 82% male; 53 +/- 11 years of age) newly listed at 17 hospitals in Germany and Austria. Baseline demographic and psychosocial characteristics were assessed by questionnaires. Indicators of disease severity (Heart Failure Survival Score, creatinine, cardiac index) and 12-month outcomes (death, high-urgency HTx, elective HTx, de-listing due to deterioration or improvement) were provided by Eurotransplant.By 12 months, 33 patients died…
Patients' sex and emotional support as predictors of death and clinical deterioration in the Waiting for a New Heart Study: results from the 1-year follow-up
Context—Little is known about the role of patient's sex and emotional support in the prognosis of heart transplant candidates.Objective—To examine patient's sex and emotional support as predictors of outcomes in the Waiting for a New Heart Study.Design, Setting, and Participants—The Waiting for a New Heart Study is a prospective observational study of 318 patients (18% female) newly added to the waiting list for a heart transplant. Demographic, medical, psychosocial characteristics (including social support [ENRICHD Social Support Index; high vs low support]) were assessed at the time of wait-listing.Main Outcomes—Time until death/delisting due to deteriorated health, considering competing …