The Incidence, Predictors and Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

Objectives To evaluate rate, recurrence, and predictors of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and impact of endoscopy in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. Methods This is a cohort study of all patients who received the current-generation continuous-flow HeartMate II LVAD from 2005 to 2013 at our institution. Patients were followed up, and GIB events recorded until death, time of heart transplantation, or end of observation. Results LVAD was implanted in 112 patients (median age 67 years, 88 % male). A total of 44 patients (39 %) had 74 GIB events occurring at a rate of 42.9 per 100 p-y. Endoscopy was performed in 77 % of patients, and GIB source was identified in 57 % with upper GIB found in almost two-third of cases. Right ventricular dysfunction and post-LVAD ejection fraction > 30 % were associated with higher GIB rates. Higher pulsatility index was associated with lower GIB rates. Re-bleeding occurred in 19 (43 %) patients at a rate of 62.5 per 100 p-y and was not affected by endoscopic therapy at the index endoscopy. Conclusions GIB in LVAD patients is common, occurring primarily in the upper GI tract. Upper endoscopy is the preferred strategy though lower endoscopy is also recommended for a full workup. Endoscopy can identify GIB lesions in about 50 % of patients, but re-bleeding is common. Right ventricular dysfunction and post-LVAD ejection fraction > 30 % are associated with higher GIB rates. Higher pulsatility index is associated with lower GIB rates. Reduction in pump speed is a potential strategy for managing and preventing GIB.