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Prior studies show an increased risk for gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Three recent studies address this issue further.
In a retrospective study, investigators assessed GIB frequency in 391 patients who received an LVAD for end-stage heart disease. GIB occurred in 62 patients (15.9%) during a median follow-up of 19 months after LVAD implantation. Independent risk factors for GIB were increased age, lower body-mass index, smoking, and lower baseline hemoglobin level. Causes of bleeding were vascular malformations (26.5%) and ulcerations (26.5%). Overall mortality was 39.4%; two deaths were attributable to GIB.
In another retrospective study of 159 patients with continuous-flow LVADs, …