Primary Graft Dysfunction after Heart Transplantation

Abstract

The entire transplant journey that the donor heart experiences affect the donor heart function early after transplantation. The early graft dysfunction without discernible cause is primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and has been one of the critical complications and the cause of early mortality after orthotopic heart transplantation. Although, numerous researchers investigated the pathophysiology and the related biomarkers, the process is multifactorial and therefore no definite biomarker has been proposed. After the recent definition from the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, the standard of management is still under investigation by each status. Here, the prevalence, pathophysiology, biomarkers, and recent progression of management of PGD will be reviewed.