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Excerpt
Increased plasma levels of norephinephrine(NE), and epinephrine(E) have been used in cardiac transplant and in the assessment of patients with end-stage heart disease as markers of disease severity, and to assist in timing heart transplantation. Assessment of disease severity and timing of lung transplantation is difficult and controversial. A marker of disease severity would therefore be useful. Resting supine, and erect levels of NE, E, and dopamine (D) were obtained in 26 patients assessed for transplantation.
Results: Twenty (20) pts. were listed for transplant(Tx);4 were considered too well for transplant; 2 are medically approved but unlisted. Of those listed, 3 died awaiting Tx(15%); none of the 4 patients deemed "too well" died. Comparison was performed between those "Too well"(TW); Listed or Approved for Transplant(TX); those who died(3) waiting (Dec.); and different diagnoses COPD, IPF, PPH, and those with diagnoses of or complicated by pulmonary hypertension [2PH]. Values expressed in pcg/ml are shown as Mean, and standard error {SEM}.Conclusion: In all pts. catecholamine levels were equal to or greater than values reported in pts. with endstage heart disease. NE values resting and stimulated, for pts. who died awaiting transplant were markedly elevated compared to the group overall, and those deemed too well for transplant. There was no difference in catecholamine levels between diagnoses.
