Abstract

Background: Studies have demonstrated gender differences in adverse events after cardiac surgery, with men experiencing more favorable outcomes. The scarce gender-focused literature in the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) population has failed to find consistent differences. It has also been suggested that women experience longer transplant wait times due to higher PRA values. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 28 women and 75 men who received an LVAD from 2006-2015. Chi squares, T tests, nonparametric tests, regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used as appropriate to compare event rates between groups. Re-admissions were categorized using the INTERMACS Appendix. Results: Before and after correction for gender size differences, women on LVAD support were shown to wait longer for transplant (p = 0.02, p = 0.006). On average, women waited for 562 ± 374 days versus 279 ± 207 days for men. During LVAD support, mortality rates were 25% in men and 39% in women (p > 0.05). There were no differences in outcomes, re-admissions, or time spent in hospital (p > 0.05). While women have higher PRA values than men (p = 0.04, p = 0.04), patients' PRA values at discharge did not relate to transplant wait time (p = 0.13).

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