Characteristics of Patients With Amyloidosis & Heart Failure Being Evaluated for a Heart Transplant

Characteristics of Patients With Systemic Amyloidosis and Severe Heart Failure Being Evaluated for a Sequential Cardiac and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of patients with amyloidosis and severe heart failure being evaluated for cardiac and stem cell transplantation.

Systemic amyloidosis is a progressive disease leading to organ failure and death. Treatment has improved survival with stem-cell transplantation. Unfortunately, patients with amyloidosis and severe heart failure are not eligible for stem-cell transplantation.

The average rate of survival for patients with amyloidosis who receive a heart transplant is decreased.

Previous trials have raised the possibility that survival may be increased in patients with amyloidosis, if chemotherapy and stem-cell transplantation is performed after a heart transplant.

We plan to review data of patients with amyloidosis and heart failure who were being evaluated for a heart transplant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with amyloidosis
• NYHA class III or IV heart failure
• Patients undergoing heart transplant evaluation
• Patients less than 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have unstable pulse and blood pressure