Ventricular assist device in severe heart failure. Effects on cytokines, complement and body weight

Abstract

Ventricular assist device implantation results in a short-term fall in tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6, but no change in CD14 or tumour necrosis factor receptor, suggesting that the pathophysiological process resulting in inflammation was not altered by left ventricular assist device implantation. Low body mass index is related to poor outcome after assist device implantation, and no weight gain.