Comparative Analysis of Multi-Organ Failure Trajectories Following Heart Transplantation and HeartMate 3 Implantation: A 1-Year Postprocedural Follow-Up Study Utilizing the MELD-XI Scale

<b>Background</b>: Multi-organ failure (MOF) is a common complication of advanced heart failure (HF), significantly influencing patient prognosis. This study aimed to assess and compare the impact of orthotopic heart transplantation (HTx) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on the severity of MOF, as measured by the model for end-stage liver disease excluding INR (MELD-XI) score. <b>Methods</b>: Data from 1 month before to 1 year after HTx or LVAD implantation were analysed. The MELD-XI score was calculated using average bilirubin and creatinine values. Comparative assessments of MELD-XI scores were performed within the HTx and LVAD groups at various time points pre- and post-procedure. <b>Results</b>: The analysis included 107 HTx patients and 30 LVAD patients. The median MELD-XI score 1 month pre-procedure was 11.7 (9.4-16.7) in all patients. There were no significant differences in MELD-XI scores between the groups at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. However, a significant difference was observed 1 month post-procedure [HTx: 14.8 (9.4-17.7) vs. LVAD: 11.2 (7.3-14.9), <i>p</i> = 0.02]. In the LVAD group, a significant decrease in MELD-XI score was noted for 3 months post-procedure compared to 1 month pre-procedure (<i>p</i> < 0.001), whereas at 6- and 12-month follow-ups the score did not differ from pre-procedural scores. In the HTx group, significant decreases in MELD-XI scores were observed from 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post-procedure compared to 1 month pre-procedure (<i>p</i> < 0.002). <b>Conclusions</b>: The MELD-XI scale reveals different MOF trajectories between HTx and LVAD recipients. Both interventions lead to early improvements in liver and kidney function, with sustained benefits in HTx patients, highlighting the distinct impacts on organ function.