Akin S, Soliman O, de By TMMH, et al. - Researchers used univariable and multivariable analysis as well as regression analysis, to evaluate early mortality (< 90 days) following continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation which remains high. They used the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS), to identify 2,689 consecutive patients receiving continuous-flow LVAD implantation. Multiorgan failure (36%), sepsis (28%), cardiopulmonary failure (10%), cerebro-vascular accident (9%), and right-sided heart failure (8%) all were documented as the main causes of early mortality. Age, female gender, INTERMACS (The Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) profile 1 to 3, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were identified as independent clinical predictors of early mortality. Laboratory predictors incorporated high serum creatinine, total bilirubin, lactate, and low hemoglobin. High RA(right atrial)-to-PCWP (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) ratio, pulmonary vascular resistance, and low systemic vascular resistance were identified as hemodynamic predictors. Early death was also independently predicted by longer total implantation time. In the EUROMACS registry, the occurrence of death within 90 days post-LVAD implantation was reported in nearly one out of five patients. Early death was primarily dominated by multiorgan failure followed by sepsis. The prediction of early death after LVAD implantation was enabled by a simple model of 12 variables, which yielded a good discriminative power with area under the curve of 0.75.