Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42070000›Full record

SynthesisAging clinical and experimental research2026

Cognitive impairment in heart transplantation: prevalence, trajectories, and prognostic impact - a systematic review.

I Parrotta, M Valente, Elena Piazzalunga, E Scarpa, D Mantini, L Danesin, C Rossi, L Borgese, L Golfieri, F Burgio and 1 more

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Aging clinical and experimental research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

I Parrotta *IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy.
M Valente *IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Elena PiazzalungaIRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy. elena.piazzalunga@hsancamillo.it.
E ScarpaIRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy.
D MantiniMovement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Leuven, Belgium.
L DanesinIRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy.
C RossiIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
L BorgeseIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
L GolfieriIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
F Burgio *IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy.
L Potena *IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

aimHeart transplantation (HTx) represents the definitive treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF). Neurological complications, particularly cognitive impairment (CI), may influence prognosis, thereby affecting the overall benefits of HTx. CI in HF is associated with disease severity, extracardiac dysfunction, and peri- or intra-operative factors such as prolonged ventilation, cerebral hypoperfusion, and systemic inflammation. However, existing studies on CI in HTx candidates are highly heterogeneous, limiting comparability and highlighting the need for a clearer understanding of its impact in both candidates and recipients.

methodsThis systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024549051) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched for studies published between 2013 and June 2025. Eligible studies assessed cognitive function in adult HF patients undergoing HTx.

resultsOf 1188 records screened, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Most cognitive studies employed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while two used comprehensive neuropsychological batteries. Evidence confirmed that CI is common among HF and HTx populations. Incorporating cognitive status into frailty assessments enhanced prediction of adverse outcomes, including prolonged hospitalization and reduced survival. Cognitive decline was frequently observed in the immediate post-transplant period, often linked to high-dose immunosuppressive therapy and anemia, while long-term improvements were reported in attention, memory, and executive function.

conclusionsCognitive assessment is essential in HTx candidates, as CI has a major impact on survival. Further studies are needed to clarify long-term cognitive trajectories and the role of immunosuppressive therapy in shaping outcomes.

Indexed as

Cognitive DysfunctionHeart FailureHeart TransplantationHumansPrevalencePrognosisCognitive impairmentFrailtyNeuropsychological assessmentTransplant

Identifiers

PMID42070000
PMCPMC13642487

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.