Dr R Ravikumar , Transplant Cardiologist with Colleagues Dr KR Balakrishnan , Dr Sureshrao were instrumental in creating the First Indian protocols for Heart transplant immune-monitoring and Rejection surveillance using Endomyocardial biopsy and blood markers in 2014 . Dr R Ravikumar and colleagues validated and titrated the optimal doses of immunosuppressive drugs like Basiliximab, tacrolimus and mycophenolate for Indian recipients. Also for the First time Low dose Prednisolone at 5 mg for 6 months was proved to be useful in reducing infection rate in this Tropical country with very low rates of transplant organ rejection. They also showed Successful Heart Transplant survival using reduced frequency of endomyocardial biopsy ( 2-3 times an year ). Their 257 Long term survival of heart transplantation from single center is accepted for publication in the prestigious Indian heart journal, november 2020 . Also Dr R RAVIKUMAR has presented these observations on EM Biopsy in the Journal of Heart and lung Transplantation .Dr R Ravikumar is also founder member of the Indian society for heart and lung Transplantation (INSHLT) .
References :
1.Balakrishnan KR, Ravikumar R, Suresh Rao KG et al . Medium term results following Heart Transplantation in 257 cases : a single center experience. Ind H Journal . Nov 2020 . doi.org/10.1016/j.ihj.2020.09.010
2.K Balakrishnan, Ratnagiri R et al Limiting the Number of Endomyocardial Biopsies does not impact one year survival after Heart Transplant . J heart Lung Transplant . J Heart lung Transplant. Supplement .April 2016 Volume 35; Issue 4, Supplement : S210
3.. Anoop Mohandas, R Ravi Kumar et al Early Low dose Everolimus is safe and effective in Heart Transplant Patients with reduced Post operative Renal Function. ACC Middle East / Emirates Cardiac Society Annual Meeting Abu Dhabi. October 2019
4. Ravi Kumar R. Vigil Rahulan et al Tailored Immunosuppression using CYP3A5 Metaboliser status in Heart and Lung Transplant cases - An Indian Study . J heart lung Transplant ,April 2020 ;39(4) : 303. Abstracts from Annual meeting ISHLT 2020
5.17 Chapter on “STATUS OF HEART TRANSPLANTATION IN INDIA “. CSI TEXT BOOK OF CARDIOLOGY. OCTOBER 2017. CHAPTER 50 . R.Ravi Kumar . K Balakrishnan