Review explores alpha-gal sensitization's link to structural valve degeneration in bioprosthetic valve recipients, suggesting implications for management.
Key Points
This review examines how alpha-gal sensitization may drive structural valve degeneration in bioprosthetic heart valves.
Literature search conducted across Embase, PubMed, and Scopus
Included original studies published between January 2014 and December 2025
Focused on human subject findings related to bioprosthetic valves.
Six studies met the inclusion criteria, displaying varied clinical outcomes.
Alpha-gal sensitized patients exhibited rapid structural valve degeneration, while some tolerated the valves.
Anti-alpha-gal IgG responses correlated with increased degeneration and calcification.