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Published on: August 25, 2015
Gastrointestinal complications in heart transplant patients: MITOS study
B Díaz1, F González Vilchez, L Almenar
1Hospital Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain. beadimo@gmail.com
Transplantation Proceedings
|September 25, 2007
Summary
Gastrointestinal complications affect nearly 40% of heart transplant patients, impacting daily life. Management often involves gastric protectors and adjusting mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dosage or use.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Immunosuppression Therapy
Background:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common complications following solid organ transplantation.
- These GI issues significantly impact patient quality of life and treatment adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of GI complications in heart transplant recipients.
- To analyze the management strategies employed for these GI complications.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study design was utilized.
- Data were collected via a written questionnaire administered to physicians in their clinical practice.
- The study included a total of 1788 transplant patients, with 181 being heart transplant recipients.
Main Results:
- Gastrointestinal complications were reported in 38.7% of heart transplant recipients.
- Pharmacologic treatment was administered in 72.9% of cases, with 86.3% receiving gastric protectors.
- Management strategies included dose reduction (32.8%) or temporary/permanent discontinuation (8.1%/10.9%) of immunosuppressive drugs, primarily mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).
Conclusions:
- Nearly 40% of heart transplant patients experience GI complications that frequently interfere with daily activities.
- Common management approaches involve gastric protectors combined with dose adjustments or discontinuation of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).
