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Ocular complications of heart transplantation in a Chinese population

H Sheng1, Y Lu, H Chen

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Transplantation Proceedings
|December 23, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Long-term immunosuppression and corticosteroids after heart transplants can cause various eye problems, including ocular surface diseases, cataracts, and glaucoma. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for transplant recipients.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cardiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Orthotopic heart transplantation requires long-term immunosuppression.
  • Corticosteroids are frequently used in post-transplant management.
  • Immunosuppressive therapies can have systemic and ocular side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate ocular complications in heart transplant recipients on long-term immunosuppression and corticosteroids.
  • To provide guidance for early diagnosis and treatment of associated eye diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective assessment of clinical data from 138 heart transplant patients.
  • Evaluation of ophthalmic symptoms, signs, general condition, treatment, and prognosis.
  • Ophthalmic examination of 276 eyes.

Main Results:

  • 17.0% of eyes (47/276) exhibited ocular surface diseases.
  • 23.2% of patients (64/276) developed posterior subcapsular cataracts.
  • 5.8% of patients (16/276) were diagnosed with corticosteroid-induced glaucoma.
  • 5.6% of patients (15/276) presented with ocular fundus diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Heart transplant patients on long-term immunosuppression and corticosteroids are at risk for various ocular complications.
  • Ocular surface diseases, cataracts, and glaucoma are significant concerns.
  • Close collaboration between cardiac surgeons and ophthalmologists is essential for monitoring and managing post-transplant eye conditions.

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