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Unplanned readmission within 1 year after heart transplantation in Taiwan
1Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Introduction:
Survival in patients with refractory heart failure greatly improves after heart transplantation (HTx).
Objective:
To evaluate the rate of unplanned readmission within the first year post-HTx and the causes of such readmission.
Patients And Methods:
From January 2005 to June 2008, the 112 patients who underwent HTx were regularly followed up at our hospital. A protocol biopsy was performed every week during the first month, then every 3 months during the first year. Any unplanned readmission was discussed in detail in a transplantation meeting. Data were collected from review of medical records.
Results:
The rate of unplanned readmission was 19.3% in 2005, 21.5% in 2006, 22.2% in 2007, and 20.3% in 2008. Infection was the primary cause leading to unplanned readmission in 2005 (51.5%), 2006 (42.9%), and 2008 (30.7%). Rejection was the primary cause leading to readmission in 2007 (40%). Other causes included fluid retention, pericardial effusion, anemia, and systemic diseases.
Conclusion:
To reduce unplanned readmissions and to promote quality of life and long-term survival, health professionals must meticulously monitor the adverse effects of treatments including immunosuppression agents and concomitantly used medications.
