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Exploring parenthood in the New Zealand Heart Transplant Program
C A Wasywich1, A M Ruygrok, H Gibbs
1New Zealand Heart and Lung Transplant Service, Auckland, New Zealand. caraw@adhb.govt.nz
Transplantation Proceedings
|June 11, 2013
Summary
Parenthood after heart transplantation is possible for both men and women. This study found that many heart recipients in New Zealand successfully had children post-transplant, with most pregnancies being planned.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Heart transplantation is a life-saving treatment for end-stage cardiac disease.
- Limited data exists on parenthood experiences following heart transplantation.
- Understanding post-transplant parenthood is crucial for patient counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe parenthood after heart transplantation in the New Zealand population.
- To analyze family status and new parenthood among heart recipients.
- To provide data for informed discussions with transplant candidates and recipients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of heart recipients from the New Zealand program.
- Survey of recipients (or next of kin) regarding family status and parenthood.
- Exclusion of recipients who died within 3 months or were under 18 at survey.
Main Results:
- 145 of 199 eligible recipients completed the survey (mean 12.2 years post-transplant).
- 19 recipients (13% of respondents) had 27 children after transplantation; 15 were planned.
- Seven pregnancies (26%) had complications; two recipients died after childbirth.
Conclusions:
- Parenthood is achievable for both male and female heart transplant recipients.
- Pregnancy post-heart transplantation can occur with planned outcomes but carries risks.
- This study offers valuable insights for counseling heart transplant candidates on reproductive possibilities.
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