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The International Society for Heart Transplantation Registry

S J Shumway1, M P Kaye

  • 1Minnesota Heart and Lung Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Clinical Transplants
|January 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Heart transplantation survival has improved with triple-drug immunosuppression. However, cardiac complications are increasing, and congenital heart disease poses a significant risk for heart transplant recipients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The International Society for Heart Transplantation Registry tracks heart and heart-lung transplant data.
  • Significant advancements have been made in heart transplantation outcomes since 1985.
  • Congenital heart disease is recognized as a critical factor influencing heart transplant success.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze trends in heart and heart-lung transplantation outcomes.
  • To identify risk factors and complications in transplant recipients.
  • To evaluate the impact of immunosuppression strategies on survival rates.

Main Methods:

  • Data collection from the International Society for Heart Transplantation Registry.
  • Analysis of approximately 6,500 heart transplant and 344 heart-lung transplant cases.
  • Comparative analysis of outcomes based on pre-existing conditions and immunosuppression regimens.

Main Results:

  • Operative mortality for heart transplantation has significantly decreased.
  • A notable rise in cardiac complications post-heart transplantation has been observed.
  • Cystic fibrosis is an increasingly common indication for heart-lung transplantation.
  • Triple-drug immunosuppression is associated with improved survival in both heart and heart-lung recipients.

Conclusions:

  • While overall survival has improved, particularly with triple-drug immunosuppression, vigilance for cardiac complications is necessary.
  • Congenital heart disease remains a significant risk factor requiring careful management in heart transplant candidates.
  • The increasing use of heart-lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis highlights its role in managing advanced lung disease.

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