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Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after cardiac transplantation
R Johnson1, A B Peitzman, M W Webster
1Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261.
Surgery
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is safe after heart transplantation. This procedure helps diagnose opportunistic infections and other conditions in immunosuppressed patients without complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac transplantation is a life-saving procedure for end-stage heart failure.
- Immunosuppression is necessary post-transplant, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Gastrointestinal complications can occur in transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and indications for upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in patients after cardiac transplantation.
- To identify common GI issues and infections in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 304 cardiac transplant recipients.
- Analysis of 27 upper GI endoscopic procedures performed on 20 patients.
- Review of indications, findings, and complications.
Main Results:
- Common indications included epigastric pain, GI bleeding, and dysphagia.
- Gastritis, esophagitis, and gastric ulcers were frequent findings.
- No complications occurred during endoscopic procedures.
- Prophylactic nystatin prevented fungal infections; opportunistic viral infections were noted in 6 patients.
Conclusions:
- Upper GI endoscopy is a safe and valuable diagnostic tool in cardiac transplant recipients.
- Endoscopy aids in identifying and managing GI complications and opportunistic infections.
- Aggressive diagnostic techniques like endoscopy and biopsy are crucial for immunosuppressed patients.