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Heart transplantation in Arizona
The Journal of Heart Transplantation
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Heart transplantation shows effective outcomes for selected patients. Survival rates varied annually, with newer immunosuppression methods showing promise for long-term heart transplant success.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Surgery
- Immunology
Background:
- Heart transplantation is a critical treatment for end-stage heart failure.
- Immunosuppression protocols are vital for post-transplant survival and preventing rejection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes and survival rates of heart transplantations performed between 1979 and 1984.
- To assess the impact of evolving immunosuppression strategies, including cyclosporine, on patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 58 heart transplantations in 57 patients from January 1979 to October 1984.
- Comparison of outcomes between patients receiving conventional immunosuppression and those treated with cyclosporine and low-dose prednisone after January 1983.
Main Results:
- Annual survival rates ranged from 57% to 75% during the study period.
- Early mortality causes included infection, acute rejection, and primary graft failure.
- Late mortality causes included infection, rejection (acute and chronic), arrhythmia, and lymphoma.
- Of 31 long-term survivors (3 months to 5 years), 28 were in NYHA Class I or II functional capacity.
Conclusions:
- Heart transplantation is an effective therapy for carefully selected patients.
- Cyclosporine-based immunosuppression may offer improved outcomes, though survival rates showed annual variability.
- Patient age did not significantly impact survival rates compared to younger recipients.