The role of gender in heart transplantation

T W Prendergast1, S Furukawa, A J Beyer

  • 1Section of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery, Temple University Health Sciences Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Insights

Donor-recipient gender matching significantly impacts heart transplantation (HT) outcomes. Mismatching increases rejection episodes and reduces survival, highlighting the importance of gender compatibility in HT success.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Transplantation Immunology
  • Medical Science

Background:

  • The influence of donor and recipient gender on heart transplantation (HT) outcomes is not well-established.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing post-transplant results.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of donor-recipient gender matching on short- and long-term outcomes following heart transplantation.
  • To identify specific effects of gender compatibility on patient recovery and survival.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 174 heart transplant recipients was analyzed.
  • Patients were stratified into four groups based on donor and recipient gender.
  • Outcomes including rejection episodes, creatinine clearance, and survival rates were compared between groups.

Main Results:

  • Donor-recipient gender mismatching was associated with a significant increase in rejection episodes and reduced creatinine clearance in the first year post-HT.
  • Mismatching also led to significantly lower 1-year survival and censored survival rates.
  • Specific adverse effects were observed in both female and male recipients experiencing gender mismatch.

Conclusions:

  • Donor-recipient gender matching is a significant factor influencing heart transplantation outcomes.
  • Optimizing gender compatibility in heart transplantation may improve patient survival and reduce complications.
Abstract