Impact of functional status in patients with muscular dystrophy-associated cardiomyopathy on survival after heart transplantation.

Publication/Presentation Date

10-1-2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Heart transplant (HTx) in dystrophy patients has been shown to have a similar survival to cardiomyopathy from other causes, but postoperative rehabilitation remains an issue. This study aimed to review and analyze the reports in the literature to determine whether pre- and post-transplant functional status along with wheelchair dependence in dystrophy patients can influence post-HTx outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Relevant databases were queried for all case reports and case series regarding HTx in patients with dystrophy-associated cardiomyopathy published in the literature. Clinical data were extracted and tabulated. Patient survival was stratified according to preoperative and postoperative functional status, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS: We identified 22 studies yielding 36 patients with muscular dystrophy who underwent HTx. At baseline, there were three patients who were wheelchair dependent, and 22 patients had a diminished functional status preoperatively. Overall survival did not differ significantly between patients with normal baseline functional status and those with diminished functional status, either before or after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS: Although no significant survival difference was found, diminished functional status, both pre- and post-transplant, appear to be associated with worse survival, highlighting its importance in transplant decision-making.

Volume

23

Issue

10

First Page

625

Last Page

633

ISSN

1744-8344

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

40924049

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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