Characteristics of patients referred for cardiac transplantation: implications for the donor organ shortage.

Publication/Presentation Date

12-1-2000

Abstract

BACKGROUND: When the decision is made to proceed with cardiac transplantation, the risk/benefit ratio for continued medical therapy in that particular patient must be weighed against the risk/benefit ratio associated with cardiac transplantation. This can only be accomplished while the patient is on maximal medical therapy.

METHODS: To better define the appropriateness of patients being referred for consideration of transplant, we examined the records of 100 consecutive adult patients referred to a cardiac transplant program.

RESULTS: Two of five patients referred for transplantation had at least one contraindication for transplantation. Twenty percent of the patients were not treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and did not have any documented reason for undertreatment. Of those deemed too well for cardiac transplantation, 84% were alive and either class I or II (mean follow-up 21 months).

CONCLUSIONS: We found the majority to be undertreated or with an absolute contraindication to transplantation. Of those deemed too well for transplantation after appropriate treatment, 84% were alive and well.

Volume

140

Issue

6

First Page

857

Last Page

861

ISSN

0002-8703

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

11099988

Department(s)

Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division

Document Type

Article

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