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Ann Thorac Surg 2005;79:53-60
© 2005 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
a Department of Cardiac Surgery, Munich, Germany
b Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Ludwig Maximilians University Hospital Munich-Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
Accepted for publication December 10, 2003.
* Address reprint requests to Dr Groetzner, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07747 Jena, Germany
jan.groetzner{at}med.uni-jena.de
BACKGROUND: Pediatric heart transplantation is a surgical therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy and for complex congenital heart defects with low pulmonary artery resistance. However, it is still discussed as controversial because of uncertain long-term results. We report our experience with pediatric heart transplantation in a heterogeneous population.
METHODS: Since 1988, 50 heart transplants were performed in 47 patients (30 with dilated cardiomyopathy, 17 with congenital heart disease). Mean age was 9.4 ± 6.9 years (range, 4 days to 17.9 years). Twenty-three patients had a total of 36 previous operations. Clinical outcome was evaluated retrospectively.
RESULTS: Perioperative mortality was 6% due to primary graft failure. Late mortality (12%) was caused by acute rejection (n = 2), pneumonia (n = 2), intracranial hemorrhage (n = 1), and suicide (n = 1). Mean follow-up was 5.24 ± 3.6 years. Actuarial 1, 5, and 10 year survival was 86%, 86%, and 80% and improved significantly after 1995 (92% [1 year]; 92% [5 years]). There was no significant difference between patients with dilated or congenital heart disease (1 year: 86% vs 82%; 5 years: 83% vs 74%; 10 years 83% vs 74%; p = 0.62). Three patients with therapy resistant acute or chronic rejection and assisted circulation underwent retransplantation and are alive. Freedom from acute rejection after 5 years was 40% with primary cyclosporine immunosuppression regime and 56% with tacrolimus. Since the introduction of mycophenolate mofetil, freedom from acute rejection increased to 62%. All survivors are at home and in good cardiac condition.
CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric heart transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy as for congenital heart disease with excellent clinical midterm results. It is a valid alternative to reconstructive surgery in borderline patients. However, further follow-up is necessary to evaluate the long-term side effects of immunosuppressants.
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