ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The first Irish heart transplant was performed on the 10th of September 1985. Over the next 20 years, 229 transplants were performed in 228 recipients. AIMS: To evaluate the success of the first generation of cardiac transplantation in Ireland. METHODS: Analysis of clinical outcomes and survival statistics for patients undergoing heart transplantation in Ireland and comparison with international standards. RESULTS: There has been a steady improvement in transplant outcome over this time and survival figures for recipients between 2000 and 2004 show a hospital, 1-year and 5-year survival rate of 85.7%, 84.1% and 76.8% respectively. Thirty-eight of the 99 heart transplants performed between 1985 and 1994 are still alive more than 10 years later and the longest survivor is now 19 years post transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The results compare favourably with international figures. Heart transplantation offers excellent longterm survival and quality of life but remains challenged by a shortage of suitable donor organs.
Subject(s)
Heart Transplantation , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Female , Graft Survival , Heart Transplantation/mortality , Heart Transplantation/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Immunosuppression Therapy/statistics & numerical data , Ireland , Male , Middle Aged , Survival Analysis , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Cardiac transplantation is a successful treatment for end-stage heart disease. However the number of potential candidates is significantly greater then number of suitable organ donors. We reviewed the characteristics of new transplant candidates presenting for assessment for cardiac transplantation to the Irish Heart & Lung Transplant programme over a one year period. Of 44 patients referred for assessment, 24 (54.5%) were listed for cardiac transplantation. Six have died while awaiting transplantation, seven have been transplanted and eleven remain on the active transplant list. The six month survival rate on the transplant waiting list is 74%. Although the Irish system of organ donation has traditionally provided high organ donation rates in comparison with other countries, the demand for suitable heart donors exceeds supply. Newer methods of promoting and facilitating organ donation may prove beneficial in improving the number of donations and addressing the long waiting time for cardiac transplantation.
