title: Comparison of results after heart transplantation: mechanically supported versus nonsupported patients.
abstract: Between March 1984 and July 1990 our team transplanted 168 hearts. One hundred twelve patients did not require mechanical support (group I). Fifty-six patients required mechanical support (group II). Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation was used in 37 patients (66%). The total artificial heart (TAH) was used in 16 patients (29%), and the ventricular assist device (VAD) was used in three patients (5%). The time spent on the device ranged from 1 to 35 days. No statistical difference was noted on the survival between the two groups. The 30-day and 1-year survival rate was 95% (106 patients) and 71% (79 patients) in group I and 91% (51 patients) and 68% (38 patients) in group II. As of July 31, 1990, 70% in group I and 68% in group II are alive. No significant differences were found between the two groups for the following variables (after heart transplantation): length of stay, 30-day survival, 1-year survival, and complications. The only significant difference found between the two groups was the incidence of infections: group I, 23%; group II, 51.7% (p = 0.001). Mechanical support as a bridge to transplantation provides excellent support until a donor becomes available. No difference was found in the 30-day and 1-year survival between the two groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill. 60153.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pifarre
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Montoya
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bakhos
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grieco
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Foy
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Blakeman
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Costanzo-Nordin
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Altergott
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lonchyna
mesh_terms: D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000401:mortality*; D006354:Heart, Artificial; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents