Cardiac transplantation: a comprehensive nursing perspective. Part 2.
Many of the postoperative concerns of the cardiac transplant recipient are similar to those of any patient after cardiac surgery. Immunosuppression and immunocompetence, however, pose additional considerations for this patient population. Current immunosuppressive protocols include agents such as azathioprine, prednisone, cyclosporine, T cell antibodies, and monoclonal antibodies, most of which blunt the body's response to foreign antigens. Follow-up and long-term care of the cardiac transplant recipient must address potential problems associated with long-term immunosuppression, such as infection, malignant processes, accelerated graft atherosclerosis, and overall quality of life.
Futterman
L G
LG
Division of Cardiovascular Surgery and Surgical Nursing, University of Miami School of Medicine-Jackson Memorial Medical Center, FL 33101.
D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D009732:Nursing Care