[Heart transplantation in the Netherlands, an option to be considered for 5 children per year on the average].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the number of possible candidates for paediatric cardiac transplantation and the number of available donors.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
The population (date of birth 1 January 1980-31 March 1998) of the Department of Paediatric Cardiology of the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, the Netherlands, was reviewed for possible candidates for cardiac transplantation and the resulting number of candidates was extrapolated to the entire country. Figures of the transplant co-ordination unit of the University Hospital Utrecht over 1993-1997 were obtained, to estimate the number of available donors. Furthermore, an overview was made of the results of paediatric cardiac transplantations reported in centres around the world.


RESULTS
A total number of 15 possible candidates could be selected over the studied period. Extrapolated to the entire country, about 5 candidates each year could be expected. Per year 5 donor hearts of children (< 12 yr) and 11 hearts of adult donors with a low body weight (40-65 kg) have been available for paediatric cardiac transplantation. Worldwide 5- and 10-year survival rates reach 60% and 50%, respectively, morbidity seems low and the quality of life can be considered reasonably good.


CONCLUSIONS
The number of expected recipients corresponds with the number of available donors. Together with the promising results reported in transplant centres around the world, this seems to justify the option of paediatric cardiac transplantation for children with end-stage cardiac disease.
Raymakers
G J
GJ
Academisch Ziekenhuis/Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, Utrecht.
Bertels
R A
RA
Bennink
G B
GB
Hitchcock
J F
JF
Kimpen
J L
JL
Meijboom
E J
EJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D018579:Patient Selection; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000600:supply & distribution*
Harttransplantatie in Nederland; een te overwegen optie voor gemiddeld 5 kinderen per jaar.