Cardiac transplantation in Hawai'i: a summary of the first 21 years.
Between 1987 and 2008, 45 patients have undergone cardiac transplantation in Hawai'i. This article summarizes the authors' experiences with cardiac transplantation over this 21-year period. The cumulative 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates after transplantation have been 73.8%, 70.0%, and 63.2%, respectively. The corresponding survival rates have improved over the last eight years and are now 90.0%, 87.5%, and 83.3%, respectively. Despite clinical improvements, low patient volumes make the maintenance of a state-based program in Hawai'i difficult. Problems with financing and referral biases will need to be addressed if a local program is to continue.
Hong
Robert A
RA
Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA. robhong@aloha.net
Bailey
Cathy
C
Kindle
Kelly
K
Moreno-Cabral
Carlos E
CE
D003325:Coronary Care Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006254:Hawaii; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000266:history* / Q000401:mortality / Q000639:trends; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D013534:Survival