| Abstract: | ![]()
Objective To reevaluate the age limit for heart transplantation ( HTX) and the long-term outcomes in el derly patients. Methods From Oct. 1984 to Dec. 1996, 161 cases of HTX were performed in Hartford Hospital, with 35 pa tients aged 60～68 years (mean: 63.5±2.7, group A) and 126 under 60 years (mean: 47.6±11.3, group B). The causes of HTX for group A and group B were ischemic : 60% vs 48%, idiopathic: 29% vs 45%, valvular: 6% vs 4 %, congenital: 0 vs 2%, and graft failure : 6 % vs1% . Results The operative mortality (within 30d) were5.7%(2/35) in group A , and1. 6% (2/126) in group B. The overall late death were 13 (37%) in group A, and 50(40% ) in group B. The main causes of dea th were ( group A vs group B) infection: 46 % vs 24 %, rejection: 0 vs 28 % (P<0.05), malignancy: 23 % vs 8 %, multi-or gan system failure:23% vs 2%, cardiac events:8% vs 10%. The 1-,3-,5- ,8- and 10- year survival rate in group A and group B was 74% vs 88%, 67% vs 77%, 60% vs 65%, 49% vs 43%, and 49% vs 34% respectively. The quality of life for both groups was improved remarkably. Conclusion The survival rate for patients over 60 is as good as that of the younger group. HTX could be successfully performed in patients around 65 years old. |
