Mortality after heart-lung transplantation experience in a reference center

The 2006 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation registry reported that there were differences in mortality after heart-lung transplantation (HLT) depending on the etiology for transplantation. Our objective was to conduct an analysis on mortality after HLT at our center. Materials and Methods: From January 1991 to December 2006, 25 HLT were performed on patients with the following characteristics: mean age of 38 +/- 11 years with 62% mates and 4% with previous surgery. The cohort included 17% urgent transplants. The mean ischemia time was 198 +/- 60 minutes. We divided patients into four etiologic groups: congenital heart disease of the Eisenmenger type; primary pulmonary hypertension; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema/fibrosis with right ventricular impact; or pulmonary dysfunction with concomitant left ventricular depression. Three patients were excluded from the analysis because they did not fit in any of the groups. Results: The mean follow-up of the sample was 862 +/- 1290 days. The overall hospital survival as well as that at I and 5 years was 59%, 50%, and 37%, respectively. In the Eisemmenger's syndrome cohort no death occurred during hospitalization and survival at 5 years was 50%. Conclusions: HLT was a therapeutic option with high mortality. Hospital mortality was high in absolute terms. Congenital heart disease of the Eisenmenger type may be a lower risk group.