Heart Transplantation In Spain Research Articles

Review of the allocation criteria for heart transplant in Spain in 2023. SEC-Heart Failure Association/ONT/SECCE consensus document

Heart transplant (HT) remains the best therapeutic option for patients with advanced heart failure (HF). The allocation criteria aim to guarantee equitable access to HT and prioritize patients with a worse clinical status. To review the HT allocation criteria, the Heart Failure Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (HFA-SEC), the Spanish Society of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery (SECCE) and the National Transplant Organization (ONT), organized a consensus conference involving adult and pediatric cardiologists, adult and pediatric cardiac surgeons, transplant coordinators from all over Spain, and physicians and nurses from the ONT. The aims of the consensus conference were as follows: a) to analyze the organization and management of patients with advanced HF and cardiogenic shock in Spain; b) to critically review heart allocation and priority criteria in other transplant organizations; c) to analyze the outcomes of patients listed and transplanted before and after the modification of the heart allocation criteria in 2017; and d) to propose new heart allocation criteria in Spain after an analysis of the available evidence and multidisciplinary discussion. In this article, by the HFA-SEC, SECCE and the ONT we present the results of the analysis performed in the consensus conference and the rationale for the new heart allocation criteria in Spain.

Temporal trends and outcomes of heart transplantation in Spain (2002–2021): propensity score matching analysis to compare patients with and without type 2 diabetes

BackgroundThe impact of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) on the outcomes of heart transplantation (HT) has not yet been clearly established. The objectives of this study were to examine the trends in the prevalence of T2D among individuals who underwent a HT in Spain from 2002 to 2021, and to compare the clinical characteristics and hospitalization outcomes between HT recipients with and without T2D.MethodsWe used the national hospital discharge database to select HT recipients aged 35 and older. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions (ICD-9 and ICD-10) were used to identify patients with and without T2D. We also recorded comorbidities, complications of HT, and procedures. Propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox regression were used to analyze the effect of T2D on in-hospital mortality (IHM).ResultsBetween 2002 and 2021, a total of 4429 HTs (T2D, 19.14%) were performed in Spain. The number of HTs in patients with T2D decreased from 2002 to 2005 (n = 171) to 2014–2017 (n = 154), then rose during 2018–2021 (n = 186). Complications of HT increased in patients with and without T2D over the study period (26.9% and 31.31% in 2002–2005 vs. 42.47% and 45.01% in 2018–2021, respectively). The results of the PSM showed that pneumonia and Gram-negative bacterial infections were less frequent in patients with T2D and that these patients less frequently required hemodialysis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and tracheostomy. They also had a shorter hospital stay and lower IHM than patients without diabetes. The variables associated with IHM in patients with T2D were hemodialysis and ECMO. IHM decreased over time in people with and without T2D. The Cox regression analysis showed that T2D was associated with lower IHM (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.63–0.98).ConclusionsThe number of HTs increased in the period 2018–2021 compared with 2002–2005 in patients with and without T2D. Over time, complications of HT increased in both groups studied, whereas IHM decreased. The presence of T2D is associated with lower IHM.

Pediatric heart transplantation in spain after circulatory determination of death and in situ normothermic regional perfusion - ERRATUM.

Pediatric heart transplantation in spain after circulatory determination of death and in situ normothermic regional perfusion - ERRATUM.

Donación en asistolia controlada: cómo iniciar un programa

Introduction and objectivesDonation after circulatory death has become one of the main strategies to increase the number of donors. Until now, the heart of this type of donor was not evaluated due to the risk of ischaemic injury during the withdrawal of life support. In recent years, ex situ perfusion systems have initiated cardiac donation programmes after circulatory death that have demonstrated myocardial viability. The use of normothermic regional perfusion in our environment and the experience of other countries in cardiac recovery led us to develop a protocol for cardiac procurement in donation after circulatory death with in situ assessment and cold preservation. MethodsA multidisciplinary team was formed to create a cardiac extraction protocol with donation after circulatory death. After a phase of animal experimentation, the protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee for Health Care and by the National Transplant Organization. ResultsA protocol was drawn up establishing the criteria for donor and recipient selection and regulating the donation procedure with thoracic-abdominal perfusion after exclusion of the supra-aortic trunks. Cardiac evaluation is in situ and static preservation in cold storage. This protocol was sent to the rest of the donor hospitals and this led us to perform the first heart transplant in Spain with this donation modality. ConclusionsCardiac transplantation with donation after circulatory death is a clinical reality that will increase the number of potential donors. The technical characteristics of the procedure mean that this type of donation should be performed in experienced centres.

Infectious complications associated with short-term mechanical circulatory support in urgent heart transplant candidates

Introduction and objectivesShort-term mechanical circulatory support is frequently used as a bridge to heart transplant in Spain. The epidemiology and prognostic impact of infectious complications in these patients are unknown. MethodsSystematic description of the epidemiology of infectious complications and analysis of their prognostic impact in a multicenter, retrospective registry of patients treated with short-term mechanical devices as a bridge to urgent heart transplant from 2010 to 2015 in 16 Spanish hospitals. ResultsWe studied 249 patients, of which 87 (34.9%) had a total of 102 infections. The most frequent site was the respiratory tract (n=47; 46.1%). Microbiological confirmation was obtained in 78 (76.5%) episodes, with a total of 100 causative agents, showing a predominance of gram-negative bacteria (n=58, 58%). Compared with patients without infection, those with infectious complications showed higher mortality during the support period (25.3% vs 12.3%, P=.009) and a lower probability of receiving a transplant (73.6% vs 85.2%, P=.025). In-hospital posttransplant mortality was similar in the 2 groups (with infection: 28.3%; without infection: 23.4%; P=.471). ConclusionsPatients supported with temporary devices as a bridge to heart transplant are exposed to a high risk of infectious complications, which are associated with higher mortality during the organ waiting period.

Complicaciones infecciosas relacionadas con la asistencia circulatoria mecánica de corta duración en candidatos a trasplante cardiaco urgente

Introduction and objectivesShort-term mechanical circulatory support is frequently used as a bridge to heart transplant in Spain. The epidemiology and prognostic impact of infectious complications in these patients are unknown. MethodsSystematic description of the epidemiology of infectious complications and analysis of their prognostic impact in a multicenter, retrospective registry of patients treated with short-term mechanical devices as a bridge to urgent heart transplant from 2010 to 2015 in 16 Spanish hospitals. ResultsWe studied 249 patients, of which 87 (34.9%) had a total of 102 infections. The most frequent site was the respiratory tract (n=47; 46.1%). Microbiological confirmation was obtained in 78 (76.5%) episodes, with a total of 100 causative agents, showing a predominance of gram-negative bacteria (n=58, 58%). Compared with patients without infection, those with infectious complications showed higher mortality during the support period (25.3% vs 12.3%, P=.009) and a lower probability of receiving a transplant (73.6% vs 85.2%, P=.025). In-hospital posttransplant mortality was similar in the 2 groups (with infection: 28.3%; without infection: 23.4%; P=.471). ConclusionsPatients supported with temporary devices as a bridge to heart transplant are exposed to a high risk of infectious complications, which are associated with higher mortality during the organ waiting period.

Spanish Heart Transplant Registry. 30th Official Report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Heart Failure (1984-2018).

The present report updates the clinical characteristics and outcomes of heart transplant in Spain to 2018. Prospective registry of all the heart transplants performed between 1984 and 2018 in Spain. Specifically, temporal trends in clinical characteristics and outcomes are described for the period from 2009 to 2017. In 2018, 321 transplants were performed (8494 since 1984; 2719 between 2009 and 2018). Compared with the previous year, the number of transplants performed in 2018 rose by 52% in recipients younger than 16 years and by 42% in those older than 60 years. In the last decade, significant temporal trends were observed in recipient characteristics (better pretransplant renal function, higher rates of diabetes, more urgent transplants, and greater use of pretrasplant circulatory support, particularly ventricular assist devices), donor characteristics (higher donor age, more female donors, and higher frequencies of cerebrovascular cause of death and predonation cardiac arrest and lower ischemia time). Survival significantly improved in the last decade, mainly due to lower mortality due to primary graft failure. The number of heart transplants is increasing in Spain, with a progressive improvement in survival.

Registro Español de Trasplante Cardiaco. XXX Informe Oficial de la Sección de Insuficiencia Cardiaca de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (1984–2018)

Introduction and objectivesThe present report updates the clinical characteristics and outcomes of heart transplant in Spain to 2018. MethodsProspective registry of all the heart transplants performed between 1984 and 2018 in Spain. Specifically, temporal trends in clinical characteristics and outcomes are described for the period from 2009 to 2017. ResultsIn 2018, 321 transplants were performed (8494 since 1984; 2719 between 2009 and 2018). Compared with the previous year, the number of transplants performed in 2018 rose by 52% in recipients younger than 16 years and by 42% in those older than 60 years. In the last decade, significant temporal trends were observed in recipient characteristics (better pretransplant renal function, higher rates of diabetes, more urgent transplants, and greater use of pretrasplant circulatory support, particularly ventricular assist devices), donor characteristics (higher donor age, more female donors, and higher frequencies of cerebrovascular cause of death and predonation cardiac arrest and lower ischemia time). Survival significantly improved in the last decade, mainly due to lower mortality due to primary graft failure. ConclusionsThe number of heart transplants is increasing in Spain, with a progressive improvement in survival.

Spanish Heart Transplant Registry. 29th Official Report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Heart Failure

Introduction and objectivesThe present report updates the characteristics and results of heart transplantation in Spain, mainly focused in the 2008-2017 period. MethodsWe describe the recipient and donor characteristics, surgical procedures, and outcomes of heart transplants performed in 2017. The 2017 data were compared with those obtained from 2008 to 2016. ResultsA total of 304 cardiac transplants were performed in 2017. Between 1984 and 2017, 8173 procedures were performed, 2689 of them after 2008. Significant temporal trends were observed in recipient characteristics (lower pulmonary vascular resistance, lower use of mechanical ventilation, and a higher percentage of diabetic patients and those with previous cardiac surgery), donor characteristics (older donor age and a higher percentage of female donors and those with a prior cardiac arrest) and procedures (lower ischemia time). In 2017, 27% of patients were transplanted after undergoing mechanical ventricular assistance (P <.001 for trend). In the last decade, there was a trend to better survival. ConclusionsAround 300 transplants per year were performed in Spain in the last decade. There was a significant increase in the use of pretransplant mechanical circulatory support and a trend to improved survival.

Registro Español de Trasplante Cardiaco. XXIX Informe Oficial de la Sección de Insuficiencia Cardiaca de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (1984-2017)

Introducción y objetivosThe present report updates the characteristics and results of heart transplantation in Spain, mainly focused in the 2008-2017 period. MethodsWe describe the recipient and donor characteristics, surgical procedures, and outcomes of heart transplants performed in 2017. The 2017 data were compared with those obtained from 2008 to 2016. ResultsA total of 304 cardiac transplants were performed in 2017. Between 1984 and 2017, 8173 procedures were performed, 2689 of them after 2008. Significant temporal trends were observed in recipient characteristics (lower pulmonary vascular resistance, lower use of mechanical ventilation, and a higher percentage of diabetic patients and those with previous cardiac surgery), donor characteristics (older donor age and a higher percentage of female donors and those with a prior cardiac arrest) and procedures (lower ischemia time). In 2017, 27% of patients were transplanted after undergoing mechanical ventricular assistance (P <.001 for trend). In the last decade, there was a trend to better survival. ConclusionsAround 300 transplants per year were performed in Spain in the last decade. There was a significant increase in the use of pretransplant mechanical circulatory support and a trend to improved survival.

Use of Intra-aortic Balloon Pump as a Bridge to Heart Transplant in Spain: Results From the ASIS-TC Study.

In Spain, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been used frequently as a bridge to urgent heart transplant (HT). We sought to analyze the clinical outcomes of this strategy. We conducted a case-by-case, retrospective review of clinical records of 281 adult patients listed for urgent HT under IABP support in 16 Spanish institutions from 2010 to 2015. Pre- and post-transplant survival and adverse clinical events were analyzed. A total of 194 (69%, 95%CI, 63.3-74.4) patients were transplanted and 20 (7.1%, 95%CI, 4.4-10.8) died during a mean period of IABP support of 10.9±9.7 days. IABP support was withdrawn before an organ became available in 32 (11.4%) patients. Thirty-five (12.5%, 95%CI, 8.8-16.9) patients transitioned from IABP to full-support mechanical devices. Mean urgent waiting list time increased from 5.9±6.3 days in 2010 to 15±11.7 days in 2015 (P=.001). Post-transplant survival rates at 30-days, 1-year, and 5-years were 88.1% (95%CI, 85.7-90.5), 76% (95%CI, 72.9-79.1), and 67.8% (95%CI, 63.7-71.9), respectively. The incidence rate of major adverse clinical outcomes-device dysfunction, stroke, bleeding or infection-during IABP support was 26 (95%CI, 20.6-32.4) episodes per 1000 patient-days. The incidence rate of IABP explantation due to complications was 7.2 (95%CI, 4.5-10.8) cases per 1000 patient-days. In a setting of short waiting list times, IABP can be used to bridge candidates to urgent HT with acceptable postoperative results, but there were significant rates of adverse clinical events during support.

Heart Transplantation in Spain: A review of the heart transplant programme in Spain from its beginning in 1984 by Marisa Crespo-Leiro MD.

Heart Transplantation in Spain: A review of the heart transplant programme in Spain from its beginning in 1984 by Marisa Crespo-Leiro MD.

Spanish Heart Transplantation Registry. 26th Official Report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation (1984-2014)

Introduction and objectivesWe present the characteristics and outcomes of heart transplantation in Spain since it was first performed in 1984. MethodsA descriptive analysis of the characteristics of recipients, donors, the surgical procedure, and the outcomes of heart transplantations performed in Spain until 31 December 2014. ResultsIn 2014, 266 procedures were performed, making a time series of 7289 transplantations. The temporal analysis confirmed a significant worsening of the clinical profile of recipients (higher percentage of older patients, patients with severe renal failure, insulin-dependent diabetes, previous cardiac surgery, and previous mechanical ventilation), of donors (higher percentage of older donors and greater weight mismatch), and of the procedure (higher percentage of emergency transplantations, reaching 41.4% in 2014, and ischemia time>240min). Mechanical assist devices were used less than in 2013; in 2014 they were used in 18.8% of all transplant recipients. Survival at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years was 76%, 65%, 52%, and 38%, respectively, and has remained stable since 1995. ConclusionsCardiac transplantation activity in Spain has remained stable in recent years, at around 250 procedures per year. Despite a clear deterioration in donor and recipient characteristics and surgical times, the mortality outcomes have remained comparable to those of previous periods in our environment. The growing use of circulatory assist devices before transplantation is also confirmed.

Registro Español de Trasplante Cardiaco. XXVI Informe Oficial de la Sección de Insuficiencia Cardiaca y Trasplante Cardiaco de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (1984-2014)

Introduction and objectivesWe present the characteristics and outcomes of heart transplantation in Spain since it was first performed in 1984. MethodsA descriptive analysis of the characteristics of recipients, donors, the surgical procedure, and the outcomes of heart transplantations performed in Spain until 31 December 2014. ResultsIn 2014, 266 procedures were performed, making a time series of 7289 transplantations. The temporal analysis confirmed a significant worsening of the clinical profile of recipients (higher percentage of older patients, patients with severe renal failure, insulin-dependent diabetes, previous cardiac surgery, and previous mechanical ventilation), of donors (higher percentage of older donors and greater weight mismatch), and of the procedure (higher percentage of emergency transplantations, reaching 41.4% in 2014, and ischemia time > 240min). Mechanical assist devices were used less than in 2013; in 2014 they were used in 18.8% of all transplant recipients. Survival at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years was 76%, 65%, 52%, and 38%, respectively, and has remained stable since 1995. ConclusionsCardiac transplantation activity in Spain has remained stable in recent years, at around 250 procedures per year. Despite a clear deterioration in donor and recipient characteristics and surgical times, the mortality outcomes have remained comparable to those of previous periods in our environment. The growing use of circulatory assist devices before transplantation is also confirmed.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en

I Informe del Registro Español de Tumores Postrasplante Cardiaco

Neoplasia is a common and serious complication that occurs after heart transplantation and is one of the most important causes of death over the long term. The Spanish Post-Heart-Transplant Tumor Registry, which began in 2004, is an on-line record of all patients who have undergone heart transplantation in Spain. It includes continually updated information on post-transplantation tumors. The most common neoplasias are skin tumors (54%), followed by noncutaneous, nonlymphoid tumors (39%) and lymphomas (7%). Their incidence increases with age and time from transplantation and is higher in males. After 15 years, only 62% of patients are tumor-free. Prognosis varies according to the type of tumor. The incidence of lymphomas has decreased by half in the last decade. The Registry provides useful information on the incidence, risk factors and prognosis of tumors that occur after transplantation and can help in devising better management strategies.

Spanish Heart Transplantation Registry. 25th Official Report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation (1984-2013)

Introduction and objectivesThe present article reports the characteristics and outcome of heart transplantation in Spain since it was first performed in May 1984. MethodsWe provide a descriptive analysis of the characteristics of the recipients, the donors, the surgical procedure, and results of the heart transplantations performed in Spain until 31 December 2013. ResultsDuring 2013, a total of 248 transplantation procedures were carried out, bringing the time series to a total of 7023 transplantations. The temporal analysis confirms a significant deterioration in the clinical profile of the recipients (higher percentage of older patients, severe renal failure, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, previous heart surgery, mechanical ventilation), of the donors (higher proportion of older donors and greater weight mismatch), and of the procedure (higher percentage of emergency transplantations which, in 2013, reached 49%, and with ischemia times > 240min). There was a marked increase in the use of circulatory assist devices prior to transplantation which, in 2013, were employed in 25.2% of all the patients. The survivals at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years were 76%, 65%, 52%, and 37%, respectively, and have remained stable since 1995. ConclusionsHeart transplantation activity in Spain remains stable in recent years, with around 250 procedures a year. Despite the clear deterioration in the clinical characteristics of the donors and recipients, and lengthening of the operative times, the results in terms of mortality continue to be comparable to those reported in our neighboring countries, and a growing use of circulatory assist devices prior to transplantation is confirmed.

Registro Español de Trasplante Cardiaco. XXV Informe Oficial de la Sección de Insuficiencia Cardiaca y Trasplante Cardiaco de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (1984-2013)

Introduction and objectivesThe present article reports the characteristics and outcome of heart transplantation in Spain since it was first performed in May 1984. MethodsWe provide a descriptive analysis of the characteristics of the recipients, the donors, the surgical procedure, and results of the heart transplantations performed in Spain until 31 December 2013. ResultsDuring 2013, a total of 248 transplantation procedures were carried out, bringing the time series to a total of 7023 transplantations. The temporal analysis confirms a significant deterioration in the clinical profile of the recipients (higher percentage of older patients, severe renal failure, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, previous heart surgery, mechanical ventilation), of the donors (higher proportion of older donors and greater weight mismatch), and of the procedure (higher percentage of emergency transplantations which, in 2013, reached 49%, and with ischemia times > 240min). There was a marked increase in the use of circulatory assist devices prior to transplantation which, in 2013, were employed in 25.2% of all the patients. The survivals at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years were 76%, 65%, 52%, and 37%, respectively, and have remained stable since 1995. ConclusionsHeart transplantation activity in Spain remains stable in recent years, with around 250 procedures a year. Despite the clear deterioration in the clinical characteristics of the donors and recipients, and lengthening of the operative times, the results in terms of mortality continue to be comparable to those reported in our neighboring countries, and a growing use of circulatory assist devices prior to transplantation is confirmed.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org/en

Spanish Heart Transplantation Registry. 24th Official Report of the Spanish Society of Cardiology Working Group on Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation (1984-2012)

Introduction and objectivesThe present article reports the characteristics and results of heart transplantation in Spain since this therapeutic modality was first used in May 1984. MethodsWe summarize the main features of recipients, donors, and surgical procedures, as well as the results of all heart transplantations performed in Spain until December 31, 2012. ResultsA total of 247 heart transplantations were performed in 2012. The whole series consisted of 6775 procedures. Recent years have seen a progressive worsening in the clinical characteristics of recipients (34% aged over 60 years, 22% with severe kidney failure, 17% with insulin-dependent diabetes, 29% with previous heart surgery, 16% under mechanical ventilation) and donors (38% aged over 45 years, 26% with recipient: donor weight mismatch>20%), and in surgical conditions (29% of procedures at >4 h ischemia and 36% as emergency transplantations). The probability of survival at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years of follow-up was 78%, 67%, 53%, and 38%, respectively. These results have remained stable since 1995. ConclusionsIn recent years, the number of heart transplantations/year in Spain has remained stable at around 250. Despite the worsening of recipient and donor clinical characteristics and of time-to-surgery, the results in terms of mortality have remained stable and compare favorably with those of other countries.

Registro Español de Trasplante Cardiaco. XXIV Informe Oficial de la Sección de Insuficiencia Cardiaca y Trasplante Cardiaco de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (1984-2012)

Introduction and objectivesThe present article reports the characteristics and results of heart transplantation in Spain since this therapeutic modality was first used in May 1984. MethodsWe summarize the main features of recipients, donors, and surgical procedures, as well as the results of all heart transplantations performed in Spain until December 31, 2012. ResultsA total of 247 heart transplantations were performed in 2012. The whole series consisted of 6775 procedures. Recent years have seen a progressive worsening in the clinical characteristics of recipients (34% aged over 60 years, 22% with severe kidney failure, 17% with insulin-dependent diabetes, 29% with previous heart surgery, 16% under mechanical ventilation) and donors (38% aged over 45 years, 26% with recipient: donor weight mismatch>20%), and in surgical conditions (29% of procedures at >4h ischemia and 36% as emergency transplantations). The probability of survival at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years of follow-up was 78%, 67%, 53%, and 38%, respectively. These results have remained stable since 1995. ConclusionsIn recent years, the number of heart transplantations/year in Spain has remained stable at around 250. Despite the worsening of recipient and donor clinical characteristics and of time-to-surgery, the results in terms of mortality have remained stable and compare favorably with those of other countries.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en

PCV124 - Health Outcomes at 6 to 120 Months Since Heart Transplant in Spain: Clinical Status, Health Related-Quality of Life and Utility Assessment

PCV124 - Health Outcomes at 6 to 120 Months Since Heart Transplant in Spain: Clinical Status, Health Related-Quality of Life and Utility Assessment