Evolución clínica de los pacientes receptores de trasplante cardíaco del hospital Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia, Costa Rica 2007-2020: Trasplante cardíaco en Costa Rica

Abstract

Background and objective: Until this study, the clinical evolution of patients receiving heart transplantation in Costa Rica was unknown. The objective of this work was to document the results of the Heart Transplantation Program of the Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia Hospital from the beginning of the program in 2007 until 2020.

Methods: Retrospective observational study of 33 patients receiving heart transplantation.

Results: Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was the most common indication of transplantation (27.3%). Most patients receiving transplant were male (63.6%). Most recipients had 5 (45.4%) or 6 (27.2%) HLA mismatches with the donor. Acute cellular rejection 2R was presented in 30% of the cases during the first 30 days. Survival at 10 years was 14%.

Conclusions: Although the findings documented in this research were comparable to those reported at other centers, significant acute rejection was higher than expected and long-term survival was much lower.