Abstract

CASTILLO, Víctor R et al. Cardiac transplantation in children: report of the first case treated in the Colombian Cardiovascular Foundation. Rev. Col. Cardiol. [online]. 2006, vol.13, n.2, pp.136-138. ISSN 0120-5633.

During the last years, cardiac transplantation has substantially improved survival and life quality in children with terminal heart disease. It is actually a routine procedure in specialized centers. Nevertheless, in spite of the numerous advances, there are long-term complications, such as late rejection, implant vascular disease and lymphoproliferative disorders that limit survival and life quality (2). These limitations could be diminished by an opportune identification of the potential donors, allowing best quality organs disposal, improvement of donor support, adequate transport and preservation system, updating and improvement of treatment protocols and new medicines utilization. The scarce donors’ availability obliges the implement of strategies tending to sensitize the community on the need of adopting a culture of organs’ donation. In order to achieve the treatment’s goals, to offer an integral rehabilitation and to have a prompt reincorporation to society of the transplanted patient, educational programs and multidisciplinary support are required, not only for the patients, but also for their families.

Keywords : cardiac transplantation; survival; organ donation.

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