Patient Outcomes after Heart Transplantation in Sweden between 1988 and 2017: Continuous Improvement in Survival

PURPOSE To investigate the survival of heart transplant (HTx) recipients during different time periods in Sweden. We hypothesized that the survival for HTx recipients has improved following advancements in the management of these patients. METHODS Data was obtained through the database of the organ exchange organization Scandiatransplant. All patients who underwent HTx in Sweden between Jan 1988 and Dec 2017 were included. Patients were divided into five cohorts of six-year periods each. RESULTS A total of 1137 HTx recipients were included. Main causes of transplantation were dilated cardiomyopathy (44 %) and ischemic heart disease (18 %). Retransplantation constituted a small portion of the overall total (2 %). The cohorts were similar in terms of age and gender, while later cohorts had higher BMI, lower GFR and longer ischemia time (Tab. 1). The later cohorts received organs from older donors (Tab. 1). The amount of heart transplantations performed in Sweden has increased with time (Tab. 1). Log-rank test comparing the survival curves was able to show improved survival during later eras (Fig. 1). CONCLUSION Survival among HTx recipients has significantly improved in Sweden over time, despite less favorable recipients and donor characteristics. This was related to both reduced postoperative mortality and also improved long-time survival.