Experience with transplant coordination in northern Mexico following the Spanish model

Evolution and current circumstances of heart transplants: Global and Mexican perspective

A cardiac transplant is an irreplaceable alternative for patients with terminal chronic heart failure refractive to treatment. Heart failure results from an imbalance between cardiac output and organic demand, the prominent etiology is ischemic heart disease and arterial hypertension. In developed countries, it has a prevalence of 4.2%, reaching over 11.8% in adults over 65. It affects around 64.3 million people worldwide, with 9 cases for every 1000 people. This syndrome has a death rate of 56% in 5 years, making heart transplants relevant. The procedure has dramatically evolved from the beginning of animal experimentation in the early 20^th century to now, where significant advances are still being made. The purpose of this review is to compile the central aspects of international and Mexico's local heart transplant history and current status, as well as a general view of what this procedure entails and possible prospective outcomes for this practice.

Results from the organ and tissue transplant program in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, 1996 to 2001

BACKGROUND

Before 1996, solid organs from cadaveric donors (CD) did not account for more than 2% of all transplants. The need for more transplants led the state to undergo several legislative, societal, organizational, and infrastructure changes.

OBJECTIVES

A descriptive analysis of the evolution of the transplant program in the State of Nuevo León, Mexico, from 1996 to 2001.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Trimester reports have been routinely performed since 1996 from the 14 institutions that are licensed to perform organ and tissue transplants in the State of Nuevo León, Mexico. All reports were concentrated and a descriptive analysis is presented herein.

RESULTS

From 1996 until 2001, a total of 1457 organ and tissue (OT) transplants have been performed. At the end of this period, there was a 214% increase in the total number of transplants. By 2001, 73% of the program's total of 1457 OT transplants came from cadaveric donors.

CONCLUSIONS

The state transplant program of Nuevo León has experienced a dramatic growth since 1996. The percent of organs transplanted from cadaveric donors is one of the highest in Mexico. There is still much work to be done at the state and national levels; better epidemiological studies and dialysis registries are needed as well as investment in transplant research.