Pediatr Transplant. 2025 Dec;29(8):e70223. doi: 10.1111/petr.70223.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation is the main treatment for refractory end-stage heart failure in patients of all ages, but its use is limited by the availability of organs, especially in pediatric populations. The International Hospital of Colombia has been a pioneer and the single center with the capability in the country for providing ventricular assist device (VAD) support using the CentriMag/PediMag-Levitronix paracorporeal VAD for pediatric patients awaiting transplant, with over a decade of experience albeit with many challenges.
METHODS: This retrospective study examines outcomes from 26 pediatric patients who received VAD support between 2012 and 2023.
RESULTS: Most patients were diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 20, 77%), had an average age of 8.5 years (SD 5.3), and ranged in weight from 5 to 59 kg. The median duration of VAD support was 50.5 days, with 17 (81%) of surviving patients (n = 21), successfully undergoing transplantation. Neurological injury was the most common complication, affecting 69% of patients. The overall survival rate to VAD support was 81% and patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) showed a higher post-transplant survival rate compared to those with biventricular assist devices (BiVAD).
CONCLUSIONS: This comparative analysis highlights the challenges faced in Colombia, particularly in implementing advanced medical technologies in middle-income countries. Despite these constraints, the study demonstrates notable patient survival, suggesting that targeted efforts to improve resource allocation and technology access could further enhance results.
PMID:41199421 | DOI:10.1111/petr.70223
