Effects of conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus on left ventricular structure in cardiac allograft recipients.

Twelve heart transplant recipients selected for conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus because of adverse effects of cyclosporine therapy underwent echocardiography at baseline and 6 months after conversion. Left ventricular mass decreased by 24% and left ventricular geometry returned toward normal at 6 months after conversion, without significant changes in blood pressure.

Successful combined heart-liver transplantation in a patient with hemochromatosis.

Hemochromatosis is a disorder of excess iron deposition in tissues that may cause multiorgan dysfunction. Because the early symptoms of hemochromatosis are nonspecific, the diagnosis is frequently overlooked until significant organ failure has developed. The primary cause of death in these patients is usually liver cancer related to cirrhosis.

Heart transplantation an answer for end-stage heart failure.

Heart transplantation remains the best treatment option for end-stage heart failure. For patients who are not candidates for transplantation, better medical management and surgical options in heart failure can improve both the length and quality of a patient's life. Continuing research on xenotransplantation and the total artificial heart may decrease the need for human transplantation in years to come and may allow others with severe heart failure to have a chance at living longer.