Donor Utilization in the Australian National Paediatric Heart Transplant Program: Stretching the Limits

Abstract

Purpose Since 1988 Australia has had a single national pediatric heart transplant service. The large distances and low donor environment present unique challenges which have been addressed by utilization of oversize and/or remote donors in otherwise low risk recipients. This study examines the impact of these strategies on outcomes, including survival. Methods All transplant recipients between October 1988 and September 2018 were included. Transplants with a total ischemic time > 300 mins were considered remote, and those with donor:recipient weight ratio > 2.5, oversized. Survival, ICU and hospital length of stay were compared between groups. Continuous variables were compared with the Krus..