Our Summary

This study looked at eye-related problems in people who have received kidney, liver, or heart transplants. The researchers studied medical records of these patients from an eye clinic at a major hospital for a year. They checked the patients’ eye complaints, the results of their eye exams, the reasons they needed the transplant, other health conditions they had, how long ago they got the transplant, and the medicines they were taking.

The study included 233 patients - most of them had received a kidney transplant, some a liver transplant, and only two had heart transplants. The average age of the patients was around 43 years. They found that more than 80% of the patients had at least one eye problem. These problems ranged from issues with different parts of the eye like the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye), the lens, the retina (the back of the eye), and the optic disc (the part where the optic nerve connects to the eye).

The most common problem was dry eye, followed by cataracts and retina-related issues. The most common retina-related issue was diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina caused by diabetes), followed by hypertensive retinopathy (damage to the retina caused by high blood pressure). There was no significant difference in the number of eye problems seen in kidney and liver transplant patients. The two heart transplant patients did not have any eye problems, except for needing glasses. There was also no significant relationship between how long ago the transplant was done and the occurrence of eye problems.

The researchers concluded that most kidney and liver transplant patients have some sort of eye problem. Therefore, these patients should have regular eye check-ups to spot and treat any issues early on.

FAQs

  1. What were the most common ocular pathologies found in kidney, liver, and heart transplant recipients according to the study?
  2. Was there any correlation found between the duration post-transplant and the development of ocular pathologies?
  3. How common were ocular pathologies in heart transplant patients in comparison to kidney and liver transplant patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about heart transplant is to prioritize regular eye examinations and screenings to monitor for any potential ocular complications that may arise post-transplant. This can help in early detection and treatment of any ocular issues that may occur, ensuring optimal eye health alongside the success of the transplant.

Suitable For

Heart transplant patients are typically recommended for heart transplantation when they have end-stage heart failure that is not responding to other treatments such as medications or cardiac procedures. These patients may have severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, or fluid retention, and their heart function is significantly impaired. Candidates for heart transplantation also need to meet specific criteria such as being in good overall health aside from their heart condition, having a support system in place for post-transplant care, and being compliant with medications and follow-up appointments.

Timeline

Before heart transplant:

  • Patient is diagnosed with end-stage heart failure
  • Patient undergoes thorough evaluation by a transplant team to determine eligibility for transplant
  • Patient is placed on the transplant waiting list
  • Patient may experience worsening symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain
  • Patient receives regular medical care and monitoring while waiting for a donor heart

After heart transplant:

  • Patient undergoes heart transplant surgery
  • Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for complications and to ensure proper functioning of the new heart
  • Patient begins a regimen of immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection of the new heart
  • Patient undergoes cardiac rehabilitation to regain strength and improve heart function
  • Patient receives regular follow-up care and monitoring from the transplant team
  • Patient may experience improvements in symptoms and overall quality of life
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to maintain heart health and prevent complications
  • Patient may experience ocular manifestations, such as refractive errors, as a result of the transplant and medications used. Routine ocular screenings are recommended to detect any potential issues early.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a heart transplant?
  2. How will the medications I need to take post-transplant affect my eyes and vision?
  3. Are there any specific eye conditions or diseases that I should be particularly aware of as a heart transplant recipient?
  4. How often should I have my eyes checked by an ophthalmologist after the transplant?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to protect my eye health post-transplant?
  6. How can I manage any potential eye-related side effects of the medications I will be taking?
  7. Are there any specific symptoms or signs that I should watch out for that may indicate a problem with my eyes post-transplant?
  8. Are there any specific dietary recommendations or supplements that can help support eye health after a heart transplant?
  9. Are there any specific exercises or activities that I should avoid to prevent eye-related complications post-transplant?
  10. How can I best communicate any eye-related concerns or issues to my transplant team for timely intervention and management?

Reference

Authors: Sarigul Sezenoz A, Gokgoz G, Kirci Dogan I, Gur Gungor S, Oto S, Haberal M. Journal: Exp Clin Transplant. 2024 Jan;22(Suppl 1):141-147. doi: 10.6002/ect.MESOT2023.O34. PMID: 38385387