| CASE REPORT |
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| Year : 2015 | Volume
: 12
| Issue : 2 | Page : 154-156 |
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End-stage heart failure: What choices are available for the Nigerian cardiologist?
Victor O Ansa1, Akaninyene A Otu2, Charles Onwurah1, Evaristus Chukwudike1
1 Department of Medicine, Cardiology Unit, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
2 Department of Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Victor O Ansa
Department of Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0189-7969.152031
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Background: End-stage heart failure is often characterized by refractory symptoms, usually dyspnoea and fatigue at most times, despite optimal medical therapy. Specialized interventions are often required.
Objective: To highlight the availability of some specialized interventions for Nigerian patients with end-stage heart failure.
Materials and Methods: A 60-year-old man with chronic heart failure secondary to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy who was in steady state until 6 months prior to presentation when he developed recurrent episodes of exacerbation of symptoms despite optimal medical therapy. Echocardiography showed grossly dilated cardiac chambers, hypokinetic left ventricle, and ejection fraction (EF) of 20%. He was managed as a case of end-stage heart failure. Owing to poor response to medical therapy, specialized interventions were recommended.
Result: He subsequently had successful orthotopic cardiac transplantation and was commenced on triple immunosuppressant drug therapy.
Conclusion: All patients with end-stage heart failure should be availed the opportunity of having specialized interventions where resources are available. |
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