Postoperative challenges in heart transplants: analyze common complications, such as graft rejection, infections and management of immunosuppressive medications

Abstract

Introduction: Heart transplantation is a crucial intervention for patients with end-stage heart failure, providing significant improvement in quality of life and life expectancy. However, the postoperative period presents notable challenges, including graft rejection, infections, and complex immunosuppressive management. Understanding and effectively coping with these aspects are essential to optimize clinical outcomes and longevity of the transplant patient. Objective: This is a literature review that seeks to investigate and present current approaches and protocols for postoperative management of heart transplants, with emphasis on the most common complications, such as graft rejection, infections, and immunosuppressive management. The study aims to highlight the importance of continuous monitoring, early diagnosis of complications, and the adoption of evidence-based therapeutic strategies to optimize clinical outcomes and increase the survival of transplant patients. Methodology: The study was conducted through searches in Google Scholar, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), SciELO, National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and EBSCOhost. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in the selection of 10 articles that served as a basis for the research. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) framework, ensuring the scientific and methodological relevance of the included articles. Conclusion: Heart transplantation requires rigorous postoperative management to minimize complications and ensure graft longevity. Adequate control of immunosuppression, early identification of rejections and infections, and implementation of standardized clinical protocols are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. This literature review reinforces the importance of continuous monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure better clinical outcomes and quality of life for transplant patients.