NEUROLOGIC OUTCOME AFTER HEART TRANSPLANTATION IN CHAGAS-DISEASE - PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Objective - To evaluate the neurologic morbidity after orthotopic hear t transplantation (OHT), we examined consecutive Chagas' (Ch) and non- Chagas' (NCh) patients, before and after surgery. Material and methods - We undertook neurological and neuropsychological evaluations in Ch and NCh patients with end-stage cardiac failure, from September 1993 t o September 1995. Results - Of 10 Ch patients (mean age=33.6 years; 7 male; mean follow-up=10.8 months) and 13 NCh patients (mean age=50.9 y ears; 12 male; mean follow-up=15 months) 3 died (rejection and sepsis) without neurological symptoms. Neurologic complications occurred in 4 Ch and 5 NCh patients. Two Ch patients had skin and myocardial Chagas ' reactivation successfully treated, without CNS involvement. NPS perf ormance and return to work rates were similar in both groups. Conclusi ons - Although Ch patients are potentially at a higher risk of Trypano soma cruzi reactivation, in addition to all known neurologic complicat ions of OHT, early neurologic complications detected in this sample we re similar in Ch and NCh patients and could not be specifically relate d to Chagas' disease.