Simultaneous heart and kidney transplantation: a report of three cases and review of the literature.

Three cases of combined heart and kidney transplantation are presented. All three patients suffered from end-stage kidney disease, one chronic glomerulonephritis, two diabetic nephropathy. Ages of the patients were 22, 30, and 39 years, respectively. Two of the patients had the diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and the third had ischemic heart disease. Patient follow-up is from 6 to 30 months. None of the patients have had a heart rejection and only one has had a kidney rejection. Cardiac and renal function remain excellent in all three patients. Glomerular filtration rates range from 53 to 77 ml/min. These three cases are compared with other reported cases in the literature. Combined heart and kidney transplantation may be of benefit in selected persons.