These researchers performed a retrospective analysis of all New Zealand heart transplant recipients over a 25-year period (from December 1987 to December 2012) to compare access to and outcomes following heart transplantation between Māori and non-Māori. Of 253 patients transplanted, 176 (69%) were European, 47 Māori (19%) and 30 (12%) of other ethnicities. Demographics were similar between Māori and non-Māori for median age (both 46 years), gender (17% vs 21% female), time on waiting list (90 vs 76 days) and diagnosis (dilated cardiomyopathy: 62% vs 58%). Māori were heavier (median 81 vs 71 kg; p<0.0001) and more were blood group A (58% vs 39%). Five-year survival was similar (79% vs 78%) but 10-year survival was significantly reduced in Māori (54% vs 67%; p=0.02).
