Limitations
This investigation is limited by the retrospective nature, as well as
small sample size of PTx and KPTx recipients specific to CABG. Given the
small proportion of the population who undergo transplantation in
general, this is a common theme within transplant literature. The lack
of in-hospital mortality for PTx and KPTx limited our ability to compare
trends in similar research. NIS data lacks detailed information about
costs during hospital stay, so the reason for increased costs in PTx
recipients cannot be determined. Additionally, NIS data does not permit
longitudinal follow-up to evaluate subsequent readmissions or
hospitalizations on patient or graft outcomes. Finally, the database
does not include patient creatinine, GFR, or immunosuppressive regimens,
which may influence perioperative risk.