Related Experiment Videos
[Viral infections in children with kidney or heart transplants]
G Gentile1, L Dello Strologo, F Parisi
1Università degli Studi di Roma, La Sapienza, Dipartimento di Biopatologia Umana, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù di Roma.
Insights
New immunosuppression protocols, including cyclosporine, reduce infections in pediatric transplant recipients. However, viral infections remain a significant cause of illness and death, necessitating updated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric transplantation
- Immunology
- Infectious diseases
Context:
- Advances in immunosuppression, notably cyclosporine, have decreased infectious complications in pediatric transplant patients.
- Despite improvements, infections persist as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.
Purpose:
- To review common viral infections in pediatric transplant recipients based on the affected organ system and time post-transplant.
- To outline current diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches for these infections.
Summary:
- This study categorizes key viral infections in pediatric transplant recipients.
- It correlates infection types with the time elapsed since transplantation and the involved organ system.
- Diagnostic techniques and initial therapeutic interventions are discussed.
Impact:
- Provides a framework for understanding and managing viral infections in pediatric transplant recipients.
- Highlights the ongoing challenge of infections despite advances in immunosuppressive therapy.
- Aims to improve patient outcomes through timely diagnosis and treatment.
Abstract:
The introduction of new protocols of immune suppression and especially the use of cyclosporine have led to a marked reduction of infective pathology in children receiving transplants. Nevertheless, infections still represent a major factor of morbidity and mortality in these patients. The above study lists the main viral infections, according to apparatus involved, that may arise, also with reference to the time elapsed since transplantation. The most up-to-date diagnostic possibilities for each infection are reviewed together with some indications on therapy which may subsequently be examined in greater detail.