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Published on: November 10, 2023
Chronic respiratory complications in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Biju Thomas1, Julie G Flet, Rajendran Shyam
1Regional Cardiothoracic Centre, Freeman Hospital, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Insights
Chronic respiratory complications affect 50% of pediatric heart transplant recipients, including bronchiectasis and infections. Long-term follow-up by specialists is crucial for managing these common issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic respiratory complications in pediatric heart transplant recipients are not well-documented.
- Understanding these complications is vital for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the spectrum and frequency of chronic respiratory complications in pediatric heart transplant recipients.
- To identify factors associated with these complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records from 126 pediatric heart transplant recipients.
- Data collected on transplant details, follow-up duration, and respiratory outcomes.
Main Results:
- 50% of patients experienced chronic respiratory complications.
- Bronchiectasis (10 children) and recurrent infections (12 children) were common.
- Obstructive sleep apnea, sub-glottic stenosis, and small airways disease were also observed.
Conclusions:
- Chronic respiratory complications are frequent in pediatric heart transplant recipients.
- While prognosis is generally good, specialized long-term follow-up is essential.
- Collaboration between pediatric pulmonologists and immunologists is recommended.
Background:
The frequency and spectrum of chronic respiratory complications in pediatric heart transplant recipients have not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to describe the chronic respiratory complications in 126 consecutive pediatric heart transplant recipients.
Methods:
Retrospective review of medical records.
Results:
Between 1987 and 2005, 126 (64 males and 62 females) heart transplantations were performed at Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. The median age at transplantation was 7.4 years (range, 0.1-17) and the median length of follow-up was 6.8 years (range, 0-18.2). Twenty-four patients have died, and 36 have been transferred to adult follow-up, leaving 66 under pediatric follow-up. Chronic respiratory complications have been documented in 33 children (50%). Bronchiectasis has been identified in 10 children, and 12 further children have had recurrent lower respiratory tract infections (without bronchiectasis) requiring long-term antibiotic prophylaxis. Of those with infectious complications, 81% underwent transplantation before 4 years and had deficiency of pneumococcal-specific antibody response. Obstructive sleep apnea has occurred in 5 children, sub-glottic stenosis has occurred in 3, and significant compression of the left main stem bronchus related to a disproportionately large donor heart has occurred in 2. One child had marked mosaic attenuation on chest computed tomography scan indicative of small airways disease.
Conclusion:
Chronic respiratory complications are common in pediatric heart transplant recipients. The respiratory prognosis for this complex group of patients is usually good, but long-term follow-up by both a respiratory pediatrician and an immunologist is frequently required.
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