Psychosocial functioning of pediatric renal and liver transplant recipients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Transplant Medicine
• Child Psychiatry

Background:

• Solid organ transplantation is a life-saving intervention for children.
• Assessing psychosocial functioning in pediatric transplant recipients is crucial for holistic care.
• Previous research indicates potential challenges in child adjustment post-transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine child- and parent-reported psychosocial functioning in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients.
• To compare psychosocial functioning between deceased and living donor organ recipients.
• To identify discrepancies in reporting between children and their parents regarding psychosocial difficulties.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 64 children who received kidney or liver transplantation was recruited.
• Parents of these children completed the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC).
• Child and parent reports of psychosocial functioning were analyzed and compared to normative data.

Main Results:

• Children reported significantly fewer psychosocial difficulties than the normative average.
• Parents reported some psychosocial difficulties, particularly internalizing problems in their children.
• No significant differences in psychosocial functioning were found between deceased and living donor organ recipients.

Conclusions:

• A notable discrepancy exists between child and parent reports of psychosocial functioning post-transplantation.
• Children may underreport, or parents may overreport, psychosocial difficulties in this population.
• Clinicians and researchers should utilize multi-informant assessments for comprehensive evaluation of pediatric transplant recipients.