Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 5, 2025
A Rodent Model of The Ross Operation: Syngeneic Pulmonary Artery Graft Implantation in A Systemic Position
Published on: April 1, 2022
Pediatric heart transplantation: long-term outcomes
Anne I Dipchand1, Jessica A Laks1
1Cardiology and Transplant, Institution: Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8 Canada.
Insights
Pediatric heart transplantation outcomes have improved, with a focus on long-term results like rejection and graft failure. Addressing challenges in special populations and care transition is key for better survival.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Pediatric heart transplantation is a vital treatment for end-stage heart disease in children.
- Significant advancements in knowledge have led to improved clinical courses and outcomes over recent decades.
- Excellent short-term outcomes now shift focus to medium- and long-term results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on pediatric heart transplantation outcomes.
- To analyze specific long-term outcomes such as rejection, graft failure, and infection.
- To explore outcomes in special pediatric populations and critical care settings.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of recent studies on pediatric heart transplantation.
- Analysis of data concerning overall and specific long-term outcomes.
- Examination of outcomes in diverse patient groups and post-transplant care scenarios.
Main Results:
- Short-term outcomes in pediatric heart transplantation are excellent.
- Key long-term concerns include rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, graft failure, infection, renal dysfunction, and malignancy.
- Special populations and critical care interventions present unique post-transplant outcome considerations.
Conclusions:
- Long-term survival in pediatric heart transplantation necessitates ongoing monitoring for complications.
- Transition from pediatric to adult care and medication adherence are critical for sustained outcomes.
- Continued research is essential to further optimize long-term results in this field.
Abstract:
Pediatric heart transplant has become the standard of care for end-stage heart disease in children throughout the world. The number of transplants has grown dramatically since the first transplant was performed, and over the last two decades, outcomes have consistently improved with progression in knowledge enhancing the clinical course and outcomes of these patients. Short-term outcomes in the most recent era have been excellent resulting in a renewed focus towards medium- and long-term outcomes. This article will review the most up-to-date literature on overall heart transplantation outcomes and specific long-term outcomes including rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, graft failure, infection, renal dysfunction, malignancy, and the need for re-transplantation. The article also explores the post-transplantation outcomes of special populations, including Fontan patients, ABO-incompatible recipients, sensitized recipients, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and ventricular assist devices. The article concludes with a look at transition from pediatric to adult care and medication adherence, which are becoming major issues related to long-term outcomes as post-transplant survival increases.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:24Tissue Transplantation
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
01:16Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure