Substance use screening in transplant populations: Recommendations from a consensus workgroup.

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Transplant recipients often require medications with dependence potential or have a history of substance use disorders.
• Managing substance use in transplant patients is critical for post-transplant outcomes and long-term graft survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish recommendations for drug testing protocols in transplant patients.
• To address the complexities of substance use disorders in the context of organ transplantation.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary workgroup reviewed existing literature on drug testing, legal/ethical considerations, and financial issues.
• Group discussions were held to develop consensus on best practices for screening and monitoring transplant candidates and recipients.

Main Results:

• Drug testing should be implemented for transplant patients, including pre-transplant screening and ongoing testing based on clinical history.
• Awareness of patient substance use is vital, even if it doesn't preclude transplantation, to manage risks.

Conclusions:

• Informed consent and pre-transplant screening for substance use are recommended for all transplant candidates.
• Ongoing drug testing and careful monitoring are essential for transplant patients with a history or risk of substance use disorders to optimize post-transplant care.