Substance use and solid organ transplantation in adolescents and young adults: Current findings and implications

Understanding the role of substance use is important in the equitable allocation of solid organs and may present an opportunity for improving outcomes among substance users who receive transplants. This scoping review presents findings related to substance use among pediatric and young adult transplant populations and suggests future directions.

A scoping review was conducted seeking studies related to substance use in pediatric and young adult transplant populations under the age of 39 years. Studies were deemed eligible if they collected data or addressed policy concerns and participants' mean age was below 39 years.

Twenty-nine studies were identified as eligible for this review. Overall, policies around substance use are largely inconsistent throughout both pediatric and adult transplant centers. Findings indicated that substance use among pediatric and young adult transplant recipients is similar to or lower than healthy peers. Few studies addressed marijuana use and opioid misuse, among other substances.

There is a general dearth of research on substance use in this population. The current findings suggest that substance use, although relatively less common, affects eligibility for transplant, may lead to poor outcomes, and affects medication adherence. Inconsistent substance use policies in transplant centers have the potential to result in bias. However, more research is needed on the effects of substance use among pediatric and young adult transplant candidates and recipients as well as on equitable policies for organ allocation for individuals who use substances.