Immunosuppressive protocols after laryngeal transplantation: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Surgery
• Immunology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Larynx transplantation aims for voice, feeding, and breathing rehabilitation.
• Four successful human larynx transplantations have been documented since 1998.
• This review details immunosuppressive protocols for larynx allotransplantation.

Approach:

• Systematic literature review of PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases.
• Inclusion criteria focused on actual human larynx transplantations.
• Analysis of 8 publications detailing 3 human larynx transplant cases (1998, 2010, 2015).

Key Points:

• Detailed immunosuppression protocols, including induction and maintenance strategies.
• Rejection monitoring and graft follow-up information were analyzed.
• The study highlights the evolution of immunosuppressive regimens and organ viability monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Larynx transplantation is a viable procedure with outcomes comparable to other solid organ transplants.
• Surgical expertise and advanced immunosuppression are key to successful larynx allotransplantation.
• Careful management of immunosuppression is essential due to the larynx's immunogenic nature.