Supporting Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse Youth During Solid Organ Transplantation

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Transplant Surgery
• Pediatric Care

Background:

• Increasing recognition and acceptance of gender diversity necessitate adapted medical practices.
• Pediatric solid-organ transplant (SOT) programs are increasingly encountering gender diverse patients.
• Current medical guidelines lack specific recommendations for gender-affirming care in SOT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize principles of gender-affirming care for pediatric SOT recipients.
• To guide transplant teams in providing equitable and affirming care.
• To explore specific considerations for gender-affirming interventions within SOT.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of gender-affirming care principles.
• Analysis of SOT protocols and guidelines.
• Case study framework using kidney transplantation.

Main Results:

• Gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgery require careful management alongside SOT.
• Laboratory values in gender diverse individuals may be influenced by hormone therapy.
• Individualized care plans are crucial for successful SOT outcomes in gender diverse youth.

Conclusions:

• Transplant teams need education on gender-affirming care to support pediatric SOT recipients.
• Integrating gender-affirming practices ensures comprehensive and equitable care.
• An individualized, multidisciplinary approach optimizes outcomes for gender diverse transplant patients.