Pediatric heart transplantation: Current status and perspectives

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

• Heart transplantation (HT) is the primary treatment for pediatric end-stage heart disease.
• Significant advancements in HT since 1967 have led to increased transplant numbers and improved survival rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of pediatric heart transplantation.
• To analyze epidemiology, ventricular assist device use, transplant numbers, and outcomes.
• To discuss pre-transplant issues, donor shortages, and innovative strategies like xenotransplantation.

Main Methods:

• Review of current pediatric heart failure epidemiology.
• Analysis of ventricular assist device and heart transplant statistics.
• Discussion of pre- and post-transplant management, including multidisciplinary teams and novel donor sources.

Main Results:

• Pediatric heart transplantation outcomes have improved over time.
• Key post-transplant considerations include immunosuppression, patient transition, and adherence.
• Telemedicine is emerging as a valuable tool for patient surveillance.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric heart transplantation is an established and effective treatment for end-stage heart disease.
• Advances in research and innovation are enhancing patient quality of life and life expectancy.
• Future innovations hold promise for further improving care for pediatric HT patients.