Review: outcomes of transplant candidates with psychotic disorders

Transplantation in candidates with psychotic disorders has been a controversial topic for over 40 years. Reviewing the outcomes of these candidates may inform decisions going forward, though it is unclear whether outcomes with kidney recipients is generalizable to other organs, which are life-sparing not mainly life-enhancing.

Outcomes in recipients with psychotic disorders after kidney transplants were described in three studies. Outcomes with heart, lung, pancreas, and small bowel or multivisceral transplants is sparse to nonexistent. There were 26 cases and 8 case series published, mostly highly selected patients, with small sample size, and the majority had less than 3-year follow-up. Guidelines were proposed for this population based on a survey of 12 centers.

More systematic study is needed on the risks and barriers to transplantation in these candidates. More data is needed regarding outcomes in those recipients with life-sparing transplants for whom there is not a rescue plan in case the graft is lost. Candidates should be evaluated on an individual basis based on known risk factors in accordance with the ethical principles of beneficence, justice, and utility in the face of scarce resources.