Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
Evidence- and Consensus-based European Guideline for Immunosuppressive Therapy After Pediatric Kidney Transplantation
Anna Grünewald1, Thurid Ahlenstiel-Grunow1, Zainab Arslan2
1Department of Pediatrics II, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany.
Insights
This guideline offers updated recommendations for immunosuppressive therapy in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. It addresses variable international practices and aims to improve patient and graft survival through evidence-based strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Immunosuppression Therapy
Background:
- Limited evidence exists for immunosuppressive therapy in pediatric kidney transplant recipients, leading to variable international practices.
- Current clinical practice recommendations for individualized immunosuppression are often not implemented, potentially impacting patient and graft survival.
- Lack of standardized protocols necessitates updated guidelines for optimal post-transplant care in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence- and consensus-based recommendations for immunosuppressive therapy in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
- To standardize and improve the implementation of immunosuppressive strategies in pediatric kidney transplantation.
- To enhance patient and renal allograft survival through optimized immunosuppression protocols.
Main Methods:
- Development of a guideline between January 2024 and December 2025.
- Adherence to the Guidance Manual of the German Association of Scientific Medical Societies.
- Collaboration between multiple German and international pediatric nephrology, nephrology, transplantation, and pediatrics societies.
Main Results:
- The guideline presents up-to-date, state-of-the-art recommendations for immunosuppressive therapy post-kidney transplantation in pediatric patients.
- It is founded on the best available evidence and expert consensus from relevant medical societies.
- Provides a framework for individualized immunosuppressive strategies tailored to pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
Conclusions:
- Formal consensus was achieved, particularly crucial for areas with weak or inconclusive evidence.
- The guideline emphasizes expert opinion where evidence is limited, ensuring comprehensive recommendations.
- Aims to guide clinical practice towards improved outcomes in pediatric kidney transplantation.
Background:
There is a lack of robust evidence regarding immunosuppressive therapy in children and adolescents after kidney transplantation (KTx), and as such, international practice is highly variable. Recent clinical practice recommendations advocating individualized immunosuppressive strategies that incorporate newer agents are often not implemented. This can potentially contribute to reduced patient and renal allograft survival.
Methods:
The guideline was developed between January 1, 2024, and December 12, 2025, according to the Guidance Manual of the German Association of Scientific Medical Societies by the German Societies for Pediatric Nephrology, Nephrology, Transplantation, and Pediatrics, the German Kidney Association, the International Pediatric Transplant Association, the European Society for Pediatric Nephrology and the Members of the Cooperative European Pediatric Renal Transplant Initiative.
Results:
This evidence- and consensus-based guideline provides up-to-date, state-of-the-art recommendations for immunosuppressive therapy after KTx in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. It is based on the best available evidence and the consensus of the relevant German Medical Societies, Members of the Cooperative European Paediatric Renal Transplant Initiative, and the working group on transplantation of the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology, and the International Pediatric Transplant Association.
Conclusions:
The formal consensus reached is particularly significant in cases of weak or inconclusive evidence and where recommendations are based solely on expert opinion.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction
