Transplant allograft loss in the adolescent patient

The case of an adolescent transplant recipient who lost her allograft as a result of medication noncompliance serves as the focus of this multidisciplinary review. The discussion that follows includes (1) a review of current graft survival data for adolescent renal transplant recipients with particular attention to the occurrence of medication noncompliance in this patient population, (2) an overview of normal growth and development as it applies to the adolescent patient with chronic disease, and (3) proven treatment strategies with emphasis on the needs of the adolescent transplant patient. The discussion is intended to provide the reader with a greater understanding and appreciation of developmental issues that influence adolescent behavior and, in turn, impact medical care. It is also hoped that the information provided will be used by health care providers to promote adherence to a chronic medical regimen on behalf of the adolescent transplant recipient.