Management of Cardiac Transplantation Patients

Pediatric heart transplantation has been performed since the 1980s. Since then, heart transplantation has made a great impact on the lives of youngsters suffering from end-stage heart failure. Many developments have occurred in the administration of immunosuppression, renal protection, and bridging methods. However, there is worldwide research ongoing to identify, mitigate, and prevent long-term post-transplant problems such as coronary vasculopathies, rejection, and renal failure. The paucity of pediatric heart transplantation makes randomized controlled trials very difficult, therefore the strength of evidence is low and many variable protocols are being used with some success in different centers. The following guidance is based on the guideline document developed for the Western Canadian Children’s Heart Network at the Stollery Children’s Hospital/University of Alberta with contributions of many specialists in transplantation and associated specialties.