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Solid Organ Transplantation in Children

Life-saving organ replacement for end-stage pediatric disease

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Solid Organ Transplantation in Children?

Pediatric solid organ transplantation is the surgical replacement of a failing organ with a healthy donor organ in children and adolescents.

Indications include congenital anomalies (biliary atresia, congenital heart disease), genetic disorders (cystic fibrosis, primary hyperoxaluria), and acquired diseases (chronic hepatitis, cardiomyopathy).

Donor sources include deceased donors, living-related donors (kidney, liver), and split-liver grafts for size-matching small recipients.

Immunosuppression typically combines calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus), antimetabolites (mycophenolate), and corticosteroids.

Pediatric recipients face unique challenges: growth and development, neurocognitive outcomes, transition to adult care, and long-term medication adherence.

Five-year graft survival now exceeds 80% for most pediatric organ transplants.

Symptoms

Pre-transplant: organ-specific failure signs (jaundice, edema, dyspnea, growth failure)
Recurrent infections from end-stage disease or pre-existing conditions
Encephalopathy or hepatic complications in liver failure
Dialysis-dependence and growth retardation in renal failure
Cyanosis, exercise intolerance, heart failure in cardiac failure
Post-transplant: fever, organ tenderness, lab abnormalities suggesting rejection

Risk Factors

Congenital anomalies (biliary atresia, hypoplastic left heart, polycystic kidney)
Genetic metabolic diseases (urea cycle disorders, organic acidemias)
Failed conservative management of cardiomyopathy or hepatic disease
Recurrent disease post-prior transplant
Tumors of liver or kidney requiring complete organ resection
Severe immunosuppression for malignancy

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • End-stage organ failure should prompt transplant evaluation; early referral improves outcomes.
  • Post-transplant fever, malaise, or organ tenderness mandates immediate transplant team contact.
  • Decreased urine output, jaundice, or breathlessness post-transplant requires emergency evaluation for rejection or infection.
  • Medication non-adherence in adolescents is a leading cause of late graft loss—family and team support is critical.
  • All transplant recipients should have an emergency contact number for the transplant center.

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive pre-transplant evaluation: organ function, infection screening, psychosocial assessment.
02
Surgical transplantation tailored to age, organ size, and recipient anatomy.
03
Induction immunosuppression (basiliximab, antithymocyte globulin) followed by maintenance regimens.
04
Trough-level monitoring of calcineurin inhibitors and dose individualization.
05
Prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii, fungal infections.
06
Treatment of acute rejection with steroid pulses, antibody therapy, or plasma exchange.
07
Routine surveillance: biopsy, imaging, viral PCRs, growth monitoring.
08
Multidisciplinary care: transplant surgeon, organ specialist, infectious disease, psychology, transition coordinator.

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.