Transitioning from pediatric to adult care after thoracic transplantation

International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Guidelines for the Evaluation and Care of Cardiac Transplant Candidates-2024

The "International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Guidelines for the Evaluation and Care of Cardiac Transplant Candidates-2024" updates and replaces the "Listing Criteria for Heart Transplantation: International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Guidelines for the Care of Cardiac Transplant Candidates-2006" and the "2016 International Society for Heart Lung Transplantation Listing Criteria for Heart Transplantation: A 10-year Update." The document aims to provide tools to help integrate the numerous variables involved in evaluating patients for transplantation, emphasizing updating the collaborative treatment while waiting for a transplant. There have been significant practice-changing developments in the care of heart transplant recipients since the publication of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) guidelines in 2006 and the 10-year update in 2016. The changes pertain to 3 aspects of heart transplantation: (1) patient selection criteria, (2) care of selected patient populations, and (3) durable mechanical support. To address these issues, 3 task forces were assembled. Each task force was cochaired by a pediatric heart transplant physician with the specific mandate to highlight issues unique to the pediatric heart transplant population and ensure their adequate representation. This guideline was harmonized with other ISHLT guidelines published through November 2023. The 2024 ISHLT guidelines for the evaluation and care of cardiac transplant candidates provide recommendations based on contemporary scientific evidence and patient management flow diagrams. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association modular knowledge chunk format has been implemented, allowing guideline information to be grouped into discrete packages (or modules) of information on a disease-specific topic or management issue. Aiming to improve the quality of care for heart transplant candidates, the recommendations present an evidence-based approach.

Long-term outcomes for pediatric heart transplant recipients transitioning to adult care teams

BACKGROUND

There are limited data evaluating the success of a structured transition plan specifically for pediatric heart transplant (HT) recipients following their transfer of care to an adult specialist. We sought to identify risk factors for poor adherence, graft failure, and mortality following the transfer of care to adult HT care teams.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent transition from the pediatric to adult HT program at our center between January 2011 and June 2021. Demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and psychosocial history were collected at the time of HT, the time of transition, and the most recent follow-up. Adverse events including mortality, graft rejection, infection, and renal function were also captured before and after the transition.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients were identified (54.1% male, 54.2% Caucasian). Mean age at the time of transition was 23 years after a median of 11.6 years in the pediatric program. The use of calcineurin inhibitors was associated with reduced mortality (HR .04, 95% CI .0-.6, p = .015), while prior psychiatric hospitalization (HR 45.3, 95% CI, 6.144-333.9, p = .0001) was associated with increased mortality following transition. Medication nonadherence and young age at the time of transition were markers for high-risk individuals prior to the transition of care.

CONCLUSIONS

Transition of HT recipients from a pediatric program to an adult program occurs during a vulnerable time of emerging adulthood, and we have identified risk factors for mortality following transition. Development of a formalized transition plan with a large multidisciplinary team with focused attention on high-risk patients, including those with psychiatric comorbidities, may favorably influence outcomes.

'My Transplanted Self': Adolescent recipients' experience of post-traumatic growth following thoracic transplantation

BACKGROUND

Despite heart and lung transplantation being life-saving therapies for children and adolescents, little research has focused on recipients' lived experience post-transplant. This study captures the subjective experiences of adolescent thoracic transplant recipients, providing insight into the impact of life changes following transplantation in this population.

METHODS

A grounded theory approach guided an iterative process of data collection and data analysis. Adolescent heart and lung transplant recipients were recruited from a large Canadian pediatric teaching hospital to participate in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Analysis using line-by-line coding and constant comparison methods facilitated reflection and agreement on categories and emergent themes.

RESULTS

A total of 27 heart and 5 lung transplant recipients (66% female) participated at a median age of 15.9 years and a median time post-transplant of 2.7 years. Participant narratives illuminated three themes describing (1) personal growth - an awareness of personal strengths and coping abilities, (2) relationship growth - a greater appreciation for family and friends, and (3) introspective growth - a developing life philosophy. Findings suggest that adolescents experience an emergent 'transplanted self', positioning thoracic transplantation as a potential catalyst for positive growth and personal change.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings describe pediatric thoracic transplantation as potentially transformative in nature and sheds light on the application of post-traumatic growth theory. Practitioners and researchers are encouraged to acknowledge the possibility of growth, transformation, and positive change that may be possible within the adolescent thoracic transplant experience and leverage such strengths in clinical care.

Consensus document for the selection of lung transplant candidates: An update from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation

Tens of thousands of patients with advanced lung diseases may be eligible to be considered as potential candidates for lung transplant around the world each year. The timing of referral, evaluation, determination of candidacy, and listing of candidates continues to pose challenges and even ethical dilemmas. To address these challenges, the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation appointed an international group of members to review the literature, to consider recent advances in the management of advanced lung diseases, and to update prior consensus documents on the selection of lung transplant candidates. The purpose of this updated consensus document is to assist providers throughout the world who are caring for patients with pulmonary disease to identify potential candidates for lung transplant, to optimize the timing of the referral of these patients to lung transplant centers, and to provide transplant centers with a framework for evaluating and selecting candidates. In addition to addressing general considerations and providing disease specific recommendations for referral and listing, this updated consensus document includes an ethical framework, a recognition of the variability in acceptance of risk between transplant centers, and establishes a system to account for how a combination of risk factors may be taken into consideration in candidate selection for lung transplantation.

Quality of life and patient satisfaction with outpatient care after heart transplantation in adult and pediatric patients - room for improvement?

Reduced adherence after heart transplantation increases the risk for acute rejection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the patient's satisfaction with outpatient care and quality of life (QOL) after pediatric and adult heart transplantation. Observational study after pediatric (n = 22) and adult (n = 65) heart transplantation and the parents of the pediatric patients (n = 22) to evaluate the patients' satisfaction with outpatient care and QOL. Established standardized questionnaires were used for patient satisfaction (ZAP survey) and QOL (SF36); the latter was compared with the cohort of the BGS98 survey (BGS98 cohort). ZAP score: excellent results with almost all values >80. QOL: pediatric cohort showed significantly higher values in physical functioning (P = 0.041) and role physical (P = 0.003) but significantly lower values in the sub-scale general health (P = 0.02) compared to adult cohort. In comparison with BGS98 cohort, children showed almost similar results, whereas adult cohort showed worse values in physical and emotional functioning, but higher values regarding general health. The QOL of patients after pediatric heart transplantation is comparable to a standardized reference population in Germany, whereas adult patients show reduced physical and emotional functioning, but better values regarding general health. The patients' satisfaction with the outpatient care is very high.

Loss to Follow-up in Adolescent and Young Adult Renal Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Patients' loss to follow-up (LFU) has significant impacts on outcomes and is a barrier to improving care, especially in adolescent and young adult (AYA) renal transplant recipients. There is limited information regarding the relationship between transfer of care from pediatric to adult transplant centers, age, and LFU among AYA renal transplant recipients.

METHODS

We studied 16 386 individuals aged 10-29 years who received kidney transplants between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015 using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. The primary outcome was LFU, which was defined as >1 year without follow-up in a transplant clinic/program. Death or graft failure within a year of the last follow-up was not classified as LFU. We performed a retrospective cohort study describing LFU using Pearson's chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the change in likelihood of LFU associated with recipient characteristics and institution transfer.

RESULTS

In total, 22.26% (n = 3647) of our study population met criteria for LFU. About 11.17% (n = 1830) transferred institutions during the study period. LFU occurred in 50.18% of recipients who transferred institutions. LFU peaked at the age of 20 years, with 7.4% of 20-year-olds having LFU. The odds of LFU among renal transplant recipients who transferred institutions were 3.36 times greater (95% confidence interval, 3.1-3.6) than the odds of LFU among those who did not transfer institutions.

CONCLUSIONS

LFU is a critical problem faced by AYA renal transplant recipients, and institution transfer is a significant risk factor for LFU. Additional studies investigating the interplay between age, institution transfer, and LFU in the AYA population are still needed.

Preparing for transition: The effects of a structured transition program on adolescent heart transplant patients' adherence and transplant knowledge

Transition to adult health care has become a mainstream focus in pediatric health care as a higher percentage of patients are surviving into adulthood. This study investigated the success of a structured educational transition program in improving pediatric heart transplant patients' overall medical knowledge, medication adherence, readiness to transition, as well as parental perceptions of their child's readiness to transition to aid in the successful transition to an adult heart transplant program. Patients underwent a structured transition program over 2 years that included a total of seven 2-hour educational sessions hosted quarterly. This study comprised of a retrospective review of 12 heart transplant patients between the ages of 16-22 years. Test results indicated a statistically significant increase in overall medical knowledge scores from presession assessment compared to post-session assessment. Participants remained confident in their ability to transition throughout the program. Further, a statistically significant decrease in participant non-adherence was observed, as percentage of calcineurin inhibitor levels determined to be out of range decreased over the course of the program. Results suggest that a structured transition program is effective in improving overall patient medical knowledge in relation to their heart transplant and enhancing patient medication adherence. To effectively facilitate transition, pediatric providers, caregivers, and patients must communicate to provide a purposeful planned transition experience from pediatric to adult health care.

Pediatric Heart Transplantation: Transitioning to Adult Care (TRANSIT): Feasibility of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Young-adult heart transplant recipients transferring to adult care are at risk for poor health outcomes. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to determine the feasibility of and to test a transition intervention for young adults who underwent heart transplantation as children and then transferred to adult care.

METHODS

Participants were randomized to the transition intervention (4 months long, focused on heart-transplant knowledge, self-care, self-advocacy, and social support) or usual care. Self-report questionnaires and medical records data were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months after the initial adult clinic visit. Longitudinal analyses comparing outcomes over time were performed using generalized estimating equations and linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Transfer to adult care was successful and feasible (ie, excellent participation rates). The average patient standard deviation of mean tacrolimus levels was similar over time in both study arms and < 2.5, indicating adequate adherence. There were no between-group or within-group differences in percentage of tacrolimus bioassays within target range (> 50%). Average overall adherence to treatment was similarly good in both groups. Rates of appointment keeping through 6 months after transfer declined over time in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The feasibility of the study was demonstrated. Our transition intervention did not improve outcomes.

Quality of life in adult survivors after paediatric heart transplantation in Australia

BACKGROUND

Paediatric heart transplantation in Australia is centralised at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Survival to adulthood is improving but the ongoing need for complex medical therapy, surveillance, and potential for late complications continues to impact on quality of life. Quality of life in adults who underwent heart transplantation in childhood in Australia has not been assessed.

METHODS

Cross-sectional quality of life data were collected from paediatric heart transplant survivors >18 years of age using Rand 36-Item Health Survey. Self-reported raw scores were transformed to a 0-100 scale with higher scores indicating better quality of life. Mean scores were compared to National Health Survey Short Form-36 Population Norms data using the independent sample t-test.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients (64/151) who underwent transplantation at The Royal Children's Hospital between 1988 and 2016 survived to adulthood. In total 51 patients (51/64, 80%) were alive at the time of the study and 27 (53%) responded with a mean age of 25 ± 6 years, being a median of 11 years (interquartile range 7-19) post-transplantation. Most self-reported quality of life subscale scores were not significantly different from the Australian normative population data. However, self-reported 'General Health' was significantly worse than normative data (p = 0.02). Overall, 93% (25/27) reported their general health as being the same or better compared to 1-year ago.

CONCLUSION

Adult survivors after paediatric heart transplantation in Australia report good quality of life in multiple domains and demonstrate independence in activities of daily living and employment. However, lifelong medical treatment may affect perceptions of general health.

Pediatric heart transplantation: long-term outcomes

Pediatric heart transplant has become the standard of care for end-stage heart disease in children throughout the world. The number of transplants has grown dramatically since the first transplant was performed, and over the last two decades, outcomes have consistently improved with progression in knowledge enhancing the clinical course and outcomes of these patients. Short-term outcomes in the most recent era have been excellent resulting in a renewed focus towards medium- and long-term outcomes. This article will review the most up-to-date literature on overall heart transplantation outcomes and specific long-term outcomes including rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, graft failure, infection, renal dysfunction, malignancy, and the need for re-transplantation. The article also explores the post-transplantation outcomes of special populations, including Fontan patients, ABO-incompatible recipients, sensitized recipients, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and ventricular assist devices. The article concludes with a look at transition from pediatric to adult care and medication adherence, which are becoming major issues related to long-term outcomes as post-transplant survival increases.

Pediatric heart transplantation at adult-specialty centers in the United States: A multicenter registry analysis

Recent Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network bylaw revisions mandate that US transplant programs have an "approved pediatric component" in order to perform heart transplantation (HT) in patients <18 years old. The impact of this change on adolescents, a group known to be at high risk for graft loss and nonadherence, is unknown. We studied all US primary pediatric (age <18 years) HT from 2000 to 2015 to compare graft survival between centers organized mainly for adult versus pediatric care. Centers were designated as pediatric- or adult-specialty care according to the ratio of pediatric:adult HT performed and minimum age of HT (pediatric-specialty defined as ratio>0.7; adult-specialty ratio<0.05 and minimum age >8 years). In propensity score-matched cohorts, we observed no difference in graft loss by center type (median survival: adult 12.4 years vs pediatric 9.2 years, P = .174). Compared to the matched pediatric cohort, adult-specialty center recipients lived closer to their transplant center (31 vs 45 miles, P = .012), and trended toward fewer out-of-state transplants (15 vs 25%, P = .082). Our data suggest that select adolescents can achieve similar midterm graft survival at centers organized primarily for adult HT care. Regardless of post-HT setting, the development of care models that demonstrably improve adherence may be of greatest benefit to improving survival of this high-risk population.

Current state of pediatric cardiac transplantation

Pediatric heart transplantation is standard of care for children with end-stage heart failure. The diverse age range, diagnoses, and practice variations continue to challenge the development of evidence-based practices and new technologies. Outcomes in the most recent era are excellent, especially with the more widespread use of ventricular assist devices (VADs). Waitlist mortality remains high and knowledge of risk factors for death while waiting and following transplantation contributes to decision-making around transplant candidacy and timing of listing. The biggest gap impacting both waitlist and overall survival remains mechanical support options for infants and patients with single ventricle physiology. Though acute rejection has decreased progressively, both diagnosis and management of antibody-mediated rejection has become increasingly challenging and complex, as has the ability to understand the implication of anti-HLA antibodies detected both pre- and post-transplantation-including when and how to intervene. Trends in immunosuppression protocols include more use of induction therapy and steroid avoidance or withdrawal protocols. Common long-term morbidities include renal insufficiency, which can be mitigated with surveillance and renal-sparing strategies, and infections. Functional outcomes are excellent, but significant psychosocial challenges exist in relation to neurodevelopment, non-adherence, and transition from child-centered to adult-centered care. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains a barrier to long-term survival, though it is more apparent that objective evidence of an impact on the allograft is important with regards to impact on outcomes. Retransplantation is rare in pediatric heart transplant recipients. Pediatric heart transplantation continues to evolve in order to address the challenges of the diverse group of patients that reach end-stage heart failure during childhood.

Health Insurance Coverage among Young Adult Survivors of Pediatric Heart Transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To describe the change in health insurance after heart transplantation among adolescents, and characterize the implications of this change for long-term transplant outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients age 15-18 years receiving first-time heart transplantation between 1999 and 2011 were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing registry and included in the analysis if they survived at least 5 years. The primary exposure was change or continuity of health insurance coverage between the time of transplant and the 5-year follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between insurance status change and long-term (>5 years) patient and graft survival.

RESULTS

The analysis included 366 patients (age 16 ± 1 years at transplant), of whom 205 (56%) had continuous private insurance; 96 (26%) had continuous public insurance; and 65 (18%) had a change in insurance status. In stepwise multivariable Cox regression, change in insurance status was associated with greater mortality hazard, compared with continuous private insurance (hazard ratio = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.2; P = .016), whereas long-term patient and graft survival did not differ between patients with continuous public and continuous private insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuity of insurance coverage is associated with improved long-term clinical outcomes among adolescent heart transplant recipients who survive into adulthood.