Variation in immunosuppression practices among pediatric liver transplant centers-Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation survey results.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2021
Identifier
DOI: 10.1111/petr.13873
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Variation in IS exists among pediatric liver transplant centers. While individual centers may publish their practice paradigms, current data on practices as a whole are lacking. This study sought to ascertain the IS protocols of pediatric liver transplant centers within the SPLIT to better understand variability and similarities among peer institutions.
METHODS: A 27-item questionnaire was developed within the SPLIT Quality Improvement and Clinical Care Committee. The survey collected data regarding center demographics, IS practices, and treatment of acute cellular rejection.
RESULTS: Twenty-eight (64%) SPLIT centers responded with 22 (79%) centers performing more than 10 transplants per year and 17 (61%) following more than 100 post-transplant recipients. All centers use a written protocol, and 25 (89%) have a dedicated transplant pharmacist/PharmD. Twenty-five (89%) centers use steroids for induction alone or in combination with thymoglobulin/interleukin-2 antibodies. All centers use tacrolimus for initial maintenance therapy. Most centers have specialized protocols for ABO-incompatible transplants, recipients with renal dysfunction, autoimmune liver diseases, and liver tumors. Treatment of rejection varied but was associated with escalation in IS.
CONCLUSION: IS practices among pediatric liver transplant centers are similar including the use of written protocols, pharmacy involvement, steroids for induction, tacrolimus as initial IS, tacrolimus reduction/delay for renal dysfunction, and escalation of IS with rejection severity. However, other IS practices show wide variability including treatment for ABO-incompatible grafts and presumed rejection. This study serves as a foundation to guide prospective research linking IS practice to outcomes to determine best practice.
Journal Title
Pediatric transplantation
Volume
25
Issue
2
First Page
13873
Last Page
13873
Keywords
SPLIT; immunosuppression; liver transplant; pediatric
Recommended Citation
Slowik V, Lerret SM, Lobritto SJ, Voulgarelis S, Vitola BE. Variation in immunosuppression practices among pediatric liver transplant centers-Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation survey results. Pediatr Transplant. 2021;25(2):e13873. doi:10.1111/petr.13873
COinS
