Pre‐Transplant Immunophenotyping in Pediatric Heart Transplant: A Role for the Immunologist?

• DOI: 10.1111/petr.70052
• Publication Date: 2025-02-26T05:45:08Z
• Authors: Lauren Gunderman; Nicola Lancki; Brian Madden; Aisha Ahmed
• Keywords: Immunosuppression; Immunophenotyping

Pediatric heart transplant recipients are at risk for complications from prolonged exposure to immunosuppressive drugs, possibly worsened due over-immune suppression in patients with pre-existing immune abnormalities. This was a retrospective, single-center pediatric cohort study and review of baseline evaluation referred transplant. Referrals included were January 1, 2021, June 31, 2022. Fifty-one during the time period median age 5 years (ranging 1 month-20 years). Twenty-seven total transplanted. Given lack standardized evaluation, results focused on lymphocyte quantitation, functional testing when available, T-cell subsets. Outcome measures number infections episodes rejection requiring treatment. In total, 44.4% experienced rejection, mean first 12 months post-heart 2.1 (range 0-7 infections). Baseline showed general T B cell lymphopenia, without clear connection between outcome differences or small demonstrated some function prior but inadequately powered draw conclusions about effects immunosuppression post-transplant outcomes.