Pediatric transplantation: An international perspective

Abstract

The international practice of transplant in the pediatric population is heterogenous. Global trends in pediatric transplant activity are increasing, with diffusion of transplant activities into developing and emerging economies. There have been impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic which have in the earlier part of the pandemic caused a decrease in the number of transplants. While deceased donor programs are well established in advanced economies, emerging and developing countries rely heavily on live donor programs. Prioritization of organs for children exists in different forms throughout the world. Pediatric transplantation as a sub-specialty is young but growing around the world with a need to train surgeons and physicians in this discipline. Outreach efforts with multi-national and multi-institutional partnerships have enabled resource poor countries to establish new transplant programs for children. Further international collaboration, good quality data collection and audit, prospective research and ongoing mentorship and education are needed to further improve outcomes of all children receiving solid organ transplants.