Intensive care aspects of organ transplantation in children.
Children will benefit from the increasing availability of transplantation techniques as treatment for end-stage kidney and liver disease. Support of these services will involve the intensivist to as great degree as these children will frequently require invasive monitoring. Hypovolemia in the postoperative period can be devastating to later graft function and must be avoided. The drugs used to induce graft tolerance have significant effects and potential major toxicities. Their use places these children at risk of serious and life-threatening bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan infections. A team effort is essential to the successful care of these children. The demands are great, but the goal of a return of these gravely ill children to a normal and happy life is well worth the effort.
D002648:Child; D003422:Critical Care; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D011182:Postoperative Care
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents