Immunology and failure of valved allografts in children.
Valved allografts are frequently used in the repair of congenital heart defects in children. Although the longevity of these grafts is generally very good, there continue to be ongoing problems with allograft stenosis, allograft valve insufficiency, and subsequent allograft failure, particularly in younger children. This review presents data on the immunologic and nonimmunologic risk factors implicated in valved allograft failure, in addition to ongoing investigation into the improvement of allograft function.
Shaddy
Robert E
RE
Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA. pcrshadd@ihc.com
Hawkins
John A
JA
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000276:immunology; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D015925:Cryopreservation; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D006351:Heart Valves / Q000637:transplantation*; D006648:Histocompatibility / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D014181:Transplantation Immunology; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D006680:HLA Antigens