title: Adverse effects of immunosuppression in pediatric solid organ transplantation.
abstract: Solid organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment for end-stage organ failure in children. Immunosuppressant medications are used to prevent rejection of the organ transplant. However, these medications are associated with significant adverse effects that impact growth and development, quality of life (QOL), and sometimes long-term survival after transplantation. Adverse effects can differ between the immunosuppressants, but many result from the overall state of immunosuppression. Strategies to manage immunosuppressant adverse effects often involve minimizing exposure to the drugs while balancing the risk for rejection. Early recognition of immunosuppressant adverse effects may help to reduce morbidities associated with solid organ transplantation, improve QOL, and possibly increase overall patient survival.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy & Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. schonderks@upmc.edu
authors.forename: Kristine S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Schonder
authors.forename: George V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Mazariegos
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Weber
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development / Q000187:drug effects; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D010372:Pediatrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D019382:Human Growth Hormone