Lyndsay A. Harshman

Background There have been over 51 000 pediatric solid organ transplants since 1988 in the United States alone, leading to a growing population of long‐term survivors who face complications of childhood organ failure and long‐term immunosuppression. Aims This is an educational review of existing literature. Results Pediatric solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for risk for cardiovascular and kidney disease, skin cancers, and growth problems, though the severity of impact may vary by organ type. Pediatric recipients often are able to complete schooling, maintain a job, and form family and social networks in adulthood, though at somewhat lower rates than the general population, but face additional challenges related to neurocognitive deficits, mental health disorders, and discrimination. Conclusions Transplant centers and research programs should expand their focus to include long‐term well‐being. Increased collaboration between pediatric and adult transplant specialists will be necessary to better understand and manage long‐term complications.

Background Antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) is a major cause of kidney allograft loss. There is a paucity of large‐scale pediatric‐specific data regarding AMR treatment outcomes. Methods Data were obtained from 14 centers within the Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium. Kidney transplant recipients aged 1–18 years at transplant with biopsy‐proven AMR between 2009 and 2019 and at least 12 months of follow‐up were included. The primary outcome was graft failure or an eGFR <20 mL/min/1.73 m 2 at 12 months following AMR treatment. AMR treatment choice, histopathology, and DSA class were also examined. Results We reviewed 123 AMR episodes. Median age at diagnosis was 15 years at a median 22 months post‐transplant. The primary outcome developed in 27.6%. eGFR <30 m/min/1.73 m 2 at AMR diagnosis was associated with a 5.6‐fold higher risk of reaching the composite outcome. There were no significant differences in outcome by treatment modality. Histopathology scores and DSA class at time of AMR diagnosis were not significantly associated with the primary outcome. Conclusions In this large cohort of pediatric kidney transplant recipients with AMR, nearly one‐third of patients experienced graft failure or significant graft dysfunction within 12 months of diagnosis. Poor graft function at time of diagnosis was associated with higher odds of graft failure.