Pediatric heart transplantation is a life-saving treatment, yet is associated with
life-long medical follow-up, including regular clinic visits, frequent blood work,
invasive procedures, and a strict regimen of immunosuppressive therapy.
1
,2
For parents of heart transplant recipients, the burden of complex care can disrupt
family roles and routines, as well as exacerbate existing family stress, especially
given the uncertainty of treatment outcomes.
2
,3
Studies focusing on the acute and long-term effects of pediatric solid organ transplantation
report elevated levels of family stress and mental health symptoms among parents of
recipients.
2
,3
This is concerning because poor parental HRQOL and family functioning can negatively
affect the child’s transplant prognosis.
3
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References
- Long-term outcomes of children after solid organ transplantation.Clinics. 2014; 69: 28-38
- Constantly responsible, constantly worried, constantly blessed: parenting after pediatric heart transplant.Prog Transplant. 2009; 19: 122-127
- A systematic review of parent and family functioning in pediatric solid organ transplant populations.Pediatr Transplant. 2017; 21e12900
- The PedsQL Family Impact Module: preliminary reliability and validity.Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2004; 2: 55
- How ready are they? Parents of pediatric solid organ transplant recipients and the transition from hospital to home following transplant.Pediatr Transplant. 2011; 15: 606-616
Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 28, 2022
Accepted:
February 22,
2022
Received:
December 9,
2021
Footnotes
See page 1123 for disclosure information.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
