Evaluation and Listing of the Infant or Child with End Organ Failure

Abstract

Pediatric organ transplantation treats or cures one disease and becomes a chronic disease itself. While there are more adults and children waiting for organs than organs to be transplanted, transplant programs must be able to discern that the patient would benefit from an organ transplant and the potential for a successful transplant. The evaluation process of the potential transplant candidate and their family is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and potentially complex process. Its goal is educational, informative, and preparatory in helping to make the pediatric organ transplant a success. This chapter discusses all aspects of the liver, heart, and kidney transplant evaluation process, as well as regulatory requirements that guide organ transplant evaluations. The listing processes for each organ (liver, heart, and kidney) are outlined in detail.