Waiting for transplant: physical, psychosocial, and nutritional status considerations for pediatric candidates and implications for care

Pediatr Transplant. 2014 Aug;18(5):423-34. doi: 10.1111/petr.12305.

Abstract

The waiting period for an organ transplant has been described as a time of tremendous uncertainty and vulnerability, posing unique challenges and stressors for pediatric transplant candidates and their families. It has been identified as the most stressful stage of the transplant journey, yet little attention has been given to the physical, psychological, or social impact of the waiting period in the literature. In this review, we discuss the physical, nutritional, and psychosocial implications of the waiting period for child and adolescent transplant candidates and the impact on their parents and siblings. We identify areas for future research and provide recommendations for clinical practice to support children, adolescents, and families during the waiting period.

Keywords: nutritional; pediatric transplantation; physical; psychosocial adjustment; quality of life; waiting period.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Family
  • Family Health
  • Heart Transplantation / psychology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / psychology
  • Liver Transplantation / psychology
  • Lung Transplantation / psychology
  • Nutritional Status
  • Organ Transplantation / psychology*
  • Parents / psychology
  • Pediatrics
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Siblings
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement / methods*
  • Waiting Lists*