Experiences of adolescent lung transplant recipients: A qualitative study

Abstract

Journal:Pediatric TransplantationMany young transplant recipients experience psychological distress and adjustment difficulties, yet there is little research investigating lung transplantation from the recipients' perspective. This Examples include supporting identity integration post-transplant; facilitating social inclusion;considering alternative means of support; and involving adolescents in healthcare decisions.

Experiences of Individuals Awaiting Lung Transplantation

“…[33][34][35] They also de- scribed feelings of insecurity and low mood. [33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41] Activities previously taken for granted, which formed part of the subject's identity, became impossible to carry out and difficult to substitute. The subjects lacked both physical and mental energy.…”

Pediatric lung transplantation and end of life care in cystic fibrosis: Barriers and successful strategies

“…12 Adolescent recipients' expectations of transplant play a significant role, with difficulty adjusting to unmet goals. 13 Interestingly as well, gender trends reveal a survival advantage to male compared to female recipients in pediatrics; a trend that is not noted in the adult lung transplant cohort. 10,14 Center volume and center type both have an impact on survival.…”

“…Reported pediatric lung transplants per year now ranges from roughly 100-137 per year worldwide. The majority of pediatric lung transplants are performed in [11][12][13][14][15][16][17] year-olds and CF is the most common indication for transplant. There has been a modest improvement in median survival when comparing cohorts before and after the year 2000 (3.3 vs 5.8 years, P = 0.0007), but certainly survival lags behind most other solid organ transplants.…”

“…Assessment of psychosocial concerns for adolescent lung transplant recipients revealed that this age group often experiences depression, anxiety, school phobia, and post‐traumatic stress syndrome . Adolescent recipients’ expectations of transplant play a significant role, with difficulty adjusting to unmet goals . Interestingly as well, gender trends reveal a survival advantage to male compared to female recipients in pediatrics; a trend that is not noted in the adult lung transplant cohort …”

“…17 year-old recipients (8.2 vs 4.8 years, P < 0.5). Recipients under 6 years of age demonstrate a non-statistical increase in median survival when compared to[11][12][13][14][15][16][17] year-olds. Bronchiolitis obliterans and graft failure continue to be the major causes of death in all age groups 10.…”