Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients

Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2013 Sep;30(6):520-31. doi: 10.3109/08880018.2013.798844. Epub 2013 Jun 26.

Abstract

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients has become one of the most common forms of lymphoproliferation in childhood and is a serious complication of SOT. More than 90% of cases are of B-cell origin, Epstein Barr virus (EBV) positive and are mostly occurring in the early post-transplant period. Pathologically and clinically it is a heterogenous disease ranging from being responsive to reduced immunosuppression without further intervention to rapidly progressive fulminant PTLD requiring prompt initiation of therapy. Prognosis overall is favorable. Current treatment strategies as well new promising targeted immune-based therapies such as rituximab and EBV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are being discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / etiology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / immunology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / therapy*
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infant
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / etiology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / immunology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / therapy*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / virology
  • Male
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Postoperative Period
  • Rituximab
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Rituximab