Reproduction and pregnancy in transplant recipients: current practices

Prog Transplant. 2006 Jun;16(2):127-32. doi: 10.1177/152692480601600206.

Abstract

Many transplant physicians are faced with questions from their patients about the safety and long-term consequences of pregnancy following transplantation. To better understand how pregnancies are managed and to clarify the outcome of pregnancy after transplantation, a survey questionnaire was developed and mailed to all medical and surgical directors of transplant centers throughout the United States; responses were obtained from 59.1% of the transplant centers. Although many opinions were collected, most respondents conceded that their opinions were based on personal experience rather than evidence-based. The underutilization of existing information was revealing and highlighted a need for an evidence-based approach to care of the pregnant transplant recipient and her offspring. The survey results, reported in this article, led to formation of a consensus conference to determine the optimal approach to pregnant transplant recipients and to define what is currently known and unknown about reproduction and transplantation.

MeSH terms

  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care
  • Reproduction*
  • United States

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Immunosuppressive Agents