Prevention of Infections Among Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Asplenia or Hyposplenism

Pediatr Transplant. 2025 Feb;29(1):e70016. doi: 10.1111/petr.70016.

Abstract

Pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients with splenic dysfunction are at increased risk for infections, and tailored guidance on the management of asplenia/hyposplenism among SOT recipients is often lacking. The purpose of this article is to provide practice recommendations via a frequently asked questions (FAQs) format that focuses on three main domains: the identification of asplenia/hyposplenism among SOT recipients/candidates, prophylactic strategies for mitigating the risk of invasive disease associated with splenic dysfunction in the context of transplantation, and the provision of appropriate patient counseling on the risks associated with asplenia/hyposplenism. Answers to the FAQs are based on international expert opinion informed by practices for managing splenic dysfunction and associated data in other populations with asplenia. Gaps in the existing literature and relevant research aims are emphasized.

Keywords: asplenia; prevention; prophylaxis; splenectomy; vaccines.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Organ Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Splenectomy / adverse effects
  • Splenic Diseases / etiology
  • Splenic Diseases / prevention & control
  • Transplant Recipients