Infectious complications of vascularized composite allograft transplantation

Abstract

Purpose of review Vascularized composite allograft (VCA) transplants constitute multiple tissues transplanted together as one functional unit. These procedures are increasing in frequency and complexity, yet data about graft survival, quality of life, and infection risk remain limited. Recent findings Informative guidance for this patient population is often inferred from the solid organ transplantation literature. Yet, it is important to understand that VCA transplantation additionally carries its own significant and distinctive risk factors for infection. Summary In this review, we give an overview of previously described infectious complications of VCA transplantation in the literature, discuss risk factors for future infection in these patients, and discuss how to manage such obstacles.