Quality of life and psychosocial outcomes of adults who were pediatric solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review

Abstract

Background The number of pediatric SOT recipients surviving into adulthood is increasing. Thus, understanding their psychosocial and QoL outcomes is important. We conducted a systematic review to collate existing literature examining QoL outcomes (physical functioning, psychological functioning, social functioning), as well as risk and protective factors associated with QoL, among adults who underwent SOT during childhood. Methods A systematic search of five databases, from inception to January 6, 2021, was conducted to identify articles that reported on QoL outcomes for adults (≥18‐year of age) who received a SOT during childhood (<19‐year of age). Results Twenty‐five articles met inclusion criteria. Studies examined QoL across a range of SOT populations (liver, kidney, heart). QoL and psychosocial outcomes were variable; however, the majority of studies indicated QoL in this population to be similar to the general population, or at least similar to other chronic illness groups, with the exception of physical and social functioning. Factors related to a more optimal medical course, younger age at transplant and follow‐up, and positive psychosocial functioning, were found to be predictive of better QoL outcomes. Conclusions While several studies indicated QoL to be similar to the general population, the literature is limited in both quantity and quality. No study employed prospective, longitudinal methodologies to systematically evaluate QoL over time and few studies utilized normative‐based measures of QoL. Furthermore, several SOT groups were under‐represented in the literature (e.g., lung, intestine, multi‐visceral). Nonetheless, findings have implications for intervention and clinical decision‐making.