Charlotte Roy
University Hospital Necker-Enfants Malades, AP-HP and Université Paris Cité.
France
Pediatric Respiratory Reviews
Pediatr Respir Rev 2026;
DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2026.01.002
Abstract
Paediatric lung transplantation is a rare but increasingly successful therapeutic option for children with end-stage respiratory failure. Over the past decade, its epidemiology has shifted, with cystic fibrosis becoming an uncommon indication and a growing proportion of candidates presenting with interstitial lung disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension. In parallel, advances in donor allocation, the development of size-reduction surgical techniques and the reconditioning of marginal lungs have expanded the donor pool and reduced waiting-list mortality, including in small children. Peri-operative improvements-including broader use of extracorporeal life support as a bridge to transplantation-have further strengthened early and long-term outcomes. At the same time, progress in infectious disease prophylaxis and antiviral therapy, coupled with a more refined understanding of rejection mechanisms, is reshaping post-transplant care. Together, these developments underscore the importance of early referral to specialised paediatric transplant centres to ensure timely assessment and optimal access to advanced supportive strategies.
Category
Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Review Articles Concerning Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes