Everolimus in pediatric transplantation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The use of everolimus has recently emerged for solid-organ transplantation in children. This review gives an overview of the relevant studies and clinical trials involving the immunosuppressive effects of everolimus in child organ transplant.

RECENT FINDINGS

The use of everolimus in pediatric organ transplantation is associated with a decrease in calcineurin inhibitor-related toxicity, better renal function, a low number of acute rejections, and an acceptable side-effect profile. Particularly, the use of everolimus reduces the incidence of virus infection and the risk of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease.

SUMMARY

Everolimus is an effective agent with several advantages for pediatric solid-organ transplantation. Future prospective, randomized controlled trials will have to be performed in order to validate the findings of these pilot trials.