Variability index of tacrolimus serum levels in pediatric liver transplant recipients younger than 12 years: Non-adherence or risk of non-adherence?

MLVI has been used to assess adherence. To determine the MLVI in children <12 years of age at transplantation and to identify demographic correlates and consequences for the graft. This is a retrospective study of 50 outpatients (4.0 ± 3.5 years), at least 13-month post-liver transplantation. The outcomes evaluated were MLVI, ALT > 60 IU/L, ACR, death, and graft loss. We analyzed demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, indication for transplantation, and type of donor. Student's t test and the chi-square test were used. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05. Seventy-two percent were infants or preschoolers, 62% biliary atresia. Seventy-four percent of the mothers had middle-school education, and 54% of the families had an income ≤3632.4 US$/y. Twenty-two (44%) patients had a MLVI ≥ 2 SD; this was more prevalent in families with higher incomes (P = .045). ALT levels > 60 IU/L were more common in MLVI ≥ 2 SD group (P = .035). ACR episodes were similar between groups (P = 1.000). No patient died or lost the graft. MLVI ≥ 2 SD may be an indicator of the risk of medication non-adherence.

Serviço social e transplante hepático pediátrico: o perfil sociocultural das famílias avaliadas e a intervenção do assistente social nas contra-indicações sociais para o transplante / Social service and pediatric hepatic transplant: the sociocultural profile of the evaluated families and the intervention of the social worker on the social contraindications for transplant

Introdução: Trabalhar os aspectos sociais que podem comprometer a adesão ao tratamento pós-transplante é um dos cuidados da equipe do Programa de Transplante Hepático Infantil (PTHI) do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. O serviço social possui um protocolo de avaliação e trabalha em parceria com a rede de apoio do paciente pediátrico, otimizando a sua entrada em lista de espera para transplante hepático após o equacionamento dos principais problemas sociais. Objetivo: Traçar o perfil sociocultural dos pacientes atendidos e mostrar a intervenção do serviço social nas principais contra-indicações sociais para o transplante. Método: Foi realizada pesquisa documental nos protocolos de avaliação utilizados para avaliar 22 famílias de crianças candidatas ao transplante, encaminhadas ao serviço social no período de janeiro de 2006 a janeiro de 2007. Resultados: Os resultados mostram que 81,8% das famílias apresentam baixa renda. Contudo, o trabalho desenvolvido pela assistente social junto a essas famílias viabilizou que 90,9% das crianças tivessem seus nomes incluídos nas listas para transplante hepático. Conclusão: A partir dos resultados, torna-se evidente a necessidade do olhar social sobre a questão dos transplantes de órgãos, considerando a complexidade do procedimento e o perfil das famílias atendidas. Trabalhar em parceria com a rede social de apoio do paciente é fundamental para o trabalho social junto a famílias de baixa renda, que somam a essa condição a ausência de saúde e a indicação de transplante.

Background: To find solutions for the social problems that could hinder compliance with posttransplant treatment is one of the concerns of the Program of Pediatric Hepatic Transplant (PTHI) from Hospital de Clínicas of Porto Alegre. The social service team uses an evaluation protocol and works along with a support network for pediatric patients, optimizing their inclusion on the waiting list for hepatic transplant after evaluation of the main social problems. Objective: To provide information on the sociocultural profile of the families and to present the intervention of the social service team on the main social contraindication for transplant. Methods: The protocols used to evaluate 22 families of young candidates for transplant who were referred to social service between January 2006 and January 2007 were reviewed. Results: The results showed that despite the low income of 81.8% of the families, the work done by the social service team enabled 90.0% of the children to be included on the waiting list for hepatic transplant. Conclusion: Based on the results, the need of a social intervention on the aspects related to organ transplantation becomes evident, considering the complexity of the procedure and the profile of the families. Working in partnership with a social support network is vital for the social work involving low-income families who, in addition to the economic difficulties, have to deal with poor health and transplant indication.