Pediatric heart transplantation remains an important treatment option in the care of children with end-stage heart disease, whether it is secondary to cardiomyopathy or congenital heart disease (CHD). As the field of pediatric heart transplant (HTx) has evolved, the outcomes for children undergoing HTx have improved. The field of pediatric heart transplantation has progressed significantly since Dr. Adrian Kantrowitz transplanted the heart of a brain dead infant into another infant in 1967. Based on the most recent data, there are now approximately 100 centers performing over 500-600 pediatric heart transplants yearly worldwide. Since the initial transplantation performed by Dr. Kantrowitz, advances in surgical technique, understanding of rejection and immunology, immunosuppressive medications and treatment for rejection have led to improved outcomes. In addition to improved medical care, nurses play a crucial role in the outcome of the heart transplant patient and nurse holds main responsibility among all the multidisciplinary team members for improved outcomes. This review article mainly focuses on important nursing care such maintaining hemodynamic stability and respiration, prevention of infection and organ rejection following the pediatric heart transplantation.
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