Pediatric transplantation has always been a subset of transplants that are performed by members of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS). The ASTS formed a pediatric transplant workgroup in order to develop a picture of the current level of involvement of the ASTS membership with pediatric transplants and to identify potential educational needs. A 14 question survey was sent out to the ASTS membership about pediatric transplantation (as defined by transplant age <18 years).

Of the current 945 ASTS members that represent about 190 institutions, 127 (13.4%) responded from 94 (49.5%) different institutions. Of the respondents, 98% performed at least one type of pediatric transplant (kidney, liver, or intestine) and 90% operated on all age groups (<2yrs to >7 yrs.). In pediatric kidney, 99% of the respondents did kidneys, 80% did > 6 kidneys/year and 30% did > 15 kidneys/year. In pediatric liver, 63% did > 6 livers/year and 30% did > 15 livers/year. In pediatric intestinal, 34% of the respondents performed this transplant.

The 94 reporting institutions employed between 1-10 transplant surgeons with most reporting between 4-8 surgeons (mode of 6), 83% designated a smaller group of surgeons (2-5, mode 4) for pediatrics, and 15% of these transplant surgeons were certified in either Pediatric Surgery or Pediatric Urology.

Seventy eight percent of respondents felt that the ASTS should have a larger presence in discussions about topics that were pertinent to pediatric transplantation. They were also asked if the ASTS should provide education on pediatric topics at sponsored meetings and 92% replied Yes, 33% gave specifics (technical issues, immunosuppression management, pre and postoperative management, transition), and 78% felt that the ASTS should provide formal training in Pediatric transplantation during fellowship.

A substantial number of adult trained ASTS members are active in Pediatric transplantation. They expressed an interest in having ongoing education on pediatric issues within the ASTS organization as well as believing that the ASTS should be an active participant in the broader issues of pediatric transplantation.

CITATION INFORMATION: Andrews W., Chinnakotla S., Nathan J., Gallo A., Healey P., Dominique J., Esquivel C. Pediatric Transplantation within the ASTS: A Member Survey Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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