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.