The Importance of Peer Support in Solid Organ Transplantation: Empowering Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs)
This webinar will be on April 13, 2027 (16:00 CET)
This webinar will provide an overview of the current evidence on the role of the gut microbiome across the transplant trajectory, from the primary diseases leading to transplantation to long-term post-transplant outcomes. It will summarize what is known about gut microbiome interactions with immunosuppressive agents. A particular focus will be the potential of gut microbiome modifying strategies in the context of pediatric solid organ transplantation, including a critical discussion of treatment targets, safety, feasibility and the limits of current evidence in immunosuppressed children.
he gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as a contributing and modifying factor in a wide range of diseases. In children with end-stage heart, lung, liver and kidney disease, the gut microbiome may already be altered before transplantation by chronic inflammation, nutritional compromise, antibiotic exposure and organ-specific pathophysiology. After transplantation, surgery, intensive care, antimicrobial therapy, feeding changes and immunosuppressive treatment can further disrupt microbial communities. These changes might influence infection risk, immune tolerance, and the risk of rejection. Immunosuppressive therapy in particular has bidirectional links with the gut microbiome: Immunsuppressants can alter gut microbioal community structures, while at the same time gut microbioal composition can impact immunosuppressant drug metabolism and bioavailability. Persistant gut microbiome alterations after transplantation have been associated with long-term graft and patient health. The potential of microbiome-modifying strategies, including dietary modifications and the use of pro-, pre- or synbiotics, in the context of pediatric transplantation is still subject to research and has not yet reached routine clinical use.
Speaker:
·Ms Teresa Garcia, Paediatric nurse, member of the paediatric transplant team and youth panel advisor. Member of the Research Group on Comprehensive Care for Transplanted Children and Adolescents. Institute of Biomedical Research, La Paz University Hospital
·Leticia Mangue Osa Abegue. A young transplant recipient and vice-chair of the ‘Limited Edition’ youth panel.”
Learning outcomes:
After attending the webinar participants will be able to:
- Understand the role of peer support in addressing the emotional, social, and self-management needs of young transplant recipients during adolescence and emerging adulthood.
- Compare the contributions of healthcare professionals and peer mentors in supporting young people through the transition from pediatric to adult transplant services.
- Recognise the potential benefits of peer mentoring initiatives, including improved confidence, self-efficacy, engagement in healthcare, and transition readiness.
- Assess how peer support can complement person-centred and developmentally appropriate models of transplant care.
- Identify practical approaches for incorporating peer support and youth engagement activities into transplant and transition programmes.