A Focused Review of Epstein-Barr Virus Infections and PTLD in Pediatric Transplant Recipients: Guidance From the IPTA and ECIL Guidelines

Abstract

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) diseases, including EBV-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) remain important causes of morbidity and mortality in children undergoing solid organ transplantation (SOT) and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Despite progress in the prevention of EBV disease including PTLD (EBV/PTLD) in HCT, key questions in the prevention, and management of these infectious complications remain unanswered. The goal of this manuscript is to highlight key points and recommendations derived from the consensus guidelines published by the International Pediatric Transplant Association and the European Conference on Infections in Leukemia for children undergoing SOT and HCT, respectively. Additionally, we provide background and guidance on the use of EBV viral load measurement in the prevention and management of these children.

Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus; hematopoietic cell transplantation; pediatrics; post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders; review; solid organ transplantation.